New Jersey State Police
The steps for obtaining a crash report for an accident to which a New Jersey State Trooper responded vary depending on where the accident occurred. For a crash report on a non-toll road, follow this link and request an uncertified copy of the report or, to obtain a certified copy, mail this request form to Division of State Police, Criminal Justice Records Bureau, P.O. Box 7068, West Trenton NJ 08628-0068 along with a check or money order for $10.
For crashes that happened on either the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway, purchase a copy online here or call the New Jersey Turnpike Authority Operations Department at 442-8600 ext. 2431 for instructions.
For crashes that happened on the Atlantic City Expressway, mail the linked form above to the Atlantic City Expressway Authority at P.O. Box 389 Hammonton, NJ 08037 along with a certified check or money order for $10 made payable to the South Jersey Transportation Authority.
Additional fees apply for purchasing photographs.
Obtaining A Copy Of An Incident Report
To get a copy of an incident report, print the application from the Police Report website. You’ll need to fill in your name and contact information, the name of the person involved, the nature of the incident and the district control number. If you don’t have the control number, go to the police district where the incident happened and obtain it.
Mail the application to the address listed above. You also have to enclose a check for $25 and two self-addressed-stamped envelopes. You’ll probably have to wait 10 to 12 weeks to get the report. To check on your order’s status, call 215-686-1292.
What Do I Do With The Police Report Once I Have It
The insurance company may request a copy of the report, and you can certainly share it with them if you so choose. Also, keep a copy of the report at home in a safe location until your case is completely resolved.
Run your case by an accident attorney to review your legal options and ensure you are maximizing and exhausting all your potential sources for compensation. Share a copy of the report with your lawyer, who can use the report to support your claim and help you address any inaccuracies.
If you are in need of a car accident attorney in Pennsylvania, consider Cordisco & Saile as your choice firm. You are welcomed to contact us at and request a free, no-obligation consultation. In the interim, feel free to download a free copy of our book, Dont Crash Again! A Car Accident Victims Guide to Maximizing Recovery.
Read Also: Can You File A Police Report Online
How To Report Minor Car Accidents In Philadelphia
If youre 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 youre out of the way of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to warn oncoming drivers of your stopped vehicles.
- 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 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.
A Townwatch In Your Pocket
Small, close-knit towns with community newspapers often have a printed police blotter where all community members can keep informed on what the police are doing. In a big city like Philadelphia, that detailed level of police reporting to the community has always been impossible.
Until now.
PhillyBlotter is a police blotter for your phone that is custom-tailored to you and the Philly neighborhood where you live. In just a few minutes you’ll be up-to-date on every incident that happens near your home, your child’s school and your work.
Don’t Miss: How To File Anonymous Police Report
Are You Required To Report A Motor Vehicle Collision
In the state of Pennsylvania, you are required to report nearly all vehicular collisions.
A crash must be reported if it results in any of the following conditions:
- Injuries to any party involved
- The death of a driver, passenger, or pedestrian
- Vehicular damage that prevents a car or truck from driving
You can report an accident by calling the police or 911.
New Oversight Body With Investigative Power And A Much Bigger Budget
The legislation to be heard Monday was introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. in February. It details the duties and powers of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
Under the bill, the commission would investigate all citizen complaints filed against officers and the Philadelphia Police Department. The body could then recommend discipline if it concluded the allegations were found to be true.
For the first time, the police commissioner would be required to respond to those recommendations in writing, and explain how and why the department treated the situation as it did.
CPOC would have the power to investigate allegations of physical abuse, bribery, corruption, intimidation, and harassment, as well as any allegation that threatens the integrity of the criminal justice process.
Don’t Miss: How Long Is The Police Academy In Maryland
Are Property Records Open To The Public In Philadelphia County
According to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, all Philadelphia County property records are available to the public for inspection and copying. To inspect or obtain a property record, interested individuals may submit requests to the custodians office. Records that contain confidential or sensitive information may be protected from public view.
How Can I Obtain A Copy Of My Accident Report
Car accident reports are restricted to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. There is no long-term restriction on police accident reports for the individuals involved in the crash.
You can request a copy of your car accident report through the Pennsylvania State Police. There is an application form that should be filed no earlier than 15 days following the collision.
The cost of requesting a collision report is $22.00. The reports can be requested online or by mail.
For a mail-in request, the Pennsylvania State Police will require an SP 7-0015 form. This form is known as the Application to Obtain Copy of Police Crash Report.
The SP 7-0015 form must be mailed to the following address:
Attention: Crash Reports Unit
Read Also: How To Report Cyber Stalking To The Police
What Information Can A Car Accident Report Provide For My Injury Claim
Having a written accident report can be very helpful when filing a car accident claim. The accident report is evidence that the collision occurred.
A car accident report contains the police officers determination of fault and other details of the accident, such as:
- The parties involved in the accident and their contact information
- The insurance information for each driver
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A diagram of the accident and an explanation of how the accident occurred, according to the officers investigation
- The weather conditions at the time of the crash
- Passenger and witness information
Obtaining A Police Report
For those involved in an accident within the city limits of Philadelphia, individuals can obtain accident reports in the following ways:
- In-person. Copies of reports can be obtained in the Records Department, Room 170 at City Hall, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 2 PM.
- . Requests for copies of accident reports can be mailed to: Records Department, Roo, 170, Philadelphia PA 19107 ATTN: Accident Reports.
Each report costs $25.00 to receive. If you request the report in person, bring a stamped, self-addressed envelope so your report can be mailed to you. You may have to wait 10 to 12 weeks to receive the report. If you are requesting copies of the photographs from the car accident , they will cost an additional $27.00 for one set of photographs.
If your accident did not happen in the city limits of Philadelphia, you will need to obtain a copy of the crash report from the Pennsylvania State Police. You can purchase the report online or mail a request form to: Crash Reports Unit 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110. There is a charge of $22.00 to obtain a copy of the report, and the state police request that you wait at least 15 days after the accident before requesting a copy of the report.
Recommended Reading: What Are The Requirements To Become A Police Officer
What Information Is In An Accident Report
If the police dont respond, drivers are required to report their accident to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. In most cases, the police will arrive at the scene of the crash to make an accident report.
The accident report will include the following information:
- Time, date, and location of the incident
- Driving conditions, such as weather and visibility
- A visual chart detailing the accident
- Contact information and names of the drivers
- Details regarding property damage and injuries
- The name and badge number of the responding officer
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation only releases copies of accident reports to certain authorized parties. To request an accident report, you may need to contact the police station that filed the document.
Why You Should Report Your Minor Car Accident
Although its 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.
Read Also: Can I See My Police Report Online
Atlantic City Police Department
To obtain a crash report from the Atlantic City Police Department, purchase a copy online here or visit the Accident Investigation Unit at the Atlantic City Public Safety Building, 2715 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fees apply and you must show proper ID.
Contact The Ciccarelli Law Offices Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident that was caused by the careless or negligent actions of another person, contact an attorney as soon as possible. At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, our Philly car accident lawyers will investigate all aspects of the crash and work to secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- Coverage of your medical bills
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering damages
- Property damage compensation
Your attorney will be able to handle your entire case for you, including the process of obtaining the police report. Our Philadelphia car accident attorneys are ready to help. You can call us for a free consultation of your case.
Also Check: How To Make Police Report For Identity Theft
Our Experienced Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You File A Lawsuit
If you were seriously injured in a car accident, consult with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney today. The Reiff Law Firm understands how a car crash can impact your life, and we are prepared to help you file a lawsuit against the driver that injured you. Our team of lawyers possesses decades of combined legal experience, and we would be honored to represent you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your car accident, contact the Reiff Law Firm at 709-6940, or contact us online.
How Long Does It Take
It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to get your copy. In addition, you must wait at least 2 weeks after the date of the accident to make your request.
More from our Philadelphia Auto Accident Law Library:
Pennsylvania Auto Accident Insurance Glossary: What is BI, PIP and UIM? Learn the basics before you get into a car accident in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Car Accidents & Limited Tort: Financial Compensation for Your Injuries Can you get compensated for your pain and suffering? Learn about how the limited tort election on your auto insurance policy affects your ability to make a claim for pain and suffering in an auto accident lawsuit in Philadelphia.
DISCLAIMER: This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. It is crucial to speak to a qualified lawyer prior to making any decision about your case. Read full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Page first published: March 25, 2015
RATINGS DISCLOSURES: Super Lawyers is a publication of Thomson Reuters and is a lawyer rating service. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.
Copyright 2009 – 2020 Laffey, Bucci & Kent, LLP
Don’t Miss: How Much Do Police Make An Hour
Get A Copy Of A Public Safety Report
You can get copies of public safety records from the Department of Records. This includes:
- Traffic accident reports .
- Police incident or offense reports.
- Fire reports.
- Emergency medical services reports.
- Police record checks.
- Letters of good conduct.
Some reports may contain confidential information and are not available to everyone. See the applications to learn about who can apply.
Report: Philly Police Struggle Solving Cases As Shootings Rise
The Philadelphia Police Department’s clearance rates for shootings which the city uses to calculate the share of cases solved are dropping as gun violence increases, according to the latest city controller report.
Why it matters: Philadelphia’s gun violence problem has been creeping up for years, but the pandemic propelled it to historic levels.
- Shootings comprised over 85% of the record 562 homicides reported last year.
- So far in 2022, homicides are 3% higher than this time last year, as of Thursday.
Details: Clearance rates are calculated using the number of arrests made for shooting incidents in a year divided by the total shooting incidents in a year, per the city controller’s analysis.
- The rates also include cases in which a suspect died or fled the country.
The department’s clearance rate of fatal shootings dropped from 41% to 37% between 2015 and 2020.
- Over the five-year period, the number of fatal shooting victims increased by 93%, outpacing Philly police arrests.
Of note: Some arrests for shooting incidents that occurred late 2020 weren’t made until early 2021.
- Axios has requested the latest 2021 clearance rate figures from the police department.
Don’t Miss: How To Pay Police Ticket
How To Get A Car Accident Report In Philadelphia Pa
After a car accident, you should call the police to send an officer to the scene.
The officer will write up a traffic accident report, which the insurance companies will want to see to help them assess liability for the crash.
These reports are usually available two to three weeks after the accident.
But, how do you get a Philadelphia car accident report?
Simple, to obtain a copy of your Philadelphia car accident report follow the steps below:
How To Obtain Philadelphia City Police Reports And Arrest Records
Interested individuals may obtain Philadelphia City arrest records or police reports from the Philadelphia Police Department in person or by mail. To get public Philadelphia records regarding offenses or incidents, requesters must download and complete this form and submit it in person or by mail to the affected police district location with a non-refundable fee of $25.
You May Like: Can Police Track My Stolen Phone
What Is Included In A Police Report
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names of and statements from those directly involved in the accident
- Witness statements
- Detailed descriptions of the vehicles involved
- A diagram of the accident scene, including the point of impact
- A narrative of the details and causes of the accident
- Weather and road conditions at the time of the accident
- Description of any other contributing factors, such as speeding or broken brake lights
Am I Required To Report Car Accidents In Pennsylvania
Yes, in most cases, you are required to report crashes that occurred in Pennsylvania. Specifically, you are legally required to report it if the crash involved injuries, death, or major property damage.
After you, the other party, or a bystander calls 9-1-1 and notifies dispatch about the accident, Section 3751 of Title 75, Pennsylvanias Consolidated
Statutes requires the appropriate police agency to investigate if the above qualifications apply. The agency then must fill out a specific six-page form and submit it to the Department of Transportation within 15 days.
If, for some reason, you or the other driver did not call police to the scene to investigate, by law, you must report it to the DOT within five days. Failure to do so could result in drivers license suspension.
Recommended Reading: How To Find Out Police Report
Obtaining Traffic Accident Reports
You can get traffic accident reports in-person or by mail. Fill out the application and the affidavit establishing your eligibility to obtain a copy. Bring these into the Records Department weekdays between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Alternatively, mail them into the Records Department.
You’ll need to pay a fee of $25.00 for each report. Bring or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope as well. Photos of the scene may be available, and they will cost $27.00 for one set of photographs.
References
Tips
- Wait two to three weeks after the incident date to purchase a copy of the police report.
- There are additional fees if you want to obtain pictures associated with an accident report.
- Only incident reports can be obtained by the walk in option. Accident reports are available by mail or online only.
Writer Bio