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Do I Have to Report a Minor Car Accident in Philadelphia?

No one likes being involved in a car accident – nor in the legal tangle that follows. In addition to the stress of possible bodily injuries and property damage to your vehicle, you also need to worry about insurance claims and who’s at fault for the accident. You may even need to contact the police or a Philadelphia car accident lawyer.

Many drivers involved in minor car accidents hesitate to contact the police and often aren’t sure whether they should. Since 2010, Philadelphia law no longer requires police to respond to the scene of an accident where there’s no injury or damage to surrounding property.

However, just because Philadelphia police no longer respond to the scene of minor accidents doesn’t mean you shouldn’t report it if you’re involved in one.

DEFINITION OF A MINOR CAR ACCIDENT

If you’re in a car accident that seems relatively minor, fully assess the extent of the damage to your car, the other cars, and the surrounding property to determine whether it actually requires police presence. A minor car accident that doesn’t require police response includes:

  • Accidents where no one is injured and no surrounding property is damaged – meaning that the only damage is to the vehicle or vehicles involved in the crash.
  • Accidents in which all drivers can safely drive their vehicles from the scene.
  • Accidents where all involved drivers stay at the scene and exchange contact and insurance information with each other. This means hit-and-run accidents, even those with no injury or damage, require police response.

If you’re in an accident that fits the above description, you don’t need to call Philadelphia police to respond to the scene.

However, you should still follow up and report the accident to the police after the fact; it ensures accurate police records. You may need to have a record of the accident in case of insurance claims down the road.

HOW TO REPORT MINOR CAR ACCIDENTS IN PHILADELPHIA

If you’re involved in a minor car accident or “fender-bender” in Philadelphia, here are the steps you should follow from the moment the accident happens up until you report the incident to police and to your insurance company:

  • Move your car to the side of the road, where you’re out of the way of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to warn oncoming drivers of your stopped vehicles.
  • Call 911. Even if the accident is clearly minor, you should leave it up to the dispatcher to determine whether the accident requires immediate police response. The dispatcher will assess whether to send a police officer by asking you a series of questions over the phone.
  • Once the dispatcher determines the severity of the accident, he or she will let you know if you can report the accident in person or over the phone. The dispatcher will give you contact information for the district where you should report the accident.
  • Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Get complete contact information as well as their insurance and vehicle information.
  • You can then report the accident to police in person or over the phone, using the contact information that the 911 dispatcher provided.
  • You should also report the accident to your insurance company.

WHY YOU SHOULD REPORT YOUR MINOR CAR ACCIDENT

Although it’s tempting to avoid reporting a minor accident, thinking perhaps that you can “work it out” with the other driver on your own, reporting it to the police and to your insurance is essential in order to protect yourself against false claims.

Additionally, your insurance requires you to report all accidents, no matter how minor, to avoid penalties and fees in the future. If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision in Pennsylvania and your insurance is being difficult, consider speaking with a qualified personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia.

Role of a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident

Even in minor car accidents where police don’t respond to the scene, complications can still arise, especially when dealing with insurance companies or disputes with the other driver. A lawyer can be a valuable resource in these situations, providing guidance and ensuring that your rights are protected.

Insurance Disputes
While you might think that a minor accident can be handled without legal assistance, insurance companies sometimes challenge the validity or extent of your claims. They may argue that damages or injuries are not as severe as you report, or they could try to deny coverage altogether.

A lawyer can help you navigate these disputes by negotiating with insurance adjusters and ensuring that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. They can also help gather evidence, such as photos or witness statements, that supports your claim.

Unreported Injuries
Minor accidents can sometimes result in injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. Days or weeks after the crash, you might experience pain or discomfort related to the accident. If you didn’t report the accident or seek medical attention right away, the insurance company may dispute the connection between the accident and your injuries. A lawyer can help build your case by working with medical professionals and proving the accident’s impact on your health.

Complications with the Other Driver
Even if the police don’t respond to the scene, the other driver may later try to claim more damages or change their story. A lawyer can assist in these cases by communicating with the other driver’s insurance or legal team, preventing unfair claims, and ensuring that your account of the accident is accurately represented.

Protecting Your Legal Interests
In any accident, it’s important to protect yourself against potential legal claims. Even when the damage is minor, the other party may still try to pursue legal action down the line. Having a lawyer on your side early on can help prevent or resolve any potential disputes before they escalate.

If you’re involved in a minor accident and face complications with your insurance or the other driver, consulting with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer can provide the peace of mind and support you need.

FAQ: Reporting Minor Car Accidents in Philadelphia

1. Do I have to report a minor car accident in Philadelphia?
Yes, while Philadelphia law does not require police to respond to the scene of minor car accidents where there are no injuries or significant property damage, you are still legally required to file an accident report. It’s important to report the accident for insurance purposes and to protect yourself from potential disputes with the other driver.

2. What qualifies as a minor car accident?
A minor car accident generally involves no serious injuries, no damage to surrounding property, and the vehicles involved can be safely driven away from the scene. If you’re unsure whether your accident qualifies, it’s always best to file a car accident report to cover all legal bases.

3. How do I file a report for a minor car accident in Philadelphia?
You can file an accident report with the Philadelphia Police Department either in person or by phone. It’s important to gather all the necessary information at the accident scene, including contact and insurance details from all drivers involved, witness statements, and photos of any property damage.

4. What happens if I don’t report a minor car accident?
Failure to report a minor accident could lead to complications with your insurance company. Pennsylvania law requires motorists to report accidents for insurance claims. If the other driver makes a claim later or files a lawsuit, not having a car accident report on file could hurt your case.

5. When do I need to involve the police after a minor car accident?
If the accident involves serious injury, significant property damage, or a hit-and-run, you should call the police immediately. In these situations, police response is necessary, and a crash report will be filed on the spot. If your accident only involves minor property damage, you can report it to the police after the fact.

6. Can I handle a minor car accident without filing an insurance claim?
While many drivers might consider settling directly with the other driver after a minor accident, it’s risky. Reporting the accident to your insurance company ensures that you are protected from false claims, and your insurance policy may require you to report all accidents, regardless of severity.

7. What if the other driver refuses to report the accident?
Even if the other driver doesn’t want to report the accident, you should still file a police report and inform your insurance company. This protects you from potential legal action and ensures you can file a personal injury claim or property damage claim if necessary.

8. Can a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer help with minor accidents?
Yes, if you experience complications with your insurance company, or the other driver disputes fault, a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can assist you. They can help ensure you receive fair compensation and represent you in any legal disputes that may arise.

9. How soon do I need to file a report after a minor car accident in Philadelphia?
It’s recommended to report accidents as soon as possible. Pennsylvania state law mandates reporting serious accidents immediately, but even for minor accidents, filing a crash report promptly helps preserve evidence and streamline insurance claims.

10. What information do I need to provide when filing an accident report?
When filing a car accident report, you will need the contact and insurance information of the other drivers involved, a description of the vehicles involved, and any details about the accident scene, such as skid marks or property damage. It’s also helpful to include witness statements and photos.

11. Will my insurance rates increase after a minor car accident?
Insurance rates may increase after a minor car crash, especially if you are found at fault. However, reporting the accident is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure your insurance company honors any future claims. Consulting a lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

12. Can I get legal representation for a minor car accident?
Yes, if you face challenges with your insurance claim, or if there’s any dispute regarding fault or property damage, you can seek legal representation. Many law firms offer a no-obligation consultation to help you assess whether you need legal assistance.

13. What should I do immediately after a minor accident?
Move your car to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and exchange insurance information with the other driver. Take photos of the accident scene and damage, and gather witness statements. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s wise to report the accident and document everything.

14. How do I know if I should involve the police?
If the accident resulted in serious injuries, significant property damage, or involved pedestrians or surrounding property, it’s best to contact the police. The Philadelphia police will file an accident report, which is often required for serious accidents.

15. What role does highway safety and traffic engineering play in accident reports?
Highway safety factors, such as road conditions or traffic engineering, can be considered when determining fault in a car crash. If these elements contributed to the accident, be sure to include them in your report or discuss them with your lawyer.