Obtaining a copy of your Chicago police report is essential in the aftermath of a car accident. This can help you prove to your insurance company that you were not at fault in an accident and will also show that the police department took action. Without a police report, the likelihood that an insurance company will accept your claim decreases significantly.
In this Article:
- Why You Need a Police Report?
- Is a Police Report Required After an Accident?
- How to Get a Police Report After an Accident?
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Police Report?
- How A Chicago Accident Lawyer Can Help
Why You Need a Police Report
A police report is a vital piece of evidence in a car accident lawsuit. It can be used to prove fault in court and it may also be used to obtain medical records.
Additionally, insurance companies often need a police report to verify and approve your claim. Without it, proving fault can become a game of he said she said.
Is a Police Report Required After an Accident?
In most cases, yes, a police report is required after an accident. Illinois Statute requires any vehicle crash to be reported to law enforcement when:
- There is injury to or death of any person
- There is damage over $1500 to any single vehicle or property
- There is over $500 in damages to any uninsured vehicle
Additionally, it may not be possible to file a police report online in some cases. You can only file a crash report online if the accident involves:
- property damage only (non-injury) crashes;
- single vehicle crashes;
- crashes that occurred on interstate highways or Illinois State Roadways (under the jurisdiction of Illinois State Police).
All 2 vehicle crashes must be reported in person and cannot be submitted via the Online Crash Reporting Application.
The best step to take following an accident is to call 9-1-1 or, for minor offenses, contact the non-emergency line for your district. This way, the officer on the scene can make the police report themselves.
How to Get a Police Report After an Accident?
To request a copy of your police report after an accident, you must visit the Chicago Police Department website. You can request a copy of the traffic report online by entering your information in their online.
You will need to provide the accident’s date, time, location, and insurance information so that they can provide you with a copy of their crash report.
You can only request a police report online if it was completed after 2016. Any reports completed prior to 2016, you must go in person to the following location:
Chicago Police Department Records Customer Service Section 3510 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60653
How Much Does a Traffic Crash Report Cost?
To request a traffic crash report from CPD, you must pay a small fee of $6.00 per report. That includes a $5.00 service fee and a $1.00 convenience fee.
You can pay the fee online when you submit your request.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Police Report?
Once a police report is filed following a traffic accident, it may take a few business days before it is available to the public online. If you cannot find your police report online, it’s possible it hasn’t been made available online yet. Consider waiting a day or so before checking back again.
What to Do if You Cannot Find Your Police Report
How A Chicago Accident Lawyer Can Help
Obtaining a police report following an accident is relatively straightforward. However, for more complex cases, valuable information on the police report may be redacted. In these cases, a subpoena or an order signed by a judge would be required. An attorney would have the skills and expertise to handle such requests when necessary.
Not only can our team at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers help you get a police report, we can also provide legal representation for all other matters in your case so you can focus on healing and recovery.
Still unsure if you need a lawyer? We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your legal rights after a crash. For a FREE consultation, contact us today or call (312) 600-6000. Find out why thousands say… Larry wins!
