Common Causes of Car Accidents

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car crashes remain a leading cause of severe injuries. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 295,604 auto accidents reported in the state in 2021 alone. The report from our state’s transportation department comprehensively details the different types of accidents, including the causes of collisions. Here, our Rolling Meadows automobile accident lawyer provides an overview of the most common causes of motor vehicle collisions in Illinois. 

The Five Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Illinois

• Rear-End Collisions 

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in Illinois. In 2021 alone, there were more than 71,000 rear-end crashes reported in Illinois. A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle that is stopped or moving at a slower speed. Many of these accidents are often caused by distracted driving, such as texting or using a cell phone while driving or following too closely. Rear-end collisions can also be caused by poor road conditions, such as slick roads or poor visibility. 

• Turning Accidents 

Turning accidents are another common type of car accident in Illinois. These accidents occur when a driver is making a turn and collides with another vehicle. They can happen at intersections or when a driver is attempting to make a turn on a highway. These accidents are often caused by driver error, such as failing to yield the right of way or misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic.

• Parked Car Collisions

Parked car collisions are another common type of car accident in Illinois. These accidents occur when a driver crashes into a parked car. They can happen in parking lots, on the street, or on private property. Although many parked car crashes are relatively minor, these accidents can also result in serious injuries and significant property damage. 

• Sideswipe Accidents (Mostly Same Direction)

Sideswipe accidents are another common type of car accident in Illinois. These accidents occur when two vehicles are traveling in the same direction and one vehicle collides with the side of the other vehicle. They can happen on highways, on city streets, or on rural roads. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 90 percent of sideswipe accidents happen when vehicles are going in the same direction. 

• Fixed Object Collisions (Often Single Vehicle Crashes) 

Fixed object collisions are another common type of car accident in Illinois. These accidents occur when a vehicle collides with a fixed object, such as a tree, a utility pole, or a guardrail. The majority of fixed object collisions in Illinois are single-vehicle crashes.  

Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Illinois Auto Accident Injury Attorney Today

At SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, our Rolling Meadows car accident lawyers are standing by, ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the full and fair financial compensation needed to put the pieces back together. Contact us today to set up your free, no strings attached case review. With a law office in Rolling Meadows, we handle car accident claims throughout the wider region.