What the police report says can help, but it does not control the claim. In Illinois, if a child is injured, a parent or court-appointed representative usually handles the claim, and yes - a settlement for a minor often needs court approval, especially if it is more than $10,000.

Here is what actually proves and moves the case in Cook County, not the officer's opinion about fault on I-55, the Kennedy, or a summer pileup after a thunderstorm:

• Birth certificate or guardianship papers showing who has legal authority to act for the child
• Police crash report or incident report from Chicago Police, Illinois State Police, the school, or the daycare
• Medical records and bills from the ER, pediatrician, hearing specialists, burn treatment, rehab, and follow-up care
• Photos and video of the scene, the vehicle, the defective product, burns, bruising, car seat damage, or the dangerous condition
• Witness names and contact information, especially teachers, daycare staff, other drivers, or bystanders
• Proof of expenses paid by a grandparent or parent, including prescriptions, mileage, copays, and medical equipment
• Insurance letters and any notice of Medicaid or Medicare Secondary Payer issues if medical bills were paid through public benefits tied to disability or a household caregiver's coverage

If the injury happened at a school or public daycare, deadlines can get ugly fast because claims against local government units can involve special notice issues and shorter practical timelines. If it was a private daycare or a summer road-trip crash, the normal Illinois minor-injury rules usually apply, including the fact that a child's time limit is often paused until age 18, but the adult's own claim for medical bills is not.

For court approval, the judge usually wants the settlement amount, medical records, liens, expenses, and where the child's money will be held, often in a restricted account until adulthood.