What Are the Main Causes of Car Accidents?

Automobile accidents are unfortunately common occurrences, with the main causes of car accidents ranging from reckless and aggressive driving, to harsh weather conditions. When such accidents occur, victims need reliable legal representation to fight for their rights. The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, have decades of experience handling cases related to car accidents caused by the negligence of other drivers.

How Many Car Accidents Occur in Illinois?

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2021 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics, there were 295,604 crashes involving motor vehicles in Illinois. Injury crashes accounted for 20.6% of these crashes (60,991), while fatal car accidents (1,217) accounted for less than 1.0% of these crashes.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Illinois?

The causes of most car accidents in Illinois can be ranked as follows:

Distracted Drivers

Due to the prevalence of smartphones and other devices, distracted driving has become the leading cause of car accidents.

Speeders

The urge to reach a destination faster often leads to exceeding the speed limit, which contributes significantly to the rate of accidents.

Drunk Drivers

Despite strict laws and regulations, drunk driving still accounts for a large number of accidents.

Reckless Driving

Unsafe lane changes, tailgating, and ignoring a stop sign or traffic signals commonly result in accidents.

Poor Weather Conditions

Harsh weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, often impairs visibility and road grip, making accidents more likely.

Driver Error

Inexperience, lack of attention, drowsy driving, driver fatigue, or simply making a mistake can also lead to accidents.

Vehicle Malfunction

Mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts, can cause accidents even with experienced drivers.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Automobile Traffic Accidents?

In the most common car accident cases, the person at fault for a car accident is liable for damages and injuries caused by their negligence. This can include:

• Drivers can be held liable if their negligent actions, such as speeding or reckless driving, led to the needless car accident.
• Vehicle manufacturers could be held accountable for accidents caused due to malfunctions, like brake failure or airbag defects.
• Government entities responsible for maintaining the roads could also be held accountable if the accident was due to poor road conditions or faulty traffic signals.
• Causes of car accidents may remain “unknown”when car accidents unrelated to common causes occur. An unknown cause may be due to a lack of evidence or witnesses at the scene.

Determining liability in a car accident can be complicated, which is why it’s essential to have experienced legal representation on your side.

Why Some Causes of Crashes Are Unknown

The causes for some car accidents remains unknown, often due to a lack of evidence or eyewitnesses. In such cases, determining liability and seeking compensation can be challenging. However, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify possible causes to hold responsible parties accountable.

What Happens When I Am Partially Responsible for My Car Crash?

In Illinois, if you’re partially responsible for your car crash, the state’s modified comparative negligence rule applies. Under this rule, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. However, if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you’ll not be allowed to recover any damages.

When Do Traffic Accidents Happen?

Road accidents tend to occur at specific times and on specific days more than others. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “2010 Traffic Safety Facts: Timing of Traffic Fatalities”,

• Traffic accidents are most likely to occur during high-traffic periods such as rush hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Night driving on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM report higher accident rates due to increased traffic and the likelihood of impaired driving.
• Holidays like New Year’s, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving also see increased accident rates.
• Recognizing these patterns can guide drivers to avoid accidents by exercising more caution during these high-risk times.

Where Do Traffic Accidents Happen?

Traffic accidents most commonly occur in busy, urban areas. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2019 Urban vs. Rural Comparison reports that urban areas, with their heavy traffic and complex road systems, reported 56% of all reported accidents in 2019.

Are Interstate Highways Safer than State Highways?

Interstate highways are generally considered safer than state highways due to various factors such as stricter regulations, better maintenance and design, and controlled access. The Federal Highway Administration’s “National Highway System (NHS)” identifies the interstate highway system as a key component of the national transportation network and prioritizes its safety and efficiency.

What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Illinois?

According to an analysis conducted by The Chicago Sun-Times, some of the most dangerous intersections in Illinois are:

• Cicero Avenue and I-55: Located in Cook County, 11 people have died due to accidents at this intersection since 2014.
• Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue: This intersection in Chicago, Cook County, has had 16 accidents resulting in two deaths since 2014.
• Cicero Avenue and Belmont Avenue: Located in Cook County, this intersection has had nine fatal accidents since 2014.

How a Lawyer Can Help You With Your Car Accident Injury Claim

When the negligent driver in a car accident causes you or your loved ones serious injuries, an attorney acts as your advocate, representing your interests in legal disputes and negotiating on your behalf.

They provide legal counsel, guiding you through complex laws and regulations to inform your decisions.

Your lawyer negotiates with the insurance company to maximize your financial compensation.

They prepare documents, including contracts and court filings, ensuring legal compliance and protecting your rights.

Your attorney represents you in court, if necessary, presenting your case to the judge or jury, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing on your behalf.

Finally, they interpret the law, using their knowledge to help you understand legal language, rights, and responsibilities.

Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers

In a free consultation, our legal team will review your case, answer any questions you may have, and discuss potential legal strategies. It serves as an opportunity for us to understand your situation and for you to evaluate our law firm.

As for payment, we operate on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t be charged any fees unless we win your case. We earn our fee from the compensation we recover for you, ensuring our interests are firmly aligned with yours.