Why Obtaining a Police Report Is Critical After a Chicago Crash
If you have been involved in a traffic accident in Chicago, obtaining a police report is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights. Whether you are filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against an at-fault driver, this document serves as the foundation of your case. The attorneys at Riz Injury Law have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of obtaining a traffic crash report in Chicago — quickly and correctly.
How to Order a Chicago Traffic Crash Report Online
You can order Chicago traffic crash reports from 2016 to the present online at:
chicagopolice.org/traffic-crash-reports/
The police report is the primary document created after a car accident. Written by the investigating officer, it contains vital details including:
- Names, addresses, and contact information of all drivers involved
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage descriptions
- Injury reports
- Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash
- Any citations issued at the scene
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), police reports are accessible to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability for legal, insurance, and personal purposes.
Why Do I Need a Copy of the Police Report After a Car Accident?
The police report serves as crucial evidence for your insurance claim or personal injury case. It documents the accident scene, all parties involved, and vehicle details. This documentation helps:
- Establish fault — The officer’s observations and citations can indicate who caused the crash
- Calculate property damage value — Damage descriptions support repair and replacement claims
- Assess injury severity — Medical and injury notations in the report support compensation demands
Without this document, insurance companies and opposing attorneys may dispute key facts about what happened. Having the official report in hand gives your claim a credible, documented foundation.
What Information Do I Need to Get a Copy of the Police Report?
Before requesting a Chicago traffic crash report, make sure you have the following:
- The RD number (Chicago Police Department report number)
- The crash date
- The driver’s first and last name
If you do not have your RD number, you may be able to locate it on the citation you received at the scene, or by contacting the Chicago Police Department directly.
How Long Does It Take Before the Police Report Is Available?
Police reports typically become available to the public within a few business days of the report being completed by the investigating officer. In some cases, it may take slightly longer depending on the complexity of the crash or the officer’s caseload.
How to Request a Copy of the Police Report in Chicago
For accidents investigated by the Chicago Police Department, you have three options: online, in person, or by mail.
Online
Ordering online is the fastest and most convenient method.
- Available for reports from 2016 to the present
- You must be 18 years or older
- A valid return email address is required
- Visit: chicagopolice.org/traffic-crash-reports/
In Person
You can visit Chicago Central Police Headquarters to obtain your report directly:
3510 S. Michigan Ave., Room 1043 Service hours: Monday through Friday (excluding public holidays), 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
By Mail
Send a written request to:
Chicago Police Department Attention: Records Inquiry and Customer Service Section, Unit 163 3510 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60653
Include the following with your mailed request:
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope
- A check or money order made payable to: “Department of Revenue, City of Chicago”
How Much Does It Cost to Order a Police Report in Chicago?
Costs vary depending on how you request the report and what type of report you need.
Online Traffic Crash Report
$6.00 per report
In-Person or Mailed Requests
| Report Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of a case report | $0.50 per copy |
| Traffic crash report | $5.00 per copy |
| Accident reconstruction officer or team report | $20.00 |
| Rap sheet | $16.00 |
What Should I Do If My Police Report Contains Errors?
Errors in a police report can create serious complications for your insurance claim or personal injury case. If you notice inaccurate information — such as a wrong name, incorrect vehicle description, or a factual error about how the crash occurred — contact the issuing police department immediately.
The department will provide guidance on submitting a correction request or formally disputing the inaccurate information. Acting quickly is important, as insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys may rely on the original report when evaluating your claim.
The attorneys at Riz Injury Law can also assist you in identifying errors in your report and advising on the best course of action.
Can I Obtain a Police Report If I Was Not Involved in the Accident?
Yes. Police reports are generally considered public records, accessible to anyone with a legitimate need — including those seeking information to support personal injury or property damage claims.
However, reports that contain sensitive investigation information may have certain details redacted before being released to the general public. If you are a party to the accident, you are typically entitled to an unredacted copy.
How Long Are Police Reports Kept on File?
Police reports are generally retained indefinitely. Chicago crash reports from 2016 to the present are available online through the Chicago Police Department’s portal. Older reports can be requested through mail or in-person visits to the Records Division.
What If My Accident Happened Outside of Chicago?
If your accident occurred in a suburb or another part of Illinois, contact the Illinois police department or agency that handled the investigation. Most departments maintain a records division specifically to assist individuals with obtaining accident report copies.
For accidents on Illinois state highways, the Illinois State Police may have jurisdiction and would maintain the report on file.
Let Riz Injury Law Handle the Details While You Focus on Recovery
Tracking down a police report is just one of the many steps involved in building a strong personal injury claim after a Chicago car accident. The attorneys at Riz Injury Law are here to handle the legal heavy lifting — from gathering evidence and analyzing crash reports to negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, do not wait. Contact Riz Injury Law today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call Riz Injury Law now or visit our website to get started. Your recovery is our priority.
Injured and have questions? The attorneys at Riz Injury Law offer free consultations — call (312) 546-5109.