Types of Car Accidents in Chicago

Car accidents are among the most common causes of serious injury in Chicago and throughout the country, hurting more than five million people nationally in a single recent year, according to the National Safety Council. These accidents come in many different types, which can affect the injuries involved and the options victims have for recovery.

The experienced Chicago car accident lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. understand how challenging life can become after a traffic accident. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the maximum compensation available so you can rebuild and move on from the accident. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn how we can help.

Why You Need Our Lawyers After Any Type of Car Crash in Chicago

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you want to work with a law firm that has a reputation for results. For over 40 years, the Chicago car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have fought aggressively for the rights of injured victims throughout Chicago, securing more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements on their behalf. Now, we look forward to putting our experience to work for you, too.

The attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can build a solid case by:

Investigating the accident to determine the cause
Identifying all at-fault parties and hold them accountable
Calculating the full value of your losses to know how much you’re owed
Negotiating with the insurance company to secure fair compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses
Taking the at-fault party to court if the insurer is unwilling to offer a settlement package that will fairly compensate you

We’re prepared to do this all at no upfront cost to you. Instead, we’ll only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you.

Common Types of Car Accidents

The following types of collisions are the most common in Chicago:

Head-On Collisions

These types of crashes occur when a motorist is traveling the wrong way or drifts into oncoming traffic. Due to the force caused by the combined speed of the two vehicles, injuries from head-on crashes can be particularly severe.

Rollover Crashes

Rollover accidents are another severe type of collision. They happen most frequently with top-heavy vehicles, such as SUVs, and often result in crushing injuries.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of crashes. They often happen when a driver is distracted or following another vehicle too closely.

Side Impact Crashes

Side impact crashes involve the front of one vehicle striking the broad side of another. They are often the result of a driver running a red light, running a stop sign, or turning left into an oncoming vehicle. Injuries can be particularly severe for the occupants sitting on the same side as the point of impact, as they have no crumple zone to protect them.

Intersection Crashes

Intersections are an accident hot spot because they involve traffic crossing from multiple directions. They can easily involve multiple cars and injury victims.

Interstate and Expressway Car Accidents

A crash that happens on an interstate or expressway is likely to involve high speeds. The increased velocity makes catastrophic injuries more likely.

Chain-Reaction Crashes

This type of crash occurs when one vehicle hits another, which subsequently crashes into another. With multiple cars involved, liability can be difficult to determine.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

If you are a passenger in a single-vehicle accident, you are unlikely to be at fault for the crash. Since the driver of the car is probably liable for your injuries, you have the option of filing a claim with their insurance provider.

Hit-and-Run Crashes

A motorist who hits you and flees the scene without giving you their contact information which leaves you without the information required to file a claim. Still, you could have options for recovering compensation, which an experienced Chicago car accident attorney can help you explore.

Lane-Change and Merging Collisions

Sideswipe accidents most frequently occur when a driver is attempting to change lanes or merge. The injuries that result can be severe if the accident happens at high speeds or involves a larger vehicle striking a smaller one.

Left-Turn Crashes

Drivers must exercise caution before attempting a left turn to avoid the path of oncoming traffic. A motorist who turns left without leaving enough space for approaching vehicles risks causing a severe crash.

Bad Weather Collisions

While nobody can control the weather, we all have an obligation to take extra precautions in rainy, snowy, icy, or windy conditions. A driver who travels at high speeds or drives dangerously in these conditions can be liable for a resulting collision.

Car Accidents in Parking Lots and Garages

These accidents often happen at low speeds, but they can still result in whiplash and other painful injuries, especially if pedestrians are involved.

Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians or Bicyclists

Road users who do not have the protection of a passenger vehicle are more vulnerable to serious injuries in a collision. Pedestrians and cyclists can file a claim against a negligent driver who causes them harm.

Car Accidents with Semi Trucks and Large Vehicles

Because of their size, large commercial vehicles can cause serious damage when they collide with smaller passenger vehicles. Moreover, the complexity of truck accidents and the legal muscle of the trucking industry makes it essential to seek experienced legal representation of your own.

Get Help from Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Today

Regardless of the type of accident that injured you, its consequences are likely severe. You may wonder how you will afford your bills and medical expenses, especially if you’re too injured from your accident to work. That’s why you should enlist the services of the experienced car accident lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. We are ready to put our knowledge and skills to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Chicago car accident lawyer and let us fight for your rights.