Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Our Illinois accident attorneys were happy to read an article in the Washington Times that discussed a recent bill introduced by a Chicago alderman to ban cell phone use by bicyclists. The bill that would extend hands-free distracted-driving laws to everyone on the road, which would include bicyclists.

The article reported that a high number of cyclists talk and text while they are riding around, even in heavy downtown traffic. Making this distraction illegal could make streets safer for all motorists and cyclists. As we have noted before, Chicago is becoming a very bike-friendly city. Just recently, plans were announced to expand the City’s bike-share program. Mayor Rahm Emanuel also plans to implement over 100 miles of protected bike lanes. Proponents of the new regulations say an anti cell phone law for cyclists could contribute to safer bike lanes. All drivers, no matter what type of vehicle they are operating, should be focusing on the road and their surroundings, not on social media, texting, talking on cellular telephones, or other distractions.

Our attorneys agree that this Chicago bill would further protect the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. We also encourage bicyclists to be familiar with the rules and laws for bike operators in their own communities. Chicago Bike Laws is a site where our bicyclist readers can go to look up the City of Chicago’s bike laws. Also, the Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road is a pamphlet that states general rules and regulations for bicyclists across the state. Some general bicycle safety tips include:

• Riding in single file
• Ride one to a bike
• Avoid riding in the dark
• Check the bike equipment often
• Stay closest to the right side of the road
• Have both hands on the handlebars at all times

Our Chicago accident attorneys encourage bicyclists to put down their cell phones even before this bill is official. When riding your bike in the city, you should wear helmets at all times, and avoid all possible distractions. Unfortunately, when accident occurs between bikes and larger vehicles, it is often the bicyclist who faces the most severe injuries. Following these bicycle safety tips will not only help keep cyclists safe, but will also protect the safety of other people on the road. If you have any question regarding a Chicago bike accident, please contact our lawyers to discuss your possible claim.

Today, the Chicago Tribune discussed how Chicago drivers paid the highest congestion penalty in American last year, meaning time and gas wasted sitting in traffic. The congestion penalty averaged $1,568 in time and fuel per motorist struck. This comes as no surprise to the many commuters in our office who experience Chicago congestion on a day to day basis. Traffic congestion is not only costly to drivers, but can increase the risk for car and trucking accidents. Therefore, we felt it necessary to discuss the dangers that arise in congested areas.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that drivers in areas of congestion tend to become aggressive. When motorists are stuck in traffic, they are more likely to become frustrated, which can result in aggressive behaviors such as lane changes, pushing through red lights or stop signs, following to close, or speeding when giving the opportunity. Aggressive driving behaviors such as this in a congested area can lead to car accidents. Our Chicago car accident attorneys acknowledge that rush hour traffic can be extremely lengthy. However, drivers need to stay calm and not let their frustration affect their driving behavior. The best thing to do is to find an alternate route, but if that is not possible avoid aggressive driving at all costs.

Also be predictable, and don’t make any sudden lane changes to confuse drivers around you. You should also time traffic lights, to make sure that you do not drive through a red light, and finally expect the unexpected. Just because you may be calm, it may not mean that everyone else on the road is. Our Illinois accident attorneys urge all drivers to look out for themselves and others on the road. Drive safely and calmly, and avoid aggressive driving. If you are injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, you may be able to seek legal action to recover compensation for damages such as lost income or hospital bills. Contact us to discuss how we may help.

Yesterday, our Chicago car accident lawyers read an article posted by the Chicago Sun-Times regarding a hit and run accident on the West Side of Chicago. The victim was seriously injured when a car hit her and then left the scene of the accident. The car has not been found, and Chicago police are still investigating the accident. After reading this article, our Chicago pedestrian attorneys felt it necessary to remind readers on what to do if you are involved in a hit and run accident.

According to Helium.com, there are close to 700,000 hit and run accidents annually in America. A hit and run accident occurs when the driver hits another vehicle, a pedestrian, or another object, and flees the scene. If you are a victim of a hit and run accident, the first thing you should do is to make sure you are not injured, and that others in your car or with you are not injured. If there are any injuries, take the appropriate medical measures and call 911and report all relevant information and details, including the extent of any injuries, and if you can give them a description of the car and the direction the car was headed. You should also take pictures with either a camera or a cell phone if possible. If there are witnesses of the accident, ask them to stay at the scene to be interviewed, with their statements recorded. And finally after the accident, notify your insurance company and if you or a loved one is seriously injured, contact an Illinois car accident attorney to see how they may be able to help you.

Hit and run accidents are common and are often tied into other driving offenses. Drivers will often make the decision to leave the scene because they are intoxicated, driving without insurance or driving on a suspended license. However, the consequences and punishment will be far worse for you if you flee. Hit and run is a serious offense, and citations and tickets will be issued related to how severe the damage of the accident is, how the driver interacts with the police and other law enforcement, and also the driver’s past history regarding criminal activity and driving tickets or citations. Both civil and criminal penalties may be issued to the driver, including fines, a suspended or even lost license, and even jail. According to Deadly Roads, the Illinois state law regarding hit in runs is that, “The driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in personal injury or death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident, or as close thereto as possible and shall then forthwith return to, and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident”.

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Our Illinois accident attorneys read a Chicago Tribune article over the weekend that discussed cab driver tickets in Chicago. The article talked about how judges often dismiss the tickets and violations, including those for speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, and even pedestrian accidents. The article states that “a far higher percentage of tickets are thrown out for cabbies on average than for regular drivers,” helping cab drivers keep their chauffeur’s licenses. This is an alarming finding, especially due to the frequency of cab accidents where pedestrians or other drivers are seriously injured or killed.

Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys agree that cab drivers should be held at a higher standard and should be held accountable more often, and tickets should have more severe consequences. It is not as simple as these cab drivers having only one citation, but repeat offenders should not be able to get back on the road. With the high number of cabs in the City, looser fines create unsafe roads for other drivers, and even pedestrians because drivers do not fear strict punishments for violations

A cab driver advocate stated that cab drivers get more tickets due to the fact that they spend more time on the road than the average driver, and a citation or a ticket shouldn’t keep them off the road. They are also more aggressive at getting them cleared in order to keep their jobs and source of income. The City of Chicago also has a “three strike” program. The rule applies to all cab drivers and says that if found guilty or cited for three or more citations or violations, a driver could lose their license to chauffeur. The police have now made this “three strike” rule mandatory and an automatic consequence for cab drivers due to several high profile accidents resulting in pedestrian deaths.

Our Chicago accident attorneys agree that it is important for cab drivers to realize that speed and efficiency should not compromise the safety of others on the road. The Chicago Tribune reported that more than 25% of pedestrian accidents in Chicago were cab related. Cab drivers should slow down, and be aware of pedestrians crossing streets, especially in the downtown areas. When taxi drivers fail to do so, they must be held accountable so that dangerous drivers are taken off the streets to protect Chicago residents, workers and visitors.

Our Chicago car wreck lawyers read in the Battle Creek Enquirer recently that the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study on the topic of tightening the drivers licensing process for teens. Results showed that some teens wait to get their licenses until they are 18 years old to get around the supervised-driving requirements that are necessary for receiving a license at 16. However, avoiding the supervised-driving requirements results in more inexperienced older teens on the road, and due to the fact that they are less experienced, they may be more likely to be involved in an accident.

The study examined crashes that involved teens ranging from 16 years old to19 years old, over a period of 21 years. The study showed that there was a decline in crashes in the 16-year-old range over 21 years, however, there were more fatal crashes involving 18 year olds. This led the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to consider extending licensing requirements for the 16-year-old age group to all first-time drivers under the age of 21. Some requirements would include two completed class levels of driver’s education, a skill and road tests, and 50 hours of logged experience with a responsible adult in the car.

The Journal of the American Medical Association determined that “graduated driver licensing programs are designed to reduce crashes involving teenagers by delaying full licensure while allowing beginners to obtain initial driving experience under lower-risk conditions.” It continues on to say that the graduated driver licensing (GDL) well reinforced the driver’s education classes by adding certain restrictions for new drivers.

Teen drivers are inexperienced; however, they often feel comfortable enough on the road to allow distractions into the car. Many teens admit to texting while driving talking with passengers in the car, or simply not having their mind and focus on the road at all times. It is especially critical for new and inexperienced drivers to stay focused and avoid all distractions to reduce their risk for accidents.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys have discussed issues related to teen driving before, and this study continues to support that teens should be extra cautious when driving due to a lack of experience. We support the idea of extending licensing requirements to all new drivers, not just 16 year olds in order to prevent Teen drivers, as discussed in the study, can reduce the risk of a car accident related fatality by being willing to get more hours under their belt while learning, by taking driver’s education classes seriously, and most importantly by staying focused and alert when finally on the road.

The New York Times discussed a study that looked at the correlation between pedestrian injuries and bicycles. Usually our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys focus on the damage that cars can do to people, however it is also important to realize that a pedestrian can acquire serious injuries from being struck by a bicycle. The study reported that, from 2007 to 2010, approximately 1,000 pedestrians were hospitalized after being struck by bicyclists. An alarming 55% of accidents occurred in an urban city.

This study is just the beginning, because it only surveyed pedestrians who were already hospitalized; there surely are other pedestrian-cyclist accidents that were not included in the study because they did not go to the hospital. Some states are even passing new laws to make reporting bicycle-pedestrian accidents mandatory. This will allow authorities to develop new rules to reduce the occurrence of this type of accident.

It is also important to look at where the accident occurred, so better signage and infrastructure can be implemented to better protect both the bicyclists and pedestrians. It would be beneficial to ordain bike lanes separate from motorists and pedestrians to make streets and roads safer. Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers have seen a number of new bike lanes such as this, including one on Kinzie Ave. close to our office. We would be curious to see if this change has reduced the number of pedestrian-bicycle accidents in the area, because these clearly marked lanes draw attention to the presence of bike traffic. Comparably, car accidents account for a much higher number of pedestrian injuries. But, this does not mean that bike accidents and safety should be ignored.

According to FoxNews, some cities are also planning to start bike-sharing programs where bikes can be rented and deposited, in order to encourage cycling. With more bicycles on the streets, it will be crucial for these cities to educate the public on all aspects of safe cycling. Chicago has a bike-share program in place, but just this week the City announced that this program will be expanded

Safety education and infrastructure investments are being made continuously to protect motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians who share the road. The Illinois Rules of the Road states “bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road way user” and it is important to keep that in mind. The Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road also states the bikes have to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are on sidewalks or crosswalks, to slow down and go around them, or give them an audible signal to make your presence known. In many places, including Chicago, cyclists are not allowed to bike on sidewalks.

Our Illinois bicyclist and pedestrian attorneys advise our readers to pay attention to to pedestrians when cycling. Bicyclists should pay attention to bicycle safety laws and regulations in their city to make sure that they are protecting themselves, and pedestrians that they share the road with. Contact our Illinois bicycle attorneys with any questions.

Yesterday, the Morton Times reported on a young woman who is behind a new push to change Illinois uninsured driver laws. She was involved in a car accident in which her car hit another car that was parked in the middle of a road with its lights off. The driver of the other car did not have car insurance, and had been in a similar type of accident before. The young woman survived an extremely serious injury that only .5% of people with this condition survive. The only thing that the driver who caused the accident received was $575 in fines, and most of the cost from that fine was for being uninsured. The young woman will have to live with the serious condition and will face medical expenses for a lifetime.

After the horrible accident, the family of the young woman wanted to increase the penalties and consequences for drivers that are uninsured. The Illinois House of Representatives and the Senate both passed the family’s proposal to increase the penalties for drivers without insurance. The bill states that, “an offender who previously has two driving while uninsured convictions and is convicted a third time while causing bodily harm to another individual must be fined the maximum penalty of $2,500 plus any jail sentence.” If the repeat offender does not cause bodily harm, but is still convicted for a third time, they will receive a $1,000 fine.

Driving without insurance is a serious offense, and repeat offenders should not be taken lightly. This driver was negligent and careless on the road, and could have very easily killed this young woman. The family of the young woman wanted to create a higher incentive for people to get car insurance and drive responsibly. When a person is injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, they may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for damages such as lost wages, medical bills, and their pain and suffering. However, if the negligent driver is uninsured or carrying inadequate coverage, victims cannot be fairly compensated for their injuries or loss.

It is important for drivers on the road to not only have insurance, but to operate their vehicles with care. As we have discussed before, practicing safe driving techniques not only helps drivers protect themselves, but also others on the road. Our Illinois car accident attorneys support the changes to the Illinois uninsured driver law, and hope it will motivate all drivers throughout the state to purchase sufficient car insurance.

A week ago, the Daily Herald posted an article that discussed crosswalk laws and safety in Chicago suburbs. The Des Plaines Police Chief talked with the Daily Herald about how many citizens are unaware of crosswalk laws and proper protocol, so his department feels it is difficult to issue moving violations or enforce a law that a majority of drivers do not know about. The article states “under the law, drivers must stop – not just yield the right of way when necessary, as previously required – for pedestrians in all crosswalks”. This law should be enforced when there are no traffic lights or signals presents, no stop signs, or even when there are no crosswalk markings. In reality, the law says that cars should stop for pedestrians regardless of whether the crossing was clearly marked or not.

Pedestrians also play a role in this law and their own safety. It is said that pedestrians cannot get in the way of a moving vehicle, for example running off the curb of the sidewalk into the street. The law is about pedestrian safety, but it is equally important for everyone on the road, pedestrians and drivers, to always use caution to protect each other’s safety. The state of Illinois also hopes to improve pedestrian safety by posting more stop signs, crosswalk warnings, and making crosswalks more visible in general. This is all in effort to protect pedestrians, and make drivers more aware of driving laws aimed at protecting pedestrians. The visibility campaign should make drivers more aware, which will allow law enforcement to better enforce the new laws.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, motorists on a yearly basis hit at least 6,000 pedestrians. Out of these 6,000, there are around 1,000 serious injuries and 170 deaths. The new law enforcement will hopefully prevent some of these accidents involving pedestrians.

Our Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys hope that this coverage will make people more aware of Illinois crosswalk laws to reduce the number of accidents and injuries to pedestrians. We urge motorists to stay focused on the road and pay attention to new signage that will pedestrian safety to their attention. We hope that our readers will keep pedestrian safety in mind, and if you don’t, be aware that law enforcement will be enforcing these new laws heavily.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers recently read in MotorAge that Bridgestone Tire Company announced a video competition to promote safety among teen drivers. The video contest asks students to tell others why their school deserves a grant to expand teenage driver safety programs. The grand prize, a $5,000 grant, will allow students to continue spreading the message of safety awareness. According to the rules of the contest, videos must be between 30 seconds and two minutes, and contestants must explain their idea for a program they want their school to use to become safer drivers.

The winner not only gets the $5,000 grant, however also wins a Road Show Rally. A Road Show Rally is presented by Bridgestone, where the company creates a fun and interactive program that includes safety tests, games, tire checks, and prize giveaways. Second and third place receives $2,500 each to aid their school’s driver safety program. The program was created because school budgets have recently been tightened and forced to eliminate some necessary road education, and this creative way gives teens a reason to think about and promote safe driving habits.

As our readers know, teen drivers often face serious risks that could put themselves and other drivers on the road in danger. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are several major factors that put teen drivers at risk. The first risk factor being that as novice drivers, teens are more likely to underestimate or ignore serious or hazardous situations. They are also more likely to speed, drive intoxicated, and this group also has the lowest rate of seatbelt use. Cellphones, social media, texting, and other technologies also easily distract teenagers in the car.

Our Illinois accident attorneys advise all teenagers to be aware of the risks associated with novice driving, and to avoid all distractions while driving. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens and accidents are very common. We applaud companies such as the Bridgestone Tire Company who look for ways to educate teens in fun and creative ways. Getting the message out in these ways will not only draw attention to the importance of driver education in schools, but will also make teens aware of how they can protect themselves, friends and loved ones from being involved in accidents that can lead to serious injuries, or even death.

Forbes reported on what some car companies are doing to develop new techniques to keep drivers safe. Toyota, the main automobile manufacturer discussed, has taken the initiative to create new technologies to protect drivers after the series of recalls last year. The car manufacturer is trying to get a better understanding of the main issues the auto industry faces, and will use those findings to create new programs. The Japanese car company has turned to resources such as American universities to conduct studies that will demonstrate what technologies U.S. drivers need to protect them and reduce the number of injuries caused by car accidents. The company is mainly conducting studies to explore things like voice command, pedestrian safety technology, technologies to protect elderly and overweight drivers, and lane departure warning technologies. They are also examining how effective programs such as OnStar are, and injury reduction technologies taking into account different body types.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers are thrilled to see car manufacturers making strides to protect drivers and passengers alike. For instance, many car companies today are coming out with technologies that warn drivers when they are falling asleep behind the wheel. There are also cars that can detect and warn a driver of lane drifting. Toyota, who in recent years have been embarrassed by a number of recalls, is not only competing in the automobile technology area, but are also conducting studies that could be crucial in better understanding how to aid American drivers.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys believe that this type of technology along with the studies’ results could completely alter the way Americans operate motor vehicles today. As we discussed in a recent blog post, car companies are teaming up with cell phone companies to reduce driver distractions. Applications for smartphones disable phones while the car is in motion, leaving a message for whoever calls or texts saying that the driver is unable to answer because they are behind the wheel. These types of technologies and applications for cellphones paired with new advancements in car technologies could greatly reduce car accidents and injuries, as well as make drivers more conscious of their actions.

We advise drivers to take new features into account when purchasing a car. Although these technologies can seem expensive and frivolous, continuous research shows that they can be life saving. A simple phone application or drowsy warning on the car can make all the difference when it comes to the safety of American drivers regardless of age. To learn more about the work we do on behalf of car accident victims, please contact us with any questions to see how we may be able to help you.

Last week, our Chicago car accident lawyers read on ChicagoABCNews’ website about a tragic accident involving two pedestrians in Chicago. A two-year-old and her grandmother were pronounced dead after a van when a van failed to yield and hit them while they were crossing the street at a crosswalk. According to the report,

This incident made us think about a recent Chicago Tribune study surrounding Chicago pedestrian accidents at crosswalks. The study showed that 80% of pedestrian accidents in the City of Chicago happen at intersections, when people are crossing street while the walk signal is lit. In reviewing this statistic, along with others, the City of Chicago has since announced new ideas to address this public safety problem. This includes identifying dangerous intersections where city officials can concentrate law enforcement, identifying how to better engineer the infrastructure of crosswalks, and educating drivers and pedestrians alike. Chicago’s streets are crowded with cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians, so it is important that everyone on the road, regardless of their means of transportation, look out for each other in order to protect their safety, along with others on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that since 1998, pedestrian accidents in crosswalks have steadily increased.

Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injury and possible fatality, as shown in the accident discussed above. Pedestrians have the right of way at cross walks and drivers are required to yield. Therefore, it is important that drivers avoid distractions in order to focus better on what is occurring on the road. Staying focused allows drivers to better pay attention to signs, traffic lights, others on the road, and better notice smaller vehicles and pedestrians. As we have noted before on our blog, pedestrian accidents can occur in the middle of the intersection at the crosswalk, but also in places that may not be expected, such on the shoulder of the road, or even on the highway. In order to avoid these accidents, drivers should be alert at all times and avoid driving while distracted or intoxicated.

When a driver’s negligence causes others to suffer serious personal injury or death, it is important that victims hold all wrongdoers accountable. This Chicago report did not elaborate on whether or not the victims’ families will take legal action, however there could be a cause of action since the driver failed to yield to the pedestrians. Unfortunately due to these mistakes, a family is now without a grandmother and grandchild.

Our Chicago accident attorneys support the City of Chicago’s initiatives to better protect pedestrians and smaller vehicles from the serious injuries that can occur from automobile-pedestrian or automobile-bicycle accidents. We also encourage drivers to be on the look out for others on the road and remind pedestrians to remain alert to in order to avoid any potential accident. If you have been injured, or have lost a loved one, please contact us to review your case and see how we may be able to help you.

On Monday, the Chicago Tribune posted an article involving a middle-aged woman involved in a scooter accident. She was driving a scooter when a minivan struck her. She was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead later in the afternoon.

Operating a scooter is similar to bicycles, motorcycles, or other smaller vehicles. They are not necessarily easy to see, so when riding a smaller vehicle it is important to make yourself visible, to protect yourself and others. Also, for other drivers on the road it is important to avoid distractions in order to better pay attention to other drivers on the road, including smaller vehicles such as scooters.

According to Motorcycle-Accidents, about 50 people are killed in moped/scooter accidents annually. It also continues on to say that almost 75% of motorcycle accidents (a category that mopeds often fall under) involved a collision with another motorist, like the accident discussed earlier. It also states that, “in the multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents”, also similar to this accident.

According to the Illinois Rules of the Road, in order to operate a moped you must have a driver’s license, and follow all traffic signs, signals, and laws. Scooter drivers should follow the same laws as bicyclists in Illinois. They also must stay in certain speed zones, due to the fact that they cannot go over 30 miles per hour. Also, when driving at night, they need to have a headlight, and a red rear reflector. It is important that Illinois moped operators follow these rules and regulations in order to ensure the safety of all motorists on the road.

Our Chicago accident attorneys have handled many accident lawsuits and urge drivers to pay attention to all vehicles on the road- from semis to bikes. Due to the increased popularity of scooters, we hope to remind motorists on the road must to pay attention for scooters and always be courteous and share the road. Sometimes smaller vehicles are not always visible, so it is important to always be mindful before making turns or stops. One way to do so is to avoid distractions and follow rules and regulations. In doing so, you will protect yourself and others in smaller vehicles. If you have been injured in any type of accident, or have lost a loved one due to a negligent motorist, our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys may be able to help you receive fair compensation, and some peace of mind in knowing that negligent parties were held accountable. These types of lawsuit not only help to receive fair compensation, but also bring attention to the issues at hand. Please contact us to discuss your potential lawsuit.

Recently, WQAD reported a fatal Dixon Illinois car accident in which an elderly woman was killed whenshe pulled out in front of a truck on a highway on Saturday afternoon. She reportedly stopped at a stop sign and then drove her van into oncoming traffic and was struck on the side by the pickup truck. She was unresponsive at the scene of the accident, and later that evening was pronounced dead. The driver of the truck had a few minor injuries due to the crash.

HelpGuide, a source that helps with health challenges, issued an article that lists safety tips for seniors on the road. Driving abilities slowly deteriorate with age, which brings our attention to driving safety and adjustments that need to be made. Our Chicago accident attorneys encourage senior citizens to reduce certain factors so they can stay safe, and so other drivers on the road can stay safe.

All drivers should understand how aging affects driving. The site states that, “fatal crash rates rise sharply after a driver has reached the age of 70.” Aging results in a loss of strength, coordination, and flexibility, which are all crucial to operating a car safely. Our Illinois car accident attorneys are also aware that elderly people also have a tendency to have neck pain, which can make it hard to check blind spots, leg pain which can make it difficult to use the pedals and loss in arm strength, which can make it difficult to use the steering wheel. Reaction time also slows down, and it can also become more difficult to pay attention to the road, road signs, and other drivers on the road.

Many senior citizens do not realize or identify health issues that can lead to accidents. Some problems that require attention and awareness in order to be corrected include:

• Conflicting Medicine Combinations
• Vision Difficulties
• Hearing Difficulties
• Reflex, Reaction, and Range of Motion Difficulties
• Loss of Memory
• Confusion of Rules of the Road
• Increased Driving Tickets or Citations
• Close-Call Accidents

It is important for families to address these issues in order to maximize safety on the road, including the safety of the driver, and others on the road. Elderly people should take care of their health and use any appropriate driving aids that are necessary. Like everyone on the road, they should drive defensively and pay attention, and most importantly, elderly people should listen to the caring concerns of their family and friends.

Our Illinois accident attorneys encourage all senior citizens to take extra precautions when driving, to pay attention to the road and avoid distractions, and to also look for warning signs of unsafe driving. For any questions, please contact us.

Recently, PhillyBurbs reported on a settlement for the family of a girl who was killed in a hit and run accident in 2004 while crossing the street. Although the driver was driving intoxicated and on a suspended license, he was not criminally charged with a driving under the influence or hit and run because it was decided that the road were responsible for the crash. The driver pleaded guilty and received a prison sentence for up to six years.

This accident brings up two issues our Illinois accident attorneys see over and over again: hit and runs and drunk driving. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a very serious crime, as serious as causing the accident itself. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hit and run accidents make up 15.8% of all pedestrian accidents, and alcohol and drugs play a role in 6%. If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, you should first call the police if you are able to, then use a camera of any type (even the one on most cell phones) to capture pictures of any damage that may be done in the accident. Next, you should go to the hospital and get examined by a doctor or nurse, not only to avoid possible insurance problems in the future, but also to make sure that you are not seriously injured.

A group dedicated to hit and run awareness, DeadlyRoads, reviews state laws, and serious injuries related to hit and run accidents. Like other states, leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois is illegal, and that prosecutors have the authority to go after hit and run drivers. If you cause an accident, the best thing you can do is stay at the scene and help the victims by calling for medical assistance. Investigators have the ability to track down most hit and run drivers, and the punishment will be much worse for you if you flee. In addition to criminal charges, you can also be held accountable in a civil suit.

We were happy to see that this victim’s family was compensated for the careless acts the driver who took her life much too early. Lawsuits such as this help to ensure that justice is served and wrongdoers are held responsible. If you have been a victim in this type of accident, or have lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, please contact us to see how we may be able to help you.

Earlier this week, the Chicago Tribune reported a Chicago pedestrian accident involving a woman who was arrested for driving under the influence. Two hours later, she was released and thirty minutes after she was released, the woman was killed on the Eisenhower when a truck hit her while walking near the median . The victim's family questions why the police released her while she might have still been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, instead of keeping her held in custody until she was sober. When looking back on reports, police say that the woman appeared sober and alert when they dropped her off at a nearby gas station. Further investigation continues to determine why the woman was walking by foot on the Eisenhower after being released from the police station.

It is unclear in this case who is to blame, and whether or not the police should have released the woman. It makes our Illinois car accident attorneys question what is the proper protocol for releasing DUI drivers, even if they are able to post bond right away. If the police hadn't released her so close to her arrest, her death may have been avoided.

The story also brings up issues of pedestrian safety. Even though drivers on the highway probably would never expect to see a pedestrian on a roadway such as this, they need to pay close attention and avoid all distractions. In this case, if
the truck had seen the woman walking down the highway, he maybe could have
avoided hitting the walking woman. According to Directgov, "Pedestrians MUST NOT be on motorways or slip roads except in an emergency."

Our Chicago accident attorneys hope that readers take driving under the influence seriously and realize that it can lead not only to arrests, but to dangerous decisions that can lead to personal injury or death. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, a DUI accident, or a distracted driving accident, or have lost a loved one due to another driver's negligence, please contact our Illinois accident attorneys to see how we may be able to help you to receive fair compensation, and also some peace of mind. Lawsuits do not only help to receive monetary compensation, but also bring attention and awareness to the issue at hand. Please contact us to talk about your legal rights and a potential lawsuit.

Over the weekend, CarmiTimes reported a serious accident involving a tour bus occurred, injuring several people. A group of people was headed to Chicago for a family reunion, including several children. In the accident, several children and adults were tossed from their seats when one of the bus’s tires blew out, forcing the driver to lose control of the automobile, drive off the road, and crash into a tree. A total of thirty-seven people were sent to the hospital.

A tire blow out is defined as a rupture that air escapes through to the point where the wheel and steering can no longer support the weight of the automobile, according to CarPartsPlus. When a tire blows out while driving, it can cause a serious problem especially when on the highway or interstate. The National Safety Council provides several tips that can be helpful when in this type of accident. Our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage drivers to follow these safety tips in case a blow out should occur.

An important thing to remember when a tire blows out is not to slam on the brakes, but instead let your car gradually reduce speed and coast to safety. If possible, move the automobile towards the emergency lane or towards the nearest exit. You should steer as your vehicle slows down so it rolls to a safe place. Try to avoiding stopping in traffic and to lower your risk of a rear-end accident or side collision. It is also important to turn the emergency flashers on in your car immediately.

The National Safety Council concludes that the most important things to remember when having tire issues on the highway are:

• Never stop in the middle of traffic
• Get the vehicle safely away from the roadway and oncoming traffic before attempting to change a tire
• Only change the tire if you can do it without putting yourself or anyone else in danger
• And finally, after changing your tire, make sure to get it checked out by a professional to make sure there is no damage left over

Our Chicago car accident attorneys encourage all drivers to take the proper safety steps when a tire blows out or fails on the road. If you have been injured in this type of accident, or have lost a loved one, there are some instances when the tire company may be liable. Please contact us to talk about your legal rights to a potential lawsuit.

Yesterday, BND reported an Illinois car accident involving a woman who was driving south on a highway when her vehicle crossed the center line and was hit by a tractor-trailer truck. The victim was pronounced dead at the accident site. It was also reported that the woman was not wearing a seatbelt. There will be further investigation to see if there were alcohol or drugs involved in the accident.

This tragic accident alarms our Illinois car accident attorneys because the victim’s death might have been avoidable if the woman had been wearing a seatbelt. According to BuckleUpIllinois, it is state law that driver and front seat passengers and people under 18 years of ageare required to wear seat belts. It is also the responsibility of drivers who transport children between the ages of 8 and 16 to make sure that the children are properly fastened into a seat belt or other child seating system.

The Illinois Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Evaluation shows that close to 93% of drivers use seatbelts, and close to 92% of passengers do. However, the rate is lower in the City of Chicago and on residential roads. Also, during weekdays, it is shown that people wear their seat belt less. Although majority do wear seatbelts, it is crucial that all drivers and passengers wear a seatbelt because if an accident occurs, it could be life saving. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, wearing a belt system reduces risks of serious injury or even death by half when used by the automobile’s driver and front seat passengers.

According to a study by James Madison University, 20% of all drivers will be in some sort of car accident or traffic crash this year. 75% of car crashes fatalities or injuries occur near the driver’s homeand more than 50% of all crashes involving injuries are usually when the driver is operating at a speed under 40 MPH. Knowing all of these statistics, our Illinois car accident attorneys cannot stress the importance of seatbelts enough. Seatbelts are lifesavers, and can seriously reduce the number of injuries and fatalities. Buckling up isn’t only the law, it is evident that it is effective and can help you should you be in a serious car accident.

Our Illinois injury attorneys know that at one point or another, most people will experience a car accident, and the possible devastation it may cause. Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the seriousness of injuries, or even prevent fatalities, when it comes to a car accident. Please buckle up.

Last week FoxNews reported a fatal car accident involving cell phone usage. A young adult was found to be texting two to three minutes before the accident occurred, and due to her distracted driving, she crashed into a garbage truck head-on. The young woman died during the crash and an unsent message was found on her phone when investigating the accident site.

Texting while driving, and driving distracted in general, is extremely dangerous and, as illustrated here, can cause harmful injuries or even death. A new organization called TXTResponsibily raises awareness to the issues that texting while driving pose. They are working towards new texting laws and educational awareness campaigns to spread the message. As mentioned in previous posts, our Illinois injury attorneys continue to encourage drivers to focus on the road and avoid all distractions. Distraction.gov has a feed on their site with recent accidents to bring awareness to the frequency of these accidents. The site also has a list of top Illinois texting laws including:

• A ban on all cell phone use for all types of bus drivers
• A ban on all cell phone use for all drivers under the age of 19
• A ban on all texting for all drivers
• A ban on all cellphone use for school zones or highway construction zones

According to the site, there are three types of distractions on the road, visual, manual and cognitive. This basically means when drivers aren’t looking at the road, when they are not steering the wheel, and not focusing. There are many types of distractions that drivers partake in, including cell phone usage and texting, using a GPS or social network, talking to others, or using other technologies.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys plead with all drivers to put distractions aside when on the road, because not only can they harm themselves, but also other drivers on the road. Distraction.gov also reports some alarming statistics including that in 2009, 20 percent of crashes involved reports of distracted driving and that “using a cell phone while driving delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.” These statistics show that there is a severe issue in America when it comes to drivers focusing on the road.

Distracted driving is reported to be the number one killer of American teens, according to Negligent Driving. Distracted driving is not something to be taken lightly, and our Illinois accident attorneys are aware of the severity. If you have been injured due to a negligent or distracted driver, or have lost a loved one to another’s mistake, you may be able to receive fair compensation and some piece of mind. Filing a law suit would not only help to cover medical fees, medication costs, or doctor’s appointments, but it would also help to continue to bring attention to the risks that driving distracted have. Please contact our Illinois car accident attorneys to see how we may be able to help you.

Yesterday, Allstate published their seventh annual “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report,” a report highlighting the safest driving cities in the nation. ABC7Chicago discussed how Chicago drivers were not quite up to par. The City of Chicago is rated in the bottom quarter of 200 cities that Allstate analyzed. What the analysis actually ranks is the frequency of car accidents in the given area. Our Illinois accident attorneys recognize that though that ranking may seem poor, it is actually ten spots higher than Chicago ranked last year. Allstate created this report to make people more aware of driving safely, and to urge cities to try to improve their rankings by creating safe-driver initiatives.

Cities around Chicago, such as Naperville and Joliet, did not rank higher than 96th out of 200. According to the Huffington Post, the Allstate study found that drivers in the City of Chicago have an average of one accident per every 7.7 years. The goal of the report is not to scare drivers, but however to try to inspire people to be safer drivers and improve their city’s bad habits. The report almost attempts to spur competition between cities, and challenges drivers to improve their city’s rankings in future years.

The Allstate website also reports on the analysis. They discuss that their mission for the report is to “boost the country’s discussion on safe driving.” They report that car crashes nationally have declined over the past few years, but there are still too many car-related fatalities every year. Our Chicago car accident attorneys believe that many car accident fatalities can be avoided with the right education and awareness, especially deaths caused by speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving.

Edmunds’ “Top 10 Editors’ Tips to Prevent a Car Accident” has some useful advice that our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage our readers to follow. The number one tip is to stay out of the fast lane unless passing, most commonly known as the left lane on the highway. The center lane and the right lanes give you a quick “escape route” in case you should need to pullover suddenly.

It is also important to keep your focus on the road and area in front of you, not only when on the highway, but generally, and when merging to check your blind spots. Another tip that most drivers do not follow religiously is to drive with both of your hands in the correct driving position, at the 9 and 3 o’clock position, giving you the most control over the automobile.

A tip that most are unaware of is that it is safe to judge a driver by the condition of their car or automobile. If their car is already damaged, it is a safe assumption to make that they are an unsafe driver. Also pay attention to how others drive, meaning if they swerve or drift. In addition, avoid nighttime driving. And finally, learn how to drive a racecar. It may sound silly, but driving a racecar gives drivers an opportunity to practice how to avoid accidents and skid recovery in a controlled setting.

As Chicago accident lawyers, we know that crashes frequently occur, and often lead drivers and passengers to suffer serious injury and even death. AllState’s report is a good reminder to everyone in the Chicago area to pay attention and review methods to improve the way you drive. Doing so may not only help reduce your risk of injury, it will also protect others on the road.

Because summer is coming to an end, our Illinois car accident attorneys thought it would be helpful to remind drivers of what to do when driving near school buses, or through school zones. According to the Illinois State Police website, drivers should operate with caution when sharing the road with school buses. The Illinois state laws requires that all school bus drivers stop prior to crossing a railroad, and when doing so, use the warning lights. Drivers should be aware of these stops and should be prepared to stop behind school buses. Other drivers should also always maintain a safe following distance behind buses in case an emergency occurs and the bus needs to back up.

There are also specific laws to protect children when they are being picked up or dropped off by school buses. When buses are stopped with their lights on and the stop arm fully extended, children assume it is safe to cross. In actuality, this moment is where the majority of injuries and fatalities occur due to motorists who don’t stop or illegally pass a bus. It is important to always remember to stop whenever you see flashing signals, red signs, or the stop sign on a bus. All buses have the extended control arm to warn drivers behind and ahead to stop. If you see flashing yellow lights, that means that the school is preparing to stop and you must come to a full stop. Drivers who do not stop can be ticketed. The penalty for a first offense of passing a bus of $150. The second offense within five years of the first conviction has a minimum fee of $500 and a suspended license.

With many kids starting back to school this week and after the holiday, our Illinois injury attorneys also thought it was important to reminder drivers of school zone laws. According to CyberDriveIllinois, a school speed zone is a “special speed limit while passing schools.” On school days, there are more children around schools than on weekends or evenings so the speed limit is reduced to protect children on or near the streets. The legal speed limit in a school zone is 20 miles per hour. Drivers who do not follow this limit will be ticketed.

As the new school year begins, we hope that it is a safe one for students and all drivers who share the road with them. Our Illinois injury attorneys advise readers to practice extreme caution in school zones, around buses, and near children. If you or a loved one has been injured during a school bus or school zone related accident, please contact us to see how we may be able to help you.