Last updated: August 2026
Roundabouts are circular intersections designed to help traffic flow smoothly. In Chicago, you can find roundabouts where cars go around a central island instead of stopping at a traffic light or sign. While roundabouts are meant to improve traffic flow and safety, accidents can still happen there. Understanding why these accidents occur and learning how to stay safe while driving in roundabouts is important for all drivers in Chicago.
What Is a Roundabout?
A roundabout is a special kind of intersection where cars go around a circular center instead of stopping at a traffic light or sign.
How roundabouts work
When you approach a roundabout, you’ll see signs and arrows showing you which way to go. You yield to the cars already in the roundabout, and when it’s safe, you enter and drive around the center island until you reach your exit.
Types of roundabouts
Single-lane roundabouts have all traffic moving in a single lane; multi-lane roundabouts have separate lanes for different exits.
Common Causes of Roundabout Accidents
Speeding: Going too fast makes it hard to control the car through the curve, which can cause accidents.
Failure to yield: Drivers are supposed to wait for cars already in the roundabout before entering; not doing so causes crashes.
Distracted driving: Talking on the phone or texting can make a driver miss what’s happening in the roundabout.
Incorrect lane usage: Being in the wrong lane for your exit can mean a sudden, dangerous lane change.
Poor visibility: Bushes or signs blocking a driver’s view can mean they don’t notice other cars in time.
Types of Roundabout Accidents
Rear-end collisions
Happens when the car in front stops suddenly and the car behind doesn’t have enough time to stop.
Side-impact collisions
Also known as T-bone accidents, these happen when a driver doesn’t yield properly and enters the roundabout when it’s not safe, causing another car already in the roundabout to crash into its side.
Multi-vehicle accidents
One car causing an accident can trigger a chain reaction involving other cars already in the roundabout.
Understanding Roundabout Traffic Rules
Always yield to cars already in the circle before entering. Stay in the correct lane for your exit, right lane to turn right, left lane to go straight or turn left, and use your turn signal as you approach your exit, watching for pedestrians and other vehicles as you leave.
Preventing Roundabout Accidents
- Slow down as you approach, and be prepared to yield to traffic already in the circle.
- Follow the signs and arrows to know which lane to be in and which exit to take.
- Use your turn signals: right for the first exit, left for any other exit.
- Check your blind spots before changing lanes or exiting.
- Drive defensively, stay alert and ready to react to what other drivers do.
Are Roundabouts Actually Safer?
Yes, and the data on this is strong. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that converting a traditional signalized or stop-controlled intersection to a roundabout typically cuts injury crashes by 72-80% and fatal crashes by as much as 90%, because roundabouts force lower speeds and eliminate the high-speed, right-angle and head-on collisions that cause the worst injuries at conventional intersections. Roundabout crashes tend to be minor rear-end or side-swipe collisions rather than the severe T-bone and head-on crashes common at traffic-light intersections. That safety advantage only holds if drivers actually follow the yield and lane rules, most roundabout crashes still come down to someone failing to yield, speeding, or being in the wrong lane.
The Impact of Roundabout Accidents
Injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones, head injuries, or in serious cases, fatalities. Accidents also cause property damage to vehicles and roundabout infrastructure like signs or barriers, and can create traffic congestion while the scene is cleared.
Legal and Insurance Implications
Determining fault
Fault in a roundabout accident is determined the same way as any other crash: traffic laws, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene establish who failed to yield, was speeding, or otherwise caused the collision.
Insurance coverage
If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover your expenses. If you were at fault, your insurance covers the other driver’s. Coverage amounts depend on your specific policy.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Roundabout Accident
Check if anyone is hurt and call for help if needed. Move your car to a safe place if you can. Exchange information with the other driver, names, phone numbers, insurance details, and take photos of the scene and damage. Report the accident to police, even for a minor collision, since a police report matters for your insurance claim.
Why Hire a Lawyer for Roundabout Accidents in Chicago
A lawyer who knows how fault gets determined in roundabout cases specifically can help you understand your rights, negotiate for maximum compensation, and handle all communication with insurance companies so you don’t have to.
Contact Chicago Roundabout Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a roundabout car accident in Chicago, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced car accident attorney at Phillips Law Offices. Call us at (312) 346-4262 today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are roundabouts actually safer than regular intersections?
Yes. IIHS research shows converting an intersection to a roundabout typically reduces injury crashes by 72-80% and fatal crashes by up to 90%, since roundabouts force lower speeds and remove the high-speed collision angles that cause the worst injuries elsewhere.
What factors most often cause roundabout accidents?
Speeding, failure to yield, distracted driving, incorrect lane usage, and poor visibility are the leading causes, most roundabout crashes trace back to a driver breaking one of these basic rules.
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