How to Report an Accident in Illinois

In Illinois, you must report an automobile accident if it caused a death, injury or more than $1,500 in damage (or $500 in damage if a vehicle is uninsured). You need to file an Illinois Motorist Report with the Illinois Department of Transportation within 10 days of the accident. If you don't file the report, the state can fine you up to $2,500 and send you to jail for up to one year.

Instructions

• 1

  Call the police if there is no officer at the scene. The police will complete most of the front page of the Illinois Motorist Report and give you the rest of the form to complete and mail to the Department of Transportation. The Illinois Motorist Report is a red and white form printed on carbon paper. You must get the form from the police or the Illinois Department of Transportation. You cannot download a copy of the form online.

• 2

  Use black ink and print clearly on the form. If you don't know the answer to a question, write "NK" for "not known."

• 3

  Complete the section on proof of insurance or the state will assume you are an uninsured motorist.

• 4

  Sign the report on the front in the lower left corner. Make a copy of the report for your records. Mail the original report to: Illinois Department of Transportation, Crash Records Section, 3215 Executive Park Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62766-0001.