Auto Accidents Could Increase After Coronavirus

Auto Accidents Could Increase After Coronavirus

Possibility Of More Traffic And Auto Accidents After COVID-19

Due to social distancing and fear of getting coronavirus, once the economy opens back up in Chicago there could be a significant increase in people using their cars to get to work instead of public transportation.  Local residents may be very hesitant to hop on a crowded L train or Metra in the near future. This could result in a significant increase in both traffic and car crashes. Here are some suggestions on how to avoid heavy traffic and collisions:

Consider Changing Your Commuting Schedule

Altering your transportation and work schedule could be a big help. While this isn't an option for everyone, offices with more flexible hours may allow you to start your workday early and end early, or start late and end late. Before the virus outbreak, I knew of many auto accident lawyers that would work from home until traffic died down and then head to the Loop later.  This could be an option for many, depending on your place of employment. There is also a chance that many employers may let people work from home moving forward. During the quarantine, some businesses are finding that working from home can be more effective and lead to increased productivity. Whether employers will let this continue remains to be seen.

Carpool and HOV Lanes

Carpooling to work and carpool lanes would help. If you are fortunate enough to have similar schedules and transportation routes as neighbors, this could be a great option. Besides doing your part to help reduce traffic, you would save significant money on both gas and parking. The cost to park in downtown Chicago is hundreds of dollars per month at most garages, and this price could increase over the coming year. Hopefully in the near future local government will encourage carpooling with designated carpool lanes (HOV lanes) on Chicago area expressways. An HOV lane is defined as a lane of traffic designated for buses and vehicles traveling with multiple occupants, often the far left lane marked with diamond shapes on the road. In some cities these lanes are only restricted during rush hour, typically 7 AM-9 AM and 4 PM-6 PM. Decreases in traffic would hopefully reduce collisions.

How To Protect Yourself In Case Of An Accident

Good auto insurance is a necessity. And when it comes to insurance, you get what you pay for, and if seriously injured in an accident having the right policy can save the day. When selecting auto insurance, don't trust a TV commercial. I recommend working with a good insurance broker will shop you around to multiple insurance carriers and give you guidance on what would work best for you based on price and protection. And if you really want to be safe, buy a high limits policy with full coverage. As an accident lawyer, I have seen it time and time again.  Someone gets hurt and cannot believe the shortfalls of the insurance policy they selected. Often drivers buy insurance not knowing anything about the company, only to find out later that they have an insurance carrier with a terrible reputation for being difficult and cheap, with very little coverage. And to add insult to injury, substandard insurance is sometimes just as expensive as the good companies. Have a crash kit in your vehicle.  These usually include:

• A first aid kit
• Safety flares, warning triangles or traffic cones
• Emergency contact information
• A cell phone charger
• A blanket

Legal Help During The Coronavirus Quarantine

Many law firms are open for business during the quarantine, including Abels & Annes, P.C.  If you've been injured in an accident, our attorneys are available 24/7 for free consultations by phone or video. Further, if you decide to move forward with your case, we can sign you up electronically. There is no in-person meeting necessary. Give us a call at 312-924-7575 or fill out a contact form on this webpage.

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Abels & Annes 100 N LaSalle St #1710 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 924-7575