Should I Call the Police After a Car Accident in Illinois?

If you’re wondering, Should I Call the Police After a Car Accident in Illinois?, the answer is almost always yes. Calling the police after a car accident is a critical step in protecting your health, rights, and any potential claims. 

In Illinois, and especially in Chicago, where thousands of car accident police reports are filed every year, an official police report can provide the unbiased documentation needed for insurance claims, legal action, and resolving disputes about fault. 

Legal obligations may even require you to report the accident, especially when injuries or major property damage are involved.

With high traffic volumes and dense intersections, accident scenes are a daily reality. If you’re involved in an accident, filing a timely accident report can make the difference between fair insurance claims and a lengthy legal battle.

Illinois Law Dictates When You Must File A Police Report

Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, certain car accident scenarios legally require drivers to report the incident. Under 625 ILCS 5/ Illinois Vehicle Code, drivers must notify the police immediately if the accident involves:

• Fatalities and injuries, even for minor accidents
• Property damage exceeding $1,500 (or $500 if either driver is uninsured)
• An accident involving a school bus or occurring within 50 feet of a school bus stop

Failing to call the police after a car accident that meets these conditions could result in penalties and may jeopardize your ability to recover damages later.

Why It’s Important to Call the Police After a Car Crash

Filing a police report after a car accident helps protect your legal rights and supports any future claims. When law enforcement responds, they document key facts about the accident, including the time, location, people involved, and initial observations. 

This documentation is often used in legal proceedings, particularly when fault is disputed. Even in what appear to be minor accidents, a report from the Chicago police department can help confirm property damage, medical attention received, and details that might otherwise be forgotten.

How Officer Observations Support Your Case

The responding officer who arrives at the scene evaluates the vehicles involved, notes visible damage, and records the condition of the roadway. These observations, combined with any traffic citations issued, create a clearer picture of what happened. 

The local police report also logs whether any drivers admitted fault, appeared distracted, or failed to follow traffic laws. This kind of essential evidence can strengthen your position in both legal claims and insurance reviews.

Witness Statements Add Credibility

Statements from drivers and bystanders are collected during the investigation. These accounts can highlight how the crash unfolded, providing an unbiased record of the car accident. Witness input adds credibility to your version of events and may be used later during legal proceedings or when resolving a dispute with your car insurance company.

Traffic Violations Can Indicate Fault

If a police officer cites one of the drivers for a traffic violation, that citation becomes part of the report. These details matter when determining fault or assigning responsibility. Attorneys or insurance adjusters may use them when reviewing the accident report to decide how compensation is handled.

What the Report Includes

A complete report lists all parties involved, notes the drivers’ names, and includes information about injuries, driver’s license status, and weather conditions at the time of the accident. It helps confirm the identity of all parties involved and can document any conflicting statements. 

This kind of report may be the key to preserving evidence and resolving disputes with other parties or insurance companies when pursuing a claim.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Illinois

After a car crash, taking the proper steps can protect your safety and rights. Here’s what to do when another driver is involved:

• Call emergency responders immediately.
• Turn on hazard lights to help prevent further accidents.
• Exchange insurance details with the other driver without admitting fault.
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
• Take photos of car damage and injuries.
  

Next, contact law enforcement. Provide a clear statement to the police officer on the scene. Calling the police immediately ensures an officer is dispatched to the scene to document the accident and assist with safety issues.

If you’re able, collect the following information from the involved parties:

• Full names, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers
• Policy and insurance information 
• License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions
  

Avoid admitting fault, and don’t speculate about the cause. Let the police investigation and legal process determine liability.

Drivers Involved in Hit-and-Run Accidents

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, drivers involved in a crash are legally required to remain at the scene. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in Illinois, especially if the accident resulted in injury or death.

If the other driver leaves before the police arrive:

• Try to note their license plate, make, model, or direction of travel.
• Look for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle.
• Report the hit-and-run to the police immediately.

You can later access the report through the Illinois State Police Crash Report Lookup system. This report can be instrumental in tracking down the responsible party and supporting your claim.

The Role of the Police in Determining Fault After a Car Accident

The police report plays a central role in determining fault. Officers document traffic law violations, interview individuals involved, and assess physical evidence at the scene. These details help paint a picture of what happened, especially if liability is disputed.

Insurance companies often rely heavily on police reports when deciding who is at fault. In court, the report may also be submitted as evidence to support your car accident case.

Obtaining a Police Report for a Car Accident in Illinois

To get a copy of your police report:

• Contact the Chicago Police Department or the relevant local law enforcement or county sheriff’s office where the accident occurred.
• Submit a request online, by mail, or in person.
• Ask your personal injury attorney to obtain it on your behalf.

A copy of the official police report is essential for organizing evidence related to the accident and supporting your insurance claims. It provides the legal foundation for seeking compensation and clarifies the actions of all involved parties.

How a Police Report Supports the Car Accident Claims Process

A police report plays a critical role in establishing key facts after a car accident. When a police officer arrives at the scene, they document accident details such as:

• Date of the accident
• Location of the crash
• Reported injuries
• Vehicle damage
• Any traffic violations issued

This official report includes statements from the drivers and any witnesses, helping to preserve critical evidence that might otherwise be lost.

That documentation becomes useful during legal proceedings and in communication with the car insurance company. It provides an objective account of what happened, which can help resolve disputes and clarify who is responsible. In a personal injury claim, having an official report on file strengthens your position and contributes to a more complete case.

When to Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident in Illinois

If your accident resulted in injuries, vehicle damage, or potential long-term costs, contact a personal injury attorney right away. 

Your lawyer can:

• Gather medical records, witness statements, and accident reports.
• Investigate the accident scene and preserve physical evidence.
• Negotiate with insurance companies and prepare your legal case.

You may also be facing a tight deadline. Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202) limits how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit to two years after the date of the accident. This is why contacting a lawyer early is critical.

The legal process for a personal injury claim following an accident can feel overwhelming, especially when insurance companies try to delay or reduce your settlement. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer helps with insurance claims and protects your right to fair compensation.

Get a Free Consultation with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been in a car accident in Illinois, taking action quickly protects both your health and your rights. Fulfilling your legal obligations includes calling the police, filing an official accident report, and securing the documentation needed to support your insurance claims. These steps can make the difference when you’re trying to get compensation for your injuries and losses.

Our legal team offers consultations free of charge and can walk you through every part of the process for a personal injury lawsuit. We help you pursue full compensation for accident-related costs, such as medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery expenses. You won’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Speak with a trusted Chicago car accident lawyer today by calling (888) 424-5757 or filling out our online form.

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.