Most common types of car accidents in Chicago

Car Accident - February 5, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

By understanding the common types of car accidents in Chicago, people can be more aware of what can happen and practice safer driving practices. A Chicago car accident lawyer with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates helps accident victims seek compensation after they are injured in a motor vehicle crash.

While these situations may be familiar, they do not need to make your life a financial wreck. Contact us to discuss how we can help if you’ve been involved in a Chicago car accident.

most common types of car accidents

What are the most common types of car accident injuries in Chicago?

A variety of accidents occur daily in Chicago, leading to catastrophic motorist injuries. The most common types of car accidents include the following.

Rear-end collisions

These collisions happen when a vehicle strikes another vehicle in front of it, typically occurring in heavy traffic during rush hour or when a driver is following another car too closely. These collisions are more likely to involve multiple vehicles than other crashes since they often result in one vehicle hitting another in front of it, followed by a procession of cars behind piling up when they cannot stop fast enough to avoid a wreck.

Pedestrian collisions

Due to heavy foot traffic in Chicago, collisions involving pedestrians often occur near schools or areas like the city’s popular nightspots and tourist attractions. Pedestrian collisions have a high potential for catastrophe since pedestrians are fully exposed with no protection from the weight of a vehicle that projects tremendous force when it hits a pedestrian. Drivers should always take precautions and be aware when traveling in areas with many people on foot.

Intersection Collisions

These collisions occur when a vehicle makes a left-hand turn and is struck by a car driving in the opposite direction. They also happen when a driver runs a red light and crashes into a vehicle traveling perpendicular to them. The injuries and damage to vehicles are often extensive with these types of collisions due to the high rates of speed at which the vehicles are traveling.

Low-speed crashes

These crashes typically occur in areas like parking lots or crowded streets when drivers are not going fast or could be distracted. Low-speed collisions generally don’t involve substantial vehicle damage or personal injuries due to the low speeds of the vehicle involved.

Single-vehicle collisions

A collision involving a single vehicle typically occurs when the driver leaves the road and hits something along the side of the road. These objects are usually street signs, debris, guardrails, or trees, but they may involve animals that enter the roadway. These collisions often involve the use of alcohol by the driver or a distraction such as the use of a cell phone. These collisions can be hazardous for anyone in the vehicle since trees and other roadside objects lack shock absorption.

What damages can be recovered in the most common types of car accidents?

The damages and injuries suffered in a car accident will vary based on the type of accident and its severity. Your Chicago personal injury attorney can help you seek the following damages after a Chicago crash:

Economic damages are the out-of-pocket expenses you incurred directly relating to the accident.

  • Medical expenses: This can include doctor visits, hospital stays, ambulance transport, prescription medications, surgeries, and physical therapy.
  • Lost wages: This covers the work missed during your recovery time
  • Future earning capacity: If you are unable to perform your previous job duties due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of future earnings
  • Property damage: You can be compensated for the repair or replacement of your vehicle or any items damaged in the vehicle, such as electronics, eyeglasses, and other personal items
  • Funeral and burial expenses: When a severe accident leads to the loss of a loved one, a Chicago wrongful death lawyer can hold those responsible for the death accountable for their actions.

Non-economic damages include subjective losses incurred from the accident that can make up a large portion of your injury claim. These non-economic damages include the physical and emotional pain and suffering that result from the accident:

  • Emotional trauma
  • Permanent disability
  • Physical pain from injuries
  • Damage to relationships
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Anxiety and fear of future injuries

Can Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates get you the compensation you deserve?

You are entitled to recover compensation for your injuries from a Chicago vehicle crash. Our car accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for lost income, medical expenses, property damage, etc. With nearly a century of experience helping injury victims, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is the leader in personal injury law.

Let our skilled and dedicated attorneys help you get the justice and compensation you deserve by calling us today at (800) 985-1819 or using our secure online contact form.