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The Daily Insight

Do I have to report an accident in PA?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 03, 2026

You should always report an auto accident as soon as possible. Failing to do so within five days can result in serious legal consequences. It can also endanger your ability to receive compensation for your injuries and damaged property.

What is a reportable accident in Pennsylvania?

Reportable crashes: These crashes MUST be reported to PENNDOT for reporting purposes and must be investigated by the police. This means that a vehicle received damage to the degree that it can NOT be driven away under its own power, (towed) OR any type of injury or death is reported, this includes complaint of pain.

What are reportable and non-reportable accidents?

1. What is the difference between reportable and nonreportable accidents? Reportable accidents ( DT -4000) are those which either involve a personal injury or have over $1000 worth of damage to one or more vehicles. Non-reportable accidents are those without injuries and damage of less than $1000 to each vehicle.

What is reportable accident?

Reportable accidents . ‘ means workplace accidents that are required to be reported to an occupational safety officer of the Labour Department. For more serious accidents that involve death or serious bodily injury to an employee, the employer has to notify the Labour Department within 24 hours after the accident.

How long do you have to report a car accident in Pennsylvania?

5 days
Pennsylvania allows 5 days for you to report a car accident to law enforcement within five days of the accident. However, in most cases, you will want to call the police while on the scene of the crash to file a report.

How long do you have to report an accident to insurance in PA?

within five days
Pennsylvania law requires that car accidents be reported within five days of the collision. Accidents must be reported if the collision results in either of the following: Injury, even it is not life-threatening.

What is a non transport accident?

Non-traffic car accidents occur when you are injured by a vehicle even though you aren’t directly in traffic, or driving the car. Some examples of non-traffic injuries include those sustained when: Moving a disabled car off a roadway. You are in a private parking lot or garage.

Is it an Offence not to report a car accident?

In cases where contact details have not been exchanged, failure to report an accident is a criminal offence. Not reporting a road traffic accident may not only attract penalties – but may also impact on motoring insurance if a driver is traced and prosecuted.

How do I report a non-reportable accident?

All of these type accidents must be reported by police or drivers to the state. That form can be found on line at PENNDOT’s website. Non-reportable crashes: Everything else that does not fall under the above category. These types of crashes fall under “fender bender” accidents.

What is a reportable crash in Pennsylvania?

The definition for a reportable crash can be found in Section 3746(a) of Title 75, Pennsylvania’s Consolidated Statutes. It states a crash is reportable if it involves: • Injury to or death of any person; and/or • Damage to any vehicle to the extent that it cannot be driven under its own power in its customary manner without

Do I have to report a car accident in Pennsylvania?

In the state of Pennsylvania, not all car accidents must be reported at the time of the collision. Even so, there are legal requirements for accident reporting, and filing an accident report is to your benefit.

Who created the PA crash report form (aa-500)?

This Manual was developed by a team of front line police officers, working under the auspices of the Governor’s Office, the PA Chiefs of Police, the Fraternal Order of Police, the PA State Police and PENNDOT, to help Pennsylvania’s police officers complete the Crash Report Form (AA-500) properly.