Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

CarmiTimes recently reported about an Illinois car accident involving a drunk driver. A seven-year-old pedestrian was involved in the Lawrence County car accident. The driver, who was intoxicated and later charged with driving under the influence, had hit the child while he was on his bicycle, and the bicycle accidently went into the traffic lane. The accident lead to a pedestrian fatality of the seven-year-old child. The negligent driver involved in the Illinois car accident was not only charged with an aggravated driving under the influence, but also endangering the life of a child, failure to slow down in order to avoid an accident, and inability of driver to exercise due care, the CarmiTimes stated. The driver is in the custody of the county and currently in jail. The Illinois State Police, along with the county’s sheriff’s department are cooperating together to further investigate the Illinois car accident.

According to Illinois Drunk Driving Statistics in 2008, 35% of all traffic fatalities involved driving under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving is completely avoidable and preventable.

People who are injured in car accidents, including those involving driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can potentially file lawsuits against the negligent driver. The cases may include wrongful death, personal injury, or pedestrian accidents. The victims or loved ones of the persons involved in these cases may have to deal with grief, expensive medical bills, doctor’s appointments and surgeries that can become unbearable and costly. Filing a lawsuit may result in compensation for their lost wages. Furthermore our Illinois injury attorneys have handled many cases of this nature successfully, and may be able to help a victim or the victim’s family members obtain justice and help them grieve.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers continue to draw attention to the severity and possible consequences that drunk driving results in. Too prevent these accidents, involving intoxicated drivers, we strongly support the message that no one should ever operate a motor vehicle while they have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

According to a recent survey recounted by Consumer Reports, a new driving hazard has surfaced: driving with dogs. The surveyors, AAA and Kurgo, questioned 1,000 dog owners who drive with their dogs often. Out of these 1,000 dog owners, the survey reported that over half of the dog owners agreed that driving with their pets in the car is their number one distraction. Driving with dogs in the car encourage behaviors such as petting the dog, having the dog sit in the driver’s lap, using their arms to hold the pet stable while braking or to avoid crawling up towards the driver’s seat, or giving them treats while operating the vehicle. Driving Distracted reports a U.S. Department of Transportation survey that states 20% of Illinois car accident injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracteddriving.

Corresponding with the recent outbreak of dog driving distractions, a recent car crash accident involving two families, and a search for a DVD within the car, resulted in three fatalities.

ABCNews reported an accident involving to families driving in their own cars, on the same road, in different directions. One family, a husband, wife, and child were distracted when looking for a DVD in the car. The husband, who was operating the car, swerved into the other lane and hit the family opposite them. The wife in the car of the distracted driver died in the collision. In the opposite car, both the husband and wife had died in the collision, with their three small children in the back seat. The two eldest children had several serious spinal injuries, while the youngest had broken bones. While becoming distracted is easy, it can have serious consequences on the road. In this case, resulting in a negligent driver responsible for the death of his wife and the parents of three small children.

This case had touched many people nation wide and has helped many understand the severity of driving distracted. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Sean “Diddy” Combs have become involved with the issue, using Twitter and social media to spread the message. They have also continued to support the orphaned children and raising awareness for the issue distracted driving poses.

Driving distracted is a serious issue that faces drivers today. It is easy to become distracted while driving with a pet, or simply looking for a DVD, however it is also easy to pull the car over to secure the pet or find the DVD. Continuing to do these activities can lead to pedestrian fatalities, wrongful death, and serious injuries that can last a lifetime.

Continue reading " Dogs and DVDs: Distractions That May Lead to Illinois Car Accidents " »

The Daily Herald recently reported a disastrous hit and run accident that occurred in Lake Zurich. The Illinois car accident seriously injured two teenage pedestrians, and led to a fatality of a young Lake Zurich woman. The three teenage pedestrians were struck from behind by the automobile while walking on the shoulder of a local street, across from the village’s high school. The motor vehicle has yet to be found, however police continue searching for leads related to the accident.

After the tragic wrongful death accident, the Village of Lake Zurich has begun discussing ways to avoid these accidents in the future. Due to the location of the school, many kids are often on the same street where the accident had occurred, a street that has no sidewalks. In addition to the traffic light at the entrance of the school, which will be installed in 2013, the village continues to consider new ideas to prevent this type of accident from repeating itself.

Pedestrian automobile accidents are extremely serious and not to be taken lightly. Although it is important that the village take action to prevent these types of accidents in general, it is dually important that drivers on the road do their job to prevent these types of accidents as well. Often these accidents are a result of distracted driving where the operator of the car is not focused on the road. In any type of accident, it is unlawful for the operator of one or any of the participating vehicles to flee the scene.

Our Chicago accident lawyers know that the majority of families associated with accidents of this nature feel unease and unrest. Families of the pedestrians injured or killed most likely deal with an immense amount of grief, and their lives are altered by the current physical state of their loved ones. Medical attention, necessary surgeries, and physical rehabilitation can be necessary and costly for the families. Families of wrongful deaths can feel an unbearable weight, and while legal action in wrongful death accidents will not alter the past, it can help bring peace of mind and justice.

Continue reading " Pedestrian Fatality and Injuries in Lake Zurich Hit and Run " »

A husband and wife who were both injured in a crash have filed an accident lawsuit in St. Clair County. According to the Madison-St. Clair Record, the couple sustained serious personal injuries when another driver rear-ended them while their vehicle was stopped at an intersection. An Illinois car accident lawyer filed the complaint on their behalf, asking for over $100,000 in damages to compensate the victims for lost wages and medical bills.

According to the report, the accident was a result of the defendant driver’s failure to stop at the intersection or obey the red light. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers frequently read about and represent clients in similar cases. In Illinois, any driver operating a car, truck, bicycle or any other type of vehicle must use reasonable care when operating their vehicle and strictly follow all signs, lights, and road markings accordingly. Lawsuits are often filed in cases where drivers run stoplights or stop signs, or travel in the wrong direction. This can happen for many reasons, but often it’s a result of:

• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Text-messaging or talking on the phone
• Intoxication

No matter the circumstances, anytime a driver fails to operate his or her vehicle with reasonable care and another person is injured or killed, the negligent party should be ordered to compensate the victim for damages.

Some car accidents may result in property damage. However, we typically handle cases where someone has suffered significant injury, disability or death in a crash. Along with the injury itself, these accidents can have long-term consequences on the victim and his or her family. For instance, if someone is seriously injured, they must undergo a significant amount of medical care and treatment. Doctor visits, medications, hospital stays, therapy and so forth can quickly add up, leaving the victim or family with thousands of dollars in medical bills. A car accident victim’s recovery can take months or years, and even then the victim may be faced with permanent disabilities. Additionally, when someone is severely injured, they might not be able to work or earn wages. Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits cannot change what happened, but they can help victims receive compensation while holding wrongdoers responsible.

Continue reading " Injured Victims File Lawsuit in St. Clair County Crash " »

Recently, the Belleville News Democrat reported on a tragic Illinois car accident that seriously injured three individuals and resulted in the fatality of a Madison County woman. The single car accident occurred near the intersection of Interstate 255 and 270. Reports state that the car began drifting off to the right side of the road when the driver tried to overcorrect it – ultimately causing the car to cross both lanes of traffic. The car struck the guardrail causing the vehicle to flip and roll over numerous times. One of the passengers was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The other three individuals sustained severe injuries and were transported to the nearby hospital. While the accident is still under investigation, it was affirmed that two of the passengers were not wearing their seatbelts.

An Illinois car accident can prove to be serious and life threatening, especially if the driver or passenger is not wearing their safety belt. Even though seatbelt use is seemingly on the rise, due to rigorously enforcement programs – like Illinois’s “click it or ticket,” many injuries and fatalities continue to result from failure to buckle up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that individuals ages 18-34 are far less likely to wear a seatbelt, even though seat belts reduce serious injuries and fatalities by 50%. It is highly recommended that everyone (drivers and passengers alike) buckle up, even if you are just going on a short trip.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys strongly advocate for safe driving practices. This includes buckling up every time you are in a vehicle, refraining from cell phone use during vehicle operation, never drinking and driving, in addition to, always paying attention to traffic. Too many lives have been lost due to unsafe or careless driving. If you or someone who know has been seriously injured in a car accident at the hands of a negligent or careless driver, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages you have incurred.

Chicago car accident lawyers applaud Justin Bieber’s participation in the fight against texting while driving. According to AOL Autos, the young pop-star has paired with Phone Guard to promote the company’s new Drive Safe software application. Drive Safe would disable a phone’s text and email capabilities if the vehicle is going over 10 miles per hour. Bieber told AOL Autos, "As a 17-year-old driver, I am aware of the countless distractions that we teenagers face on the road, and texting is one that is preventable."

Bieber’s anti-texting while driving campaign comes in tandem with the Alex Brown Foundation and Oprah’s No-Phone Zone pledge. Alex Brown was a teen who died in a single car accident during her senior year in high school. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. She was simply texting while driving. In the weeks prior to her fatal crash, she had sent and received over 10,000 text messages. Her story is now the basis for a foundation created to warn others about the dangers of distracted driving. Illinois auto-accident lawyers remember Alex Brown and hope that others will practice safe driving tips in Chicago and across the nation.

Oprah has also started her own campaign against texting while driving. Her No-Phone Zone pledge campaign has received nationwide support. According to O, The Oprah Magazine, texting is one of the most popular ways to communicate. People under the age of 45 receive and send three times more texts than calls to their cell phones. Around the year 2009, about 75 billion text messages are sent every month. However, a neuroscientist at Vanderbilt University has cautioned against the use of text messaging while driving. “"The human brain isn't equipped to concentrate on two things simultaneously,” he told the magazine. In his research, the neuroscientist has found physical evidence to show that texting while driving is unsafe. He concluded that when a person does two mental tasks at the same time, the brain slows down a person’s reaction time. "Despite employing 100 billion neurons to process information at rates as high as 1,000 times a second, the human brain has a crippling inability to do two tasks at once." He explained to O.

Even social experts caution the public about the disconnection between presence and the person texting. An Assistant professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan reported to the magazine that "people disengage, or pay more attention to the person on the phone than to the people who are physically present."

Continue reading " Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Applaud Efforts to Reduce Texting While Driving " »

A Chicago area car collision with a Metra train claimed the lives of two elderly women from Tinley Park. The Chicago Tribune reports that the deadly accident occurred when their vehicle crashed through warning gates and ran into the side of the Metra Rock Island Line train headed towards Chicago. The car was drug by the fast moving train for several hundred feet before coming to a stop. Emergency responders commented on the severity of the accident, noting that it was one of the worst car-train accidents in the area in recent times.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are still unknown. According to the report, Metra will perform a detailed investigation to ensure that the train and all safety warning signals and devices were properly working at the time of the crash. They can gather much of this information through the train’s event recorder, similar to a black box on an airplane.

Chicago train accidents are a common occurrence due to the large number of trains operating in our area. In addition to freight trains, our rail lines also transport travelers, locals and commuters through the Amtrak and Metra lines, and CTA. Because of this large volume of rail traffic, accidents are inevitable, but our Chicago personal injury attorneys know that many of the crashes between vehicles and trains are avoidable.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s most recent statistics on train crashes, in 2009, 11 people were killed in accidents involving trains and cars, and 30 more were injured. Drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should always operate with caution when approaching or crossing a railroad track. Trains are fast moving, and accidents are often caused because of driver negligence or impatience. Many people believe they can beat a train by crossing in front before the train approaches. This dangerous practice leads to a number of serious collisions. Additionally, some drivers miss or ignore signals altogether, especially at crossings where a mechanical gates do not exist.

As with any system, from time to time train signal systems malfunction or do not work properly. This could lead to warning lights or gates not working at a train crossing. When this occurs and a vehicle collides with a moving train, the consequences can be deadly. In cases like this where warning signals are defective, injured victims and the families of those wrongfully killed can take legal action against the entities that own and operate the railways to hold wrongdoers accountable.

From the reports out right now, it sounds like this tragic accident could be a case of driver error, however the true facts of the case will not be known until a full investigation is completed. Whatever the cause, our Chicago accident lawyers hope that this accident serves as a warning to all drivers to pay careful attention and always practice safe driving when operating your vehicle around Illinois’ rail lines.

An Illinois car accident lawyer has filed a lawsuit in St. Clair County on behalf of a woman who was injured in a crash causing by an alleged drunk driver. According to a report in the Madison St. Clair Record, the woman suffered a number of injuries in the crash. She is seeking over $50,000 in compensation for medical bills, her inability to work at her job and pain and suffering.

The report states that the car accident in Shiloh, Illinois occurred when the defendant driver failed to yield and struck the plaintiff’s vehicle. The lawsuit alleges that the defendant failed to maintain a safe distance between vehicles, did not keep a proper lookout, was speeding and failed to lower his speed. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that the negligent driver was intoxicated at the time of the collision.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers hear reports daily of people who have been injured or die as a result of another driver’s carelessness. According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s 2011 DUI Fact Book, in 2009 over 45,900 DUI arrests were made, but unfortunately 309 people were killed by a drunk driver. Additionally, the fact book notes that DUI accident deaths account for 36% of all accident fatalities in Illinois. With statistics like these, we feel that it is important to continue to raise awareness surrounding the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.

We have represented a number of individuals who have been seriously injured and families who have lost loved ones in alcohol-related car and truck accidents. Most recently, we filed a Chicago personal injury lawsuit on behalf of a man who was run down by an intoxicated city worker while standing on a sidewalk. Last year, we recovered a $6.5 million settlement for a family who lost a 32-year-old wife and mother when a semi-truck driver crashed into their vehicle. The truck driver was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash and was in possession of drug paraphernalia.

In both cases, our clients injuries and losses could have been prevented had the defendants not made the reckless decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Although an Illinois accident lawsuit will never make up for the loss of a loved one or someone’s life-changing injuries, these types of legal actions can ensure that wrongdoers are held responsible for their reckless conduct.

Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys recently read with interest a report titled Dangerous by Design released by Transportation for America. The report ranks Illinois the 27th most dangerous state in the U.S., and the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet metro area 38th most dangerous in the U.S. for pedestrians. The report highlights the growing issues surrounding pedestrian accidents throughout the country, noting that although pedestrian deaths account for 12% of traffic-related deaths, little has been done to increase pedestrian safety.

The report calls for more attention to the problems and funding increases to create safer roadways for pedestrians. This funding could be used to improve our nation’s sidewalks, trails and crosswalks to create a safer environment for people on foot. The full report can be viewed on Transportation for America’s website.

Far too often, we do not consider the dangers that surround us as we walk to our homes, work, and for entertainment purposes. However, throughout our practice, our Chicago personal injury lawyers have represented a number of injured victims and the families of people who have been wrongfully killed in Illinois pedestrian accidents.

Like other traffic-related accidents, pedestrian accidents can occur under many different circumstances. Sometimes it is a driver who is at fault. In other instances, the pedestrian themself is to blame for disobeying or ignoring traffic signals or due to distractions such as iPods and cell phones. When a driver is responsible for a pedestrian's injuries or death, the victim or his or her family can file a pedestrian accident lawsuit to recover damages and hold all wrongdoers accountable.

Since 1992, we have helped a number of individuals and families in pedestrian accident cases. Most recently, we filed a lawsuit on behalf of a young man who was severely injured while standing on a sidewalk in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. He was hit by a City of Chicago worker who was driving under the influence of alcohol.

We have recovered a number of million dollar settlements in pedestrian accident lawsuits, including a $10 million settlement for a young boy who lost his leg and half his pelvis when he was run over by a City of Chicago Fire Department truck, a $1.25 million pedestrian accident settlement for a 50-year-old hit by a bus at a crosswalk, a $1.25 million pedestrian accident settlement for a woman who was struck and required a right leg amputation, and a $900,000 settlement for a pedestrian with disabilities who was struck suffered leg fractures when he was hit by a truck.

We support Transportation for America’s mission to push for safer environments for pedestrians and hope that the organization’s efforts will help to reduce the number of people seriously injured or killed in pedestrian accidents in Illinois and throughout the country.

The Chicago Tribune reported on a Chicago car accident the occurred earlier this morning. At around 1:30 a.m. a pickup truck collided with an SUV in the Little Village neighborhood. The 21 year old driver of the pickup truck carrying two passengers struck the oncoming SUV carrying one other passenger, ultimately causing both cars to rollover -- according to NBCChicago.com. Emergency medical crew immediately arrived at the scene to assist the five injured passengers.

Of all the five injured individuals, the drivers of both vehicles sustained the most severe injuries. The two female passengers of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries and the passenger of the SUV was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. It was later revealed that the 21 year old driver of the pickup truck was driving under the influence of alcohol. Police cited the man with DUI, as well as, the failure to follow traffic signals, reduce speed, and produce a valid driver’s license.

Drunk driving is 100% preventable. According to DUI.Lifetips.com, every other minute a person is seriously injured in an alcohol related crash. If you are on the road and suspect that another vehicle’s operator is drunk, follow these simple steps to ensure that the safety of all drivers is maintained. One of those tips is to immediately call local police or highway patrol. From there, give the officers detailed information of your current location, the potential drunk driver and their license plate number.

Injured victims of cars accidents, especially those involving drunk driving, may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a careless or negligent driver. Personal injury victims may be able to seek compensation for their lost wages, medical bills, as well as, pain and suffering. Earlier this year, our Chicago injury attorneys filed a similar suit on behalf of a 27 year old man who suffered severe injuries when he was struck by a vehicle operated by an intoxicated City of Chicago worker. . Additionally, our lawyers can help a victim’s surviving family members seek justice by filing a wrongful death lawsuit when someone is tragically killed as a result of driver negligence.

Our Chicago accident lawyers continue to make legal strides in holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions (or inactions). To prevent such devastating accidents such as the ones previously mentioned, we strongly recommend that drivers of all ages abstain from ever operating a vehicle intoxicated. With such astounding DUI statistics, it is important to always remember to have a sober driver if you plan on drinking, or at the very least call a cab. These simple steps can help save the lives of you or your loved ones.

See Our Related Blog Posts:

Intoxicated Illinois Driver Causes Fatal Car Accident

Levin & Perconti Files Suit For Victim Severely Injured By Intoxicated City Worker

Recently, The Daily Herald reported a fatal Illinois car accident that occurred over the 4th of July weekend. In the early hours of the July 3rd, a Carol Stream man and his girlfriend were driving near Itasca when they were stopped by a railroad crossing. Although there was an approaching train, the man disregarded the railroad gates and proceeded to cross the tracks. Unfortunately, the train stuck the passenger side of the vehicle -- ultimately dragging it until the train could come to a complete stop.

The female passenger of the vehicle sustained severe internal and external injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital from the scene – regrettably, she died the following day. The driver of the vehicle sustained moderate injuries, including broken bones and bruising, and was also taken to a local hospital. It was soon after discovered that the driver was intoxicated and registered a 0.183 BAC – more than twice the Illinois legal limit of 0.08. Police arrested the man at the hospital and authorities are currently charging him with aggravated DUI causing a death. This type of felony can carry a $25,000 fine, as well as, up to 14 years in prison.

According to the Illinois Commerce Commission, over 50% of vehicle/train collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices (such as blinking lights/gates/bells). Not only that, but if a crash does occur and the train is operating at about 55 mph, it takes the train thousands of feet to come to a complete stop. With the increase in fatalities caused by vehicle/train collisions, the state of Illinois has taken on an initiative called “Operation Lifesaver.” Operation Lifesaver is an awareness program that educations citizens the devastating results that can occur from unsafely crossing railroad tracks.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys strongly recommend that drivers of all ages practice safe driving habits, especially at railroad crossings. So many senseless deaths result from those who disregard railroad warnings. Drivers should always heed railroad warning devices and never operate a vehicle while intoxicated in order to protect you or your loved one from a similar situation.

Earlier today, ABCLocal.com detailed the devastating report of a Chicago car accident that took the life of a city worker. The 42 year old woman was on her way home from work at Chicago’s 911 dispatch center when her car was fatally stuck by the driver of a stolen vehicle. The 16 year old driver of the stolen Range Rover was already being pursued by police when he ran a stop sign and struck the victim’s vehicle.

After striking the victim’s vehicle, the driver continued to collide into a parked car – ultimately sending it into a brick wall. Witnesses at the scene report that the victim died upon impact. In addition to being charged with first degree murder, the 16 year old is facing charges of felony burglary, DUI, and various traffic violations that occurred prior to the crash.

Not only have the recent years seen an increase in violent crimes committed by juveniles, but the rate of vehicle accidents caused by teenagers is substantially on the rise as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen drivers – especially males – are the most at risk to cause substantial harm. The CDC affirms that among 15-20 year old male drivers who were involved in fatal crashes, 37% were speeding at the time of the collision and 26% were under the influence of alcohol. In order to prevent further fatalities cause by teen drivers, the CDC recommends that parents take a stronger role in regulating teen vehicle use.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys have worked with many families who have been the victims of negligent driving, such as this one. The devastation that results from lives lost can be completely prevented if drivers abide by the rules and regulations of the road. Drivers of all ages should consistently practice vehicle safety in order to prevent the recurrence of a destructive accident like this one.

Recently, the SouthTown Star published an article detailing the unfortunate fatality of a female motorcycle passenger. The motorcycle collided with a vehicle that had improperly turned into traffic causing the passenger to get thrown from the motorcycle. Fortunately, both the driver of the motorcycle, as well as, the 85 year old driver of the automobile did not sustain any life-threatening injuries. The driver of the automobile was cited for failing to yield.

Regrettably, motorcycle fatalities are becoming more common with each year. With the popularity of motorcycles and the subsequent increase in sales, on top of, leaner laws for its users, the injury rate and death toll is substantial. According to TrafficSafety.org, in 2006 about 104,000 motorcycles were involved in crashes and the number has only increased in the years since. On top of that, roughly 80% of all motorcycle crashes injure or kill the motorcyclist. While helmets have been a proven necessity to help save a life, many motorcyclists refuse to wear them since they are not mandated by law.

Our Illinois accident attorneys cannot stress enough the importance of safety for drivers of all types of vehicles. Too many unfortunate deaths have resulted from motor vehicle accidents. It is important to follow all the rules and regulations of the road, for both automobiles and motorcycles. Follow simple steps such as wearing a helmet or a seatbelt could save the lives of you or your loved one.

Most are aware that Illinois car accidents are the leading cause of death for our youngest community members—particularly teens. Lack of experience, failure to appreciate risks, and reckless conduct makes teen drivers much more likely to get caught up in often deadly accident. Many teens and young drivers simply engage in conduct that is clearly unsafe, assuming that they will not fall victim to the risks. For example, this weekend the Daily Herald reported on a young man who was rushed to the hospital in critical condition following a car surfing stunt.

Shortly before midnight on Saturday the man was in the parking lot of a Walmart with friends when he began riding the rooftops of a vehicles. All told several area residents and at least three cars were being used in the parking lot for this “surfing” activity.

Police indicate that the man was riding on the exterior trunk and roof of a 2002 Chevrolet Impala that his friend was driving. The driver began swerving and making reckless maneuvers in an effort to throw the man from the roof. In addition, the car was darting in and around the other vehicles that were being similarly driven by the group. Eventually the young man was thrown from the vehicle, hitting his head on the pavement and suffering serious injury. He was rushed to local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

A police officer who responded to the scene noted that “what someone sees someone do in a movie or riding on a car at some acrobatic event, it’s not only not appropriate, it’s unsafe. The human body can’t withstand contact in a violent way with automobiles, concrete, or asphalt.”

Continue reading " Chicagoland Teen Injured in “Car Surfing” Accident " »

Most Chicagoans know that safe driving requires one to have both hands on the wheel and attention on the road. It is becoming common knowledge that texting while driving is an unacceptable risk both to those in the car as well as other travelers on the road. Illinois car accidents often result. It is for that reason that it is illegal to text and drive in Illinois. However, as a new article in the Sun-Times explains, that doesn’t stop people from doing it each and every day.

Research shows that texting while driving decreases reaction time by 35 percent. Obviously one’s steering capacity is also severely limited while texting. In total, those who text and drive are a staggering 23 times more likely to get into a car accident. The risk is greatest for our youngest drivers, as 16 to 20 year olds have the highest proportion of deadly distraction related crashes.

While awareness of distracted driving is increasing, far too many accidents still occur because of the problem. In 2009 alone nearly 5,500 people were killed in distracted driving accidents with nearly 450,000 more being injured. Increased enforcement efforts are being aimed at distracted divers. Texting while driving is considered a moving violation in Illinois and, if caught, a citation and significant fine will result. Besides enforcement, local agencies are also stepping up awareness efforts to ensure the public appreciates the risks.

Continue reading " Texting While Driving Is An Illegal and Unnecessary Risk " »

A sad example of the drastic consequences of even minor driving mistakes was reported in the Chicago Tribune this week. A 24-year old Illinois man was killed after his motorcycle collided with an SUV in Island Lake.

The Illinois motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Route 176 and Hale Lane around 1 p.m. on Wednesday. It seems that the victim was traveling on Route 176 just as an SUV driver was on the same road but headed in the opposite direction. The SUV attempted to make a left turn onto Hale Lane, but he did so directly in front of the motorcyclist. The bike rider had had the right of way. As a result, the motorcycle collided with the car at near full speed.

As often happens in these types of accidents the bike rider suffered serious head and chest injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital and pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The negligent SUV driver was cited for failure to yield.

Even seemingly brief moments of driving error can have fatal consequences—like failing to properly account for other travelers while making a turn. Even though it seems like a routine activity, the stakes are always high when one is behind the wheel. Appropriate care and caution respecting the risks are therefore a necessity.

Continue reading " Deadly Illinois Motorcycle Accident Caused By Negligent Car Driver " »