What to Do After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania: Step-by-Step Checklist (2026)

# What to Do After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania: Your Complete Checklist

> **QUICK SUMMARY — After an accident in Pennsylvania:**
> 1. Check for injuries and call 911
> 2. Move to safety
> 3. Exchange information — do not admit fault
> 4. Document the scene
> 5. File AA-600 with PennDOT within **5 days** ($1,000+ damage)
> 6. File first-party benefits claim with your insurer
> 7. Seek medical attention

**Key PA difference:** Pennsylvania has a **choice no-fault system** — your tort choice (Limited vs Full) directly affects your right to sue. And the **5-day reporting deadline** is the strictest among major states.

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## Step 1 — Check for Injuries and Call 911

– Check yourself and passengers
– Call 911 if anyone is hurt
– Do not move seriously injured people unless immediate danger
– Pennsylvania law requires stopping and rendering aid

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## Step 2 — Move to Safety

– Move vehicles to the shoulder if safe and drivable
– Turn on hazard lights
– Stay out of traffic lanes

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## Step 3 — Exchange Information

Collect from the other driver:
– Full name, contact info, driver’s license number
– Insurance company and policy number
– License plate number, vehicle details

Get witness names and phone numbers.

**Do not admit fault.** Under PA’s 51% bar, being assigned majority fault eliminates your claim.

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## Step 4 — Document Everything

– Photos of all vehicle damage from multiple angles
– Road conditions, traffic signs, signals, skid marks
– License plates, weather conditions
– Your injuries

Write down time, date, location, and your detailed account.

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## Step 5 — File the AA-600 Report

### Deadline: 5 DAYS (Strictest Among Major States)

File **AA-600** with PennDOT if:
– Property damage exceeds **$1,000**
– Anyone is injured or killed

**Do not wait.** Pennsylvania’s 5-day deadline is the shortest among the 10 states on this site.

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## Step 6 — File Your First-Party Benefits Claim

Pennsylvania’s no-fault system provides basic first-party benefits:
– **$5,000 medical benefits** — regardless of fault
– **$5,000 income loss** — regardless of fault
– **$1,500 funeral benefits**

Contact **your own insurer** to file these claims promptly.

**For property damage:** This is fault-based. File with the at-fault driver’s insurer.

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## Step 7 — Seek Medical Attention

– See a doctor even if you feel fine
– Delayed injuries: whiplash, concussions, internal injuries
– Medical records are critical — especially if you need to prove “serious injury” under Limited Tort

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## Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law

– **Choice no-fault:** Limited Tort (lower premiums, restricted lawsuit rights) vs Full Tort (higher premiums, full lawsuit rights)
– **Modified 51% bar** — at 51%+ fault, you recover nothing
– **Statute of limitations:** 2 years PI, 2 years PD
– **Minimum insurance:** 15/30/5 + $5K medical + $5K income
– **Stacking:** May be available for UM/UIM on multi-vehicle policies

Full guide: [Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws](/pennsylvania/car-accident-laws/)

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## What NOT to Do

– Do not leave the scene
– Do not admit fault
– Do not miss the **5-day** PennDOT deadline
– Do not post on social media
– Do not accept the first settlement offer
– Do not skip medical treatment — especially critical under Limited Tort

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Limited Tort vs Full Tort?
**Limited Tort:** Lower premiums but restricted right to sue for pain/suffering (must prove “serious injury”). **Full Tort:** Higher premiums but unrestricted right to sue.

### How long do I have to report?
**5 days** to file AA-600 with PennDOT — the strictest deadline among the 10 states on this site.

### How long to file a lawsuit?
**2 years** for both personal injury and property damage.

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## Related Guides

– [How to File an Insurance Claim in Pennsylvania](/pennsylvania/insurance-claim/)
– [Do You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?](/pennsylvania/do-i-need-a-lawyer/)
– [Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws](/pennsylvania/car-accident-laws/)

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**DISCLAIMER:** This website is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page provides general educational information only. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation. This is not medical advice. If you have been injured, seek immediate medical attention. Last updated: March 2026.