Speeding Car Accident Cases in Chicago

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable for Speed-Related Crashes in Chicago

Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Chicago. If you get hurt in this type of collision due to someone else’s negligence, you could be eligible for compensation for legal damages. A lawyer who handles speeding car accident cases will increase your chances of winning a claim.

Chicago Injury Center is an experienced law firm that represents clients throughout Cook County and Illinois. Our legal team can fight for fair compensation in your personal injury case.

Speeding Car Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$350,000 – Angela was riding in the backseat on Lake Shore Drive near the Oak Street Curve when her driver, speeding well above the limit, rear-ended another vehicle. She sustained a herniated cervical disc, and the settlement reflected the vehicle speeds and clear driver liability.

$385,000 – While stopped at a red light on North Avenue near Pulaski Road, Denise was struck by a speeding and impaired driver. She suffered a herniated lumbar disc, with the case strengthened by toxicology results and evidence of the violent collision.

$1 million – Melissa’s family received a settlement after the 23-year-old was killed in a high-speed rear-end crash at Cicero Avenue and 95th Street. Multiple eyewitnesses and crash reconstruction confirmed the excessive speeding that caused the fatal impact.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Our firm is considered one of the best injury teams in Chicago, with an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau and a five-star rating from AVVO.

What Common Injuries Can Result from Speeding Car Accidents?

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Broken bones and crush injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns from vehicle fires
• Fatal injuries

What Damages Can Speeding Car Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life
• Disfigurement or disability

Punitive damages

• For cases involving gross negligence or reckless misconduct

What Is the Average Payout for Speeding Vehicle Accidents in Chicago?

Your settlement amount will depend on several factors, such as injury severity, physical evidence, insurance policies, liability, and long-term impact.

The average settlement for a speed limit accident is $4.7 million, with a range of $1,000 to $33.5 million.

Example Car Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

Marc was riding in a taxi cab when the driver lost control on a curve, vaulting through the air and slamming into a concrete barrier. Marc suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple orthopedic fractures. He sued the driver for negligent driving because the driver was speeding on the exit ramp. The parties settled for $29.49 million.

In another car accident case, Delia was a passenger in a car entering an intersection when a police officer struck the vehicle while responding to an emergency. Delia was killed in the crash, while the driver developed quadriplegia. Her husband sued the driver and the police officer for negligent driving, claiming that the police car sped through a red light without lights or a siren. The wrongful death settlement was valued at $6 million.

How Common Are Speeding-Related Accidents in Chicago?

Speed factored into roughly 68% of vehicle accidents that involved fatalities in 2023. In the same report, it was found that streets that are 50 feet wide or more see 14 times as many fatal traffic crashes per mile as narrower streets, often due to speeding.

What Laws Govern Car Accident Cases in Illinois?

625 ILCS 5/11-601 – Drivers must follow the posted speed limit on all roads in Illinois.

9-12-070 – All city streets in Chicago will have a posted speed limit of 30 mph, while all alleys will have a posted speed limit of 15 mph.

How Long Do I Have to File a Speeding Car Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?

Personal injury claims – Two years from the date of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202)

Wrongful death suits – Two years from the date of the victim’s death (740 ILCS 180/)

Who Can Be Held Liable for Speeding Car Accidents?

Multiple parties could have fault assigned to them after motor vehicle accidents:

• A speeding driver
• The employer of the driver (if on duty)
• The vehicle owner (negligent entrustment)
• A government entity (if poor road design contributed)

Common Defenses in Speed-Limit Car Accident Cases

Some defenses the defendant may use if you were involved in a car accident include:

• Disputing the actual speed
• Claiming the accident was unavoidable due to obstructions or other vehicles
• Arguing the victim’s comparative negligence

How to Strengthen Your Speeding Accident Case

• Seek immediate medical treatment
• Document all injuries
• Collect driver’s license information
• Obtain the police report
• Collect witness statements
• Photograph the scene (including skid marks and vehicle damage)
• Preserve vehicle black box information (event data recorders)

How a Chicago Speeding Accident Attorney Can Help

Our legal services include gathering crash reconstruction evidence, determining liability, working with speed limit experts, negotiating with insurers, and representing you in court if necessary.

FAQs

What if the speeding driver wasn’t ticketed at the accident scene?

You can still file a civil claim if evidence suggests that speed factored into the cause of the collision.

Can I recover damages if I was speeding too?

Under state law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 (comparative negligence), you can be partially at fault and still seek compensation, as long as you are no more than 50% at fault.

How much do speeding car accident lawyers cost in Chicago?

Our top-rated firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win.

Consult a Chicago Speeding Car Accident Lawyer Near You!

Car accident cases that involve high vehicle speeds can be very complex. If you have suffered severe injuries due to the actions of the other driver, Chicago Injury Center can lead the charge when determining liability, gathering evidence, and consulting accident reconstruction experts.

There are no legal fees unless we win, and you can leverage a free consultation to ask questions first. We serve clients throughout Cook County and Illinois from our Chicago office.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation if you have been involved in a car accident caused by speeding.