Chicago Accident Statistics

Chicago Outdoor Dining Program Could Cause Accidents

Chicago (August 7, 2023) – The Chicago Outdoor Dining Program is a collaboration organized by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), and local restaurants. It gives restaurants an opportunity to do more business and Chicagoans a way to enjoy excellent food in great weather. Unfortunately, it can also lead to additional bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents.

The Chicago Outdoor Dining Program allows for pop-up sidewalk seating, curb lane closures, and full street closures. This can disrupt travel plans for many Chicago bicyclists and pedestrians. The outdoor seating may block their normal paths and cause them to take unfamiliar routes, leading to crashes. Should you get into an accident caused by outdoor dining arrangements, call our Chicago injury lawyers immediately. Source: Chicago.gov

Limited Visibility Due to Wildfires

Statewide (June 28, 2023) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that Illinois air quality has been classified as “very unhealthy” due to smoke drifting in from the Canadian wildfires. In addition to risking sickness caused by smoke inhalation, dense wildfire smoke can limit visibility, which can lead to car accidents.

Lerner and Rowe urges you to avoid non-essential driving while the wildfire smoke hovers over our state. Should you get into a car accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party then contact our Chicago injury lawyers to explore your legal options. Source: NWS

April Is Distracted Driving Month

Statewide (April 3, 2023) – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has cited distracted driving as one of two major concerns in regards to car accidents that lead to “crash fatalities and serious injuries.” Since April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys wanted to make sure that you and the drivers in your household understand the causes of distracted driving in Chicago.

Please share the information above with your friends and family. By staying informed and understanding how to avoid distracted driving, we can make Chicago safer for everyone. Should you get injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, please contact our Chicago injury attorneys for immediate assistance. Source: IDOT

Be Prepared For Later-Winter Storms

Chicago (March 24, 2023) – Although it’s spring on our calendars, winter weather still remains in Chicago. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns Chicagoans to expect a storm this weekend. The forecast calls for heavy rain, snow, and winds as high as 35 mph. These elements combine to increase your chances of a car accident.

Lerner and Rowe reminds you to follow our Chicago winter driving guide. If possible, try not to drive until the storm has passed. Should you get into an accident caused by another party, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: NWS

Snow Hits Chicago Early

Chicago (October 18, 2022) – Snow has arrived in Chicago earlier than expected, with frosty precipitation landing on October 17. Slick road conditions caused by snow are one of the leading causes of Chicago car accidents. To make sure you and the drivers in your family stay safe during snowy weather, be sure to get your car ready for the winter.

Lerner and Rowe urges you to study our winter driving safety tips before the snow arrives in full force. A little bit of preparation now can help you stay through the season. If you or someone in your family are injured in an accident due to recklessness during the winter, then contact us for immediate legal assistance. Source: 5Chicago

IDOT is Planning For Winter Now

Statewide (September 16, 2022) – Although there are a few more days of summer left, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is already planning for winter. The organization is looking to hire qualified individuals to help with snow and ice removal. IDOT hopes to have enough “snowbird” workers to increase winter driving safety for all Illinois residents.

As a friendly reminder, Lerner and Rowe reminds you to make sure that your car is ready for winter. Book an appointment now to winterize your car in late November or early December. One of the best ways to avoid a winter car accident is by being prepared for the ice and snow. Source: IDOT

CPS School Year Starts August 22

Chicago (August 5, 2022) – The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) school year begins on August 22, 2022. The CPS system has 649 schools that serve more than 340,000 students. As motorists get used to sharing the road with school buses and students, the chances of bicycle accidents, bus accidents, and pedestrian accidents are higher.

Lerner and Rowe reminds you to drive carefully and slowly in school zones. Be especially mindful of your driving habits during the first few weeks of school as you get used to driving around students. Please follow this guide on how to avoid Chicago school accidents and share it with your friends to maximize everyone’s safety. Source: CPS

IDOT Issues Flood Warning

Statewide (July 26, 2022) – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has encouraged Illinois drivers to “turn around don’t drown” in light of heavy rains. Precipitation has been particularly high in Illinois District 8 and has raised the chances of a car accident. IDOT claims that 6 inches of water is enough to knock over a person, while 12 inches is enough to carry away a car.

Lerner and Rowe echoes IDOT’s advice and urges you to stay home during heavy rain. If you need to go out to pick up a family member or in case of an emergency, please follow our Chicago flood driving safety tips. If you get into a flood-related accident, our team is available to help you 24/7. Source: IDOT

IDOT Campaign Shows Dangers of Unsafe Driving

Statewide (June 9, 2022) – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has launched a marketing campaign called “It’s Not a Game.” It’s designed “to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, seatbelt use, work zones as well as impaired and distracted driving.” The campaign uses ‘80s-style video game graphics and states that there are “no extra lives, no respawns, and no second chances” when it comes to car accidents.

According to IDOT, 1,341 people died on Illinois roads in 2021, which was the sixth consecutive year of more than 1,000 traffic fatalities in the state. Lerner and Rowe hopes that initiatives like “It’s Not a Game” helps raise awareness of how serious unsafe driving can be and lower the number of traffic fatalities. Source: IDOT

Roadside Littering Up, Can Cause Accidents

Statewide (May 16, 2022) – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reminds motorists to “Think Before You Throw!” Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman noted, “During the pandemic, we have observed much more littering taking place. We are committed to helping maintain a positive impression of Illinois by keeping roadsides clean, but we can’t do it alone.”

In addition to environmental damage, roadside littering can lead to an increase in car accidents, particularly ones caused by distracted driving. Lerner and Rowe encourages you to keep your garbage in your car until you can dispose of it properly. Doing so will keep Illinois streets cleaner and safer for everyone. Source: IDOT

Chicago Car Accidents Shockingly Common

Chicago (June 5, 2023) – A report from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) stated that “five people in Chicago are seriously injured in a traffic crash every day” and “someone dies in a traffic crash in Chicago every three days.”

With Chicago car crashes so common, Lerner and Rowe urges you to follow these summer driving safety tips to keep everyone in your car safe. Should you get into an accident caused by another party then contact our Chicago injury lawyers for immediate assistance. Source: CDOT

Bicycle Accidents on the Rise

Statewide (May 3, 2023) – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 30 Illinois bicycle accident deaths in 2020, which accounted for 2.5% of the state’s fatalities. While preliminary data shows that number decreasing for the next two years, it is assumed that the overall number of traffic deaths was down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With car, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic back to pre-pandemic levels, the potential for a bike accident is higher than it has been in years. Lerner and Rowe reminds motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists to drive carefully and be courteous to everyone you share the road with. By working together, we can keep the number of traffic fatalities as low as possible. Source: NHTSA

19% of 2023 Traffic Fatalities Were Pedestrians

Statewide (April 28, 2023) – According to the most recent statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 60 pedestrians died in traffic fatalities in 2023. Pedestrians account for 19% of this year’s deaths caused by car crashes in Illinois.

The 60 pedestrian wrongful deaths are the highest number of fatalities that do not include people in passenger vehicles. That’s more than double the next-highest category (semi-truck drivers) and more than triple the third-highest category (motorcyclists). Source: IDOT

Car Crash Fatalities Down 13%

Statewide (March 30, 2023) – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has projected 13% fewer car accident fatalities in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same time period last year. There have been 233 car accident deaths this year, compared to 269 in the first three months of 2022.

The Chicago injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe hope that this trend continues. Whether you’re driving in Chicago or other parts of the state, our team hopes that your Illinois travels are safe and sound. Should you get into a car accident, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: IDOT

Pedestrian Fatalities Reach Alarming Level

Statewide (February 15, 2023) – The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported 7,485 pedestrian accident fatalities in 2021. This is an 11.5% increase over 2020 pedestrian deaths and the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in four decades.

Although Chicago is one of the most walkable cities in America, the large number of pedestrians combined with the large number of drivers means a potentially higher number of car accidents involving walkers. Lerner and Rowe urges drivers to be mindful of pedestrian activity, particularly while driving near and through Chicago’s busy intersections. Souce: GHSA

Illinois Traffic Fatalities Up 24.4%

Statewide (August 17, 2021) – Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that Illinois traffic deaths were up 24.4% in Q1 2022 compared to the first three months of 2021. This is much higher than the national average of a 7% increase, which is the same increase regionally. Illinois is part of NHTSA Region 5, which also includes Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio and Wisconsin.

Lerner and Rowe is alarmed by the sharp increase in Illinois car accident deaths. Please make sure that you and the drivers in your household drive safely. Be especially cautious during difficult conditions, such as during flash floods and the winter months. The more people that practice safe driving, the fewer traffic deaths there will be. Source: NHTSA

CREATE Program to Increase Efficiency by 47%

Chicago (July 14, 2022) – The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program, a public-private partnership established in 2003, claims that it will improve energy efficiency by 47% by increasing public rail use and efficiency. The program is a series of more than 70 interrelated projects aimed to increase train use, decrease idling emissions, and more. In addition to using less energy, the organization claims that it will increase public safety by lowering the number of Chicago car accidents.

Additionally, CREATE aims to increase rail use for freight purposes. It claims that increasing the use of trains for the transportation of goods will also lower carbon emissions and the number of Chicago truck accidents. Source: CREATE

Illinois Traffic Fatalities Down in 2022

Statewide (June 16, 2022) – The latest figures from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) show a decrease in car crash fatalities in 2022. The agency reported 487 car accident deaths in 2022 as of this writing, compared to 512 fatalities over the same time period in 2021.

Lerner and Rowe is thrilled to see a decrease in Illinois car accident fatalities. However, we remind Chicago drivers not to get complacent. Summer is typically the most dangerous season to drive due to increased work zone activity, student drivers out of school, and increased tourism. Please follow our summer driving safety tips to avoid an accident. Source: IDOT

Pedestrians Are the Most Common Fatality Victims

Statewide (May 10,  2022) – There have been 386 traffic accident fatalities in Illinois through the first four months of 2022, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Pedestrians topped the victims list, with 58 fatalities, followed by semi-truck drivers with 51 deaths.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys urges all motorists to keep an eye out for pedestrians and to treat them with courtesy. Our team also reminds pedestrians to be cautious while walking in areas with heavy traffic. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to spot pedestrians and the results can be catastrophic. Should you get into a personal injury accident of any kind, please contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers immediately. Source: IDOT

Car Crashes and Fatalities Up in 2021

Statewide (January 7, 2022) – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has reported its final car accident fatality stats for 2021. Unfortunately, fatal car crashes and total fatalities rose from 2020’s figures. The agency reported 1,200 fatal car accidents in 2021, up from 1,089 in 2020. Overall car crash fatalities rose from 1,196 in 2020 to 1,322 in 2021.

While a rise in car accident fatalities is always concerning, it’s important to keep in mind that there were more drivers on the road in 2021 than in 2020. Many businesses closed for several months and people restricted travel in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while Illinois was open for all of 2021. Source: IDOT

New Round of Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Statewide (September 25, 2023) – A new round of COVID-19 tests has been released from the United States government stockpile. Each U.S. household can sign up to receive one kit, which contains four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. Additional information has been posted on Covid.gov and an ordering form has been posted on the USPS website. New test kits will begin shipping the week of October 2, 2023.

While COVID-19 is no longer classified as a federal emergency, hospitalizations have been rising recently due to the Eris (EG.5) variant. This trend may continue should new variants form throughout the winter months. The Chicago injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe urge you to procure these free tests to help you and your family detect if you’ve been exposed and should seek medical advice. Source: Covid.gov

Chicago Pools Open on June 23

Chicago (June 15, 2023) – The Chicago Parks District (CPD) has announced that swimming pools in public parks will open on June 23, 2023. This is fantastic news for Chicagoans looking to cool down from the summer heat. However, please be aware that your chances of injuries due to swimming pool accidents and slip and fall accidents will increase if you use a pool.

The Chicago injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe encourage you to take advantage of the city’s wonderful pools. Should you suffer a pool injury caused by another party then contact us for immediate assistance. Source: CPD

Safer Intersection May Come to Chicago

Statewide (May 12, 2023) – Illinois State Bill 2278 has passed both chambers of congress and is ready for Governor J.B. Pritzker to sign into law. The new law would allow cities to build intersections that are safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. The current law requires intersections to accommodate the turning of a 65-foot truck, which can interfere with safety features.

The Chicago injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe are thrilled that SB2278 is on the verge of becoming law. Should Governor Pritzker sign the bill, our team hopes that the city of Chicago takes advantage of it in order to make intersections safer for everyone. Source: ILGA

CDOT Installing Concrete Bike Lane Dividers

Chicago (April 24, 2023) – The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be installing concrete dividers along the bicycle lanes on South Loomis Boulevard from West 71st Street to West 76th Street. The dividers will help lower bicycle accidents by creating a physical barrier between the bike lane and the street. A study from Chicago’s Active Transportation Alliance (CATA) reported 2,816 annual bike crashes, 2,635 injuries, and 13 deaths in 2016.

Lerner and Rowe applauds the city’s efforts to reduce Chicago bike accidents. The concrete dividers should go a long way towards reducing Chicago bicycle accidents that result in injury and wrongful death. Should you get into a bike accident caused by another party, please contact us for immediate assistance.

Source: CDOT

Two Dead in Will County Car Crash

Will County (March 8, 2023) – Two people died in a car accident in Will County, southwest of Chicago, on Tuesday March 7. The car crash involved a pickup truck colliding head on with a passenger vehicle. The accident took place south of Wilmington on Route 113 near Bauer Road.

The two occupants of the pickup truck were pronounced dead at the scene, while the person in the passenger vehicle went to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys sends its condolence to the families of the accident victims. Source: ABC7

CDOT Installing Bike Lane Curbs

Chicago (August 15, 2022) – The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has installed new “concrete curb protection” along the Kinzie Street bike lane. The concrete curb adds a physical separation between the bike lane and adjacent car lane, which should reduce the number of bicycle accidents.

Lerner and Rowe is thrilled by CDOT’s continual safety improvements and is excited to see more concrete curb protection throughout Chicago. While the new safety measures will certainly lower Chicago bike accidents, no system is perfect. If you or a loved one were injured in a bike accident caused by another party then contact our Chicago injury attorneys immediately.

Source: CDOT

Coal City Driver Claims $12K Work Zone Accident

Coal City (July 28, 2022) – A local driver filed a $12,000 insurance claim for a construction zone accident on I-57 near Coal City. The driver claims that “a huge chunk of road was in the middle of the one-lane highway” and that the construction crew’s negligence caused him to hit the chunk of road.

Lerner and Rowe reminds you that work zone activity increases during the summer months. Please exercise caution when driving near or through a work zone in order to avoid a car accident. Should you get into an accident caused by negligent or reckless behavior then contact us immediately. Source: ABC7

Chicago Announced Connected Community Ordinance

Chicago (June 22, 2022) – The Chicago Department of Housing (CDOH) has announced the Connected Community Ordinance, as part of the city’s Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) plan. Connected Community incentivizes businesses and housing developments to open near transit hubs. In addition to economic growth, improvements to streets and increased use of public transit should lower Chicago car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more.

The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe applaud the Connected Community Ordinance. In addition to offering new business and residential opportunities, the program should make the streets of Chicago safer for everyone while also expanding access to the unique culture the city has to offer. Source: CDOH

Divvy Service to Include Scooters

Chicago (May 24, 2022) – Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), Divvy, and Lyft have announced that electric scooter rentals are coming to Chicago. The scooters will be part of Divvy’s rental service, which has proven to be hugely popular with Chicago residents and tourists. Last year Divvy served more than four-million e-bike rides in Chicago.

Lyft has already retrofitted over 230 Divvy stations in the downtown Chicago area to accommodate scooters and will add 1,000 dockable scooters by the end of June. Lerner and Rowe reminds you that while e-scooters offer an affordable and convenient way to travel, they can also increase the potential for bicycle accidents, car accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Source: CDOT

Free COVID-19 Tests Available on January 19

Statewide (January 17, 2022) – The United States government will provide four free COVID-19 tests per household starting January 19, 2022. People interested in receiving free at-home tests are instructed to go to COVIDtests.gov. The tests and shipping costs will be free.

In related news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its mask guidelines. The agency notes that N95 and KN95 masks offer a higher degree of protection than surgical masks, which are still preferred over cloth masks. No matter what type of mask you wear, it’s important to achieve a good seal for maximum protection. Source: COVIDtests.gov