When to call police when there is an accident?

[Labmg]

I was always taught that I should always call the police when there is a car accident if there is damage to either car, because it is important to have an officer verify the amount of damage done.

I recently moved to Pennsylvania. I was in a very minor car accident. I called the police as I thought I should. An officer was sent to the scene, but he seemed quite annoyed with me, and told me that the accident was "nonreportable".

Is there a difference in the law between states? Under what circumstances should a police officer be called when there is a car accident in PA?

(And, by the way -- HOW should you call the police in a situation like that? Is a car accident with no injuries a valid reason to call 911? Or should a different number be called?)

[Cinnamon]

In VA, a non-reportable accident is anything under $1000 in damage and no injuries... or accidents on private property regardless of amount of damage, as long as there are no injuries.

For non-reportable accidents, we will still respond (please call the non-emergency number... not 911), and just make sure both drivers exchange all information.

[Drew27k9]

In Pennsylvania there are two different kinds of accidents, reportable and non-reportable.

An accident is considered reportable if there are injuries or if either car has to be towed because of damage from the accident. All other accidents are considered non-reportable.

My department took reports on both types of accidents. The only difference is the reportable accident form would be sent to the Pa. Department of Transportation.

Also in my county, all calls for police go through 9-11, whether it is an emergency or not.

[Oldbillplod]

Non injury, not intereste unless there are allegations.
Injury, we will always attend.

[Valor55]

It is aggravating having to respond to minor accidents. I hate it but I understand the necessity of it. It's good to do at the very least because the officer will verify the identity and insurance of the other driver. It's the right thing to do but we may not be happy doing it. :D

[ParadeRest]

It is aggravating having to respond to minor accidents. I hate it but I understand the necessity of it. It's good to do at the very least because the officer will verify the identity and insurance of the other driver. It's the right thing to do but we may not be happy doing it. :D

Can't agree more. Some people call over nonsense accidents, and some don't even want reports, but call anyway. Go figure.

[LA5150]

Out here our policy is not to take a report unless it is a hit and run, or there is an injury (or complaint of one). Otherwise, it is up to the involoved parties to exchange info, take photo's, etc.

[phantasm]

Always call if you can't do an info exchange because you're both arguing too much, if there's injuries, if a vehicle needs a tow, if its a hit & run, etc. If you get tapped from behind (or tap someone from behind) and there's minor damage, and no one is hurt, there's no need to waste your time wiating for the police, or the police's time on a non-priority job. If there's in progress crimes, or other priority jobs, the car accident gets put at the bottom of the priority list, so you could be waiting for an hour or more depending on the time of day. Otherwise its discretionary if you want to file a report. NYS requires notification via a civillian accident report if property damage is over $1,000.00 USC.

[mcsap]

If you don't call and later there is a dispute over who did what , you are on your own. !

Even though reports ar enot required if there is no injury or towning , it is still a good idea to call and have the officer come out. He/she wil still make notes on their daily log that " John SMith in the blue Ford pulled out in front of Joe Green in the red Toyota".

While this info isnt a report, it is relaible enough that the insurance company can call the officer should there be a question.

[RO56]

" John SMith in the blue Ford pulled out in front of Joe Green in the red Toyota".

Hey, I KNOW that Joe Green dude! Really messed up is Rav4 in that PDA, huh? :D