How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Chicago?

Being involved in a car accident in Chicago can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with potential injuries, significant property damage, and the legal steps that follow.

One of the most important things you must do after a crash is report it. Failing to report in the required timeframe can create legal complications, weaken your insurance claim, or even result in a driver’s license suspension.

This guide breaks down the deadlines under Illinois law, how to file a proper report, and how an experienced Chicago car accident attorney can help protect your rights.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Car Accident Law Firm in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Law, we’ve recovered millions for victims of car accidents in Chicago. Here are just a few results:

• $4,000,000 for the family of a passenger killed during a work-related trip
• $3,200,000 for a disabled pedestrian struck in a crosswalk
• $2,000,000 policy-limit recovery for a rollover crash injury

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, there are three main types of accident reporting, each with its own legal requirements:

Reporting to the Police

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-407, you must report a car accident to the local police department or the Chicago Police Department right away if:

• If anyone is injured or killed, or
• There’s more than $1,500 in property damage (or $500 if one of the vehicles was uninsured)

Failing to notify the police within the required time frame could result in fines or legal issues.

Filing an Illinois Crash Report with IDOT

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-408, if the accident meets the above thresholds, you must also file a crash report with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) within 10 days. This is called an Illinois Motorist Report and is different from the police report filed by an officer at the scene.

This official accident report must include all the facts about the incident, including the parties involved, vehicle information, and damages. You can complete it online or request a form from your local DMV or police department.

Reporting to Your Insurance Company

Every car insurance policy includes language requiring you to report the accident in a timely manner, usually within a few days. While this isn’t state law, it’s a legal obligation in your policy. Waiting too long could give the insurer an excuse to deny your insurance claim.

What Information is Included in an Illinois Car Accident Report?

A standard crash report in Illinois includes key details that may be vital if you later file a claim for compensation. It typically contains:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Weather and road conditions
• Names and contact info of all drivers involved
• Descriptions of vehicle damage
• Any witness statements
• Diagrams of the crash
• Citations or violations issued
• Name and badge number of the responding police officer

This document becomes part of the official record and can be used by insurance companies, attorneys, and the court system.

What Happens if You Don’t File an Accident Report in Illinois

Failing to report a car accident can carry serious consequences and legal penalties:

• Fines or license suspension for violating reporting requirements
• Difficulty seeking compensation from insurance companies
• A weaker case if you choose to pursue legal action
• Loss of potential evidence if no official report exists

Timely reporting ensures your side of the story is documented and that you meet all legal requirements. The report is not just a legal requirement, but essential evidence if you want to pursue compensation for any injuries sustained.

Illinois Law Deadlines for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations to file a car accident lawsuit in Illinois is:

• 2 years for personal injury
• 5 years for property damage

If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to recover damages entirely, even if the other driver was clearly at fault. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a car accident attorney well before these deadlines.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Report

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our attorneys help clients across Chicago with every step of the reporting process. Whether your report has already been filed, or you’re unsure if it was, we can:

• Obtain the police report and review it for accuracy.
• Help you complete and submit your Illinois crash report.
• Collect supporting documents like medical records, photos, and witness statements.
• Use the report as evidence when negotiating with insurance companies.
• Build a compelling case if you need to pursue legal action.

If you haven’t filed a report yet, we can assist you in doing so while protecting your legal interests.

Why Choose Our Chicago Car Accident Law Firm

With decades of experience, our team understands the nuances of Illinois law and how to handle even the most complex vehicle accidents. We:

• Have a proven record of results.
• Offer personalized support from start to finish.
• Handle negotiations and litigation against tough insurance companies.
• Are highly rated by former clients and respected by peers.

Book a Free Consultation with a Chicago Attorney Near You!

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Illinois, don’t delay. Whether you need help filing your report, dealing with insurance companies, or preparing for a lawsuit, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation and speak with an experienced attorney. Let our personal injury law firm in Chicago help you protect your rights, meet all reporting deadlines, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.