As an experienced car accident lawyer, I have seen the consequences of not reporting a car accident in Pennsylvania. It is crucial to understand the laws and regulations surrounding reporting a car accident in order to protect yourself and your rights. In this article, I will discuss the time frame for reporting a car accident in Pennsylvania, the consequences of not doing so, and how an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the process. In Pennsylvania, there is a two-year statute of limitations for car accident claims. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
However, it is important to note that Pennsylvania also requires you to report a car accident to law enforcement within five days of the accident. This short time frame can cause difficulties for injured victims, but it is crucial to follow this rule in order to protect your rights. Reporting a car accident as soon as possible is always recommended. Failure to do so within five days can have serious legal consequences and jeopardize your ability to receive compensation for your injuries and property damage. Additionally, if someone is seriously injured in a car accident and dies weeks or even months later as a result of the accident, their family members can file a lawsuit up to two years after their death. If you are having trouble reporting your car accident within five days, an experienced lawyer can help.
They can assist in finding and interviewing witnesses and ensuring that all claims are filed on time. It is important to note that even if the accident was not reported within five days, you still have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. In cases where there is serious property damage or the vehicle is unable to operate safely, it is necessary to file a police report. An experienced car accident lawyer will know all the tricks that insurance companies may try to use and how to avoid them in order to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to still file an accident report with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days of the collision. The Pennsylvania statute of limitations gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit for a car accident.
At KBG Injury Law, our experienced car accident attorneys can help you navigate the auto insurance claim process and ensure that you receive all the benefits you are legally entitled to. Filing an accident report is a crucial step in protecting yourself, especially if one or more parties involved decide to file a car accident claim. While Pennsylvania only requires police reports for certain collisions, it is still possible to file a police report on behalf of other individuals. Reporting an accident to the police is important, but an experienced car accident lawyer can take that report and use it to help you receive the benefits you deserve. In cases where injuries may arise days after the accident, having a documented police report can be crucial.
Even in cases where there are no injuries, it is still necessary to report the accident to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days. According to the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), anyone involved in the car accident, their lawyer, their insurance company, or any government agency can request a copy of the police report 15 days after the accident. This request can be made using form SP 7-0015: Request for a copy of the police report on the accident.
