FAQs: Car Accident Reports in Illinois

Muhammad Ramadan | February 28, 2023 | Car Accident

You may have heard that, if you were involved in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is call the police. Even if there was no crime, calling the police gives you an opportunity to file a car accident report. But what all goes into a car accident report, and when do you need one?

Car accident reports can be confusing, but they can also be important evidence. Read on to learn more about what goes into them and when you need to file one.

Do I Need a Car Accident Report?

If an accident is minor enough, you may wonder if you really need to get an accident report. But even for small fender benders, it’s important to file an accident report.

If you wind up having to file a personal injury claim, your accident report can be one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case. It will include witness information, as well as an official report of what happened. This can go a long way toward proving your side of the story in a “he said/she said” situation.

What Should I Avoid Saying?

When you’re filing a car accident report, the most important thing you can avoid is admitting any guilt in the accident. 

Illinois is a tort state, which means that the person who was responsible for the accident could be held liable. They could have to pay damages for the injuries and property damage the other driver suffered.

Even if you think the car accident was your fault, never admit any sort of responsibility in an accident report. Determining blame can be complex, and it may turn out that you’re owed damages, rather than having to pay them. But if you say in your report that the accident was your fault, you’re going to have a very hard time proving that down the line.

What’s in a Car Accident Report?

So what all goes into a car accident report? Information can include

• The date and time the accident took place
• The names and contact information of the drivers involved in the crash
• The names and contact information of any witnesses to the scene
• The weather conditions at the time of the accident
• Whether anyone was injured in the accident
• Who caused the accident
• Any citations that were issued in the accident
• A diagram of the scene
• Any statements that one or both drivers made

It is important to note that, even if a car accident report says the crash was your fault, that isn’t a conclusive decision. You can still prove that the other driver was at fault with the help of a good personal injury lawyer.

How Can I Get a Copy of a Car Accident Report?

If you decide to file a personal injury case, you’re going to need to pull a copy of your accident report. 

In Illinois, you can request a redacted copy of your report online or by mail. If you want an unredacted copy of your report, you’ll have to file a subpoena or get an order signed by a judge.

Of course, the most convenient way for you to get your accident report is to let a personal injury lawyer pull it for you. A lawyer will gather all the evidence needed to support your case, including car accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and more. They can also subpoena an unredacted report if needed to support your case.

Get the Help You Need After an Accident

Even if a car accident is minor, it’s still important to file a car accident report. This can be an important piece of evidence later if you decide to file a personal injury claim. Just do your best to avoid admitting any sort of blame while filing the report.

If you need representation after an accident, our lawyers are ready to help. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your legal options.

Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

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