Common Types of Car Accidents in Illinois (2024)

At its worst, a car accident can be one of the most traumatic and devastating experiences of your life. In other situations, it can be a minor inconvenience to your day that you remember only as a mild irritation. The circumstances of the accident will ultimately determine what your case may entail. Either way, if you are ever involved in a car accident, you should retain the services of a car accident lawyer who can advocate for your interests. You may also want to know the common types of car accidents in Illinois.

Illinois Car Accident Laws

Every car accident has the potential to cause serious injuries to all involved. If you ever find yourself in a car accident, it is very important that you do not attempt to leave the scene. Illinois state law says that any driver who is involved in a bad car accident that results in a serious personal injury or someone’s death must immediately stop and remain at the scene until police allow them to leave. Fleeing the scene can result in serious legal penalties.

If you decide to pursue legal action in the form of a personal injury case, it is vital to the success of your case that you adhere to the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois, which is generally two years.

You will have two years from the date of your injury, or the date that you discovered your injury, to:

• Establish grounds for your claim.
• Develop a strong enough case.
• Gather the necessary evidence.
• Reach out to a car accident lawyer.
• File a claim for damages.

If you are unable to file your claim before two years have passed, there is a decent chance that your case will be dismissed outright, and you will be unable to pursue legal damages at all. Building a strong car accident claim can take time, so it is recommended that you start building yours as soon as possible with the guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney. If you are worried that your case might not be strong enough, a car accident lawyer can review your case to determine how viable it is.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Illinois

There are many different types of car accidents, and they are all fairly common in areas that have a lot of drivers. The kind of car accident you may be facing depends on a number of significant factors, including the following:

• Type of vehicle you are driving
• Type of vehicle the other party is driving
• Conditions of the road
• Traffic conditions

Here are some of the most common kinds of car accidents that might occur in Illinois:

• Fatal Car Accidents: The most devastating kinds of car accidents are those that result in the tragic death of a driver, passenger, or pedestrian. Losing someone in a car accident can be a horrifying ordeal that you may never truly recover from. Holding someone accountable for that death can be a strong way to start the healing process and seek some semblance of closure.
• Rear-End Collisions: A rear-end collision is one of the most common types of car accidents. It can happen in many different settings, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. A rear-end collision happens when the car behind you suddenly rams into the back of your car. Damage can be considerable, depending on the speed of the vehicle and the angle of the collision.
• T-Bone Collisions: A T-bone collision, which is also called a side-impact accident, occurs when an oncoming vehicle hits your car at a 90-degree angle, resulting in a “T” shape. These kinds of accidents tend to happen at intersections when oncoming drivers are too distracted to notice whether the light has changed. These kinds of accidents are all too common, and they can result in severe injuries and catastrophic damage.

Types of Car Accident FAQs

Q: What Type of Car Accidents Are Most Common?

A: There are many different types of car accidents that occur all the time. One of the more common forms of car accidents is rear-end collisions. Rear-end collisions happen when somebody driving behind you rams into the back of your car. This can happen as a result of distractions, poor road conditions, bad weather, speeding, or just bad luck. They are common in virtually every state, including Illinois.

Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents in Illinois?

A: Throughout the entire United States, the most common cause of car accidents remains distracted driving. Any kind of behavior that causes you to lose focus on the road ahead of you can be considered distracted driving. This includes:

• Talking on the phone
• Texting
• Eating
• Drinking
• Applying makeup
• Playing with the radio
• Talking with passengers
• Engaging in road rage

Q: Is Illinois a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: No, Illinois is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Illinois is very much an at-fault state for car accidents. This means that the driver who is found to be liable for the accident is also solely responsible for reimbursing the other driver for all accident-related damages. This includes medical expenses, ongoing care, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Q: What Is the Greatest Factor in Fatal Car Accidents in Illinois?

A: One of the greatest factors in fatal car accidents in Illinois is speeding. A great many fatal car accidents are the result of a speeding driver who lost control of the vehicle or was unable to react in time to avoid hitting something. It is not just legally important that you adhere to the posted speed limit while driving; doing so could also help save lives.

Reach Out to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today

Every car accident case is going to be different. There is no way to know what your accident could look like if it happens to you. It’s important to hire an experienced car accident lawyer to handle your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, can provide you with the representation you need to succeed in your car accident case. Contact us to schedule a consultation about your case.