Chicago bustles with traffic day and night, and car accidents are unfortunately common. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 160,178 car accidents in Cook County, Illinois, in 2023. These wrecks included several types of Chicago car accidents.
Understanding the common types of Chicago car accidents can help raise awareness and promote safer driving practices. Here, our Chicago personal injury attorneys review seven common types and causes of Chicago car collisions and share some tips on how to avoid them.
Types of Chicago Car Accidents You Should Know
1. Collisions with Other Vehicles
Collisions with other cars are the most common type of Chicago car accident. Numerous kinds of collisions can occur between two or more cars, including:
- Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions can range from minor fender benders to severe accidents, depending on the speed and force of impact. They happen when a vehicle crashes into the rear end of another vehicle in front of it.
- Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are severe and often catastrophic accidents that occur when two vehicles collide directly front-to-front. These types of accidents pose a significant risk to drivers and passengers.
- Sideswipe collisions: Sideswipe collisions often happen when two vehicles traveling in parallel directions make contact with each other, usually during lane changes.
Tips to prevent collisions with other vehicles:
- Avoid distractions while driving (i.e., texting, eating, etc.)
- Leave enough space between you and the vehicles around you
- Signal turns early and tap brakes to show that you are reducing speed
- Stay alert to potential hazards or changes in traffic flow
2. Pedestrian Accidents
In a bustling city like Chicago, foot traffic is abundant, making it crucial for drivers to remain vigilant for pedestrians, particularly children, who may unpredictably enter the roadway. Unfortunately, this means that collisions involving walkers is one of the most common types of Chicago car accidents our attorneys deal with.
Tips for drivers to prevent pedestrian accidents:
- Yield to crosswalk traffic
- Slow down and pay attention in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones or residential neighborhoods
Tips for walkers to prevent pedestrian accidents:
- Stay on the sidewalk and utilize designated crosswalks whenever available
- Avoid distractions like texting or video calls while walking
- Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before stepping onto the road
3. Collisions with Buses
Given the substantial size of buses, bus collisions have the potential to cause extensive damage and injuries. This includes a higher risk to the bus occupants and any other involved vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Tips to prevent collisions with buses:
- Use caution when approaching a bus, as they may come to an abrupt stop without prior warning
- Follow the speed limit, especially in school zones
- Never pass a school bus with flashing lights
4. Train Accidents
Chicago is home to various train services such as Metra, Amtrak, and numerous freight trains. Drivers need to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions when approaching railroad crossings.
Tips to prevent train accidents:
- Never attempt to beat a train by driving around a protective gate
- Approach every crossing with caution, even if the signal seems inactive
- Double-check and look both ways before crossing railroad tracks
- Drive slowly over railroad tracks to avoid wheel damage
5. Collisions with Bicycles
Car accidents in Chicago don’t always involve two vehicles. Bicycles also share the road with cars, and drivers need to be mindful of their presence, especially on busy city streets where bicycles may maneuver through traffic.
Drivers and riders must remain vigilant and watch out for each other to avoid bicycle accidents.
Tips for cyclists to prevent collisions with other vehicles:
- Make yourself visible to drivers by wearing light-colored and reflective clothing
- Utilize bicycle lanes
Tips for drivers to prevent collisions with bicycles:
- Stay aware of your surroundings by avoiding distractions
- Use extra caution when driving in areas with heavy bicycle traffic
- Watch for bicycles when approaching intersections
- Use turn signals
6. Collisions with Motorcycles
As a car driver, be aware of any motorcycles that might be traveling in front, behind, or beside you on the road. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can be easily overlooked in blind spots.
On the other hand, responsible driving is also essential for motorcyclists. Stay aware of the cars around you and maintain a safe distance to allow ample time to stop or change lanes if necessary.
Tips to prevent collisions with motorcycles:
- Check blind spots before changing lanes
- Maintain a safe distance
- Avoid sudden braking
7. Collisions with Trucks
Crashes between cars and semi-trucks are a common type of accident on I-90, I-94, and other traffic-congested Chicago areas. Even though they usually come equipped with special brakes, trucks cannot always stop in time to avoid an accident.
Truck drivers also have a difficult time seeing cars going around them. This vision void can be dangerous when changing lanes.
Tips for drivers to prevent collisions with trucks:
- If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you
- Do not slam your brakes while driving in front of a large truck
- Avoid cutting off a semi-truck
- Do not tailgate a semi-truck
Injured in a Chicago Car Accident? Let Us Help.
Lerner and Rowe hopes that this blog has helped you understand the different types of Chicago car accidents. Even the most careful drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists can be affected by someone else’s carelessness after a Chicago automobile crash. If you or someone you care about has suffered serious injuries in a wreck, our team is ready to support you.
If you or a family member are severely injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, we can help. Our nationwide team of attorneys has recovered more than $1-billion in the last 4 years alone. Reach out to our Chicago car accident lawyers today and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are available day or night by phone at 708-222-2222, through LiveChat, and through our secure online form.