Chicago and other communities in Cook County have a lot of roundabouts. Also known as traffic circles, roundabouts are designed to help manage traffic flow. While studies have shown some significant benefits, not all drivers are good at safely navigating roundabouts. You could end up in a crash. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, we fight for justice for victims and families. Within this article, our Chicago car accident lawyers provide a comprehensive guide to roundabout crash claims in Illinois.
What is a Roundabout?
In Illinois, a roundabout is a circular intersection that allows traffic to flow in one direction around a central island. The purpose of roundabouts is to enhance road safety and traffic efficiency. Vehicles enter the roundabout after yielding to traffic already circulating—which, in theory, minimizes the potential for high-speed collisions. It is a type of intersection that some researchers believe has been proven to reduce the number of conflict points between vehicles when compared to traditional intersections (those with stop signs and/or traffic lights.
Know the Rules for Navigating a Roundabout in Illinois
Roundabouts are relatively common in Chicago and in many other parts of our state. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has specific regulations that drivers need to follow when entering, maneuvering through, and exiting a roundabout. As you approach a roundabout, it is essential to reduce your speed and observe the dashed yield line. You must yield to traffic already circulating within the roundabout, coming from your left. Vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way in Illinois. Before entering, you need to identify an appropriate gap in traffic and merge in safely and slowly. Here is what you do next:
- Left Turn or Full U-Turn: Use the left lane and then merge to the right lane later in the roundabout.
- Going Straight: Follow signs to determine whether to use the left or right lane— it can vary by specific roundabout design in Illinois.
- Immediate Right Turn: Stay in the right lane—as you will exit the roundabout at the first opportunity.
The Most Common Reasons Accidents Happen in Roundabouts
Roundabout accidents in Chicago can happen for a wide range of different reasons. Every crash should be investigated to determine what went wrong. Here are some of the leading causes:
- Failure to Yield at Entry: The most prevalent cause of accidents in roundabouts is drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout. Drivers approaching the roundabout must slow down and wait for a clear gap in traffic before entering. Not yielding the right of way is the most common cause of these crashes.
- Incorrect Lane Usage: Roundabouts with multiple lanes require drivers to choose their lane before entering based on their exit. Misunderstandings or last-minute lane changes can lead to sideswipe collisions and confusion, disrupting the flow of traffic. Drivers must follow the signage and road markings.
- Speeding: Speeding is extremely dangerous—especially so in roundabouts. Indeed, excessive speed disrupts the flow of traffic within a roundabout and reduces a driver’s ability to react to traffic changes and potential hazards. Roundabouts are designed for low-speed maneuvering.
- Inadequate Observation for Pedestrians/Cyclists: Roundabouts are frequent crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers may focus solely on other vehicles and fail to notice pedestrians at crosswalks or cyclists in bike lanes. Unfortunately, both pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents are serious problems at roundabouts in Chicago.
All Roundabout Crashes Require a Thorough Investigation
Illinois is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. The party at fault for a crash—including a roundabout crash—can be held legally liable for the resulting damages. Fault is generally based on the legal doctrine of negligence. Negligence is the failure to exercise due care. Unsafe driving maneuvers when entering or exiting a roundabout—such as the failure to yield the right of way—is a type of negligence. Under Illinois law (735 I.L.C.S. § 5/2-1116), a modified comparative negligence applies. If you are liable for a portion of your own crash, you will bear liability for a similar share of your own damages. For example, if you are found to be 30 percent at fault for your own collision, you would be liable for 30 percent of your own damages.
Car Accident Victims Need the Maximum Financial Support
In Illinois, injured motor vehicle accident victims have a right to seek the full and fair financial support that they need to cover their bills and provide for their family. Both economic losses and non-economic losses may be sought through a car crash claim in Illinois. However, insurance companies fight hard to pay out less to injured victims. After a roundabout crash in Chicago, our attorneys are prepared to help you seek the maximum financial recovery, including for:
- Property loss, such as vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Hurt in a Car Wreck in Chicago? Kennedy Watkins Can Help
Car crash claims are complicated—especially so for roundabout crashes. A wide range of different issues can arise during the claims process. You cannot and should not rely on any insurance company to look out for your rights or your interests. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago attorneys put victims and families first. Our verdicts and settlements tell the story best. We are always prepared to invest time, attention, and legal resources into every case we take on.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Chicago Automobile Crash Lawyers
At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago auto accident attorneys are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you were hurt in a roundabout collision, we are here as a legal resource. Call us now or get in touch with us online for a free, no strings attached case assessment. With an office in Chicago, we fight for the rights of victims and their families all across the area.