Do I Need to Call the Police After a Motorcycle Crash?

No motorcyclist gets onto his bike and blocks out time to deal with a motorcycle accident, much less wait for the police. If the damage seems minor, it’s often tempting to forgo calling law enforcement officers in Lancaster and work out the details between you and the other driver. However, this poses significant risks.

You may be required to call the police after serious accidents, but it’s also recommended you do so in every case to preserve potential legal claims. If you’re not sure whether to call the police (or file a post-accident report) after a Lancaster motorcycle accident, call the exclusive Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyers at the Cycle Attorney to discuss your case for free at (888) CYCLE-LAW.

Understanding Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Reporting Laws

Any accident involving a motorcycle is considered a motor vehicle accident under Pennsylvania law. As such, riders must consider when it’s legally required to either call the police or file a post-accident report. Drivers must contact local law enforcement immediately in the following cases under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3746:

• Injury to any person
• Death of any person
• Vehicle damage that prevents safe operation

There is no injury threshold in Pennsylvania. This means a motorcyclist must contact Lancaster police if he, the other driver, a pedestrian, or any vehicle occupant reports even minor injuries such as whiplash. He must also contact the police to obtain a report if the other driver is incapacitated.

Filing a Post-Accident Report in Pennsylvania

If the police do not arrive on scene in a timely manner after being contacted, it may be necessary to leave the scene to seek medical treatment or safety. In many cases, motorcyclists do not realize the extent of their bike damage or latent injuries – such as brain bleeding or herniated discs – until after they leave the scene. A dedicated motorcycle injury lawyer can help you file a post-accident written report within five days of the accident under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3747.

Benefits of Obtaining a Lancaster Police Report Immediately After Motorcycle Crashes

While it’s understandably inconvenient to wait for the police, it’s often essential for preserving your accident injury and property damage claims. You should call the police even if you’re not legally required to do so. Experienced officers will investigate the crash scene and make an initial liability determination. This may protect you from claims that you, and not the negligent driver, caused the crash.

Officers will also record any witness information and verify the accident occurrence for insurance purposes. Obtaining this third-party documentation is critical for linking any injuries to the accident and preserving potential personal injury claims after a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident.

Benefits of Retaining a Motorcycle Attorney in Lancaster

If you’re not sure whether to call the police or file a written report – even if you missed the five-day deadline – simply call the exclusive motorcycle accident injury lawyers at the Cycle Attorney for free. Our Lancaster legal professionals can help you file a report, make an insurance claim, and even recover significant damages from liable drivers. Schedule a free and confidential consultation with us today by calling (888) CYCLE-LAW or connecting with our motorcycle accident attorneys online.