Millennium Park is situated in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, and serves as a prominent cultural hub. The public park is home to the renowned Chicago Bean, also known as Cloud Gate, a reflective sculpture created by artist Anish Kapoor. The Chicago Bean is free to visit and draws millions of people to the city each year. The Chicago skyline reflected on the sculpture’s gleaming surface provides the perfect photo opp.

Besides the Chicago Bean, Millennium Park offers a diverse range of attractions, including captivating art installations, gardens, outdoor concerts and more. Not too far from the Chicago Bean is the Crown Fountain, a towering video sculpture that flashes images of city locals.

The park remains a center of activity throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy everything from live music and food festivals to art exhibitions and relaxing picnic days on the Great Lawn within its expansive landscape. The Summer Film Series, Chicago Jazz Festival and Chicago Gourmet are just some of the events held in this downtown oasis. Both Millennium Park and the Chicago Bean have become iconic city attractions, and rightly so.

Getting to the Chicago Bean and Millennium Park

Accessible via major thoroughfares and public transportation, including buses and trains, Millennium Park attracts a considerable influx of traffic. Regrettably, this means car accidents can occur, often involving other vehicles, rideshare services, buses and pedestrians. Visitors have several transportation options to choose from when deciding how to get to the Chicago Bean and Millennium Park.

• L train: The CTA orange, green, brown, purple and pink lines stop at Washington & Wabash.
• Metra train: Millennium Park is located directly above the Millennium Park Station at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, with access to the Metra Electric District and South Shore Line trains and the downtown pedway system.
• By car: Drivers can park at the Millennium Park Garage, Grant Park North, Grant Park South and East Monroe Garages.

While some people may take public transportation to Millennium Park, others prefer to drive. Given the park’s popularity, there is often a lot of traffic in the area, which increases the risk of dangerous car accidents. The roads get congested particularly when there are events happening in the park like music festivals or concerts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found an overall increase in traffic-related deaths in recent years over a 20-year period. There were at least 35 motor vehicle fatalities in Chicago during the first quarter of 2022.

How Car Accidents Occur Near Millennium Park

There are many ways a car accident can occur in the vibrant downtown area around Millennium Park, given the diversity of activities and attractions in the area. Driver negligence can occur after a night of barhopping, dining out at a restaurant or spending hours at an event.

Weekends in particular see a larger number of people out and about enjoying all that the city has to offer, and the accident data reflects that. The majority of Chicago traffic collisions occurred on Fridays and Saturdays in 2021, with 16,134 and 15,369 crashes, respectively.

Millennium Park is home to various restaurants including pizzeria Napolita and Casa Bonita, which serves Mexican fare. The Double Clutch Brewing Company is known for its beer garden. Drunk driving accidents can occur when drivers get behind the wheel of a car after having too much alcohol. Driving under the influence leads to slower reaction times and impaired judgment.

Distracted driving is another common cause of car accidents. With the bustling nature of the area, distractions such as texting, using GPS navigation or engaging in conversations while driving can divert a motorist’s attention, leading to crashes. After a long day spent attending a concert or festival, fatigued drivers may nod off at the wheel, heightening the risk of serious collisions due to drowsy driving.

The traffic around Millennium Park can be frustrating to deal with, giving rise to reckless driving. Negligent drivers may engage in speeding or aggressive driving behavior. Speeding was a factor in nearly 32 percent of Illinois crashes in 2021.

The congestion may also lead to instances of drivers failing to yield the right of way, resulting in collisions at busy intersections. Additionally, Chicago’s unpredictable weather, including snow, rain and fog, can reduce visibility and create slippery road conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Typical Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents in and around the Chicago Bean and Millennium Park can result in a spectrum of injuries, varying from minor bruises to severe fractures. In 2021, there were 295,604 motor vehicle crashes in Illinois, of which around 20.6 percent resulted in injuries.

Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, are not uncommon in high-impact collisions. Common types of injuries include:

• Lacerations and road rash
• Whiplash, which can lead to neck and back strains
• Soft tissue injuries resulting in muscle sprains and strains
• Fractures in the arms, legs and ribs
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries ranging from concussions to severe head trauma

Car accident injuries can have long-term implications, affecting one’s quality of life and finances. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention following a Millennium Park car accident, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent and could worsen without prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you have been injured in a car accident, you have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.

Statute of Limitations for Millennium Park Car Accident Cases

In Chicago, the statute of limitations for personal injury car accident cases is typically two years from the date of the crash. If you are involved in a collision, it is crucial to be mindful of this time constraint in seeking legal recourse.

If you have been injured in a car accident by the Chicago Bean or Millennium Park, contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg right away. Our experienced car accident attorneys will make sure you do not miss any deadlines for filing your claim for compensation.

FAQs About Car Accidents by Chicago Bean and Millennium Park

What is the process for a car accident involving a rideshare driver?

Many people enjoy the convenience of being dropped off or picked up by rideshare vehicles in the Millennium Park area. If you are injured in a car accident that involves an Uber or Lyft driver in Chicago, you may be eligible for compensation. The laws concerning rideshare accidents can be complex due to the nature of the insurance coverage available.

In most cases, Uber or Lyft cannot be held accountable for a driver’s actions since rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. Nevertheless, it is still possible to pursue a personal injury claim against the individual rideshare driver. Different insurance policies apply depending on the driver’s status during the time of the crash, such as whether the driver was on duty or transporting a passenger.

Taking these steps after a car accident involving a rideshare driver can help protect your right to seek damages:

• Notify the authorities: Regardless of how severe the collision is, contacting the police is essential. Promptly alerting the authorities officially documents the incident and may serve as crucial evidence for your claim.
• Seek medical attention: Your wellbeing is of utmost importance after a crash. Even seemingly minor injuries should be thoroughly examined by a doctor. Additionally, seeking medical care can also help you document the severity of your injuries.
• Collect evidence: If possible, use your smartphone to capture the accident scene with photos. Visual documentation can be invaluable, especially if these images serve as the only tangible proof of the accident.
• Consult a lawyer: Navigating the legal process of obtaining financial compensation after a rideshare accident in Chicago can be complicated. An experienced Chicago car accident attorney will gather essential documentation, communicate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate your claim.

What is the process for a car accident involving a pedestrian?

Millennium Park and its surrounding areas are popular among pedestrians due to the green spaces, beautiful scenery and various attractions. Unfortunately, pedestrians are exposed to the risk of car accidents. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago had 2,045 pedestrian accidents in 2021.

In the unfortunate event of a crash between a car and a pedestrian, ensuring the safety and well-being of the pedestrian is paramount. When a person is struck by a large vehicle, they are likely to suffer severe injuries.

Pedestrians have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Just like any other crash scenario, it is essential to follow these basic steps:

• Seek medical attention
• Notify authorities about the collision
• Gather evidence at the accident scene
• Obtain the driver’s insurance information
• Get the contact details of eyewitnesses
• Contact an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer

Compensation is available based on each party’s degree of fault for the accident, according to Illinois’ modified comparative negligence laws. A lawyer can help the crash victim file a personal injury claim to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress and other costs.

What is the process if a car and bus collide?

Unfortunately, car accidents involving Chicago Transit Authority buses are not uncommon. In addition to CTA buses, other types of buses such as sightseeing buses and airport shuttles may be involved in crashes. About 2,474 collisions in 2021 involved various buses, other than a school bus.

Such collisions can occur due to driver fatigue, speeding, vehicle maintenance issues or improper operation. There are often multiple victims involved, including bus passengers, car occupants and drivers.

Injured victims have a right to sue for damages. When an accident occurs between a car and a bus, the case can get complex due to the involvement of public transportation authorities. In such circumstances, it is important to consult an experienced Chicago car accident attorney who understands the regulations governing the city’s public transportation and how to handle a case that involves multiple parties.

How do I know which type of attorney to hire?

The attorney you choose to handle your Millennium Park car accident case can make all the difference to the amount of compensation you receive and how smoothly your case proceeds. When hiring a lawyer, you should make sure they have specific experience handling Chicago car accident cases.

Other qualities to look for in a lawyer are responsiveness, communication and dedication to advocating for your rights. Many attorneys make big promises but are unable to deliver satisfactory results.

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we have a track record of successful case outcomes. Our team of seasoned Chicago car accident lawyers has skillfully handled all types of car accident cases for our clients. With our law firm in your corner, you are guaranteed attentive service and a compassionate legal representative. We tirelessly strive to exceed our clients’ expectations and obtain maximum compensation for them.

Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

When you need a trusted lawyer advocating on your behalf, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is the answer. If you have been injured in a car accident near the Chicago Bean or Millennium Park, you may be eligible for compensation. We know the devastating toll a crash can take and how it can turn your life upside down. Our law firm is here to help you through the difficult aftermath of a Chicago car accident.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer will advise you on your legal options and answer your questions.