Rush Hour Car Accidents
According to National Safety Council data, the afternoon rush hour period between 4 and 8 p.m. accounts for 22.2 percent of all fatal crashes and 27 percent of all non-fatal crashes. Certain rush hour conditions – including traffic volume, the low angle of the sun, and drivers’ eagerness to get home after a long day at work – make this time particularly hazardous for motorists.
If you were hurt in a car accident that took place during rush hour and was caused by another driver’s negligent behavior, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. immediately. We can review your case and explain your options at no upfront cost.
How Working with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Is Critical After a Rush Hour Car Accident
The period immediately following a car accident can be chaotic and confusing. This is the case even with relatively straightforward collisions involving just two drivers. Rush hour crashes can be considerably more complex for various reasons. They may involve more drivers, more evidence, and more eyewitnesses.
The actions you take following a collision in rush hour traffic can affect your ability to pursue compensation for the injuries you suffered. One of the most critical decisions you face is your choice of an attorney. You need a Chicago car accident lawyer with the experience and knowledge to research and build a strong case on your behalf, then forcefully assert it to the insurance companies or in court.
For over 40 years, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has safeguarded the rights of car accident victims whose lives have been upended by other drivers’ careless actions. We’ve recovered over $2.5 billion in compensation for our clients and have secured more than 350 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more. Some of our results include:
- A $33.2 million jury verdict for a Lake County car accident victim
- A $21 million jury verdict for a Cook County auto accident victim
- A $12 million settlement for wrongful death in a car accident on behalf of a Cook County family
- A $3.5 million settlement for a Cook County motor vehicle accident victim
As your representation, we will review the evidence of the collision, identify all liable parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve through negotiations and, if necessary, at trial. We’re ready to put our resources and skills to work for you.
Common Factors Involved in Rush Hour
Rush hour traffic collisions involve various factors that make them unique and complex. Some of the common factors that cause or contribute to car crashes during the rush hour period include:
- Lots of Traffic – Traffic congestion is probably the most notable characteristic of rush hour. With so many drivers headed to or from work, the sheer number of vehicles on the road increases the possibility of a collision. This dynamic only gets worse when you add the following factors into the mix.
- Stop-and-Go Traffic – Stop-and-go traffic occurs due to heavy congestion, merging, rubbernecking, and lane closures, which can result from construction as well as collisions. This type of traffic increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, which can quickly turn into complex multi-vehicle accidents.
- Frustrated Drivers – Rush hour can aggravate even the calmest commuter. Drivers may be running late, stuck in heavy traffic, worried about being able to get across multiple lanes in time to exit, or worn out after a long day. Frustration can lead them to make errors they wouldn’t make if they were thinking more clearly.
- Distracted Drivers – Distraction is a top cause of collisions. All it takes is a short glance at a phone or a couple of seconds spent changing the settings on the dashboard, and a motorist may suddenly notice they’re headed into the car in front of them before they can react.
- Speeding – Drivers are in a hurry during rush hour, whether they’re running behind or racing to beat the traffic. Failure to drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions is a common cause of collisions.
Remember that rush hour isn’t just an evening phenomenon – the morning rush hour can be just as busy, stressful, and dangerous.
Car Accident Victims’ Rights
If you’ve been hurt in a rush hour car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim against them and pursue compensation for your injuries, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses arising from the collision.
It’s not uncommon for more than one driver to be at fault when rush hour crashes occur. The clearest example of this type of situation is the multi-vehicle pileup. In this type of collision, one vehicle hits another, often in congested traffic. The force sends one or more of those vehicles into the path of a third vehicle. This third driver may not have time to stop in time, or they might attempt to veer out of the way but hit yet another vehicle in the process.
Determining who did what and apportioning each driver a percentage of fault under these circumstances is challenging and best left to an experienced attorney from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
It’s important to note that Illinois has a modified comparative negligence standard that allows a victim to pursue compensation as long as they’re less than 50 percent at fault. So, even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. If you’re 10 percent at fault for an accident, you could recover compensation for the other 90 percent of your losses.
Contact an Experienced Car Crash Lawyer for Assistance
Rush hour car accidents can be traumatic experiences that cause devastating injuries, significant property damage, and time away from work. They also result in complex legal cases. When you’re trying to restore your health after a collision, you deserve to be able to prioritize your physical recovery. Let the attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Our Chicago car accident attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us right away for a free consultation to discuss your case. We look forward to learning about your situation, reviewing your legal options, and helping you determine your next steps.
