A motor vehicle accident on the Tri-State Tollway (I-94) near Gurnee, Illinois, resulted in one person being injured and one vehicle overturning on a Saturday evening in late May 2025. The incident, which occurred near milepost 8.25, prompted a response from Illinois State Police and local fire officials. This article will provide a summary of the crash and discuss some of the legal aspects of car accidents, particularly those involving rollovers and multiple vehicles.
Incident Summary
According to Illinois State Police Public Information Officer Shafer McKune, the accident occurred at approximately 8:13 p.m. on Saturday on the northbound lanes of I-94 near milepost 8.25, which is just past the ramp leading to westbound Gurnee. The preliminary investigation indicates that a Toyota Venza and an Acura MDX were both traveling northbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the Toyota Venza left the highway to the left and overturned.
Following the Toyota’s rollover, the Acura MDX reportedly lost control and left the highway to the right. A passenger in the Acura was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. The report did not specify whether anyone else in either vehicle sustained injuries requiring hospitalization.
Gurnee Fire Department personnel were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance. No lane closures were reported as a result of the accident. The Illinois State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Legal Considerations in Multi-Vehicle Accidents and Rollover Crashes
Multi-vehicle accidents, like the one described above, often present complex legal challenges in determining liability. Rollover crashes, in particular, can result in severe injuries due to the forces involved and the potential for roof crush and ejection. Several factors come into play when assessing liability in these types of accidents:
- Negligence: As in most personal injury cases, negligence is a primary consideration. Negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. This can include actions such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws.
- Determining the Cause of the Accident: A thorough investigation is crucial to establish the sequence of events and the cause of the accident. This may involve analyzing police reports, interviewing witnesses, examining vehicle damage, and reviewing any available video footage.
- Multiple Potentially Liable Parties: In multi-vehicle accidents, there may be multiple parties who share responsibility for the crash. For example, if one driver’s negligence caused an initial collision that then led to a chain reaction involving other vehicles, that driver may be liable for the injuries and damages suffered by occupants of all the involved vehicles.
- Comparative Negligence: Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that a person can recover damages in a car accident case even if they were partially at fault, as long as their fault is not more than 50%. However, the amount of damages they can recover is reduced by their percentage of fault. If a person is found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, they cannot recover any damages.
- Rollover-Specific Factors: Rollover crashes have unique factors that can contribute to their occurrence and severity. These include:
- Vehicle Type: Some vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, have a higher center of gravity and are more prone to rollovers than passenger cars.
- Road Conditions: Slick roads, uneven surfaces, and sharp turns can increase the risk of a rollover.
- Speed: Excessive speed is a major factor in many rollover crashes.
- Vehicle Defects: In some cases, rollovers may be caused by vehicle defects, such as tire blowouts or suspension system failures.
- Roof Strength: The strength of a vehicle’s roof is an important factor in protecting occupants during a rollover. Weak roofs can collapse in a rollover, increasing the risk of serious head and neck injuries.
- Illinois Traffic Laws: Illinois has specific traffic laws related to safe driving and accident reporting. Violations of these laws can be evidence of negligence.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help to identify potential negligent behaviors that may have contributed to a crash. Some of the most frequent causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: This includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the vehicle’s entertainment system.
- Speeding: Driving faster than the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Reckless Driving: This includes aggressive behaviors such as speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic signals.
- Drowsy Driving: Driving while fatigued can impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can cause accidents.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights:
- Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic.
- Call the Police: Report the accident to the police and request that they come to the scene. A police report can be an important piece of evidence in a car accident claim.
- Exchange Information: Exchange insurance information and contact details with the other driver(s) involved.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you are injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured at the scene, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Consult with an Attorney: If you have been injured in a car accident, it is advisable to consult with a Chicago Personal Injury lawyer in Illinois to discuss your legal rights and options.
The Importance of Legal Counsel
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, particularly when injuries are involved. Dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and understanding your legal rights can be complex. A personal injury attorney can provide valuable guidance and representation throughout the process.
An attorney can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Ensure you receive appropriate medical care
- Protect your legal rights
- File a lawsuit, if necessary, to pursue your claim in court
Commentary from Gosuits Gurnee, Illinois Personal Injury Attorney
This rollover crash on the Tri-State Tollway in Gurnee highlights the potential for serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents, specifically those involving multiple vehicles and rollovers. Determining liability in these types of cases often requires a careful analysis of the circumstances leading up to the crash and a thorough understanding of Illinois traffic laws. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is recommended to seek legal guidance from a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
