Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Two days ago, the Aurora Beacon-News posted an article online that described a severe pedestrian accident involving a teen driver. The motorist, who is 16, did not have a driver’s license and was operating a car at night. The teenager hit a pedestrian, causing the pedestrian to suffer serious head injuries. From the accident, the pedestrian was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he is now in critical condition. The driver had only a minor cut on her foot from the accident, and was cited for “not having a valid driver’s license and violating the state’s graduated driver licensing laws.”

After reading this article, a Chicago accident lawyer at our firm pointed out the importance of pedestrian safety. Pedestrians share the road with motorists and cyclists. Pedestrians should always use clearly marked crosswalks when available, and when there is no crosswalk, they should walk facing oncoming traffic in order to make themselves more visible. Intersections are also the most common place for pedestrian accidents to occur, so it is important to be extra cautious. Nighttime also makes seeing difficult for motorists, and a way to be seen is to wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight while walking. Not only is it important for pedestrians to be cautious and visible, but also it is important that motorists stay alert on the road and aware that pedestrians may be present. Staying alert at cross walks or intersections is something that drivers should do all the time, but also something that will help motorists avoid colliding with pedestrians.

From the perspective of a Chicago car accident lawyer, it is important for states to implement a graduated driver-licensing program like the one in Illinois. As we have said before in previous posts, the GDL program was created to give teenagers and young people the necessary tools they nee to drive a car safely. The Illinois program ahs three phases: the permit phase for drivers that are 15 years old, the initial licensing phase for drivers that are between 16 and 17 years old, and the full licensing phase for drivers who are between 18 and 20. In the permit phase, teen drivers must drive with a parent or guardian and a permit. They have curfew restrictions, and need to have their permit for at least nine months before continuing on to the intermediate phase. Everyone must wear a seatbelt, and drivers may never use a cellphone besides for emergencies. In the initial licensing phase, parents or a guardian certifies that 50 hours of driving has been completed, and the driver may go take the driver’s license exam if a state-approved driver’s education class has been completed. The curfew is still in place, as well as wearing seatbelts, and additionally, drivers may only have one passenger. In the final phase, no age restrictions apply. It is not clear whether the driver involved in this accident possessed a permit or was in the initial licensing phase.

Our Illinois car accident lawyers believe that if the driver in this accident had been properly following the GDL program and was not driving at night and alone, this accident could have been avoided. We encourage parents to educate their teens on state driving laws and enforce strict driving rules so that accidents like this do not occur.

Early in February, an Illinois accident lawyer at our firm found an interesting article on the Chicago Tribune’s website that discussed the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana. According to new research, “people who smoke marijuana within three hours of driving are twice as likely to cause a crash than someone who is sober.” When examining previous studies, researchers determined that people who drive high are more than two times as likely to be involved in a crash with a fatality, and 1.75 times as likely to be cause a crash that doesn’t involve a fatality. Conclusively, driving under the influence of marijuana impairs necessary driving skills, such as cognitive skills as well as motor skills.

Some cannabis legalization advocates make the point that even though driving while high is riskier and can cause more accidents than driving sober, it is still not as risky as driving drunk. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that close to 32% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related, while other drugs, which would include marijuana, account for about 18% of traffic fatalities. The new research also states that, “drivers with a blood-alcohol content of .08 are about 2.7 times as likely to be involved in a car accident as a sober person.” Some say that people who drive high are more aware of their impairment, which makes them try to compensate for it by being extra alert and aware on the road; however, our attorneys do not encourage that behavior.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is completely avoidable and preventable. A Chicago auto accident attorney of ours wants to point out that marijuana is often used in combination with other drugs or alcohol, which can prove to be even more dangerous for drivers and the people they share the road with. The CDC also points out that every single day, close to 30 people in America alone die in car accidents that involve an impaired driver. Even though some may believe that driving high is ok and doesn’t effect motor or cognitive skills bad enough to keep them off the road, what they don’t understand is that they aren’t only putting themselves at risk, but they are also putting pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists in danger.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys want to reiterate that driving impaired is completely avoidable and preventable. Driving sober is always the safest bet, and allows drivers to use all of the necessary skills for driving without them being impaired. Research shows that people who smoke marijuana before driving are twice as likely than a sober person to be involved in a crash with a fatality. If you or a loved one has been involved where a driver was impaired, you may be able to hold wrongdoers accountable and receive fair compensation for damages or losses incurred. This type of accident can result in serious injuries or even death, which result in costly medical fees, hospital costs, and doctor’s appointments. Filing a lawsuit would not only help to receive compensation, but it would also bring the public’s attention to the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

An important topic that we haven’t discussed in our safety series is the importance of seat belt use. As Illinois auto accident lawyers, we know that in our state, each driver and passenger must now wear a seat belt, according to a new state law that went into effect on January 1, 2012. Police can stop vehicles and issue $25 tickets when they spot someone not wearing a seat belt.

Although most drivers are aware of these Illinois laws, many are not familiar with child safety seat requirements. In Illinois, children who are 8 years or less are required to be seated in a safety seat. There are safety seats for infants (rear facing seats), convertible seats (for infants and then toddlers), and booster seats (for young children so they can be secured in the seatbelt). If the child weighs more than 40 pounds, they can be seated in the back seat and only with a lap belt.

In addition to using safety seats for children, it’s also important to make sure they are installed and functioning properly. Many local law enforcement agencies or fire departments offer free car seat installation and inspection for parents to help ensure they are installed correctly. It is worth it to take advantage of these services to increase your child’s risk for serious injury.

As a Chicago auto accident lawyer reminder our readers, if these laws are violated you may incur a fine. These fines are put into place to deter people from riding without seat belts or safety seats for their kids. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Adult seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes.” Seat belts are also proven to reduce serious injuries and even deaths from car accidents by 50%. With these facts, it surprises us that anyone would risk their lives or the lives of their children by not using proper safety devices.

In order to increase seat belt use, states should continue to pass laws requiring seat belts, and also push for law enforcement to strictly enforce these laws. Educators and health professionals should continue to remind students and parents about seat belt habits, and how they can be life saving. Parents should always set a good example by wearing a seatbelt themselves and making sure that their children are secure when in the car together. Wearing a seat belt is an easy thing to do that could be life saving, there is no downside. Our Chicago car accident attorneys urge everyone to wear a seatbelt, no matter how quick the car ride is or where they are seated in the car.

After our previous post about speeding, an Illinois auto accident lawyer of ours thought that it could be beneficial to expand on the topic of speeding to discuss aggressive driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aggressive driving occurs when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” Similar to aggressive driving, but not the same, is road rage, which is when a driver uses their vehicle as a weapon.

SmartMotorist.com reported that in the past ten years, the number of miles driven each year has increased by 35%. This being said, there are more cars on the road, and with people being stressed and feeling busier, road congestion could be contributing to the recent increase in the number of aggressive drivers on the road. Some types of aggressive driving behavior include aggressively tailgating the car in front of you, flashing lights at other cars, speeding, frequent lane changes and failing to signal, not yielding the right-of-way, ignoring traffic signals, impaired driving, offensive or rude gestures, verbal abuse, and deliberately preventing others from being able to move their vehicles.

It is also said that when a roadway or highway is congested, drivers become more frustrated and are more likely to drive aggressively. Drivers’ emotions can also affect their aggressive driving behavior. Finally, with drivers only being human, they are likely to feel territorial, even when it comes to the space around their car. When a driver feels that their territory is being encroached on, they could try to show dominance in an aggressive manner.

From the point of view of a Chicago car accident attorney, you can avoid becoming an aggressive driver by making sure that you do not operate a vehicle when angry or upset, listen to music at a lower volume, practice safe driving habits such as following traffic signals, and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so you do not feel rushed. If you happen to see someone driving aggressively, it is important that you stay calm and a safe distance away. Change lanes so that you are not in the same lane as them once it is safe, and if you can’t change lanes and the driver is still behind you, maintain a safe speed and ignore any rude or aggressive gestures. Finally, try to take down any descriptors of the car that you can without compromising your own safety, and call 911 giving them the location of the car.

Our Chicago accident lawyers remind drivers that aggressive driving could take lives. By staying calm on the road when driving, and by reporting any potential aggressive drivers, we can hopefully decrease the amount of aggressive drivers that are on Illinois roadways today.

According the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, speeding is involved in about one out of every three fatal crashes. A crash is defined as speeding-related “if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense or if an officer indicated that racing, driving too fast for conditions, or exceeding the posted speed limit contributed to the crash.” Due to this alarming statistic, we felt it was necessary to discuss speeding during our series on major causes of serious car accidents.

As Illinois car accident lawyers, we have represented a number of injured clients in cases where speeding was a major factor in an accident. We know that some of the main reasons that drivers speed is because they are in rush to get some where, not paying attention to how they are driving, they don’t take speed related laws or don’t think they will be caught. However, it is important to realize that speeding, which is completely preventable, causes about 13,000 fatalities every year. A significant number of speed-related accidents occur in work zones or school zones. Speeding is also strongly associated with incidents of drunk driving and young men are the most likely demographic to be involved in these types of accidents.

Unfortunately, speeding is a habitual behavior. People generally acknowledge speeding as dangerous, but still partake in it. Automated speed enforcement is a technology that has ongoing enforcement of traffic and can cite the license plate of the speeder almost instantaneously. This is beneficial because it makes sure that traffic flow isn’t disrupted and doesn’t require a law enforcement officer to case and cite a speeding car. Just last week, Governor Quinn signed a law that will allow the City of Chicago to install automatic speed detectors at traffic lights. Drivers caught going more than 5 mph over the speed limit will be sent a $100 ticket. We think this is a great way to discourage people from speeding, because there is a constant threat of a fine if they disobey speed limits.

In addition to increasing the amount of automated speed enforcement technology, a Chicago car accident lawyer of ours also suggested that increased awareness about the true dangers of speeding could be beneficial to helping people reduce their speeds. We encourage readers to remind friends and loved ones of the risks associated with speeding, especially for new drivers. Although it might seem like speeding is okay in some situations, it’s a habit you should try to break. Give yourself enough time to get where you need to go, and be aware that when you speed, you not only put yourself in danger, but also the lives of everyone else on the road.

Even though the holiday season has passed, that doesn’t mean that law enforcement will lighten up on intoxicated drivers. A Chicago auto accident attorney at our firm thought it was important to highlight the dangers of drunk driving during our series on the major causes of car and trucking accidents. We also wanted to discuss what you should do if you suspect that someone is driving drunk. According to DrinkingAndDriving.org, 90% of drunk driving results from the negligent driver drinking with family, friends, or coworkers. Driving under the influence is 100% avoidable and preventable, and you should always discourage and do everything in your power to prevent others from driving impaired.

As we have mentioned before, if you plan to drink, find a designated driver. If there is no designated driver, you should ask a sober family member or friend to pick you up. If that should fail as well, take public transportation such as a bus or train system, a taxicab, or spend the night at a friend’s house. There are far too many risks associated with drunk driving to take your chances and if someone is caught drunk driving, he or she may face automatic license revocation. Harsh consequences such as license revocation encourage drivers to avoid drinking and driving at all costs.

In addition to not drinking and driving, Illinois accident lawyer at our firm mentioned that Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) website also offers some tips on how and what you should do if you spot a drunk driver on the road. The driver may be intoxicated if:

• they slow down or speed up quickly
• they tailgate or weave
• they drive off of the road or almost collide with another object
• they have a slow or delayed response to traffic signals
• they have their headlights off at night
• they turn abruptly or illegally
• they drive on the wrong side of the road

If you see a drunk driver on the road, keep your distance. You also shouldn’t try to pass them or get them to pullover. If you can get any descriptors of the car (such as license plate number) or characteristics of the driver without compromising your own safety, do so. Finally, you should pull over and call 911 to give them the location of the vehicle with crossroads, and also an accurate description.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys stress that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is completely avoidable and preventable and encourage drivers to recognize the same. Driving intoxicated puts everyone on the road at risk, not just the driver who is partaking in the negligent behavior.

Today, in this week’s series of entries on the major causes of serious accidents, we wanted to address the growing problem of texting while driving. With new innovations such as the iPhone’s Siri, as well as other smart phone applications that allow drivers to dictate a message into their phone, our Illinois auto accident lawyers thought that it could be beneficial to remind our readers of the dangers and risks involved with texting while driving.

A Chicago auto accident lawyer at our firm witnessed a near-accident recently and noted that the perpetrator was driving with one hand on the wheel and the other on his iPhone. We cannot stress enough the dangers of texting while driving. One alarming statistic that we came across was posted by Distracion.gov and stated that people who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident. In the state of Illinois, there are bans on all cellphone use for bus drivers and novice drivers, as well as a ban on texting for all drivers and the use of cellphones while in a school zone or construction zone. This being said, drivers should not only avoid cellphone use according to these parameters, but should avoid cellphone use at all time. Texting while driving is so dangerous because it involves all three main types of distractions (visual, manual, and cognitive). It requires drivers to take their eyes, hands, and mind off of the road for several seconds.

Young adults, who are between the ages of 18 to 24, are most likely to talk on their cellphones and text while driving. This being said, parents and educators need to focus on the dangers of cellphone use while driving. When texting while driving, drivers often forget that they share the roads with other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and that these people can become harmed by this careless practice.

Stricter enforcement of the texting while driving ban, in addition to educating younger and less experienced drivers about the risks of texting, can help to reduce the amount of texters on the road. Even though technological advances such as Siri and other dictation applications make it easier to text without taking your eyes of the road, it is still dangerous because often times the sender will double check the message or edit it in some way, once again involving all three types of distractions.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys highly encourage drivers to turn their phones off while driving, or should be answering a call or sending a text be absolutely necessary, safely pull over to do so. These types of accidents have been proven to be fatal, and are completely avoidable and preventable.

Our Chicago auto accident lawyers thought that it would be a good idea to go over some of the general causes of accidents this week, starting with drowsy driving. Drowsy driving occurs when a driver is fatigued, sleepy, or exhausted and has a low level of alertness while driving. This can even include falling asleep at the wheel. DrowsyDriving.org says that “Nearly one-quarter of adults say they know someone personally who has crashed due to falling asleep at the wheel.” This statistic alarmed us and we thought we could offer some tips on how to avoid driving drowsy.

Some warning signs of becoming drowsy include heavy eyelids and head nodding. Yawning frequently, as well as difficulty keeping eyes open occurs. Difficulty focusing, not staying cognitively aware on the road, missing exits or sigs, drifting lanes or hitting a rumble strip, or feeling restless are all signs that the driver is drowsy. Before getting on the road, you should make sure that you have had a good night’s rest, and during long road trips should schedule breaks, about every 100 miles or so, to make sure that you are ready to continue the next leg of the trip. Also, having someone ride with you in the car can help keep you awake and alert, and can also share the drive with you. A Chicago car accident attorney at our firm also wanted to mention that drivers should never drink alcohol or sedatives before driving because they can make the driver impaired and sleepy as well.

If you are driving, and are feeling drowsy, some steps to avoid falling asleep = include stopping the car and pulling over, finding a rest stop or pulling off the road and taking a nap, or drinking a caffeinated drink. However we must note that caffeine is never a substitute for sleep. If you know in advance that the trip is a long one, you should plan places to stop before beginning your drive. If there are many hours left in your trip and you feel sleepy, staying in a hotel or motel for the night and getting a full night’s sleep is the best solution. Young people, people who work long hours, commercial drivers, people with undiagnosed or untreated issues such as sleep apnea, and business travelers who could have jet lag, are the most at risk for driving drowsy. Given this information, people inthese groups should pay special attention to staying alert when on the road.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, you may be able to file a lawsuit and seek fair compensation. Accidents of this nature can be serious and lead to expensive medical costs, as well as a temporary or even permanent absence from work. Please contact an Illinois auto accident attorney of ours to see if we may be able to help you.

Early this morning, an Illinois accident lawyer of ours pointed out an article posted by MyStateLine.com, which discussed how Illinois Governor Pat Quinn approved the use of speed enforcement cameras, otherwise known as “red light cameras,” throughout the city of Chicago. The Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, has suggested using the speed enforcement cameras to fine speeders who are going five miles per hour or more above the speed limit in “safety zones”, which are typically zones that are near schools or parks where children and pedestrians are present. The speed enforcement cameras will not be put into place until July 1st.

According to an article by The State Journal-Register, “The cameras will send $100 tickets to the drivers of vehicles going more than 5 mph over the limit. The ticket wouldn’t be considered a moving violation.” The cameras will function during the day from 6:00 in the morning to 10:00 at night on school days (Monday through Friday), as well as areas surrounding parks, functioning every day of the week, from one hour before the park opens until one hour after the park closes.

From the perspective of a Chicago auto accident lawyer, although some may find it controversial, we see no down side. By having these cameras in place, we hope that drivers will be more aware of their speed when in pedestrian heavy zones in Chicago. Drivers will know that even though there may not be a policeperson nearby, there are still cameras monitoring the streets to ensure safe driving practices. By offering a steep fine of $100, drivers who are one-time offenders will hopefully learn their lesson and slow down. If the $100 serves as a consequence to drivers, as well as raising revenue for the City, there isn’t much harm in that to the pedestrians who are becoming safer.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys support initiatives like these, because pedestrians share the road with cars, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and should be protected. The red light cameras encourage drivers to slow down, which can also be beneficial when weather conditions are bad, or even help to prevent rear-end accidents. We hope that initiatives like the red light camera will show drivers that there are consequences to speeding, and that slowing down could prevent a fatality of one of the people that motorists share the road with.

An Illinois auto accident attorney at our firm pointed out an article posted yesterday by ABC 7 about a serious collision that involved a fire truck and left ten injured. The accident occurred two days ago at a four-way intersection in Chicago when a sedan was in the middle of an intersection, and turned when a fire truck going straight through the intersection hit it. The fire engine was on the way to a medical emergency, with the lights and sirens on, although some witnesses mentioned that the siren wasn’t audible. Six people were pulled out of the sedan by the fire department and taken to the hospital. Four of the firefighters involved were also taken to the hospital, although reports say that they are in good shape. Apparently, “the intersection has long been problematic, in part because a fence along Halsted, they say, can block the view of traffic.” A neighbor who has lived near the intersection for close to 40 years states that he has seen any where in between 10 and 15 accidents occur at the intersection.

After reading this, any Chicago car accident attorney would agree that it is important to go over steps on what to do when you see lights or hear sirens when an emergency vehicle is approaching. Firstly, in cold weather when drivers do not have their windows open and are not able to hear sirens, they should stay alert and aware that flashing lights could be coming at any time. By making sure to check the rearview and side view mirrors frequently, motorists can make sure that they can see vehicles coming.

Also, music in the car should be set a volume where loud sirens and horns can be heard over them. Distractions, such as cellphones, should not be used so drivers have their ears and minds prepared for emergency vehicles. Should a motorist see an emergency vehicle approaching with the lights an sirens on, the Illinois state law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way by pulling over to the side of the road and waiting for the vehicle to pass them.

Our Chicago auto accident lawyers also want to remind drivers, as mentioned in previous posts, that intersections are a place where accidents commonly occur. When approaching an intersection, slow down and make sure that it is clear of pedestrians, motorists, or cyclists before turning or proceeding. At night, make sure that the vehicle’s lights are on, and that the car is moving at a reasonable pace. Drivers should also never try to squeeze through a light, or try turning and clearing another car. By following these tips, we hope that motorists will be safer when driving through intersections, and also know how to respond to emergency vehicles.

A few days ago, the Chicago Tribune posted an article online that discussed a pedestrian accident involving a man in his early 30s who was struck by a car in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. The pedestrian was crossing the street early Saturday morning when a car that was making a left turn in through the intersection hit him. The victim hit car’s windshield and suffered serious head, leg, and torso injuries. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and had surgery that day. Although the accident is still under investigation, the driver involved was cited for failure to practice due care, as well as other unspecified citations.

From the point of view of a Chicago car accident lawyer it is important to frequently remind readers on the best ways to avoid pedestrian accidents. This is especially true for our many readers who live in large cities such as Chicago where walking is a vital part of day-to-day life. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers some great tips that will keep you safe when traveling by foot, wheelchair, or with a stroller.

First off, even though it appears that the pedestrian involved in the aforementioned accident was in a designated crosswalk, you should remember to always cross in the crosswalk. Intersections are the most dangerous place for pedestrians, because many drivers do not yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while turning. At night, or when the weather conditions make visibility difficult, make sure to carry a flashlight and wear bright, reflective clothing so drivers and others on the road will be more likely to see you. Also, always use the sidewalk when possible, however we are aware that there are some instances in which you must walk in the street. Should walking in the street be your only option, walk on the side that allows you to face traffic so they can better see you.

Another Chicago accident lawyer pointed out that drivers should make efforts to increase pedestrian safety. Drivers should be aware that they are not the only people on the road, and that they share their space with pedestrians. Some things that drivers can do to help avoid these types of accidents include being extra careful when near intersections, especially at night. Turning left in an intersection can be difficult because drivers go through two crosswalks, so keeping this in mind, you should drive slowly and cautiously in case there are any pedestrians in the intersection that they are not aware of. You should also always make sure that your lights are on at night, and when the weather condition, such as rain or fog, requires it. Staying alert and aware, as well as on the look out for pedestrian, are the main things that you can do in order to prevent being in this type of accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident involving a negligent driver, you may be able to receive fair compensation by filing a lawsuit. Our Illinois car accident lawyers have successfully handled many of these types of cases and could be able to help you. When involved in a pedestrian accident, serious injuries can occur which can result in expensive medical bills, as well as a temporary or even permanent absence from work. Filing a lawsuit can not only help to recover these costs and damages, but they would also deter other motorists from being careless when it comes to pedestrians. Please contact us to see how we may be able to help you.