Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Last week, The Madison St. Clair Record reported that a lawsuit was recently filed that claims improper lane usage caused the victims injuries. A St. Clair County driver was injured when another motorist made an illegal unsafe lane change. The negligent driver merged from the right lane of I-64 to the left lane, but there was another car in the left lane and not enough room between the two, resulting in a collision between the automobiles. The victim now suffers from serious neck pain and is asking for over $100,000 to compensate for medical costs as well as a loss of income.

After reading about this case, our Illinois car accident lawyers thought it would be important for our readers to discuss the laws surrounding proper lane changes. The Illinois Rules of the Road repeats several times that drivers should always use their turn signals when they are making a lane change. It is also important for all drivers to understand when you should not pass a car or merge lanes.

There are four types of situations where it is considered to be improper lane usage to pass or merge lanes. The first is when there is a no passing zone, such as a double yellow line (no cars can pass or merge) or a single yellow, single dashed line, which is where only one side of the road can pass or merge. Other no-passing situations include when there is a curve in the road, a double yellow on a hill, or near railroads, bridges, tunnels, and viaducts. Weaving in-between lanes to move faster than traffic flow is also considered unlawful.

From the point of view of a Chicago car accident lawyer, it is also important for drivers to read in the Illinois Rules of the Road about proper ways to change lanes. The Rules dictate that drivers should perform a head check when moving from the right to left and make sure to turn on your left turn signal before carefully moving into the left lane. In the case mentioned above, had the negligent driver followed proper Illinois driving laws, this accident may have been avoided.

Each Chicago accident lawyer in our firm hopes that our readers will remember these safety tips when changing lanes. From our experience, we know that something as simple as a lane change can result in serious, even potentially fatal, consequences. When driving, and changing lanes or merging lanes, it is imperative to stay alert and aware to avoid a collision. If you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident, please contact us to see if filing a lawsuit may help you receive fair compensation, and peace of mind.

The Madison St. Clair Record reported that an Illinois car accident lawsuit was filed in a case involving a rear-end crash. The article reports that the defendant was “accused of rear-ending several cars while driving in Fairview Heights.” One of the injured victims who was sitting at a red light when the woman hit the car behind him, has filed a lawsuit against the negligent driver, claiming serious personal injuries and asking for over $50,000 in compensation.

Our Chicago rear-end accident lawyers know that these types of accidents are all too common and can lead to very serious injuries. Sites like Driverthink.com and ScienceDaily.com offer some useful tips on how to avoid these types of collisions. Drivers who spend a lot of time in traffic, for commuting to work, travel, etc., are at higher risk for this type of accident. ScienceDaily.com states that in 2006 there were over 1.8 million rear end accidents, and nearly 30% of all injury related car crashes in the United States involve rear-ending. Rear-end accidents are most like to happen when drivers are not paying attention to the car ahead of them, or when the car ahead of them is slowing down and the driver fails to slow down in time. The article states that some technologists are working on creating software that could help create a warning system to tell people to slow down when the car in front of them is slowing down.

DriverThink.com finds two main types of rear-end accidents: the “Dead Stop” and the “Quick Stop”. In the “Dead Stop”, someone is either stopped at a red light or a stop sign, and someone comes from behind and hits them. In the “Quick Stop”, someone suddenly has to make a quick stop, either because of traffic, obstacles in the round or other challenges, and the car behind them can’t slow in time. When a driver does a quick stop, often the driver behind them will not have enough reaction time to stop as well without hitting the car in front of them.

The site offers three basic tips you can use to avoid rear-end accidents such as the one mentioned above. First, always make sure that your brakes and brake lights are working well. Should you need to stop quickly; the lights will help the driver behind you notice your car slowing. Secondly, use the rearview mirror so you know who is driving behind you, and how they are driving. And finally, if someone on the road wants to pass you or is driving aggressively and following your car too closely, move away from him. With someone driving that closely behind you, it is hard to avoid an accident should you make a quick stop or brake.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys have successfully handled many cases in which a negligent driver rear-ended another driver, resulting in serious injury or even death. Most recently, we recovered a $6.5 million settlement for the family of a woman who was killed when the family’s vehicle was rear-ended by a semi truck. She died and her son and husband suffered serious injuries. The truck driver was found to be under the influence of drugs, and was operating an unsafe truck. This case highlights the fact that rear-end accidents can have devastating consequences for victims and their families, and therefore it is crucial to avoid them at all costs. However, if you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident, please contact us to see how we may be able to help you.

Three days ago, The State Journal-Register posted an article online that discussed a fatal Illinois car accident. The accident was a one-car accident, involving a pick up truck driven by a middle-aged man, with a young woman passenger. The driver drifted off of the road, lost control of the car, and ultimately crashed into a ditch. The woman was killed in the accident, and the driver was charged with DUI, along with improper lane usage.

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is, as we have said numerous times before, completely avoidable and preventable. When drinking, regardless of where you are, make sure that you have a designated driver home. If you do not have a designated driver, do not drive. Find a friend, or family member who can pick you up, or take a taxicab or public transportation home.

After reading this article, our Chicago car accident lawyers thought that it would be important to remind our readers of what constitutes driver negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to operate his or her vehicle with reasonable care. When someone else is injured as a result of someone’s carelessness, they have the right to seek justice. Although we do not know all of the facts of the case, in this particular case, the driver involved in this accident could possibly be found negligent because he was under the influence of alcohol, and made the reckless decision to drive drunk. If he had avoided this dangerous behavior, the young woman who was killed would probably still be alive.

Car accident lawsuits are an effective way to not only receive fair compensation for the harms caused, but also to bring justice to someone who has been seriously injured, or to loved ones of a person who may have been killed. Along with these benefits, it can also help to bring the issue of the dangers of driving under the influence to the attention of the public.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, we may be able to help you. Serious injuries suffered in car accidents can result in long-term medical care and costly medical bills. Accidents can cause victims to lose their ability to work or temporary absence from work, severely affecting a family’s earnings. Filing a lawsuit can also bring you some peace of mind and reassurance in knowing that the negligent driver was held responsible for his or her careless actions and decisions. Our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage you to contact us with any questions, and to learn your legal options.

Recently, the Illinois Department of Transportation posted an article online that discussed safety precautions for winter drivers. With Thanksgiving over, and snowy weather right around the corner, our Chicago car accident attorneys wanted to go over some safety tips for winter driving. Unfavorable weather conditions, such as snow, sleet, and ice, are on their way, and in order to prepare for this, the Illinois Tollway and the Illinois State Police are working together to make sure that people know how to drive in bad conditions, and that emergency and safety equipment are ready to go.

With last year’s significant amounts of snow in mind, we encourage drivers to drive more slowly and cautiously, always wear a seatbelt, cooperate and drive safely around snow equipment, and always have a safety kit for unusual weather. This year, the IDOT has over 3,500 employees available to help maintain the roads. Last year, over 550,000 tons of salt were spread by the Illinois Department of Transportation. This year, workers are already ready with their plow trucks to help keep the roads safe and clear.

Some other winter safety driving tips include:

• Do not get in the way of a snow plow driver’s field of vision, and make sure that you are not in their blind spot
• ALWAYS wear a seatbelt
• Beware of black ice because it is nearly impossible to see, but very dangerous. Bridges, ramps, shaded spots, and intersections are most likely to have black ice, so drive slowly when you are around them.
• Make sure your fuel line doesn’t freeze by keeping your gas tank full
• Check the weather regularly, and do not travel in treacherous weather
• Have an emergency car kit in your car at all times,
• Use a cellphone when necessary to dial 911 or *999 for help on the road

Our Chicago car accident attorneys encourage you and your loved ones to follow safety precautions particularly close in the winter season. Because roads can be icy or crowded with snow, and ice can make driving difficult, it is crucial to wear a seat belt and drive slowly. We hope that our readers will have a safe holiday season and keep these tips in mind as the seasons transition from fall to winter.

Earlier this week, the PJStar.com posted an article a fatal Illinois accident involving a driver who was taking prescription pain killers. According to the report,the faulty driver hit a van carrying a number of people with disabilities, but had no alcohol in his system. Although the driver was not under the influence of alcohol, according to the coroner’s findings, his driving may have been affected due to his use of prescription pain medicine. His autopsy found the pain medicines, Vicodin and Tramadol in his system. These medications were prescribed to him for an injury he suffered a week earlier. The coroner did not state whether or not the medicine intake was illegal or legal. The driver died in the accident and several passengers in the van suffered serious injuries.

This accident serves as a warning for people to take caution when taking prescription medications and driving. Prescription medications can have similar affects to driving under the influence of illegal substances or alcohol. If a person is taking prescription medications, they should consult with their doctor or a pharmacist to understand how those medicines may affect their ability to drive. They should also discuss what other medicines they are taking, because some combinations of medications could lead to a serious accident.

If, after taking prescription medications, a driver feels light headed or groggy, they should not drive. If they must go somewhere, they should ask a family member or loved one to drive them, and if that is not available, take taxicab or public transportation.

Some medications could impair the driver, and could create a delayed reaction time, or cause the driver to be drowsy. Even certain over the counter drugs, such as Benadryl or Tylenol PM, can cause drowsiness and should not be driven on. Our Chicago car accident attorneys hope that our readers will take this warning seriously, and make sure to check their medications before they drive on them.

Websites such as DrugAbuse.gov coined the name for driving on medicines as “drugged driving.” The website has an alarming statistic, that in 2009, “among fatally injured drivers, 18 percent tested positive for at least one drug,” which includes prescription drugs. Driving on drugs or alcohol, including prescription drugs, can impair a driver’s motor skills, alertness, and judgment.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers encourage our readers to make sure that they do not impair their driving by taking prescription or over the counter medicines that affect their driving abilities. They should always contact their doctors or a pharmacist to make sure that the drug, or combinations of drugs that they are taking, do not affect their ability to operate a vehicle. Many times, people only associate driving under the influence with alcohol or illegal drugs, however prescription medicines and over the counter medicines are considered drugs as well, and should be taken cautiously when driving.

With the holiday season coming up, our Chicago car accident attorneys thought it would be beneficial to remind our readers about the dangers of driving drowsy, especially with the long distance road trips that drivers make to visit friends and loved ones over the holidays. We read an article on WDay.com that offers some useful tips and ideas on how to avoid injury by avoiding driving drowsy. Although most people realize that it is illegal to drive drunk, most drivers do not understand the dangers of driving while exhausted, and many admit to doing it themselves.

Driving drowsy is dangerous because when a driver is tired, they have a slower reaction time, their vision can be altered, they are not as alert, and as a result their judgment could be compromised. Exhaustion may also make it difficult for them to focus on the road.

Especially in this holiday season, people feel rushed on the road to get to their destination to see their loved ones or finish holiday errands. During this time of year, many people over-extend themselves and get less sleep than usual. But they should not compromise their safety or the safety of others on the road by driving drowsy. A study even showed that, “being awake for more than 20 hours, results in impairment equal to a blood alcohol level of point zero eight.” Some tips for avoiding driving drowsy include:

• Being well rested before a road trip or long drive
• Drive with a companion, to make sure that each other is alert and to switch off drivers when needed
• Take breaks along the trip
• Never use caffeine as a substitute for sleep

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and DrowsyDriving.org, are good resources for learning more about drowsy driving and offer beneficial tips and information as well. Our Illinois car accident lawyers know that driving drowsy usually occurs at the late hours of the night or early morning. Should our readers find themselves tired and driving home from a holiday gathering late at night, they should pull over, have a friend or family member drive them home, or even call a cab.

We hope that our readers will take driving drowsy seriously, because the consequences can be deadly. We know that at this time of year, drivers are driving and socializing more with loved ones and family members, but they should not risk their safety, or the safety of people they share the road with, by driving while tired.

Continuing on with the theme of holiday safety, our Chicago car accident lawyers thought it would be important to discuss seat belt use this holiday season. DownersGrove.patch.com posted an article online last week that discussed a new Illinois statewide initiative that looks at driving under the influence and seat belt use. The Illinois Department of Transportation funded these holiday traffic safety initiatives with a grant worth $33,000.

The two initiatives include the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and the “Click it or Ticket” campaigns and will be heavily enforced over this Thanksgiving break. Police officers, not only in Downer’s Grove but statewide, will be enforcing these laws day and night, and there will be extra DUI patrols. Because during the holiday season many people are compelled to leave a party after a few drinks, thinking they can drive, the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign will help to target drivers who partake in these dangerous actions. The article reports that, “every 30 minutes someone dies because of an impaired driver; every two minutes someone is injured.” With these initiatives from IDOT, our Illinois car crash lawyers hope that these numbers will shrink.

The Center for Disease Control offers useful tips, statistics, and laws regarding driving impaired, including preventative measures. Some of these tips include:

• Have a designated driver not only for this holiday season, but whenever there is drinking
• Do not drive impaired, or let others drive impaired
• If you do not have a ride home, and can not drive, call a taxi
• And especially for this holiday season, if you are at a party where alcohol is served, plan a ride home ahead of time

When it comes to seatbelt safety, the National Safety Council states that seat belts are the most effective safety step one can take in a car. Seatbelts save lives, and when drivers choose not to wear one, they are more likely to become seriously injured if they are involved in a serious accident. Illinois has a mandatory safety belt law that states that drivers and front seat passengers must wear a seat belts, and children seven years and younger must wear a child restraint. Fines range anywhere between $25 and $75, but the risk of serious injury should motivate everyone to buckle up.

We hope that our readers will take seat belt safety and DUI prevention seriously this holiday season. With more travelers on the road, and people leaving holiday festivities, there is a higher chance of being involved in an accident. In order to protect yourself, make sure to wear a seat belt, and always have a sober ride home.

Over the weekend, The Herald-Times posted a timely article about Thanksgiving traffic. It is reported that this year, there will be a significant increase in people travelling for the holidays. An AAA study forecasts that over 42.5 million people will go more than 50 miles from home, up four percent from last Thanksgiving.

The state of Illinois will have close to 2.2 million people traveling this year by car alone. Although gas prices are still expensive, the article reports that because of the current economic situation, more people this year are stressing the importance of family holidays. The survey also shows that 90 percent of all holiday travelers are travelling by car this Thanksgiving to visit their friends and family.

With an increase in traffic comes an increased risk for car accidents, so our Chicago car crash attorneys thought it would be beneficial to remind readers about safe driving habits. As we know from experience, a large Thanksgiving meal can make you tired or drowsy, especially if you have had a few drinks. With this being said, there is an increased risk for accidents caused by drowsy and intoxicated drivers around Thanksgiving. Driving while overly tired or drunk is not only dangerous for the driver and his or her passengers, but also for others on the road this upcoming weekend.

Should you find yourself drowsy when driving home from a Thanksgiving meal, make sure to pull over before you end up falling asleep on the road. Either find a rest area and take a nap. It is also important to avoid drunk driving at all costs. In addition to drinking alcohol at family dinners, many people overindulge the night before Thanksgiving, as visitors pack bars to visit with old friends. At holiday parties, many people participate in festive drinking, which increases the amount of drunk drivers on the road. If you have had a few drinks at a holiday party, do not drive home. Instead, have a friend or family member drive you home, and if they can’t, call a taxicab. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a poor choice that is completely unnecessary and avoidable. Do not let your holiday end in tragedy. If you plan to travel, consider these safety tips ahead of time and plan accordingly in order to avoid a serious accident or injury. We hope that our readers will have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Last week, DetNews.com reported a new study that shows that people who own and operate hybrid cars are, “25 percent less likely to be injured in a crash than their conventional counterparts.” Although this is exciting safety news for hybrid owners, the study also showed that hybrid drivers are 20 percent more likely to be involved in pedestrian related car accidents. These two results have one thing in common: they are both related to how heavy the vehicle is.

Because hybrids are 10 percent heavier than non-hybrids, they have an advantage when involved in car crashes. However, when involved in accidents with pedestrians, this extra mass can be harmful, even fatal. Some scientists attribute fewer accidents to the personality types of hybrid owners who are less likely to be involved in accidents than people that drive hybrids. These eco-conscious people are cautious about spending too much money on gas and may be more likely to be safer drivers because of these qualities.

The author of this study also reports that, because hybrid drivers are saving on gas, they have more money to spend on things such as car insurance to be protected and safe, should the driver be involved in an accident. But, when a person who is operating a hybrid is involved in an accident, they are more likely to cause significant harm to the other driver involved because of their heavier weight, making smaller cars more likely to be severely impacted. Due to this information, carmakers today are equipping cars with several more safety features, including extra air bags.

When it comes to being involved in a pedestrian accident, our Chicago car accident lawyers read that when hybrids are running on the electric portion, instead of the fuel, they are quieter making them harder for pedestrians to hear. The pedestrian could walk into the street, thinking that it is safe to cross or walk to their car, whatever they may need to do, when really there is a hybrid car coming.

Because of the significant amount of hybrids involved in pedestrian accidents, President Obama signed the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010, which mandates that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guarantee that hybrid cars are noisier to make their presence known to pedestrians. The sound is made when the hybrids are at lower speeds, but is not on at all times so it will not add extra sound to busy traffic where pedestrians are not present.

Some car-industry representatives believe that this study was helpful in showing that in future car models, mass needs to be taken into account for safety measures as well as noise control safety. Even organizations such as the Department of Transportation are working on creating a “sound standard” to ensure pedestrian safety.

Our Chicago car crash lawyers encourage bills such as the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010, as well as car companies continuing to use new technologies and studies to make their cars safer. We hope that current hybrid owners will be careful in zones where pedestrians are present, because with their quiet sound, they may not be heard, and could end up severely injuring or even killing someone they share the road with.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers recently read on STLToday.com an article about a drunk driver who was driving the wrong-way on a highway, which resulted in a head on collision. The driver was driving south in a northbound lane, and collided head on with a car driving north. The accident resulted in serious injuries for both drivers.

Wrong-way driving is an extremely dangerous situation that we often see happen on highways around Chicago. Wrong-way driving occurs when someone is driving in the wrong direction in one lane, regardless of if it is a two way street, or one-way street. One of the main causes of people driving the wrong-way on roads is because they are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Another common cause of wrong-way driving occurs when people are getting on or off the freeway. Because freeway exits can be tricky and confusing, it is really important to make sure that when driving, the motorist makes sure they are entering or exiting in the correct direction. Also, when drivers are navigating in areas that they are not familiar with, particularly metropolitan areas with one way streets, they can easily become confused and end up driving the wrong-way down the street. If this should happen, the driver should safely pull over to the side of the road, sort out their directions, and turn around when possible.

One of the easiest ways to avoid wrong-way driving related accidents is to make sure to pay attention to road signs. Often, one way streets and freeway entry and exit ramps have signs that alert drivers that it is a one-way street, and they should not enter. In order to make the road safer for everyone, if our readers see someone who is driving the wrong-way down the road, they should pull over to order to avoid a head on collision and call 911. If it is suspected that the driver is under the influence, make sure to stay a safe distance away from the driver, and call 911 with a description of the vehicle.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys also saw an article by 10TV.com that discussed how police are working to make wrong-way driving a more serious crime with more serious consequences. We hope that our readers will always attention to road signs when entering or exiting the highway, and just be more alert generally. Remember, wrong-way driving is a serious offense with often deadly consequences.

On Tuesday, The News-Gazette reported about a DUI accident in Paris, IL that resulted in two fatalities. The negligent driver who caused the accident was charged with aggravated driving under the influence. She was driving her SUV on a rural road and nearly caused a head on collision with another car. When the other car swerved to avoid the head on collision, the SUV struck the side of her car. The two women killed, one in her 70’s and one in her late teens, were passengers in the car that the SUV struck.

As our Chicago car accident attorneys have mentioned before, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is completely avoidable and preventable. This accident illustrates the devastating consequences that can occur when drivers make bad decisions.

Not only is alcohol a depressant, but it also alters a person’s ability to stay alert, aware, and react in certain situations. Because alcohol is a depressant, it can slow a person’s motor skills, making it difficult for someone to turn wheel or brake quickly. Drugs, on the other hand, can be both a depressant and a stimulant depending on the drug. While a depressant drug has similar affects on motor skills as alcohol, stimulants do the opposite. They increase the heart rate, and speed up metabolism, which can also affect a person’s driving skills.

It is illegal nationwide in the United States to drive under the influence, regardless of the drug or alcohol. Driving under the influence can not only harm the negligent driver, but may also harm others on the road, as shown in The News-Gazette article. Some organizations, such as Stop Impaired Driving are partaking in national campaigns that discourage drivers from driving under the influence. The organization discusses new programs, such as sobriety checkpoints, and new state initiatives. It also posts about related campaigns that work towards the same goal of eliminating drunk drivers on the road.

In addition to raising awareness, people should be vigilant if they suspect that someone around them is driving drunk. Groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) offer online tips on what you should do if you see a drunk driver. MADD encourages drivers to keep as big of a distance as they can from drivers that they suspect may be drunk and also to stay behind the vehicle. People should, if possible, get a good look at the car operated by the assumed drunk driver without endangering themselves. When you get the opportunity, call 911 and alert them of the location and descriptors of the assumed drunk driver, allowing them to take over. The site notes that Illinois is ranked 14th nationally in having the most DUI related death percentage and in the last year, the amount of DUI related fatalities in Illinois has increased, so anything you can do to take a drunk driver off the road will help reduce these numbers.

Our Illinois car accident lawyers hope that our readers will take this information seriously, and realize that the only way to prevent driving under the influence is to not partake in it. This especially rings true as we approach the holiday season. The choice to not drink and drive is simple, and can prevent car accidents that could result in serious injury or even death.

Yesterday, Examiner.com posted an article regarding several motorcycle safety studies published in the new Accident Analysis & Prevention journal. The studies examined why other drivers on the road do not acknowledge motorcyclists in the same way that they acknowledge other vehicles, how certain headlights can make motorcycles stand out more on the road, and finally how mirror use is related to car and motorcycle collisions.

The reports show that motorcycles with a certain T-shaped headlight set ups are more easily identified by other drivers. Although there was some lack of clarity regarding why other drivers on the road have difficulties acknowledging motorcyclists, the study did conclude that “dual drivers,” or drivers who operate both cars and motorcycles, are more able to recognize motorcycles on the road. The researchers who conducted the study believe that this could be potential evidence that other drivers on the road look at the motorcyclists, but fail to comprehend their presence by actually seeing them.

Furthermore, our Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys also read in the article that certain mirror-incorporated gear can help make the riders more noticeable. If the motorcycle drivers are wearing multi-colored, white, or bright reflective gear, they are more visible then if they were wearing all dark colors.

As posted in some of our previous blog entries, while motorcyclists need to work on making themselves more visible to other people on the road, cars and pedestrians also need to be more alert of motorcyclists’ presence on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association offers some tools that riders can use to make themselves more visible. As suggested in the article referenced above, certain retro-reflective materials, that are neon and lightweight, can be placed on clothing, helmets, and the motorcycle itself to make the motorcyclist visible to others on the road. Motorcyclists should also have some sort of bell or horn they can use when they see a car coming they can more easily make their presence aware.

Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers believe that studies like this will help other drivers on the road to be more alert of motorcyclists’ presence, and will hopefully reduce the number of accidents involving motorcycles and cars. While accidents are most prominent at intersections, drivers should always be on the look-out for people on motorcycles and other smaller vehicles, such as bicycles and scooters. We encourage our readers to stay alert and aware on the road, not only to pay more attention to signs and rules of the roads, but also the people that you share the road with.

Two days ago, our Chicago car accident attorneys read in The Naperville Sun, about a road rage accident that resulted in the fatality of a Naperville man. Although police have created a drawing illustrating what the alleged negligent driver may look like, and are aware of the car’s make and model, but still have not found both the driver and car. The family members remain hopeful that, with the help of the police sketch, someone will turn the driver in, or provide information about her.

The man’s death highlights the dangers and consequences of road rage. In addition to distracted driving, road rage is one of the biggest dangers on our roads today. With increased traffic and congestion in many areas, drivers easily become frustrated and funnel their aggressions to the drivers around them.

Sites like RoadRagers.com and the AAAFoundation.org offer some helpful tips to avoid becoming involved in an accident involved with aggressive drivers. Some of these tips include:

• Do not provoke other drivers on the road
• Do not tailgate, or ride too closely behind, another driver
• If someone aggressively wants to pass you, let them
• Do not use vulgar hand or face gestures
• Use your horn in appropriate situations only
• When you spot an aggressive or angry driver, let them be and avoid them
• Give the aggressive or angry driver as much physical space as possible

There are also ways for you to avoid aggressive behaviors. As we have cautioned in the past, make sure you are well rested before getting behind the wheel. Always give yourself enough time to drive to your destination so you don’t have to speed. If you find yourself clenching the steering wheel when angry, loosen up and take a deep breath to recollect yourself. Finally, do not take other driver’s behaviors personally. Focus on being safe instead of dwelling on the mistakes of others will help you avoid an accident.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage all of our readers to both know how to react to an aggressive or angry driver, and also avoid being that person with road rage. We understand that at times driving can be stressful, but it is important to recognize that other drivers on the road are not being purposefully malicious to you specifically. You should not take other drivers’ behavior on the road as personal. We hope that after reading this post, our readers will understand the severity of road rage, and how it can cause both serious accidents, and even death.

Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys recently read a press release on The Digital Journal announcing a significant verdict in a bicycle accident lawsuit. The verdict, which was over $1 million, was rewarded to an injured bicycle rider. The rider fell off of her bicycle due to an illegally parked vehicle, and, as a result of falling, her leg was run over by a city bus.

According to the release, the bike rider was using the proper bike lane, but because a vehicle was illegally parked, she needed to move around the parked automobile. While she was moving around the vehicle, the driver of the illegally parked car opened his side door. The bicyclist saw this happen and slammed on her breaks, causing her to fall off of the bike and into the road.

Not only was the victim in the hospital for 20 days, but she also needed daily physical therapy, outpatient rehab, and other forms of kinesiology in order to regain strength in her leg. The victim will also have permanent scars and neuro-damage to her right leg. The victim sued the illegally parked driver for negligently parking his car in an unlawful place.

The article reports that, “the defendant acknowledged some responsibility for the accident but named the MTA bus company and bus driver as third party defendants in the lawsuit. The defendants claimed that both the driver of the MTA bus and the plaintiff were also negligent and contributed to the accident.” Ultimately, the jury ruled in favor of the woman, giving her $1.1 million for past and future pain, and also over $150,000 for medical costs.

Bike safety awareness has recently gotten a lot of attention and we feel it’s important to remind drivers that they not only share the road with other drivers, but pedestrians and bicyclists as well. Sites like BicycleSafe.com offer some tips on how bikers can avoid collisions with cars, including tips on proper bike gear. This includes using reflectors and a headlight, for nighttime riding. Not only does Illinois law require headlights, but they can also be used as a flasher to make yourself apparent to some drivers that may not see you.

Also, bikes should be equipped with a loud bell or horn. Similar to how a car uses a horn, a bicyclist can use this to alert cars around them of their presence. And, always wear a helmet to protect your head in case an accident should occur. Mirrors are also beneficial to help the biker to see what is going on behind them, and check the blind spots that they might have when going around parked cars, turning, or merging into another lane on the road.

Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys encourage all bicyclists to be prepared and alert when riding on the road. Not only can certain equipment be extremely beneficial when riding, but also paying attention to traffic signs, along with the traffic around you can be life saving. We hope that all bicyclists will take into account these tips, and that drivers will also be more alert, and share the road with their fellow drivers.

On Wednesday, The Madison St. Clair Record reported about an accident involving a taxicab passenger and an intoxicated driver. The drunk driver ran his car into the side of the taxi in which the victim was a passenger, and because he suffered serious neck and jaw injuries, the man filed a lawsuit against the intoxicated driver. The lawsuit claims that the victim was unable to partake in normal every day activities, and as a result of the accident, had to face expensive medical bills. According to the article, the victim asked for more than $50,000 in damages and $50,000 in punitive damages in the lawsuit.

The dangers of driving under the influence clearly do not only affect the drunk driver, but also others on the road, as this accident clearly shows. As reported in some of our Chicago car accident lawyers’ previous posts, driving under the influence is 100% avoidable and preventable. The website AboutDWI.com has a chart that illustrates the number of drinks associated with the BAC level and how likely a driver with that certain amount of consumed drinks is to be in an accident. The site states that even if a driver only has two beers within one hour, they are already close to being 1.5 times more likely to be involved in an accident.

Prevention for drunk driving has a simple solution; do not drive after drinking or while drunk. This is something that is especially common during weekends or on holidays, because there are more opportunities to drink, but instead of driving home, get a family member or friend as a sober driver, or take public transportation.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can harm, seriously injure, or even kill other people on the road. DrunkDriving.org warns that despite the fact that most people understand the dangers of driving under the influence, alcohol related deaths have continuously increased over the last ten years. Our Chicago car accident attorneys encourage readers to explore websites and resource with information on drunk driving because they provide helpful information and alarming statistics that further reinforce the dangers of drunk driving, amongst other issues.

When a negligent driver gets behind the wheel and harms someone else, it is important that he or she is held accountable for their actions. As with the example above, drunk driving is negligent action and victims have the right to seek redress in a court of law when they are harmed. Our lawyers have successfully handled many cases for injured victims involved in car accidents because of another driver’s recklessness and may be able to help you.

Earlier this week, Fox Chicago News reported about a Chicago drunk driver who drove his car into a car repair shop, and was found to have a blood alcohol content level of over three times the 0.08 legal limit. The driver was charged on four counts, which include aggravated driving under the influence, failure to reduce speed, and also driving without insurance on a revoked license. The police continue to investigate this accident.

With the holiday season right around the corner, we thought it was important to address the subject of driving under the influence. With this in mind, our Chicago car accident attorneys thought it would be beneficial to discuss the dangers and risks that driving under the influence pose, along with DUI prevention. According to TotalDUI.com, the holiday season brings an increased amount of DUI arrests. Under law, Illinois drivers found with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.08 will be charged with DUI.

Websites like DUIFoundation.org work to educate the public about the dangers of DUI and also give some prevention tools. The site reminds people that, “When alcohol is consumed, many of the skills that safe driving requires- such as judgment, concentration, comprehension, coordination, visually acuity, and reaction time- become impaired.” With this being said, it is obvious why driving under the influence is dangerous, and sometimes fatal. The site also reports an alarming statistic; driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the main causes of death of people 25-years-old and younger.

Not only is driving under the influence dangerous for those driving, but it also endangers other vehicles on the road. This is illustrated by the story we talk about earlier in this post. If someone had been in the repair shop at the time of the crash, the accident may have resulted in many more injuries. As stated in previous posts, DUI drivers face jail time, confiscation of license, fines, and repeat offenders may even have a small device put in their car to measure their BAC before they are allowed to start the vehicle.

As the holidays approach, please be safe. If you have had too much to drink at a holiday celebration, find someone sober to drive you home or call a taxi. It is always best to assign a designated driver at the beginning of the evening to ensure that someone is capable of driving. You should also make sure your friends and loved ones are sober before they get behind the wheel. If you suspect that someone has been drinking and is contemplating driving, offer them a ride home.

As our team has seen, often times, driving under the influence leads injury or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident in which a negligent drunk driver has injured you, you may be able to receive fair compensation for the harms caused. Our Illinois car crash lawyers have successfully handled many cases of this nature, and may be able to help you. When involved in this type of accident, the results can lead to costly medical bills. It can also lead to the injured victim having to stop working for a designated period of time, or even never being able to work again. Filing a lawsuit can help bring awareness to the dangers of driving under the influence while holding all wrongdoers responsible for their reckless actions.

Yesterday, The PJStar posted article tribute to a Tremont, IL about a father who, after the tragic death of his daughter, became a spokesperson for safe teen driving habits. The man and his wife presented over 80 times in the past six years, with a cumulative audience of close to 40,000 people. The father recently passed away, but his memory lives on through the work he did to increase teen driver safety awareness in remembrance of his daughter. His daughter, who was 15-years-old when she passed away, was involved in a fatal accident in which she was a passenger. One of her friends, who was a new driver, was speeding at 96 miles per hour, and crashed the car into a tree.

After the tragic accident, the Illinois teenager’s parents decided to make an example of the fatal crash in hopes to prevent other kids from the same type of accident. Her parents wanted to impact the community in a positive way, and their work gained attention throughout Illinois and across the country. In addition to their work with high schools and communities, the young teen’s parents helped push through legislation to create certain requirements for teen drivers, one of which was the Graduated Driver’s License program.

We cannot stress enough the importance of teaching young drivers how to drive safely and making them aware of the potential deadly consequences of reckless driving. As discussed in previous posts, the number one cause of death for American teenagers is car crashes, and the teen age group is the least likely to wear seatbelts. The NHSTA recognizes that through “increasing seat belt use, implementing graduated driver licensing, and reducing teens’ access to alcohol,” we can continue to reduce teen car accidents. This was a mission that the Illinois father worked to achieve.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage our readers to look at sites such as the NHSTA’s Teen Drivers- Parents & Teens page. Sites like these offer safe driving tips, and promote conversations between parents and teens regarding safe driving tools. Some safety rules that the NHTSA believes parents should discuss with teenagers include:

• No drinking while driving
• Always remember to wear a seatbelt
• Avoid distractions such as cell phones and texting
• Abide by a curfew
• Follow the one-passenger limit
• Participate in the Graduated Driver’s License program

When you review these important issues with your teenagers, our Chicago car crash lawyers believe that your teenager will be more likely to be responsible on the road. Through the Graduated Driver’s Licensing program, teenagers learn the necessary tools they need in stages to be safe drivers. Pairing this program with parent conversations, rules and consequences reinforces the importance of following the rules of the road, making the road safer not only for the teen drivers themselves, but also others on the road.

Recently, The Quad City Times reported about an accident where a man was severely injured when his motorcycle collided with a car. The motorcyclist was driving near the curb, when a driver turned, causing the motorcyclist to perpendicularly hit the car. Reports say that the motorcyclist was thrown off of his motorbike, onto the ground and was then taken to the emergency room. Police in the area say that this accident is still under investigation for further information.

This accident highlights the potential dangers of motorcycling, and the importance of motorcycle safety. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2010, “Illinois experienced a total of 130 fatal crashes involving motorcycles, resulting in the death of 131 motorcycle operators and passengers and one-non motorists.” Out of the131 killed, only two were wearing certified helmets, and close to half had been driving under the influence. These alarming statistics, paired with our coverage of recent accidents across the state, will hopefully encourage not only our readers, but motorcyclists as well, to take better safety precautions.

The Illinois Department of Transportation also warns that most motorcycle accidents occur on weekends, from 6:00 p.m. Friday through late Sunday night. And while most motorcycle accidents take place in the summer when there are more motorcyclists on the road, one should still follow proper motorcycle safety practices all year round.

To reduce the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident, all motorists need to pay attention and remember how to drive safely around smaller vehicles. Because motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles and lack the same protection that cars offer, and when people are involved in accidents while on a motorcycle, they are more likely to be seriously injured. Drivers should share the road, and keep a look out for these smaller vehicles, especially in warm weather and in areas where a lot of people ride.

Motorcyclists should always take into account that they are not easily visible in larger car and truck’s blind spots. They should also drive defensively. Driving aggressively, such as swerving, riding between lanes, and weaving, is highly dangerous and increases the likeliness of an accident. Motorcyclists should also keep up with the maintenance of their bike and equipment. Some sites, such as the Illinois Department of Transportation, provide a Pre-Ride checklist that can help riders make sure everything is working properly. Finally, it is very important to wear proper gear. Proper gear consists of thick clothing, boots, goggles, gloves and helmets. These elements will help to protect the motorcyclist should an accident occur.

As discussed in some previous posts, our Chicago motorcycle crash lawyers suggest participating in free three-step motorcycle rider safety training courses. The stages include, beginner, intermediate, and experienced courses. To find a course near you, visit StartSeeingMotorcycles.org. We strongly encourage our motorcyclist readers to follow these tips, and always drive safely on the road. We also hope that other drivers will stay alert and aware on the road while always scanning for smaller vehicles. Although motorcycle riding can be dangerous, many of the risks can be prevented if everyone shares the road in a safe and sensible manner.

Yesterday, our Chicago car accident attorneys read an article in The Chicago Tribune about a taxicab that crashed into a Wicker Park restaurant, injuring a customer. Although the customer suffered minor injuries, it still brings attention to taxi cab driver safety. The taxi driver crashed into numerous windows, and damaged both the outside and the inside of the restaurant. According to the article, after the accident one witness said that the taxicab driver showed no remorse.

In a previous blog post, our Chicago car accident lawyers discussed an article in The Chicago Tribune about taxi driver ticketing in Chicago. A study found that many times, judges dismiss tickets, regardless of if they are for speeding, failing to stop or follow traffic signs, or even pedestrian accidents. We believe that taxi drivers should be held accountable for their actions, and have to pay the price of not following the rules of the road. Because cab driver tickets are so easily dismissed, there is little motivation for cab drivers to follow the rules of the road, and this it creates a dangerous environment for not only drivers, but pedestrians and bicyclists as well.

In order to improve the safety of Chicago streets, we support the City of Chicago’s “three strike program”. The program creates a rule that states if a cab driver has had three or more violations, they can lose their license to chauffeur. We hope that this program will be enforced because it is reported that more than a quarter of all Chicago pedestrian accidents are related to taxis.

If you or someone you know have been injured or even killed in a taxi related accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to receive fair compensation for the harms caused. Taxi accidents are often caused by drivers who speed, text, talk on their cell phones, or disobey traffic signals. An accident of this type can result in serious injuries, and may lead to costly medical bills. It can also disable a victim from being able to go to work for an indefinite period time, or they may never be able to work again. Please contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers to see how we may be able to help you.

On Tuesday, our Illinois accident attorneys read an article on USAToday online about an increase in deer-related car accidents. For instance, a family of 10 passengers was driving from Chicago to New Jersey last weekend when their vehicle collided with a deer on the road. Immediately following the collision, their van was hit by a semi-truck, resulting in seven fatalities. This tragic accident brought media attention to the dangers deer pose when they are on the road.

As discussed in previous posts, fall, especially the month of November, is the season when most deer related car accidents occur. The reasoning for this is that between early fall and midwinter, deer are in mating season. The deer are on the move because they are concerned with finding a mate, and for males, fighting other male deer.

In most cases of animal related accidents, deer dart onto the road and either collide with vehicles or cause drivers to swerve. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there are close to 1 million deer related car accidents every year, which result in about 200 fatalities, ten thousand injuries, and over $1 billion in damages to cars. Also, it was reported that, “the average collision with a deer produces more than $3,000 damage.” New studies are being conducted to better determine how to effectively place deer crossing warning signs because these signs can reduce collisions by over a third.

Because it is November, and deer are abundant and looking for mates, our Chicago car accident attorneys thought it would be beneficial to discuss how to avoid an animal collision. Some tips include staying alert on the road, so if there is a deer crossing sign, you will be sure to see it. Also, a good rule of thumb to remember is that when there is one deer, there are most likely more to come, so always slow down and use caution if you see one.

Headlights can also be a useful tool, and when it is dark, use your bright lights when possible to make the road more visible. State Farm suggests that is you spot a dear ahead of you, flash your bright lights on and off multiple times because deer will freeze in headlights, much like the old adage suggests. Flashing your brights will hopefully encourage the deer to move off the road. Should you be in a close encounter with a deer on the road, if you have enough time, slow down and start slowly braking to let the other drivers on the road know you are stopping. However, don’t stop suddenly or you risk being rear-ended. And most importantly, do not swerve. If you swerve onto oncoming traffic or off the road, you are more likely to injure yourself, so it is important to stay on the road.

As stated in some of our previous posts regarding car-animal safety, our Chicago car accident attorneys encourage drivers to be aware of deer moving when driving during the fall season. Not only can a collision with a deer cause damage to a vehicle, but it can also cause severe injury or even death, as seen in last week’s accident. Make sure to pay attention for signs signaling a deer dense area, and never swerve should an encounter with a deer occur.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys read on the Illinois Attorney General website about a new campaign that will reduce the number of teens texting while driving. Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General, joined with the Secretary of State, other Attorney Generals, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to create a new campaign that targets teens who drive, in order to reduce the high number of serious injuries and even fatalities that are caused when teens text behind the wheel.

A new website, StopTextsStopWrecks.org was created in support of the campaign, and the campaign also calls for administering educational tools to schools nationally to alert teens of the dangers of texting while driving. Although for most teens texting is second nature, it can be extremely dangerous when they are behind the wheel. Because teens lack the experience that adult drivers have, they are more likely to be involved in an accident. When texting is thrown into the mix, it can have a deadly outcome. The Secretary of State in Illinois has made it a top priority to ban texting for all drivers of all ages by helping to pass legislation in early 2010.

Some websites, such as the National Safety Council, include helpful tips and tools for both parents and teens, and has some interesting statistics. Out of the National Safety Council’s Top 5 Tips to Reduce Teen Driver Crashes, banning the use of phones while driving is number three.

As reported in some of our earlier blog posts that discussed teen driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, “distracted driving is the number one killer of American teens.” Close to 80% of teenagers have admitted to texting while driving, which means their eyes are not on the road, comparable to driving with their eyes closed.

The article reports that the Ad Council has donated $88.7 million in advertisements to support the attorney generals’ campaign against distracted driving. Our Chicago car accident lawyers support awareness campaigns such as these, because we know that teens that text while driving can find themselves in fatal accidents. In past months, we are happy to have reported on a lot of media coverage surrounding distracted driving and we hope this trend will continue. Texting while driving should be on everyone’s mind and a topic of family conversations. We encourage our readers to discuss the dangers of driving while texting with their teens, as well as discussing the risks involved when driving distractions. Making them aware of the issues, and especially the dangers to themselves and others, may help teens make the right choices when they get behind the wheel.

Recently, myFoxDetroit.com reported that there is a new technology coming to Ford automobiles that helps to detect when a driver is drowsy. According to the article, 40 percent of drivers say they have fallen asleep while operating a vehicle. This alarming statistic is what motivated companies such as Ford to create new technology to prevent accidents. The system recognizes the lane lines, and when a driver starts to alter their path from that of the lane lines, the car sends alarms to wake the driver up. By using cameras, and alarms, vibrations in the steering wheel, and the program helps to keep drowsy driver safe on the road.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage further development of this type of technology, because when someone drives drowsy, they don’t only endanger their own safety, but also the safety of others on the road. As mentioned in some of our previous blog posts, organizations such as DrowsyDriving.org offer some helpful resources and alarming facts that should encourage readers to avoid driving drowsy. Some warning signs that drivers should avoid driving include:

• Difficulty focusing
• Heavy eyes or head
• Inability to pay attention to the road
• Yawning often
• Lane drifting
• Or feeling restless

In order to prevent accidents and possible injury, our readers should always make sure they are well rested before driving, and if you are driving on a long road trip, it is important to take frequent breaks. If you do feel any of the warning signs of drowsiness approaching, make sure to pull over and get the necessary rest. Remember, caffeine and other stimulants are no substitute for sleep.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a driver who fell asleep behind the wheel, contact our Chicago car accident lawyers to see how we may be able to help you. We have successfully handled many cases involving negligent drivers, and a lawsuit would not only help you to receive fair compensation, but can also to bring attention to the seriousness of driving drowsy. Being involved in this type of accident can result in serious injury, which can also mean expensive medical bills, or not being able to work for a period time. Therefore it is important to seek compensation for the harms caused. Please contact us to discuss your potential lawsuit.