What to Do After a Speeding Car Accident in Chicago

Speeding: A Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Chicago

Speeding continues to be one of the main reasons for car accidents in Chicago and throughout the country. Thousands of people die each year from speeding. NHTSA data found that the number of people killed in speeding-related traffic accidents increased 21 percent from 2018 to 2023, accounting for 28 percent of all traffic fatalities in the country in 2023.

High-speed accidents can be especially dangerous, often sending injured victims to hospitals like Northwestern Memorial in need of urgent care. If you have any questions about liability or what to do after being involved in an accident because someone else was speeding, contact Rosenfeld Injury Law to speak with our Chicago auto accident lawyers.

How Common Are Speeding Accidents in Chicago?

Speeding accidents can happen anywhere, and Chicago and Illinois are no exception.

• Illinois consistently ranks among the top states for speeding-related fatal crashes, according to recent IDOT Crash Statistics.
• In 2023, there were almost 300,000 accidents in Chicago, many of them fatal and injury crashes.
• About one-third of all injury crashes in the state involve speeding, while more than 40% of fatal crashes in the state involve speeding.

Where Do Speeding Accidents Happen in Chicago?

Speeding accidents and injuries in Chicago often occur in areas with high traffic volume or fast-moving cars. Major highways and interstates, such as I-55, I-94, I-290, and I-90, are particularly dangerous because of higher speed limits and heavy congestion.

Urban streets like Western Avenue, Cicero Avenue, and Lake Shore Drive also see a significant number of accidents. These locations are known for aggressive driving and frequent speeding.

Data shows that Chicago has one of the highest accident rates per mile traveled in Illinois, emphasizing the injury risks road users face daily.

Why Is Speeding So Dangerous?

Speeding increases the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents. When a car is traveling faster, it covers more ground in a shorter amount of time, making it harder to avoid obstacles, other cars, or sudden stops.

Additionally, motor vehicle accidents that occur at higher speeds tend to cause more severe injuries due to the greater impact force.

The State Police advises everyone on the road to slow down in poor weather, heavy traffic, broken traffic signs, and construction areas, as these conditions make the dangers of speeding even worse.

What to Do After a Speeding Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Chicago caused by a speeding driver, taking the right steps is crucial for your safety and to help you seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and more.

At the Car Crash Accident Scene

If you’ve suffered injuries in a car crash caused by a speeding car, knowing what to do while at the scene of the accident can help protect your well-being and build a strong personal injury claim.

• Call 911. Law enforcement can document the accident and injuries with a police report, which is required under Illinois law if there are injuries or over $1,500 in damages.
• Get medical care for injuries as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable.
• Take photos at the car accident scene. Include damage to the car, tire marks, traffic signs, and anything that shows conditions at the time of the car accident.
• Look for witnesses. Gather contact information from anyone nearby who may have seen what happened.

Gathering evidence and taking these steps can make sure you document as much evidence as possible.

Hours or Days After the Accident

There are some other steps you should take in the days following the car accident.

• Follow up with your doctor
• Contact your insurance
• Request a copy of your police report
• Avoid talking to the other driver’s insurance company
• Don’t post about the car accident on social media

By taking these steps and seeking legal representation from a car accident lawyer, you can protect your rights to financial recovery after suffering injuries in an accident.

How a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Chicago operates under an at-fault insurance system, which means the driver who caused the motor vehicle accident is responsible for covering the damages (or the other driver’s insurance company). A car accident lawyer can help you file a claim and obtain financial recovery that includes:

• Medical expenses for injuries
• Vehicle damage
• Other property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Insurance adjusters often work to minimize payouts by blaming the victim or disputing the damages. A car accident lawyer can build a strong case on your behalf by gathering evidence of your injuries and how the crash occurred, such as:

• Medical records that document your injuries
• Traffic and surveillance camera footage of the accident
• Statements from eyewitnesses who saw the car accident occur
• Accident reports that detail the events and fault involved
• Expert input, such as car accident reconstruction analysis, to provide additional credibility to your personal injury claim

Our car accident lawyers will manage your case and gather as much evidence against the other driver as we can. Let us help you deal with insurance claims so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Get Legal Representation After an Auto Accident in Chicago!

Motor vehicle accidents in Chicago cause serious injuries and financial hardship. If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident caused by a speeding accident, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you file a claim and seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.

Reach out today for a free consultation with a top-rated Chicago car accident lawyer. Let us gather evidence and help you recover from your injuries. Call (888) 424-5757 or complete our online contact form today to speak to a car accident lawyer.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Champaign, Elgin,Naperville, Springfield and throughout Illinois.

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.