CHICAGO, Cook County, Ill., Sept. 27, 2026 — A driver was hospitalized after a two-car crash on the southbound Dan Ryan Expressway exit ramp early on Sunday morning, September 27, according to state troopers. The crash happened near 83rd Street on I-94, the Illinois State Police said.
Troopers responded to the scene around 1:25 a.m. The crash reportedly involved two vehicles on the exit ramp near 83rd Street.
Video from the scene showed firefighters pulling a person from a vehicle that appeared to have struck a wall at the exit. The driver was taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
No other injuries have been reported. It remains unclear what led to the crash, and the Illinois State Police have not released further details.
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. No additional information was immediately available.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Car Crashes on Expressway Exit Ramps, by the Numbers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure includes the kind of single- and two-vehicle collisions that happen every day on ramps and interchanges, where drivers must slow down, merge, or change lanes in a short stretch of road.
Exit ramps concentrate several risk factors at once: reduced speed limits that drivers may not adjust to in time, tighter curves, and traffic merging from multiple directions. Nighttime crashes on these ramps often involve a single vehicle leaving the roadway and striking a barrier or wall, as captured on video in this incident.
Early morning hours, particularly between midnight and 4 a.m., see a smaller share of overall traffic but a higher share of serious crashes relative to the number of vehicles on the road. Fewer drivers on the road at that hour can mean less traffic congestion, but also less immediate assistance if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most car accidents happen?
Crashes cluster at intersections, interchanges, and ramps where vehicles merge, slow, or change direction. Curved or narrow ramps, such as expressway exits, experience a steady share of single-vehicle wall or barrier strikes.
What are the most common injuries in car accidents?
Common injuries include cuts, bruises, whiplash, and broken bones. More severe crashes, especially those involving impact with a fixed object like a wall or barrier, can cause head, neck, or spinal injuries.
What typically causes crashes like this one?
Ramp crashes are often linked to excessive speed for the curve, distracted driving, fatigue, or weather conditions. Investigators typically review vehicle data, witness accounts, and roadway conditions before determining a cause.
What to Do After a Car Crash in Chicago, IL
If you're involved in a crash on an expressway or exit ramp, move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights. Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
Seek a medical evaluation as soon as you can, particularly after any impact with a wall, barrier, or another vehicle. Get a copy of the police report once it's available and keep records of any medical care you receive. If you're a witness, stay back from the scene and let first responders work, but be ready to share what you saw if asked.