Car Accident Rates Are Increasing in Chicago
Chicago is a bustling city with around 2.7 million residents. There are also 1.1 million registered cars in Chicago. Just imagine the traffic jams during rush hour. However, with over one million vehicles hitting the roads, you should also expect a high number of automobile accidents. In fact, close to 300 hundred vehicle collisions occur every day. If you divide this by the number of hours in a day, you’re looking at one wreck every few minutes.
These are sobering statistics and it also means you’re likelihood of being involved in a vehicle accident is relatively high. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to stay safe. If you’re involved in a car crash, there are also steps you can take to help protect your legal rights.
Chicago’s Dangerous Streets for Drivers
Even though traffic accidents can happen anywhere, you can get into a wreck pulling out of your driveway, some streets are a little more dangerous than others. One of the most accident-prone intersections is at East 79th Street and South Stony Island Avenue.
One look at the multiple on and off ramps at this six-way intersection may leave you wondering what city planners were thinking. After all, it’s hard enough to monitor traffic at a four-way intersection, now you have six lanes to worry about.
Don’t forget about the bus routes, the intersection has three. This means you’re trying to pay attention to 8 lanes of traffic, not counting the one your vehicle is in.
Around 200 traffic accidents occurred at this intersection between 2018 and 2020. Some other accident-prone intersections also include West Garfield Boulevard and South Wentworth Avenue. East 95th Street and South Stony Island Avenue can also be a dangerous place to drive.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Injuries from car accidents are typically divided into two categories, impact and penetrating injuries. These two categories are often further separated into sub-categories.
For example, strained muscles are considered an impact injury. Cuts and scrapes are penetrating injuries. The severity of your injuries often depends on a few factors like if you’re wearing your seatbelt, the vehicle’s speed at the time of the collision, and if airbags deployed.
Impact Injuries
An impact injury occurs when your body hits a hard object. Your head may hit the dashboard or be flung into the seatback. Knees hitting the steering wheel or being slammed into the car door can also result in an impact injury.
Some common types of impact injuries include bumps on your head, torn ligaments, stretched or strained muscles, and tendon damage. Back injuries and whiplash are also considered impact injuries. Sometimes, it can take a few days after the car accident for the injury to start to appear.
Penetrating Injuries
While impact injuries affect the soft tissue, penetrating injuries are open wounds like cuts and abrasions. Glass from a shattered windshield can leave cuts.
Sometimes, objects in the vehicle can become airborne during a crash. Getting hit by one of these objects, like your smartphone, can potentially cause a penetrating injury. Airbags can also be another threat, even though they’re designed to prevent injuries.
Minor cuts and scrapes typically heal without medical attention. A band-aid is usually enough to stop any bleeding. However, sometimes stitches are required, which often means a trip to the emergency room.
Car Crash Resources
While no one wants to have to use any car crash resources since it means you’re involved in an automobile wreck, it’s information every Chicago driver should have.
Police
Yes, you probably have the emergency number memorized. After all, 911 is one of the first numbers you memorize as a child. Even though every adult is aware of 911 emergency services, this doesn’t mean they know when to dial the number.
Anytime you’re involved in a vehicle accident, dial 911. Even if the accident doesn’t result in serious injuries or property damage, still report the accident.
If there’s no property damage or injuries, both drivers can legally go their separate ways. However, you may still be at risk for leaving the scene of an accident charge, otherwise known as a hit-and-run. If you’re found quickly, you may be facing hefty fines and possible jail time.
Not reporting the accident also makes it harder to file an insurance claim if you discover vehicle damage at a later date.
Automobile Towing Services
This is information you may not need, especially if you’re a triple-A member. AAA members have access to free towing, just call the number on your membership card. The friendly operator will take care of the rest.
Once you call the authorities, don’t be surprised if more than one tow truck shows up at the accident scene. Tow truck drivers frequently listen to police scanners so they know when and where a traffic accident occurs. Don’t be surprised if the tow trucks get there before the authorities, as they’re usually quick to respond to any accident scene.
Your auto insurance is another resource when you need a tow. Your insurance agent can contact a towing company and send it your way.
Police Reports
Making an accident report is the first step, and the next step is to pick up a copy of your accident report. Don’t expect it to be ready the second you’re released from the emergency room. The filing process takes a few days, but most accident reports are ready in about one week.
If it’s been longer than 7 or 10 business days and you’re still waiting on your report, go ahead and give the responding police precinct a call. Sometimes, you need to show some interest in your report to get the ball rolling.
You can request a copy of your accident report online or drop by the police records department. Getting the report online is a lot easier, and you don’t have to deal with Chicago traffic.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Car Accident Case
For the many Chicago drivers who unfortunately find themselves involved in a vehicle accident, reaching out to a personal injury attorney can be a vital step. An attorney specializing in this area can evaluate your situation to determine if you have a valid personal injury claim.
With their expertise, they can guide you through the legal process, helping to ensure that your rights are protected and that you pursue any compensation you may be entitled to for injuries and losses sustained in the accident.