Arlington Heights, IL (February 14, 2026) – One person was transported to the hospital following a crash at the intersection of Palatine Rd and Rand Rd in Arlington Heights late Friday night. Police, firefighters, and paramedics responded to the scene around 10:00 p.m. on February 13 after receiving reports of a collision involving injuries.
According to officials, the crash involved a male driver operating a minivan and another vehicle described as a dark sedan. A person inside the sedan was transported by Arlington Heights Fire Department paramedics to Northwest Community Hospital for evaluation and treatment. The driver of the minivan declined EMS transport and initially did not appear to be injured.
The intersection sustained significant debris from the impact, and both vehicles were reported to have extensive damage and were likely totaled. Westbound Palatine Rd and eastbound Rand Rd were closed for a period during rescue operations and cleanup efforts. In addition, left turns from eastbound Palatine Rd to US-12 W (Rand Rd westbound) were restricted while crews worked to clear the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Key Details
- Location: Palatine Rd and Rand Rd (US-12), Arlington Heights
- Reported: Friday, February 13 at 10:00 p.m.
- Type: Intersection collision
- Injuries: One person was transported to Northwest Community Hospital
- Road Impact: Closures on westbound Palatine Rd and eastbound Rand Rd; turn restrictions in place
- Vehicle Damage: Both vehicles reportedly sustained significant damage
What We Know So Far
- The crash involved a minivan and a dark sedan at Palatine Rd and Rand Rd.
- A person from the sedan was taken to a nearby hospital by paramedics.
- The minivan driver declined medical transport at the scene.
- Portions of the intersection were temporarily closed for cleanup and investigation.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact cause of the collision.
- Whether any citations have been issued.
- The full extent of injuries sustained.
Local Context
The intersection of Palatine Rd and Rand Rd (US-12) is a heavily traveled junction in Arlington Heights, serving as a key connection for drivers moving between residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. Rand Rd carries steady traffic as a major northwest suburban corridor, while Palatine Rd provides access to nearby businesses and community destinations. A crash at this intersection, especially around 10:00 p.m., can disrupt multiple directions of travel and require coordinated traffic control. With westbound Palatine Rd and eastbound Rand Rd temporarily closed and turn restrictions in place, drivers in the area likely experienced delays until debris was cleared and the roadway was deemed safe.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- Request the incident or report number from responding officers if one is provided.
- Keep paperwork from the incident in one place for easy reference.
FAQ
Q: How long does it usually take for an accident report to become available?
A: In many cases, basic crash reports are available within several days, though more detailed investigations may take longer depending on the circumstances.
Q: What are common causes of intersection crashes?
A: Intersection collisions can involve factors such as failure to yield, turning conflicts, or misjudging traffic flow, particularly at busy multi-lane junctions.
Q: Do emergency crews always transport injured people to the hospital?
A: Not always. Paramedics evaluate those involved and recommend transport when necessary, but some individuals may decline if injuries appear minor.