After a crash, your first jobs are safety and getting help. Then come the legal duties: exchange information, report the crash on time, and never simply drive away. Tickets have their own rules about showing up in court.
If you are involved in or come upon a traffic crash:
- Stop in a safe, well-lit public place that doesn't block traffic, if you can
- Help any injured person if necessary or requested
- Call 911 immediately
- Warn other drivers with emergency flashers, and flares if available
- Get names, addresses, phone numbers, license numbers and plate numbers of everyone involved
When the driver must file a crash report (regardless of fault)
| Crash involves | Report required if |
|---|---|
| Death or bodily injury | Always |
| Property damage, all vehicles insured | Damage is more than $1,500 |
| Property damage, any vehicle uninsured | Damage is more than $500 |
| A school bus | Any property damage or personal injury |
| Within 50 feet of a school bus | Anyone boarding or just off the bus is hurt or killed |
Time a driver has to report a crash after it occurs
Handbook p. 58 ↗Know the rule
Notify police immediately. If no officer is at the scene, report at the nearest police station as soon as possible. In a rural area, notify the county sheriff or Illinois State Police. Many towns also require their own report.
Handbook p. 58 ↗Know the rule
If the driver can't make the report and a passenger is present, the passenger must make it.
Handbook p. 58 ↗Maximum fine and jail sentence for failing to report a crash
Handbook p. 58 ↗Know the rule
Leaving the scene of a crash can bring criminal charges. If someone was injured or killed, the Secretary of State must revoke your license. If damage is more than $1,000, your license will be suspended.
Handbook p. 58 ↗If you damage an unattended vehicle or other property:
- Stop your vehicle away from traffic
- If you can't find the owner, leave your name, address, phone and plate number on it
- Notify police
- Complete all required crash reports
Know the rule
For a minor ticket, the court date is printed on the ticket. If you don't pay or appear, a second date is set at least 30 days later. Missing the second date means an ex-parte conviction, which is reported to the Secretary of State.
Handbook p. 57 ↗Know the rule
Failure-to-appear suspensions from Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2024 are cleared. Those from before Jan. 1, 2020 stay in place until the ticket is resolved and a reinstatement fee is paid.
Handbook p. 57 ↗Know the rule
A driver under age 18 who must appear in court must have a parent or legal guardian present.
Handbook p. 57 ↗Ticketed in a Non-Resident Violator Compact state, an Illinois driver may:
- Stay in that state and argue the case
- Pay the fine
- Promise to comply and handle it from home (breaking the promise can suspend your license)
Put it into practice
You back into a parked, empty car in a lot and can't find the owner. Leave a note with your name, address, phone and plate number, notify police, and file any required report.