It can be devastating to lose a loved one in a car accident, especially in one that was not their fault. Unfortunately, fatal crashes are not only a severe problem in Illinois but a threat to the rest of the United States as well.
The Illinois Department of Transportation recently released a mid-year update of the 2018 fatal crash statistics in the state. These statistics are alarming and should encourage Illinois drivers to make defensive and safe driving their top priority.
If you lost a family member in a fatal car accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, contact our highly skilled Chicago fatal attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. Call us today at to get started with your free consultation.
Illinois fatal crash data, reported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, is based on all of the information submitted to them regarding fatal motor vehicle crashes on Illinois public roadways.
As information is received from various state agencies, the data is updated. The fatalities referenced in this data include drivers and passengers as well as pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-occupants that have lost their lives in a crash.
According to the most recent Illinois fatal crash data, there have been 584 fatal crashes and 636 fatalities. At this time last year, there were 671 fatal crashes, meaning there are 35 less this year.
When it comes to restraint usage, restraint was used in 206 crashes and not used or misused in 148 accidents. There were also 78 fatal crashes where the surviving or deceased driver did not have a valid driver’s license during the accident.
There are many different reasons fatal car crashes occur in Illinois. Some of the most common causes include:
Reckless Driving
Every time an Illinois driver engages in reckless driving, they put everyone on the road in danger. As you are driving, be on the lookout for reckless drivers as their risky actions can lead to fatal accidents.
Road Rage
Drivers who become angry or frustrated while behind the wheel create a dangerous situation for others. If you notice a driver who has road rage, allow them to pass and refrain from speaking to them. A few angry word exchanges may eventually turn into a fatal car crash.
Erratic Lane Changes
An abrupt lane change can cause a driver to crash into another car and prompt a fatal incident. If you see a driver who is changing lanes constantly and aggressively, try to distance yourself from them as much as possible.
Failure to Stay in the Right Lane
In addition to erratic lane changes, the inability to stay in the right lane may contribute to a fatal car crash. If a driver swerves out of their path, they may cause a head-on collision that results in fatalities.
Driving on the Incorrect Side
Unfortunately, drivers who are impaired or confused often drive on the wrong side of the road. This is a continuous concern, and a significant cause of fatal car crashes in the state of Illinois.
Speeding
When drivers ignore the speed limit, they may cause a fatal crash because it can inhibit their perception and reaction time as well as their braking capability. If you are driving near a speeding driver, you should try to maintain distance.
If you’ve lost a family member in a fatal car crash in Illinois, contact our experienced Chicago fatal lawyers as soon as possible. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. We may be able to file a wrongful death claim on your behalf so that you may be able to obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, loss of companionship, funeral costs, and more. Reach out to our legal team at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at for a free consultation.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
