DEER PARK, Lake County, Ill., Sept. 16, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash left one person trapped inside a rolled-over vehicle Wednesday, September 16, at North Rand Road and Quentin Collection Drive, according to authorities. Fire crews requested an upgraded response to handle the extrication.
Lake Zurich Fire Rescue crews arrived to find one vehicle on its side, authorities reported. At least one occupant was reportedly trapped inside and could not get out on their own. Firefighters began extrication work at the scene, and a second ambulance was called in to help handle injuries, according to authorities.
The extent of injuries has not been released. It is not yet known how many people were involved beyond the trapped occupant, and no information on the cause of the crash has been made public.
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not said whether any citations or charges are expected.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Rollover Crash Injuries
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 24 percent of fatally injured occupants in crashes classified as other, which were mostly rollovers, were belted in 2023. That figure points to how often people killed in these crashes were not using a seat belt, and it helps explain why rollovers draw close attention from safety researchers even though they make up a smaller share of overall crashes than head-on or rear-end collisions.
Rollovers behave differently than most crashes because the vehicle keeps moving after the initial loss of control. Occupants can be thrown against the roof, doors, or windows as the vehicle turns onto its side or roof, and unbelted occupants face a much higher chance of being partly or fully ejected. That is part of why seat belt use shows up so heavily in the data on who survives these crashes and who does not.
Extrication adds another layer of risk and time. When a vehicle lands on its side or roof, doors can jam and frames can bend, so fire crews often need hydraulic tools to reach anyone still inside, which is what an "upgraded response" typically means on scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are common in rollover crashes?
Head, neck, and spinal injuries are common, along with broken bones and chest injuries from being thrown against the roof or doors as the vehicle turns over.
What causes a vehicle to roll over?
Rollovers often start with a sharp steering correction, a tire striking a curb or soft shoulder, or a high-speed turn, especially in taller vehicles with a higher center of gravity.
Why are rollover crashes so dangerous?
The vehicle's cabin can be crushed or deformed as it turns over, and unbelted occupants risk being ejected, which raises the chance of serious injury.
Which vehicles are most prone to rollovers?
SUVs, pickup trucks, and other tall, narrow vehicles have a higher center of gravity and are statistically more likely to roll over than lower sedans.
What to Do After a Rollover Crash in Deer Park, Illinois
If you're involved in a rollover crash, stay as still as possible until emergency responders confirm it's safe to move, since spinal injuries aren't always obvious right away. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, and let fire crews handle extrication if any doors or exits are blocked or jammed.
It's important you get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible afterward, even if you feel fine at the scene. Adrenaline can mask pain from soft tissue injuries or internal trauma that show up hours or days later. Make sure to keep a copy of the police report and any medical records in case you need them for insurance purposes down the line.
