Chicago, IL – Five Hurt in Crash Involving CPD Squad Car on W Washington Ave

Chicago, IL (April 12, 2026) – Five people were hurt on Sunday, April 12, in a crash involving a Chicago Police Department squad car in the Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. The crash happened around 12:01 a.m. in the 3800 block of West Washington Avenue.

Initial reports indicate a 42-year-old man driving a gray SUV failed to yield and struck a CPD squad car that was traveling with its lights and sirens activated.

Emergency units responded and secured the scene. Paramedics transported all five injured parties to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The two officers in the squad car are expected to recover. The SUV driver and two male passengers also received hospital care and are expected to be OK.

Three parked vehicles were also struck during the crash. The SUV driver was taken into custody at the scene. Officials said charges and citations were pending.

The investigation into the cause of the collision remains ongoing.

We wish all five injured individuals a full and speedy recovery.

How Insurance Claims Work After a Crash in Illinois

After a crash in Illinois, the claims process typically follows several key steps. The injured party reports the accident to their insurer, who opens a claim and begins reviewing the facts. From there, fault is assessed, coverage is identified, damages are evaluated, and a settlement offer is made.

Notifying your insurance company after a crash should happen as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt reporting after an accident. Delays in notifying insurers can complicate the process.

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule when determining liability. A claimant can still recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault. Their compensation is reduced in proportion to their share of fault.

Several types of coverage may apply after a collision. Liability coverage pays for damages caused to others. Uninsured motorist and medical payments coverage may also apply depending on the policy.

Insurers review the submitted claim and assess the losses involved. They evaluate medical records, vehicle damage, and related expenses. This process determines what the insurer considers a fair payout.

Claimants sometimes face delays, low offers, or denials. Insurers may dispute the extent of injuries or question fault. These issues can slow resolution and create uncertainty.

Chicago car accident lawyer can handle communication with insurers on your behalf. Legal support helps ensure paperwork is complete and deadlines are met. An attorney can also push back on unfair evaluations or denials.

At Ankin Law, we have experience reviewing injury cases and explaining available options to victims across Illinois. We can clarify how medical bills, insurance communication, and documentation may work in your case.

You can contact Ankin Law at (844) 600-0000 to discuss your options after an injury crash.

Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.

Chicago personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney Howard Ankin has a passion for justice and a relentless commitment to defending injured victims throughout the Chicagoland area. With decades of experience achieving justice on behalf of the people of Chicago, Howard has earned a reputation as a proven leader in and out of the courtroom. Respected by peers and clients alike, Howard’s multifaceted approach to the law and empathetic nature have secured him a spot as an influential figure in the Illinois legal system.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
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