How Do Car Accidents Affect Your Driving Record in Illinois?
A car accident can impact your driving record if you are found at fault for the incident. Your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) documents all accidents you’re in if the police are called to the scene and property damage is $1,500 or more, or if any person is hurt in the accident. Not all reports will appear on your driving history report, but they can impact you for years to come when they do. Speaking with a Chicago auto accident attorney can help you protect your rights and mitigate these long-term consequences.
Consider the following factors that could affect your driving record in Illinois after a car crash.
Police Reports Are Documented on Your Record
In any accident in which a car accident involves a call to the police, you can expect this to become a part of your MVR. This includes any crash reported to the police. It becomes a visible entry on your state MVR under Illinois law. If an officer’s report incorrectly assigns fault to you, a dedicated car accident lawyer can help challenge inaccuracies to safeguard your record.
Traffic Violations
If you are in a car accident that stems from a traffic violation, such as speeding or running a red light, that could impact your MVR. Traffic violations that involve receiving a ticket, such as for a moving violation, that resulted in a crash could add points to your license. Convictions are assigned a certain number of points based on the underlying cause and severity.
Consulting an experienced car accident attorney can assist in addressing traffic citations before they result in points on your license.
Serious Driving Offenses
In some situations, a car accident can result in a serious offense. For example, if you are in a serious accident stemming from a DUI charge, that could significantly impact your driving record. These serious offenses can lead to an immediate suspension of your driving privileges.
Remaining on Your License Long Term
Once points are added to your driving record after a car accident, they can remain there for a significant amount of time. During that timeframe, you will see limitations on your rights, and your costs may increase.
The length of time your car accident remains on your MVR is dependent on numerous factors. For example, a standard accident notation will remain on your driving record for four to five years. This includes any minor moving convictions you have.
In serious accidents or those resulting from intentional acts or egregious behavior, implications are often longer. Most often, a license suspension or any revocation of your license for factors stemming from an accident can have a much longer impact, often at least seven years. Some types of claims can remain on your driving record permanently and do not fall off over time. This creates a long-term impact.
Working alongside a skilled car accident lawyer in Chicago ensures you take proper action to minimize lasting points and administrative penalties.
Impact on Your Driving Record
Once car accidents are on your driving record, it can impact your day-to-day life in numerous ways. For example, it can increase your insurance premium, which can impact you for three to five years, depending on the insurance company’s policies.
In some situations, having this on your record can also mean you face employment limitations, especially if you’re a commercial driver or need to maintain a professional license.
Seek the Help of a Chicago Car Accident Attorney After an Accident
If you are in a car accident, you should seek the help of an auto accident lawyer in Chicago. Your car accident attorney will guide you in seeking financial compensation against those who put you in this situation. Contact Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman at (312) 586-1700 for a free consultation.