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The Pennsylvania AA 600 form, also known as the Driver’s Accident Report, serves as a critical tool for documenting details related to motor vehicle accidents that occur within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Understanding the specific requirements of this form can streamline the reporting process for drivers who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of an accident. This official document must be completed whenever an incident results in injury, death, or significant vehicle damage requiring towing. Drivers are required to submit this form to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation—Bureau of Maintenance and Operations—within five days of the accident. The report ensures confidentiality under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, thus providing some level of assurance for individuals involved. It collects extensive information about each vehicle and person affected in the collision, including personal details, insurance information, and a description of the events leading up to, during, and following the incident. Properly filling out the AA 600 not only aligns with legal obligations but also aids in state-wide efforts to enhance safety and mitigate future accidents. The form's user-friendly structure includes sections for weather conditions, roadway circumstances, and even a diagrammatic representation of the accident scene, making it comprehensive yet accessible for drivers across the state. Ensuring accuracy in the report helps in creating effective accident prevention and reduction programs that benefit the greater community.

Pa Aa 600 Example

AA-600 (10-21)

Driver’s Accident Report

The official AA600 form can be found at http://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/PubsForms/Forms/AA-600.pdf.

It is suggested to use only the form located from this location or the form may be returned to you.

FORWARD THIS REPORT WITHIN 5 DAYS TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, BUREAU OF

MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS, P.O. Box 2047, HARRISBURG, PA 17105-2047

Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, Section 3747 states: All reports are confidential, not available as trial evidence

I M E

Date of Accident (Month - Day - Year)

 

Day of Week

Hour (AM - PM)

 

Check if Hit-Run o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was Towing Required?

 

Number of Vehicles Involved

Number Injured

 

Number Killed

 

T

 

 

 

UNIT 1: oYES oNO UNIT 2: oYES

oNO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOCATION

County

 

City / Borough / Township

 

On: (Street Name or Highway Number/Mile Marker)

 

 

 

 

Closest Road:

 

 

 

 

Long (from GPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lat (from GPS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Intersection With:

 

If Not At Intersection :

 

Feet From

N S E W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operator’s Name (First, Middle, Last)

 

 

 

Date of Birth

Driver's License Number and State

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)

 

 

 

Vehicle Plate Number and State

 

• NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner’s Name (First, Middle, Last)

 

 

 

Year

 

Make

 

Model

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY

Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)

 

 

 

VIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Occupants, Including Driver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USE THE FOLLOWING SECTION TO RECORD VEHICLE NUMBER 2, PEDESTRIAN INFORMATION.

 

 

 

IF MORE THAN TWO VEHICLES/PEDESTRIANS ARE INVOLVED USE ADDITIONAL REPORT FORMS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operator’s Name (First, Middle, Last)

 

 

 

Date of Birth

Driver's License Number and State

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)

 

 

 

Vehicle Plate Number and State

 

OTHER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner’s Name (First, Middle, Last)

 

 

 

Year

 

Make

 

Model

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)

 

 

 

VIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Occupants, Including Driver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USE THE FOLLOWING SECTION TO RECORD ALL PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE CRASH,

 

 

 

 

 

 

AS WELL AS THEIR AGE AND SEX, AND ANY INJURIES THAT WERE SUSTAINED.

 

 

 

 

NAME

DOB

AGE SEX

VEH.

INJURY

SEATING

ACTIVE

PASSIVE

 

 

 

NO.

TYPE

POSITION

RESTRAINT

RESTRAINT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONS INVOLVED

INJURY TYPE

SEATING POSITION

0

- NO INJURY

1

- DRIVER

1

- FATAL INJURY

2-6 - PASSENGER

2

- SUSPECTED SERIOUS INJURY

7

- PEDESTRIAN

3

- SUSPECTED MINOR INJURY

8

- OTHER

4

- POSSIBLE INJURY

9

- UNKNOWN

8

- INJURY, UNKNOWN SEVERITY

 

 

9

- UNKNOWN

 

 

IF UNSURE, DESCRIBE INJURY IN NARRATIVE (SEE PAGE 2)

1 2 3

4 5 6

ACTIVE RESTRAINT

PASSIVE RESTRAINT

0

- NONE OR PEDESTRIAN

0

- NONE OR PEDESTRIAN

1

- SHOULDER BELT ONLY

1

- AIRBAG (DEPLOYED)

2

- LAP BELT ONLY

2

- AIRBAG (NOT

3

- COMBINATION (SHOULDER & LAP)

DEPLOYED)

4

- CHILD RESTRAINT

8

- OTHER

7

- MOTORCYCLE HELMET

9

- UNKNOWN

8- OTHER

9- UNKNOWN

Insurance

Company

 

Insurance

Company

Information

 

Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle 1

Policy No.

 

Vehicle 2

Policy No.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 1

 

WEATHER (Choose up to two items)

o Clear

o Rain

o Snow

o Sleet

o Fog

ROADWAY (Choose up to two items)

o Dry

o Wet

o Snow

o Ice

o Other

IMPACT POINTS:

0

= None

 

10

= 10 o'clock

 

1

= 1 o'clock

 

11

= 11 o'clock

 

2

= 2 o'clock

 

12

= 12 o'clock

 

3

= 3 o'clock

 

13

= Top of Vehicle

9

4

= 4 o'clock

 

14

= Vehicle Undercarriage

5

= 5 o'clock

 

15

= Use when the initial

 

6

= 6 o'clock

 

 

impact was with a towed unit

 

7

= 7 o'clock

 

 

(such as utility trailer vehicle,

 

8

= 8 o'clock

 

 

horse van, etc…)

 

9

= 9 o'clock

 

99

= Unknown

 

 

12

 

 

12

 

11

1

 

10

2

3

9

3

8

4

 

7

5

 

 

6

 

 

6

 

VEHICLE NUMBER 1:

 

VEHICLE NUMBER 2:

INITIAL IMPACT POINT _______

 

INITIAL IMPACT POINT _______

LEGAL SPEED _______ MPH

 

LEGAL SPEED _______ MPH

ESTIMATED SPEED _______ MPH

 

ESTIMATED SPEED _______ MPH

 

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.Draw Diagram As Clearly As You Can.

2.Show Your Vehicle As Number 1.

3.Label All Streets, Highways, and Landmarks.

4.Draw An Arrow

In Circle Below So It Points North.

5.Complete Narrative.

Indicate North By

Arrow

Please note that a diagram is required in order for us to process your form. You may need to print this form and hand draw the diagram portion in order to complete the form.

GIVE A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCIDENT IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO IMPACT,

AT IMPACT, AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER IMPACT, REFER TO VEHICLES BY NUMBERS

PLEASE SIGN AND DATE BELOW. THIS FORM CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT A SIGNATURE.

DRIVER SIGNATURE

DATE

Email Address:

POLICE INVESTIGATED: o YES

o NO

If Yes, Name of Police Department:

 

 

 

Page 2

AA-600 (7-21)

Driver’s Accident Report

This Form is to be completed only in the event that the accident was not investigated by a policy agency.

The Driver’s Accident Report Form is required to be completed by ALL drivers involved in motor vehicle traffic accidents occurring within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and involves:

(1)injury to or death of any person; or

(2)damage to any vehicle involved to the extent that it cannot be driven under its own power in its customary manner without further damage or hazard to the vehicle, other traffic elements, or the roadway, and therefore requires towing.

Section 3747(a) of Title 75, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes of the Vehicle Code requires that if a police officer does not investigate an accident required to be investigated by section 3746 (relating to immediate notice of accident to police department), the driver of a vehicle which is in any manner involved in the accident shall, within five days of the accident, forward a written report of the accident to the department.

A form, supplied by the Department of Transportation, has been designed for this purpose. That form is the attached AA-600, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Driver’s Accident Report.

The primary objective of this form is to obtain information which can be used to develop accident prevention and reduction programs aimed at reducing accidents and accident losses. In order for these programs to succeed, every attempt must be made to obtain the information for all items listed on the Report Form. Compliance with the following instructions will help to assure that the Report is filled out completely and accurately.

A copy of the completed Accident Report should be retained for your records. There is NO fee to file this report. If copies of THIS submitted form are requested from the Department of Transportation, a fee of $5.00 per copy will be required to cover our processing costs. If the Department receives a $5.00 check with the submission of the report from you, it is assumed that you wish to obtain a date-stamped copy, and one will be sent to you. PLEASE NOTE: Only the driver submitting this form may request a copy. If you prefer to receive your copy via email, please indicate that and provide an email address.

PLEASE NOTE: PennDOT does not conduct investigations into crashes. Additionally, you will not be sent a response to your form unless it cannot be accepted, is not fully completed, or a copy has been requested. No confirmations of receipt will be provided by PennDOT. If you require confirmation of receipt, it is recommended using certified mail, or requesting a date stamped copy of your submitted report, along with the required remittance.

Please send completed Forms to the following address:

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

BOMO - Crash Unit

P.O. Box 2047

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-2047

Page 3

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING DRIVER’S ACCIDENT REPORT

This form is a PDF fillable form and is the preferred method for completion. If you chose to hand-write the information, please use a a ballpoint pen and print all required information. Fill in every block applicable. The Form is self-explanatory.

However, the following guidelines should be utilized:

The form must be signed on page 2. We cannot accept a form without a signature. If filling this out electronically, please print and sign after you have completed all fields.

Tow and injury information must be filled out on page 1. We cannot accept a form that does not have these blocks filled out.

Here follows a short list of other circumstances in which we cannot accept your form:

The date next to the signature on page 2 is missing

The crash description on page 2 is missing

The diagram on page 2 is missing

Page 2 is missing

Location information is missing (i.e. County, City / Borough / Township, Street, Intersecting Street)

The crash date is missing or incorrect

Missing tow/injury information on page 1

Your vehicle was parked

Crash occurred out-of-state

Crash report was submitted by a non-driver (property owner, passenger, pedestrian, not involved in crash, crash submitted by another party of behalf of driver)

Signature issues

Here follows a short list of reasons why your payment may not be accepted if you are remitting payment for a stamped received copy of your submitted report:

Cash remitted (we can only accept a check or money order)

Payment remitted but not signed

Payment remitted by over/under paid

Payment remitted without request and/or AA600

Request copy of report but no payment remitted

1.For the Accident Location - - - Be sure to indicate the name of the City, Borough, or Township where the accident occurred as well as the Street name or Highway Route Number. If the accident occurred at an intersection, identify the name of the Street or Highway Route Number of the intersecting Roadway.

If the accident did not occur at an Intersection, please use the nearest Cross Street, Mile Posts, or Segment Markers. Segment Markers are signs erected along the roadside. Where possible, the signs are placed at physical features such as bridges, pipes, or intersections. Mile Posts are generally erected along the roadside of Interstates. Do not use House Numbers, Utility Poles, etc. as reference points.

2.For the Vehicles, Drivers and Pedestrians - - - Copy information about drivers and vehicles directly from the official Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration Card, and Proof of Financial Responsibility Card.

3.Persons Involved - - - Record the names and addresses of all occupants (including Drivers) in the vehicles involved and ALL INVOLVED PEDESTRIANS regardless of injury severity. Begin with the Driver of Unit 1, then list the other occupants of Unit 1, if any. Repeat the procedure with any other units.

4.Injury, Seating Position, Safety Restraints - - - If applicable, select the appropriate codes for all occupants and pedestrians for the type of injury incurred, seating positions of all occupants, and the type of safety device used.

5.Damage Area of Vehicle - - - Select the appropriate code for the Initial Impact Point for each vehicle involved. To indicate the impact area, use clock points as shown at the vehicle representation on the back of the report.

6.Speed Limit and Travel Speed - - - Enter the speed limit of the roadway at the accident site. If the speed limit is not posted, write NP.

Enter your estimate of the travel speed of each vehicle immediately before the accident.

Page 4

7.For the Accident Diagram - - - The diagram is a visual representation of the accident location and the events that occurred. Show the movement of the vehicles, identify the roadways and be sure to include the North Arrow displayed on the back of the Report Form.

8.For the Narrative - - -Describe the actions of all involved persons and vehicles before, during and after the collision. Be as factual as possible and use the same Unit Numbers as those on the front of the Report to identify the vehicles and pedestrians. Avoid such brief narratives as “Unit 1 hit Unit 2”.

IF MORE THAN TWO (2) VEHICLES ARE INVOLVED, OR ADDITIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED FOR OCCUPANTS, PLEASE USE ANOTHER FORM TO CAPTURE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. IN THESE CASES, STAPLE REPORTS TOGETHER BEFORE SUBMISSION.

Page 5

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Purpose The PA AA-600 form serves as a Driver’s Accident Report to document details of a motor vehicle accident.
Filing Deadline Drivers must submit the report within five days of the accident to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania law.
Confidentiality All accident reports filed using the AA-600 are considered confidential and are not admissible as trial evidence, as stipulated by Section 3747 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.
Required Information The form collects essential information such as the date of the accident, the number of vehicles involved, injuries sustained, and details about each driver.
No Filing Fee There is no fee required for filing the AA-600 form, although obtaining a date-stamped copy incurs a $5.00 processing fee.
Submission Address Completed forms should be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at the Bureau of Maintenance and Operations, P.O. Box 2047, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2047.

Guidelines on Utilizing Pa Aa 600

Filling out the Pennsylvania AA-600 form is an important step after a vehicle accident. This official document helps to record essential details of the incident. Completing it accurately is crucial to ensure that your report is processed efficiently. Below are straightforward steps to guide you in filling out this form correctly.

  1. Access the official AA-600 form from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at http://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/PubsForms/Forms/AA-600.pdf.
  2. Fill in the date of the accident, day of the week, and the time (AM or PM) of the event.
  3. Select the options for whether it was a hit-and-run accident and if towing was required.
  4. Indicate the number of vehicles involved, the number of people injured, and any fatalities.
  5. Complete the information for the first vehicle involved, including details like the operator's name, date of birth, driver's license number, vehicle plate number, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
  6. If applicable, fill in the details for a second vehicle or any pedestrians involved.
  7. Record information about all individuals involved in the incident, including their names, ages, sex, and any injuries sustained.
  8. Complete the insurance company information for both vehicles, including policy numbers.
  9. Describe the weather conditions and roadway conditions during the accident.
  10. Indicate the point of impact for both vehicles using the designated codes on the form.
  11. Draw a clear diagram of the accident scene. This should include labeled streets and landmarks, showing the movement of the vehicles involved.
  12. Write a narrative that details the accident, covering the events before, during, and after the incident. Refer to vehicles by their designated numbers.
  13. Sign and date the completed form as a validation of the information provided.
  14. Make sure to keep a copy of the completed form for your personal records.
  15. Submit the form within five days to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at the specified address.

Following these steps will help ensure that your AA-600 form is filled out properly, allowing for accurate processing of your accident report.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of the PA AA 600 form?

The PA AA 600 form, also known as the Driver's Accident Report, is intended for drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents occurring within Pennsylvania. It serves several key functions, primarily aimed at collecting essential data for accident prevention programs. The completion of the form is mandated when there is an injury or death, or if any vehicle requires towing due to damage sustained during the accident. The data collected helps authorities and researchers develop initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and improving road safety in the state.

How should I submit the PA AA 600 form?

To submit the PA AA 600 form, ensure that it is completed accurately and contains all required information. You must forward the completed form to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days of the accident. The address for submission is the Bureau of Maintenance and Operations, P.O. Box 2047, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2047. For retention purposes, it is advisable to keep a copy for your records. Although there is no fee to file the report, a fee of $5.00 may apply if you later request a date-stamped copy from the Department.

What information is required to fill out the PA AA 600 form?

The PA AA 600 form requires various details about the accident and the individuals involved. Essential information includes the date and time of the accident, the location, the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers, and specifics about any injuries sustained. Additionally, you must complete sections related to vehicle details and the nature of the accident. A diagram illustrating the accident scene and a narrative describing the events before, during, and after the collision are also necessary for the form to be processed.

What happens if the PA AA 600 form is not submitted on time?

If the PA AA 600 form is not submitted within the required five-day timeframe, it can lead to complications regarding the acknowledgment of the accident. Pennsylvania law mandates that drivers involved in certain accidents submit this report. Failing to adhere to this requirement may result in penalties or challenges regarding insurance claims. Timely submission is critical to ensure compliance with state regulations and to facilitate the investigation of the accident, if necessary.

Common mistakes

Filling out the AA-600 form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can delay processing or lead to issues down the line. One major error is failing to submit the report within the required five-day timeframe. Timeliness is crucial. If the form is not submitted promptly, it can lead to complications with insurance claims and legal responsibilities.

Another frequent mistake occurs when individuals neglect to provide complete and accurate accident location information. It's essential to include the complete name of the city, borough, or township, as well as the street name or highway route number. If the accident took place at an intersection, mentioning the cross street is necessary. Omitting these details can result in a form being returned for corrections.

A third common mistake is not filling in the details about the vehicles involved in the accident. It's important to accurately record the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN) for both vehicles. Missing vehicle information can lead to significant delays in processing your report.

Many people also struggle with the section specifying injured parties. It’s vital to capture the names and relevant details for all individuals involved, including pedestrians. This report is not just about vehicles; it also focuses on the safety and well-being of all parties a involved. Missing this information can hinder any potential claims or investigations.

Additionally, some individuals fail to sign and date the form, which is a critical oversight. A lack of signature automatically voids the report. Make sure to double-check that all necessary signatures are present before submitting the form. Even in a digital format, a printed signature should follow the completion of the form.

A sixth misstep involves the narrative section of the report. Many people write overly brief or vague descriptions of the accident. Instead, providing a detailed account of the events before, during, and after the crash is crucial. The narrative should clarify who was involved and use consistent vehicle numbers to avoid confusion.

Another mistake is in the diagram section, where people often draw unclear or incomplete diagrams of the accident scene. A correctly labeled and clear diagram is necessary for processing the report. It serves as a visual representation of how the accident occurred, and a good diagram can illuminate details that written descriptions may miss.

Furthermore, many people overlook the need to use the correct insurance information. Ensuring that the insurance company details and policy numbers are accurate can assist in avoiding disputes later on. Incorrect information can lead to complications with insurance claims.

Finally, submitting the form without retaining a copy is a misstep that can leave individuals without a record of the report they filed. Keeping a personal copy ensures that you have the information handy for any follow-up or additional documentation that might be required in the future.

Documents used along the form

In addition to the AA-600 form, several other forms and documents may be necessary to adequately process an accident report, claim, or follow-up related to the incident. Each of these documents serves a vital purpose in ensuring all involved parties are properly informed and that the necessary information is submitted in compliance with legal and insurance requirements.

  • Accident Report Form: This form is utilized when a police investigation was conducted. It contains details about the incident from the police perspective, including witness statements and officer observations.
  • Insurance Claim Form: After an accident, this form needs completion to file for insurance compensation. It provides details of the accident and associated costs incurred by the policyholder.
  • Witness Statement Form: Individuals who witnessed the accident may fill out this form to give their account. This information can be critical in ascertaining facts surrounding the incident.
  • Vehicle Repair Estimate: This document outlines the expected costs for repairs to the damaged vehicle. It is essential for processing insurance claims or settling vehicle damage costs.
  • Medical Report: If there are injuries sustained in the accident, a medical report from a healthcare provider is vital. It details the injuries and treatment provided, which can impact insurance claims and legal proceedings.
  • Proof of Insurance: This document verifies that all vehicles involved in the accident were insured at the time of the incident. It is necessary for claims processing and legal compliance.
  • Release of Liability Form: If settlements occur, this form allows the affected parties to release each other from future claims related to the accident, providing legal closure.
  • Vehicle Title Transfer Form: In cases where a vehicle is deemed a total loss, this form may be necessary to transfer the title back to the insurance company or new owner.
  • Personal Injury Claim Form: This form is typically used when individuals are seeking compensation for personal injuries resulting from the accident. It outlines the extent of injuries and associated treatment costs.

Accurate and timely submission of these documents enhances the resolution process following an accident. Each piece of information contributes to a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident and supports safe road practices in the future.

Similar forms

  • Form MV-104 - Similar to the AA-600, the MV-104 is a written accident report required in New York State. It must be filed within 10 days of an accident involving injury or property damage, reflecting similar reporting needs.
  • Form SR-1 - This report is required in California after an accident involving injury or damage. Much like the AA-600, it gathers details about the incident and needs to be submitted within a specific timeframe.
  • Form 2-535 - Used in Delaware, this form is requested from drivers involved in accidents that result in injury or significant property damage. It aims to collect critical accident information similar to the AA-600.
  • Form FR-1 - In Virginia, the FR-1 is a driver’s accident report, utilized to document the facts surrounding a crash. Its purpose and submission timeline align closely with the AA-600's requirements.
  • Form 349 - This Florida form is for traffic crash reports and is used when there are injuries or fatalities. It serves similar reporting needs to the AA-600, collecting essential information post-accident.
  • Form BC-072 - Required in South Carolina, this report is necessary when an accident results in injuries or death. Like the AA-600, it captures detailed information about the incident.
  • Form 580 - In Texas, the 580 form is used for reporting accidents involving injury or damage. It parallels the AA-600 in structure and intent to gather necessary crash details.
  • Form CR-2 - This Ohio form is utilized for crash reports that involve injury or significant property damage. Its design supports the same data collection as the AA-600.
  • Form CRS-1 - In Michigan, the CRS-1 is filled out for accidents resulting in personal injury or damage. It shares similarities with the AA-600 in both purpose and procedure.

Each of these forms serves to document critical information surrounding traffic incidents, facilitating the investigation and claims processes post-accident.

Dos and Don'ts

Here are five essential actions to consider when filling out the Pa AA 600 form, as well as five pitfalls to avoid:

  • Do provide accurate details for the accident location, including the exact city, street name, or highway number.
  • Do ensure all drivers and vehicle information matches what is on their official documentation.
  • Do submit the form within the required five days after the accident.
  • Do include a detailed narrative of the accident, outlining events before, during, and after the incident.
  • Do make sure to sign the form. It cannot be processed without a signature.
  • Don't leave any fields blank, particularly those related to injuries and towing.
  • Don't use unclear landmarks like house numbers. Stick to official identifiers like mile posts or segment markers.
  • Don't forget to include a diagram of the accident scene. It's a necessary part of the report.
  • Don't submit cash if you are requesting a stamped copy of the report. Only checks or money orders are accepted.
  • Don't file the report late, as all submissions must be made within the specified timeframe.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the PA AA-600 Form

  • It’s optional to fill out the PA AA-600 form. Some people believe that filing this form is optional after an accident. In fact, if an accident results in injury or significant vehicle damage, it is mandatory to complete and submit the form.
  • All accident reports are public records. Many assume that the information contained in the PA AA-600 form is public. However, the reports are confidential and not available as trial evidence, ensuring the privacy of those involved.
  • A police investigation is always required. There is a common myth that a police investigation is necessary for any accident. The PA AA-600 form specifically addresses situations where police do not investigate. Drivers must report the accident to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) if no police report is available.
  • The form must be submitted immediately. Some believe they must submit the completed form immediately after an accident. While prompt submission is encouraged, drivers have up to five days to forward the report to PennDOT.
  • Completing the form electronically suffices. There is a misconception that electronic submissions are sufficient on their own. All forms, whether completed digitally or handwritten, require a physical signature. The report cannot be processed without it.
  • There is a fee to submit the form. Many assume there are costs associated with submitting the PA AA-600 form. However, there is no fee to file the report itself. A fee applies only to obtaining copies of the submitted report later.

Key takeaways

1. The AA-600 form is required for all drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania that result in injury or vehicle damage necessitating towing.

2. It is crucial to submit the report within five days of the accident to avoid any legal issues.

3. Ensure to use the official form available at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) website to prevent your submission from being returned.

4. All information must be filled out completely, including details about all participants involved in the accident, such as drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

5. A signed form is mandatory, and the report cannot be processed without a signature on page two.

6. If narratives need to be completed, provide a detailed account of the accident. This should include actions before, during, and after the incident.

7. Diagrams must be included, clearly indicating vehicle positions and directions at the time of the accident. A north arrow is also necessary.

8. Retain a copy of the completed report for your personal records; it is important for reference in any future proceedings.

9. When submitting payment for a stamped copy of the report, only a check or money order is accepted. Cash cannot be processed.