Chicago Car Accident Attorneys

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chicago

Common causes may include:

• Distracted Driving: This often includes texting, talking on the phone, using GPS, or even eating while driving.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes, such as road hazards, sharp turns, or actions by other drivers. Speeding also increases crash severity, making it a significant factor in car accident cases.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, response time, and motor skills, raising the likelihood of severe accidents. Drunk Driving Accidents are a major safety concern on the road.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, and road rage often lead to dangerous situations. Reckless drivers put everyone at risk by ignoring traffic laws and safety protocols.
• Weather Conditions: Chicago’s unpredictable weather also contributes to car accidents. Rain, snow, ice, and fog reduce visibility and create slippery roads, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Fatigue: Drowsy driving is as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigued drivers respond more slowly and could even fall asleep behind the wheel, causing preventable accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Sometimes, car accidents happen due to mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems. In cases involving vehicle defects, victims may have claims against a manufacturer or mechanic.

Common Injuries in Chicago Car Accidents

Car accidents in Chicago can range from minor fender-benders to severe, life-altering collisions. No matter the severity, these crashes often leave victims with a variety of physical and emotional injuries. 

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash
• Head and brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Depression

Whether your injuries are physical, emotional, or both, it’s important to take them seriously. Prompt medical attention and legal guidance can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation. If you've been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced car accident attorney in Chicago to guard your rights.

Is Illinois an At-Fault State for Auto Accidents?

Illinois follows an at-fault system, allowing injured parties to seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The amount of compensation someone can receive depends on their degree of fault in the accident, under Illinois’ comparative negligence system.

Under comparative negligence laws, if an injured person shares partial responsibility for the accident, the court can reduce compensation in proportion to their level of fault. For example, if someone is 20% at fault, their compensation reduces by 20%.

Key Elements of Auto Accident Claims

Making a car accident claim generally requires demonstrating the following elements:

• The at-fault driver held a legal duty to act with care while operating their vehicle. This can include using turn signals or stopping at red lights.
• The at-fault driver failed to uphold this duty of care. Examples include turning or merging without signaling or running a red light.
• The at-fault driver’s breach of duty caused the accident and led to the victim’s injuries.

Although these elements may seem straightforward, proving them can be challenging. Working with a vehicle accident attorney in Chicago who has successfully resolved auto accident claims can help protect your rights throughout the process.