Although the likelihood of being involved in a car accident in your lifetime is high, the fact is that many people aren’t sure of what they should do after an accident. Most people know that they should exchange information with the other driver, but what about calling the police?
Illinois Car Accident Reporting Requirements
Car accident reporting requirements differ from state to state. According to state law, all accidents that occur in Illinois must be reported if:
- The accident caused an injury or death
- The accident resulted in $1,500 or more in property damage and both drivers are insured
- The accident resulted in $500 or more in property damage and one or more drivers are uninsured
Because of these requirements, many minor accidents go unreported. However, a police report differs from an accident report in many ways. The effects of a minor car accident can escalate, and obtaining a police report can help you prove the other driver was negligent or at fault should injuries become more severe after the accident.
What’s Included in a Police Report
Obtaining a police report provides far more detail than an accident report. Additionally, police reports can serve as key pieces of evidence when filing a claim for injuries, property damage, or other losses caused by the accident. Even minor accidents can benefit from a police report because you never know if a small injury may become more severe as time goes on – a common issue with even the most minor accidents.
A police report will contain information about the location of the accident such as the time of day when the accident occurred, road conditions, and weather. It will also include information about the condition of both vehicles, injuries, and whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Illinois Car Accident?
Regardless of whether your minor car accident meets Illinois’ reporting guidelines, you should still consider calling the police to the scene of the accident for a report. In the state of Illinois, you have 10 days to report the accident to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Remember, though, that a police report isn’t the same as an accident report. When you report the accident yourself, you may miss out on some of the details that a trained officer would include. Additionally, you may not remember all of the specifics of the accident, which may hurt your case if your minor accident turns into a major injury. If you suspect that you have any injuries, always call the police to the scene of the accident, even if the other driver doesn’t want to involve the police. Even fender benders can result in whiplash, cuts, burns, broken bones, or brain and spine injuries, so don’t hesitate to call 911 after any accident.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer After Minor Accidents?
All car accidents are different. If you were injured after a minor car accident in Illinois, you might be considering hiring a car accident lawyer. At the Saperstein Law Group, we bring our experience and compassion to every case. Discuss the details of your accident with a member of our law team today to learn more about how we can help.