In Illinois, there are approximately 676 traffic crashes each day. Despite taking every safe driving In Illinois, there are approximately 676 traffic crashes each day. Despite taking every safe driving precaution, there is always a chance of a car accident. Whether you’re the victim of a drunk driving, texting while driving, or reckless driving accident, our Chicagoland auto accident attorneys are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
We want to help Chicagoans know what to do when they’re in a car accident.
After a car accident, you must file a police report. We cannot stress how important it is to understand the rules and regulations surrounding police reports, especially since state laws are at play. You could be hit with a fine or jail time if you don’t comply.
To avoid any issues, here is how to file a police report after an auto accident.
Why Do I Need to File a Crash Report?
Filing a police report isn’t a formality; it’s your way of protecting your rights and preserving the opportunity for compensation after a traffic accident.
A police report establishes an official, impartial record of the accident. This document encompasses the facts of the incident, the parties involved, vehicle details, witness accounts, and the officer’s observations at the scene. All this information is utilized in a court of law during any auto accident dispute.
This official record serves as a crucial piece of evidence for insurance claims and any possible legal proceedings.
But a police report isn’t just for court. Insurance companies rely on police reports when processing car accident claims.
Without a police report, you might encounter substantial delays or even denial of your insurance claim, as the insurance company may lack enough evidence to establish liability.
Illinois law mandates filing a crash report under specific circumstances (death, bodily injury, or property damage exceeding certain thresholds).
Filing a police report at the scene by calling 9-1-1 ensures that you fulfill your legal obligations and avoid potential penalties.
When Do I Need to File a Crash Report?
Drivers involved in a traffic accident must file a crash report if the crash caused “death, bodily injury, or more than $1,500 of property damage when all drivers are insured.” If a driver is uninsured, the threshold is $500.
Illinois requires you to file a report with the state police within ten days if no police officer arrives at the accident scene.
How to File a Police Report After a Car Accident
The immediate aftermath of an auto accident is frightening, nerve-wracking, and sometimes even an out-of-body experience. There are so many thoughts running through your mind that you don’t know what to do first.
Friend, Levinson, Turner Law wants to help you with all the information you need to file a police report before an accident occurs so you can have the information memorized during an emergency.
Call 9-1-1
Timing matters when filing a police report. We always recommend that the first thing you do after an auto accident is call 9-1-1.
They will send a responding officer to the scene after telling the dispatcher that you’ve been in an accident.
Do not leave the scene before speaking with the police officer.
If you suffer any immediate or post-accident injuries, you need the police report as evidence.
Answer Any Questions
Once the responding officer arrives, they will ask a series of questions and collect vital pieces of personal information from the parties involved.
These include driver statements, vehicle damages, witness contact information, injuries noted at the scene, and an accident scene diagram.
All of that information is pertinent to the accident report. Once the officer gathers statements, quotes, and images, they will file the police report.
You don’t have to do any extra work to file the report. In turn, you won’t have to worry about being out of compliance with state laws regarding police reports.
Get a Copy of the Report
Once the police file the crash report, you may obtain a copy online or by mail. If you believe you’ve suffered damages due to someone else’s reckless driving, our team will assist you in acquiring a copy of the report.
What Should I Do if I Do Not Call the Police?
We never recommend this, but if you do not call the police after an auto accident, and there is no responding officer to file the report, you’ll need to make sure you file one within ten days of the accident.
If you go this route, you’ll need to collect the following after the accident:
- Pictures of the accident scene and the cars involved in the incident (make sure those photos include the make, model, and license plates of the vehicles)
- Phone recordings of any witness statements
- Video surveillance footage from cameras that you see near the scene of the accident
After collecting this information, try to get all the individuals involved in the accident to go to the police department to file a police report together.
To be safe, collect the drivers’ personal information before leaving the scene. This should include photographs of driver’s licenses, telephone numbers, and insurance carrier information.
Keeping a Visual Record of the Accident Scene
While a police report is undeniably necessary, keeping your visual record of the accident scene provides your attorney with additional evidence to get you the compensation you deserve.
You may also need these documents for insurance claims.
When it’s safe to do so, and before vehicles are moved (unless directed by law enforcement), you will want to do the following.
First, take lots of photos. Your smartphone camera is your most powerful tool here. Take as many photos as possible from various angles. Be methodical and tell the story of the accident through your pictures.
Give particular attention to the specific points of impact and damage to your vehicle and the other involved vehicle(s). Capture dents, scratches, broken glass, deployed airbags, and other visible damage.
If safe and not obstructing traffic, photograph the vehicles in their final resting positions after the collision.
Also, photograph any nearby landmarks to establish the exact location and orientation of the vehicles.
Don’t forget to take photos of potholes, uneven pavement, or debris. If the weather is a factor, do your best to get relevant images.
If you feel more comfortable, also take a video of the scene. All information will be helpful to your attorney on the days following an accident.
Need Help After An Auto Accident? Call FLT Law Today.
Our goal at FLT Law is to ensure you are ready to take control if the unthinkable happens. An auto accident can happen to anyone, and our team is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one is injured or a victim of an auto accident, please call my office at 312-346-8465 or contact us using the form below.
