What to Do if a Speeding Driver Rear-Ends You in Illinois

 Posted on December 07, 2025 in Car accidents

A rear-end crash happens in a split second, but the physical, financial, and emotional consequences last much longer. While being crashed into from behind can always be dangerous, if the driver who hit you was speeding, the risks of serious injuries and vehicle damage are even higher.

Twenty-nine percent of car accidents involve some kind of rear-end collision, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This means a large portion of car crash injury claims come from rear-end accidents as well. In Illinois, the law protects people who are hurt by negligent drivers, and speeding is one of the clearest forms of negligence on the road.

If you were rear-ended by a speeding driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, vehicle repairs, lost income, and pain and suffering by filing a personal injury claim. Knowing what to expect after the crash can help you take the right steps to protect your health and your legal rights. A qualified Glenview, IL car accident lawyer can help you make informed decisions that best suit you.

Is the Driver Behind You Automatically at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

Illinois drivers have a duty to follow other vehicles at a safe distance and to drive at speeds that are appropriate for traffic and road conditions. When a driver fails to stop in time and hits the car in front, that driver is usually considered at fault. If the driver behind you is speeding when they collide with you, this is especially true.

Under Illinois’s 625 ILCS 5/11-601, drivers cannot legally drive faster than a speed that is reasonable when considering surrounding traffic. This statute also sets maximum speed limits, but even driving within the speed limit can be illegal if conditions call for slower speeds. A speeding driver who causes a rear-end crash has likely violated speed regulations and can be held liable for the resulting damages.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Rear-End Crashes?

Rear-end accidents often lead to injuries that may not show symptoms right away. Common injuries include:

• Fractures and broken bones

• Whiplash to the neck and back

• Neck injuries, head injuries, and brain injuries caused by airbags

• Spinal cord injuries that lead to permanent disability or paralysis

• Soft tissue injuries, such as torn muscles and dislocated joints

• Fatalities or severe injuries that lead to fatalities

Sometimes, injuries from a rear-end accident can take a few days to fully appear, and victims may find that their injuries are more severe than they initially thought. Even a crash that seems minor at first can lead to long-term pain or disability, especially if the driver who hit you was traveling at a high speed. That is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel okay at the scene of the crash.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault for a Rear-End Accident?

Illinois determines liability based on a modified comparative negligence model. Even if you hold some amount of responsibility for what happened, you can still be awarded damages as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20 percent at fault, you would receive $80,000.

Can I Receive Compensation After a Rear-End Accident?

Being injured in a rear-end car accident is not something you should dismiss, as injuries received in this type of accident have the potential to affect you for years into the future. After seeking medical treatment, gather any information available about your accident and speak with an experienced Illinois lawyer. You may be eligible to receive compensation for the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, lost future income, and pain and suffering.

Many Types of Distracted Driving Cause Serious Rear-End Accidents

Distracted driving is a prevalent and dangerous behavior on the roads, despite strict cell phone and driving laws in Illinois. Many drivers may overestimate their ability to multitask while driving. This false sense of confidence can lead to risky behaviors and, ultimately, accidents.

Common distractions include texting, using a smartphone, adjusting the radio, or engaging with in-car technology. These activities take the driver's eyes and attention away from the road. Cognitive distractions, such as daydreaming or engaging in deep conversations, can impair a driver's ability to react quickly to changes in traffic conditions. All of these forms of distracted driving can cause the following problems.

Lack of Attention to Traffic

When drivers are distracted, their focus is diverted away from the road ahead. This means they may not notice when the vehicle in front of them slows down or comes to a stop. Inattentive drivers also miss changes in traffic flow, such as sudden braking by the vehicle in front. This lack of anticipation can lead to rear-end collisions.

Delayed Reaction Time

Even if a distracted driver eventually realizes that traffic has slowed or stopped, their reaction time is significantly delayed. This delay can be crucial in preventing a rear-end collision. Due to delayed reactions, distracted drivers may not have enough time to apply the brakes adequately. This can lead to a collision with the vehicle ahead.

Misjudging Distance

Distracted drivers may have difficulty accurately judging the distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them. This misjudgment can result in a rear-end collision.

Inattention to Traffic Signals

Distracted drivers may not notice traffic signals, such as red lights or stop signs. This can lead to serious collisions at intersections.

Neglecting Defensive Driving

Distracted drivers are less likely to engage in defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe following distance or being aware of escape routes. This leaves them more vulnerable to collisions.

Fortunately, all these behaviors are fairly easy to see from the results of the crash. Your attorney will help you get the information you need to prove why your accident happened and pursue compensation from the person responsible.

Contact a Glenview, IL Rear-End Accident Lawyer

If you were rear-ended by a speeding driver, you should not have to pay for your damages on your own or deal with the insurance company alone. Contact a Park Ridge, IL personal injury attorney at Quinn Law Group, LLC for a free consultation. We will fight for the full compensation you deserve and help you move forward after your crash. Call 847-232-7180 today to get started.