Car Accidents at the Airport

O’Hare International Airport is extremely busy. In fact, it is ranked the 6th busiest airport in the world according to Civil Aviation Data. Whiloe surrounding, smaller Illinois airports may not be among the most crowded on the planet, they can get quite busy as well. With countless passengers being dropped off and picked up every year, the traffic going into and out of airports can be dangerous if drivers are not careful. If you were harmed in a car accident at the airport, our Wheaton and Schaumburg car accident attorneys are ready to help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.

Car Accidents at the Airport

Driving into the airport can present a number of challenges. Firstly, it can be confusing to know where to go and drivers may have a hard time reading the signs and driving at the same time. Secondly, the traffic congestion can be difficult to navigate with buses, shuttles and vehicles stopping numerous times in passenger drop-off areas. Lastly, not only do drivers have to watch out for other vehicles, they must also be vigilant of pedestrians who are getting in and out of cars as well as people hauling their luggage from the parking garage to the terminal. In addition to these challenges, drivers may be worried about missing their flight or being late to pick someone up, which can add an element of distraction behind the wheel, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

Seeking Compensation for Airport Car Accidents

Car accidents at the airport can lead to serious and long-term injuries. If you or a family member has been hurt in an accident at the airport due to another driver’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation for your harm. Negligence takes place when a driver’s conduct falls below the ordinary and generally accepted standard of care, thereby causing an accident and injury to another. Put another way, this standard of care refers to the level of care that a reasonably prudent person behind the wheel would have used in the same or a similar situation. For example, a reasonably prudent driver at the airport would not speed, understanding that there are pedestrians everywhere and that vehicles are constantly stopping to let passengers out or pick passengers up. As such, a driver who causes an auto accident by striking a shuttle or hitting a pedestrian due to speeding would likely be deemed negligent. They could then be held responsible for any resulting harm because a reasonably prudent driver would not have sped in the first place, because the risk of accidents associated with such conduct was foreseeable.

Compensation for an Airport Car Accident

Once negligence is established, the victim of an airport car accident may be able to recover a variety of damages, and a seasoned injury lawyer can help. Common examples of such damages include, but are not limited to:

• Medical bills: Depending on the severity of the injury, medical bills can cost a small fortune. Thankfully, Illinois law allows accident victims to recover present and future medical expenses, including amounts for doctor’s visits, surgery costs, therapy costs and medication costs.
• Pain and suffering: Being involved in a car accident can be both stressful and traumatic. In some cases, you may be able to obtain compensation for intangible losses such as pain and suffering.
• Lost income and benefits: Being injured in a car accident can often mean missing time from work. In some cases, an accident victim might be unable to work for an extended period of time or not be able to work at all. In such cases, we will pursue compensation for any income you lost or might lose in the future as a result of the accident.

Skilled Wheaton and Schaumburg Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a car accident at the airport in Illinois, we can help you pursue the damages you may be entitled to. At Therman Law Offices, our Wheaton and Schaumburg lawyers have years of experience representing people who have been injured by negligent drivers at the airport and in other settings. We will thoroughly evaluate the facts of your case and can create a customized legal strategy accordingly. We proudly serve clients from areas including Arlington Heights, Streamwood, Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Wood Dale, and Roselle. For a free consultation regarding your case, please call us at 312-588-1900 or contact us online.