In Pennsylvania, you can get a police accident report by requesting it online or by mail through the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) crash reports system, or directly from the local police department that responded to your crash.
PSP reports cost $22 and are typically available 15 days after the accident. Local department fees and timelines vary by municipality.
It is important to understand that Pennsylvania law restricts who can access these records. Only drivers, passengers, vehicle owners, their attorneys, their insurance companies, and certain government agencies are legally permitted to request a copy.
If you do not fall into one of these categories, you will need written authorization from someone who was directly involved.
This article walks you through every method available to obtain your crash report, what the report contains, how errors can affect your insurance claim, and when it makes sense to have an attorney request and review it on your behalf.
What Is a Pennsylvania Police Accident Report?
A Pennsylvania police accident report is an official document prepared by the responding law enforcement agency after a motor vehicle collision. Insurance companies, attorneys, and courts all rely on this record to understand what happened and who may be responsible.
It is important to know that this official report is different from a self-reported form. If no officer investigated your crash, you may be required to file your own paperwork with the state — something we will cover in detail below.
Who Can Request a PA Crash Report?
Pennsylvania law limits who can access a crash report. These records contain personal and insurance information, so they are not available to the general public.
You are legally entitled to request a copy if you fall into one of these categories:
- Persons involved in the crash: Drivers, injured passengers, and registered vehicle owners.
- Your attorney: A personal injury lawyer can request the report on your behalf.
- Your insurance company: Your auto insurer needs the report to process your claim.
- Government agencies: Law enforcement, prosecutors, and state agencies can access these records.
If you are a third party without a direct connection to the crash, you generally cannot obtain the report unless you have written authorization from someone who was involved.
How Much Does a Pennsylvania Crash Report Cost?
If the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) responded to your accident, the report costs $22, payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Local police departments set their own fees, which can differ.
For example, local police departments may charge separate fees for crash reports and scene photographs—check with the Philadelphia Police Department for their current charges and procedures.
For mail requests, you must pay by money order, certified check, or business check. Personal checks are not accepted.
When Will My PA Accident Report Be Available?
PSP reports are typically available 15 days after the date of the crash. Local police departments often take longer — a Philadelphia crash report usually takes two to three weeks, while a general Philadelphia incident report can take 10 to 12 weeks.
Delays are also common when an investigation is still ongoing or when the crash involved a fatality. It is worth checking back regularly if your report does not appear within the standard window.
How Do I Get a PSP Crash Report Online?
The fastest way to get your report is through the official Pennsylvania State Police crash reports website. To search for your record, you will need your CAD/Case Number — this is the unique Computer-Aided Dispatch number assigned to your crash by the responding officer.
If you do not have this number, you can still search using your name, the date of the crash, and the county where it occurred.
Steps to Request Your PSP Report Online
- Visit the official Pennsylvania State Police crash reports website.
- Enter your CAD/Case Number, or search by your name and accident date.
- Locate your record in the results and add it to your cart.
- Pay the $22 fee using a secure online payment method.
- Download your report immediately or receive it by email.
If you cannot find your report, the crash data may not yet be in the system. Allow the full 15 days to pass before searching again, and confirm that the PSP — not a local department — was the responding agency.
How Do I Request a PSP Crash Report by Mail?
If you prefer a physical copy or do not have internet access, you can request your report using Form SP 7-0015, the official Application to Obtain Copy of Police Crash Report.
Steps to Request Your PSP Report by Mail
- Download and print Form SP 7-0015 from the PSP website.
- Complete every required field, including the crash date, location, names of parties involved, and your incident number if you have it.
- Sign the form.
- Enclose a $22 money order or certified check payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
- Mail your packet to: PA State Police Crash Reports Unit, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Keep in mind that requesting a report by mail can take longer than requesting it online, so plan accordingly.
How Do I Get a Crash Report From a Local Police Department?
Many crashes in Pennsylvania are handled by municipal or city police departments rather than the state police. This is common in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, West Chester, Coatesville, and Pottstown. Because each department manages its own records, the request process, fees, and timelines will vary. You should call the responding department directly to confirm what they require.
How to Get a Philadelphia Police Accident Report
For crashes in Philadelphia, you have two options:
- Online: Use the City of Philadelphia’s public safety reports portal to request your report digitally — this is the fastest method.
- By mail or in person: Complete the Traffic Accident Report Application and an affidavit, then mail them to the Department of Records, Room 170, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107, along with a $25 money order. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What If the Police Did Not Investigate My Crash?
Under Pennsylvania law (75 Pa.C.S. § 3747), if no officer investigated your accident and it involved an injury, a death, or a vehicle that required towing, you are legally required to file your own report with PennDOT. This self-reported document is called Form AA-600, or the Driver’s Report of Traffic Crash. You must file it within five days of the accident — missing this deadline can result in a suspension of your driver’s license.
Steps to File Form AA-600 With PennDOT
- Download Form AA-600 directly from the PennDOT website.
- Complete all sections, including the crash location, parties involved, vehicle details, a crash diagram, and a written narrative of what happened.
- Mail the completed form within five days to: PennDOT, Bureau of Highway Safety and Traffic Engineering, P.O. Box 2047, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2047.
It is important to understand that the AA-600 is a self-report. Insurance companies give it less weight than a report written by an investigating officer, which is why having an attorney review your situation is especially valuable in these cases.
What Information Is in a PA Police Report?
When your report arrives, you will find a detailed snapshot of everything the responding officer documented at the scene. Here is what is typically included:
- Incident details: The exact date, time, location, weather conditions, and road surface at the time of the crash.
- Parties involved: Names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, insurance carriers, and policy numbers for all drivers.
- Vehicle information: Make, model, year, VIN, license plates, and a description of the damage to each vehicle.
- Officer’s narrative: A written account of what the officer observed and what drivers and witnesses told them at the scene.
- Crash diagram: A visual reconstruction showing vehicle positions, directions of travel, and the point of impact.
- Citations issued: Any traffic violations or charges filed against a driver as a result of the crash.
While this information is critical, it does not automatically determine who pays for your injuries or property damage.
Does a Pennsylvania Police Report Prove Fault?
A police report is powerful evidence, but it is not the final word on fault. In Pennsylvania civil cases, a police report is generally not admissible as direct evidence in court. However, insurance adjusters rely heavily on it during negotiations, and the officer’s opinion about fault can significantly shape the outcome of your claim.
This is where things can get dangerous. Insurance companies sometimes use a vague or unfavorable report to deny your claim or reduce your payout. If the report contains errors or paints an inaccurate picture of what happened, you need an attorney who can challenge it and build a stronger case using independent evidence.
How Do I Correct an Error in My Pennsylvania Crash Report?
Mistakes in police reports happen more often than you might expect. The type of error determines how easy it is to fix.
| Type of Error | Example | How to Fix It |
| Factual error | Wrong name, incorrect VIN, or wrong insurance info | Contact the issuing agency with supporting documents; usually corrected quickly |
| Transcription error | Officer recorded the wrong speed or wrong direction of travel | Submit a written correction request; the officer has discretion to amend it |
| Disputed conclusion | Officer assigned fault incorrectly or a witness account conflicts with yours | Typically cannot be changed; must be countered with independent evidence |
If you spot any inaccuracies, flag them to your attorney immediately. We can help you build a supplemental record that tells the full story.
How a Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
At Wilk Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we can obtain your police report on your behalf as part of your free consultation — at no cost to you. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Once we have your report, we review it carefully for errors or gaps that insurance companies might exploit. We then strengthen your case with our own investigation, including witness interviews, accident reconstruction, and your medical records.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize what they pay you, and they will use your report to do it. We deal with them directly, protect you from their tactics, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Led by attorney Tyler Wilk, our team serves injured clients across Pennsylvania, including West Chester, Reading, Coatesville, and Pottstown. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Pennsylvania Crash Report FAQ
Do I Need a CAD/Case Number to Search for My PSP Crash Report?
No — you can search the Pennsylvania State Police crash reports website using your name and the date of the crash. Having your CAD/Case Number simply makes the search faster and more precise.
Can a Third Party Request a Pennsylvania Crash Report?
Generally no, because Pennsylvania law restricts access to involved parties, their attorneys, insurers, and government agencies. A third party may only access the report if they have written legal authorization from someone directly involved in the crash.
What Is the Difference Between a Crash Report and an Incident Report in Pennsylvania?
A crash report specifically documents a motor vehicle collision and its resulting injuries or damage. A police incident report covers other types of events entirely, such as theft, assault, or property damage unrelated to a vehicle accident.
Do I Need a Certified Copy of My Crash Report for an Insurance Claim or Court?
Most insurance companies accept a standard copy to process your claim. Courts and formal legal proceedings, however, typically require a certified version, which carries an additional fee from the issuing agency.
How Do I Request a Crash Report on Behalf of a Deceased Family Member?
An executor, estate administrator, or immediate family member can make the request by providing legal proof of their relationship or authority over the estate, along with the standard application form and required fee.
What Should I Do If the Police Report Incorrectly Blames Me for the Crash?
Contact a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney right away. We can gather independent evidence, interview witnesses, and directly challenge the officer’s conclusions to protect your right to compensation.
