Car accidents impact thousands of people every year, and the area surrounding Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is no exception. With heavy traffic on major expressways like I-90 and I-294, complex airport access roads, rideshare pickup zones, and constant vehicle movement around terminals, collisions are unfortunately common. In this blog, we’ll explore accident statistics near O’Hare, contributing factors, real local examples, legal insights, and what to do if you or a loved one is involved in a crash.
Understanding Crash Trends in the Chicago Area
Before diving into specifics near O’Hare, it helps to understand broader traffic crash trends in Chicago and Illinois:
- Overall, Chicago has seen steady increases in reported crashes, with approximately 106,589 reported collisions in 2023, up from earlier in the decade.
- Fatal crashes nationally often involve speed or reckless behavior, and motor vehicle collisions remain a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S. (e.g., traffic collisions account for significant accidental deaths nationally).
Illinois traffic safety data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is regularly analyzed to support engineering and enforcement strategies, underscoring how vital localized crash data is for improvements.
Car Accident Hotspots Around O’Hare International Airport
Although statewide data is useful, certain roadways near O’Hare see disproportionately high traffic volumes and, in turn, more collisions.
Key areas include:
- Interstate 90 (Kennedy Expressway)
This major artery leading to the airport often experiences congestion, high speeds, and construction zones, all conditions that contribute to collisions. One reported example involved a fatal crash when a vehicle struck a construction truck near Cumberland Avenue on I-90 in the O’Hare vicinity. - Expressway Ramps & Airport Access Roads
Collisions on exit and entrance ramps near O’Hare can cause major delays and injuries. Emergency responders are frequently called to such incidents, including a crash on the Tri-State Tollway’s ramp to I-190, causing traffic disruptions near the airport. - Airport Service Roads & Parking Areas
Even within designated lots and service roads, accidents occur. Drivers and rideshare vehicles have reported minor crashes and altercations due to congestion and lot layout, illustrating that accidents are not limited to highways alone.
Local Incidents Near O’Hare: Recent Examples
The following examples show real collisions in the O’Hare area, illustrating the types of accidents that local drivers encounter:
- Four Injured in Airport Area Crash: On December 1, 2025, local reports detailed a crash on O’Hare’s airfield at W. O’Hare Ave. that injured four people.
- Fatal Crash Near O’Hare International Airport: A fatal collision was reported near 10,000 W. O’Hare Ave. on January 1, 2026, underlining the severity that these accidents can reach.
These incidents highlight how crashes near major transportation hubs can involve serious injuries or loss of life, even when they don’t make national headlines.
Why Do Accidents Happen Near O’Hare?
Several factors contribute to the accident risk near major airports like O’Hare:
- Heavy Traffic Volume
O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., handling tens of millions of passengers annually, which translates to massive vehicle flows around access points, expressways, and local streets.
- Complex Road & Traffic Patterns
Drivers unfamiliar with airport access roads or merging patterns often make sudden maneuvers that can lead to collisions. Interchanges around I-90, I-294, and I-190 require careful navigation.
- Weather Conditions
Snow, ice, and rain common in the Chicago area during winter can make roads slick, increasing crash risk. In one winter storm event, Illinois State Police reported nearly 500 auto crashes in the broader Chicago area with 66 involving injuries on a single snowy day, some of which impacted travel to and from O’Hare.
- Congested Rideshare & Parking Zones
Designated pick-up and drop-off areas for rideshare services often jam with vehicles, and drivers have reported minor crashes and conflicts due to congestion.
The Human and Financial Cost of Auto Collisions
Car accidents don’t just inconvenience commuters, they can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial harm, including:
- Injuries: Whiplash, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage
- Medical Expenses: Immediate and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost Wages: Time out of work due to injury or recovery
- Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, stress, and long-term psychological impact
These outcomes make it essential for accident victims to understand their rights, especially when another driver’s negligence contributes to the incident.
Legal Perspective: Insights from John J. Malm
John J. Malm, an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney with decades of litigation experience, often emphasizes the importance of accountability after a crash:
“Accidents on busy expressways or near major traffic hubs are more than statistics, they represent families disrupted, injuries that can change lives, and recoverable legal rights if negligence played a role.”
How to Protect Yourself After an O’Hare Area Accident
If you are involved in a crash near O’Hare, consider the following steps:
- Stay Safe First: Check for injuries and, if needed, call 911 immediately.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and crash location.
- Speak to Witnesses: Collect contact info from anyone who saw the collision.
- Report to Police: An official accident report can be important for legal claims.
- Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, prompt exams protect your health and your claim.
- Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer: Our Chicago personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents Near O’Hare
Q: Are car accidents near O’Hare more common than elsewhere in Chicago?
A: Expressways and major access points near airports are high-traffic areas, which statistically see more collisions than quieter local streets due to volume and complexity of road movements.
Q: What should I do if I’m hurt in an O’Hare area crash?
A: Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene, exchange information with other parties, and contact an experienced car accident attorney.
Q: Can I get compensation if the accident wasn’t my fault?
A: Yes, if another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Q: Does weather affect crash risk near O’Hare?
A: Absolutely. Snow, ice, and rain can create hazardous conditions and have been linked to hundreds of auto crashes during intense weather events in the Chicago area.
Contact the Dedicated Chicago Car Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates
Car accidents near major transit hubs like Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport are unfortunately a reality for many drivers and passengers. Between heavy traffic, complex roadways, weather impacts, and congestion around rideshare zones and expressways, the risk of collision is ever-present.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash near O’Hare, whether on I-90, an airport access road, or local streets nearby, you deserve skilled legal representation to protect your rights. Contact our firm today for a free consultation. Don’t face insurance companies or legal challenges alone. Let our experienced team fight for the compensation you deserve. Call now and make your first step toward justice and peace of mind.