Most Serious Car Accidents Happen Close to Home

 Posted on April 24, 2025 in Car accidents

Many people are surprised to learn that most serious car accidents occur just a few miles from home — often on familiar roads and at relatively low speeds. Many drivers let their guard down when they are in their own neighborhood or on their daily commute. Unfortunately, these accidents can still result in devastating injuries and long-term consequences.

If you have been seriously hurt in a crash near home and someone else was at fault, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. Our Glenview, IL car crash attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for the financial recovery you need to move forward.

Why Do So Many Serious Car Accidents Happen Close to Home?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of car accidents occur within 25 miles of a driver’s home. Familiarity breeds comfort — and that comfort can lead to distractions, assumptions, and poor driving habits. Some of the most common causes of neighborhood and local road accidents include:

• Failing to stop at stop signs or red lights

• Speeding through intersections

• Distracted driving, especially on short trips

• Failing to yield to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles

• Backing out of driveways or parking lots without checking for traffic

Even at speeds under 35 miles per hour, these types of collisions can cause serious — even permanent — injuries and death.

What Are the Most Serious Injuries in Low-Speed Crashes?

Many people assume that low-speed accidents only cause minor bumps and bruises. But in reality, some of the most severe injuries occur in crashes under 40 mph, especially when a pedestrian or cyclist is involved, or when one vehicle strikes another from the side.

Common serious injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions or brain bleeds

• Spinal cord injuries, which may cause partial or total paralysis

• Internal organ damage, including ruptured spleens or collapsed lungs

• Broken bones, particularly in the hips, ribs, or face

• Soft tissue injuries that cause long-term pain and mobility issues

These injuries often require emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. They can also prevent a person from working or engaging in the activities they once enjoyed.

What Are Your Legal Options if You Were Not at Fault?

If another driver caused the crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. In Illinois, that can include payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement or disability, and more. 

Working with a personal injury lawyer ensures that your claim is properly valued and that you do not accept a low settlement from the insurance company. An attorney will gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if necessary.

Contact a Des Plaines, IL Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

At Quinn Law Group, LLC, you will work directly with a dedicated Glenview, IL personal injury attorney — not a team of associates or case managers. If you were hurt in a car accident close to home, call 847-232-7180 to schedule your free consultation. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.