Accidents happen and are a common sight on the sides of Illinois roads. From fender-benders to massive collisions, Quincy residents have likely been affected by motor vehicle accidents in their own lives. Statistics released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) demonstrate just how common accidents are for individuals living across the Prairie state.
Deaths and fatal accidents
For example, in 2019, there were more than 930 fatal vehicle crashes on Illinois roads. Those crashes resulted in more than 1,000 deaths. On average during 2019, 8 individuals died per 100,000 in vehicle-involved accidents.
The majority of fatal victims in the noted 2019 crashes were in or driving cars when their lives were lost. It is important for readers to remember that not all fatal victims of roadway collisions are in standard vehicles; nearly one-third of those who died in 2019 were on motorcycles, bikes, or pedestrians.
Multi-vehicle crashes
Not all fatal crashes on Illinois roads in 2019 were large, multi-vehicle events. Around half involved single vehicles, while half involved at least two vehicles. When accidents happen and more than one vehicle is involved, it may be possible to assign fault to one or more of the parties for the purposes of recovering damages after a crash.
Location of crashes
A final important statistic to note on fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois comes from information on where those crashes occurred. Nearly two-thirds of the fatal crashes that happened in 2019 occurred in urban areas, as opposed to the one-third of accidents that happened in rural settings. Driving in populated areas therefore appears to result in more accidents that claim the lives of victims.
This information is offered to remind readers that dangerous and deadly car accidents happen in Illinois regularly, and when they do, the lives of victims and their loved ones are never the same. The costs of losing a loved one, added to the loss of their income, love, support, and companionship, can be practically insurmountable. There is no way to bring a loved one back after a deadly motor vehicle crash, but there are options under the law to seek financial recovery to support the losses of survivors.
Personal injury claims use the facts and evidence of a motor vehicle crash to support the required elements of Illinois personal injury laws. Families who have lost loved ones in accidents may have options to work within the law to recover damages. Trusted local attorneys can provide support and guidance to those with questions and concerns about personal injury claims.