Fog-Related Accidents in Chicago

Fog-related accidents in Chicago are more common than many realize, especially during the fall and winter months when the cool air from Lake Michigan meets warmer ground temperatures.

According to Illinois Department of Transportation crash data, fog, smoke, or smog contributed to 229 crashes in Chicago in 2023, with several resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. These weather-related car accidents often involve reduced visibility, dangerous road conditions, and—most critically—driver error.

Fog-Related Car Accidents in the Chicago Area

The Chicago area is particularly susceptible to heavy fog, especially near Lake Michigan, where the mix of cold air and moisture often leads to sudden, low-visibility conditions.

According to the IDOT data, fog and other poor weather conditions contributed to 54 crashes resulting in injury and one fatality. These fog-related accidents in Chicago can involve everything from minor fender benders to deadly multi-car pileups.

Despite the weather, most of these incidents are preventable. Drivers have a legal obligation to use extra caution during bad weather. When they fail to take necessary precautions, such as using fog lights or reducing speed, they may be liable for the injuries and damage caused.

Why Foggy Weather Increases the Risk of Car Accidents

Foggy weather significantly increases the risk of a car accident by reducing visibility and making it harder to judge distance, speed, and road position.

Fog can create an optical illusion, making drivers feel like they’re moving slower than they are, which leads to speeding without realizing it. It can also obscure taillights, traffic signals, road signs, and stopped vehicles until it’s too late to react.

In dense fog, brake lights from other cars may appear faint, and road markings can disappear completely. Even skilled drivers may struggle to navigate safely when visibility drops, especially when traveling at higher speeds. These risks make it essential for motorists to slow down and remain alert in foggy conditions.

Causes & Contributing Factors

While weather plays a role, many car accidents caused by fog result from a driver’s poor judgment or reckless behavior, including:

• Driving too fast for foggy conditions;
• Following too closely behind other vehicles;
• Using high beams instead of low beams or fog lights;
• Distracted driving, including phone use or in-car systems;
• Stopping in an active lane rather than pulling entirely off the road.

Drivers must recognize that fog increases the likelihood of serious injury, and failure to take these risks seriously can make them liable for resulting damages.

Driving Safely in Fog Weather Conditions

Taking extra precautions during foggy conditions can significantly reduce the chance of a crash. Chicago drivers are encouraged to follow these safety tips:

• Reduce speed well below the posted speed limit to account for reduced visibility;
• Use low-beam headlights or fog lights only—high beams reflect off the fog and worsen visibility;
• Increase following distance to give yourself more time to react;
• Turn off distractions, including music or GPS voice navigation, to stay focused;
• Listen carefully for nearby vehicles or emergency sirens;
• Signal turns early and begin braking sooner to alert other drivers;
• If conditions are too dangerous, pull completely off the road, turn on hazard lights, and wait for conditions to improve.

Seeing Other Vehicles and Hazards in Fog

Fog drastically affects a driver’s ability to see what’s ahead. In poor visibility conditions, drivers may not spot the taillights, brake lights, or headlights of other vehicles until they’re dangerously close. This is especially hazardous when fog causes high-contrast lighting conditions or when vehicles have dirty or non-functioning lights.

Other visibility challenges include missing pedestrians, cyclists, and stalled cars. In many fog-related accidents, the victims had little or no warning before the collision. These conditions highlight why fog lights and early braking are essential in protecting yourself and others.

Liability in Bad-Weather-Related Car Accidents

It’s a common myth that inclement weather alone causes a car crash. In truth, most weather-related car accidents result from a driver’s failure to adapt to conditions. Legally, motorists are expected to exercise reasonable care, which includes adjusting speed, using the right lights, and allowing more space between vehicles.

A negligent driver who fails to take these precautions can be held liable, even if the crash occurred in fog or other poor weather conditions. Weather is not an excuse under Illinois law when another person’s actions directly contributed to your injuries.

How Car Accidents Caused by Fog are Investigated

Investigating a fog-related accident involves several steps. Law enforcement and attorneys review:

• Police reports;
• Witness statements;
• Crash scene photos;
• Vehicle damage;
• Surveillance or dashcam footage;
• Weather and visibility reports at the time of the crash.

Attorneys will also examine whether the driver used headlights appropriately, followed speed limits, or left a safe distance between cars. This information helps establish fault and build a strong personal injury case.

Seeking Compensation After a Fog-Related Car Accident

Victims of fog-related accidents in Chicago can recover compensation if another driver’s negligence caused the crash. A successful personal injury claim may include:

• Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future treatment;
• Lost wages and diminished future earning potential;
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress;
• Property damage to your vehicle or belongings;
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in the crash.

An experienced car accident attorney can help calculate fair compensation and fight for what you’re entitled to receive.

How a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Claim

If you were injured in a fog-related accident, the insurance company may try to downplay the other driver’s fault by blaming the weather conditions. A Chicago car accident lawyer can counter these tactics by:

• Investigating and gathering evidence of negligent behavior;
• Working with accident reconstruction experts;
• Challenging lowball offers from insurers;
• Representing you in court if needed;
• Ensuring your medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages are accounted for.

Our law firm has helped countless victims recover compensation after serious injury crashes, even under challenging conditions like fog, snow, or rain.

Injured in Foggy Conditions? Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a fog-related accident in the Chicago area, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation to assess your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options.

With years of experience handling weather-related car accidents, our team can build a strong claim and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to speak with a Chicago personal injury attorney who will fight for your recovery—no fee unless we win.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.