Navigating Chicago Intersections: Staying Safe in a Risky Environment

Navigating the busy intersections of Chicago can feel like walking through a challenging maze. With unique road configurations and high traffic volumes, it’s no wonder that intersection crashes account for 41% of car accident injuries in the city. 

We conducted an analysis of the extent of this issue, shedding light on the types of collisions and driver behaviors that lead to serious injuries.

Understanding the Risks of Intersection Car Wrecks 

Our report, What Driving Maneuvers Cause the Most Car Accident Injuries in Chicago?, analyzed over 440,000 crash records from 2022 to 2025. The findings were striking: angle crashes, turning maneuvers, and rear-end collisions account for approximately 60% of all auto accident injuries in the city, most of which occur at intersections.

A particularly alarming statistic is that drivers who ignore traffic signals are involved in accidents that produce injuries at 3.4 times the citywide average. In addition, failing to reduce speed contributed to 6,587 injuries and 47 deaths over the same period. 

This indicates that many drivers may not fully recognize the dangers associated with seemingly minor infractions, such as rolling through a red light or speeding through an intersection.

Types of Serious Injuries After Car Crashes at Intersections

The consequences of these accidents can be devastating. Common serious injuries resulting from intersection crashes include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions and other brain injuries can have lasting effects, impacting cognitive function and quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Significant trauma can result in multiple fractures, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Facial Disfigurement: Accidents can cause severe injuries to the face, leading to lasting cosmetic and psychological impacts.
• Nerve Damage: Injuries can affect nerve function, causing chronic pain or loss of sensation. A common issue that can appear is sciatica pain, which can affect a person’s ability to walk or move.

These injuries often lead to lengthy recovery processes, significant medical expenses, and a profound impact on a victim’s daily life. After an intersection accident, move to safety if you can, photograph the scene, exchange contact and insurance information, and call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to talk to a top-rated car accident attorney. 

What Happens If the Other Driver Hits and Runs or Has No Insurance?

Unfortunately, not all drivers act responsibly. If you find yourself in a situation where the other driver flees the scene or is uninsured, navigating your claim can become more complicated.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This is where uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage comes into play. These types of insurance are designed to protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance (UM) or insufficient insurance to cover your damages (UIM).

1. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, UM coverage allows you to file a claim with your own insurance provider to recover losses. This can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): If the driver has insurance, but it’s not enough to cover your damages, UIM coverage can bridge that gap, allowing you to seek additional compensation from your own insurance policy.

It’s essential to check your policy and ensure you have adequate UM and UIM coverage. This proactive step can provide critical financial protection in the event of a hit-and-run or collision with an underinsured driver.

Practical Tips for Navigating Intersections Safely

To mitigate risks while crossing busy intersections, consider these precautions:

• Always obey traffic signals. Stopping at red lights and yielding when necessary can save lives.
• Reduce speed. Approach intersections cautiously, particularly during busy hours.
• Stay vigilant. Avoid distractions such as mobile devices and be aware of your surroundings, especially pedestrians.
• Make eye contact. With pedestrians and other drivers to ensure that everyone is aware of each other.

Despite taking precautions, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious accident, resulting in injuries like head trauma, broken bones, facial disfigurement, nerve damage, or other serious injuries, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Joliet, Chicago, or Northfield office today. 

If You’re Injured, We’re Here to Help

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our compassionate attorneys are dedicated to helping car accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. For more insights, explore the full findings of our study in the report here. If you need legal assistance after a serious injury, contact us for a free consultation.