Most Dangerous Intersections in Chicago

The most dangerous intersections in Chicago have certain similarities: multiple lanes, high traffic volume, and challenging angles that lead to blind spots.

If you’ve been in an auto accident at any of these high-risk intersections, our Chicago car accident injury attorneys are here to protect your legal rights. Contact us for a free case review about a personal injury lawsuit.

What Are the Most Dangerous Chicago Intersections?

While there was a 30% reduction in fatal car accidents in 2024, down from the record high in 2021, there were still 130 deaths and 1,896 serious injuries. However, certain intersections and neighborhoods pose unique dangers. There are three major hotspots for serious accidents on Chicago’s streets: the South Side, West Side, and Central Business District.

In 2025, CDOT identified the High Injury Network, a web of the riskiest Chicago intersections. Most of the city’s major streets are represented in this network, including the following.

Intersections With Chicago Ave

Chicago Ave from Halsted Street to DuSable Lake Shore Dr. runs through the River North, Streeterville, and Gold Coast neighborhoods. These areas have high pedestrian traffic because of the proximity to shopping districts, which leads to heightened risk.

One example is motorcyclist Darrin McCowan, 35, who was approaching the intersection between Chicago Avenue and Halsted. Timothy Kosogof, driving a Lexus, collided with McCowan, resulting in a fractured femur. McCowan was awarded $732,822.60 by the Cook County Circuit Court.

The crossing between South Chicago Avenue and 75th Street is another dangerous area, as it is adjacent to the Chicago Skyway. Limited visibility and distracted drivers can result in serious crashes.

Intersections With Fullerton Ave

Milwaukee Avenue from Kinzie to Logan Square is full of perilous intersections, but the crossing with Fullerton Avenue is especially risky. This intersection in the trendy design district is next to the Milwaukee-Fullerton Blue Line complex, meaning high pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

This area was the site of a serious intersection accident for Amhed Abdukadir, 25, a taxi driver. After passing west of the intersection, a church bus made a sudden lane change, making a right wide turn from the left lane. Abdukadir’s vehicle was hit on the driver’s side, leading to back, neck, and head injuries. He was awarded $67,349.01 by a jury.

Intersections With Cottage Grove Ave

East 75th St & South Cottage Grove Ave in Greater Grand Crossing is one of the most dangerous intersections in Chicago due to the heavy pedestrian traffic and proximity to the Kennedy Expressway. Inattentive drivers coming off the highway may fail to slow down, increasing the risk of car crashes.

One example of a serious car accident at this intersection is that of Gregory Marshall, 55, who was hit by a fire truck that ran a red light. While Marshall later claimed serious soft tissue injuries, he did not go to the hospital immediately and only sought emergency services later on. Under the Illinois Supreme Court case Baker v. Hudson, car crash victims who discontinue their medical treatment may be denied a settlement, which is unfortunately what happened in this case.

Intersections With Cicero Ave

The corridor between Archer Ave and 44th St on Cicero Ave stretches from Archer Heights and Back of the Yards on the South Side. This area is just south of the Stevenson Expressway, which may increase pedestrian risk due to speeding motorists.

Pizza driver Thomas Flannigan, 27, was driving northbound on Cicero Ave on the curb side. In the center lane, Kiritkumar Patel attempted to turn right into a parking lot without changing lanes. He struck Flannigan, who then suffered from sprains and strains in his cervical and lumbar spine. These injuries forced him to temporarily give up playing sports or going to the beach. He was awarded $19,497.56.

Intersections With Ashland Ave

Milwaukee/Ashland/Division is known as the Polonia Triangle and serves the Wicker Park and East Ukrainian Village neighborhoods. Due to blind spots and high pedestrian activity, this area is notorious for serious crashes.

Michelle Cole, 38, was driving northbound on Ashland Avenue when Aiyeola Olajide, a taxi driver, lost control of his cab. He crossed the median, slammed through plants, and hit Cole. She suffered a ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear to her right thumb, which kept her out of work for six weeks. A jury awarded her $28,924.51.

Intersections With Diversey Ave

Diversey & Clark/Broadway is a major junction in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, surrounded by hotels, shops, and restaurants. This area is also within walking distance of the lakeshore, leading to a higher risk of pedestrian accidents in the summer.

Anthony Luce, 30, was riding his bicycle along Diversey when Iurii Drapailo opened his car door. Luce slammed into the open door, flipped over the top of it, and landed in the street. Opening a door like this is against Illinois law, which requires motorists to check that the pathway is clear before exiting a vehicle (625 ILCS 5/11-1407). Luce received $10,500.00 in a settlement.

Intersections With Madison St

Western Avenue & Madison is a highly dangerous intersection because drivers are known to speed along Western Avenue. It’s also near the United Center, meaning heavy traffic from concertgoers.

Kim Assaley, 41, was riding her bike early in the morning in October, approaching this junction. She did not have lights on her bike and was wearing dark clothes. A Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream truck driven by Nicholas Pane was waiting to make a right turn at the red light when Assaley failed to stop her bike, leading to a crash. Assaley suffered injuries to her left foot. While she contended that someone else’s negligence caused the accident, a jury found her more than 51% responsible under Illinois’s modified contributory negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116).

Intersections With Ontario St

Ontario & Fairbanks in the Streeterville neighborhood is close to Northwestern University and Ohio Street Beach, making it highly popular with pedestrians. Unfortunately, this foot traffic can make it hard to avoid accidents.

Diane Schachner, 57, was walking in the crosswalk when a CTA bus turned left and struck her. She was pinned under the bus for 30 minutes until it could be hoisted off her, resulting in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as compound fractures of her leg. She settled with the CTA for $20,000,000.00.

Intersections With Dearborn St

Dearborn & Madison Street is in the heart of downtown Chicago, within walking distance of Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile. As such, it’s well-known for serious bike and pedestrian accidents.

Jason James, 34, was biking near this area when he struck an open cab door, resulting in a serious arm fracture that required multiple surgeries. He was awarded $137,838.00 to cover property damage, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Intersections With Cortland St

Cortland/Western/Winnebago is a challenging three-way Bucktown junction with one of the busiest streets in the city, surrounded by shops and restaurants. Drivers may fail to comply with the city’s 30 mph speed limit (9-12-070), as Western functions much like a terrestrial highway.

Jesus Palacios, 35, was an IT worker driving his motorcycle near this junction when a dip in the road caused him to fly off the bike. He broke his ankle and tore several ligaments. A jury sided with him against the City of Chicago under the Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/), awarding him $500,000.

Intersections With Martin Luther King Dr

Located in the Chatham neighborhood, Martin Luther King Dr & 79th Street is notorious as one of the most dangerous intersections in the city. Not only is MLK a busy throughway, but it’s also near Stony Island Avenue & 79th St, which is known for sharp corners and reckless driving.

Derrick Smith, 48, was driving along Martin Luther King when he was struck by a city bus that turned into his path of travel, striking his car. He suffered from spinal injuries that required several fusion surgeries. A jury awarded him $655,000.00.

CDOT Traffic Safety Efforts

The Chicago Department of Transportation announced that 2024 crash statistics were the lowest since 2012. Thanks to efforts like traffic calming measures and pedestrian islands, only 2% of all Chicago car crashes resulted in injury or death in 2024.

One of the largest reductions has been along Milwaukee between Ogden and Logan, with a 52% reduction in injuries or fatalities due to protected bike lanes and lower speed limits.

What to Do If You Get in a Car Accident at a Chicago Intersection

Seek Medical Attention

Visit the closest emergency room, such as UChicago Medicine. Ensure you request your medical records.

File a Police Report

File an auto accident report with the CPD, which your personal injury attorney can use as evidence.

Document Your Injuries and Expenses

Take photographs of your injuries and recovery process. Keep track of medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Do Not Speak to the Insurance Company

The company may attempt to lowball you or urge you to settle for a low sum. Do not make recorded statements or speak to them without an attorney present.

Contact a Chicago Car Crash Lawyer

Contact us immediately for a free initial consultation about your claim.

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

As members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we are renowned for securing Chicago car accident settlements well above the average.

$4,000,000: Steven was returning home from a work trip on I-90 when he was hit in a head-on collision. He died of blunt force trauma en route to the hospital.

$1,600,000: Rosa was rear-ended along Ashland Ave, causing a herniated lumbar disc that required fusion surgery.

$350,000: Marybeth was driving in Lincoln Park when a taxi made a left-hand turn into her car, resulting in a fractured leg.

Book a Free Consultation

Our Chicago motor vehicle accident injury attorneys have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are known for our compassionate approach to civil litigation.

We will support you through the legal process, help you explore your options, and handle third-party communications so you can focus on your recovery. As members of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, we have a 98% success rate in settlement negotiations and trials.

We work on a contingency fee basis: no fees unless we win. To schedule your free case review with a skilled auto crash attorney, contact us today.