{"id":373175,"date":"2017-05-05T16:37:10","date_gmt":"2017-05-05T21:37:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/your-chicago-car-accident-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-05-23T15:37:28","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T20:37:28","slug":"your-chicago-car-accident-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/your-chicago-car-accident-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do After a Car Accident in Illinois"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What To Do After a Car Accident in Illinois<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/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

The threat of being involved in a motor vehicle accident is present every time you get behind the wheel. In 2022, there were 298,347 accidents on Illinois roads<\/a>. Of those, 1147 of the accidents involved at least one fatality, with a total of 1268 deaths. These numbers show a decrease from the previous year. So, things are trending in the right direction.<\/p>\r\n

Even with a modest reduction in the volume of accidents in Illinois, chances are you\u2019ll be involved in a wreck during your driving career. All people in an automobile accident in Illinois have certain legal obligations<\/a>. Knowing these, along with other things you should do, can help make your post-accident experiences much more pleasant.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we’ll touch on some of the relevant Illinois motor vehicle laws and explain the steps you should try to take<\/a> at the scene of the accident. We\u2019ll also discuss what a police report<\/a> is, why you’ll need it, and how auto insurance will cover<\/a> property damages and medical expenses.<\/p>\r\n

FindLaw’s Car Accidents<\/a> section covers topics outside our focus here. Read on to learn what to do after an auto accident in Illinois.<\/p>\r\n

After an Accident – First Steps<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Remaining calm after an accident can be difficult. Take a deep breath and try to gather your composure. First and foremost, don’t leave the scene of the accident<\/a>, even if the damage seems minor. Hit-and-run charges can be a felony in Illinois. At the very least, you’re required to exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver(s).<\/p>\r\n

You’re required to call the police<\/a> to come to the scene of the accident if certain conditions are met<\/a>. These conditions include:<\/p>\r\n