After a car accident, the first thing most people do is reach for their phone to call the police. However, doing so may not necessarily be required. Illinois state law only stipulates that the police must be called after a collision under certain circumstances. If you were involved in a car accident reach out to a Kane County auto accident lawyer at O’Brien Law, LLC. Our attorneys are equipped with the skill and knowledge to evaluate your case and represent you in all legal matters. Contact an experienced lawyer today to schedule your free consultation.
When am I Required to Call the Police After a Car Accident?
Illinois drivers are only required to call the police at the scene of a car accident if certain conditions are met. If any of the following is true you must report the accident immediately and wait for the police to arrive.
- There is an injury
- There is a fatality
- There is at least $1,500 in property damage
- There is at least $500 in property damage to an uninsured vehicle
If any of the above applies to your situation, call 911 immediately and wait for an officer to respond. Otherwise, you are not required to do so.
Can I Call the Police Even if I Don’t Have To?
Sometimes it is impossible to gauge how much property damage was done or the cost it will take to fix a car. Additionally, injuries often go undetected for hours, days, or even weeks after a car accident. Even if you and everyone involved feel fine there may be underlying injuries hidden by adrenaline or waiting to make an appearance. If you are unsure whether or not your situation requires you to call the police it is better to err on the side of caution.
Calling the police can also benefit you later if you decide to pursue legal action against the negligent party. If you want to file a property damage claim or lawsuit, having an official police report can act as evidence supporting your case. Without the report, the other driver could deny their involvement or responsibility.
Additionally, if injuries do present themselves the accident report can help link the injuries to the crash and you can use the causation as evidence in a legal matter when pursuing compensation. If you aren’t sure what to do, call the police to report the accident. It is better to be safe rather than sorry.
Work with a Personal Injury Attorney Today
Being involved in a car accident is never fun. If you were injured or sustained property damage in a collision it is crucial that you obtain help from a skilled attorney. Your lawyer will help you navigate the legal process, collect evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court. Reach out to an experienced lawyer today for more information.
