Chicago, IL, is home to over 2.7 million people, making it the Midwest’s largest city. With thousands of miles of streets and over a half-dozen interstates, the Windy City is, unfortunately, a truck accident hotspot.
While truck crashes can cause the same types of injuries, their causes and severity can vary by area. This article explores the unique facets of Chicago truck and SUV accidents so that you’re prepared the next time you head onto the Edens Expressway after a long day of work.
Distracted and Drowsy Driving
The Zebra notes that Illinois has some of the lowest drunk driving rates in the country, but this doesn’t mean Chicago drivers can’t pose a significant risk due to distraction or fatigue.
Chicago has a large number of delivery drivers on its roads, many of whom must complete tasks like checking apps or following directions while driving. Answering a text or searching for a new Uber ride request can take a driver’s eyes off the road for at least four seconds, and at 55 miles per hour, this is equivalent to driving the length of a football field completely blind.
Fatigue is another key cause of truck accidents, especially along Chicago’s many interstates. As the Midwest’s primary transit hub, thousands of truckers pass through its highways, some of whom may be breaking federal hours-of-service laws. A pickup truck driver may have a better chance against a semi-truck than a typical sedan, but these can still result in severe injuries or potential death.
Road Design
While Chicago’s terrestrial streets are laid out in a convenient grid-based format for the most part, its highways are a different story. Most of Chicago’s interstates change names several times within city limits, which can confuse out-of-towners and lead to erratic driving.
An abundance of on- and off-ramps can lead drivers to suddenly change lanes or cut off fellow motorists, potentially resulting in pileups.
However, the everyday roads Chicagoans use aren’t perfectly safe, either. Many terrestrial streets were laid down back in 1910, and some have not been widened to accommodate modern full-size trucks, which are typically wider than their predecessors. This can lead to serious side-swipes and head-on collisions, especially in low-light conditions.
Construction
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Illinois infrastructure a C- rating in its most recent report card, citing serious issues such as aging bridges and crumbling roads. Chicago’s highways aren’t doing much better, with major arterials like I-55 and I-90/94 requiring major overhauls.
Chicago has received major federal funding to update its essential highways, but this comes at a cost: near-constant construction. Sudden lane changes, closures, and work trucks blocking the road cause confusion for motorists and increase the chance of accidents. Sudden slowdowns, especially around rush hour, can also lead to fender-benders, which can result in serious spinal injuries.
A pickup truck or SUV can be harder to maneuver along constricted lanes, especially one with a wide turning radius. As such, they may be more prone to accidents than a smaller vehicle that can squeeze between traffic cones.
Inclement Weather
Chicagoans are no strangers to severe weather, including winter whiteouts and sudden summer rainstorms. Many old-timers speak of legendary blizzards in hushed tones, like January 2011’s three-day “Snowmageddon” that trapped some motorists on Lake Shore Drive with no advance warning.
While these major events made records, everyday inclement weather still poses a severe hazard to pickup truck and SUV drivers. A pickup truck may have better traction in snowy conditions due to its heavier weight, but if the brakes fail to catch, the vehicle becomes a heavy weapon that can cause a serious crash.
Another common problem is fog, especially in the early morning along the shores of Lake Michigan. Drivers may fail to see another vehicle or even a pedestrian, resulting in tragedy.
Local Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You Seek Justice
There aren’t just local factors to truck accidents in Chicago; local laws can have a major impact on a case’s progress. Municipal codes, such as speed limits, one-way streets, and contra-flow traffic, all impact liability and potential compensation.
As such, working with a Chicago truck accident attorney is essential to getting a fair settlement for a truck accident. These professionals will file an insurance claim, investigate the crash, and apply both state and local laws to your case. They will negotiate with the applicable insurance company on your behalf, pushing for the highest possible compensation based on your specific injuries.
Chicago is a unique city, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful scenery. However, it also poses unique risks to motorists, particularly those in pickup trucks and SUVs. By familiarizing yourself with potential dangers and knowing your legal rights, you can ensure a safe and pleasant drive along the Windy City’s streets.
