Lower Wacker Drive is one of the most commonly used roads in downtown Chicago, and it’s among the most dangerous for numerous reasons, including decreased visibility, a lack of sidewalks, “street takeovers,” and other hazards.
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If you believe that a negligent driver or another party caused an accident on Lower Wacker Drive or another area of Chicago, call Ankin Law at 312-600-0000 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.
What Makes Lower Wacker Drive So Hazardous for Drivers?
There are multiple factors that make Lower Wacker Drive one of the most dangerous roads in Chicago.
Risk factors include:
A Generally Confusing Layout
Drivers can easily become disoriented due to the two-level design, which features limited signage along with perceivably hidden exits that can cause confusion.
Missing Traffic Signals
Another factor is the absence of traffic signals compared to the upper level of Wacker Drive, which can further confuse drivers.
Wrong-Way Driving
Drivers have also been known to drive the wrong way on Lower Wacker Drive occasionally, mainly because of the road’s tight design.
Reckless Driving
Instances of reckless driving, including intentional incidents involving young drivers engaging in drag races and “street takeovers,” can easily cause accidents on this roadway.
Poor Signage
Another common issue people find with Lower Wacker Drive is the lack of sufficient signage, and exits tend to pop up unexpectedly.
Lack of Sidewalks
Lower Wacker Drive lacks the structure needed to facilitate pedestrian traffic, with sidewalks and other designated areas largely absent from this area.
Poor GPS Signal
Many drivers also report losing their GPS signal while on the lower level of Wacker Drive, which can distract drivers and lead to accidents.
Low Visibility
Lower Wacker Drive has less natural or artificial light than other roadways in Chicago, which can make it harder for drivers to see and potentially cause collisions.
Common Types of Accidents on Lower Wacker Drive
According to the Chicago Data Portal, one recent year saw 112,032 crashes in Chicago, resulting in 25,700 injuries and 123 fatalities. That year, multiple accidents took place on Lower Wacker Drive that resulted in injuries and fatalities, including a collision involving a pedestrian who was fatally struck by a semi-truck and a pickup truck making an illegal turn that injured another driver in a collision.
The following are some of the most common types of Lower Wacker Drive accidents:
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks can easily roll over on Lower Wacker Drive, especially if they are carrying unbalanced loads and make sharp turns, which are prevalent on this road.
- Wrong-Way Accidents: Drivers traveling the wrong way on the road could cause accidents if they fail to correct their vehicles.
- Pedestrian Accidents: The lack of sidewalks and other features accommodating pedestrians also tends to result in collisions involving pedestrians.
How a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash
In the event of an accident on Lower Wacker Drive or other locations in Chicago, it’s in your best interest to consult with an experienced and skilled car accident lawyer to discuss compensation from all liable parties.
There are several benefits of hiring an attorney to help handle a car accident case:
Collecting Evidence
One of the main advantages of working with a Chicago car accident lawyer is the ability to collect sufficient evidence to support a claim. You will need ample evidence to prove liability in a case involving Lower Wacker Drive or any other location.
So, what evidence is needed for a car accident injury claim? You will need to collect items like medical records, police reports, footage of the accident scene, physical damage to people or property, and witness statements. An attorney can help obtain all of this evidence and organize it to strengthen a case, increasing your chances of succeeding with your claim or lawsuit.
Calculating Compensation
Another area where a car accident attorney could help is calculating compensation. An attorney could help identify all economic and non-economic damages that apply to your case.
Economic damages include financial damages that result from an accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, and lost earning capacity. Meanwhile, non-economic damages apply to personal losses suffered, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Depending on the circumstances, victims may also recover punitive damages if the defendant in the case was liable for gross negligence or malicious intent, and victims’ families could recover wrongful death damages like burial and funeral expenses if a victim dies because of his or her injuries.
Negotiating With Insurers
You might ask, “Why should I call a lawyer before my insurance company after an accident?” Put simply, an attorney could help negotiate a fair settlement and knows the tactics that insurance companies use to reduce or deny claims. You might also wonder, “What does car accident insurance cover?” Your lawyer would also be able to determine this in helping you recover total compensation.
Your attorney could represent you during negotiations, making counteroffers against an insurer’s initial offer until you reach a favorable settlement based on your case’s actual worth.
Taking a Case to Trial
Another benefit of hiring an experienced attorney is the ability to go to trial if negotiations don’t result in a favorable outcome.
Get in Touch With a Skilled Car Accident Attorney Today
Following an accident on Lower Wacker Drive or any other location throughout Chicago, it’s important to take the right steps to begin building a case and proving liability. Car accident cases can be challenging and complex, especially when significant injuries and property damage result, making it important to seek legal counsel from reputable attorneys.
At Ankin Law, our legal team has many years of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal needs.
