It’s possible to file an insurance claim without a police report in Bloomington, Illinois, but if you’re hoping to recover compensation for personal injuries, skipping that report could make your case harder to prove, and in some cases, not worth pursuing legally.
In personal injury law, documentation is everything. While a police report isn’t strictly required to file an insurance claim, it’s often a key piece of evidence in injury-related car accident cases. If you were hurt in a crash and didn’t get a report, you may still have a valid claim, but you’ll need strong alternative evidence.
At Dodds Law Office in Bloomington, IL, we help car accident victims throughout the state recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Call us at 309-829-9300 for a free consultation to discuss your accident and learn your legal options.
When Is a Police Report Legally Required in an Illinois Accident?
Under Illinois law, you’re required to report a crash to law enforcement if:
- Someone was injured or killed, or
- The crash caused more than $1,500 in property damage (or $500 if any driver is uninsured)
If your accident doesn’t meet these thresholds, police may decline to respond or file a report. But just because it’s not legally required doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to skip the police report; especially if you think you may be hurt.
Why a Police Report Matters in Personal Injury Cases
A police report isn’t the only evidence that matters in personal injury cases, but it’s often the most immediate, objective account of the accident. It helps:
- Establish who may have been at fault
- Document whether injuries were reported at the scene
- Confirm the conditions and timing of the crash
- Support the credibility of your claim
If you were injured, a police report can prevent the at-fault party’s insurer from denying your claim outright, or accusing you of exaggerating or fabricating the injury later on.
Injured Without a Police Report? You May Still Have a Case
Maybe you didn’t feel hurt at first. Maybe you were in shock, or the other driver convinced you to “handle it privately.” Then the soreness started. The headaches. The back or neck pain. Delayed symptoms after car accidents are common.
Even if you didn’t call the police at the time, you may still be able to recover compensation if:
- You sought prompt medical care
- There’s documentation of your injuries
- You can gather other forms of evidence—like photos, eyewitnesses, or dashcam footage
If this sounds familiar, call our law firm as soon as possible. An attorney can help you assess whether your claim is still viable without a report.
What if the Accident Was Minor and No One Was Hurt?
If your crash resulted only in minor vehicle damage, and no one was injured, you can still file a property damage claim with your or the other driver’s insurer. But be aware: personal injury law firms focus on helping injured victims. If you were not physically harmed, your claim is best handled directly through the insurance process, and legal representation is typically not necessary.
What Evidence Can Support an Injury Claim Without a Police Report?
If you didn’t get a police report after your car accident, here’s what can help strengthen your claim:
- Photos or video from the scene (including vehicle position and damage)
- Names and contact info for any witnesses
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Prompt medical evaluations and diagnoses
- Receipts for medical bills, prescriptions, and follow-up care
The more documentation you have after a crash, the stronger your personal injury case.
Should You Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer if You Don’t Have a Police Report?
If you’ve suffered bodily injuries in a crash, even if there’s no police report, it’s smart to speak with an experienced car accident attorney. You may still be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Follow-up care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or reduced earning potential
Without a report or medical documentation, your claim will likely be undervalued or denied. The sooner you get in touch with an attorney to protect your rights, the better.
Get Help From a Bloomington Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident and didn’t file a police report, Dodds Law Offices can help you understand your legal options and protect your right to compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation. If your case has merit, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve. If it doesn’t, we’ll be honest about that, too.
