The Dan Ryan Expressway, known by locals as I-94, is one of the most dangerous and busiest highways in the country. It passes through the South Side of Chicago and connects the downtown Loop to the southern suburbs, carrying hundreds of thousands of vehicles every single day. The sheer number of vehicles combined with the age of the highway and inclement weather makes it a hub for serious car accidents. That’s why the Dan Ryan Expressway car accident lawyer team at Lerner and Rowe’s Chicago office is here with this guide on how to stay safe.
Why I-94 Is So Dangerous
A clear understanding of why the Dan Ryan Expressway is so dangerous can help explain why accident victims have to deal with complex and high-stakes legal claims. There are many factors that combine to make this highway particularly dangerous:
Extreme Traffic Volume
The Dan Ryan Expressway carries an estimated 300,000+ vehicles per day along its most traveled sections near the Loop. During peak hours, stop-and-go traffic conditions provide constant risks for rear-end crashes, and even a minor collision can result in multiple-vehicle pile-ups.
Frequent Construction and Lane Closures
IDOT frequently undertakes construction and resurfacing work along I-94, which results in changing traffic lanes and reducing travel widths without adequate warning to motorists. This leads to collision hazards for motorists who are unaware of these changes or are using GPS navigation and driving in these areas.
High-Speed Merging Zones
The interchanges between the Dan Ryan Expressway and the Chicago Skyway, the Bishop Ford Expressway (split from I-94 and I-57), and the Edens Expressway (split from I-94 and I-90) are complex merging zones where high-speed traffic must merge across multiple travel lanes in short distances. These sections are responsible for a significant number of sideswipe and forced-merge crashes.
Weather and Road Conditions
The winters are harsh in Chicago, and the Dan Ryan sees its effects. Even with salt trucks and snowplows on the road, black ice, sleet, and snow can still cause crashes from November to March, or even April if it’s a polar vortex year. Summer heat can also cause the roads to crack, causing blowouts from overloaded trucks.
Aggressive and Distracted Driving
Like any other expressway, I-94 sees its fair share of speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving. It also has a high volume of commercial vehicle traffic, including large trucks en route to northwest Indiana. When involved in a crash, these trucks greatly increase the severity of the accident.
Common Types of Chicago Freeway Wrecks
Our Chicago highway crash lawyers have experience handling all types of accidents on I-94, including:
- Rear-end crashes, which are common during merges and exits, like if someone’s getting onto Lake Shore Drive to get to McCormick Place for C2E2.
- Sideswipe crashes, which are especially common when drivers are weaving or changing lanes
- Multi-vehicle crashes, usually as a result of one accident causing a chain reaction
- Semi-truck and commercial vehicle accidents—including accidents with 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and tankers
- Wrong-way crashes—especially in the interchanges and ramp areas
- Construction zone accidents—because of poor signage, shifting lanes, or construction company negligence
- Tire blowout and debris accidents—including cargo spills and truck blowouts
- Hit-and-run accidents—unfortunately common on the Bishop Ford, also still called the Calumet by older Chicagoans
Compensation a Dan Ryan Expressway Car Accident Lawyer Can Win You
If you were injured on the Dan Ryan Expressway through no fault of your own, or where your fault was less than 51%, Illinois law allows you to seek compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical expenses (emergency room, surgery, physical therapy, etc.)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle repair or replacement
- Out-of-pocket expenses due to your injury (transportation, in-home care, etc.)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
If a family member has been killed in an accident on I-94, family members may be able to recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and grief through a wrongful death claim.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dan Ryan Expressway Accidents
What should I do if I was injured on the Dan Ryan Expressway?
Call 911, seek immediate medical attention even if you do not believe you are injured, take photos of the scene, get information from other drivers and witnesses, and consult a Dan Ryan Expressway car accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance company. Evidence from crashes on I-94, including camera footage and toll records, is only available for a short time.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an I-94 accident in Chicago?
The state of Illinois allows most car accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries. However, if you are filing a lawsuit against a government agency, such as IDOT, for a road defect, you may only have a short time to file your notice of claim. It is best to seek the help of an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Who pays for my medical bills after a Dan Ryan Expressway accident?
In most cases, the liability insurance of the at-fault driver will cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. If the at-fault driver did not have insurance or had inadequate insurance, your own insurance coverage may apply. A Chicago highway crash lawyer can help you identify all sources of insurance coverage and recover the highest amount of compensation.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident on the I-94 highway?
Yes, you can recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident. In Illinois, the modified comparative negligence rule applies. To recover compensation, you must have been less than 51% at fault. The amount of compensation you recover will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your total damage claim of $100,000 would be reduced to $80,000.
What is the average settlement amount if the accident occurred on the Dan Ryan Expressway?
The values of the settlements differ depending on the severity of the injuries sustained, the number of liable parties, the availability of insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence. Severe injuries that require surgical interventions, hospitalizations, or disability are likely to attract higher settlements. Lerner and Rowe offer a free case evaluation that can help you determine the value of your case.
Does Lerner and Rowe handle truck accident cases on I-94?
Yes. Lerner and Rowe handles truck accident cases on the Dan Ryan Expressway and the highways that connect to it, like the Chicago Skyway and I-57. The cases are complex and often involve multiple liable parties and federal regulations. Our lawyers have experience handling commercial truck accident cases and have the knowledge and skill to obtain black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.
Is there a cost to hire Lerner and Rowe after a Dan Ryan accident?
No upfront cost. Lerner and Rowe handles Dan Ryan Expressway car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay us anything unless we are successful in obtaining a recovery for you. The initial consultation is free.
Contact a Dan Ryan Expressway Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident on I-94 in Chicago, do not hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer. The sooner you do, the greater chance you will have of building a strong case.
We fight hard to get results, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Just look at the billion-dollar results that we’ve secured for our many clients nationwide over the years. To speak to our team and get started with your free consultation, give us a call, fill out a contact form, or simply start up a LiveChat now.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.