Intersection Accidents
Intersections are naturally dangerous places where multiple directions of traffic intersect or cross each other. However, driver negligence, or a lack of proper care behind the wheel, makes intersections even more high-risk crash locations. If you get involved in an intersection accident in Chicago, learn your rights before moving forward with an insurance claim.
Types of Intersection Accidents
Accidents that occur at intersections are often severe since the vehicles involved may be coming at each other from different directions. In addition, these accidents can involve vulnerable bicyclists and pedestrians who are crossing the road at the intersection, especially in bustling downtown Chicago.
The design of an intersection presents a risk of some of the most serious types of accidents, such as:
- T-bone or side-impact collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Left turn accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Chain reaction accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
An intersection accident has the potential to cause severe or life-changing injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, broken bones, and brain injuries. Sadly, many of these accidents are fatal and cause one or multiple wrongful deaths.
What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Chicago, Illinois?
A motor vehicle collision can occur in any intersection in Chicago, but certain crossroads have factors that make them more dangerous than others.
Statistically, the following intersections are the most dangerous in Chicago based on the number of fatal accidents that occur each year:
- E. 79th and S. Stony Island
- E. 95th and S. Stony Island
- W. Garfield and S. Wentworth
- W. Garfield and S. Wells
- E. Wacker and N. Michigan
Risk factors such as heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic, congested roads, a lack of bicycle lanes, road defects, and poor intersection design can contribute to making an intersection dangerous.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents
For traffic to move safely through an intersection, individual drivers need to understand Illinois’s right-of-way laws and when to yield to others. Unfortunately, not all drivers recognize and obey traffic laws.
Drivers in Chicago can be guilty of many careless and reckless acts that lead to intersection accidents, including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence
- Trying to “beat” the yellow light
- Running a red light
- Rolling through a stop sign
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to others
- Making an unsafe left-hand turn
- Aggressive or reckless driving
Knowing what caused your intersection accident is an important step toward securing justice and fair financial compensation as an injured victim.
How to File a Claim for an Intersection Accident in Chicago
In Illinois, the law allows drivers to bring claims against other drivers for causing car accidents. This is known as a fault-based or tort-based law. If you believe the other driver involved in your intersection accident is at fault, you can file a claim with his or her insurance provider for third-party benefits.
However, to recover financial compensation for your medical bills and property repairs, you must prove fault. This requires evidence to support your claim, such as a police report or accident reconstruction. If you need assistance proving your case or achieving a fair insurance settlement, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney.
Working with a car accident attorney during your intersection accident claim can alleviate you of the burden and stress of the legal process. Your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in court, if necessary, in the pursuit of justice on your behalf.