If you’ve been in a car accident in Illinois, one of the most important documents you can obtain is the official accident report. Whether you’re a driver involved in the crash, an insurance adjuster, or an attorney building a case, this report serves as a central piece of evidence.
It contains essential details like the date and time of the accident, the parties involved, weather and road conditions, and often an officer’s assessment of fault.
Getting a copy might seem complicated, but the process is actually straightforward if you know where to look and what steps to take.
Who Prepares an Illinois Accident Report?
In Illinois, law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, county sheriff’s offices, or the Illinois State Police, are responsible for preparing accident reports. The agency that files the report typically depends on where the accident occurred.
For instance, if you’re in Chicago, the Chicago Police Department would handle the report. If you’re on a state highway, the Illinois State Police are more likely to respond.
Identifying which agency took the report is the first step toward getting a copy. You can usually find this information on the receipt or card that officers give you at the scene. If you didn’t receive a card, think back to which officers were present or where the accident happened to narrow down the jurisdiction.
What’s in the Accident Report?
A typical crash report has multiple sections, each providing different kinds of information.
Understanding what’s in the report will help you explain what you’re requesting and why. It usually includes:
- Names and contact information for all drivers and witnesses involved
- Vehicle information, including license plate numbers and VINs
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Diagram of the crash scene
- Drivers or witness statements
- The investigating officer’s narrative and opinion on cause or fault
- Citations or arrests, if any
The report serves as a neutral summary of the accident, often used by insurers and courts to assess liability. Knowing what to expect can help you confirm you’ve received the full document.
How to Request a Report from Local Law Enforcement
If your accident took place within city or county limits, the responding local police department will likely hold the report. Most departments offer online portals, mail-in request options, or in-person services for obtaining accident reports.
Check the police department’s website for specific procedures. Some may charge a small administrative fee, typically ranging from $5 to $20.
You’ll need some basic information to complete the request. Be ready to provide:
- The date and location of the accident
- The names of the drivers involved
- The incident or case number, if you have it
If you request the report in person, bring a valid photo ID and expect to fill out a brief form. Some agencies may have a waiting period—usually five to ten business days—before the report becomes available.
How to Get a Report from the Illinois State Police
For accidents handled by the Illinois State Police (ISP), the process differs slightly. The ISP uses an online form available through its official website. You can download the request form, fill it out, and mail it to the ISP with the required payment.
The address to send the request is:
Illinois State Police
Patrol Records Unit
801 South Seventh Street, Suite 600-S
Springfield, IL 62703
You’ll need to include the following in your mailed request:
- A completed crash report request form
- A $5 check or money order payable to “Illinois State Police”
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope for return delivery
Make sure your form is filled out completely and legibly. Missing or incorrect information can delay the processing of your request.
How Long Does It Take to Receive the Report?
The time it takes to receive a crash report in Illinois depends on the agency and the delivery method. Online portals typically allow for faster access—sometimes within 24 to 48 hours of the report being finalized. Mailed requests can take longer. If you’re requesting a report from the ISP, expect a turnaround time of at least two to three weeks, though it may be longer during busy periods.
If you need the report quickly for insurance or legal reasons, contact the department directly to ask about expedited options or alternative formats like email or fax.
What If You Weren’t Involved in the Crash?
Sometimes, insurance companies, attorneys, or family members may want a copy of the report even if they weren’t directly involved in the accident. In Illinois, accident reports are generally considered public records, so third parties can often obtain them by submitting a formal request.
However, access to personal details, such as driver’s license numbers or medical information, may be restricted or redacted under applicable privacy laws. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible to receive the full report, contact the agency and explain your role.
They can tell you what’s available and whether you need special authorization.
Why the Report Matters for Your Case or Claim
An accident report provides an official summary of what happened, which is valuable for multiple reasons. Insurance companies often rely on it when determining fault and processing claims. Lawyers use it to evaluate potential litigation and understand who might be liable.
Even if you think the crash was minor, the report can protect you later if disputes arise or additional injuries become apparent. It’s vital that you review the report for accuracy. Mistakes in the officer’s narrative, such as incorrect statements or misidentified vehicles, can influence how your case unfolds.
If you find an error, you can sometimes request an amendment; however, the success rate varies depending on the agency and the circumstances.
Key Steps in Requesting a Crash Report in Illinois
When you’re trying to get a copy of a car accident report, you’ll need to stay organized and follow the right process for the agency that handled the crash.
Here’s what to remember:
- Identify the agency that prepared the report
- Gather key details like date, location, and names of involved drivers
- Use the local department’s online or mail-in system, or submit a request to the Illinois State Police if applicable
- Include payment and a self-addressed envelope if mailing a request
- Allow time for processing, especially for mailed requests
- Review the report for accuracy once you receive it
Following these steps will help ensure that you get the report you need without unnecessary delays.
At Prince Law Firm, we know that, whether you’re handling the matter personally or supporting a client, having the right paperwork in hand can make all the difference when it comes to resolving a car accident claim in Illinois.
Let us know how we can help.
