Available 
CHICAGO, Cook County, Ill., Sept. 17, 2026 — Two Chicago police officers were hurt early Thursday morning, September 17, when their squad car collided with an SUV in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood. The crash happened at the intersection of West Cermak Road and South Wood Street.
The police said the crash occurred at about 3:33 a.m. as an officer drove westbound on West Cermak Road responding to a call for service and struck a Nissan SUV traveling northbound. The squad car then went onto the sidewalk and struck the front of a business, according to authorities. Video from the scene reportedly showed the squad car's airbags had deployed.
Initially, one officer was said to be injured, then they said two officers were hurt in the crash. Both are expected to be okay, according to police. A 43-year-old man who was driving the Nissan SUV declined medical treatment at the scene, authorities said.
No other details, including any citations or contributing factors, have been released. The crash remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
A Common Misconception About Intersection Crashes
Many drivers assume that intersection crashes mostly happen because someone runs a red light or stop sign outright. In reality, timing and visibility problems, not deliberate rule-breaking, cause a large share of these collisions. A driver turning left, misjudging a gap, or simply not seeing another vehicle in time can produce the same kind of crash as a driver who blows through a signal.
Emergency vehicles responding to calls add another layer most people do not think about. Even with lights and sirens, other drivers do not always see or hear a responding car in time to yield, and the responding driver still has to navigate normal intersection traffic at speed.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 6,138,359 police-reported traffic crashes occurred in 2023. That volume includes a wide range of intersection collisions, most of which involve ordinary misjudgments rather than intentional violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Check for injuries, move to a safe location if possible, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers and, if you can, take photos of the vehicles and the scene before anything is moved.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at or near intersections, where turning, crossing, and stopped traffic all interact. Speed and reduced visibility, including nighttime hours, add to the risk.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Slowing down at intersections, checking twice before turning, and staying alert for emergency vehicles all help. Avoiding distractions behind the wheel matters at every type of intersection, marked or not.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Whiplash, bruising, and head or chest injuries from airbag deployment are common even in crashes that look moderate from the outside. Anyone involved in a crash should be evaluated by a medical professional, even if they feel fine at the scene.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Chicago, IL
If you're involved in a crash in Chicago, stay at the scene and call police so a report can be filed. Get checked by a medical provider promptly, since some injuries, particularly from airbag deployment or a sudden jolt, don't show symptoms right away.
Keep a copy of the police report and any medical records tied to the crash. If your vehicle was damaged, document it with photos before repairs begin, and follow up with your insurance company as soon as you're able.
