July 1, 2021
Springfield Illinois Car Accident Statistics
Posted in: Car Accidents
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that kept most people at home or under restrictions, there were more than 42,000 fatal car accidents in 2020 across the country. For Illinois, 2020 was the deadliest year for car accidents since 2007.
Many car accidents in Springfield, Illinois, are preventable. These car crash statistics may help you or a loved one as you travel near or around the city.
Important Springfield Illinois Car Accident Stats You Need to Know
Car accidents in the city of Springfield, Illinois, are often fatal. By August 2021, the state reported 664 fatal car accidents in Springfield. These deadly crashes occurred both on Springfield city streets and the interstate. Over 280 fatal car accidents happened in Springfield compared to 120 that took place on the interstate.
Trucks, Motorcycles, and Pedestrians in Fatal Crashes
The majority of Springfield’s fatal traffic accidents involved commercial trucks. There have been 90 fatal truck accidents so far in Springfield in 2021. Unsurprisingly, following closely behind are pedestrians and motorcyclists – with 85 and 84 fatal accidents, respectively.
This means if you are a pedestrian or motorcyclist, you must exercise extreme caution on Springfield city streets. Be sure to use crosswalks and crossing lights and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Buckle Up, Springfield
Another step you can take to protect yourself is to wear your seat belt and wear it correctly. Nearly 200 of 2021’s fatalities involved people who didn’t wear seat belts at all or incorrectly. It just makes sense to take a moment to buckle up every time you are in your car or a passenger in someone’s vehicle.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Springfield, Illinois
After an accident, you may be confused and unsure of what to do next. As car accident lawyers in Springfield, here are our top three suggestions for after a crash:
Step 1: Call 911
The first thing you should do is call 911. Injured people need immediate medical care, and the police can obtain valuable information about the accident.
Document the Scene
If you’re able, try to take as many photos of the accident scene as possible. These could prove helpful when you file your insurance and civil claims.
File a Traffic Crash Report
Once the police arrive at the scene, make sure you file a traffic crash report. This report will also be necessary for your insurance claim.
Step 2: Get Medical Attention
Get attention from a healthcare provider after a crash, even if you think you are uninjured. Many different injuries are not readily visible, such as organ failure, internal bleeding, or a traumatic brain injury.
Be sure to follow up with your doctor or healthcare provider. You do not want to risk the insurance company questioning your injuries if you ignore follow-up care.
Step 3: Get Legal Help
Once you are medically stable, you’ll need to file a claim with the insurance company. Illinois is a fault state for car accidents. You may file a claim against the liable party’s insurer.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help determine who is to blame for the accident. In some accidents, there are multiple liable parties. A Springfield car accident lawyer identifies all responsible parties, collects evidence, files your claim, and negotiates a settlement.
Contact a Springfield Car Accident Lawyer
Have you been involved in a car accident in Springfield, Illinois? If so, get help figuring out what your next steps should be. Reach out to an experienced Springfield car accident lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today.
Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation when you submit our quick contact form or call our office at 312-236-2900 to get started.