Illinois Wrong-Way Crash Accidents and Liability

Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous collisions in Illinois, as they often occur at high speeds. Many wrong-way crashes happen because drivers go the wrong direction down the road, putting them directly in the path of oncoming traffic. Innocent drivers frequently suffer catastrophic injuries in wrong-way car accidents. Expensive medical bills and missed work can add significant stress to an already challenging situation.

The wrong-way accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. understand what you are going through and are ready to fight on your behalf for full and fair compensation. Our team has recovered over $2.5 billion in compensation for our clients, including some of the largest personal injury awards in Illinois history. With over 20 attorneys and more than 35 support personnel, we have the resources to win the most challenging cases while making the legal process as seamless as possible for you. We will handle the legal work so you can focus on healing. We work on a contingency fee basiss, so you will not owe us any fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Calll now or complete our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Chicago

Your health is the top priority after a wrong-way accident in Chicago, so seek immediate medical care before worrying about your legal claim. Then, you can take steps to protect your right to seek compensation, including:

• Request a copy of the police report – The accident report is crucial evidence in a wrong-way insurance claim, as it may include details about which driver entered the road incorrectly, any citations the police issued, and the investigating officer’s impressions. Contact the Chicago Police Department or whichever agency investigated the collision to obtain a copy of the crash report.
• Follow all medical advice – Keep up with your follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and specialist referrals as directed. Any gaps in your treatment can hurt your personal injury case and may suggest your injuries are not as severe as you reported. Similarly, follow your doctor’s instructions closely since deviating from them could also harm your case and show that you are not mitigating your damages.
• Document everything related to the crash – Save copies of your medical records, bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, and correspondence with the insurance company. If the collision affected your job or personal life, write down details regarding this information. A detailed paper trail helps you prove the crash’s impact, which is critical for maximizing compensation in your personal injury claim.
• Notify your insurance company – Let your insurer know about the crash and provide them with the basic facts. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies will likely try to shift blame or minimize your compensation, and you should avoid giving them anything to use against you.
• Stay off social media – Avoid posting photos, status updates, or comments about the crash, your recovery, or your daily activities. Insurance companies may monitor your social media profiles, and seemingly innocuous posts could hurt your car accident case.
• Consult with a personal injury lawyer – Wrong-way crashes often result in serious injuries and apparent negligence, but that does not mean insurance companies will play fair. Experienced car accident lawyers can protect your rights, handle settlement negotiations, and fight for the compensation you need.

Common Causes of Wrong-Way Driving Accidents

Wrong-way crashes typically happen because of wrong-way driver’s careless action. Common causes of these collisions include:

• Impaired or Drunk Driving – Alcohol and drugs cause slower reaction times, impair drivers’ judgment, and cause blurry vision, making it easier for intoxicated drivers to miss warning signs or enter a highway going the wrong direction. Low-visibility conditions at night can exacerbate these effects, as impaired drivers are more frequent at night.
• Older Drivers – Some elderly drivers struggle with worsening vision, slower reflexes, or confusion at complex intersections, especially those involving entrance or exit ramps. These issues can increase their risk of accidentally entering a roadway going the wrong way, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the area.
• Distracted Driving – A moment of distraction is all it takes to cause a serious wrong-way collision. Drivers who are texting, using navigation apps, or not paying attention may overlook signs, miss lane markings, or misread one-way indicators.
• Drowsy driving – Similar to alcohol, fatigue can impair focus and decision-making, especially after long hours on the road or while driving at night. Drowsy drivers may drift onto the wrong side of the road or turn the wrong way without realizing it.

Determining Liability in a Deadly Wrong-Way Accident

The driver who entered the road incorrectly usually bears most (if not all) of the blame for a wrong-way driving collision. Drivers are ultimately responsible for their actions and preventing crashes, meaning they are liable if they drive the wrong way down the street and cause an auto accident in the process.

However, others may also share legal responsibility for a wrong-way crash. For example, if the at-fault driver was intoxicated, a bar, restaurant, or liquor store could also be liable under Illinois’s Dram Shop Law. This law allows car accident victims to hold alcohol vendors liable for serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused the crash. You must file a dram shop lawsuit within one year of a collision.

Additionally, dangerous road design, poor signage, or inadequate lighting may contribute to wrong-way crashes. If a government agency failed to mark a one-way road properly or allowed a dangerous road condition to persist, it could share liability for the collision. Similarly, construction companies may be liable if they did not clearly mark detours, lane shifts, or closures, which can create confusion on roads and lead drivers to go the wrong way.

Why You Need an Illinois Car Accident Attorney After a Wrong-Way Crash

Recovering fair compensation after a wrong-way crash is often more difficult than it seems. Insurance companies may try to shift some blame onto you or downplay the severity of your injuries. If the collision involved multiple parties—such as a bar that overserved the driver or a construction crew that failed to mark a detour—the legal process can quickly become even more complicated.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we know how to handle these challenges and have decades of experience fighting on behalf of those injured. We can gather evidence to prove who caused the collision, work with experts to assess the full extent of your losses, and handle communications with the insurance companies for you. Our team is here to protect your rights, hold the at-fault parties accountable, and fight for the justice you deserve. We have recovered more than $2.5 billion in verdicts and settlements and are ready to work for you. Call now or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation with a wrong-way car crash attorney.