15 Common Car Accidents Myths Debunked

Car accident myths can put you at risk and affect your ability to recover compensation after an accident. In Illinois, thousands of accident victims suffer serious injuries each year and make poor decisions due to misconceptions about car accidents.  

Misunderstandings about when to seek medical attention, how insurance companies handle claims, or who can be held liable can cause costly mistakes, both physically and financially. 

Some drivers wrongly believe that minor injuries don’t require documentation or that legal help is unnecessary if the other driver has insurance. Understanding the facts about liability, insurance, and driver safety can help protect your rights if you’re involved in a collision.

Below, we debunk 15 common myths about car accidents. Knowing the reality behind these misconceptions can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.

1. Highways Are the Most Dangerous Roads

Many believe highways are the most dangerous places to drive, but accident data shows most accidents happen on urban streets and intersections. In Chicago, congested roads, distracted driving, and complex traffic patterns increase risk, especially where drunk driving or speeding is involved. 

Even minor accidents at intersections can lead to serious consequences. Contrary to popular belief, highways tend to be safer due to controlled access and consistent traffic flow.

2. If You’re a Good Driver, You’ll Avoid Car Accidents-

Even the most careful drivers can find themselves in accidents due to the negligence of others. In Illinois, the comparative negligence system allows you to recover damages even if you’re partially at fault. 

While it’s important to follow traffic laws and drive defensively, a drunk driver or reckless motorist can still cause an accident beyond your control. This legal standard makes sure victims of accidents aren’t penalized unfairly for doing their best to avoid harm.

3. Seatbelts Can Trap You in a Car Crash

A dangerous misconception is that seatbelts can trap you in a car during an accident. In reality, seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injuries from car accidents by 45% and are legally required under Illinois’ seatbelt law.  Not wearing a seatbelt can also impact your ability to recover compensation after an accident.

In many personal injury cases, insurers use a victim’s failure to wear a seatbelt as a reason to reduce financial settlements. Even if another driver was clearly at fault, not buckling up can hurt your case. Always wear your seatbelt for safety and to protect your legal rights.

4. New Cars Don’t Need Maintenance

Many drivers believe modern cars with advanced safety features don’t require maintenance. However, vehicle malfunctions like brake failure and tire blowouts cause thousands of crashes each year. Regular inspections and maintenance are critical for security. 

Many accidents occur due to these overlooked issues, not just human error. In any personal injury case, proving proper vehicle upkeep can impact road safety claims and your ability to seek fair compensation. No matter how new your car is, consistent maintenance still matters.

5. Big Vehicles Like SUVs Are Always Safer Than Smaller Cars

Bigger doesn’t always mean safer. While larger vehicles may offer more protection in some situations, this car accident myth overlooks vital risks. SUVs can be harder to control, more prone to rollovers, and more dangerous to pedestrians and smaller cars. 

Seat belts, road conditions, driver habits, and vehicle type all affect accident prevention. However, fatal accidents still happen in SUVs, especially when safety features are ignored or weather plays a role. 

6. You Shouldn’t Call the Police for Minor Crashes

Some believe that calling the police is unnecessary for minor car accidents, but failing to report a crash can hurt your insurance claim. In Illinois, any crash resulting in injury or over $1,500 in property damage must be reported to law enforcement.

Even in minor accidents, a police report serves as critical documentation for your insurance claim or personal injury case. A seemingly small vehicle collision can lead to injuries that emerge later. Your first priority should always be protecting yourself. Be sure to report the car crash, get medical help if needed, and document everything.

7. If You’re Partially at Fault, You Can’t Get Compensation with Comparative Negligence

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault for an accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

This applies even in minor accidents or rear-end collisions where the fault isn’t clear. Many injured drivers assume they’re ineligible for a settlement, but that’s one of the most common myths. 

A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, explain comparative negligence, and help you pursue damages, especially when accidents occur unexpectedly and multiple parties may share fault.

8. Hit-and-Run Drivers Are Rarely Caught

Hit-and-run accidents are serious offenses, and law enforcement uses surveillance footage, eyewitness reports, and vehicle tracking to identify suspects. In Illinois, fleeing the scene of an accident is a felony if it results in injury or death.

Hit-and-run accidents, like a rear-end collision, can lead to minor injuries or major trauma, especially when victims don’t receive immediate help. If you’ve suffered a personal injury in an accident where a driver fled the scene, a law firm can help you explore options for compensation.

9. Insurance Will Automatically Cover All Your Medical Bills

It’s a common assumption that if you’re involved in a car accident, your insurance—or the other driver’s—will take care of everything. 

In reality, the process is rarely that straightforward. Insurance providers are businesses, and they often look for ways to minimize payments. Even when a policy appears generous, it may have exclusions, limitations, or requirements that delay payment or leave you paying out of pocket.

If your injuries require long-term treatment or specialized care, you may find that the policy limit is quickly exhausted. Some insurers also challenge the necessity of certain treatments or argue that your injuries were pre-existing. Without proper documentation and legal guidance, you may struggle to get the care you need. 

Working with a personal injury lawyer helps level the playing field, giving you a better chance of receiving full and timely payment for your medical expenses after a car accident.

10. Accident Victims Must Pay Upfront for a Lawyer

Many assume hiring an attorney is expensive, but most personal injury lawyers, including ours, offer a free case assessment and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay unless you win your accident case.

Even if a car crash involves an uninsured driver, legal help is still available. A qualified personal injury lawyer can explore alternative options for recovery and help injury victims secure compensation. With serious injuries, medical bills can add up quickly, so it’s important to have an attorney who understands the stakes and can advocate for you without upfront costs.

11. If No One Is Hurt, There’s No Need to Exchange Information After a Car Crash

Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, adrenaline can mask symptoms, and injuries may appear later. Always exchange information and seek medical attention after an accident. Even minor injuries from simple fender benders may seem harmless at first, but can worsen with time. 

One of the most common myths is that it is not important, but your first priority should always be your health and proper documentation.

12. Filing a Claim Will Automatically Raise Your Insurance Rates

One of the most common misconceptions is that even reporting minor fender benders, without any major damage or injuries, will result in higher premiums. 

However, this fear is often based on a misunderstanding of how insurance companies assess risk. If the other driver is found to be at fault, your rates generally should not increase simply because you reported the incident or sought compensation.

In reality, insurers take several factors into account, including your overall driving history and who was determined to be at fault. Filing a legitimate claim protects your financial well-being and gives you access to resources that can help with repairs, medical costs, and recovery without necessarily affecting your future premiums.

13. Pedestrians’ Rights are the First Priority

While Illinois law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, pedestrians can still be found partially at fault for darting into traffic or crossing against signals.

Injuries can still occur even when the pedestrian has the right of way, and fault may be shared. If a pedestrian is hit by a car or other vehicle, the details matter in a personal injury case. Liability can affect how much the injured person may recover in damages.

14. If You’re Not in Pain Right After an Accident, You Weren’t Injured

Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms immediately. Seeking medical attention promptly can help diagnose hidden injuries and strengthen your claim. 

A medical professional can rule out major injuries, begin necessary medical care, and help document severe injuries for your case, along with your medical bills. Even if you only need basic first aid, prompt evaluation is critical after road accidents.

15. If the Other Driver Has Insurance, You Don’t Need a Lawyer

Even when the other driver has insurance, adjusters will try to minimize payments. A car accident attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement and take legal action if necessary.

Insurance companies often undervalue claims involving lost wages, medical bills, and long-term care. 

Having legal representation from a personal injury lawyer helps you make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes. Without proper legal guidance, you risk settling for less than you deserve, especially when injuries have lasting financial and emotional consequences.

Get Common Misconceptions and Car Accident Myths Debunked with a Free Consultation

Don’t let common myths about car accidents affect your rights. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers will fight to secure the restitution you deserve.

A trusted personal injury lawyer in Chicago can guide you through the legal process, help you avoid costly mistakes, and make sure your case is handled with care. A skilled attorney will gather evidence, build your case, and handle negotiations with the insurance company so you get a fair settlement. 

Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or through our online form to discuss your legal options.

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.