Traffic accidents tend to cluster in certain locations. According to a state analysis, 105 miles of Chicago’s roads fall into the highest tier for pedestrian and bicycle accidents. These routes are also among the most dangerous roads/intersections in Chicago, Illinois, for car and bus accidents.
Illinois law doesn’t excuse drivers who cause crashes simply because the road was busy or traffic lights were mistimed. A Chicago car accident lawyer from Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers can help you establish liability if a negligent driver’s actions have harmed you. Call (312) 635-5400 to schedule a free consultation with our Chicago personal injury attorneys.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident on a Dangerous Road in Chicago, IL
Our experienced attorneys have over 35 years of combined experience representing individuals who have been injured in Chicago, IL. Since the firm’s founding, we’ve recovered more than $250 million in settlements and court verdicts for our clients.
When you suffer an injury in a car accident caused by negligent or aggressive driving, our Chicago personal injury lawyers can help you in the following ways:
- Analyzing your accident and outlining your legal options
- Building an insurance claim by gathering evidence of the other driver’s actions
- Negotiating a settlement with the insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit if the other driver’s insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement
Crashes in the city’s hotspots tend to result from careless driving. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago car accident attorney and pursue compensation for your injury-related losses.
Exploring Dangerous Roads in Chicago
Crashes on Chicago’s roads frequently result from traffic violations like distracted driving, speeding, and tailgating. These collisions can cause serious neck and back injuries when a vehicle’s occupants are subjected to high crash forces.
The city’s official crash data displays a map highlighting its most dangerous roads and intersections. When the entire dataset is examined, every road in the city stands out as a hotspot. In other words, examining accidents between 2013 and 2025 reveals crash densities so uniform that no specific areas stand out.
However, focusing on collisions in 2024 alone points to the following hotspots:
- Michigan Ave.
- Chicago Ave.
- Roosevelt Rd.
- Halsted St.
- Ashland Ave.
- 18th St.
- Cermak Rd.
- DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
- Western Ave.
- Augusta Blvd.
- Division St.
- North Blvd.
The most dangerous roads are also often the most congested. This is the case because busy streets are less forgiving when drivers make mistakes. For example, since tailgating is only possible when other cars are present, drivers who tailgate are more likely to be involved in crashes on busy roads.
Similarly, many drivers tend to speed. Speeding can lead to a single-vehicle accident on a rural road with no other vehicles present, but it is unlikely to result in a collision. However, speeding on Michigan Avenue during rush hour after a snowstorm would significantly increase the risk of a crash.
Chicago’s Most Dangerous Intersections
The same traffic data helps to identify some of the city’s most high-risk intersections. Many crash clusters occur at intersections of dangerous roads.
However, hotspots also formed at the following intersections:
- Fullerton Pkwy. and Clark St.
- Diversey Pkwy. and Clark St.
- Lincoln Ave. and Belmont Ave.
- Armitage Ave. and Milwaukee Ave.
- Chicago Ave. and Ogden Ave.
- Halsted St. and Grand Ave.
- Hubbard St. and Clark St.
- Monroe Dr. and DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
- Ida B. Wells Dr. and Dearborn St.
Intersection accidents typically occur when a driver fails to yield to another vehicle that has the right of way. Some common crash scenarios include turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle and making a right turn on a red light without yielding to oncoming traffic.
Risky Locations for Pedestrians and Bicyclists in Chicago
Pedestrian accidents almost always result from right-of-way violations. Pedestrians must usually yield to vehicles when outside of crosswalks. Improper crossings constitute jaywalking.
However, drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians crossing inside crosswalks. If a driver hits a pedestrian in a crosswalk, they’ll likely bear the liability for the person’s injuries.
According to the state’s traffic risk analysis, the following locations in the Chicago metro area are hotspots for pedestrian and bicycle collisions:
- Pulaski Rd. between Adams St. and Arthington St.
- Broadway/Sheridan Rd. between Farwell Ave. and Thorndale Ave.
- Area bounded by Illinois St., Wells St., Chicago Ave., and Orleans St.
- Cicero Ave. between 19th St. and 23rd St. in Cicero
- 147th St./Sibley Blvd. between Halsted St. and Jefferson St. in Harvey
- Mannheim Rd. and Armitage Ave. in Melrose Park
The state doesn’t identify whether pedestrians or motorists are the cause of these hotspots. However, factors like road congestion and inadequate crossings contribute to both jaywalking and crosswalk collisions.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Illinois drivers must exercise reasonable care, especially when navigating Chicago’s crash hotspots. If you’ve been injured in a preventable accident, contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to learn more about how our Chicago car accident lawyers stand up to at-fault drivers and their insurers.