Accidents at toll booths: How they happen and what to do next

Car Accident - February 19, 2025 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

While designed for convenience and maintaining road infrastructure, toll booths can be hazardous for motorists. The combination of high traffic volumes, sudden stops and starts, and complex merging patterns can create conditions ripe for accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a toll booth accident, a Chicago car accident attorney from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can provide the guidance and advocacy needed to navigate the legal and financial aftermath.

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates handles toll booth accidents caused by various factors

Accidents at toll booths often occur due to a combination of factors that are specific to these locations. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Sudden braking: Drivers may brake abruptly upon realizing they need to stop or slow down for a toll. This unexpected behavior can lead to rear-end collisions, especially where traffic is moving at highway speeds before approaching the booth.
  • Distracted driving: Distractions such as using a phone, searching for toll money, or adjusting navigation systems can reduce a driver’s reaction time. Distracted driving is particularly hazardous near toll booths, where drivers must pay close attention to navigate safely.
  • Confusion about lanes: Toll plazas often have multiple lanes, some dedicated to electronic payment systems like I-PASS, while others require cash. Drivers unfamiliar with the area may hesitate or make last-minute lane changes, increasing the likelihood of side-swipes or rear-end collisions.
  • Congestion: High traffic volumes during peak hours can lead to bottlenecks at toll plazas. The stop-and-go traffic in these areas often results in fender benders or more serious accidents when drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance.
  • Speeding: Drivers who fail to reduce their speed upon approaching a toll booth put themselves and others at risk. Speeding can make it difficult to stop in time and can magnify the severity of a collision.
  • Mechanical failures: Issues like brake failure or tire blowouts can lead to accidents, particularly in the tightly packed conditions around toll booths. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to avoiding these types of incidents.
  • Pedestrian involvement: Toll booth employees or maintenance workers are often present in these areas, creating a risk of pedestrian accidents if drivers aren’t vigilant.

What you should do after a toll booth accident

If you find yourself involved in an accident at a toll booth, acting quickly and methodically is essential to protect your health and legal rights and avoid potentially costly mistakes. Here’s what you should do:

  • Ensure safety: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further incidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
  • Call the police: Report even minor accidents to the police. A formal accident report can be invaluable when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
  • Exchange information: Under Illinois law, you must exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle details with the other driver involved. Ask any witnesses present for their contact information as well, as their statements may be helpful later.
  • Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage or lane markings. These visuals can serve as crucial evidence if the liable party disputes liability.
  • Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Be honest and factual in your account, but avoid admitting fault, as this can complicate the claims process.
  • Seek medical attention: It’s wise to get a medical evaluation even if you feel fine immediately after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not present symptoms until hours or days later.
  • Consult a car accident attorney: Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, particularly if there are disputes over liability or compensation. Our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help you recover compensation for your injuries after an accident at a toll booth

If you’re injured in a toll booth accident, you may obtain compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to missed work
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
  • Property damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle

Our Chicago car accident lawyers at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates have a century of experience helping Illinoisans injured in accidents caused by others’ negligence. We will fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses so you can focus on your recovery.

Contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates if you’ve been injured in a toll booth accident

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident at a toll booth, seek professional legal assistance from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates as soon as possible. Our Chicago car accident attorneys can guide you through your case’s complexities, helping you recover the compensation and justice you deserve. 

Contact us today at (800) 985-1819 or via our online form to schedule a free case evaluation with our experienced and trusted legal team member.