Multiple-Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Illinois

Attorneys for Victims of Serious Multi-Car Pileups and Crashes

Multiple-vehicle accidents, often called “pile-ups,” are some of the most devastating and complicated types of car accidents. In Illinois, where bustling highways like I-88, I-290, I-90, I-55, and I-294 see heavy daily traffic, these collisions are unfortunately common. Understanding your rights, determining fault, and pursuing compensation in these cases often require the help of an experienced Illinois car accident lawyer.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we represent individuals in Naperville, St. Charles, and throughout Illinois who have been injured in multi-vehicle collisions and help them recover compensation for their injuries. With collisions involving multiple vehicles on the rise, it’s critical to understand the legal implications and your rights if you’ve been injured.

What Are Multiple-Vehicle Accidents?

A multiple-vehicle accident involves three or more vehicles and typically occurs when one collision sets off a chain reaction. These accidents are prevalent on highways, where vehicles travel at high speeds and have less time to react to sudden stops. Poor weather conditions, distracted driving, or drunk driving can exacerbate the risk of multi-vehicle accidents.

Statistics on Multiple-Vehicle Accidents in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) regularly reports on traffic accidents across the state. Here are key insights into multiple-vehicle accidents:

• In 2022, Illinois reported over 311,000 motor vehicle crashes. Of these, approximately 34% involved three or more vehicles.
• Fatalities in pile-ups: IDOT data shows that multiple-vehicle accidents accounted for 21% of all traffic-related fatalities in Illinois in 2022.
• Injuries: Multi-car collisions result in a disproportionate number of injuries compared to single-vehicle crashes, with over 40% of those injured in Illinois accidents involving multiple vehicles.
• Highway hot spots: Major interstates like I-80 and I-290 are frequent sites of these accidents, particularly during rush hour.

Common Causes of Multiple-Vehicle Accidents

Several factors can contribute to pile-ups, including:

1. Weather Conditions: Snow, ice, and fog create dangerous driving conditions. Illinois winters see a surge in multi-vehicle accidents due to reduced visibility and slick roads.
2. Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using in-car entertainment can divert attention from the road. In chain-reaction crashes, just one distracted driver can trigger a domino effect.
3. Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions reduces reaction times, increasing the likelihood of a pile-up.
4. Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment slows reflexes and impairs judgment. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired drivers are disproportionately involved in multi-car crashes.
5. Following Too Closely: Tailgating reduces the ability to stop in time when traffic slows suddenly.

How Fault Is Determined in Multiple-Vehicle Accidents

Assigning liability in a pile-up is more complex than in two-car accidents. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, the compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Common examples of shared fault scenarios include:

• A driver who rear-ended another may share responsibility with a speeding driver in the same chain of events.
• A motorist who failed to use hazard lights during a sudden stop may contribute to the accident.
• A middle car strikes your car first, before being rear-ended by the end car, resulting in two impacts to your car.

Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and traffic camera footage often plays a critical role in determining liability.

Steps to Take After a Multiple-Vehicle Accident

If you’re involved in a multi-car crash, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911.
2. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident, focusing on vehicle positions, road conditions, and damage.
3. Exchange Information: Gather names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers from all involved drivers.
4. Avoid Admissions of Fault: Do not apologize or admit fault, as this could be used against you later.
5. Contact an Attorney: Multiple-vehicle accidents often involve disputes over liability. An experienced Illinois car crash attorney can guide you through the process.

Common Injuries in Multiple-Vehicle Accidents

Pile-ups often result in severe injuries due to the high-speed impacts and multiple collisions. Common injuries include:

• Back and Neck Injuries: Sudden stops and impacts can cause strain or damage to the neck and back.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions and more severe brain injuries are common, particularly if airbags fail to deploy.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of collisions often results in broken arms, legs, ribs, or pelvises.
• Burns: Fires or explosions in pile-ups can cause severe burns requiring long-term care.

Compensation for Victims of Multi-Car Accidents

Victims of multiple-vehicle accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

1. Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
2. Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injuries.
3. Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
4. Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving.

Why You Need an Experienced Illinois Car Accident Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of a multiple-vehicle accident is challenging. With multiple parties and insurers involved, securing fair compensation requires an attorney with experience in handling multi-car collisions. Your attorney will help you with:

• Investigating the Accident: Your attorney will collect evidence, consult experts, and reconstruct the crash.
• Negotiating with Insurers: Insurance companies may try to shift blame to reduce payouts. An attorney will protect your interests.
• Litigating if Necessary: If settlement negotiations fail, your lawyer can take your case to court.

Preventing Multiple-Vehicle Accidents

While some accidents are unavoidable, you can reduce your risk by following these safety tips to avoid collisions involving multiple cars:

1. Maintain a safe following distance.
2. Reduce speed in poor weather.
3. Avoid distractions while driving.
4. Perform regular vehicle maintenance, including brake checks.
5. Stay alert and avoid impaired driving.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a multiple-vehicle accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our experienced Illinois car crash attorneys are here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our offices today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.