Official Illinois Motorist Report Form in PDF

What is the Illinois Motorist Report form?

The Illinois Motorist Report form is a document that drivers involved in a vehicle accident must complete and submit to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). It is used to report details about the crash, including injuries, damages, and insurance information. This form must be submitted within 10 days of the accident if the police did not arrive at the scene to provide a report.

When is a crash required to be reported?

According to Illinois law, a crash must be reported if it results in injury or death to any person, or if property damage exceeds $1,500. If any vehicle involved is not covered by a liability insurance policy, the threshold for reporting is $500. The report should be submitted to IDOT within 10 days of the accident.

Where do I report a crash if the police do not arrive?

If no police officer is present at the scene, the involved drivers must notify the local police department if the accident occurs within a municipality. If the accident happens outside a municipality, drivers should contact the nearest county sheriff's office or the nearest headquarters of the Illinois State Police.

How do I complete the Motorist Report form?

To complete the Motorist Report, use black ink and print legibly. Fill out all required fields as accurately as possible. If you cannot answer a question, mark it as “NK” for “not known.” Ensure that all sections related to proof of insurance are completed. Provide detailed information about injuries, repair costs, and any damage to property. Use the back of the form or an additional sheet if more space is needed. Remember to sign the report in the designated area.

What should I do if I did not receive a Motorist Report form?

If you did not receive a Motorist Report form from the police or if it was lost, contact the investigating agency to obtain the bar code number from the original Police Report. Then, call IDOT at (217) 782-2575 to request a blank Motorist Report form. Make sure to enter the bar code number in the upper right corner of the blank form before completing it.

What happens if I provide false information on the report?

Providing false information on the Motorist Report is considered a class C misdemeanor. This can lead to a fine of up to $500 and a possible 30-day jail sentence. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful information when completing the report.

How can I contact IDOT if I have questions about the report?

If you have questions or comments regarding the Motorist Report or crash reporting in general, you can call IDOT at (217) 782-2575. Alternatively, you can email them at DOT.CRASHFORMS@illinois.gov for assistance.

1. Neglecting to complete all required fields: It's crucial to fill out every section of the Motorist Report form. Missing information can lead to delays or complications in processing your report.

2. Failing to provide accurate insurance information: All fields related to proof of insurance must be filled out correctly. Omitting this information can result in the assumption that you do not have insurance, which could lead to further legal issues.

3. Not documenting injuries properly: Make sure to describe the nature and extent of injuries in detail. If you have a doctor's statement, include that information. Incomplete or vague descriptions can hinder your claim.

4. Overlooking the diagram and narrative sections: The back of the form is just as important as the front. Failing to complete the diagram or narrative can leave out vital details about the crash, which may be essential for understanding the incident.

When filling out the Illinois Motorist Report form, consider the following dos and don'ts:

• Do use black ink and print legibly to ensure clarity.
• Do complete all required fields accurately, including proof of insurance information.
• Do provide detailed descriptions of injuries, repair costs, and property damage.
• Do sign the report in the designated area before submitting it.

• Don't leave any required fields blank; use "NK" for "not known" if necessary.
• Don't provide false information, as this can lead to legal penalties.
• Don't forget to make a copy of the completed report for your records.
• Don't submit the report later than 10 days after the accident.

When involved in a motor vehicle accident in Illinois, several forms and documents may accompany the Illinois Motorist Report form. Each document serves a specific purpose in the reporting and resolution process. Below is a list of commonly used forms that may be relevant in such situations.

• Illinois Traffic Crash Report (Police Report): This is the primary report completed by law enforcement at the scene of the accident. It contains essential details about the crash, including information about the vehicles, drivers, and any injuries sustained.
• Driver's License: A copy of the driver's license is often required for identification purposes. It helps verify the identity of the individuals involved in the accident.
• Proof of Insurance: This document confirms that the driver has valid automobile insurance. It is crucial for determining liability and coverage for damages.
• Witness Statements: If there are witnesses to the accident, their statements may be collected. These can provide additional perspectives on the events that transpired.
• Medical Reports: In cases of injury, medical reports may be necessary to document the extent of injuries sustained by the parties involved. These reports can be important for insurance claims.
• Repair Estimates: A written estimate from a body shop or garage detailing the cost of repairs for damaged vehicles may be required for insurance purposes.
• Accident Scene Photographs: Photos taken at the scene can provide visual evidence of the accident, including vehicle positions and damage. These can be useful in disputes over liability.
• Traffic Citations: If any driver receives a traffic citation related to the accident, a copy of the citation may be needed for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
• California Trailer Bill of Sale: This document records the transfer of ownership for a trailer within the state of California. For more information, you can refer to the https://templates-guide.com/california-trailer-bill-of-sale-template.
• Settlement Agreements: In cases where parties reach a settlement outside of court, a written agreement outlining the terms may be necessary to finalize the resolution.
• Release of Liability Form: If a settlement is reached, this form may be signed to release the parties from further claims related to the accident.

Understanding these documents can facilitate a smoother process when dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. Each form plays a vital role in ensuring that all necessary information is collected and properly reported.

Misconception 1: The Motorist Report form is optional.

Many people believe that completing the Motorist Report form is optional, but this is not the case. Illinois law requires drivers involved in certain accidents to submit this report within 10 days. If the crash results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500, it is mandatory to report it.

Misconception 2: Only police can report an accident.

Some might think that only law enforcement can file a report after an accident. While police do provide a report, drivers must also complete the Motorist Report form if they are involved in the crash. This ensures that all necessary details are documented and sent to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Misconception 3: I can skip questions if I don’t know the answers.

It's a common belief that if a driver doesn’t know an answer, they can simply leave it blank. However, the Motorist Report form has a specific instruction to mark “NK” for “not known” if any question cannot be answered. Completing the form as fully as possible is crucial for accurate record-keeping.

Misconception 4: I can submit the report anytime after the accident.

Many assume they can take their time submitting the report. In reality, the law states that the report must be sent within 10 days of the accident. Failing to meet this deadline could lead to complications, including assumptions regarding insurance coverage.