There are many situations where you may need a Chicago police report. You may be involved in a traffic accident and need a copy of the report to file an insurance claim. You may be injured by another person in another incident and require the report to prove your personal injury lawsuit.
Whatever the case, obtaining a police report in Chicago is not as difficult as you may believe. You will need to gather payment and information about the incident and submit your request in person or by mail.
What Is a Police Report and Why Do You Need One?
A police report provides details about an incident to which a law enforcement officer responded. This document includes important information such as the names of the involved parties, a diagram or description of the incident, and the police officer’s thoughts on what happened or how an accident occurred.
When filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, a police report can be a valuable piece of evidence and go a long way in proving your case. You can use this document to corroborate your version of events or provide proof of the at-fault party’s wrongful actions.
Steps for Requesting a Police Report in Chicago
You can request a Chicago police report in person or by mail.
- To obtain a report via mail, send a request to the following address: Chicago Police Department, Records Inquiry and Customer Service Section, Unit 163, 3510 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653.
- To obtain a report in person, visit the Records Customer Services Section at the Central Police Headquarters. This office is located at 3510 S. Michigan Avenue, 1st Floor, Room 1043.
When submitting your request, include important information about the incident, such as your name and address, the type and location of the incident, and the report number given to you by the police. You should also send or bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that the department can send the report to you.
Additionally, you will need to bring a check or money order payable to Department of Revenue, City of Chicago. The fees for obtaining a police report include the following.
- $0.50 for each copy of a case report
- $5.00 for each copy of a traffic crash report
- $20 for a copy of a report from a traffic reconstruction officer or accident reconstruction team
Speak to an Attorney About Your Next Steps
If you are filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in Illinois, a police report is an important piece of evidence for your case. However, it is not the only document that you will require. Depending on your case, you may also need to gather medical records, photographs and videos, witness statements, expert evaluations, and more.
Navigating a claim can be challenging, especially if you are suffering from a recent injury. In these situations, consult with a Chicago personal injury attorney.
A lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your right to compensation, representing you during negotiations and at trial. As soon as possible following your accident, contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
