February 4, 2025 | Car Accidents
When you’re involved in a serious accident on Illinois state highways and roads, the Illinois State Police are obligated to investigate the incident and file a report of their findings. In the aftermath of your accident, this report can significantly impact your case. Here’s what you need to know about getting your hands on this report and why it’s a crucial next step after a crash.
How To Get Your Illinois Highway Patrol Report
To obtain a crash report online from the Illinois State Police (ISP) website, you will first need to verify that the ISP handled the crash report by checking the “Investigated By” box in the upper left-hand corner of your motorist report.
If this is the case, you can use the online e-pay system to submit the required information, including:
- The crash report number
- The date and location of the crash
- At least one driver’s first and last name
Then, you’ll need to pay a $5.00 fee to receive the report via email. You may also request a report by mail by sending the same information and a $5.00 check or money order to the ISP Patrol Records Unit.
If your car accident occurred on a municipal street, it was more than likely investigated by a local agency. In these cases, you should contact that individual agency to obtain a crash report.
What You’ll Find in Your ISP Report
Your Illinois Highway Patrol Report documents critical information, such as:
- Who was involved
- Which vehicles were involved
- What damage occurred to each vehicle
- Whether drivers were distracted, speeding, or under the influence
- Whether drivers were cited or arrested at the scene
On the second page of the report, the officer draws a diagram of the accident location (including traffic lights, crosswalks, and even skid marks) and explains the direction in which each vehicle was traveling. There should also be a narrative explaining what the officer believes happened to cause the accident, as well as any observations and eyewitness statements.
Important Information About ISP Reports
All report requests are governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1) and will be redacted, which means sensitive information about the involved parties will have been removed. The only way to obtain a non-redacted report is to have an order signed by a judge.
If an officer does not appear on the scene of an accident you wish to report, you must file your own at the ISP’s website. Only single-vehicle, non-injury, and interstate highways or Illinois state roadway crashes can be reported using this system.
Note that there are circumstances in which you must report a crash to law enforcement. This includes situations in which there is bodily injury or death, there is $1,500 or more of damage to any vehicle, or there is $500 or more of damage to an uninsured vehicle.
Why You Should Prioritize Obtaining Your Report
The purpose of a highway patrol report is to offer a third-party perspective on the accident. Insurers and judges may use the information contained in the report to help determine the extent of bodily injury and property damage and to establish fault. They may also use it to determine what percentage of fault should be assigned to each driver, which is crucial information given Illinois’ comparative negligence laws.
Staying Empowered Is Crucial After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be scary, but having the information contained within the Illinois Highway Patrol reports can empower you to make good decisions about what to do next. If you’re working with an attorney, it’s also an essential piece of the puzzle in building a solid case.
With an accurate report on hand and a knowledgeable attorney on your side, you’ll have what you need to pursue the best possible outcome for your case as you go after the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Car Accident Law Firm at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
875 N Dearborn St 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 635-5400
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