If you were injured in a car accident in Illinois, you may need to get your Naperville police crash report to support your insurance claim against the at-fault driver. You can request it online through the Illinois State Police website, third-party sites, or directly from the investigating agency. The process and fees differ by agency.
Your Naperville car accident attorney may assist you in obtaining this report to help build your case. For assistance, contact Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, LLC at (312) 775-0042.
How to Request a Naperville Police Crash Report
To obtain an accident report in Naperville, contact the police department that responded to the crash. If your accident occurred in or near Naperville, IL, it was likely managed by the Naperville Police Department. For crashes on interstate highways, the Illinois State Police (ISP) may be responsible. Check the “Investigated By” box on your motorist report; if it lists “Illinois State Police,” request the report from them online. If you don’t have the motorist report, you may reach out to the ISP Patrol Records Unit to confirm if they were involved.
Requesting from the Naperville Police Department
To request a copy of your police report from the Naperville Police Department, contact their Department of Records. Be ready to provide details about your accident, including your name, personal information, the location of the incident, and any report number issued by the officers who investigated. There may be a $5.00 processing fee.
Requesting from the Illinois State Police
If the officer who attended the accident was part of the Illinois State Police (ISP), you can obtain a copy of the crash report from the Official ISP Crash Report website. Make sure you have the following information ready:
- First and last name of the driver
- Date of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Agency Crash Report Number
Once you enter this information, you can request the accident report to be sent to you via email or regular mail. There is a $5 fee for the crash report that must be paid before your request can be processed. Alternatively, you can also request the crash report by mailing a letter containing the above details to the Illinois State Police.
What Information Is Included in a Naperville Accident Report?
A Naperville police crash report is created by a police officer at the scene of an accident. If no officer present, involved drivers must file the report. It’s required if the accident results in death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,500, or over $500 if any driver is uninsured.
The report includes essential details such as the crash’s date, time, location, and the drivers’ and vehicles’ information (names, addresses, license numbers, vehicle makes, and models). It also has witness details, a narrative and diagram of the accident, weather and road conditions, and information on injuries and damage. The report consists of two pages: the first covers general information, while the second offers a visual account of the incident.
Why Your Crash Report Matters for Insurance and Injury Claims
In 2023, Illinois recorded 299,133 collisions and 1,240 fatalities. A crash report is crucial for insurance and injury claims in Illinois because it provides an official, unbiased record that helps establish fault and documents the details of the accident. Such reports are essential for documenting details and establishing fault, especially in circumstances such as when a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk or a delivery driver accident. This report is vital for insurance adjusters to assess liability under Illinois’s fault-based system and supports injury claims by outlining the incident’s circumstances, identifying those involved, and noting traffic violations, such as after a DUI crash.
Although crash reports are generally not admissible in court, insurance companies commonly utilize them to assess fault in the accident. If you need to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for injuries and losses stemming from the accident, the crash report can aid the responding officer and other witnesses in recalling the event. The officer can refer to the report while testifying at a trial or deposition. Additionally, if your attorney needs to engage an expert witness to reconstruct the accident and ascertain fault, the crash report will be a key resource for that purpose.
- Establishes fault: The report presents an impartial overview of the accident, which is crucial for identifying who is responsible. In Illinois, a fault-based system holds the at-fault individual accountable for damages, making this report essential for processing claims.
- Records the incident: It acts as an official, third-party documentation detailing the incident, including information on the location, date, weather conditions, and the sequence of events that led to the crash.
- Supports claims for injuries: This report serves as vital evidence for injury claims. If your name is not listed as a passenger, it could complicate your case and make it more difficult to demonstrate that your injuries are connected to the accident.
- Identifies violations: The report highlights any traffic infractions that may have occurred, such as running a red light, assisting in establishing the other driver’s negligence.
Contact us at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, LLC, for experienced car accident attorneys who recognize the difficulties you’re encountering and are prepared to support you. Whether you need help securing your accident report, negotiating a settlement with the insurance company, or pursuing your compensation in court if needed, your attorney will provide the assistance you require in any situation and help address the hidden costs of a car accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a copy of the report?
Typically, most reports receive approval and can be accessed within five to ten business days following the request.
What if I disagree with the information in the report?
The crash report is the investigating officer’s assessment of the scene. If you believe there is a factual error in the report, it is best to discuss the matter with the police department’s records division or the investigating officer. You may need legal assistance to formally challenge or amend the report, if necessary.
How do I Report an Accident?
If police do not respond to a crash scene, you must file a written report yourself within 10 days. You can do this online for single-vehicle accidents without injuries that occurred on certain Illinois roads. For other types of crashes, you need to report in person at a local police department, a Sheriff’s office, or an Illinois State Police headquarters.
