1. Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are among the most common accidents in Chicago, especially during rush hours on the Dan Ryan, Kennedy, or near downtown intersections. They typically occur because of:
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Sudden braking
- Stop-and-go congestion
How Fault Is Usually Determined
In Illinois, the rear driver is usually presumed to be at fault because they must maintain a safe distance. However, exceptions exist, such as brake-light failures or sudden, reckless stops. To understand how Illinois decides fault percentages, see Illinois Car Accident Laws.
Common Injuries
- Whiplash
- Neck and spine injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Concussions
If you want to identify symptoms early, visit Common Car Accident Injuries.
2. T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions
T-bone accidents happen when one vehicle hits the side of another, often at intersections in areas like River North, Bronzeville, and Lincoln Park.
How They Happen
- Running red lights
- Failing to yield
- Distracted driving
- Speeding through intersections
Why These Crashes Are Severe
Side doors provide less protection than front or rear areas, so injuries are often serious.
Evidence That Helps
- Intersection camera footage
- Skid marks
- Eyewitness accounts
- Vehicle damage location
If you’re unsure how to collect this evidence correctly, refer to What to Do After a Car Accident.
3. Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are less common but among the deadliest. They often occur on curved roads, expressway ramps, or two-lane roads in Chicago suburbs.
Typical Causes
- Wrong-way driving
- Impaired driving
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Distracted driving
- High-speed merging
Common Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
These are high-value cases because the injuries significantly increase compensable damages, which we explain in Compensation After a Chicago Car Accident.
4. Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipes happen when two vehicles traveling parallel make contact. These are common on the Kennedy and near busy multi-lane roads.
Frequent Causes
- Unsafe lane changes
- Drifting between lanes
- Merging without checking blind spots
- Aggressive driving
Fault in Sideswipe Crashes
Insurance companies often argue both drivers share fault, making it important to understand comparative negligence rules explained in How Car Accident Compensation Works in Illinois
5. Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run cases happen in Chicago at an alarming rate, especially at night or in high-traffic neighborhoods : Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Chicago: What Victims Need to Know (and Why These Crashes Are Rising)
Why Drivers Fle
- No insurance
- Suspended license
- Impaired driving
- Fear of legal consequences
What Victims Should Do
You may need to rely on Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. UM claims follow a strict process that we explain in the Claim & Settlement Timeline.
6. Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Pileups often occur on expressways where drivers travel at higher speeds. Fog, snow, ice, and sudden stops contribute.
Challenges in These Cases
- Several drivers may share fault
- Multiple insurance companies are involved
- Fault percentages matter heavily
7. Drunk Driving Accidents
Chicago continues to see a high number of DUI-related crashes, especially near entertainment districts and during weekends.
Legal Consequences for the Drunk Driver
- Criminal charges
- License suspension
- Civil liability
Why Injury Claims Are Higher in DUI Crashes
Since the at-fault driver’s conduct is reckless, compensation for pain and suffering is often significantly higher. For more on how damages are calculated, see Chicago Car Accident Lawyer — Complete Guide to Your Rights, Options & the Injury Claim Process
8. Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)
Rideshare accidents involve unique complications because insurance coverage changes depending on whether the app was:
- Off
- On but no ride accepted
- Active with a passenger
Special Rules
Uber and Lyft have large insurance policies, but they only apply during certain phases. Handling these claims requires understanding the multi-layered insurance process described in the Car Accident Settlement Timeline.
9. Pedestrian Accidents
Chicago has heavy foot traffic, especially downtown and near colleges. Drivers who speed, ignore lights, or fail to stop at crosswalks often cause severe pedestrian accidents.
Typical Evidence
- Surveillance footage
- Crosswalk signals
- Witness statements
Medical care is crucial in these cases. You can review Common Injuries After a Car Accident for symptoms to monitor.
10. Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists often suffer due to:
- Dooring (car doors opening suddenly)
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
11. Commercial Vehicle & Truck Accidents
Delivery vans, box trucks, semis, and commercial fleets create unique risks. These crashes are more complex due to:
- Larger insurance policies
- Driver logs
- Employer liability
- Federal regulations
Because these claims follow a different process, it’s important to understand how settlement stages work, outlined in the Claim & Settlement Timeline.
12. Parking Lot Collisions
Common but confusing. Often, both vehicles move simultaneously, making fault unclear.
Evidence That Helps
- Surveillance video
- Damage positions
- Witnesses
- Photos of parking lines
13. Weather-Related Crashes
Snow, black ice, rain, and fog increase collisions across Chicago.
Factors
- Reduced visibility
- Slippery pavement
- Longer stopping distances
Drivers are still required to operate safely regardless of conditions, and failure to do so can establish fault.
Understanding Your Crash Type Helps Build a Stronger Case
Every crash type has different injury patterns, evidence needs, and fault rules. Identifying your accident type early helps you understand:
- What evidence matters most
- What injuries to watch for
- How insurance companies will treat your claim
- What compensation may be available
