How Police Reports Help Your Car Crash Claim

After a car crash in Harrisburg, a police report becomes one of your most significant forms of authoritative evidence. This document could be critical to protecting your rights during a claim.

At Schmidt Kramer, our Harrisburg car accident attorneys understand the role police reports play in car crash cases. We have a proven track record of helping injured drivers throughout Dauphin County with the process of obtaining their police report and using them effectively to protect their rights after a crash.

Request a FREE case review today. Call: (717) 727-1837

What Information Is Included in a Harrisburg Police Report After a Car Crash?

Harrisburg police officers document every detail of a car crash to create an official record for insurance companies and legal proceedings. This comprehensive report contains specific information that helps establish what happened and who may be responsible.

Driver Information: Names, addresses, license numbers, and insurance details for all drivers involved
Vehicle Details: Make, model, year, color, license plate numbers, and VIN for each vehicle
Crash Location: Exact street address or intersection in Harrisburg, including nearby landmarks
Time and Date: Precise timing of the crash and when police arrived on the scene
Weather Conditions: Current weather, visibility, and road surface conditions in Harrisburg
Witness Statements: Names and contact information for witnesses, plus their observations
Officer Observations: Description of vehicle damage, debris locations, and skid marks
Diagram: Visual representation showing vehicle positions before and after impact
Citations Issued: Traffic violations or criminal charges filed at the scene
Injury Documentation: Initial injury reports and whether ambulances transported anyone

What Details Should I Give to Police Who Respond to the Crash Scene?

Pennsylvania law requires you to provide certain information to police officers responding to your crash. Being prepared with this information helps officers complete their report accurately and protects your legal rights.

Your Identification: Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance
Basic Crash Facts: Where the crash occurred, when it happened, and direction you were traveling
Other Parties: Names and vehicle descriptions of other drivers involved
Witness Information: Names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash
Your Injuries: Initial injuries you notice, even if they seem minor
Vehicle Damage: Visible damage to your vehicle and others involved
Road Conditions: Weather, visibility, or road hazards present during the crash
Traffic Signals: Status of traffic lights or signs at the crash location

Remember to stick to facts and avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the crash. Let the police investigation determine responsibility based on evidence.

What If the Other Driver Leaves the Crash Scene Before Harrisburg Police Arrive?

If the other driver leaves before the police arrive, you face a hit-and-run situation that requires immediate action. Call 911 immediately to report the fleeing driver and provide as many details as possible while your memory remains fresh.

Document everything you remember about the vehicle and driver, including:

Brand
Model
Color
License Plate Numbers
Direction of travel

Take photos of your vehicle damage, the crash scene, and any debris left behind. Ask witnesses for their contact information and statements about what they saw. Harrisburg police will create a hit-and-run report crucial for your insurance claim and any future legal action. Your uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation even without identifying the other driver.

Do I Have to Have a Police Report to File a Car Crash Claim in Pennsylvania?

No, Pennsylvania law does not require a police report to file an insurance claim after a car crash. You can submit a claim to your insurance company using photos, witness statements, and your documentation of the crash.

Insurance companies often view claims without police reports more skeptically. They may question the severity of the crash or dispute who caused it without official documentation. Police reports provide a neutral, third-party explanation of crash details that strengthen your position during negotiations. While police reports remain optional for filing claims, Pennsylvania does require drivers to report crashes to police when they involve injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

Can Insurance Companies Deny Claims Without a Police Report in Pennsylvania?

No, insurance companies in Pennsylvania cannot legally deny your claim solely because you lack a police report. Pennsylvania law does not require police reports for valid insurance claims, and insurers must evaluate claims based on all available evidence.

While they cannot deny coverage outright, insurers may attempt to use missing police reports to justify lower settlement offers or delay claim processing. Having a police report provides neutral documentation that makes it harder for insurance companies to minimize or dispute your claim.

How Do I Get a Copy of My Police Report in Harrisburg?

You can obtain your Harrisburg car crash report through several methods, depending on which agency responded to your crash. Your lawyer can subpoena your police report on your behalf. For crashes investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department, visit their offices or submit an online request through their website, with reports typically available within 5-10 business days for a fee.

Pennsylvania State Police crash reports require different procedures through their online Crash Report Portal or by visiting the nearest station. Reports usually become available within 10 business days, and fees vary depending on report length. Contact the PSP Harrisburg Station directly for crashes on Interstate 83 or other state highways around Harrisburg. Your insurance company may also obtain copies, but getting your own ensures you receive it promptly for review.

Who Can Access My Harrisburg Police Report?

Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law and other privacy regulations provide public access to government documents. This means all government records, including your police report, are available to the public. Anyone who requests your police report is not required to state reasoning and cannot be denied unless the agency has a reason of confidentiality.

To obtain your Harrisburg police report through Right to Know laws submit a request to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police’s Records Division. You must specify the report number, incident date, and your name. Include a copy of your ID and pay any required fees, then allow up to 30 business days for processing. Reports are often available within 5-10 days.

How Police Reports Strengthen Your Harrisburg Injury Claim

Police reports provide objective documentation that validates your injury claim. Insurance companies and courts rely heavily on these official records to determine liability and assess the legitimacy of your claim.

Establishes fault: Documents traffic violations, citations issued, and the officer’s determination of who caused the accident
Provides objective third-party account: Unbiased professional assessment carries more weight than involved parties’ statements
Identifies all parties: Ensures proper defendants are named and insurance information is documented
Creates timeline: Establishes when the incident occurred, supporting your version of events
Strengthens credibility: Shows you followed proper procedures by reporting the incident to authorities

These official documents carry significant weight because they are prepared by trained professionals with no financial interest in the claim outcome. They provide insurers with reliable third-party observations of events that can help expedite claim processing and reduce disputes over fault or damages.

When Should I Contact a Harrisburg Attorney After Obtaining My Police Report?

You should contact a Harrisburg attorney immediately after obtaining your police report, especially if it shows disputed fault, serious injuries, or any errors. Do not wait for insurance companies to make initial offers, as early legal guidance can prevent costly mistakes and preserve crucial evidence.

If the police report is unfavorable to your case, contains errors, or the other party has already hired representation, seeking legal help is urgent. An experienced attorney can review the report and identify your case’s strengths and weaknesses. At Schmidt Kramer, we have experience gathering evidence to support your claim before important deadlines pass or witnesses become unavailable.

How Your Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer Uses Police Reports to Build Your Case

Your Schmidt Kramer car accident lawyer can analyze every detail of your police report to identify liability and find evidence that strengthens your compensation claim. They use this official documentation as a foundation to build a case strategy and other evidence, to maximize your settlement or verdict.

Establishes Liability Framework: Uses officer’s fault determination and citations to prove the other party’s negligence
Identifies All Potential Defendants: Reviews the report to find additional liable parties (employers, vehicle owners, government entities)
Locates and Interviews Witnesses: Contacts witnesses listed in the report while memories are fresh
Challenges Inaccuracies: Files amendments or supplements to correct any errors that could harm your case
Calculates Damages: Uses property damage descriptions and initial injury documentation to support compensation demands
Reveals Insurance Coverage: Obtains policy information for all parties to assess available compensation sources
Uncovers Additional Evidence: Uses scene details to identify surveillance cameras, skid marks, or other physical evidence
Strengthens Negotiations: Leverages favorable report findings to pressure insurance companies for better settlements
Prepares Trial Strategy: Anticipates how opposing counsel might challenge the report and prepares counterarguments

Contact Schmidt Kramer for Legal Help After a Car Crash in Harrisburg

A police report serves as the cornerstone of your injury claim, providing the objective evidence needed to establish fault and document damages. Insurance companies rely heavily on these official records when evaluating claims, making them essential for negotiating a fair settlement.

At Schmidt Kramer, our dedicated car accident attorneys know exactly how to leverage police reports to build compelling cases that maximize compensation for our clients. We analyze every detail, identify key evidence, and use this documentation strategically during negotiations with insurance companies.

We are here to put your police report to work for you. Contact us or complete our online form for a free consultation with our Harrisburg car accident team.

Call our trusted law firm today: (717) 727-1837

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It’s hard to believe it’s been four years already, but I’m still deeply thankful for my experience with Dennis. Now living in Illinois, I’ve had some similar encounters, and people here are often surprised — and even a bit shocked — when they hear my story. They always end up admitting just how good Dennis truly was. It’s something I didn’t fully realize at the time, but the more I share, the more it’s confirmed to me. God bless, and thank you I came back stronger than ever
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I wanted you to know that I'm so glad that I switched to Schmidt Kramer and that you are my Attorney. I think you are doing a great job for me, and wanted you to know that, A+++Thank you againKen
Mike Kosik and his team were incredible. I cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication after taking on my case following an auto accident in April 2022 where a driver pulled out in front of me. I highly recommend them should you ever need a personal injury attorney. Thank you so much!
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I can't thank Schmidt Kramer, P.C. enough for their dedication and hard work on my case. After my injury, dealing with the insurance company was overwhelming, but their team stepped in and fought tirelessly to ensure I got the benefits I needed for treatment. They kept me informed every step of the way and worked diligently to reach a fair settlement. Their professionalism, expertise, and compassion made all the difference. If you're looking for a personal injury firm that truly cares and delivers results, I highly recommend Schmidt Kramer, P.C.!
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Why Are Police Reports Important After Car Accident in Harrisburg?

Table of Contents

What Information Is Included in a Harrisburg Police Report After a Car Crash?

What Details Should I Give to Police Who Respond to the Crash Scene?

What If the Other Driver Leaves the Crash Scene Before Harrisburg Police Arrive?

Do I Have to Have a Police Report to File a Car Crash Claim in Pennsylvania?

Can Insurance Companies Deny Claims Without a Police Report in Pennsylvania?

How Do I Get a Copy of My Police Report in Harrisburg?

Who Can Access My Harrisburg Police Report?

How Police Reports Strengthen Your Harrisburg Injury Claim

When Should I Contact a Harrisburg Attorney After Obtaining My Police Report?

How Your Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer Uses Police Reports to Build Your Case

Contact Schmidt Kramer for Legal Help After a Car Crash in Harrisburg

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$4,034,000.00 Personal Injury

$2,200,000.00 Auto Accidents

$1,200,000.00 Personal Injury

$1,024,040.80 Auto Accidents