Author: Jennifer Gulbrandsen

When an accident occurs, it is essential to gather the right information to protect your interests. One of the most crucial pieces of evidence you can secure is a police report. In Chicago, this document plays a key role in resolving disputes, filing insurance claims, and even pursuing legal action if necessary. Understanding the importance of obtaining a police report and knowing how to secure one will make a significant difference in the aftermath of an accident.

Why Is a Police Report Important?

Objective Account of the Incident

A police report provides an objective, third-party account of the accident. This is especially important when conflicting stories arise between the involved parties. Officers at the scene assess the situation, interview witnesses, and gather critical details. Their observations are unbiased and carry significant weight when dealing with insurance companies or courts. Without this impartial documentation, it may become difficult to prove fault or verify the circumstances of the accident.

Insurance Claims

When filing an insurance claim, the provider typically requests a copy of the police report to substantiate your case. The report includes essential details, such as the date, time, location, weather conditions, and possible causes of the accident. It also contains information about injuries, property damage, and any traffic violations or citations issued. Insurance companies rely heavily on this report to determine liability and calculate the compensation amount. Without it, your claim could be delayed, reduced, or even denied.

Legal Protection

In the event that the accident leads to a lawsuit, a police report can serve as critical evidence in court. The report offers a reliable record of what happened, which can strengthen your legal position if you need to prove negligence or defend yourself against false claims. It can also help ensure that justice is served and appropriate compensation is awarded for any injuries or damages incurred.

How to Obtain a Police Report in Chicago

At the Scene of the Accident

The easiest way to ensure a police report is filed is to call the police immediately after an accident. In Chicago, for accidents involving injuries, significant property damage, or when the other party flees the scene (hit-and-run), you are legally required to report the accident to the police. Officers will arrive, assess the situation, and generate a report. Make sure to obtain the officer’s name, badge number, and the report number before leaving the scene.

Requesting a Report Online

If the police did not arrive at the scene or you need a copy of the report later, you can request one through the Chicago Police Department website. Reports are usually available within 5 to 7 days of the incident. Visit the e-Services section of the CPD’s website, and navigate to the “Traffic Crash Reports” option. You will need to provide specific details such as the report number, the date of the accident, and the driver’s name.

In-Person or Mail Requests

If you prefer to obtain a report in person, you can visit the Records Division at 3510 S. Michigan Avenue during business hours. Be prepared to provide the necessary details, and bring identification along with any applicable fees (usually around $5). Alternatively, you can mail a request to the same address, ensuring you include all required information and payment.

Obtaining a police report after an accident in Chicago is a vital step in protecting your legal rights, ensuring fair treatment from insurance companies, and securing compensation for any injuries or damages sustained. Whether you obtain it at the scene or request it later, having this document can make the difference between a smooth resolution and a long, frustrating battle. Make sure you follow the correct process to safeguard your interests.

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. was proud to sponsor the annual IUEC Local 2 golf outing at White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville, IL. In attendance were partners, Matt Coleman, Dennis Lynch, Cole Munvez, and associate Mike Long. 

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. concentrates its practice in the representation of those injured in workplace accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a workplace accident, call/text us today at 312.641.5926 or visit us at pninjurylaw.com.

Please join The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. in congratulating partner, Cole Munvez, for his selection as one of the top 40 attorneys under 40 in Illinois! Over 1500 attorneys were nominated for this honor. 

What does it take to be recognized as one of the top young lawyers in the state? It requires intelligence, passion, professional success, a commitment to community service, and, above all, a dedication to working hard in one of the nation’s most vital professions.

Congratulations to Cole for continuing to exemplify Parente & Norem’s continued commitment to achieving the best in experience, dedication, and proven results for all of our clients! 

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, parts of the process can be overwhelming; with terms you may have never heard before. To help you navigate these legal terms, below we have compiled a list of the most common terms you may encounter during your personal injury case. 

Affidavit: A formal written statement declared under oath.

Arbitration: A non-judicial legal procedure where parties present their dispute to a neutral arbitrator outside of court.

Attorney-Client Privilege: The confidentiality of communications between an attorney and their client.

Complaint: A legal document filed to initiate a civil lawsuit, detailing the plaintiff’s allegations against the defendant and their requests for relief.

Contingency Fee: A fee arrangement where an attorney is paid a percentage of the recovery amount only if they win the case. No fee is charged if the attorney is unsuccessful.

Defendant: The party against whom a lawsuit is brought.

Deposition: Oral testimony taken under oath, where one party questions another party or relevant witnesses.

Discovery: The pre-trial phase where parties gather facts and information to build their case. This can include written questions (interrogatories), requests for production, or oral testimony (depositions).

Docket: The court’s calendar of scheduled actions and hearings.

Evidence: Information presented to support or prove a case.

Expert Witness: A witness with specialized knowledge who provides testimony to support a party’s case.

IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health.

Independent Medical Evaluation (IME): A medical examination conducted by a doctor chosen by the insurance company or the opposing party to assess the severity of injuries in a personal injury or workers’ compensation case.

Interrogatory: Written questions exchanged between parties in a lawsuit to uncover important information. A type of written discovery.

Jury: A group of people selected to hear the evidence in a trial and make a decision based on the facts presented.

Lawsuit: A legal proceeding between two parties in a court of law.

Liability Insurance: Insurance that provides compensation for injuries or property damage caused by the policyholder’s negligence.

Medical Malpractice: Negligent care by a healthcare provider that fails to meet the established standard of care, resulting in patient injury or death.

Motion: A formal request by one party for a judge’s ruling on an issue, made orally or in writing during a lawsuit.

Personal Injury: Injury to one’s body, mind, reputation, or emotions, as opposed to property.

Plaintiff: The party who initiates a lawsuit against the defendant.

Power of Attorney: A document granting legal authority to act on someone else’s behalf.

Product Liability: Legal responsibility of manufacturers for damages or injuries caused by defective products.

Sepsis: A severe bacterial blood infection, also known as septicemia.

Settlement Mediation: A dispute resolution process where a neutral mediator helps parties reach a settlement to avoid court.

Statute of Limitations: The time period within which a plaintiff must file a lawsuit.

Summary Judgment: A court decision resolving a lawsuit in favor of one party based on the law, without a full trial, usually due to no material facts being disputed.

Summons: A legal document issued by a court informing the defendant of a lawsuit.

Testimony: Evidence given by a witness under oath during a deposition or trial.

Tort: Negligent or wrongful conduct causing injury to another person for which damages may be sought.

Witness: A person who provides testimony under oath in legal proceedings, offering firsthand experience or expert opinion.

Workers’ Compensation: A form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured during their employment in exchange for mandatory relinquishment of the employee’s right to sue their employer.

Wrongful Death: A death caused by another’s negligence, leading to a lawsuit usually filed by the deceased’s family or beneficiaries.

As always, the staff at The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. is here to answer any questions you may have throughout the duration of your personal injury case. If you would like to speak with our office, call us at 312.641.5926 or fill out a contact form right here on our website. 

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. was proud to support the Will & Grundy Building Trades Annual Golf Outing! This outing was held Monday, July 22nd, at both Inwood Golf Course in Joliet, Illinois and Wedgewood Golf Course in Plainfield, Illinois. Our firm was represented by our attorneys Cole Munvez and Taylor Matichak.

Throughout the year, the Will and Grundy BTC contributes to multiple charities, programs for children & the underprivileged. as well as other events within their community. This annual outing benefits charities such as Lightways Hospice, which is a nonprofit that does not turn away anyone based on their ability to pay. They also support Operation St. Nick; a charity that grants wishes to military families experiencing hardship.

Parente & Norem is so proud to be able to support these causes, through our sponsorship, as well as have an opportunity to network with the local building trades, politicians, and union representatives that are fundamental to the growth of Will & Grundy County.

For more information on The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. or speak to an attorney, call/text us at 312.641.5926 or visit us at pninjurylaw.com

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. was proud to be a sponsor of the annual De La Salle Institute Golf Outing held July 18, 2024 at Silver Lakes Country Club in Orland Park. 

This golf outing benefits the scholarship fund of the De La Salle Institute to ensure that tuition remains affordable for their students and families. In attendance on behalf of the firm this year were our Work Injury Attorneys Matthew Coleman and Taylor Matichak. 

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. concentrates its practice in the representation of those injured on the job, or due to another’s negligence. If you or someone you know has been injured on the job or in an accident, call/text us today at 312.641.5926 or visit us at pninjurylaw.com.

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem. P.C. was honored to be a gold sponsor at the Illinois Valley Building Trades Council Annual Charitable Trust Golf Outing. In attendance were our work injury lawyers Matthew Coleman and Taylor Matichak. This event benefitted two charitable organizations this year. Arukah Institute of Healing and the United Way of Illinois Valley. 

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. concentrates its practice in the representation of those injured in construction accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call/text us today at 312.641.5926 or visit us at pninjurylaw.com.

Please join us in welcoming Parente & Norem’s summer Law Clerks, Elizabeth Borchardt and Matthew Korcek. 

Matthew currently attends Colorado State University and is pursuing a degree in political science with a concentration in US Government/Law with a minor in Philosophy. His hobbies include powerlifting, skiing, wakesurfing, and reading. Matthew plans to attend law school and hopes to one day practice personal injury law. 

Elizabeth is currently a rising senior at Indiana University studying Law, Ethics & Decision-Making and Management within the Kelley School of Business. She’s from Elmhurst, Illinois and some of her hobbies include golfing and traveling. Elizabeth plans to attend law school in Chicago next fall and is super excited to begin a career in law.

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. recently had the honor of supporting the Ironworkers Local 1 “Babe” Satalic Golf Outing! Held on Monday, June 4, 2024, at the beautiful Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park, IL, this event brought together the community for a day of golf, camaraderie, and philanthropy.

The outing benefits several local charities, making a tangible difference in the lives of many. Among the beneficiaries is the YMCA Camp Independence in Lake County, a program dedicated to teaching self-reliance to patients with spina bifida. Additionally, this golf event supports Park Forest Senior Services, a vital program through the Community Center that provides a food pantry, senior exercise classes, door-to-door travel, and various other services for the seniors of Forest Park, Illinois.

Iron Workers Local 1, located in Chicago, Illinois, was chartered in 1896. The proud members of Local 1 have contributed to the growth of Chicagoland for over 100 years. Their members have been a part of building the bridges to connect our roads, buildings to make up the skyline, a vast number of schools and universities, concert venues, stadiums, hospitals, and amusement parks. The list keeps growing. To learn more about the Local 1 Union, click here.

For those interested in learning more about The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. or seeking legal assistance, call or text us at 312.641.5926 or visit our website at pninjurylaw.com.

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. as lead counsel along with Peter Higgins Law obtained the ‘Lead Case’ in the latest issue of the Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter for their $19.2M verdict in the death of a 37 yr old woman following complications from bariatric surgery. Click here for more details on this case.