Should I call the police if I’m involved in a car accident?

Stephen J. Phillips: It depends on the circumstances. If anyone is hurt, or you feel you need a doctor, call the police so a report is written. For minor property damage with no injuries, calling may not be necessary.

Attorney Stephen J. Phillips · Car Accidents · 44-second answer

Transcript

Automatically transcribed from the video’s audio and lightly edited.

Whether or not to call the police when you’re involved in an automobile accident is a decision that you’re going to have to make based on the circumstances. In something involving injury where you’re in pain or you feel that you need to go to a doctor or be hospitalized, yes, it’s advisable to call the police so that they can author a police report. If it’s something where just property damage is involved or it’s a minor fender bender where you don’t feel like you need medical attention, you may not need to call the police. It depends on your level of comfort and what you feel comfortable doing.

Note: Illinois requires a crash report when someone is injured or killed (625 ILCS 5/11-406).

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