FAQs: Car Accident Reports in Illinois
Getting into a car accident is stressful, but obtaining a crash report afterward shouldn’t be. Here are a few commonly asked questions to guide you through the process.
When Do I Need To File a Car Accident Report in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, you must report a crash within 10 days if the accident caused:
- Death or injury to any person
- Property damage over $1,500 (or $500 if any driver doesn’t have insurance)
- Damage to state roads or highways
This applies everywhere in Illinois, including Lake County. If you don’t file a report when required, you could lose your license or face other penalties.
How Do I Get a Crash Report in Lake County?
There are several ways you can get your crash report after a car accident in Lake County:
Online
Visit the Illinois State Police website and pay a $5 fee plus a small service charge if using a credit card (about $1.00).
By Mail
Send a written request to the Illinois State Police, making sure to include:
- The crash report number
- The date and location of the crash
- The names of the people involved
- A $5 check made out to “Illinois State Police”
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope
Reports tend to take about five to seven business days to become available after an accident.
Through the Lake County Sheriff’s Office
For accidents handled by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, you’ll need to submit a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request. You can do this:
- Online through their FOIA portal
- By mail to Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Attention: FOIA, 25 S Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085
- By fax at 847-984-5974
If a local police department responded to your accident rather than the state police or the county sheriff, contact them directly.
What Information Is in an Illinois Crash Report?
Reports obtained through standard requests will be redacted (meaning personal information is removed) unless you have a court order or subpoena.
However, a typical Illinois crash report includes:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Basic information about the people involved
- Insurance details for all vehicles involved
- A diagram depicting how the accident happened
- Responding officers’ observations
- Any tickets issued
- Witness information
- Weather and road conditions
This official record provides valuable information for insurance claims despite the redactions required by Illinois law.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid With Accident Reports?
Small errors when handling accident reports can cause big problems later on. As such, you should try to avoid the following:
- Not calling the police after a minor accident
- Waiting too long to file your report
- Telling different stories to police and insurance investigators
- Not reporting injuries that seem minor but get worse later
- Failing to check the report for inaccuracies
- Signing anything from insurance companies before seeing the official report
Taking time to ensure that the report is complete and accurate can help protect your rights and interests after an accident.
Can I Fix Errors in My Accident Report?
Yes. To do so, however, you’ll need the following:
- A written statement pointing out the specific mistakes
- Evidence like photos or witness statements
- A possible meeting with the officer who wrote the report
- An official amendment form
If the dispute is more complicated, consider hiring a car accident lawyer to help with the process.
Are Crash Reports Important For Your Car Accident Case?
Crash reports outline what responding officers observed at the scene of an accident, often including details like physical evidence, witness information, factors that might have contributed to the collision, and the officer’s opinion on who was responsible. This information could prove invaluable if you decide to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit later on.
Contact Our Northbrook Car Accident Law Firm at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers
If you were injured in an accident in Northbrook, IL, and need legal help, contact our Northbrook car accident lawyers at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers
601 Skokie Blvd Suite 401
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 513-9582
