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If you’ve been in a car crash in Chicago, getting your accident report is an important step in protecting your legal rights. A police report includes vital details about the crash that can help when filing insurance claims, proving who was at fault, or preparing for a personal injury case. Whether it’s a minor property damage incident or a serious crash that caused injuries or even death, having a clear, official report is often required.
Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps clients get the documents they need including Chicago police reports and Illinois crash reports. Our team can guide you through the steps, especially if you’re dealing with delays, sensitive information, or incomplete details.
We can also request reports from other police departments when another agency, like the Illinois State Police, was involved.
When you’re involved in a traffic crash in Chicago, especially one that includes injuries or property damage, it’s important to get the official crash report. This document is often necessary when speaking with the insurance company or when filing a personal injury claim.
The Chicago Police Department files detailed traffic crash reports that include facts from the police officer at the scene, witness details, and information about each driver involved.
According to Illinois law, a police report must be filed when a crash causes death, injury, or more than $1,500 in property damage. In many drunk driving, hit-and-run, or serious injury cases, the report plays a major role in deciding who was the at fault driver.
Without it, the general public, insurance adjusters, and even your lawyer may not have access to key facts.
A Chicago police report includes names of those involved, the location and time of the crash, road and weather conditions, diagrams of the crash, and any traffic violations. It might also include statements from drivers and witnesses, the responding officer’s opinion about the cause, and whether an accident reconstruction officer was called to the incident. These details are critical when trying to prove your side of the story.
Getting a crash report from the Chicago Police Department can be done in different ways depending on your preference. Whether you want to submit your request online, by mail, or in person, it’s important to follow the correct steps and include all needed details. This helps prevent delays and ensures you get your report faster.
You can submit your request for a traffic crash report online using the Chicago Police Department’s eCrash Portal. This is one of the fastest ways to get the report. You’ll need the RD number (also known as the “report number”), the crash date, and details like the names of those involved.
The portal is available to the general public, but some sensitive information may be redacted.
You can also request your Chicago police report in person by visiting Central Police Headquarters or another police station. Go to the Customer Service Section, where you can fill out a form to request the report. Make sure to bring your ID and as many crash details as possible. If you don’t have the RD number, they may still help search using the address, names, or date of the incident.
To request your crash report by mail, send a written request to the Chicago Police Department with the required information, including names of people involved, the crash date, and crash location. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope and any payment needed. Mail it to the following address listed on the department’s site. This method takes the longest, especially around public holidays.
Getting your police report doesn’t always happen overnight. Depending on the method and the complexity of the traffic crash, it could take several business days or more.
If you request the report online, you might receive it within 3 to 7 days. If you go in person, it might be available right away if it has already been filed. Mail requests can take up to 2 weeks. Keep in mind, delays are common if the crash is under investigation or if a rap sheet or extra documentation is involved.
Not having the RD number (also called the report number) doesn’t mean you can’t get your traffic crash report. There are still ways to locate the police report, but you’ll need to give the Chicago Police Department extra details to help them search their system.
If you don’t know the exact RD number, the police department can often find your crash report using other information. You’ll need to provide key details such as the date of the incident, the names of those involved, the address or location of the crash, and the type of property damage or injuries reported.
The more details you give, the easier it is for officers or staff to locate the correct report. If a police officer responded to the crash, their badge number or beat number may also help.
Sometimes, a crash happens outside the Chicago Police Department’s jurisdiction. If that’s the case, your traffic crash report may be handled by a different law enforcement agency.
If the Illinois State Police or a suburban police department responded to your crash, you’ll need to request your report from them directly. This applies to highways or areas not covered by the city. Each department has its own process, forms, and addresses.
Whether it’s Illinois crash reports from state troopers or suburban traffic crash reports, make sure to contact the right agency based on where the accident occurred.
A desk report is typically created for minor accidents where no police officer is dispatched to the scene. It’s usually filed by one of the drivers involved, in person, at a police station. In contrast, a formal crash report is completed by a responding police officer at the accident scene, especially when there are injuries or serious property damage.
Yes, members of the general public can request a police report, but some details may be hidden if they contain sensitive information. Access to reports is often governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which outlines what can and cannot be shared.
It typically takes 5 to 10 business days to process a crash report in Chicago. If you submit your request online or by mail, add extra time for delivery.
It typically takes 5 to 10 business days to process a crash report in Chicago. If you submit your request online or by mail, add extra time for delivery.
If there is an error in the details you submitted, it may delay the process or result in no match. Make sure to double-check the address, date, and any names of people involved before you submit the request.
No, but a lawyer can help if your report is delayed, lost, or if the police department says they can’t release it. Lawyers know how to work through the information act process and can follow up if needed.
If you’ve been involved in a crash in Chicago, getting your police report quickly is one of the most important steps you can take. This report includes key details like what happened, who was involved, any property damage, and if injuries were reported. It’s often the first document the insurance company asks for when handling claims.
Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps accident victims take the right steps after a crash. If you’re having trouble getting your traffic crash report, our team can step in. We understand how the Chicago Police Department works and can follow up on your behalf. Whether your accident report was filed by a police officer at the scene or submitted as a desk report, we’ll make sure it gets to the right place.
Contact us today for your free case consultation. Let us help you move forward.
Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to contact our injury attorneys today!
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