The Most Dangerous Intersections in Joliet

Suffering an injury at a high-traffic junction in Joliet is a life-altering event. At Dixon Law Office, founder G. Grant Dixon III isn’t just another lawyer; he is a trial attorney who has lived your experience. Having survived being struck while cycling and a serious 2024 car crash involving an illegal U-turn that required surgery, he understands the grueling path to recovery. Unlike “settlement mills” that avoid the courtroom, Mr. Dixon is a dedicated trial lawyer who fights for the big verdicts and settlements that serious injuries in Will County demand.

Joliet, Illinois, with its growing population and busy roadways, sees its fair share of traffic accidents each year. Among the most dangerous collisions in Will County are intersection accidents, particularly at high-volume junctions like Jefferson Street and Larkin Avenue or the hazardous interchanges near I-80 and I-55. These high-impact crashes often result in catastrophic injuries requiring immediate transport to Level II trauma centers like Silver Cross Hospital or Ascension St. Joseph. Documenting your injuries at these major medical landmarks is a critical first step in building a high-value personal injury claim.

An experienced Joliet intersection accident lawyer can help. Contact Dixon Law Office today to discuss your legal options and a path forward.

The Reality of Intersection Accidents in Joliet

Intersections are inherently dangerous places where multiple streams of traffic converge, creating numerous opportunities for collisions. In Joliet, major intersections like Jefferson Street and Larkin Avenue experience high volumes of traffic daily, increasing the likelihood of accidents. These busy crossroads serve as vital connectors for commuters, commercial vehicles, and local residents navigating the city.

Intersection accidents occur for various reasons, but driver error remains the leading cause. Distracted driving has become an epidemic, with motorists checking their phones, adjusting navigation systems, or engaging in other activities that take their attention away from the road. At busy intersections, even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a devastating collision.

Failure to yield the right of way is another common factor in intersection accidents. Drivers may misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic, become impatient waiting for their turn, or simply disregard traffic signals and signs. Running red lights is particularly dangerous and can lead to high-speed T-bone collisions that cause catastrophic injuries.

Poor visibility also contributes to intersection accidents in Joliet. Obstructed sightlines caused by parked vehicles, overgrown vegetation, or inadequate lighting can prevent drivers from seeing approaching traffic until it’s too late. Weather conditions, including the harsh Illinois winters with snow and ice, further complicate safe navigation through intersections.

Common Types of Intersection Accidents

Several types of collisions frequently occur at Joliet intersections. T-bone or side-impact collisions happen when one vehicle strikes another on its side, often at high speed. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear, leaving occupants vulnerable to serious injuries.

Rear-end collisions occur when drivers fail to stop in time at intersections, often because they’re following too closely or not paying attention. While these accidents may seem minor, they can cause significant whiplash injuries and other soft tissue damage.

Left-turn accidents are common when drivers attempt to turn left across oncoming traffic. These collisions typically occur when the turning driver misjudges the speed or distance of approaching vehicles or fails to yield the right of way.

Head-on collisions, though less common at intersections, are among the most deadly. These accidents may occur when a driver mistakenly enters the wrong lane or loses control of their vehicle.

The Complex Nature of Intersection Accident Claims

Intersection accidents often involve complicated questions of liability. Unlike straightforward rear-end collisions where fault is usually clear, intersection accidents may involve multiple parties, conflicting accounts of what happened, and disputes over who had the right of way. Insurance companies frequently take advantage of this complexity to minimize their payouts or deny claims altogether.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you’re found to be more than 50 percent at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. Even if you’re less than 50 percent at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes establishing the facts of your case and properly documenting liability absolutely critical.

Why Hiring a Joliet Intersection Accident Lawyer Matters

Navigating the aftermath of an intersection accident without legal representation puts you at a significant disadvantage. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to protect their bottom line, and they’re experienced at using tactics to reduce claim values. Here’s why hiring a Joliet intersection accident lawyer is essential:

• Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection: An experienced attorney knows how to conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident. They’ll obtain police reports, interview witnesses, review traffic camera footage, and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly what happened. This evidence is crucial for building a strong case and proving liability.
• Accurate Valuation of Your Claim: Many accident victims don’t realize the full extent of their damages and may accept settlements that don’t adequately compensate them for their losses. A skilled lawyer will calculate the true value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages you’re entitled to receive.
• Expert Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators who will try to settle your claim for as little as possible. Your attorney will handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics designed to get you to admit fault or accept a lowball offer. They understand the strategies insurers use and know how to counter them effectively.
• Understanding of Local Laws and Procedures: A Joliet-based intersection accident lawyer brings valuable knowledge of local traffic patterns, dangerous intersections, and the specific courts where your case may be heard. They understand Illinois traffic laws and how local judges and juries typically view intersection accident cases.
• Litigation Experience: While many cases settle out of court, some require litigation to achieve fair compensation. If your case goes to trial, you need an attorney with courtroom experience who can present your case persuasively to a jury. Having a lawyer prepared to take your case to trial also strengthens your negotiating position during settlement discussions.
• Focus on Your Recovery: Dealing with the legal aftermath of an accident is stressful and time-consuming. By hiring an attorney, you can focus on your physical recovery and getting your life back on track while your lawyer handles the legal complexities of your case.

Contact a Joliet Intersection Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a family member suffered a serious injury in an intersection accident in Joliet, now is the time to act. Dixon Law Office is not a “legal factory.” When you call us, you receive personal attention and talk directly to a lawyer—never an intake clerk. We are trial-ready advocates who know how to navigate the Will County Courthouse to secure maximum results.  Contact an experienced Joliet intersection accident lawyer with Dixon Law Office to schedule a free consultation. With experienced legal representation, you can level the playing field against insurance companies and focus on what matters most: your recovery and your future.

Hablamos su idioma. We understand that many Joliet families feel more comfortable discussing the details of a tragic accident in their native language. That’s why we offer consultations in many languages including Spanish and Polish. We have represented clients who spoke other languages like Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and many others. Contact our Joliet intersection accident law firm today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation in your native language to ensure your rights are protected against powerful insurance corporations.