Illinois Car Accident Statistics 2024 – Traffic Fatalities IL

Car accidents are unfortunately all too common and happen every day. If you or a loved one was injured or suffered damages from a traffic incident, be sure to talk to an Illinois car accident attorney as soon as you can. At Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to every client and work hard to earn them the maximum compensation they are entitled to. Learn more about car accidents in Illinois and their statistics below.

What Is Required When Reporting a Car Accident in Illinois?

Illinois laws state that you are required to file a written report for any automobile accident that results in injury, death, or $1,500 or more worth of property damage. You are also legally obligated to remain at the scene of the collision to provide aid and/or exchange information with those affected. If you flee the scene, you may face additional consequences.

Details to provide the other party include your driver’s license info, your name and address, the vehicle’s registration number, and the name of the vehicle’s owner if it is not you. If the other driver is incapacitated and unable to receive your information, and no police officer responds to the accident scene, you must report all details to the nearest police department. Failure to do this can result in 364 days of jail time and up to $2,500 in fines, in addition to court appearances.

Potential Bodily Harm Resulting from a Vehicle Crash

Whether you sustained minor or serious physical injuries, you are still entitled to financial compensation, even if you were partially to blame for the traffic accident. The type of wounds the collision resulted in, including cases of wrongful death, will largely influence how much the victim or surviving family members will be awarded in repayment.

Possible injuries that could affect a car crash victim include:

• Whiplash: Symptoms of whiplash include pain and stiffness/tightening of the neck and shoulder regions, soreness in the back and neck that can extend to the jaw, headaches, arm discomfort/weakness, and dizziness or nausea, potentially leading to vomiting.
• Sprained or Fractured Bones: The impact of a car crash can easily sprain, fracture, or break a bone.
• Damage to the Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries: These injuries may include memory loss, difficulties with short-term memory, problems sleeping/resting, blurred vision, dizziness/nausea/vomiting, ear ringing, headaches, trouble communicating effectively, and general confusion.
• Injuries to the Spinal Cord. Negative effects of spinal trauma can vary depending on where the harm occurred but generally will include loss of bodily function /range of motion, little to no control of bowels/bladder, pain or tingling sensations, and difficulty breathing or speaking.

Most Common Reasons for Car Crash Fatalities in Illinois

Speeding is one of the most common causes of car crashes throughout Illinois. The complications that can arise when trying to control the vehicle while driving at high speeds can lead to intense damage and injuries. Additionally, in the event a car were to get into an accident, the impact following negligent speeding would be increased and more likely to render seatbelts and airbags ineffective.

Distracted driving makes up another large portion of collision deaths, including cases where the at-fault driver was distracted by a cell phone or other electronic device. Additionally, many people who drive under the influence increase the potential of accidents due to their poor judgment and slow reaction time. According to a 2021 study conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation, 22.2% of the 1,217 fatal crashes involved alcohol.

FAQs

Q: How Many Traffic Deaths Occur in Illinois Each Year?

A: In a study from the Illinois Highway Safety Annual Report, it was found there were 1,334 fatalities related to vehicle accidents, with 1,210 being fatal crash incidents. Out of every 100,000 people, there were 9.32 traffic fatalities in the state. The fatality rate increased 29.2% between 2017 and 2021.

Q: What Is the Greatest Cause of Fatal Accidents in Illinois?

A: In the state of Illinois, the most impactful factor in fatal car accidents is speeding, followed by driving while intoxicated. Speeding above the designated limit leads to difficulties controlling the vehicle and increases the force of impact in the event of a collision. Operating a car under the influence of alcohol, even within the legal limit, is also dangerous due to the driver’s vision and reaction time being affected.

Q: What Is the Car Accident Law in Illinois?

A: Illinois law holds liable parties “at fault,” meaning the driver (or drivers) responsible for the accident is required to provide compensation for the resulting injuries, damages, and losses. Illinois is also a “comparative fault” state, which entails that more than one party may be deemed at fault for the accident. In these cases, as long as you are not found to be more than 50% liable, you can still receive compensation that’s reduced by the percentage you were at fault.

Q: How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Illinois?

A: The presence or degree of fault is determined by a variety of factors in the case and is largely influenced by evidence. If one party can prove that the other party had even an ounce of liability in the accident, they may be able to reduce their final settlement. To prove fault, a plaintiff must prove that the responsible party acted negligently and caused the accident and resulting damages because of it.

Consult with a Qualified Attorney If You’re Seeking Compensation for a Car Accident

When someone else causes a car accident because they were behaving negligently or recklessly, you have the right to file a claim against them. At Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, we help clients take legal action against those who have caused them harm. While car accident claims may seem challenging, we can help to swiftly guide you through your proceedings using our extensive legal knowledge and resources.

Contact our firm today to find out how you can file a claim after a car accident in Illinois.