How Does Traffic Congestion Contribute to Car Accidents?

 Posted on January 15, 2025 in Car accidents

Did you know that Chicago has the dubious distinction of being the second most congested urban area in the U.S. and number three in the world? Five of the top 10 most congested U.S. roads are in Chicago, with several stretches of I-90 being named. 2024 figures show that Chicagoland drivers are estimated to waste 102 hours annually sitting in stalled traffic, representing a 6 percent increase over 2023. With so much congestion, it is no wonder that the Chicago area usually sees over 100,000 car accidents every year.

How does congestion contribute to causing collisions? How do I know if I qualify for compensation? A Des Plaines, IL personal injury lawyer can help maximize your payout if you are involved in a crash.

Why Does Congestion on Chicago Highways Lead to So Many Collisions?

Chicago hosts several major freight hubs, so there are a lot of tractor-trailers traveling to and from the area. The city is also a waypoint for cross-country interstate travel, not to mention all the daily commuters traveling to and from work. Rear-end collisions are quite common in congested areas, sometimes causing chain-reaction crashes. During inclement weather, the likelihood of accidents increases. Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue also raise collision risks in congested traffic.

Drivers who are stuck in stop-and-go traffic can react in different ways. They may use the time to eat breakfast, browse emails, or apply makeup, which are all forms of distraction. They might also get angry, upset, and frustrated by the delays, resulting in aggressive driving behaviors and speeding when possible.

Because semi-trucks are so large, motorists may not be able to see around them, causing collisions when changing lanes. In other cases, drivers merge directly in front of large trucks, not realizing that tractor-trailers cannot stop as fast as passenger vehicles.

Congestion can also pose navigational challenges for drivers who are unfamiliar with Chicago’s roads and highways. These motorists may suddenly realize they should be in a different lane prior to merging or splitting, which can lead to crashes due to unsafe merging.

What do most of these driving behaviors have in common? They are all forms of negligent driver error. If you are injured as a result, you may be eligible for compensation.

How Do I Know If I Can Sue After a Car Crash?

Requesting your free consultation is the best way to verify your eligibility to file a personal injury claim. To qualify, the at-fault party must have been negligent, and your own degree of fault cannot be greater than 50 percent. Even if you qualify, you need the assistance of an experienced attorney if you hope to collect the maximum available compensation because insurers will try to reduce or eliminate their liability.

Attorney Patrick Quinn used to represent insurance companies, so he knows first-hand how insurers try to take advantage of you. This insider knowledge gives you a distinct advantage as he fights to help you secure as much compensation as you deserve.

Call Our Dedicated Park Ridge, IL Car Accident Lawyer Today

When you choose Quinn Law Group, LLC to represent you after a car collision, we fiercely protect your best interests while aggressively fighting for the highest possible amount of compensation on your behalf. Call 847-232-7180 or contact us online to speak with our competent Glenview, IL personal injury attorney.