car accident

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Illinois?

October 25, 2023/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – If you’ve been involved in a car crash in Illinois, it’s critical to understand the rules around reporting the accident so you can comply with the law and ensure you have all the necessary documentation for any future accident claims. A police report can also serve as a valuable resource for an Illinois personal injury attorney.

Should I File a Police Report for a Minor Car Accident in Illinois?

Drivers must report any accident resulting in injury, death or property damage exceeding $1,500 (or $500 if the driver is uninsured). Even if an accident does not meet this criteria, you should still file a police report.

Minor accidents like fender benders may not always meet the legal reporting threshold; however, filing reports for minor accidents can generate useful records in case of future disputes or complications. A police report can document the details of the accident, establish the timeline and note any potential contributing factors, including the weather or road conditions. Insurance companies often require the presence of an official report when processing a claim. The car accident attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group are here to help you and can use this information to help pursue compensation.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Illinois?

You must notify the police immediately if you are involved in a car crash resulting in death, injury or property damage resulting in $1,500. Illinois state law previously required motorists to file a report with the Illinois Department of Transportation within 10 days of the accident; however, the recent legislature removed this requirement in August 2021. A car accident attorney might recommend that you alert the police of the incident to protect your rights to compensation if the other driver was to blame.

How to Report Car Accidents

If you are involved in a car crash that results in injury, death or property damage, you must remain at the scene and alert the police immediately by calling 911.

You can also report certain types of car accidents to the Illinois State Police online, including single-vehicle crashes, crashes that result in property damage only with no injuries or accidents on the interstate highways or Illinois State Roadways under their jurisdiction.

Where to Obtain a Chicago Police Report

You can obtain a Chicago car accident report online. For each report, you must pay a $6 fee, which includes a $5 service charge and $1 convenience fee. You can also visit the Chicago Police Department Records Customer Service Section in person which is located at 3510 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653.

What to Include in Your Police Report Request

If you have the report number for the crash, this is the quickest way you can locate the specific report. Simply search for the report number along with the crash date. Otherwise, you’ll need to search by the crash date plus the first and last name of any person involved in the car crash.

Speak to an Attorney About Your Next Steps

If you were injured in a car accident in Illinois due to another person’s negligence, get in touch with the attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group. Contact our office today for your free case review with an experienced car accident lawyer at (312) 384-1920.

5 Fatalities in 2 Separate Wrong-Way Crashes on Eisenhower Expressway

March 29, 2021/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Five people were killed early Monday morning in two separate crashes on the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago, IL and suburban Forest Park, according to police.

Three people were killed in one crash involving three vehicles around 1:45 a.m. on the inbound lanes of I-290 near Halsted Street.

One vehicle was traveling westbound on an eastbound ramp when it hit another vehicle, which when hit a third vehicle. Two of the cars became engulfed in flames.

Two people were taken in serious-to-critical condition to Stroger Hospital, according to ABC7 Chicago. Two other refused medical treatment at the scene.

Illinois State Police said that two other people were killed in a separate wrong-way crash on I-290. The crash occurred around 1:15 a.m. at Des Plaines Avenue in west suburban Forest Park.

The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in one of the vehicles was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have not released the identities of victims. Officials announced there will be an ongoing investigation into both crashes.

National Safety Council Estimates More Than 720 Fatalities in Roadway Crashes over Christmas, New Year’s Holiday

December 22, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – While the holiday season may look a bit different this year, there’s one thing that remains stagnant: holiday traffic fatalities. While the CDC urges Americans against traveling, many will still be on the go.

The National Safety Council (NSC), located in Itasca, Ill.) estimates more than 720 people will be killed on the roadway during Christmas weekend across the nation, and an additional 384 over New Year’s weekend.

As many as 287 lives could be saved over both holiday periods if all vehicle occupants wore their seatbelts, according to NSC. Parents and guardians should be advised to check a child’s car seat is properly installed.

Please do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. By drinking intoxicated, you run the risk of harming yourself and other innocent bystanders. Alcohol is involved in nearly 39% of traffic fatalities over Christmas and New Year’s holiday periods. Technology has made everything so accessible now – choose alternative methods of transportation such as a ride-share like Uber or Lyft, cab, Metra, CTA, or el.

Other recommendations by NSC include:

Avoid distracted driving, including hands-free cellphone usage.
Get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
Be aware of how others are driving on the road and maintain a safe distance.
Sign a “New Driver Deal” with teen drivers at DriveItHOME.org.
Learn about your vehicle’s safety systems and how to use them at MyCarDoesWhat.org.
Check your vehicle for any recalls before getting on the road at ChecktoProtect.org.

“A safe travel season could instill much-needed hope as we start a new year and close an unrelenting one,” NSC President and CEO Lorraine M. Martin stated in a press release. “We can all do our part by buckling up, driving sober, slowing down, and avoiding distractions to look out for each other.”

Woman dies weeks after Scottsdale crash

September 10, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

A Chicago woman passed away on Monday from blunt force injuries she sustained in a car crash last month in Scottsdale on the Southwest Side.

On June 25, she was driving her 2019 Toyota Rav 4 around 9 p.m. on South Pulaski Road when a man driving a Chevy Silverado at a high speed of rate struck her vehicle.

According to Chicago Sun Times, the 28-year-old man who was driving the Chevy said he was being followed and was traveling around 75 mph, according to police. He was issued citations for failure to reduce speed, driving an uninsured vehicle, and causing bodily harm.

Bicyclist Ran Over in Chicago Neighborhood, Avondale

June 26, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – A bicyclist was hit and critically injured by a city vehicle on Tuesday morning in the Avondale neighborhood located on the city’s northwest side.

The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. on the corner of W. Belmont Ave. and N. Milwaukee Ave.

Witnesses say a female bicyclist was struck and dragged by a city maintenance truck as its driver made a right turn at a busy intersection. The truck driver did not stop right away, and onlookers had to jump in front of the vehicle to tell the driver to stop, according to ABC 7. The driver reportedly told investigators that the bicyclist was in his blind spot.

The 31-year-old woman was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition. The 48-year-old male driver of the truck was taken to a Swedish hospital for observation.

Residents in this area say the intersection is full of blind spots for drivers and pedestrians and is dangerous. The Chicago Police Department’s Major Accidents unit is investigating the incident.