How long do you have to file a police report after an incident in Illinois?

If you or a loved one has been in an accident or incident in Illinois, you might be wondering how long you have to file a police report. It’s right away to ensure you are complying with the law. 

Our Illinois personal injury lawyers will guide you through the post-accident process, helping you adhere to legal requirements and safeguarding your rights.

When Is Filing a Report Necessary?

In Illinois, you need to file a police report right away for certain types of incidents:

• Car accidents: If someone is hurt or killed, or if there’s more than $1,500 in damage (or $500 if any car isn’t insured), you must report it immediately.
• Hit and run: If someone hits your car and leaves, report it as soon as possible.
• Crimes: If you’re a victim of a crime, like theft or assault, report it as soon as you can.

For car accidents, Illinois law says you must file a report within 10 days if the police didn’t come to the scene. But remember, it’s always best to report any accident right away if you can.

For other incidents, like theft or property damage, there’s no strict time limit. But the sooner you report it, the better chance the police have of helping you.

Reporting to Other Entities

Besides the police, you might need to report incidents to other places:

• Your insurance company: Most insurance companies want you to report accidents within 24 hours.
• Illinois Department of Transportation: For car accidents, you need to file a crash report within 10 days if the police didn’t come to the scene.
• Your workplace: If you’re hurt at work, tell your boss right away.

When to Contact Law Enforcement?

Calling the police after a car accident is often required by law. In Illinois, you must call the police if:

• Anyone is injured or killed in the accident
• The accident caused more than $1,500 in property damage (or $500 if any vehicle involved is not insured)

Even if your accident doesn’t meet these conditions, calling the police can be helpful. They can:

• Create an official accident report
• Help manage traffic around the accident scene
• Collect important information from all parties involved

If you’re in Edwardsville, you can call the Edwardsville Police Department’s non-emergency number for minor accidents. For serious accidents or emergencies, always call 911.

How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report in Edwardsville?

In Edwardsville and the rest of Illinois, you should file a police report as soon as possible after an accident. If the police come to the scene, they’ll create the report there. 

If they don’t come to the scene, you should file a report within 10 days of the accident.

Remember, filing a police report quickly is important because:

• It helps you remember the details of the accident more clearly
• It can be important for insurance claims
• It’s required by law for certain types of accidents

Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Illinois

The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident. In Illinois:

• For personal injury claims, you have 2 years from the date of the accident
• For property damage claims, you have 5 years from the date of the accident

It’s important to know these time limits because if you miss them, you might lose your right to sue. Even if you’re not sure if you want to file a lawsuit, it’s good to keep these deadlines in mind.

Additional Regulations for Filing a Car Accident Report

Besides filing a police report, there are other reporting requirements in Illinois:

Report to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):

• If the accident caused injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage (or $500 if any vehicle is not insured)
• You must file this report within 10 days of the accident
• You can get the form from the police, IDOT, or the Illinois Secretary of State

Report to your insurance company:

• Most insurance policies require you to report accidents promptly
• Check your policy or call your insurance agent to find out how quickly you need to report

If you hit an unattended vehicle or property:

• Try to find the owner
• If you can’t find the owner, leave a note with your contact information
• Report the accident to the police within 10 days

Reporting your accident properly helps protect your rights and can be important if you need to make an insurance claim or file a lawsuit later. If you’re unsure about any part of the reporting process, talk to a lawyer who handles car accident claims. They can help you understand your rights and make sure you’ve met all the necessary reporting requirements.

Failing to Report the Accident

If you don’t report an accident when you’re supposed to, you could get in trouble. 

• You might have to pay fines for breaking the law, which can add up and become a significant financial burden. 
• Your driver’s license could be suspended for a while, leaving you unable to drive and affecting your daily life and responsibilities. 
• In some cases, not reporting a serious accident could even result in criminal charges, leading to court appearances and potential jail time. 
• Additionally, your insurance company might refuse to assist you if you didn’t report the accident in time, leaving you to cover all repair and medical costs on your own.

Contacting an Edwardsville Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one is hurt in a car accident, consult a personal injury attorney. Our Walton Telken Bragee Illinois car accident lawyers will help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and secure the compensation needed for medical bills and other costs. 

We know all the rules about reporting accidents and can ensure you do everything right. Additionally, we can assist you in communicating with insurance companies to make sure you’re treated fairly. 

We’ll also ensure that you file all the necessary reports and paperwork on time. We provide the expertise and support necessary to navigate these challenges. Contact us by calling 618-272-2284 or reach out online.

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We’re a Midwest-based law firm, small by choice, with big impact. At Walton Telken, our mission is simple: achieve the best possible outcomes for each of our clients. Powered by our passion for victims’ rights and 150 years of combined legal experience, we work hard towards this goal every day—and we have the track record to prove it.