Chicago car accidents can cause substantial damage to victims. When hospital bills and lost wages begin to pile up, and you consider filing a lawsuit against the responsible party, knowing how to get a police report for a car accident in Chicago is crucial.
Car accident victims in Chicago can get a police report for their collision in multiple ways. They can go online or visit the Chicago Police Department in person to obtain a copy of an accident report. In order to do so, victims or their attorneys must provide identifying information, like their name and the correct report number. Once you’ve obtained a copy of a police report for a car accident in Chicago, your lawyer can use it to support your claim against a negligent driver.
With over 25 years of experience, Rhatigan Law Offices is dedicated to helping victims in Chicago get the justice they deserve. For a free case evaluation with the Chicago car accident attorneys at Rhatigan Law Offices, call us today at (312) 578-8502.
How to Get a Digital Copy of a Police Report for a Car Accident in Chicago
After a car accident in Chicago, victims need a convenient way to access a copy of the corresponding police report. Luckily, the Chicago Police Department has a secure online portal that allows victims to obtain a digital copy of a police report easily.
Either victims or their Chicago car accident attorneys can go online to request a digital copy of a car accident report. If you don’t live in the Chicago area or your injuries make it difficult to get a copy of a report in person, then using the Chicago Police Department’s online portal may be ideal. Going online can be the simplest, most convenient way to access a copy of a police report for Chicago car accident victims.
If you’re having difficulty navigating the online site, your Chicago car accident attorney can help you. It’s important for Chicago car accident victims to know that digital copies of police reports cost $6 and are payable by debit or credit card. Not only can obtaining a digital copy of an accident report be the easiest way to get the information you need, but it can also be the fastest. You can download a copy of a police report to your computer and take it with you to your consultation with a Chicago personal injury attorney. Once you have a digital copy of a police report, you can make as many copies as you’d like and save it to your computer.
How to Get a Paper Copy of a Police Report for a Car Accident in Chicago
If you’d rather collect a paper copy of a police report, you can do so by visiting the Chicago Police Department Records Customer Service Section. If victims choose to go in person, they will have to abide by the Chicago Police Department’s hours.
The Chicago police department grants victims the option to access a paper copy of a police report after a car accident. Victims or their Chicago car accident attorneys can visit the Chicago Police Department Records Customer Service Section in person, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 in the morning and 1:30 in the afternoon.
How Long Will It Take to Get Chicago Police Report After a Car Accident?
Police reports for car accidents are detailed documents that take time to complete. Because of this, Chicago car accident victims can expect to wait several days until their reports are available in person and online.
When Chicago police officers arrive at an accident scene, they will likely complete a crash report. Such reports contain detailed information, which needs to be correctly documented. Because of the efforts involved and the subsequent need to properly file and upload reports, it can take several days for your report to be made available. Depending on the number of accidents at the moment, that timeframe may extend.
Car accident victims can call the Chicago Police Department to inquire if their accident report is ready for pickup or check the online portal periodically. Once your report is available in person, you can retrieve it during the allotted periods. When your report is available online, you can access it at your leisure. Keep in mind that it can take several days for you to get your police report, so be patient and keep checking.
What Information Do You Need to Get a Chicago Police Report for a Car Accident?
Before you can obtain a police report for a car accident in Chicago, there’s certain information you’ll need on hand. Without these specifics, it can be harder to retrieve your accident report.
Chicago police officers should give you a report number at the accident scene. Providing this number can be the fastest way to obtain your police report, whether in person or online. If you never received a report number or have since misplaced it, a Chicago Uber & Lyft accident attorney can help you.
Other helpful information includes the crash date and location, as well as your first and last name. It’s best to gather the necessary information beforehand, so you don’t have difficulty accessing your police report after a car accident in Chicago.
Why Should You Obtain a Police Report After a Chicago Car Accident?
Chicago car accidents can be extremely physically and financially damaging to victims. Because of this, it’s helpful to compile any information that can support your claim against a negligent driver, including a police report regarding the collision. This report can help your Chicago car accident attorney build a strong case against a negligent driver and recover the compensatory damages you deserve.
While police reports for car accidents are not considered evidence in a lawsuit in Chicago, they can support your claim. These reports contain vital information about the involved parties and their actions. An accident report can point to fault and explain an accident’s cause. It may note eyewitness statements and even Chicago police officers’ own opinions.
The bottom line is, obtaining a police report after a car accident in Chicago is crucial, especially if you intend to sue a negligent driver for compensatory damages. Your Naperville car accident lawyer can help you get a police report and use it to support your claim against the responsible party.
Our Attorneys Can Help You Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Chicago
After a car accident in Chicago, victims need support from lawyers who care. Call the attorneys at Rhatigan Law Offices today to schedule a free case evaluation at (312) 578-8502
Related Posts