If you, a friend, or a family member has become the victims of a violent motor vehicle accident (MVA) in the state of Illinois, you may find that recovering from such a catastrophic and unfortunate event can be difficult. After enduring a deadly crash, you may have experienced extensive personal injuries and have sustained severe emotional trauma, physical pain, and mental strain as a result. Perhaps you require financial support due to extensive medical bills and vehicle insurance. Furthermore, you may be looking for a lawyer with expertise in catastrophic accidents or wrongful death who can guide you through the recovery process, particularly if you have been the victim of criminal activity, DUI, negligence, or additional circumstances. No matter how complex your problems may be, there are resources at your disposal which can guide you towards a better future.
If You Cannot Work as the Result of a Catastrophic Accident
In the event that your ability to work has been impaired by an accident, you can turn to multiple resources that will help you receive financial aid and support:
- Illinois Social Security Disability - Statewide resources for Illinois residents suffering from a severe impairment or potentially life-threatening personal injuries.
- Supplemental Security Income in Illinois - Statewide resources for adult and juvenile victims who do not possess adequate resources for financial aid in Idaho.
- Illinois Legal Aid Online – For individuals seeking additional information about the legal rights of car accident victims or looking for the assistance of a professional lawyer.
- Illinois State Bar Association – For residents of Illinois seeking the representation and assistance of a professional lawyer specializing in car accidents, personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and more.
Need help with requesting an official copy of the incident police report?
If you were involved in an Illinois car accident and would like to obtain a copy of your police report, you must first confirm that the Illinois State Police filed the report by checking the ‘Investigated By’ box on the motorist report. If they did, then you must mail in a request with the following information: agency crash report number, date of the car accident, where the accident occurred, and the names of everyone involved. A payment of $5.00 must also be submitted with the request.
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident and still need a copy of the report, we can help you retrieve one. Our dedicated local car accident attorney will provide you with a free copy of your police incident report.
If You Require Emotional or Psychological Counseling or Additional Therapy
Accidents not only inflict terrible injuries on the body but can also leave a lasting impact on a victim’s mind. If you require emotional support or counseling to cope with your experience in a catastrophic vehicular accident, be sure to visit the links below:
- Illinois Psychological Association - Search statewide for psychologists who can help you recover from your traumatic experience or a friend/family member’s involvement with a motor vehicle accident.
- Illinois Therapists - Search statewide for therapists who can help you recover from your psychological trauma and emotional strain after a motor vehicle accident.
- Illinois Spinal Cord Support Groups – Regardless of the simple name, this website offers multiple links to support groups for victims suffering from traumatic or life-threatening brain or spinal cord injuries as the result of an accident.
If You Require Financial Aid for Incidences Resulting from Criminal Activity
You may require additional help for fees related to legal assistance and/or medical bills. If this is the case, be sure to consider the following resources:
- Crime Victim Compensation Program – Created by the Illinois General Assembly to provide financial services for victims of accidents caused by wrongdoing or criminal intent.
If You Require Aid for Car Insurance and Vehicle Damage
The Illinois DMV requires that minimum motor vehicle policies must include:
- $25,000 for injury of one victim
- $50,000 for each accident
- $20,000 towards damage to property
Vehicular accidents are an unfortunate and tragic part of our lives and can impact victims and their families in terrible, tragic ways. However, you do not have to face these problems alone. Be sure to visit Local Accident Reports for statements related to your accident.
If You or a Loved One Were the Victims of an Accident Caused by DUI
Drunk driving is a terrible offense that can result in severe damages to innocent victims, their families, and friends. As reinforced by statewide law, the Illinois DMV has set the limits of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08% for all drivers. Motorists may also face additional charges if their BAC ranges from 0.05% to 0.08% if the officer has confirmed the suspect acts erratically.
Currently, Illinois ranks 48th among the states with severe problems related to drunk driving incidents. If you, a loved one, or a friend have been victimized by a DUI incident and require more in-depth support, visit the following links:
- MADD Illinois - Mothers Against Drunk Driving seeks to provide endless support for victims of drunk driving incidents in the State of Illinois. To speak with a representative at the national headquarters, call (877) ASK. MADD or (877) 275.6233. To contact the MADD Illinois office, call the Springfield Affiliate at (217) 523.6233 and the Downers Grove office at (630) 541.6099 or look up your closest affiliate at the MADD Directory.
Accident Prevention in Illinois
In recent years, the State of Illinois has established tactics for preventing unfortunate motor vehicle accidents and resulting fatalities.
- Cyber Drive Illinois – Promoted by the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, this program offers resources for preventing bicycle and pedestrian accidents and ensuing personal injuries. Links will direct you to instruction manuals, NHTSA safety tips, and accident statistics.
- Traffic Safety Facts – Featured on the Cyber Drive Illinois site, this document lists factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents and resulting consequences.
Traffic Statistics in Illinois
In this section, you can investigate the statistics regarding traffic congestion and the percentage of fatal traffic accidents. As of the year 2016, Illinois has a total population of 12,801,539 and retains one of the highest amounts of fatal crashes and estimated fatalities. For more information, check out the data sheets provided by the HLDI (Highway Loss Data Institute). While these numbers have changed since then, this sheet will
provide you with a basic layout of Illinois’s traffic statistics and help you develop a safer travel plan while visiting the Midwest.
The following statistics have been derived from HLDI data spreads.
Vehicle Miles Traveled in Illinois
- Illinois has 109,208 million vehicle miles traveled.
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics in Illinois (as of 2016)
- 1,003 fatal crashes (resulting in 1,082 deaths)
- 8.5 deaths per 100 million of the total population of Illinois
- 0.99 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
Deaths Related to Motor Vehicle Accidents in Illinois
- Car occupants = 436 (40%)
- Pickup/SUV occupants = 260 (24%)
- Large truck occupants = 20 (2%)
- Motorcyclists = 146 (13%)
- Bicyclists = 20 (2%)
- Pedestrians = 148 (14%)
- Total traffic accident fatalities = 1,082
Single Vehicle vs. Multi-Vehicle Crashes: Illinois
- Single-vehicle accidents = 574 (53%)
- Multi-vehicle accidents= 508 (47%)
- Total = 1,082
Fatalities from DUI Accidents: Illinois
- Total deaths = 527
- Drivers with registered BAC results = 353 (67%)
- Drivers with BAC results equal to or greater than 0.08 = unspecified
Use of Restraint: Illinois
- Observation of safety belt usage in the State of Illinois = 93
- Fatally injured victims-unrestrained = 269 (38%)
- Fatally injured victims-restrained= 360 (51%)
- Fatally injured victims-undisclosed use of restraint = 79 (11%)
- Total of fatal injuries = 708
Rural Accidents vs. Urban Accidents: Illinois
- Urban accidents = 642 (59%)
- Rural accidents = 438 (40%)
- Unspecified area =2 (<1%)
- Total = 1,082
