What You Need to Know About Filing a Traffic Crash Report in Illinois

What You Need to Know About Filing a Traffic Crash Report in Illinois

Whether you are involved in a light or heavy traffic accident, you must file a crash report with the Illinois Department of Transportation (DOT) within 10 days. As a rule, you don’t have to file a report if the accident caused $1,500 worth of damages, but the rules can change if you were partially responsible for the incident. If you fail to file a report before the deadline, you may have to pay a hefty fine and lose your driver’s license.

Why You Should File a Traffic Report ASAP

The accident report can be filed by either the driver, the police officers who arrive at the scene or passengers. You should file a report as soon as possible so you can use it as proof for a personal injury case, which will allow you to get compensated for your medical bills and wages you lost during your recovery. You can also receive compensation for emotional trauma you suffered. Here are a few reasons why this is important:

• You can correct discrepancies in the crash report before the insurance companies receive
• Your insurance company can use it to prove your claims
• Your attorney will be able to move your case forward much sooner if they have the report

Car accidents and traffic crashes can be stressful, confusing, and legally significant events. In communities like Antioch, Lake Villa, Gurnee, Waukegan, and other parts of Lake and northern Illinois, understanding when and how to file a traffic crash report under Illinois law is important for protecting your rights, complying with legal requirements, and preserving evidence for insurance claims or personal injury cases.

This comprehensive guide explains Illinois crash reporting requirements, how to file reports, important timelines, why reporting matters, and how legal guidance can help you navigate complex post-accident issues.

Why Filing a Traffic Crash Report Matters in Illinois

After a car accident, documenting the incident through a formal traffic crash report serves multiple crucial purposes:

• Provides an official record of what occurred
• Helps preserve evidence for insurance claims
• Can support personal injury or property damage claims
• Protects you from potential legal penalties for failing to report
• Assists law enforcement and state agencies in tracking crash data
  

Although statutory requirements have evolved, drivers may still need to file crash reports in situations involving serious injury, death, or significant property damage, and having a report can be essential in resolving disputes and claims.†

When Must You File a Crash Report in Illinois?

Under current Illinois law, drivers are no longer universally requiredto file a motorist crash report with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in all circumstances. However, reporting remains critically important in many situations.†

Mandatory Reporting Situations

Illinois statutes and related guidance outline clear conditions under which reporting is required:

• The crash resulted in bodily injury or death to any person
• There was property damage exceeding $1,500 when all drivers are insured
• There was property damage exceeding $500 when a driver involved is uninsured
• The accident involved a school bus and resulted in injury, death, or damage
• The crash occurred near a school bus and caused injury or death within 50 feet of the bus
  

In these scenarios, crash reporting by law enforcement and individuals remains crucial to compliance with state requirements.†

Local Police and Law Enforcement Responses

If law enforcement investigates the accident at the scene, the responding officer will typically prepare a police crash report. That report is key for insurance claims and legal matters. However, if no officer responds — particularly for accidents outside city limits or where law enforcement is otherwise unavailable — drivers may need to take steps to ensure the crash is properly documented.†

How to File a Traffic Crash Report in Illinois

Even when reporting is not strictly requiredby statute, it is highly advisable, especially if someone was injured, the other driver disputes fault, or you plan to pursue an insurance claim or legal action after the accident.

Police-Handled Crash Reports

If police or a sheriff’s deputy investigates the accident at the scene, they will complete an official report. This is often the most useful documentation for insurance claims and legal purposes. After the report is completed, a copy can usually be obtained through the law enforcement agency that responded or via the appropriate state reporting portal.

Online Crash Reporting

For certain types of non-injury, single-vehicle property damage crashes on Interstates or state roadways where law enforcement did not respond, the Illinois State Police provides an online reporting option. This allows motorists to complete a crash report electronically.†

Motorist Crash Reports and Paper Forms

Historically, motorists used the Illinois Motorist Report (SR-1050 series) to file crash information with IDOT. While legislative changes have altered reporting requirements, locally filed forms and law enforcement reports remain important in documenting crash details for insurance and legal purposes.†

What Information Is Included in a Crash Report?

A complete crash report typically includes:

• Date, time, and precise location of the crash
• Names, addresses, and driver information of all parties involved
• Vehicle details (make, model, license plate)
• Insurance information for all drivers
• Witness contact information (if any)
• Narrative description of how the crash occurred
• Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash
• Observations about injuries, vehicle damage, and signals or traffic control devices
  

This information becomes invaluable when determining liability, reconstructing the accident, and preparing insurance or legal claims.

Reporting Deadlines and Timelines

Even though Illinois law does not require a motorist crash report in all situations, there are still deadlines for law enforcement and certain reporting processes:

• Law enforcement and investigating agencies must submit crash reports to IDOT within 10 days of the incident.†
• For online or motorist reports, drivers should submit documentation promptly to preserve details while memories are fresh and evidence is clear.
  

Prompt reporting also facilitates faster claims processing and helps prevent disputes with insurance companies.

Why You Should Report Any Significant Crash

Even when reporting is not legally mandatory, filing an official accident report is often in your best interest:

• Protects your legal rights in case of disputed fault
• Documents injuries, including those that may appear later
• Provides evidence if you file a personal injury or property damage claim
• Offers a neutral narrative from law enforcement to support your version of events

Insurance companies and courts place significant weight on official reports, especially when third parties are involved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Crash Reporting

Many individuals unintentionally weaken their claims by making avoidable errors:

• Failing to report at all after a qualifying crash
• Delaying reporting until memories fade or evidence is lost
• Omitting details such as witness information, weather, or road signs
• Admitting fault or speculating about causes rather than stating facts
• Forgetting to obtain and review the police or crash report
  

Avoiding these mistakes helps preserve your ability to recover insurance compensation or pursue legal remedies for injuries and damages.

What to Do Immediately After a Traffic Crash in Illinois

If you are involved in a crash near Antioch, Round Lake, Lake Villa, or north Lake County:

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911
   Check for injuries, get medical help if needed, and call police so they can document the scene.
2. Exchange Information
   Collect names, addresses, license plate numbers, driver’s license and insurance information.
3. Document the Scene
   Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
   Notify your insurer promptly; failure to report within required periods can jeopardize your claim.
5. Obtain the Crash Report
   Request a copy of the police report or other crash documentation once available.
6. Consult an Attorney
   If there are injuries, disputes, or significant damage, legal guidance can ensure your rights are protected and that you pursue full compensation.
   

Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Crash Reports in Illinois

Do I Have to File a Crash Report After Every Accident?

No. Current Illinois law no longer obligates all drivers to file a crash report with IDOT in every instance. However, you must still contact law enforcement at the scene for injury, death, or significant property damage, and reporting is strongly advised for insurance and legal purposes.†

What Happens If I Fail to Report a Qualifying Accident?

Failing to report an accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage can lead to penalties, including fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges, especially if you leave the scene without providing required information.†

How Long Do I Have to Report a Crash?

Law enforcement agencies are required to submit reports to the state within 10 days of a crash. If you are submitting your own documentation, do so as soon as possible after the accident to preserve evidence and details.†

Can a Passenger File a Crash Report?

Yes. If the driver is unable to file due to injury, a passenger may file the required report with law enforcement or through appropriate reporting channels.

How Can I Get a Copy of My Crash Report?

Crash reports can be obtained online through the Illinois State Police portal, by mail to the Illinois State Police Patrol Records Unit, or directly from the law enforcement agency that investigated the crash. There is typically a small fee for copies.†

How Legal Guidance Helps After a Crash

Navigating post-accident procedures, insurance claims, and potential legal disputes can be overwhelming. A skilled car accident attorney can:

• Help you interpret the crash report and evidence
• Identify all liable parties
• Manage communications with insurance companies
• Protect your rights in injury and property damage claims
• Advise on deadlines, statutes of limitations, and legal strategy
  

Legal representation is especially important when injuries are serious or fault is contested.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash, get in touch with the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens at (847) 395-2200 for a free consultation. We represent traffic victims in Chicago, Libertyville, Woodstock, Waukegan, and Antioch. With more than two decades of experience in auto accident claims, our team of professionals will leave no stone unturned to ensure you receive justice. This includes aggressive representation against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, which will try to deny or reduce your claim. Just look at our case files available on our website and see our success rate for yourself.