Chicago Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents are common in Chicago and can lead to serious injuries. These accidents often occur when drivers fail to obey traffic signals or fail to yield the right of way. In many cases, the crash happens due to speeding, distracted driving, or other factors. Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps individuals injured in intersection accidents get the compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a crash at a dangerous intersection, an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights. We guide you through the legal process, whether you are dealing with minor crashes or serious injuries. 

Our team works to hold the at-fault party accountable and secure fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Common Causes of Intersection Accidents in Chicago

• Distracted driving: Drivers who use their phones or engage in other distractions may fail to see red lights or stop signs, causing accidents.
• Speeding: Driving above posted speed limits can prevent a driver from stopping in time when approaching an intersection.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Disobeying traffic signals or signs can lead to accidents when vehicles cross paths at an intersection.
• Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may have slower reaction times, leading to crashes.
• Failure to yield: When drivers don’t yield to other vehicles or pedestrians, accidents often happen, especially in busy intersections.
• Weather conditions: Rain, fog, and snow can reduce visibility and road traction, making it harder for drivers to react quickly at intersections.

What to Do After an Intersection Accident in Chicago

If you’re involved in an intersection accident, follow these steps to protect your health and your claim.

Here’s what you should do immediately after an accident:

Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance if needed. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s always a good idea to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not be obvious right away but can worsen over time.

Once emergency medical services arrive, follow their advice. Get your child or any other passengers evaluated for injuries, even if they feel fine. Medical records from the scene will also be essential if you decide to file a car accident claim later. After treatment, continue to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure your recovery is on track.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

After the accident, gather evidence to support your claim. Start by taking clear photos of the accident scene, vehicles, damages, and any visible injuries. Document the positions of the cars, any skid marks, and nearby traffic signs or signals.

If possible, collect contact details from witnesses and other involved parties. This information can help build a strong case and clarify what happened. Your lawyer will use these details to prove fault and the extent of damages. Collecting this evidence as soon as possible is essential in protecting your rights.

Obtain Traffic Camera or Surveillance Footage

If the intersection has traffic cameras or nearby businesses with surveillance cameras, ask for footage of the accident. This footage can show exactly what happened and can be key to proving fault. Many intersections in Chicago have cameras that capture accidents in real time, which can provide irrefutable evidence in your case.

Your Chicago car accident lawyer can help you request and obtain the footage. This video footage may be essential in determining the cause of the crash and can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Be sure to report the accident to your auto insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance policies require that you report accidents promptly. Delaying the report can result in complications with your claim.

Provide all the details of the accident, including the police report number, witness contact info, and any evidence you’ve gathered. Your insurance company may offer assistance in handling medical bills or property damage, but you should also consult with a lawyer to ensure you receive fair treatment and compensation.

Determining Fault in an Intersection Crash

After an intersection accident, figure out who is responsible for the crash. Determining fault will help guide the claims process and affect the compensation you can receive.

Here’s how fault is determined in these types of accidents:

Who is Liable?

• At-fault driver: The driver who violated traffic laws, such as running a red light or failing to yield, is usually at fault.
• Pedestrians: If a pedestrian caused the accident by not following traffic signals or walking inappropriately in the intersection, they may be partially liable.
• Government entities: In rare cases, poor road design, faulty traffic signals, or other issues caused by the city can make a government agency partially liable.
• Vehicle manufacturers: If a vehicle defect caused the crash, the manufacturer could be held responsible.

Each case is different, and a lawyer will help determine exactly who is at fault based on evidence.

Illinois Comparative Fault Rule

Illinois follows a comparative fault rule. This means that if your child or another party is partly at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.

For example, if your child is found 20% at fault for not wearing a seatbelt, and the other driver is 80% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. In Illinois, you can still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault, but your percentage of fault will reduce the settlement.

Work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help minimize any fault assigned to your child, maximizing the amount of compensation you can receive.

Types of Compensation Available for Intersection Accident Victims

Victims of intersection accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation. A car accident lawyer can help you recover damages related to your injuries, property, and more.

Here’s a breakdown of the common types of compensation:

Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits: Coverage for the cost of initial treatment after an accident.
• Hospital stays: Costs associated with being hospitalized for injuries.
• Surgeries and rehabilitation: Expenses for surgeries, therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation.
• Prescription medication: Compensation for any medication needed to treat injuries caused by the crash.
• Follow-up visits: Ongoing medical treatment and doctor visits after initial care.

How a Chicago Intersection Accident Lawyer Can Help

A seasoned lawyer can be an invaluable resource after an intersection crash. They will guide you through the complex legal and insurance processes.

Here’s how a Chicago car accident lawyer can help:

Investigating the Crash

A lawyer will thoroughly investigate the intersection accident to determine what caused it and who is at fault. This may involve reviewing police reports, gathering evidence from the scene, and interviewing witnesses.

Your lawyer may also hire accident reconstruction experts to piece together how the crash occurred. This investigation is crucial for strengthening your case and ensuring you get fair compensation.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to offer low settlements to accident victims. A skilled lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to get a higher settlement.

Your lawyer will fight to ensure that the settlement covers all of your child’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future treatment needs. They will also handle all communication with the insurance company to prevent any misunderstandings or delays.

Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may file a car accident lawsuit on your behalf. This lawsuit will seek compensation for all damages resulting from the intersection crash.

Your lawyer will handle all aspects of the lawsuit, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing you in court. The goal is to secure the compensation your child deserves for their injuries and suffering.

FAQs

Call Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

If you’ve been involved in an accident at one of the most dangerous intersections in Chicago, get competent legal help right away. Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers is one of the most influential law firms in the area, dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers know the challenges victims face after traffic crashes, especially at high-risk intersections like those on South Chicago Avenue and Stony Island Avenue. We will investigate the accident, gather crucial crash data, and work closely with the Chicago Police Department to strengthen your case.

We offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal options and the compensation you may be entitled to. Our goal is to make sure you get fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today to get started with your free case consultation.