There’s no denying that Illinois roads can be dangerous. Now, there’s even more reason for drivers to stay as cautious as possible; a recent study just linked Illinois traffic to more deaths. In fact, Illinois traffic related fatalities have continued to rise in the first six months of this year despite car accident deaths decreasing slightly across the country.
An Itasca-based safety advocacy group, the National Safety Council, conducted a study on traffic fatalities across the country. The study found that Illinois traffic related fatalities increased by four percent for the first half of this year compared to the same period last year – 494 deaths compared to 516.
Likewise, the fatality rate also increased by 17 percent this year compared to the same period in 2015. Nonetheless, motor vehicle fatalities decreased nationwide. The previous record in 2015 was 18,930 compared to the 18,680 vehicular deaths record from January to June this year.
Why are Illinois roads more dangerous than before?
There are several reasons why Illinois roads are more dangerous than before. These include a lack of a motorcycle helmet law and increased highway speed limits. Science backs up the finding: higher speeds mean more danger. In Illinois, the speed limit was increased to 70 mph from 65 mph in 2014. More importantly, other factors like distracted driving, drunk driving and speeding have all contributed to the rise in car accident deaths. Not to mention, there is also an increase on the number of cars on the road.
The National Safety Council emphasized that that the latter part of the year can become even more dangerous given the weather conditions. It is not the time for people to be complacent.
This is not the first time that car accidents have been attributed as a common cause of death in Illinois or in the United States as a whole. A lot of people get injured and even die every year because of vehicular crashes.
Traffic Injuries, Accidents, and Personal Injury Law in Chicago
Every day on Chicago’s busy streets, lives are forever changed in an instant. From fender-benders downtown to high-speed crashes on the expressways, traffic injuries and deaths remain a grim reality in the Windy City. If you or someone you love has been hurt or lost in a Chicago car accident, understanding your rights, options, and support systems is crucial.
Related: Traffic Court After Injury: Things To Know
Traffic Deaths and Wrongful Death: Understanding the Tragedy
A traffic fatality leaves families devastated and searching for answers. Illinois law allows certain surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies due to another’s negligence.
Common Causes of Chicago Traffic Accidents
-
Distracted driving (especially phone use and texting)
-
Speeding and reckless maneuvers
-
Failure to yield and running red lights
-
Impaired driving
-
Aggressive driving and road rage
-
Dangerous intersections and poor road conditions
Weather, dense pedestrian areas, and heavy events/tourist traffic add additional risk factors in the city.
Liabilities in Traffic Accident Deaths
Who can be held responsible for a fatal Chicago crash?
Illinois law recognizes that liability can extend beyond just the at-fault driver:
| Potentially Liable Parties | Example Scenarios |
|---|---|
| At-fault driver | Speeding, distracted, impaired, or reckless actions |
| Multiple drivers | Chain-reaction pileups with shared responsibility |
| Commercial vehicle operators | Delivery truck causes fatal crash while working for employer |
| Employers | Trucking or delivery companies under “respondeat superior” |
| Vehicle manufacturers | Defective brakes, airbags, steering—leads to catastrophic accident |
| Government entities | Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, faulty traffic signals |
| Bars (Dram Shop Claims) | If an establishment overserves a visibly intoxicated driver |
Illinois’s modified comparative negligence law means that fault can be divided: as long as the deceased was less than 51% at fault, their family can recover compensation—with damages reduced by their share of fault.
Compensation in Traffic Accident Wrongful Death Cases
Surviving family members may seek a range of damages, aiming to lighten financial burdens and recognize their profound loss:
Economic Damages
-
Funeral and burial expenses
-
Medical bills for care before death
-
Lost financial support (wages, benefits, future earnings)
Non-Economic Damages
-
Loss of companionship/love
-
Emotional pain and suffering
-
Loss of guidance or parental support (for minor children)
Punitive Damages
Rare but possible in cases of extreme recklessness or intentional harm, such as DUI fatalities.
Who Can File?
In Illinois, the deceased’s estate representative (often a spouse, adult child, or parent) must file a wrongful death suit, and payments go to surviving dependents based on their level of financial reliance.
FAQs: Traffic Accidents and Personal Injury Cases in Chicago
Q1: Is every fatal accident grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit?
No. There must be proof of another party’s negligence or misconduct. An experienced lawyer will evaluate the facts.
Q2: What if my loved one was partly at fault?
Illinois lets families recover damages if the decedent was less than 51% at fault, but compensation is reduced by their share of blame.
Q3: Are damages capped in wrongful death cases?
No, Illinois does not cap compensatory damages in wrongful death actions.
Q4: How long do I have to file a claim after a traffic death?
Illinois law requires wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of the person’s passing, with some rare exceptions.
Q5: What makes a strong personal injury or wrongful death case?
Clear evidence of negligence, prompt investigation, detailed records, and expert legal representation are key.
Q6: Do all cases go to trial?
Most settle out of court, but going to trial is sometimes necessary to get fair compensation.
Q7: What role does insurance play?
At-fault driver’s insurance is primary, but uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and other sources may come into play.
Q8: Can bars or social hosts be liable for crashes?
Yes—“Dram Shop” laws may hold establishments responsible if they over-serve an intoxicated person who later causes a fatal crash.
Q9: How is compensation divided among family members?
Typically based on the financial and emotional dependence each survivor had on the deceased.
Q10: Why do I need a Chicago personal injury lawyer?
To navigate complex laws, maximize recovery, and handle aggressive insurers or defendants—with skill and compassion.
Why Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. Is Chicago’s Go-To Firm
When a tragedy strikes, choosing the right legal team can change your life’s direction. Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. stands out for these reasons:
-
Proven Results: Record-breaking verdicts, including a $1.5 million dog bite settlement (the largest in Illinois), a $3.8 million wrongful death recovery, and a $475,000 bus injury at O’Hare.
-
Recognized Leaders: Founder Matthew L. Willens is a Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer (2012–2025), with national recognition for top verdicts and an AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell rating—respected for legal skill and ethics.
-
Insurance Industry Insight: Both partners previously worked “for the other side”—giving them unique knowledge to outsmart insurers.
-
Top Rankings: Named a Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firm in Chicago, with an A+ BBB rating and membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
-
Compassionate Advocacy: Clients consistently report life-changing results, tireless support, and settlements well above initial offers.
If You’ve Been Impacted by a Traffic Accident or Death—Act Now
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a Chicago crash alone. Every case has unique facts—compassion and legal expertise make all the difference.
For answers, support, and fierce representation, contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 957-4166 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let Chicago’s top-ranked firm fight for your future.
Get The Right Legal Representation.
If you believe you have been a victim of careless, distracted or drunk driving then make sure you get the right legal representation. At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., we provide you with the right legal counsel to handle your case. Car accidents can be life changing. Victims suffer not only from physical injuries but also from emotional trauma and ones that can have life-long consequences. Some people lose employment opportunities due to injuries while others lose their loved ones for good. Depending on the extent of damage and trauma you experienced, you can be entitled to compensation or other means of recovery for your loss. Willens & Baez have the right people to fight for your case and to get you the compensation you deserve.
