{"id":373051,"date":"2017-10-03T18:47:45","date_gmt":"2017-10-03T23:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-car-accident-reporting-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-12-19T16:21:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T21:21:00","slug":"illinois-car-accident-reporting-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-car-accident-reporting-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Car Accident Reporting Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illinois Car Accident Reporting Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Whether you’re in Chicago or the suburbs, you need to be careful driving in the State of Illinois. If you get into a car crash, you should know whether to file a car crash report. Before August 2021, state law required motorists to file a car accident report<\/a> with the Department of Transportation (DOT) if the accident caused death, bodily injury, or more than $1,500 in property damage. But, this changed when the Illinois General Assembly passed Public Act 102-0560<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Under the new act, drivers no longer have to report motor vehicle accidents. Only state employees are required to do so now. But, that does not mean you shouldn\u2019t report the crash. It\u2019s still in your best interest to document the crash. This will help support your insurance claim and, if necessary, your personal injury lawsuit<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll discuss Illinois\u2019 car accident reporting laws. We will also describe how to file your report. Finally, we\u2019ll explain why a police report is critical to your car accident claim. <\/p>\r\n

Illinois Car Accident Report Overview<\/h2>\r\n

The following table summarizes auto accident reporting under Illinois state law, including how to file a car crash report.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

State Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Illinois Public Act 102-0560<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

When to Report:<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

According to Illinois law, motorists do not have to report a car accident. However, if you\u2019re a state employee, you must report an automobile accident to the Illinois DOT if any of the following apply:
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  • The accident causes bodily injury or death<\/li>\r\n
  • The crash causes more than $1,500 in property damage <\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

How to File a Car Crash Report in Illinois:<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

While Illinois law no longer requires you to report a car crash, you should still do so to protect your interests. You can file your car crash report with the Illinois DOT<\/a>. You should immediately forward a copy of your crash report to the auto insurance company.<\/p>\r\n

If you choose to submit a Motorist Crash Report, you\u2019ll need the following information:<\/p>\r\n