Fatal car accidents in the State of Illinois are tracked online by the Illinois Department of Transportation (“DOT Snapshot”) on a daily basis. The DOT Snapshot reports 450 fatal traffic accidents recorded so far this year (as of June 17, 2024), with 498 deaths resulting from injuries sustained in these deadly crashes.
This translates into around 3 people dying each and every day so far this year on Illinois roadways.
Where are the Most Dangerous Roadways for Fatal Car Crashes in Illinois?
Of course, some places are more dangerous than others for deadly motor vehicle accidents. Be forewarned: the DOT Snapshot reports that city streets and state-US routes are our two riskiest traffic paths, followed by our local interstates and county-township streets.
There’s more. One research study of Illinois traffic fatality data covering 2018-2020 warns us that:
- the deadliest roadway in the state is Chicago’s Ashland Ave. from W. 74th St. to W. 47th St.;
- Cook County has the most fatal traffic accidents; and
- July is the month where most traffic deaths happen in the state.
For more, read, “Illinois’ Deadliest Roads and Fatal Accident Statistics,” written by Doug Milnes, CFA, and published by Money Geek.
Sadly, these statistics deal only with the tragedy of people dying from bodily injuries sustained in a traffic collision. Many more motor vehicle accident victims are blessed to survive the crash, only to suffer from catastrophic injuries and life-altering impairments.
For more, read: Traffic Fatalities in Chicagoland: High Risk of Deadly Chicago Car Crash; and What are Catastrophic Injuries? Severe Bodily Harm Suffered by Accident Survivors in Indiana and Illinois.
For safety agencies such as Illinois’ renowned National Safety Council (“NSC”), as well as advocates for accident victims and their loved ones, these statistics are infuriately unacceptable. The reality is so many people are dying on our roads in this country that it is considered to be a public health crisis.
From NSC executive vice president of roadway practice Mark Chung:
“The most dangerous thing most people in our country do in a single day is use the U.S. roadway system. This public health crisis is an atrocity that must continue to be addressed. No one should die getting to or from their homes, schools and workplaces, but the current system was not designed with the safety of all road users in mind. This is why we must continue to speak, act and cooperatively work together across public and private sectors to prioritize the safe travel of all road users; this is our focus when visiting with lawmakers in the spring, to continue advocating for the safety of all road users and ultimately save lives.”
Things to Do After An Illinois Car Accident
Unfortunately, this means that you, or someone you know and love, faces a great risk of being involved in an Illinois car accident each time they drive on our streets, roads, routes, or interstates. Having an awareness of the danger is vital. Knowing what to do in the event of a car crash, pedestrian accident, or motor vehicle collision involving an SUV, pickup, minivan, or semi-truck, is important.
At the time of the crash or traffic accident, alongside immediately calling 9-1-1 for first responder help (police; medical services) these steps can be critical:
- Check everyone involved for injuries, both in the vehicles and the surrounding area;
- Help anyone who is hurt but do not move anyone who appears to be badly injured, because this may cause greater bodily injury; and
- Make sure the vehicles are no longer dangerous (location; gas leaking; etc.).
Another important task before leaving the crash site is to understand the importance of the time window to later investigations that will determine legal liabilities for what has transpired. Witness names and addresses can provide essential information here, as well as images of things like license plates and other data recorded by smartphones, dashcams, or security cameras attached to nearby buildings or storefronts.
Illinois Crash Reports
Under Illinois law, any traffic accident (major or minor) must be reported to Illinois DOT within ten (10) days of the event. Failure to comply may result in criminal penalties.
That’s not all. There may be other legalities for reporting the accident, as well, depending upon the specific roadway; the extent of property damage; and whether or not someone was hurt or killed in the crash.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Illinois is a Crime
Obviously, any traffic collision is upsetting. However, for those who panic and flee the scene, there can be serious repercussions. Under Illinois law, if a driver leaves the scene of an accident, their rash decision can result not only in serious jail time, but a loss of their driver’s license and a monetary fine of up to $25,000. See, 625 ILCS 5/11-401; 625 ILCS 5/11-402; 625 ILCS 5/11-403.
If a driver leaves the scene of an Illinois traffic accident where there is a death and fails to come back to the accident scene within thirty minutes, then they have committed a Class 1 felony under Illinois law. Class 1 felonies come with a sentencing range of 4-15 years, with an extended term of 15-30 years. 625 ILCS 5/11-401(d).
This criminal component is especially critical to understand for any pedestrian accident where a motor vehicle collides with someone on foot. The dangers of pedestrian accident fatalities are well-known in Chicagoland, where a shockingly high risk of death for those in pedestrian crashes all too often comes with hit-and-run drivers leaving the scene.
For more, read our series of articles detailing the continuing dangers of Chicago Pedestrian Accidents, which includes a discussion of Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago.
Seeking Justice After an Illinois Car Accident
After a serious or deadly motor vehicle accident anywhere in the State of Illinois, there will be investigations into the incident not only by law enforcement (where police reports provide vital evidence), but by investigators for various insurance companies alongside those seeking answers on behalf of the accident victims (drivers, passengers, and pedestrians).
The determination of legal liability can be complicated in these cases, and the results can be surprising after accident reconstruction experts and other professionals conclude their analysis.
The causes of the Illinois crash will be found from all sorts of sources, such as video footage; photographs of the scene of the accident; review of the vehicles involved in the incident; and medical testimony from various health care providers.
Third parties may be found to be liable for damages in Illinois accidents where investigations reveal things like:
- Flawed or defective products like faulty tires or brakes that contributed to what happened;
- Truckers were pushed beyond their limits by trucking companies who may be liable for damages sustained in Illinois semi-truck crashes; and
- Illinois Dram Shop statutes may impose responsibility for an Illinois crash upon those establishments (restaurants; bars) shown to have served alcohol to an impaired driver involved in the Illinois collision.
To learn more, read:
- Defective Car Parts & Liability for Fatal Crashes and Serious Injuries in Illinois and Indiana
- Trucking Companies Liable for Semi-Truck Crashes in Indiana and Illinois
- Liable for Drunk Driving Accidents in Indiana and Illinois: Social Party Hosts, Bars, Restaurants
The Illinois DOT reporting is clear: every day in this state, people are dying in car accidents, semi-truck crashes, and pedestrian accidents and even more victims suffer from bodily harm in these collisions while being grateful to having survived the crash. Understanding these realities as well as the steps to take after a serious accident or crash in the State of Illinois is important. Please be careful out there!
