Driving at any time of the day can be dangerous, but driving at night poses additional risks to motorists that can result in car crashes. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in 2018, nearly 60% of all fatal crashes occurred between 4 p.m. and 3:59 a.m., with nearly half of these crashes occurring in urban areas like Chicago.
Car crashes that happen during nighttime hours can be particularly dangerous. If you or a loved one suffered injuries after a night driving accident due to other drivers’ negligence, then you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC today to learn how a Chicago night driving auto accident lawyer from our firm can help you. We offer a no-obligation free legal consultation. An attorney client relationship with one of our car accident lawyers can make all the difference in your ability to recover damages from your car accident claim.
In this Article
Causes of Night Driving Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur for many reasons during night hours. However, some factors may make it difficult for drivers to employ safe driving practices like every driver should.
Some elements that may have caused or contributed to your Chicago car accident include:
Drowsy Driving
You may be surprised to learn that inside of us all, there is an internal clock. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, our internal circadian biological clock takes cues from a part of the brain that is sensitive to light. When it gets dark, this helpful part of the brain releases melatonin, which makes us sleepy.
This means that even if a driver slept well the night before or took a nap before getting on the road, they may still be susceptible to drowsy driving at night. Fatigued drivers have similar impairments as drunk drivers. Their reaction times are slowed, and their senses are dulled, potentially leading to otherwise avoidable car crashes.
Additionally, attempting to combat the drowsy feeling while driving at night can lead to distracted driving behaviors including talking on the phone, adjusting the car’s temperature settings, or tuning the radio or music app.
Low Visibility
Our eyes are not meant for seeing at night, and low light can make it difficult to spot things that may lead to car accidents. This is why it is imperative for drivers to have their headlights on at certain times of the day and night. In Illinois, motorists are required to use their headlights from sunset to sunrise. Drivers must also use their headlights when they cannot see more than 1,000 feet in front of them.
If another driver failed to use their headlights, which caused or contributed to your accident, you could hold them responsible for your losses.
Impaired Driving
Chicago nightlife is one of the things that make our city great. But enjoying the bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues we have to offer does not excuse drunk or impaired driving.
Impaired driving is more likely to occur at nighttime. Drunk drivers have dulled senses and motor skills, making it difficult for them to notice and respond to situations on the road. A lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC can determine how your accident happened and implement a suitable course of legal action. To explore your options in a free consultation, call us today. We can help you by exploring all the options available to you in your personal injury lawsuit.
What To Do After Being Injured in a Nighttime Car Accident
When drivers are involved in nighttime car crashes, there are certain steps that you can take in order to safeguard your rights from the beginning.
You should consider:
Seeking Medical Aid
Your health and safety should always be your first priority after suffered auto accident related injuries. Get the medical attention you need so that you can promote your body’s healing process. Additionally, any information received from health care teams can be used as evidence in Chicago auto accident claims.
Reporting the Car Crash
If you did not file a police report at the scene where the accident occurred, you are required to report the collision if the accident resulted in any fatalities, injuries, or property damage exceeding $1,500. Accident victims have 10 days from the date of the accident to report the incident to the IDOT, according to 625 ILCS 5/11-406. This can be helpful evidence if you later choose to pursue compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Collecting Your Own Evidence
If you can, collect your own evidence. Take pictures of the crash site, the damage to your vehicle, and anything else that could be relevant. If you suffered external injuries, like cuts or bruises, you should take pictures of those as well. Collecting various pieces of evidence could benefit your personal injury case in the long run.
Exploring Your Options
The insurance company may offer you less money than you need and deserve. When this happens, an experienced Chicago car accident attorney can explain the options for your personal injury claims so that you know your rights. That way, you can make informed decisions about pursuing compensation.
Illinois Operates on a Modified Comparative Negligence System
According to 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois has a contributory negligence system. This means that damages are awarded based on each parties’ involvement in an accident. So, even if you partially contributed to an accident, that does not bar you from receiving compensation. A Chicago nighttime driving car accident lawyer serving Cook County, Lake County, Kane County, McHenry County, Dupage County or surrounding counties in the greater Chicago area, can help you understand how this statute may apply to your case so that you can pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
They can also help you seek financial recovery for your:
Property damage costs
Lost wages
Reduced future earning capacity
Childcare expenses
Medical expenses
Pain and suffering and inconvenience
You may be able to secure compensation for other losses from your nighttime driving accident not included here.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Can Advocate For You
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC, we will work to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf. We will investigate the circumstances of your nighttime car crash to determine the at fault party and build a case that we believe can win. Then, we will present it to the insurance adjuster, or if need be, a judge and jury. We will pursue legal action to the furthest extent possible in your personal injury claim or, in more unfortunate cases, your wrongful death claim.
A Chicago night driving car accident lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC is ready to get started on your case. We will keep you informed of your legal rights and all the monetary compensation you are entitled to pursue according to Illinois law. Call us today to learn more about our law firm and how we will fight for you.
If you've been injured in an accident while driving at night, call today to get legal help and discuss your case.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
Britt C.
Andrew Kryder went above and beyond to help me out with a case that I brought to him. He was prompt, attentive, and extremely thorough. It was a pleasure to work with him!
(312) 223-1700