What to Do After a Car Accident in Chicago

If you have just been in a crash in Chicago, you may be unsure of what to do next. Between the shock, physical discomfort, and fast-moving events, it is common to feel disoriented. However, taking the right steps early on can protect your safety and support any future legal process. In a busy city like Chicago, where traffic is dense, weather conditions vary, and collisions occur frequently, understanding your responsibilities and legal options is essential. This article offers a step-by-step overview of what to do after a car accident in Chicago. 

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Safety is the first concern following any vehicle collision. If you are able to do so safely, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent a secondary accident. Turn on your hazard lights and assess yourself and others for injuries. Avoid moving anyone who is seriously hurt unless there is a direct threat such as a fire or ongoing traffic hazard. In high-traffic areas like I-90, I-55, or Lake Shore Drive, it is important to remain alert to your surroundings and minimize the risk of further injury.

Call 911 and Report the Crash

In Illinois, you are required to report a car accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. Calling 911 allows emergency responders and law enforcement to arrive at the scene. When police respond, they will typically complete a crash report that documents details such as vehicle positions, road conditions, statements from drivers and witnesses, and any preliminary observations regarding fault. This official report often becomes an important part of the legal record if a civil claim is later filed.

How to Obtain a Police Report in Chicago

After the initial emergency response, obtaining a copy of the police report is often an important step in documenting your experience. In Chicago, reports are maintained by the Chicago Police Department and can be accessed in the following ways:

1. Online Request:
   • Visit the official Chicago Police Department website.
     
   • Navigate to the section for obtaining crash reports.
     
   • Use the external portal (currently managed by LexisNexis).
     
   • Enter required details such as the report number, involved parties, and date of the incident.
     
   • Pay the small processing fee to access the report digitally.
     
2. In-Person Request:
   • Go to the Chicago Police Department Records Division at 3510 S. Michigan Avenue.
     
   • Bring a valid photo ID and details of the accident (date, location, vehicle information).
     
   • Confirm operating hours before your visit, and be prepared to pay a fee upon pickup.
     

In more complex cases, or where serious injuries occurred, reports may take longer to process. If any errors are found in the report, there is a procedure to request clarification or correction. Accurate documentation may support a clearer understanding of what occurred and help preserve details that matter later in a civil case.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention and Protect the Foundation of Your Claim

It is essential to get medical attention as soon as possible after a car crash, even if you feel fine in the immediate aftermath. The body’s stress response can temporarily mask symptoms, and injuries like concussions, internal trauma, or soft tissue damage may take hours or even days to fully surface. A timely evaluation by a medical professional not only supports your physical recovery but also creates medical documentation that may be necessary for a legal claim.

When there is a delay in treatment, it becomes easier for insurance companies to argue that the injuries are unrelated or exaggerated. Early medical records help establish a clear connection between the collision and your condition. Copies of test results, discharge summaries, imaging reports, and follow-up instructions are all useful when evaluating the extent of harm and the long-term implications of your injuries.

A personal injury attorney can help coordinate this process by reviewing your medical records in relation to your claim, working with your providers to track treatment progress, and identifying any gaps or delays that could be challenged later by insurers. Legal representation at this stage ensures that your documentation is complete and aligned with the legal requirements necessary to pursue compensation.

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Gather and Exchange Information Carefully

At the scene of the accident, if it is safe to do so, exchanging information with the other driver is an important step. This typically includes names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance providers, and license plate numbers. However, it is critical to remain calm and avoid making statements that could later be interpreted as admitting fault.

In some cases, the other driver may be confrontational, unwilling to cooperate, or operating a vehicle under a commercial or rental agreement. If you are unsure or uncomfortable, waiting for law enforcement to assist is often the best course of action. In a city like Chicago, where traffic patterns involve rideshare drivers, delivery vehicles, and out-of-state motorists, accurate information is key to supporting any future claim.

When you are working with a personal injury attorney, they can later use this information to confirm coverage, identify additional liable parties, or uncover details that may not be readily apparent at the scene. Attorneys also help navigate situations where drivers provide incomplete or inaccurate information.

Preserve the Evidence That May Support Your Case

Documenting the crash scene is one of the most proactive steps you can take after a collision. If you are able, take photographs of vehicle positions, visible damage, license plates, traffic lights, road signs, skid marks, weather conditions, and any relevant debris. These images can be critical when assessing how the crash occurred, particularly if there are disputes later.

It is also helpful to write down your own account of what happened while your memory is fresh. Record what direction you were traveling, what you observed just before the impact, how the other vehicle was moving, and any statements made by the other party. These notes can support your recollection if questions arise during the legal process.

Personal injury attorneys often rely on this kind of documentation during case preparation. Whether reviewing crash scene photos with reconstruction professionals or cross-referencing notes with police reports, attorneys use early evidence to build a strong foundation for your claim. In some cases, this information may help secure surveillance footage or identify witnesses before that evidence disappears.

Why It Is Risky to Speak With Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Guidance

After a crash, most auto insurance policies require that you notify your own insurer within a specific timeframe. This notice is typically limited to basic details such as the time, location, and nature of the accident. While this step is necessary to comply with policy terms, it is important to be cautious about how much you share and with whom, particularly when injuries are involved.

Insurance companies—both your own and the other driver’s—operate as for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to limit financial exposure, which means they may look for ways to reduce or deny valid claims. One common tactic is to request a recorded statement shortly after the crash, when you may not yet understand the full extent of your injuries or the circumstances of the collision. These statements can be used to challenge your credibility, minimize the severity of your condition, or suggest that your injuries were unrelated to the crash.

In some cases, insurance adjusters may offer a quick settlement, presenting it as a straightforward way to resolve the matter. These early offers often appeal to individuals who are overwhelmed or in need of immediate financial relief. However, accepting such a settlement before completing medical treatment or fully assessing long-term needs can result in compensation that falls far short of what is required for recovery. Once accepted, these offers usually prevent any further legal action.

It is also not uncommon for adjusters to downplay injuries, misinterpret medical records, or suggest that delays in seeking treatment weaken your claim. Some may ask leading questions designed to prompt statements that can later be used out of context. Others might imply that legal representation will slow down the process, when in reality, having legal support helps ensure that your interests are represented and your rights are preserved.

Because of these risks, it is generally advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney before engaging in detailed communication with any insurance company. An attorney can review your policy, assist in gathering documentation, and manage interactions with adjusters to help avoid common pitfalls. Having informed legal guidance at the start of your claim can reduce the chances of making decisions that may be difficult or impossible to reverse later.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Illinois Car Accident Cases

In Illinois, fault in car accident cases is evaluated under a legal principle known as modified comparative negligence, defined in 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. Under this rule, you may still pursue compensation as long as you are found to be 50 percent or less at fault for the accident. However, if you are determined to be 51 percent or more responsible, you are barred from recovering any damages in a civil personal injury case.

For those found partially at fault but not over the 50 percent threshold, any compensation awarded will be reduced in proportion to their assigned level of responsibility. For example, someone found 30 percent at fault would be eligible to recover 70 percent of the total damages. This system ensures that accountability is fairly distributed while still allowing injured parties to recover a portion of their losses when another driver shares in the blame.

Assigning fault is not always simple. It may involve evaluating crash scene evidence, photographs, police reports, weather conditions, traffic patterns, surveillance footage, and witness accounts. Even in seemingly clear-cut cases, liability can be disputed, and percentages of fault may shift as new information is uncovered. In multi-vehicle crashes or collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists, or commercial vehicles, the process becomes even more complex.

Because of how significantly fault affects your ability to recover compensation under Illinois law, it is important to have someone who can advocate on your behalf. Working with a personal injury attorney allows for a detailed investigation, helps protect your rights during the claims process, and provides guidance in navigating the legal standards that apply to your case. When the outcome may depend on just a few percentage points of fault, having informed legal support can make a meaningful difference.

Protecting Your Rights Begins With the Right Steps

A car accident in Chicago can leave you facing uncertainty, pain, and pressure from insurance companies, all while trying to manage your recovery. The decisions you make early on, from seeking medical attention to avoiding hasty insurance conversations, can shape the entire outcome of your case. At Gosuits, we help accident victims turn confusion into clarity. Our personal injury attorneys handle every case with direct attention, working closely with clients to secure documentation, coordinate medical records, and build strong claims from the very beginning. Whether you are navigating comparative fault rules or facing pressure from adjusters, we offer personalized legal support designed to protect your future, not just your file.

If you have been in a car accident in Chicago and are unsure of your next move, we are here to help. Book a free consultation with Gosuits today, and let us review your situation, explain your rights under Illinois law, and help you move forward with confidence.