Car Accidents in Heavy Traffic: Not Just Fender Benders

 Posted on December 07, 2023 in Car Accidents

A car accident takes more than just a toll on your vehicle. You may suffer injuries that cause permanent physical limitations and lose the ability to work. If you have been in a car accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for these losses.

Below, our Joliet car accident lawyers discuss the different types of accidents that may be caused by heavy traffic and the types of injuries that may result.

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision may be caused by slippery roads, limited visibility in adverse weather, or a tailgating driver.

A rear-end accident can easily be avoided if drivers remain vigilant behind the wheel. It is important to always keep a safe distance between your vehicle and a front vehicle since you never know when a vehicle may abruptly stop.

T-Bone or Side Impact Collisions

A “T-bone” collision, also referred to as a side impact or sideswipe accident, occurs when two vehicles collide, with the front of one vehicle striking the side of another vehicle.

There are a few reasons that “T-bone” accidents occur:

• Running a red light: A driver risks hitting a vehicle traveling on the cross-street
• Failing to yield right-of-way: A driver turning left that fails to yield to traffic driving straight risks suffering severe injuries
• Failing to see another vehicle while merging: If a driver merges in heavy traffic and fails to see a vehicle in an adjacent lane (especially if the merging vehicle has large blind spots), there is a risk of a sideswipe accident 

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles driving in opposite directions crash into each other. In a recent year, Illinois experienced 2,254 head-on collisions, with 1,037 people suffering injuries.

A head-on collision may be caused by a distracted driver, a fatigued driver, or a driver who attempted to pass another vehicle but misjudged the speed of a motorist traveling in the opposing direction.

Common Injuries

Depending on the circumstances behind your accident, you may experience any of the following injuries:

Spinal Cord Damage

Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries messages from your brain to the rest of the spine. A high-impact collision can injure the vertebrae of the spine. If you sustain spinal cord damage, you may lose sensation below the site of your injury, lose bladder control, and even experience paralysis.

Abdominal Injuries

Car crash victims may experience damage to their liver or spleen. This may occur if you suffer a forceful blow to your abdomen. These injuries can lead to internal bleeding and need to be treated immediately.

Broken or Cracked Ribs

The impact of a collision may cause broken or cracked ribs. A cracked rib is very painful but does not present the same dangers as a broken rib. A rib that breaks into pieces may puncture the lungs or surrounding blood vessels, which will likely cause labored breathing. 

Documenting your injuries is crucial in making an insurance claim. A Will County car accident lawyer will be able to help you gather the evidence you need to receive the compensation you deserve.

Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Joliet, IL, Car Accident Lawyer Today

Many people do not realize the dangers of traveling in heavy traffic. If you have been injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to damages. It may be in your best interest to speak with a Will County, IL, car accident lawyer to find out how you can be compensated for your medical expenses and lost wages. Contact McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC today online or by calling 815-727-0100 to schedule your free consultation.