So many drivers in Chicago find themselves in a common yet frustrating situation: being rear-ended in traffic. Rear-end collisions can happen in an instant, often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or tailgating. Chicago weather conditions, such as heavy rain or icy roads, can also play a significant role in these car accidents. Unfortunately, the consequences of a rear-end collision, ranging from vehicle damage to serious injuries, can last much longer than the moment of impact.
Whether you’re dealing with an uncooperative insurance company or need help understanding your legal options, Curcio & Casciato is here to support you. Our experienced rear end collision attorneys can guide you through every step, from filing a police report to helping you seek financial compensation for your injuries and losses. Call 312-321-1111 to learn how our Chicago car accident attorneys can help you pursue legal action following your rear-end collision.
Rear-Ended Meaning
Rear-end collisions occur when the rear vehicle fails to maintain a safe following distance and crashes into the leading vehicle. This type of collision is often caused by the rear driver not paying attention.
Factors such as heavy rain and poor visibility can further complicate the situation, making it harder to judge a safe distance. If the front driver has to stop suddenly, especially when traffic is completely stopped, the rear driver may not have enough time to react, leading to a car accident.
In rear-end collisions, the steering wheel can become a source of injury, even in minor fender benders. Common injuries from rear-end collisions include head, neck, and back injuries, which can range from mild discomfort to severe, long-term damage.
What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions in Chicago, IL?
Understanding what causes most rear-end collisions in Chicago is essential for drivers who want to avoid these common car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 29% of rear-end collisions are caused by distracted driving.
However, there are many other causes behind rear-end collisions, including brake checking, speeding, mechanical failure, and drunk driving. Knowing the causes of rear-end accidents can help you and other drivers stay safer on the road.
Distracted Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that distracted driving is the reason behind most rear-end collisions. Not only does driver distraction cause rear-end car accidents, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reports that distracted drivers were responsible for over 3,000 fatalities in 2022.
Despite Illinois texting and driving laws being created to combat driver distraction, prohibiting the use of hand-held devices while driving, many drivers ignore these regulations and continue to engage with their phones behind the steering wheel. This lapse in focus by distracted drivers often leads to rear-end accidents in Chicago.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end crash caused by driver distraction, a distracted driving accident attorney in Chicago can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical bills and other damages.
Drunk Driving
Chicago rear-end accidents caused by drunk driving are unfortunately common and often result in injuries for car accident victims. When a driver is under the influence, their ability to judge speed and distance is compromised, leading them to crash into other vehicles unexpectedly. These rear-end collisions can cause devastating consequences, including spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and other catastrophic injuries.
If a rear driver hits you while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, an experienced drunk driving lawyer in Chicago is prepared to help you pursue financial compensation for your injuries and damages, ensuring the drunk driver is held accountable for the rear-end car accident.
Speeding
Speeding significantly contributes to rear-end crashes in Chicago, as speeding drivers often struggle to come to a complete stop when they approach traffic, especially when traffic is moving at a very slow speed or is completely stopped. When drivers speed, it becomes much harder to stop in time or react to sudden changes in traffic, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision with the front vehicle. In many cases, speeding drivers may lose control of their vehicles, leading to devastating rear-end crashes that can cause broken bones, brain injuries, or worse.
If you’ve been injured by a speeding driver in a rear-end collision, an experienced lawyer from Curcio & Casciato can help you pursue compensation for injuries and property damage.
Road Rage
Road rage is a dangerous and aggressive behavior that can lead to car accidents on the road, including rear-end collisions, especially when traffic ahead is moving at a very slow speed or is completely stopped. When a rear-end collision occurs due to road rage, the aggressive rear driver may be held legally responsible for the damages and injuries they cause.
Car accident victims often wonder, Can you sue for road rage in Illinois? The answer is yes. An experienced lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim against the rear driver for any harm suffered due to their reckless and aggressive actions.
Brake Checking
Brake checking is a dangerous practice where the front driver intentionally slams on their brakes to deter a person from tailgating them. The sudden jolt of a brake check can easily lead to a rear-end collision, putting everyone on the road at risk. Many drivers in Chicago might ask, “is brake checking illegal in Illinois?” Yes, brake checking is considered reckless driving and is illegal.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision caused by someone who performed a brake check, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from a Chicago brake-checking car accident lawyer from Curcio & Casciato. An experienced lawyer can help hold the front driver liable for brake-checking accidents.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving is a serious issue, especially among truck drivers. When truck drivers exceed their regulated truck driver hours, their ability to stay alert and react to traffic conditions diminishes significantly. This lack of attention can lead to rear-end collisions, where a tired truck driver hits the lead vehicle because they failed to stop in time. Fatigued driving not only endangers the truck driver but also puts others on the road at risk.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision with a truck, contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer at Curcio & Casciato for a free consultation.
Who is At Fault in a Rear End Accident in Illinois?
In Illinois, determining fault in a rear-end accident typically falls on the rear driver, as rear-end collisions occur when the rear vehicle fails to maintain a safe distance behind the front vehicle or react in time. Since Illinois isn’t a no-fault state, the at-fault driver is generally held responsible for the damages and injuries resulting from the car accident.
However, there can be exceptions where the front driver may share some blame, such as if they stop suddenly without warning or had malfunctioning brake lights. Regardless of the circumstances, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a rear-end car accident and consult with our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys to protect your rights.
What is the Average Payout for a Rear-End Collision in Chicago?
When a rear-end collision occurs, the average payout can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Rear-end collision settlements for most rear-end collisions cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, especially when serious injuries are involved. Common injuries when rear-end collisions occur include back injuries, neck injuries, and even brain injuries, all of which can significantly impact a victim’s life and lead to substantial compensation.
Our Chicago car accident attorneys play a crucial role in securing fair settlements when rear-end collisions occur, ensuring that victims of rear-end collisions receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and any long-term effects they may face. The exact amount will depend on the specifics of the personal injury case and type of collision, but an experienced lawyer from Curcio & Casciato can help maximize the payout for victims of rear-end accidents based on the extent of the damages.
Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Chicago, IL
If you’ve been rear-ended in Chicago and are dealing with injuries or damages, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. As a leading car accident law firm in Chicago, Curcio & Casciato is dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call 312-321-1111 to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you understand your legal options following rear-end collisions.
