After a car accident in Illinois, it’s important not to overlook the accident report, especially if the police didn’t respond to the scene. In Illinois, reporting a car accident is not just a formality; in some cases, it’s required by law. Our legal team can help you understand your reporting obligations and ensure everything is filed accurately and on time, so nothing gets in the way of your recovery or your right to compensation.
- Do I Have To File a Police Report After a Car Accident in Illinois?
- Can I File a Car Crash Report Online in Illinois?
- Do I Have to Go In-Person To File a Police Report After an Accident?
- What Information Is Needed for a Car Accident Report in Illinois?
- Need Help Filing a Car Accident Report in Illinois? The Illinois Hammer Is Here for You
Do I Have To File a Police Report After a Car Accident?
Under Illinois law, you must file a crash report if the accident involves any of the following:
- There is injury to or death of any person
- There is damage over $1,500 to any single vehicle or property
- There is over $500 in damage to any uninsured vehicle
Even if you’re unsure whether a report is required, filing one is in your best interest. At The Illinois Hammer, we recommend reporting every accident, no matter how minor. A complete and accurate crash report can strengthen your car accident claim, protect your legal rights, and help you get the injury settlement results you deserve.
Can I File a Car Crash Report Online in Illinois?
In some cases, yes. You can file a crash report online through the Illinois State Police portal if all of the following apply:
- Only one vehicle was involved
- No one was injured
- The accident occurred on a U.S. Route or Interstate within Illinois
If your crash doesn’t meet these conditions, you’ll need to file your report in person or by contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Some cities in Illinois, like Joliet, Waukegan, Urbana, and Aurora, offer their own online police reporting portals. However, each municipality sets its own rules for what types of incidents qualify for online reporting. Most require the crash to be minor and injury-free.
Not every city’s portal accepts crash reports. For example, cities like Moline and Belleville limit online submissions to non-traffic incidents. Always check your local police department’s website to confirm their requirements before submitting a report online.
If you’re unsure where to start or need help filing a crash report, The Illinois Hammer is here to guide you every step of the way.
Do I Have to Go In-Person To File a Police Report After an Accident?
If a police officer didn’t respond to the scene, you may need to visit your local precinct to file a report. Whether an in-person visit is required depends on the details of your crash and where it occurred.
The best way to find out is to contact the local police department in the area where the accident happened. You can often find instructions on their official website or by calling their non-emergency number. If you’re in Chicago, you can dial 311 for assistance with next steps.
What Information Is Needed for a Car Accident Report in Illinois?
Filing a car accident report in Illinois requires specific details about the crash. Even if you don’t have every piece of information, it’s still important to file the report, especially if there were injuries or property damage. A thorough and accurate report can strengthen your claim and protect your rights.
Here’s what to include:
Details of Crash
Include as much information as possible about what happened. Write down the time, date, and sequence of events. Note the weather conditions, road signs, and traffic signals. Gather contact information for any witnesses and take photos of the scene if possible. The more details you provide, the stronger your report and case can be.
Crash Location
Be specific about where the accident occurred. Whether it happened on a state route, interstate, city street, or rural road, location can determine which agency handles your report and may affect how your claim is processed.
Who Was Driving and In The Vehicle?
List everyone who was in your vehicle and any other vehicles involved. This includes names, contact information, and driver’s license numbers, if available. You may need to file a separate report even if you were a passenger.
Vehicle Information
Document the make, model, year, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved. Include photos if you have them. Accurate vehicle details help insurance companies and investigators assess damage and liability.
Damage
Describe any damage to vehicles, surrounding property, or personal injuries. It’s important to note even minor symptoms, as some injuries may take hours or days to fully appear. Always seek medical attention after a crash to document your condition.
Need Help Filing a Car Accident Report in Illinois? The Illinois Hammer Is Here for You
Filing a crash report after an accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At The Illinois Hammer, our experienced team can walk you through the reporting process and help you protect your legal rights from the start. Contact us today for a free consultation.
