Accidents are the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind only heart disease and cancer. According to the CDC, more than 222,000 Americans died from unintentional injuries in 2023. That means almost 1 in 16 deaths was linked to an accident that could often have been prevented.
In Illinois, the Department of Public Health tracks similar trends. Falls, motor vehicle crashes, and poisonings consistently rank among the leading causes of injury hospitalizations and deaths statewide. Older adults are especially vulnerable, with fall-related hospitalizations rising sharply in recent years.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in an accident in Illinois, it’s essential to know how these numbers translate into real-world legal rights.
What Types of Accidents Cause the Most Harm?
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults nationwide. In 2023, 47,000 fall-related deaths were reported. In Illinois, falls are one of the top causes of injury hospitalizations, especially in those aged 65 and older. A slip on an icy walkway, a broken stair in an apartment complex, or a poorly lit store aisle can all lead to catastrophic injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Crashes remain a top source of unintentional injury. Nationally, motor vehicle collisions caused over 43,000 deaths in 2023. In Illinois, traffic accidents regularly rank among the top causes of unintentional injury. Negligent drivers, defective auto parts, or poor vehicle maintenance can all create liability.
Poisoning and Overdose
Unintentional poisoning—most often linked to drug overdoses—is now the single largest category of preventable death in the U.S., causing over 100,000 deaths in 2023. Illinois has not been immune to this trend, with opioid overdoses driving a large share of poisoning deaths statewide.
Other Categories
While less frequent, other types of unintentional injuries still take a toll, including:
- Drownings (especially among children)
- Fire and burn injuries
- Accidental shootings
- Suffocation or choking incidents
Who Is Liable for an Accidental Injury?
Unintentional injuries may be referred to as “accidents,” but many are preventable. Under Illinois law, a party that fails to act with reasonable care can be held legally responsible. Liability often depends on the type of incident:
- Falls — Property owners and managers must keep premises reasonably safe and warn of hazards.
- Motor vehicle crashes — Negligent drivers, trucking companies, or even automakers may share liability.
- Poisonings or overdoses — Liability may involve negligent prescribing doctors, pharmacies, or product manufacturers.
- Workplace injuries — Typically handled through workers’ compensation, but third-party claims may also apply.
Establishing liability requires showing that someone owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused harm as a result.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Accident Cases
Accident statistics tell only part of the story. Behind every number is a person or family dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. Insurance companies may try to downplay injuries or argue that an accident was unavoidable.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident and identify all liable parties
- Preserve and analyze medical and accident records
- Work with experts to connect negligence to injury
- Negotiate fair compensation or pursue a lawsuit if needed
At Stein & Shulman, we know how to use evidence and expert analysis to hold negligent parties accountable.
Turning Statistics Into Action
Accidents and unintentional injuries may seem like an inevitable part of life, but many are preventable—and can be legally actionable. From falls and car crashes to poisonings and workplace incidents, victims have the right to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence caused their harm.
If you or a loved one suffered an unintentional injury in Chicago, Northbrook, or anywhere in Illinois, contact Stein & Shulman today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
