Car accidents in Illinois are a significant threat to public safety. In 2024 alone, Illinois reported approximately 312,988 car accidents, and there are still four months of the year left. It is an increasing concern, especially because the numbers were lower last year in 2023 (298,646 reported car accidents). Therefore, Illinois roadways always carry danger.
If you have a vehicle and have to drive to school or work, or you use your vehicle regularly, you have a higher chance of getting hurt. Drivers are driving under the influence, distracted on their phones, speeding, reckless driving, and whatnot. If you want to protect yourself in the case of an Illinois car accident, hire a personal injury attorney in Rockford.
Meanwhile, read this blog to understand the frequency of car accidents in Illinois and how dangerous they can be.
How many people are killed in car accidents in Illinois?
Far too many people are killed in car accidents in Illinois every year. In 2023, the total number of deaths from car accidents in Illinois was 1,269, with 1,169 fatal crashes occurring throughout the year. That being said, 298,646 incidents were reported in 2023, including both fatal and non-fatal car accidents.
These numbers get you thinking about your current driving habits. Is that phone call really that important to take in the middle of the road?
Top deadliest counties in Illinois
If you are from Illinois, it helps to know which counties have the highest accident rates. These are the top 10 deadliest counties in the state based on the number of accidents they witness every year on average:
| Rank | County | Fatal crashes | Percentage |
| 1 | Cook County | 285 | 30.38% |
| 2 | Will County | 55 | 5.86% |
| 3 | Madison County | 35 | 3.73% |
| 4 | Lake County | 35 | 3.73% |
| 5 | DuPage County | 34 | 3.62% |
| 6 | Kane County | 32 | 3.41% |
| 7 | Winnebago County | 27 | 2.88% |
| 8 | St. Clair County | 25 | 2.67% |
| 9 | McHenry County | 20 | 2.13% |
| 10 | Kankakee County | 18 | 1.92% |
Which mode of transport in Illinois sees the most accidents?
The mode of transport you choose can also affect your chances of getting into an accident in Illinois. For the year 2023, there were 2,758 motorcycle crashes, while there were 11,741 crashes involving tractor-trailers. A concerning number is the amount of school bus accidents, which was 1,227. School-age passengers, teachers as well as drivers get injured.
Judging from the numbers, it is easy to tell that motorcycles are the deadliest vehicles to operate in Illinois. Based on data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the following modes of transport have witnessed the highest number of accidents.
- Passenger Car- 591
- Pickup truck- 180
- SUV- 340
- Motorcycle- 142
- Semi truck- 114
- Van- 76
- Farm tractor/farm equipment- 5
- School bus- 1
- Other bus- 2
What are the four most common types of road accidents in Illinois?
Car accidents are very common in Illinois, with over a thousand of them occurring every year. Here are the four most common types:
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Rear-end collisions.
Rear-end collisions occur when the car behind another car hits the first vehicle from the back. This can happen if the car in front presses its brakes all of a sudden or if the car at the back is speeding.
2.T-bone accidents.
T-bone accidents happen when one vehicle hits another from the side, creating a “T” shape. This often occurs when drivers do not stop at intersections and run red lights.
3. Sideswipe collisions.
Sideswipe accidents occur when one vehicle sideswipes another. They often happen when a negligent driver tries to turn, change lanes, or navigate through traffic without checking for nearby vehicles.
4. Head-on collisions.
A head-on collision is when two oncoming vehicles collide, hitting each other in the front. Such accidents can cause the most harm to people sitting in the front.
Protect yourself in Illinois!
If you are from Illinois and you have been in a deadly car accident, hire an attorney today to protect your rights!
