Anyone involved in a car accident in Illinois, even if they didn’t cause it, is responsible for promptly reporting the crash. Failing to do so may result in legal and financial penalties. If someone else caused your car accident, and you have serious injuries, you may want to pursue legal action. If you didn’t report the incident, this could cause issues with the insurance company.
844SeeMike Personal Injury Lawyers is a leading personal injury law firm based in Chicago, devoted to representing injured victims. In this blog post, we discuss what you need to know about the Illinois accident report timeframe, how waiting could impact your case, and how an Illinois car wreck attorney can help you in the aftermath.
Understanding Illinois Law and the State’s Requirements for Reporting Car Accidents
Illinois requires all drivers involved in a car accident to report the incident if there’s more than $1,500 in property damage, injuries, or fatalities.
If the other driver was uninsured, the amount of property damage must exceed $500 rather than $1,500. However, you don’t need to meet these factors to report a car accident. In fact, it’s best to report a car accident to your local police department or the Chicago Police Department as soon as possible to get an official report.
How and When to Report an Accident in Illinois
After a car accident, you shouldn’t leave the scene without getting the other driver’s information, even if no one is hurt. The best way to report a car accident is by calling 911. The police will create an accident report that provides details of this incident. The police report will typically include the names of all drivers involved, their insurance company, and contact information. It will also list any injuries, traffic violations, witnesses, and observations made by the officer.
You can also report common types of accidents online, like a single-vehicle car accident or a minor fender bender that only results in property damage. Having a police report, an online report, or even a desk report that you can file in person at the police department is required for documenting your car accident to file an insurance claim.
As for when you need to report a car accident, state law once mandated that motorists needed to take this action within 10 days. This is no longer a requirement since 2021. However, it’s best not to wait. Calling the police and getting a copy of the police report will better protect your legal rights when filing an insurance claim.
Legal Implications of Failing to Meet the Accident Report Deadline in Illinois
There may no longer be mandated deadlines for reporting an accident, but you could face serious consequences if you don’t report the crash. For example, if someone was hurt or died in the accident, you’re required to call the police immediately. This may result in fines and other penalties, such as the suspension of your driver’s license.
Additionally, the insurance company will be more likely to have issues with your insurance claim. You may even be blamed for the accident by the insurance company.
Every driver involved in a motor vehicle accident has legal obligations that they must follow when there’s significant property damage, injury, or death. Even if the accident occurred without these issues, it’s best to protect your legal rights by calling the police and getting a police report. Failing to do so promptly could mean you miss the statute of limitations on car accidents, leaving you high and dry if you need to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Accident in Illinois
When you’re involved in a crash, make sure you do the following things in the aftermath:
Report the Crash
You must report an accident with extensive vehicle damage, injuries, or fatalities. It’s not just a legal requirement, as getting the police involved will help you protect your rights and make it easier to recover damages caused by the negligent driver.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
Chances are, if your vehicle has significant damage, you will have injuries, even if you can’t see them. Internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries are common in serious crashes, and getting prompt medical care will prevent them from becoming life-threatening issues. Additionally, this treatment creates medical records that link your injuries to the accident.
Exchange Information with All Parties Involved
Another one of the legal requirements you must follow after an accident is to share information. Detailed information should include their insurance and contact information, among other items.
Get Evidence
Taking photos and videos goes a long way to help in preserving evidence of the accident. You’ll also want to get witness statements from anyone who saw what happened.
Involve a Lawyer
The laws for fault and comparative negligence in Illinois could mean that you’re blamed for the accident. To make a timely report and protect your rights, you should consult an attorney who can help you through this process.
How Illinois Car Accident Lawyers Can Help with Car Crash Reports
It’s important to report your car accident, even a minor one. You never know when the other driver may try to twist things around and claim they’re hurt. You may have serious and painful injuries along with an array of financial impacts as a result of their negligence.
By reporting what happened and working with a lawyer, you’ll be better able to navigate the way forward in seeking compensation. The Chicago personal injury lawyers at 844SeeMike Personal Injury Lawyers provide a free consultation that can help you determine your legal options after a car accident. Use this opportunity to learn more and decide how you want to proceed.
