Every day, Chicago’s 2.7 million residents commute to work, go to school, run errands, and enjoy the city’s many attractions. But unfortunately, not everyone will make it to their destinations safely.
On average, Chicago experiences more than 270 car crashes every single day – that’s one crash about every five to six minutes. In the time it takes you to read this article, Chicago will likely experience another car accident.
Below we’ll dig into some of the statistics about Chicago car accidents and discuss the leading causes of crashes in the city. If you’ve been in a collision, contact the experienced Chicago car accident attorneys at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. Give us a call at (312) 726-1616.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Chicago, IL?
Every year, Chicago suffers almost 100,000 car accidents.
In 2021, the city experienced 98,563 crashes – a 21 percent increase over the previous year’s traffic accidents.
Between 2018 and 2021, Chicago experienced:
- 2021 – 98,563 crashes (33.3 percent of all crashes statewide)
- 2020 – 81,364 crashes (32.9 percent of all crashes statewide)
- 2019 – 96,727 crashes (30.9 percent of all crashes statewide)
- 2018 – 98,859 crashes (30.9 percent of all crashes statewide)
Although the state saw a drop in overall crashes in 2020, it’s still notable that Chicago represents about a third of all crashes in Illinois every year.
How Many Fatal Car Accidents Occur in Chicago, Illinois?
Sadly, more than 200 people lose their lives on the roads of Chicago every year. From 2018 to 2021, Chicago suffered:
- 2021 – 230 fatalities (17.1 percent of all fatalities statewide)
- 2020 – 187 fatalities (15.6 percent of all fatalities statewide)
- 2019 – 140 fatalities (13.9 percent of all fatalities statewide)
- 2018 – 132 fatalities (12.8 percent of all fatalities statewide)
As you can see, fatal car accidents in Chicago are becoming more frequent and are representing more and more of the statewide fatality rates.
Chicago Car Accidents Resulting in Injuries
Aside from the fatalities that happen on Chicago roads every year, thousands of people suffer terrible injuries in car crashes. Between 2018 and 2021, the citizens of Chicago experienced:
- 2021 – 24,078 injuries (28.2 percent of all injuries statewide)
- 2020 – 21,350 injuries (29.2 percent of all injuries statewide)
- 2019 – 24,102 injuries (27 percent of all injuries statewide)
- 2018 – 24,400 (25.9 percent of all injuries statewide)
Illinois divides injuries into three classes: A, B, C.
Type A injuries are the most severe and can include severe bleeding, “distorted extremities,” and any other injuries that make it impossible for the victim to leave the scene under their own power.
Type B injuries are considered non-incapacitating, meaning that they do have visible injuries, but they can walk away from the scene under their own power.
Type C injuries are not immediately visible, but the victim clearly seems to be in pain.
About 10 percent of injuries in Chicago vehicle accidents are Type A injuries. Roughly 60 percent of these injuries are Type B, and the remaining 30 percent are Type C.
Chicago Accidents Involving Motorcycles
Motorcyclists tend to face more risk of injury or death than car drivers do. In fact, a staggering 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. Every year, more than 100 motorcyclists die across the state of Illinois, and more than 2,000 are injured.
About 500 motorcyclists crash in Chicago every year, and roughly 10-20 of those are killed. Another 300 are injured in these accidents.
Chicago Accidents Involving Pedestrians
Like motorcyclists, pedestrians face enormous danger on the roads of Chicago. Every year, more than 2,000 pedestrians are struck by cars in the city. About fifty of these accident victims are killed, and almost all of the remaining victims are injured.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents in Chicago?
There are several factors that can lead to car accidents in Chicago. Some of the most common include
- Distracted driving – Texting while driving, checking social media, disciplining kids, and listening to music too loudly can all take your attention off the road and lead to a wreck.
- Speeding – Driving over the speed limit can reduce the amount of time you have to react and prevent a crash. Crashes at higher speeds also tend to result in more severe injuries.
- Aggressive driving – Tailgating, refusing to let people pass, and other forms of aggressive driving can make you more likely to collide with another vehicle.
- Impaired driving – Driving when you’ve been drinking or using recreational drugs can put not only you, but also all the other motorists around you, in danger.
Other causes of car accidents can include failing to yield, running yellow lights, and changing lanes improperly.
Chicago’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections
The single most dangerous intersection in Chicago is at East 79th Street and South Stony Island Avenue. The six-way intersection has multiple entrance and exit ramps to the Chicago skyway, as well as three separate bus routes. Between 2018 and 2020, this intersection saw nearly 200 crashes, one of which was fatal.
East 95th Street and South Stony Island Avenue is also a dangerous intersection, suffering more than 150 accidents in three years. West Garfield Boulevard and South Wentworth Avenue saw almost as many crashes in the same time frame.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Chicago Car Accident Attorney
Unfortunately, car accidents are an all-too-common occurrence on the streets of Chicago, Illinois. If you’ve been injured in a Chicago car accident, our attorneys want to help you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss the details of your case.
