Chicago Multi-Vehicle Car Crash

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Joseph Conboy who has years of legal experience. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Last updated on: March 22, 2025

Joseph Conboy | March 22, 2025
Chicago Multi-Vehicle Car Crash

A multi-vehicle crash involves three or more vehicles colliding in a chain reaction. These crashes can cause serious injuries and significant property damage. High-speed roads, heavy traffic, and reckless driving often contribute to these accidents.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps accident victims seek compensation for their injuries. If a multi-vehicle crash left you injured, you may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Determining fault in these crashes can be complicated, as multiple drivers and factors are involved.

Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or shift blame. A skilled lawyer can investigate police reports, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation. If you were injured in a multi-vehicle crash, contact an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer today to protect your rights.

What Is a Multi-Vehicle Crash?

A multi-vehicle crash happens when three or more vehicles collide. These accidents often occur on highways, intersections, and roads with heavy traffic. The crash happens quickly, sometimes due to one mistake, which leads to a chain reaction.

Poor weather, distracted driving, and sudden stops often contribute to these crashes. Some vehicles may be hit multiple times — increasing the risk of serious injuries. Emergency responders face challenges helping critically injured victims in these situations.

Victims may struggle with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Proving fault in these crashes can be complex. A lawyer can help gather evidence and build a case.

Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

  • Speeding – High speeds make it harder to stop in time, leading to pile-ups.
  • Distracted driving – Drivers looking at phones or other distractions may not react quickly.
  • Tailgating – Following too closely increases crash risks if a car suddenly stops.
  • Poor weather conditions – Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and cause slippery roads.
  • Running red lights – Ignoring traffic signals can lead to deadly collisions.

Where Multi-Vehicle Accidents Happen in Chicago

Multi-vehicle crashes are common in busy areas like North Michigan Avenue, West Irving Park Road, and River North. These locations have heavy traffic and frequent congestion.

Highways such as I-90 and I-290 also see many multi-vehicle crashes due to high speeds and sudden lane changes. Some crashes occur when a stolen car speeds through traffic, endangering other drivers.

Busy intersections pose risks when drivers ignore signals or fail to yield. In some cases, a Jeep fled the scene of a crash, leaving victims injured. If you were involved in a multi-vehicle crash, seek legal help to understand your rights.

Injuries and Damages in Multi-Vehicle Crashes

Injuries and damages in multi-vehicle crashes

Multi-vehicle crashes often result in serious injuries and high medical costs. Victims may suffer from broken bones, brain trauma, or spinal cord damage. Some may need treatment at Lurie Children’s Hospital or Northwestern Hospital if severely hurt.

Besides physical injuries, victims may also face financial struggles. Car repairs, medical bills, and lost wages can add up quickly. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation.

Common Injuries Sustained

  • Head and brain injuries – Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by forceful impact.
  • Whiplash and neck injuries – Sudden movements can cause pain and long-term damage.
  • Broken bones – Arms, legs, ribs, and other bones can break in high-impact crashes.
  • Internal injuries – Damage to organs due to blunt force trauma.
  • Burns and cuts – Fires, shattered glass, or debris can cause severe injuries.

Financial and Emotional Impact

A multi-vehicle crash can be overwhelming. Victims may struggle to pay medical bills while unable to work. Some experience long-term disabilities requiring ongoing care.

Emotionally, these crashes can lead to anxiety and PTSD. The shock of the crash happening and dealing with insurance companies adds stress. Seeking legal help can ease this burden. A Chicago car accident lawyer can fight for fair compensation.

Determining Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Crash

Determining who is at fault in a multi-vehicle crash is difficult, as several drivers may share responsibility. One mistake can trigger a chain reaction, making liability hard to determine.

Insurance companies may try to shift the blame. A lawyer can gather police reports, eyewitness accounts, and crash reconstructions to prove fault. If you are injured, seek legal guidance to protect your claim.

Challenges in Establishing Fault

  • Multiple vehicles involved – More cars mean more complex investigations.
  • Conflicting stories – Drivers may blame each other, making it unclear who caused the crash.
  • Insurance disputes – Companies may argue over who pays for damages.
  • Hit-and-run drivers – Some at-fault drivers flee, leaving victims without answers.
  • Poor road conditions – A multi-vehicle crash left many injured due to potholes or lack of signs.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

  • Negligent drivers – Speeding, texting, or reckless driving can cause crashes.
  • Commercial vehicles – Truck drivers and their employers may be liable in some cases.
  • Government entities – Poorly maintained roads or traffic signals can contribute to accidents.
  • Car manufacturers – Defective brakes or tires can make vehicles unsafe.

FAQs

First, check for injuries and call Chicago police to report the accident. Stay at the scene and exchange information with other drivers. If possible, take pictures of the crash site, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurt right away.

In a three-vehicle crash, fault depends on how the accident happened. The first driver who caused the chain reaction may be primarily responsible. However, other drivers could share liability if they were speeding or tailgating.

If a third vehicle contributed to the crash but fled, it may be considered a hit-and-run. In this case, Chicago police may investigate and try to identify the driver. If the driver cannot be found, your uninsured motorist coverage may help cover your damages.

Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are less than 50% responsible, you can still recover compensation. However, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. A lawyer can help prove your case and minimize your share of liability.

Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. If a three-vehicle crash led to serious injuries, long-term care or disability benefits may also be available. An attorney can help estimate the full value of your claim.

Contact a Chicago Car Crash Lawyer Today

Contact a Chicago car crash lawyer today

A Chicago car accident claim can be complex, especially in a multi-vehicle crash. Determining fault, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies requires legal experience. If you were injured in a car accident in Chicago, you deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers can help. Our legal team will investigate the accident, collect key evidence, and build a strong case for you. We will negotiate with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for maximum compensation.

We offer a free consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options. You don’t pay unless we win. Call us today to speak with an experienced Chicago car crash lawyer and take the first step toward recovering what you deserve.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

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