If you were in a car accident in Harrisburg, getting a copy of your police report is one of the first and most important steps in building your case. In most situations, you can request it directly from the Pennsylvania State Police or the local department that responded to the crash. But if you’re dealing with injuries, conflicting stories, or an uncooperative insurer, our Harrisburg car accident attorney can get that crucial report and use it to craft your case for compensation.
If you’ve yet to reach out to us at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, to talk about your case, here’s what you should know about obtaining a copy of your accident’s police report.
How to Get a Harrisburg Police Report After a Motor Vehicle Accident
The process for getting your report depends on who responded to the accident:
If The Pennsylvania State Police Responded
You can request your report online through the PA Online Crash Report Requests website. It usually takes 10–15 days from the date of the crash before the report is available. There’s a $22 fee, and you’ll need basic info like the crash date, location, and names of people involved.
If Harrisburg Police or Another Local Department Responded
You’ll need to contact that department directly. You can request a crash report from the Harrisburg Police Department in a few ways. You’re welcome to visit the Records Division in person at 123 Walnut Street, 2nd Level, Harrisburg, PA 17101. If it’s easier, you can also email your request to records@harrisburgpa.gov, and someone will respond. Or, if you prefer traditional mail, you can send your request along with the appropriate fee to their office by post.
You should also know that some people are denied access because they’re not listed on the report, or they request it too soon. If you’re working with a Harrisburg car accident lawyer, they can get the report quickly and make sure it includes everything you need for your claim.
Why the Police Report Matters More Than You Think
The police report isn’t just paperwork. It is a powerful piece of evidence. It contains the officer’s account of what happened, including crash diagrams, witness names, statements from drivers and passengers, weather conditions, and who (if anyone) was cited. Likewise, Insurance adjusters rely heavily on this report when deciding who was at fault and whether to pay. If you end up in court, that report can carry weight with the judge or jury.
What If There is No Police Report?
Not every crash gets a report, particularly minor ones or incidents where drivers don’t call 911. If injuries are involved, however, drivers are legally mandated to report the crash to police within five days. If no officer responded to your crash, your Harrisburg car accident attorney will file a Driver’s Accident Report with PennDOT.
With your version of the events, your attorney will prepare this report carefully so it safeguards your rights and preserves your claim. It’s also crucial to note that even without an official police report, your lawyer can still build a solid case using medical records, vehicle damage photos, and independent witness testimony.
Trust Our Dedicated Car Accident Lawyers in Harrisburg to Handle Your Claim
The longer you wait to request your police report, the more complicated your case can become. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, we offer complimentary consultations so you can know more about your case. Dial 717-229-6580 or contact us online to schedule yours today.