EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
Illinois Rush Hour Accident Lawyers
Award-Winning Attorneys for Victims Rear-Ended and Side-Swiped During Rush Hour
Whether you’re commuting into Chicago or navigating suburban thoroughfares, rush hour can turn an otherwise routine drive into a high-risk journey. Car accidents are far more common during peak travel hours—and unfortunately, they often result in severe injuries or fatalities. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the dangers that come with Illinois’s increasingly congested roadways. Our top-rated car accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation if you were injured in a crash during rush hour.
Understanding Rush Hour and Its Dangers
Rush hour in Illinois typically occurs from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., when commuters flood the roads. These peak traffic times are characterized by congested highways, stressed drivers, and frequent stop-and-go conditions. The increased number of vehicles on the road—combined with speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, and road rage—leads to a significantly higher risk of collisions.
According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), approximately 23% of all fatal car accidents in the state occur during rush hour. Of the 1,334 traffic deaths recorded in Illinois in 2023, 301 occurred during peak hours—100 in the morning rush and 201 in the evening. The evening commute is notably more dangerous, accounting for nearly two-thirds of these fatal crashes.
Crash Statistics in Illinois
In 2023, Illinois recorded 299,133 motor vehicle crashes. These resulted in 61,547 injuries and 1,240 total fatalities, based on IDOT data. That means more than 87,000 people were injured in vehicle collisions statewide in just one year. Cook County accounted for more than half of the state’s total crash volume, with 160,036 reported collisions. Of these, 356 were fatal, and nearly 30,000 involved injuries. In fact, over 3,000 of the injury crashes in Cook County involved incapacitating injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage.
Chicago remains the epicenter of car accidents in Illinois. In 2022 alone, Chicago recorded nearly 100,000 motor vehicle collisions. These resulted in over 22,000 injuries or deaths, including 153 fatalities and 2,287 incapacitating injuries. Data also shows that 52% of all Chicago traffic accidents occurred at intersections, a hotbed for rush hour collisions due to constant stop-and-go traffic, red-light running, and left-turn conflicts.
Why Rush Hour Is So Dangerous
Rush hour combines multiple risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of serious crashes. One major cause is aggressive driving. Although traffic may appear slow, many drivers engage in risky behaviors like weaving through lanes, sudden lane changes, and tailgating. Speeding remains a consistent factor in fatal collisions across Illinois. According to IDOT, speed was a contributing factor in 31% of all crashes, 36% of injury crashes, and 45% of fatal crashes in 2023.
Distracted driving is another critical factor. Even though Illinois has banned handheld cellphone use while driving, many drivers still use devices during their commute. In 2022, an estimated 3.3% of all crashes in the state involved some form of electronic device distraction—amounting to nearly 10,000 distracted driving incidents. These numbers are especially concerning during rush hour, when one moment of inattention can cause a chain-reaction collision.
Impaired driving also plays a significant role in rush hour accidents. Approximately 22.3% of all fatal crashes in Illinois involved alcohol. In 2023, alcohol-related crashes claimed the lives of 294 people statewide. Chicago alone recorded 530 alcohol-involved crash deaths in 2024. The combination of fatigue, stress, and impaired driving creates a hazardous environment during high-traffic hours.
Infrastructure and Road Design Issues
Illinois’s aging infrastructure further complicates rush hour safety. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Illinois roads a “C–” grade, with nearly half of the roadways rated in “fair” or “poor” condition. Poor road design—such as sharp merges, narrow shoulders, and inadequate signage—makes commuting even more treacherous.
Areas like the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/I-94), Eisenhower Expressway (I-290), and Stevenson Expressway (I-55) are notorious for rush hour congestion and crash risk. The Dan Ryan, for example, carries over 300,000 vehicles per day and experiences frequent rear-end and lane-change collisions. The interchange between I-290 and I-294 is currently undergoing redesign efforts due to its high rate of weaving and collision incidents. Suburban roads, such as Randall Road in the Fox Valley region, also see a high number of crashes, particularly during afternoon peak hours. In Algonquin, for instance, nearly 50% of all vehicle collisions occur on Randall Road.
Common Types of Car Accidents During Rush Hour
Rush hour crashes often involve rear-end collisions, side-swipes, and multi-vehicle pile-ups. These accidents occur most frequently in slow or stop-and-go traffic when drivers follow too closely and do not have time to react. According to national data, multi-vehicle pile-ups are especially common between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., aligning with evening rush hour.
Chain-reaction crashes can be particularly dangerous on highways. These incidents often involve several vehicles and may block multiple lanes of traffic, leading to long delays, secondary collisions, and increased risk for first responders. Pile-ups on expressways during adverse weather—such as rain or snow—can be deadly due to reduced visibility and stopping distance.
Injury Severity During Rush Hour
Injury severity during rush hour crashes is often more serious than during off-peak hours. In Cook County alone, over 3,000 crash victims in 2023 sustained incapacitating injuries, such as head trauma, internal bleeding, or compound fractures. In Chicago, 2,287 people were similarly affected. Many of these injuries require hospitalization, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
The economic impact of rush hour collisions is enormous. Illinois drivers already face $5.4 billion in annual vehicle operating costs, much of which is attributable to road maintenance needs and crash-related expenses. For crash victims, medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity can be financially devastating. Severe injuries often result in ongoing pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and permanent disability.
Who Is Most at Risk for a Serious Car Accident During Rush Hour?
Commuters traveling during peak hours are at the highest risk for injury or death. Workers with long commutes, commercial drivers, and rideshare passengers are all vulnerable. Pedestrians and bicyclists are also at risk, especially when crossing busy intersections or sharing space with heavy traffic. Many rush hour crashes occur in densely populated urban neighborhoods like the West Loop, River North, and the Near North Side.
Drivers traveling on expressways are particularly vulnerable due to the speed and volume of vehicles involved. The sheer density of traffic during rush hour leaves little room for error. Additionally, drivers who are fatigued, running late, or stressed out by congestion may be more likely to make poor decisions behind the wheel.
Your Legal Rights After a Rush Hour Crash
If you’ve been injured in a rush hour car accident in Illinois, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. If the crash was fatal, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
It’s important to act quickly after a crash. The statute of limitations in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a claim within that time period may result in the loss of your right to recover damages. An experienced Illinois car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, work with medical experts, and negotiate with the insurance company to secure the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rush Hour Car Accidents in Illinois
Q: What times are considered “rush hour” in Illinois?
A: Rush hour in Illinois generally runs from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and again from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These are the peak traffic periods when most commuters are either heading to or from work, school, or other regular activities. During these times, traffic volume, congestion, and accident rates increase significantly.
Q: Are car accidents more likely to happen during rush hour?
A: Yes. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, about 23% of all fatal crashes in Illinois occur during rush hour, with the evening commute being especially dangerous. The combination of heavy traffic, speeding, distracted driving, and road rage makes accidents more likely during these times.
Q: Who is at fault in a rush hour car accident?
A: Determining fault depends on the specific facts of the crash. Common causes include following too closely, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, and failure to yield. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Q: What should I do if I’m injured in a rush hour accident in Illinois?
A: Take the following steps:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Document the scene—take photos, gather witness information, and get the other driver’s details.
- Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer without legal counsel.
- Contact an experienced Illinois car accident attorney to protect your rights and begin the claims process.
Q: Can I sue the other driver if I’m injured in a rush hour accident?
A: Yes. If the other driver was negligent—whether by texting, speeding, or failing to yield—you may file a personal injury claim to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some cases, more than one party may be liable, especially if multiple vehicles are involved.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim after a rush hour crash in Illinois?
A: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file your lawsuit within that time frame, you may lose your right to recover compensation. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Q: Does insurance cover rush hour crashes?
A: Most car insurance policies do cover accidents that occur during rush hour. However, insurance companies may dispute liability, especially in multi-vehicle or congested traffic situations. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Contact the Experienced Illinois Rush Hour Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
At John J. Malm & Associates, we have extensive experience representing victims of serious motor vehicle collisions, including those that occur during rush hour. We know how to navigate complex cases involving multiple vehicles, insurance disputes, and negligent drivers. Our Illinois car accident attorneys are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and helping injured clients get the financial recovery they need to heal and move forward.
Naperville car accident lawyer John J. Malm explains, “Too often, people think rush hour accidents are just fender benders, but the truth is many of these crashes result in life-changing injuries. Our goal is to ensure that victims are not left to suffer alone or shoulder the burden of someone else’s negligence.”
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rush hour crash, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t let the chaos of rush hour derail your future—reach out now and take the first step toward justice.