4 Common Causes of a Chicago Rear-End Collision

It’s bad enough when two passenger vehicles become entangled in rear-end collisions; these accidents can often lead to painful injuries, extensive auto damage, and snarled traffic—especially on congested Chicago roadways.

But rear-end accidents in which a commercial truck slams into a smaller vehicle can be downright catastrophic.

And these accidents are more common than we’d like to admit. According to a 2007 study published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 20% of all commercial truck accidents were collisions in which the truck rear-ended another vehicle in its lane.

If you’ve been rear-ended by a commercial truck and have injuries or auto damage, reach out today to talk with a knowledgeable Chicago truck injury lawyer who can examine the case and demand fair compensation on your behalf.

Where do most rear-end accidents occur?

Most rear-end collisions occur on straightaway roads and highways. These may range from low-speed accidents at intersections on congested surface streets to high-speed wrecks on highways in rural Illinois.

What are common causes of a Chicago rear-end collision?

Rear-end accidents happen for a myriad reasons on Chicago’s busy roadways. Some of the common causes may include the following:

1. A commercial truck has faulty or damaged brakes.
2. A truck driver becomes fatigued, due to a busy schedule and long stretches on the road.
3. Congested traffic may impair a truck driver’s abilities.
4. A truck driver may be distracted by their cell phone, portable DVD player, or radio.

What injuries arise after rear-end accidents with commercials?

Given the speed and size differences between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles involved in a rear-end collision, the results can be horrific. Common injuries suffered by drivers include:

• Whiplash: It’s one of the most common injuries in accidents between smaller cars; the effects only intensify when a truck, which may have 50,000 or more pounds on the other vehicle, becomes involved.
• Broken bones: Collisions at any speed may lead to broken bones in the neck, arm, ribs, or legs for an unfortunate driver.
• Cuts and gashes: Twisted metal, broken glass, and flying objects are common byproducts of a vicious collision. As a result, it’s not unusual for drivers to receive cuts, gashes, and other painful abrasions.

How A Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You

You may be dealing with frustrating auto repairs, scheming insurance agents, and mounting medical bills after a rear-end collision with a commercial truck. Let us help you make sense of the difficult circumstances and move on with your life.

A knowledgeable Chicago truck accident attorney with Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. helps drivers after a devastating accident. We will thoroughly examine the case to determine fault, interview any witnesses who saw the scene unfold, and advocate for compensation on your behalf. The settlement may go toward medical costs (including surgery or physical therapy), auto repair or replacement, rental car fees (if your damaged car is sent to the shop for repair), and lost earnings.

Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. If you’ve been involved in a Chicago rear-end accident, it is important to quickly reach out for thorough legal assistance. Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 for a free consult and to discuss your accident with an experienced attorney.