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

 Posted on July 31, 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. 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:

• Whiplash and other neck injuries

• Back injuries, including herniated discs

• Head injuries or concussions

• Shoulder, wrist, and knee injuries

• Facial injuries from airbag deployment

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?

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.

In rear-end collisions, the rear driver is usually found to be entirely or mostly at fault, especially when there is evidence of speeding. An attorney can help ensure fault is assigned fairly in your case.

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.