Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, leaving those involved searching for answers and assistance in the aftermath. For individuals in Illinois dealing with the repercussions of a car crash, accessing a car crash or highway patrol crash report can be a critical step in understanding the circumstances of the incident.
These reports offer detailed information that can support insurance claims, legal actions, and personal closure. Whether you’re seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, or both, knowing how to look up and obtain these reports is essential for navigating the aftermath.
Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Illinois?
In Illinois, drivers involved in a traffic accident are required by law to report the crash under certain circumstances.
Each driver must file their own crash report if the accident results in death, bodily injury, or property damage exceeding $1,500 when all involved parties have insurance. If any of the drivers lack insurance coverage at the time of the incident, this reporting threshold is lowered to $500 of damage.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to the Police?
In Illinois, if a police officer does not respond to the scene of a car accident, you are required to file a report with the Illinois State Police as soon as possible. The law mandates that this be done within 10 days of the incident. Failure to adhere to this timeframe can result in penalties and may affect an insurance claim related to the accident.
How to File a Crash Report With the Illinois State Police
Filing a crash report with the Illinois State Police is an important step following any vehicular accident to ensure legal compliance and proper documentation of the incident. Here’s what you need to know:
Filing a Crash Report at the Scene
The easiest way to file a crash report is right at the scene of the accident; you should promptly call 911, which will dispatch police officers who can gather all the necessary information and create an accurate report of the event.
Filing an Accident Report Online
If a police officer doesn’t arrive and you need to file a report, you will be permitted to file the accident report online in some cases.
Crashes suitable for online reporting include single-vehicle crashes, non-injury property damage crashes (referred to as property-damage-only crashes), and incidents that occurred on either an interstate highway or state roadways under the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Police.
When a crash meets specific criteria, you will need the following information:
- Date and time of the accident
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Location
- Description of the road surface
- Traffic conditions at the time of the crash
- Contributing causes
You’ll also need:
- Driver information: For driver information, you will need to include the full name of the driver involved, address, date of birth, driver’s license number, and insurance details.
- Vehicle passenger information: In the vehicle passenger information section, record the names, addresses, and contact information of all passengers, as well as their seating position and any injuries sustained.
- Vehicle information: Under vehicle information, specify the make, model, year, color, license plate number, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the involved vehicle.
- Vehicle owner information: This should include the name, address, and insurance information of the person who owns the vehicle if it is different from the driver.
- Damage: In the damage section, describe the extent and location of damage to the vehicle and any other property.
- Events and narrative: For the events and narrative part, provide a clear and detailed account of the accident, including the sequence of events, road conditions, and any contributing factors.
Reporting an Accident That Isn’t Eligible For an Online Traffic Crash Report
If your accident is not eligible to be filed online, you can file in person. Here’s how you can do that:
Determine the Location of Your Traffic Crash
- If the Illinois traffic crash occurred on an Illinois Toll Way, contact ISP Troop 15 at (630) 241-6800 to file ISP accident reports.
- For crashes that happen on a freeway in the Chicago metro area (Cook County), a Desk Report must be filed in person.
Filing a Desk Report for Freeway Accidents in Cook County
If you were involved in a traffic crash on a freeway in the Chicago metro area, the process for filing a Desk Report is straightforward but requires in-person attendance. Troopers are available to take Desk Reports at designated local police departments.
These reports can be filed Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM. For those unable to file during the week, the service is also available anytime on Saturdays and Sundays. Once you arrive at the police station, call (847) 294-4400 to inform you require a Trooper for a desk report.
Drivers can also file crash reports anytime at ISP Troop 3 Metro located at 9511 West Harrison Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Reporting a Hit-and-Run
Hit-and-run crashes require immediate attention, and victims need to file a Desk Report in person to report the crash. It’s crucial not to pursue the fleeing vehicle. Instead, gather as much information as possible about the incident and the offender and report to the authorities promptly.
Desk Reports for hit-and-run incidents can be taken Monday to Friday between 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM or anytime on Saturday and Sunday
Locations for Filing Desk Reports
The following are the locations where you can file a desk report:
Troop 3 Metro
- Chicago Police Department 1st District located at 1718 S. State Street, Chicago IL
- Chicago Police Department 2nd District located at 5101 South Wentworth Avenue, Chicago, IL
- Chicago Police Department 5th District located at 727 E. 111th Street, Chicago IL
- Chicago Police Department 11th District located at 3151 W. Harrison, Chicago IL
- Chicago Police Department 16th District located at 5151 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL
- Lansing Police Department, located at 2710 S. 170th Street, Lansing, IL
- Northfield Police Department located at 350 Walnut, Northfield, IL
- Oak Forest Police Department located at 15440 Central Ave, Oak Forrest, IL
- Summit Police Department located at 5810 S. Archer Road, Summit, IL
- Westchester Police Department located at 10300 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, IL
Troop 3 Collar-North
- Rolling Meadows Police Department located at 3600 Kirchoff Rd, Rolling Meadow
- Addison Police Department located at 3 Friendship Plaza, Addison, IL
- Darion Police Department located at 1710 Plainfield Rd, Darien, IL
Troop 3 Collar-South
- New Lenox Police Department located at 200 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox, IL – Must meet outside.
- IDOT Park and Ride at I-55 and Route 30 Joliet, IL
Once you arrive at any of the specified police stations to file a desk report, contact (847) 294-4400 to inform that you require a Trooper’s assistance for the accident report at that location.
Additionally, crash reports can be filed at any time directly at the ISP Troop 3 Metro, located at 9511 West Harrison Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Are Police Reports Public Record in Illinois?
In Illinois, police reports are generally considered public records, meaning they are accessible to individuals upon request. However, certain restrictions or conditions might apply based on the nature of the report or ongoing investigations.
When access to a police report is not immediately available or if a person wants more detailed information, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides a legal framework for requesting these records. Through a FOIA request, individuals can obtain copies of police reports, with some exceptions for privacy or confidentiality reasons.
How to Get a Car Accident Police Report
The steps to obtaining Illinois state police (ISP) crash reports vary by county. Here’s an overview:
How Long Does It Take to Get a Crash Report in Illinois?
The timeframe for obtaining a crash report in Illinois varies depending on the method of request and the specific municipality involved.
Typically, for online requests, reports can be available as soon as 24 to 72 hours after the incident, provided the report has been filed and processed. For those that must be requested in person or via mail, reports will likely be available within 7 to 10 days.
What Happens if There Is No Police Report for a Car Accident?
In scenarios where a police report is unavailable for a car accident, filing a personal injury claim can become significantly more challenging.
A police report serves as a crucial piece of evidence, providing an unbiased account of the events that transpired, documenting the parties involved, and often including initial assessments of fault. Without this report, individuals may face difficulties in proving the other party’s liability to insurance companies or in court,
In the absence of a police report, it’s important to gather alternative forms of evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene, testimony from witnesses, and medical reports detailing injuries sustained in the accident.
Seeking legal assistance becomes even more crucial under these circumstances. A personal injury lawyer can provide guidance on navigating the claims process, helping compile necessary evidence, and advocating on behalf of the client to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
