Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Last week, our Illinois car accident blog reported a devastatingly fatal car accident that occurred on the Dan Ryan Expressway. The accident transpired when a passenger vehicle traveling outbound on Interstate 94 near 47th Street struck the outside wall of the interstate’s local lanes for an unknown reason. Subsequently, the vehicle crossed traffic and climbed an embankment where it struck a traffic control box. It was reported that the driver of the motor vehicle fled the scene of the accident on foot, all the while, one of the driver’s passengers succumbed to fatal injury as the other remained in critical condition.

In a follow-up article to the tragic accident, ChicagoTribune.com reports that the driver of the motor vehicle who fled the scene of the accident has turned himself in to Illinois State Police. On Friday, the 25-year-old Chicago driver was ordered held in lieu of $400,000 bail on charges of reckless homicide in a motor vehicle accident and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injury – according to Cook County Jail records. Our Chicago car accident attorneys learned that the driver has been issued tickets for not having a valid driver’s license, driving on a suspended or revoked license at least five times since 2004.

The 25-year-old driver’s latest ticket – issued before the fatal accident on April 26, 2011 – was for driving on a suspended or revoked license. The driver is scheduled to appear in Cook County Traffic Court for that particular offense on May 14. Court records reveal that the driver owes more than $1,100 for traffic tickets accumulated in previous traffic cases. However, our Chicago car accident lawyers learned that the 25-year-old Chicago man is scheduled to appear in Cook County Violence Court on May 15 for his charge of reckless homicide.

Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that given the severe nature of this type of offense, the driver should be charged to the fullest extent of the law – both criminally and through civil litigation. Often times, criminal charges against a wrongdoer fails to provide relief – both financially and emotionally – to the family of the individual who succumbed to a premature fatality as a result of the driver’s negligence. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our experienced accident attorneys in Chicago to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Earlier this week, a Chicago car accident lawyer at our firm read a news report detailing a campaign that has been launched by the Illinois Department of Transportation in an effort to reduce traffic related crashes, injuries, and fatalities in work zones. According to the news report, posted on AledoTimesRecord.com, the campaign is joined by other agencies including the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Illinois State Police, Local Laborers Union, as well as, the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, just in time for the 2012 construction season to begin.

According to a statement released by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Secretary, the Embrace the Orange Campaign is designed to encourage motorists of all types of vehicles and roadway workers to remain extremely cautious this year during travel. Additionally, it is encouraged that drivers take all necessary steps to remain aware and protect themselves in and around work zones. Our Chicago car accident attorney learned that last year alone, 21 fatal crashes transpired in work zones across the state of Illinois – including one of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s own employees.

It is reported that speed and driver inattentiveness have played major contributing factors to work zone related accidents. Given that notion that roadway construction creates conditions such as narrow or reduced lanes, edge drop offs, equipment next to moving lanes of traffic, as well as, lane closures, require drivers to significantly reduce their speed in order to safely travel through construction or work zones. In a statement released by the Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, it was recommended that drivers slow down, stay alert, and always remember that texting while driving in Illinois is illegal.

Under current Illinois laws concerning distracted driving, hand-held wireless telephone devices are prohibited while operating a vehicle in a school or construction zone for all drivers – regardless of age. Additionally, the use of electronic communication devices or any other electronic device used to text, e-mail, compose, read, or to send electronic message or access internet sites is strictly prohibited while operating a motor vehicle in the state of Illinois.

Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that under current Illinois laws concerning work zone related travel, work zone speed fines are $375 for first-time offenders and $1,000 for second-time offenders, with the loss of their driver’s license for up to 90 days. In the event that a motorist hits a construction worker, they may face a $10,000 fine and up to 14 years in prison.

Belleville News Democrat Online recently released a news report detailing a devastating pedestrian accident that took the life of a 22 year-old Collinsville man. Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that the accident transpired around 5:15 a.m. when the accident victim was crossing an unlit section of Collinsville Road in the State Parke Place area, near John Street, when he was fatally struck. The 78-year-old driver who struck the victim was traveling eastbound on Collinsville Road when he struck the victim.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers read that the accident victim was in the middle of the four-lane roadway and wearing dark clothing prior to the fatal collision. Local authorities reveal that the driver of the vehicle saw a dark object in the middle of the roadway and made a drastic attempt to avoid striking it, but unfortunately was unable to avoid the tragic collision. The victim was pronounced dead at around 6 a.m. from apparent head injuries. However, the accident remains under investigation pending toxicology results on the pedestrian who may have been under the influence of alcohol. The driver of the passenger vehicle has not received any criminal or traffic charges as of press time.

Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians can be severe and life-altering. Drivers of motor vehicles should always exercise the utmost care when traveling in heavily congested areas, such as school zones, when the potential for pedestrian travel is at its highest level. However, pedestrians must always exercise the same amount of caution as motor vehicles before attempting to travel across a busy roadway. Pedestrians of all ages should always look both ways before traveling across a street.

Our accident lawyers in Chicago have expertly handled numerous cases involving pedestrian collisions and have obtained settlements on behalf of our clients who were wrongfully struck in pedestrian collisions with motor vehicles. Recently, our attorneys obtains a $1.25 million settlement on behalf of a 50 year-old Chicago woman was struck by a bus while attempting to cross a crosswalk located at Argyle and Kenmore in Chicago. The woman sustained multiple pelvic fractures, rib fractures, and spinal traverse process fractures as a result o the devastating collision.

If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident, please contact our experienced accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti to see what legal rights, relief and representation may be available to you.

DailyHerald.com reports that a driver who was traveling the wrong way on the Kennedy Expressway was arrested earlier this morning for driving under the influence. A Chicago car accident lawyer at our firm learned that Illinois State Police were notified at around 4 a.m. Tuesday morning with reports that a passenger vehicle was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes on Interstate 90 near Nagle. Shortly thereafter, local authorities attempted to pursue the passenger vehicle – however, the vehicle was ultimately stopped by an Illinois Department of Transportation maintenance vehicle.

It was reported that the maintenance vehicle noticed the passenger vehicle traveling the wrong way and immediately turned on its yellow hazard lights. The vehicle subsequently pulled over where Illinois police issued the driver of the passenger vehicle a field sobriety test. The driver failed the test and was immediately arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. Fortunately, our Chicago accident lawyers learned that no one was injured in the incident.

Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that driving under the influence substantially increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents resulting in severe injury or even premature fatality. Additionally, the more alcohol that is consumed by the driver, the risks associated dramatically increases. According to DUIPrevention.org, in 2006 roughly 17,600 people died in motor vehicle accident involving alcohol – accounting for more than 40% of all traffic-related fatalities. It has been also reported that in 2006, over 1.46 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.

In the state of Illinois alone, based on accident statistics provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were approximately 208 fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2010 – resulting in over 225 fatalities. Our accident attorneys in Chicago learned that this was an unfortunate increase of 34 fatalities from 2009. Of the number of fatal accidents, statistics reveal that 55 of these accidents were alcohol-related fatal collisions – with approximately 65 deaths resulting.

In the unfortunate circumstance you or a loved one has sustained serious harm or even death at the hands of a drunk driver; you may be able to obtain compensation for damages sustained. Civil litigation often helps compensate accident victims for medical expenses, lost wages, as well as, physical and emotional pain and suffering. Please contact an experienced accident attorney at Levin & Perconti as soon as possible to see what legal rights, representation and relief may be available to you.

Earlier today, MyFoxChicago.com released a news report detailing the criminal charges an 18-year-old Chicago woman faces for her role in a fatal Sunday car accident. Our Chicago car accident lawyers learned that the accident in question transpired early Sunday morning on the 4400 block of South Archer Avenue when the woman attempted to make a left turn at South Sawyer Avenue. However, the driver failed to yield to an additional passenger vehicle headed south on Archer – ultimately resulting in severe injury sustained to both passenger vehicle drivers and their passengers.

The 28-year-old driver of the other passenger vehicle was taken to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead shortly after. A subsequent autopsy performed on the victim revealed that the 28-year-old died of multiple injuries from a motor vehicle collision and his death was ultimately ruled an accident. Two of the accident victim’s passengers were also injured as a result of the collision and required advanced medical attention. Both remain in critical condition. A male passenger in the 18-year-old’s care was also taken to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The 18-year-old driver was initially charged with misdemeanor DUI, however, our Chicago car accident attorneys learned that the DUI charge has been upgraded to a felony aggravated DUI for her role in the tragic accident. During a bond hearing earlier today, a judge ordered the 18-year-old to be held on a $10,000 bond. The woman faces additional citations including failure to yield the right of way while turning left, driving without a driver’s licenses, as well as, driving without insurance.

When these types of motor vehicle accidents transpire, any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that the results are almost always severe and life-altering. More often than not, accident victims sustain devastating injuries, including but not limited to: brain injuries, nerve damage, spinal cord paralysis, broken or dislocated bones or limbs, and even loss to the use of limbs.

Our experienced Illinois accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have expertly handled hundreds of cases involving negligence and have obtained settlements on behalf of our clients whose lives have been turned upside down as the direct result of another’s negligent or careless conduct. If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our knowledge attorneys as soon as possible. Our lawyers will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

A female pedestrian sustained fatal injuries in a devastating collision in West Chicago earlier today, according to a report posted on ChicagoTribune.com. Local authorities revealed that the fatal accident transpired near Illinois Highway 59 and Pine Street when a passenger vehicle struck the unidentified victim. It was reported that the driver of the passenger vehicle involved in the collision only returned to the scene after “realizing the damage to his car was possible the result of a collision with a person.”

The female victim was subsequently taken to a local hospital where she unfortunately passed away from injuries sustained. The DuPage County Coroner’s office confirmed the victim’s fatality, but would not release the victim’s age or identification until family notification. Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that the accident remains under investigation and charges are pending.

Any Chicago accident attorney will tell you that when any type of vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the results can be severe and debilitating. According to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 5,000 pedestrians succumbed to fatal injury in motor vehicle accidents each year. Additionally, pedestrians are the second largest group of individuals killed in motor vehicle accidents after motor vehicle occupants, all the while accounting for 11 percent of motor vehicle fatalities.

Given the sheer weight and size of motor vehicles, any collision in which a pedestrian is involved can result in serious and life-threatening injuries, such as:

- Fractures / Broken Bones
- Cuts / Lacerations
- Internal Injuries
- Head Injuries / Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries

If you have been injured in a Chicago pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained as a result of another’s reckless or negligent conduct. Given the complex nature of these types of accidents, it is important to obtain qualified legal aid from an accident attorney in Chicago. Recently, our attorneys obtained a $1.25 million settlement on behalf of a 50 year-old Chicago woman who sustained devastating injuries after she was struck by a bus while crossing a Chicago crosswalk. The bus driver ultimately pled guilty in traffic court for failure to exercise due care and striking a pedestrian for the accident that left the victim with multiple pelvic, rib, as well as, spinal fractures. Additionally, the accident victim needed a hip replacement due to early arthritis caused by the fractures in her hip.

Our Chicago accident lawyers read about an article posted by the Chicago Sun-Times that discussed a serious Illinois rollover car crash. A driver lost control of their car and hit several trees and a light pole. There were five people in the car, including three people who were tossed out of the vehicle from the impact of the crash. All five of the passengers were sent to nearby hospitals. Police are still working to further investigate the causes of the serious accident.

Our Illinois car accident lawyers chose to cover this incident to highlight the dangers and causes of rollover. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, “most rollovers occur when a driver loses control of a vehicle, and it begins to slide sideways.” According to the IIHS, over 50% of single-vehicle accident fatalities are related to rollover accidents. Another cause of rollover accidents is other collisions or forceful events between vehicles. When cars collide it can force the vehicles to roll.

Rollovers have the potential to lead to serious injury or even death. Like the accident reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, many rollovers can result in the ejection of passengers from the vehicle. When a passenger is ejected from a vehicle, it increases the risk of injury or death. Although rollover accidents occur in fewer than 3% of all car accidents, those 3% are responsible for over 33% of passenger deaths. SUVs and pickup trucks are more prone to rollover accidents. This is because of the structural differences in these larger cars, compared to smaller cars.

Larger cars are more likely to have a higher center of gravity, and additionally, these types of cars are used to carry many passengers or a lot of cargo which can further increase the center of gravity, making them more likely to roll over than a smaller car that is closer to the ground. Furthermore, SUVs and pickup trucks are driven on country roads where rollovers are more likely because of the uneven ground. The IIHS also reported a study that showed that pickup truck drivers and passengers are less likely to wear seat belts, which makes these passengers at a higher risk for injury or death should they be involved in a rollover accident.

In order to reduce the amount of rollover accidents that occur, automobile manufacturers are working forward to make safer cars. Factors such as the SSF (static stability factor) and ESC (electronic stability controls) are being redesigned and reengineered in order to decrease the center of gravity and help prevent skidding, slipping, and the loss of control. Driving cautiously, especially in slippery winter conditions, can help to prevent these types of accidents.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers encourage our readers to always buckle up, because over 60% of rollover related fatalities were not wearing seatbelts. Should a rollover accident occur, the seat belt could save lives by protecting people from being ejected from their seats. When looking for a car, make sure to buy those that have head-protecting side curtain airbags that can be triggered by sensors when in a rollover accident. Also, the roof of the vehicle, should be strong enough to withstand a rollover accident.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Following up with our recent posts regarding National Teen Driver Safety Week, our attorneys thought it was important to review the top ten reported teen driver mistakes recently highlighted in The Chicago Tribune. According to the report, teen drivers are almost four times more likely that older drivers to get in an accident, so by discussing these tips with your teens you may decrease their risk of serious injury in an accident.

The most common mistake by teen drivers is being distracted while driving. According to Distraction.org, teens have the highest population of distracted drivers. Distractions range from visual and manual distractions, such as looking away from the road, using your hands for something other than driving, or simply not paying attention. Technologies, food, music, and other passengers also distract teens from the road.

Teens also take more risks while driving. They are more likely to ignore traffic signs and change lanes aggressively. Researchers concluded that this was likely due to the fact that teen brains have two times the amount of activity in the impulse section of the brain, and this section does is not fully developed until one is twenty years old. One of the top risks teens take is speeding. Because they are new on the road, teens have not discovered their response time and do not understand the relationship between speed and stopping properly.

Other risk factor mentioned in the article include drug and alcohol use and driving drowsy, which can result in just as serious accidents as driving under the influence, and affects many teens with busy schedules. They may be on a sports team, be at the library studying, or just coming home late from a busy day. The article reports that driving drowsy contributes to 1,500 deaths annually.

Driving without a seatbelt is also something that 24% of drivers 16 to 24-years-old do. Because seatbelt safety is so important, and can save lives, many car manufacturers today have a built in seatbelt reminders. Our readers know that seat belt use can greatly reduce a person’s risk for serious personal injuries or death if involved in an accident; however teens and adults continue to operate and ride in vehicles without buckling up.

Following too closely is another driving mistake teens often make. This ties in with driving aggressively, and experts accredit this to teens wanting to show off and force other drivers to move out of their lane. This aggressive behavior can result in serious accidents. And finally, the article notes that it is very important that teenagers and their parents properly maintain their vehicles.

Throughout our practice representing clients in serious car and trucking accident cases, we have unfortunately spoken to too many families who have lost loved ones because of driver negligence. By highlighting these popular mistakes, our Chicago car accident lawyers remind parents of teens and our readers of the dangers of teen driving and some possible ways to avoid them. We hope that teen drivers consider these risks when getting behind the wheel and understand that these driving behaviors can not only cause serious injury or even death to themselves, but also other passengers in their car and others on the road.

Earlier this week, our Illinois car accident attorneys read an article in the Central Valley Business Times regarding the newest iPhone software that may make texting while driving easier. The iPhone 4S has new software, which allows for the phone operator to speak into the phone to the voice activation software, called Siri.

Along with Siri’s many functions, it specifically can read a received text out loud, or send a verbally dictated text to another phone. Although this software helps to make driving and texting safer, many states have anti-texting while driving laws most of which do not include hand-free texting with speech recognition programs.

While we acknowledge that these programs make texting while driving safer, anything that takes a drivers mind or eyes off the road for even a split second is risky. However, surveys have shown that about 45 % of drivers admit to texting even though they live in a state where it is illegal to text and drive. Our Chicago car accident lawyers will never condone texting while driving and will continue to raise awareness surrounding the dangers. But we hope that these people will choose safe options, such as hands free and voice programs instead of traditional texting, to avoid serious accidents.

Voice-recognition software programmers who support the new technology believe that their technologies can help to regulate a safer use of technology while driving, because although it is difficult to change driver’s behaviors, there are newer options that they will not ignore. Some organizations such as the National Safety Council believe hands free equipment still puts drivers at risk. However studies show that using hands-free technology does create a lower risk of being involved in a car accident. Most do agree, though, that more research is necessary to discover how efficient voice activated technology is.

Our Illinois car accident lawyers believe that programs such as Siri have the potential to be beneficial to drivers’ safety if it is used correctly. Texting is a distraction that is completely preventable and avoidable, but as studies show, many people do partake in texting while driving. As discussed in some of our previous blog posts the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to avoid texting, talking and other distractions. Distracted drivers using “hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. By eliminating cell phone use altogether, our readers can reduce their risk for serious injuries. Still, should you partake in texting while driving, consider using programs like Siri to lower your likeliness of being involved in an accident.

Recently, our Chicago personal injury attorneys read an article posted by USAToday
online about a new study that concluded that woman drivers are at a greater risk for injury when involved in a car accident. The reasoning for this is that there is a lack of car safety designs that are made to fit a woman’s body.

The study looked at a decade’s worth of data and found that women drivers who wore seatbelts were at a greater risk for personal injury than males, and furthermore found that women drivers in seat belts had more severe injuries to the chest and spine than men. The study concluded that “female motor vehicle drivers today may not be as safe as their male counterparts; therefore, the relative higher vulnerability of female drivers when exposed to moderate and serious crashes must be taken into account.”

According to ABCNews, the American Journal of Public Health reported that some devices in cars that are used for safety do not aid women because they do not fit their bodies well. Because of a woman’s stature, which is normally smaller in height and weight, female drivers sit differently in cars than men do. ABCNews continued on to say that some safety systems are made to fit men’s bodies because studies show they are more likely to be involved in deadly car accidents. However, car manufacturers and governmental figures have been working on resolving this issue recently.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys encourage car manufactures to continue working on making car safety design more gender neutral. Hopefully these changes will help to ensure the safety of both women and men. As we have discussed in previous posts, car manufacturers continue to redesign vehicles with driver and passenger safety in mind. Not only do they consider the physical aspects of drivers, now more and more carmakers are focusing on driver behaviors and adapting vehicles with driver actions in mind. For instance, many new cars are equipped with technology to detect when a driver is falling asleep or is distracted.

We support continued efforts to improve driver safety and look forward to seeing how car manufacturers adapt their designs in reaction to this new study. Since vehicles play such a crucial role in our everyday lives, it is important for them to continue to improve safety features. Unfortunately, no matter how safe the car, we can never prevent driver errors completely. Even with awareness campaigns and the threat of fines and other penalties, there will always be some drivers who disobey traffic laws or operate their vehicles in a negligent manner. For twenty years, we have worked for victims to hold these wrongdoers responsible for the harms caused. Contact us if you have been injured by a reckless driver to discuss how we can help you.

Last week, our Chicago car accident attorneys read an article in the Los Angeles Times discussing child seat belt and safety seat use. In the article, it stated that kids who are minorities are less likely to wear seat belts or be secured in car seats, which can result in a higher risk for injuries due to car accidents. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ conducted this study that looked at children 16 years old and younger. The study concluded that less than half of the children surveyed were in any form of restraint, which includes seat belts and safety seats. The study also showed that the Hispanics, Native American, and African American children had the lowest use of safety restraints.

Researchers involved in the study found that close to 13% of children injured in car accidents needed an emergency operation or medical attention, and the use seat belts and safety seats significantly lowered the risk of serious injuries. Although some states still do not have a mandatory seat belt law, seat belt use nationwide has increased, helping to reduce child fatalities in car accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, children under the age of 8 years old must be in an appropriate safety seat for their age and size. A child 8 years or older in Illinois can use an adult seatbelt when they are heavier than 40 pounds and if they are sitting in the rear seat. When parents and guardians disobey these laws, there is a $75 fine for the first offense. The NHTSA also suggests that parents should choose a car seating system based on how it fits both the child, and the car it will be used in, and recommends that all children under the age of 13 years old should sit in the back seat of the car.

Sites like Safekids.org offer surprising statistics and tips for parents. The site reports a study that says “correctly used child safety seats are extremely effective and reduce the risk of death as much as 71%.” There are now plenty of resources for parents and families to use to learn more about how to protect their children in the event of a serious car accident. Along with websites like this that give statistics and guidelines for car seat use, many communities now offer car seat checkup events, where certified technicians and mechanics show parents safety tips and make sure that the car seat fits. In Chicago and throughout Illinois, there are a number of organizations that will inspect your car seat to make sure it is properly installed. In Chicago, this includes some police stations and the community education units of some fire departments.

Our Illinois car crash lawyers advise all parents to keep their children secured in safety seats at all times until they are of appropriate age and weight to sit in the backseat with a seat belt. Sitting in a proper fitting safety seat will not only reduce a child’s risk for serious injury should there be an accident, but can also provide peace of mind for the parent driver.

Wrapping up National Teen Driver Safety Week, our Illinois car accident attorneys thought it would be both important and beneficial to discuss teen seat belt safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teens are less likely to use seatbelts than adults in cars, and that close to 20% of teens do not use seatbelts. The NHTSA also reported that in 2009, “The majority (56%) of young people 16 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were unbuckled.” Teendriversource.org is a website that discusses teen driver safety generally, and has some interesting statistics about teen seat belt safety use. The website notes that when exposed to education about seat belt use, teens are more likely to use seat belts.

How can you educate your teen? The Center for Disease Control website has tips for parents to encourage seatbelt use. Because seat belts reduce injuries and fatalities from car crashes by over 50%, parents should act as role models and wear a seatbelt always. Parents should also require that all children and teens in their car are buckled safely into their seatbelt or child safety seat and remind passengers frequently to buckle-up.

On a broader level, states can continue enforcing the Buckle-Up law, such as the one in Illinois. BuckleUpIllinois.org states that the Illinois Safety Belt Law requires every driver and front seat passenger to wear seat belts. Small children under the age of 8 years-old must be fastened into the appropriate child safety seat. Our Illinois accident lawyers promote the Illinois Safety Belt Law, along with the Click It or Ticket Mobilization. The Click It or Ticket Mobilization’s goal is to not give out as many tickets as possible, but it is, however, used to increase awareness and motivate people to use seatbelts. The thought process is that if the public believes that they will get a ticket, they will avoid it by simply clicking their seatbelt.

Because teens are amongst the least groups likely to wear seatbelts, our Chicago car accident attorneys encourage parents, teachers and other families members to stress the importance of seat belt use and require it when riding with teens. By simply fastening his or her seat belt, a teen can avoid not only a ticket and fine, but also increase their chance of survival should they be in a severe accident. Through driver’s education programs, parent conversations, and using their parents as role models, we hope the number of teens wearing seatbelts will continue to increase. We encourage our readers to discuss the importance of seat belts so that Illinois teenagers will recognize their importance and make seat belt use a priority.

Continuing on with this week’s theme of National Teen Driver Safety Week, our Chicago car accident attorneys thought it would be beneficial to discuss the Graduated Driver Licensing program. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recognizes that drivers between 16 and 17 years old have a very high rate of fatal deaths related to car accidents. The two leading factors to this alarming truth are that teenage drivers are often very inexperienced, and do not necessarily behave in the same way that experienced drivers would.

In order to address this issue, some states have created a Graduated Driver Licensing program that has three stages, and helps teens to avoid risks on the road. A majority of the states have implemented this system, and studies show that, “adopting GDL laws will lead to substantial decreases of crashes for this age group- anywhere between 20 and 50 percent.” This is a significant decrease, and our Chicago accident lawyers believe that all states should consider a GDL model.

According to CyberDriveIllinois.com, the three phases of Graduated Driver Licensing includes the permit phase, the initial licensing phase, and the full licensing phase. The permit phase requires a parent or guardian in the passenger seat while a teen is learning to drive. There is a curfew in Illinois for permit phase drivers, and the teen must drive with a permit for at least nine months. Also, before a teenager can get their initial license, they must drive with their parents or guardian for at least 50 hours and must wear seat belts.

The next phase, the initial licensing phase, is completed once the teenager has participated in a driver’s education class, and parents have certified that they have completed 50 hours of practice with a parent. Also, for the first year of driving with a license, the driver can only have one passenger at a time, and must not obtain any convictions for at least six months. Finally, the full licensing phase occurs once drivers are 18 years of age. At this pint, there are no restrictions related to age, except that drivers under the age of 19 may not use a cell phone.

The GDL program not only helps to teach teens the basics of driving, but also ensures that they spend a good deal of time learning to drive with an adult in the car. This experience coupled with driver’s education courses where they learn about other risks involved in driving, such as drinking and driving, distracted driving, and aggressive driving, help teens to become more well-rounded drivers. Our Illinois car crash lawyers support a Graduated Driver Licensing model and hope that all states will eventually adopt it so we can continue to see a decrease in the amount of car crash related fatalities amongst teenagers.

In the midst of National Teen Driver Safety Week, USAToday reported about a State Farm survey which concluded that over half of all parents admit to being distracted by devices- such as cellphones, GPS systems, or the radio- while teaching their teens to drive. However, when the survey asked teens, they said that over 60% of parents were distracted when teaching them to drive.

After reading this report, our Illinois accident attorneys wanted to remind our parent readers that they are role models for their teen drivers. If parents want teens to stay off the phone and stay focused on the road, they should set the same example while teaching them the rules of the road. The survey also reported that over half of the teens surveyed had been in the car when their parents drove and used the cell phone simultaneously. A Transportation Secretary stated that putting the cell phone away when driving “is not just common sense safe behavior, it’s a life-long lesson for the children in the backseat.” Continuing on with National Teen Driver Safety Week, parents should help teach their teens to drive safely.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys also read on Market Watch online that although there are many organizations spreading the word about the risks of distracted driving, it is often the parents’ behaviors that teach teens that driving while distracted is okay. If parents want their children to avoid distractions when on the road, they should avoid distractions not only when their teens are in the car observing or driving, but also at all times when behind the wheel. While their teen is behind the wheel learning to drive, parents should be equally as alert in order to teach more effectively and be an alert coach.

Whether behind the wheel or riding with a teen driver, parents should set the example that they want their teens to follow. Our Illinois car crash lawyers encourage teens and their parents to spend more time behind the wheel together, and to become educated together. When a teenager learns to drive, it is a great opportunity for parents to brush-up on their driving skills and also learn about how to be a safer driver themselves. Hopefully the messaged being sent to teen drivers this week will resonate with parents and other family members so that everyone cuts down on distracted driver. If parents teach their children about driving safety, they will feel more comfortable with their teens behind the wheel, and will instill in them the qualities of a driver that they want their teen to possess. We hope all of our readers will avoid distractions, when they are with their teen in the car, and when their teens are not in the car as well.

This week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced National Teen Driver Safety Week, a week developed to help prevent teen deaths and serious injuries in car accidents. The goal is to teach teens and parents about issues such as distracted driving, seat belt safety, the Graduated Driver Licensing program, and alcohol awareness.

The NHTSA reports that car accidents are the number one cause of teen deaths. A lot of this has to deal with the lack of driving experience teens have, combined with dangerous driving habits such as speeding, alcohol consumption, drug use, distractions, driving during the night, and not wearing seat belts. This week was created to teach teens about the individual dangers that each of these contributing factors poses. Our Illinois car accident lawyers encourage our readers- parents, teens and family members alike- to pay attention to the increased media attention this week and seek information on how to be a safer teen driver.

The Chicago Sun Times acknowledged National Teen Driver Safety Week, reporting that 68 teens are killed in a car accident ever week. The Sun Times offers some great tips about teaching teens how to do a car maintenance check, knowing where the spare tire inside the car is, how to handle certain emergencies, and keeping up to date with oil changes. The report also notes that it is important for parents to set limits with their teens so guidelines are clear and understandable. These limits could include certain destinations, certain passengers, and scheduled check-in times. After setting these limits and reviewing this tips, readers can feel more comfortable with their teens on the road because they have the proper training to know how to deal with certain accidents.

We were also happy to read that the Senate is working on a bill with a $10 million grant program to help states draw attention to seat belt use and the distracted driving epidemic to coincide with National Teen Driver Safety Week. The Hill reported that the bill would include funding for broadcast and print advertising in support of State distracted driving laws. Our Illinois car crash lawyers are happy to share in the messages of National Teen Driver Safety Week and strongly support the Senate’ move to raise awareness. We hope that with increased media coverage, teens will realize the dangers that exist on our roads and highways and will begin to think about how they can best protect themselves and others.

Yesterday, USAToday posted an article online about how approximately 50% of child car booster seats do not function properly. The article states that nearly half of the 83 seats tested did not fit properly with seat belts, and the article even lists some that parents should avoid altogether. Booster seats are for kids who are too large for car seats. They serve to raise children up to better fit them in seatbelts made for adults. Unfortunately, as our Illinois car accident attorneys read, not all booster seats do this well.

According to the report, when used properly, booster seats reduce the likeliness of a child who has out grown a car seat of getting injured in an accident by almost 50%. However, half of these seats don’t fit well with belts already in the car. Some advocates are upset that there are no safety standard requirements for booster seats, although new ratings are urging manufacturers to create more secure and better fitting seats.

Should a child not be secured properly into a booster seat, they can be tossed around in the car during a crash, and even suffer personal injuries and lacerations from the seat belts themselves. However, they do play a role in protecting children from serious personal injuries. The article notes that the “IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) said states that raised requirements for booster seats to cover children through ages 7 or 8 had 17% fewer fatal or debilitating injuries to booster-seat-age children.” When buying a booster seat, we suggest that you search for a seat that fits both the child, and the specific car.

According to the Washington Post, it is not important for parents to spend time searching for a booster seat with a specific color or features such as a cup holder. Parents instead should really focus on finding the right seat for the child and if it will work safely in all the cars it will be used in. While we still need to be aware of what seat our child is sitting in, booster seat ratings have improved since 2008 and hopefully new studies will bring more awareness that will encourage manufacturers to have higher standards. Be sure to research booster seats before you buy, in order to ensure that they have a “Best Bets” rating.

Our Chicago car crash lawyers hope that all of our readers will check their booster seats in order to ensure the safety of their children. The wrong booster seat can further injure a child should they be involved in an accident, where as the right one can secure them in place safely. If you have been involved in an accident where your child was not held securely due to a faulty booster seat, please contact us to see how we may be able to help you.

According to an article published Monday by MSNBC, some car companies are coming out with new technology that helps drivers to avoid accidents involving animals on the road. Specifically, Volvo’s new program “City Safety” can stop a car to prevent an accident from occurring, and this program is now being applied to avoid accidents with animals.

Versions of this program use infrared laser sensor technology to sense what is going on in front of the vehicle- this is now being applied to avoid car accidents, hitting pedestrians, and now animals. This announcement comes days after a study by State Farm Insurance was released that revealed there were over one million deer hit in the last year. These accidents can cause significant damage to cars, roads, and people. Volvo is still working on creating this technology, which is difficult to perfect because animals move erratically. Using cameras, lasers, and radar systems, Volvo could lead the way for other automobile makers with this type of technology.

When an animal jumps or runs into the road, it can be a startling and dangerous experience for drivers. Our Illinois car accident attorneys found some helpful tips on what to do when there are animals on the road from State Farm’s website. Most importantly, it is important to stay alert. Drivers should be aware of road signs that signal animal crossings, and be scanning their eyes across and down the road.

Also, some tips that may not be so well known include that fall is peak season for deer related car accidents because of the hunting and mating seasons. This means that deer are more likely to roam than they would be during winter, summer, or spring. Dusk and dawn, when it is especially hard to see, are when deer eat and hunt, which also cause deer to roam more than they normally would. Use your headlights and breaks smartly, and definitely do not swerve if you see an animal in the road, because it can cause more harm to you. Although it may damage your car, it is safer to hit the animal than to swerve to avoid it or brake suddenly. These actions could cause far worse accident to occur.

The Wall Street Journal also reported on the topic of deer collisions, saying that in Illinois the likelihood of a collision between a car and deer is about 1 in every 250. Illinois is ranked 31st in the nation for most collisions with dears. Since Fall is peak season for animal collisions, our Chicago car accident attorneys remind drivers to be more alert and aware about accidents with animals in order to prevent them. Not only can these accidents kill the animal, but they can also cause serious damage to cars and lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

Earlier this month, our Illinois accident attorneys read an article on Connect Amarillo that discussed the Center for Disease Control’s latest examination of drunk driving in America today. According to the report, approximately four million American citizens have admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol, which doesn’t include the many that have not admitted it. The Center for Disease Control study found that in the past year, there were approximately 112 million instances in which impaired drivers were on the road. The number of drunk drivers on the road is decreasing, however, these findings are still shocking. The study found that young men are the most common group to drive drunk and many of these incidents involve binge drinking. Although drunk driving is a known problem, we believe that more needs to be done in order to reduce the number of personal injuries and deaths caused by drunk drivers.

In order to combat these high numbers, the Center for Disease Control, along with our Chicago accident attorneys, encourages states nationwide to increase the number of “sobriety checkpoints .” These checkpoints will draw the public’s attention to the issue and instill the idea that police are cracking down on drunk drivers. The CDC also recommends maintaining the minimum drinking age and the use of devices that detect when a driver formerly charged with drunk driving has been drinking.

Organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving are dedicated to reducing the amount of drivers under the influence of alcohol on the road, in the hopes of eventually eliminating them. MADD has a great website that offers tips to drivers on what to do should you see a drunk driver. According to their site, there are certain things you can look for to spot a drunk driver, including someone who:

• Drives very fast or very slow
• Tailgates close behind other vehicles
• Weaves or swerves
• Comes close to being in an accident
• Suddenly brakes
• Drives in between lanes
• Turns abruptly

If you spot a drunk driver, you should stay far away from them. You should memorize the vehicle’s license plate number and get a thorough description of their car. However, if it is too difficult, do not put yourself in danger trying to get all of the information down. Lastly, you should pull off of the road or onto the shoulder and call the police with a location of where you were and the vehicle you saw.

We hope that the CDC’s study will make people realize how many drunk drivers are on our roads and how devastating and dangerous driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be. If you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident, or if you have any questions related to driving drunk, please contact our Chicago accident lawyers to see how we may be able to help you. Filing a lawsuit can not only help injured victims receive fair compensation for the harms caused, but can also help raise awareness surrounding the issue of drunk driving.

The Madison St. Clair Record recently reported that an Illinois car accident lawsuit was filed by an injured Belleville woman against a distracted driver. The injured woman was stopped at a red light, when the defendant’s vehicle hit her from behind. The lawsuit claimed that he was distracted by his cell phone. The woman filed the lawsuit against the driver, who is an employee of an automobile related company. The suit asks for more than $150,000, claiming that there were several including her personal injuries, loss of income, and court fees.

Texting while driving, and distracted driving in general can cause more than minor injuries and court fees. This dangerous practice can lead to serious injury, and even death, and as our Chicago car accident attorneys have mentioned many times before, driving distracted is completely avoidable and preventable.

According to distraction.gov, there are three main types of distraction, including visual which is when a driver is not looking at the road, manual which is when the driver does not have their hands on the wheel, and cognitive, when a driver does is not focused on the road ahead. Some common causes of these distractions include but are not limited to: using a cell phone, talking to other people in the car, reading, pets, using technology, or playing with the music in the car.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that almost 16% of all car accident deaths in 2008 were related to driver distractions. The state of Illinois currently has a ban on all cell phone use for bus drivers, ban on cell phone use for drivers under the age of 19, on texting for all drivers, and also a ban on the use of cellphones while in school zones. Individual municipalities have their own rules, including Chicago which has banned cell-phone use for all drivers.

The issue of distracted driving is gaining the attention of celebrities, such as Oprah and Justin Bieber, along with our Illinois car accident attorneys who continuously encourage drivers regardless of age to avoid all possible distractions. Several car companies are also creating new technology that helps drivers avoid distractions and continue to do so, as well as cell phone companies creating applications for smart phones enabling phone use while the car is in motion.

Our Chicago car crash lawyers consider distracted driving as serious as driving intoxicated, and like drunk driving it is completely avoidable and preventable. Driving distracted can cause serious injury and even death, not only to you, but also to others on the road. We have seen the devastation caused by negligent drivers and make it our goal to help victims hold wrongdoers accountable. If you or a loved one have suffered catastrophic personal injuries or wrongful death at the hands of a distracted driver, we may be able to help you receive fair compensation. Car crash lawsuits not only help victims seek justice, but also help to bring awareness to the issues involved with distracted driving.

Continue reading "Belleville Woman Files Lawsuit Against Negligent Distracted Driver" »

Over the weekend, we read an article in PJStar about a Peoria car accident. The accident involved a teen driver who was seriously injured in the two-car crash and later reported dead. His car reportedly slid, causing it to crash into another car. The accident report stated that the car slid because the road conditions were slippery and wet. After reading about this horrible accident our Chicago car accident attorneys decided to remind our readers about some tips on driving in difficult road conditions.

According to SmartMotorist.com, there are several things to check before driving on wet roads, when it is raining, or when fallen leaves are abundant. Make sure that when you get in the car, your shoes are not too wet to the point that they could slip on the peddles. Also make sure to check your lights, including head lights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are working properly. You should also check tire pressure and the tread on your tires. If the tread is worn significantly, it may cause your case to spin or slip.

For safe driving in wet or difficult weather conditions, it can be hard to see well, and or stop suddenly. Drivers should slow down, especially when driving through puddles, and be certain to follow the 3-Second-Rule. The 3-Second-Rule means that drivers should drive with a following distance of at least 3 seconds in between the driver ahead of them and themselves. Be more alert as well, meaning avoiding all distractions at all costs.

Many drivers are not aware that driving in fall leaves can also cause slick road conditions. We found some useful tips for fall driving on the Minnesota Safety Council’s site and thought we would share them. The number one thing to remember is that fall leaves can be as slippery as ice, so it is important to drive slowly over them. Also, the first frost of the year usually occurs in autumn, so freezing temperatures can make roads and bridges icy. The site states that “frost, sunshine, wet leaves on the road, school buses, and kids horsing around” are all common in the fall so it is not only important to pay attention to what elements (i.e. rain, fog, sleet, snow) are on the road, but also who is on the road. In the autumn, there is also less day light, meaning it gets darker quicker at night, so it is important to make sure your lights are working, and acknowledging when it is too dark to drive.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers encourage our readers, and all drivers on the road, to consider these factors when driving this fall season. As discussed earlier, with autumn comes new types of weather and also an abundance of school buses on the road, so it is important to stay focused.

Over the weekend, BCRNews reported that this year’s Miss Illinois is using her title to help reduce distracted driving in teens. The message she is sending is that when teens are behind the wheel and on the road, they are responsible for making their own decisions, which includes allowing themselves to become distracted or not. The article states that, “when speaking about distracted driving, they are always considered collisions and not accidents because they are 100 percent preventable.”

As we have mentioned before in other blog posts, when teens get behind the wheel, they face a serious risk for accident-related injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that almost 35% of teen deaths are caused by automobile related accidents. Distracted driving can cause serious injury and death, but these injuries are completely avoidable. We remind our readers that distracted driving includes talking with passengers in the car, texting, social media, cellphones, eating, or listening to music. Taking your eyes off the road for any reason is dangerous, even for a brief moment.

According to Cyber Drive Illinois, there are several safety tips for teens to remember when getting behind the wheel. These tips include always wearing a seat belt and making sure that everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt. Additionally, these tips remind teens to stay sober when driving, and never get in a car with an intoxicated driver. Finally, avoid distractions. Experienced and inexperienced drivers alike should be focused on the road so they can react quickly to changes in conditions, sudden moves or stops by other drivers, and changes in traffic patterns.

As Chicago accident attorneys, we cannot stress enough the importance of spreading the message to teens to take the issue of distracted driving seriously. We commend Miss Illinois for her efforts to raise awareness Distracted driving, along with driving drunk, are situations that are completely avoidable and preventable. Through the driver’s education programs, and inspiring speakers such as Miss Illinois, we hope that teen drivers can become more aware of ways to prevent accidents and become more defensive drivers.

Continue reading "Miss Illinois Speaks to Teens About Safe Driving" »

Recently, our Chicago car accident attorneys read in the Chicago Tribune that looked at how Chicago-area driver’s education cars fared in crash-tests and discovered that many of the vehicles used are some of the worst-rated cars on the road. In some suburbs, driver’s education cars are over ten years old. In Chicago schools, they are reported to have “oldest and worst-rated driver’s education cars in the state”. According to KMOV, an analytical study on Chicago cars examined around 1,300 cars in 60 Chicago districts.

The Chicago Public School website says that they use their driver’s education system in order to establish skill in main areas, including inside of the classroom and in class simulators, and behind the wheel experience. However, unsafe vehicles can pose a threat for serious personal injuries to new student drivers.

Parents in the City of Chicago have several options that are not associated with the public school system but have teen courses for a tuition fee. DMV.org talks about course requirements for Illinois driver’s education programs. The course requirements include 30 hours of in classroom training and six hours of documented instruction. Along with this behind the wheel training with an instructor, there is also a behind the wheel requirement for hours behind the wheel with a guardian or license driver. Although we are happy that the school district offers driver training, our Illinois car accident attorneys hope that the City of Chicago will continue to improve the driver’s education program and the vehicles they usein order to make teens on the road safer drivers.

Good driver’s training is crucial to protect teens from crashes. Programs not only teach teens how to drive, but also raise their awareness surrounding safe driving practices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that approximately 35% of teen deaths are caused by motor vehicle accidents. Some things that teens learn in driver’s education programs, along with the hands on experience of how to operate a car, is the importance of seat belt use, learning about different distractions, and learning about the risks of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Specifications for teens include driver education if the person is 18 years old or younger, 3 months of driving with a permit, 25 hours of driving with a parent or guardian, following curfew, and a passenger restriction of no more than one other person in the vehicle for the first six months of driving.

Our Chicago accident attorneys encourage the City of Chicago to implement a higher standard of driver’s education outside the classroom, while still instilling the high quality of information that teen drivers learn within the classroom. Although difficult as the city and school district face cuts, we also hope to see an improvement in the types of vehicles used in driver’s ed.

Last week, WGNtv reported on how Illinois participated in the National Child Passenger Safety week. In order to acknowledge the importance of the week, the state of Illinois set up 82 child safety seat checkpoints (a place where parents can have child seats checked to ensure proper use) throughout the state. These events took place to educate parents on the importance of proper car seat use. A survey that was reported noted that around three-fourths of all toddlers involved in accidents are less likely to be seriously injured or killed when safety seats are used properly.

In order to help spread the word on safety seat use, our Illinois car accident attorneys thought that it was important to discuss state laws related to car seat safety. According to Cyber Drive Illinois, there are several seat safety requirements for babies and younger passengers. These requirements include:

• Children under the age of 8-years-old have to be in secured in a child safety seating system. Parents are held responsible for ensuring their child has a child safety seat, regardless of who is driving carpool that day.

• Children over 40 pounds can be transported while only wearing a lap belt

• Children between the ages 8 and 16 must wear a seat belt

• Violating these laws could result in a $75 fine, court supervision, and if there is a subsequent violation, an even higher fine

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are four types of seats each with their own set of rules. The first type is a rear-facing seat that must go in the vehicle’s back seat and is recommended for newborns up to 20 lbs (with a minimum age of 1 year). The second type is a forward facing seat in the backseat and recommended for children 4 and up from 40-65 pounds. Finally, there are booster seats for children 4-8 to ride in the back seat.

Certain websites, such as Buckle Up Illinois, offer tips that aid in assembling and installing car seats and remind readers of the rules related to seat security safety. Child safety seat awareness is incredibly important, due to the fact that thousands of children are reported seriously injured or even killed in accidents nationwide. Our Illinois car accident attorneys advise parents, grandparents, babysitters and anyone who transports a child to consult these tips if they have questions about safety seats and seat belts. Some things drivers can do to ensure child passenger safety is to make sure the harness straps are secure and tight, that the seat is securely attached to the vehicle, and make sure the type of child seating system you have is age appropriate.

Continue reading "Chicago Accident Lawyers Discuss National Child Passenger Safety Week" »

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”.

Continue reading "Chicago Woman Seriously Injured in Hit and Run Accident" »

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Over the weekend, the Chicago Tribune reported a Lake County motorcycle accident involving two passengers. A motorcyclist was driving, with his daughter as a passenger, when they hit a car while turning left. The motorcyclist was killed in the accident, and his young daughter was seriously injured.

Motorcycle safety information is not only important for motorcyclists, but also important for all drivers to be aware of how to operate safely when sharing the road with motorcyclists. Although in this accident it sounds like the motorcycle driver was at fault, in many instances motorcycle accidents can happen because drivers may not be able to see motorcycles, especially if their undivided attention is not on the road.

Also, this example highlights the importance of helmet use for motorcyclists. Although motorcyclists are not required under Illinois law to wear them, our Illinois injury attorneys strongly support helmet use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2008 in Illinois, there were a total of 121 motorcycle riders killed. Of those 121 riders, only 25% were wearing helmets, and 74% were not. Though helmets cannot protect motorcyclists from all accident related injuries, perhaps if some of these victims had worn helmets, they could have had suffered less serious injuries. The article continues to say, “Helmets are estimate to be 37-percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders”. Motorcyclists are not protected by a hard exterior, like a car, so they must rely on their helmets and other gear (i.e. goggles, boots, gloves, denim, leather, etc.) for protection.

Another factor in this accident was that the motorcycle was making a left turn. Left turns are always tricky, especially at an intersection with a traffic signal. If a traffic light turns yellow while a driver is waiting in an intersection to turn left, there can certainly be a potential collision if drivers do not yield. The Illinois Rules of the Road claim that over half of all motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. They continue to say that the most common situation in which a motorcycle accident occurs is when an “oncoming automobile makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle.” Drivers should always watch for motorcyclists and other vehicles before turning left. Motorcyclists must follow the rules of the road just like all other drivers, and the Illinois Rules of the Road say that when turning left, always signal and follow traffic signs. The rules also say that motorcyclists should always yield the right-of-way to vehicles currently in an intersection, including checking oncoming traffic, even if it may be your turn to make the turn, in order to avoid an accident.

Continue reading "Lake County Motorcycle Accident Illustrates Importance of Motorcycle Safety " »

Over the weekend, NBCChicago recounted an Illinois car accident that occurred on the Bishop Ford Freeway. An 18-year-old man, his mother (a mother of five), and another man, were all killed in a car accident that happened during the early hours of Sunday morning. It appears that the car accident happened because the victims’ car was either moving very slowly or stopped in the middle lane when an oncoming SUV rear-ended their car. The man driving the SUV claims that he did not notice the car because their lights were not on. His daughter was a passenger in his car, and neither of them suffered from any serious injuries; they were both wearing seatbelts. NBCChicago says that even hours after the crash, “there were no indications that drugs, speeding or alcohol were to blame”.

The teen driver who died was not wearing a seat belt, but his mother and the other man were. It is reported that the teenager’s mother was a wonderful caretaker, with incredible strength and faith. Reports from NBCChicago, the Chicago Tribune, and CBSChicago all conclude that the cause of the car stalling is currently unknown and it does not sound like any particular driver was at fault.

Although we are unsure of if this accident could’ve been avoided or not, it is important to know what to do if your call should stall in the middle of a lane. According to RoadSense, if possible you should try to safely signal and move to the shoulder of the road. You should then put on your emergency lights. Monitoring your fuel level and keeping your car maintained can help prevent this from happening. As discussed in previous posts, it is crucial to move your car safely away from traffic if a problem should arise. Also, if you witness a stalled car, or a driver that may need help, make sure to pull over away from traffic as well, and cautiously walk over to try to help. If necessary, call 911. We hope that readers will use this knowledge if their car should stall or if they witness an accident of this type.

If you have been a victim in a rear-end accident or have lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, our Illinois accident attorneys may be able to help you receive fair compensation. When a loved one is wrongfully killed, a lawsuit can be filed to help you seek fair compensation and justice for your loss. Contact our Illinois car accident lawyers to see how we may be able to help you.

NBCChicago reported a Chicago bike accident that occurred earlier this week involving a drunk driver and a cyclist. The driver has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence, aggravated fleeing police, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and reckless homicide. The car collided with the bike, killing the cyclist due to multiple injuries. The driver fled the scene, however police found him near the crash. The report continues to state that in addition to aggravated DUI and fleeing the scene, the driver ignored a stop sign, was driving without a license, and did not have insurance. The driver is currently being held without bond.

This story once again illustrates the dangers of driving under the influence. As we have discussed in previous posts, our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys believe that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a very serious charge and should not be taken lightly. We hope that by publicizing DUI accidents, readers will see how many preventable injuries and deaths occur each month in the Chicago area. We hope our readers will use this knowledge to help raise awareness surrounding this problem. Driving intoxicated, from any substance, can not only harm you, but it also endangers other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Additionally, this story brings up the issues surrounding hit and run accidents. There are a number of reasons why drivers decide to leave the scene of an accident, but it is always a poor decision, and can lead to serious charges. In this case, the driver should have not left the scene of the accident, but probably did so because he was intoxicated and driving without a license and feared arrest. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, “The driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in personal injury to 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.” Our Chicago injury attorneys encourage drivers involved in an accident, to pull over safely, and call an emergency number. Doing so may help the victim get the medical attention he or she needs sooner, and could save a life.

If you have lost a loved one due to another driver’s mistakes, you may be able to take legal action. Filing a lawsuit would not only help you to receive reasonable compensation, but it also allows you to hold wrongdoers responsible for their negligent actions. If you have been a victim in a cycling or car accident, or have lost a loved one in an accident, please contact our Illinois accident lawyers to see how they may be able to help you.

Earlier this week, the NapervilleSun, a Chicago Sun-Times publication, reported on developments surrounding a fatal Illinois car accident. A dentist from Naperville was indicted with two felony counts, both of reckless homicide, for the death of two people, a father and his daughter. The dentist is still in the hospital for injuries he acquired in the accident, but apparently he has a long history of driving charges on his hands. The night of the accident, he was reportedly speeding, crossed the center division, and was driving down the shoulder of the lanes when he drove towards oncoming traffic, striking the father and daughter’s vehicle. The article also continues to say that the Naperville dentist has been charged in previous years with having an open container of alcohol in his car, driving under the influence, and other traffic violations.

Our Illinois injury attorneys encourage all drivers to take all traffic violations seriously, and to acknowledge past mistakes in order to prevent them from occurring again. The reports do not indicate whether the driver was operating on a suspended license from his previous driver, but in some cases even a suspension will not stop someone who has no regard for his/her safety or the safety of others. In Illinois, first time DUI offenders must have a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed if they want to regain driving privileges and this device must be used for six months. However, this terrible accident came six months to the day after his previous DUI arrest on February 6.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also always preventable, and when paired driving recklessly, it is a recipe for disaster. It is crucial to stay focused on other drivers on the road to protect yourself, but victims are often powerless. If this driver had followed the rules of the road and not operated his vehicle under the influence, it is possible that this tragic fatal accident could have been avoided.

If you have been injured due to a negligent driver, or have lost a loved one, you may be able to receive fair compensation and peace of mind for your loss. When you are involved in a crash like this, it is likely that there will be expensive medical fees including doctor’s appointments, medication, surgeries, hospital costs, and other expenses. These costs can add up quickly and become a heavy burden while also in the midst of recovering emotionally and psychologically from the damages a car accident of this sort can leave behind. Please contact our Illinois car accident attorneys to see how we may be able to help you.

Earlier this week, the Chicago Tribune reported an Illinois car accident involving an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) worker and a car driving in McHenry County. The accident occurred during morning traffic, when a sedan driven by an elderly man hit the IDOT worker. The IDOT worker was immediately taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Our Chicago accident lawyers remind readers and clients of the importance of safe driving in work zones. Driving in work zones can be a confusing task and unfamiliar signage, lane change requirements, and extra traffic make it extremely important to pay close attention to the road . We encourage all drivers to read over tips provided by the Illinois Tollway. These tips include avoiding all possible distractions in order to stay focused and alert on the road. This will allow you to read road signs and understand where the zone starts and ends. It is also important to follow the reduced speed limit, driving slowly regardless of if the IDOT workers are there or not. Tailgating is dangerous regardless of if you are in a work zone or not, so it is imperative to avoid that at all times.

All drivers should be reminded that there are costly fines and severe penalties for hitting workers, so all drivers should watch carefully for all types of workers. According to the Illinois Tollway, “the minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375, regardless of whether there are workers present or not. The Move Over/Slow Down Law requires motorists to slow down or move to the next available lane when approaching emergency or highway maintenance vehicles with flashing lights”.

According to the article, police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, and charges are pending for the driver who caused this tragic car accident in McHenry County. Our Illinois car accident attorneys have successfully handled many cases like this one and note that it is important for motorists on the road to stay focused and alert, to protect themselves, other motorists, IDOT workers, and all pedestrians on the road. If you have been a victim in an Illinois car accident, or have lost a loved one, please contact our Illinois injury attorneys to see how we may help you.

Yesterday, BND reported on a Belleville, Illinois car accident in which an SUV operated by a teenager collided head-on with a van operated by a woman with children in the back. The accident also involved three other cars. The operator of the minivan was airlifted to a hospital with serious, but not life threatening, injuries. The five children in her car were taken by ambulance to a hospital.

The driver of the SUV was a 17-year-old teenager who swerved into the opposite lane for an unknown reason. He also hit another driver who was trying to turn left. After initially hitting the minivan and the driver who was turning left, the cars caused a chain reaction that included two more vehicles that were behind the minivan. The citation for the teenager was improper lane usage, and when taking to police, he recounts, “I don’t remember what happened; I just hit the car.”

New drivers on the road, teenagers specifically, pose a lot of risk to not only themselves but also towards other drivers. Teenage drivers are not only inexperienced compared to veteran drivers, but are also more prone to distractions such as their telephones, texting, social media, friends and music while driving. While it is not confirmed why the teenage driver swerved into the opposite lane, it is not improbable that there were distractions involved.

We encourage teenagers to be involved with programs such as Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) to learn about safe driving practices. Parents should also talk to their teens about safe driving. Many parents take steps to limit the number of passengers their teen drivers can have, but it is difficult for parents to monitor other distractions. As we mentioned in a recent blog post, we also hope car companies and cell phone companies will continue to create new technology that limits the use of certain features whilst driving.

At one time or another, we all will have a teen driver in the family. It is important for teens to learn smart driving practices early, so they develop the skills needed to drive safely throughout their lifetime. Just like all other motorists, teen drivers have a responsibility to obey all traffic laws, signs and should be prepared to react to unusual conditions. When they fail to do so and cause personal injuries to someone else, it is important that they are held responsible. Our Illinois car accident attorneys have successfully handled many cases involving negligent driving, and if you have been a victim or lost a loved one due to another driver’s mistake, we may be able to help you receive fair compensation.

Tailgating is one of the most common causes of Illinois car accidents. The term tailgating refers to when one vehicle follows another vehicle without leaving a safe distance in between. Tailgating, along with speeding, weaving lanes, flashing headlights, and other driving issues, are all considered to be aggressive driving behavior, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These behaviors can lead to increasing fines, suspended licenses, or violations. Most people who tailgate follow too closely because they are in a rush, are trying to speed on the road, or trying to get the car in front of them to move over. This act may seem like a one-time thing and harmless, however it has the potential to create serious Illinois car accidents, leading to possible personal injury or wrongful death.

In the Illinois Rules of the Road booklet, they suggest that drivers use a two-second rule to help regulate a safe driving distance. The rule suggests that all drivers pick a stationary object on the road ahead of them. As soon as the vehicle ahead goes past the stationary object, count two seconds out loud, aiming not to pass the same object within the two-second count. If you do pass the stationary object within the two-second rule, you are considered as following to closely. If the car in front of you brakes suddenly, this can lead to a rear-end accident. It is also important to remember that when being followed to closely by someone else, it is considered aggressive driving to slam on your brakes causing them to either have to swerve or rear-end you. If someone is tailgating your vehicle, try to move over to the next lane slowly or pull off of the road onto the shoulder allowing the tailgating car to pass.

According to the Illinois DMV Vehicle Code, it is stated that, “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” Not doing so is considered aggressive driving and can result in citations.

Aggressive driving can cause severe accidents, such as pedestrian fatalities, or harm to yourself or other motorists on the road, and even wrongful death. If you have been injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, or have lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, you may be able to receive fair compensation and peace of mind knowing that the wrongdoers were held accountable for their actions. Please contact our Illinois accident attorneys to review your potential case.

The Doings Weekly recently discussed the Illinois texting while driving law, and what police in Chicago’s western suburbs are doing to enforce it. The article reports that in some towns, law enforcement officials have started heavily enforcing the law, while others choose not to enforce it. The reason why some police do not enforce the texting law is because they feel that among driving laws, for example, speeding or driving under the influence, texting while driving does not seem like the most pressing issue.

However, texting while driving is clearly dangerous and should be a priority. In 2009 the Virginia Tech Transportation Institution administered a study that showed texting while driving makes getting in an accident 23 times more likely. Distracted driving is responsible for one-fifth of injury crashes, according to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Some police claim that it’s challenging to decide whether or not someone is texting, dialing a number, changing radio stations, messing with an mp3 player or GPS, etc. However, law enforcement should be taking steps to deter drivers from any form of distracted driving.

The Doings Weekly compares the recent texting law to the required seat belt law that occurred decades ago. Today, the seatbelt law is heavily enforced, and although it is challenging to tell if someone is wearing one or not , police make those calls. The texting law exists to encourage people to create safe driving habits, and to help them better understand the seriousness of driving distracted. Distracted driving can lead to serious Illinois car accidents and personal injuries.

Our Chicago accident attorneys applaud the towns listed in the article that seriously enforce texting while driving laws, including:
• La Grange
• Western Springs
• Hinsdale
• Oakbrook Terrace
• Clarendon Hills
• Burr Ridge

Penalties vary depending on whether or not texting while driving is considered a state law or as the individual community’s ordinance. Usually, when it is enforced as an ordinance, there is a fine that can start from $35.00 and go as high as $165.00. The state offense has an $120.00 fine.

Continue reading "Enforcement of Texting Laws Varies in Chicago Suburbs" »

The Times-Georgian recounted an accident that occurred recently involving a student killed in a school-bus accident. The student was partly flung through a bus window when the bus rolled over on a highway near the student’s school. The driver claimed that he gazed down momentarily, and once he looked up road, the bus had already veered off the road. He attempted to brake in order to stop the bus, but stopped short, hitting a duct causing the bus to roll over.

According to the report, the family of the student has filed a lawsuit against the bus driver, school district and other school officials. The family’s car accident attorney hopes that the investigation will reveal who is responsible for this terrible accident. A police investigation revealed that the bus driver had cough medicine in his blood at the time of the accident. It also appears that the operator of the vehicle had not been certified by state regulations that allow motorists to drive students. The driver’s reckless decision to drive while groggy from the cough syrup, coupled with the school district’s failure to abide by state regulations that required bus drivers to be properly trained and licensed, resulted in the wrongful death of this young student.

Victims who are injured in car, bus, truck or bike accidents caused by distracted or overly-medicated drivers may be able to file lawsuits against the driver at fault. These types of accidents may result in serious injuries that can become costly in regards to medical attention, doctor visits, and potential surgeries, or even more costly, the grief that family members must deal with in the case of a fatality. Filing a lawsuit may result in compensation for medical needs, and may be able to bring family members some peace of mind.

Moreover, our Chicago injury attorneys have handled many cases of this type successfully. If you have been the victim in an Illinois bus accident, or have lost a loved one, our lawyers may be able to help you receive compensation and taking action will draw attention to the severe consequences driving under the influence and distracted driving pose.

According to KFVSNews, a young man who was driving at 5:45 a.m. caused a recent car accident. According to the report, the man had fallen asleep at the wheel, and while no other cars were involved, the car operator veered off of the road, hitting a mailbox and ultimately hitting a tree. Although the man was wearing a seatbelt, and no major injuries occurred, this incident highlights the fact that driving drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and has the potential to cause severe, even fatal, Illinois car accidents.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) breaks down the hard facts of driving drowsy, saying that driving drowsy or sleepy can slow the operator’s reaction time, lower awareness and focus, weaken judgment and can potentially cause a serious accident. The NSF cautions that it is difficult for officials to identify driving drowsy because there is no Breathalyzer or blood test that can be used to confirm that sleepiness was a factor in an accident. However, the NSF reports “several states are considering legislation that would allow police to charge drowsy drivers with criminal negligence if they injure or kill someone while driving if they have not had adequate sleep”.

NSF testimony tells the story of a family who was driving to dinner at a restaurant. On the way to the restaurant, a young driver who had not slept in over a day collided with the family’s vehicle. A young boy, one of his sisters, and his mother all passed away in the accident, leaving one sister surviving, without a family. This car accident resulted in the wrongful death of three people, and could have been avoided if the driver would have waited to be more rested to operate the vehicle.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys advise all drivers to make sure that you are well rested and focused when operating any motor vehicle.

What can you do to reduce the risk of injuring yourself or others?

• Get sufficient sleep…caffeine will not cut it
• Do not drink alcohol before you drive, especially if you feel fatigued
• Try to avoid driving late at night
• Make frequent stops on long trips
• Get a ride from an alert friend or family member

Driving drowsy can lead to fatalities, pedestrian injuries, or result in the operator of the vehicle themselves suffering severe injuries. If you have been a victim of a car accident of this nature, or have lost a loved one because someone else fell asleep behind the wheel, please contact us as we may be able to help you seek compensation for your loss or injuries.

Commercial-News recently reported on the current state of drivers on the road, if they are insured or not. The article states that about one in every seven drivers on the road is uninsured, almost 15% of Illinois vehicle operators. The article continues on about how every driver will most likely be in a car accident at one point or another throughout their lifetime. However, what happens when the drivers involved are uninsured?

Due to the recent recession, the amount of uninsured vehicle operators has increased, the article states. The result of driving uninsured is forcing drivers who are covered by insurance to pay for the injuries and costs created by those who drive uninsured. Illinois has enforced a required insurance law, but just because the law exists, that doesn’t necessarily mean that all drivers in the state of Illinois are insured.

A State Farm Insurance representative suggests that when involved in an Illinois car accident with a driver who is uninsured, you should first ask them if they have insurance. Next you should call the police and file a police report. Make sure to also collect the other driver’s complete contact information including their name, address, phone number, and information about their vehicle, such as the make, model and license plate number. The Illinois Secretary of State office directs the victim of an uninsured crash to send in an Illinois Crash Report to the Illinois Department of Transportation Accident Report Office.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage all drivers to have insurance, and to carry an insurance card in their vehicle at all times. Our Chicago accident lawyers have handled many cases involving victims of uninsured car accidents. In a recent car accident case, Steven Levin represented a pedestrian who was struck by a driver who happened to be an agent of an insurance company. The driver did not have enough insurance on his own policy to compensate the cost of the pedestrian’s injuries. A fellow attorney commenting on the case added, “You would assume that an insurance agent would understand the importance of carrying a sufficient amount of insurance.”

Continue reading "Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Discuss Issues with Uninsured Driving" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See Our Related Blog Posts:

Intoxicated Illinois Driver Causes Fatal Car Accident

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NBC Chicago News reported today on a tragic Chicago taxi accident that occurred this morning that took the life of a pedestrian and critically injured two others. Police report that the driver of a Chicago Checkered Cab lost control of the taxi in Streeterville near the Illinois and Columbus Avenue intersection.

Investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause of the Chicago cab accident. However, witnesses report seeing that cab traveling erratically moments before the accident. One individual nearby explained that the taxi was speeding east on Illinois Avenue before cutting off another cab on the same street. Not long later the reckless cab driver lost control of the car. It apparently skidded sideways before hitting a pedestrian and then slamming into a wall near the Embassy Suites garage.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Both the cab driver and one passenger were in critical condition and rushed to Northwestern University Hospital. The passenger had to be cut out of the car.

This deadly Chicago cab accident is yet another reminder of the consequences of reckless driving. Our Illinois injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti understand the damage suffered by families following these high-profile area accidents. We work to hold negligent drivers accountable in order to send a message to the public that careless driving will not be tolerated.

For example, we are currently working on behalf of Stephen Dewart who was severely injured after being run-down by a Chicago city truck on Rush Street. The city employee in that case was under the influence of alcohol at the time. We previously secured at $10 million settlement for a 5-year old boy who was run over by a City of Chicago Fire Department truck. And last year we helped a family achieve a $6.5 million settlement after a 32-year old woman who was killed when their car was rear-ended by a reckless semi-truck driver. We have negotiated many other multi-million dollar settlements for pedestrians and others injured in road accidents.

Continue reading "Streeterville Taxi Accident Kills Chicagoan" »

One common form of roadway accident in large cities in particular involves pedestrians. With several million people moving around a city at any given time, there are many occasions for cars to run-into walkers, often with deadly consequences. This remains one of the costliest forms of Chicago car accident day in and day out. To help curb these incidents, we previously discussed the new state law which requires all drivers to stop and give pedestrians the right of way when they are attempting to cross the street at a designated crosswalk, regardless of whether they have a light or stop sign.

One facet to the pedestrian safety issue that is now being discussed involves the overall aging of the American population and the consequences that will have on foot travel. Older individuals typically walk slower, taking longer to cross the street, and putting them at increased risk of being injured in one of these accidents. For example, analysis in New York and reported by the LA Times found that in one 10-block radius alone, at least a dozen elderly pedestrians had been killed in that last ten years. Nationwide 13% of the population is over 65 years old, but that group represents 22% of pedestrian deaths.

To help tackle the problem many municipalities are launching programs to make the streets a safer place for seniors. The main thrust of the program involves changes the signal timing. Generally the assumption is made for the lighting scheme that a walker can travel 3.5 to 4 feet per second. However, most elderly walkers are actually only capable of moving at 2.5 feet per second. The lag time means that many seniors end up caught in the middle of the street and in the line of fast-moving traffic, even though they followed the lighted signs.

Continue reading "Crosswalks May Be Redesigned to Account For Slower Walkers" »

Recently, WGNRadio.com posted an article detailing the report of a devastating Chicago Motorcycle accident. The victim was driving his motorcycle when he was fatally struck by a vehicle whose driver’s intoxication level was well over the legal limit.

Having just departed from a birthday party celebrating the 10th birthday of his twins, the 47 year old motorcyclist was on his way to work at O’Hare International Airport when a vehicle took a spacious left hand turn that caused a grave collision with the motorcycle. While the driver of the automobile passed a field sobriety test that was administered at the scene, a breathalyzer was not utilized until 4 hours after the accident. According to the police reports, the driver’s blood alcohol content was estimated to be between 0.084-0.123, exceeding Illinois’s legal limit of 0.08. This case, which is currently being brought to trial, recounts the drunk driver’s repeated DUI convictions, as well as, history of substance abuse which ultimately resulted in the revocation of his dentist license.

The overwhelming number of Illinois drunk driving accidents is a significant cause for concern. According to CyberdriveIllinois.com, which recently published an Illinois DUI Fact-book, stated that in 2009 alone 309 Illinois residents died as a result of a drunk driving related accident. In the United States as a whole, over 10,839 fatalities resulted from an alcohol related automobile accident. Fortunately, Illinois has been making strides to prevent alcohol related accidents. One of these strides is the implementation of Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). The BAIID is a device that requires first time DUI offenders to pass a breathalyzer test in order for their vehicle to start.

Our Chicago accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti strongly advise against driving under the influence. Not only are you putting yourself in danger by operating a vehicle while intoxicated, you are putting others (whether drivers or pedestrians) at risk as well. With the summer months upon us and the 4th of July quickly around the corner, the probability of alcohol related accidents is on the rise. We recommend taking every precaution to avoid a devastating situation such as this one. In the unfortunate scenario that you or someone you know is a victim of a drunk driving accident, it is important to keep in mind that victims of DUI’s have the right to take legal action to hold wrongdoers accountable for their personal injury or loss of a loved one.

Earlier today in Crystal Lake, an 8 year old girl was left in critical condition after she was struck by a vehicle in an attempt to cross the street on her bicycle, according to the Northwest Herald. Subsequently, the child suffered a severe head injury and was immediately rushed into surgery. While the specifics of this Suburban Chicago bicycle accident are unknown, investigative officials have stated that the child was not wearing a helmet.

Needless to say, Illinois car accidents involving bicycles are especially prevalent in the summer months, just as thousands of children are being let out of school for the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicyclists ages 14 and younger account for twenty-one percent of those injured in motor vehicle accidents. The threat of these accidents becomes even more sizeable when the bicyclist fails to wear a safety helmet.

Given that only half of all known bicyclists wear a helmet, according Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is no surprise that accidents and fatalities have increased among non-users. The rationale behind helmet use is to prevent head injury by minimizing and cushioning impact in the event of an accident. The CPSC recommends that cyclists not only purchase a helmet, but correctly wear it as well. Correct helmet use includes: wearing the helmet flat on top of your head (opposed to tilted back), snug fit, a clear unobstructed vision line, and finally, chin and buckle straps must be securely fastened.

Our Illinois accident attorneys remind cyclists and motorists to adhere to both vehicle and bicycle safety laws. It is important to remember that cyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists. In accordance with the Illinois Vehicle Code, both motorists and cyclists should be aware of these common rules. For instance, a cyclist must ride as close as possible to the right curb or edge of the road, except when passing another bike, making a left or right turn, or avoiding unsafe conditions (i.e. pedestrians, animals, debris, potholes). In addition, while Illinois has not established a law requiring the use of helmets while operating a bicycle, it is strongly encouraged to protect your safety.

Two of our Illinois personal injury lawyers filed suit on behalf of Stephen Dewart —a 27-year old area man who was seriously injured after being hit by an errant vehicle while standing on the sidewalk. Specifically, Mr. Dewart was hurt when a City of Chicago worker drove his truck off the road and into a crowd on the corner of Rush and Cedar streets at the end of May. Steven M. Levin and Susan L. Novosad officially filed the lawsuit yesterday in the Circuit Court of Cook County for Mr. Dewart who was participating in a photo shoot for his wife’s company at the time of the accident.

Mr. Dewart was one of eight people struck in the high-profile accident caused by an intoxicated Chicago Streets and Sanitation worker. The reckless driver had a blood alcohol level over the legal limit and an open brandy bottle was found in his vehicle.

Steve Levin explained the effect that the accident has had on Mr. Dewart: “Stephen suffered several spinal fractures, a broken fibula and a broken tibia, and was hospitalized for six days.” The injuries caused him to have a surgical rod placed in his lower leg and is confined to a wheelchair—a grueling physical therapy process will follow.

Mr. Dewart’s future plans were also affected by the accident. Levin reports that, “Stephen was supposed to start law school last week, but had to defer his admission for a year in order to recover from his injuries.” He went on to discuss the purpose of the legal matter explaining, “We hope that this lawsuit will bring them [the Dewart family] fair and reasonable compensation. We also hope that it will prompt the City to create more effective drug and alcohol screening processes for employees, especially those operating large vehicles and heavy machinery.”

Continue reading "Levin & Perconti Files Suit On Behalf of Man Run Down By City Worker" »

The arrival of warm weather means that many more outdoor activities can be enjoyed by area residents. From trips to the beach to cozy meals in outdoor cafes, Chicago is truly a wonderful city to enjoy in the summer. However, the improving weather also means that construction crews are able to work on many projects that were put on hold in the winter.

Road construction always poses new driving risks, and it is important for all area travelers to be aware of the work and prepared for the changes to their driving routine.

Late last month the Chicago Tribune published a story that summarized many of the various summer road construction projects that are set to begin onmajor area highways. Interstate 80 will be widened to three lanes in the stretch between Route 45 and Route 30. I-80 is also undergoing some resurfacing and bridge inspections over the summer. U.S. Route 30 is itself being widened to three lanes on an 8.5 mile stretch near Mokena and New Lennox. Various other areas roads will also see improvements.

The start of these construction projects mean that traffic is going to build up in many different areas across Chicagoland. Closed lanes and reduced speeds are required for the projects to be completed. However those lane mergers and slow-down areas remain real risk spots for Chicago car accidents. It is important for all drivers to become accustomed to the change areas and remain on the lookout for other drivers who may not be so careful in the construction zones.

Continue reading "Be Sure to Drive Safely In the Chicago-Area Summer Construction Season" »

Seven Chicagoans were injured last weekend in a two car accident in Park Ridge. Journal & Topics News reported a string of stories on the Chicago car crash.

The bizarre accident struck on Thursday night. One of the drivers explains that a small green car began chasing his vehicle around 11:15 p.m. while he was traveling on Irving Park Road and Austin Boulevard in Chicago. The driver explains that those in the car were flashing what appeared to be gang signs along with a silver handgun.

Apparently the Audi driver attempted to get away, only to be pursued all the way into the Park Ridge intersection of Dee and Oakton streets. The two cars approached the intersection where a red light was before them. However, the Audi driver claims that he knowingly ran through it to avoid stopping next to the other car. While running the light, the car broadsided a minivan that was rightfully traveling through the intersection.

Witnesses report that the green car then intentionally rammed the Audi, with the occupants getting out and yelling to one other to shoot the Audi passengers. Those passengers apparently fled on foot before the confrontation. All told, seven people in the minivan and Audi were injured in the crash. Fortunately, none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. Police are still investigating the claims, but they did cite the Audi driver for speeding, running the red light, and driving without insurance.

This bizarre car accident is a testament to the unpredictability that exists on roadways throughout the city. The minivan driver in that situation could have never known that an errant car would come careening through the intersection at that moment.

Continue reading "Road Rage May Have Caused Chicago Car Accident that Injured Seven" »

Chicago car accidents lawyers and drivers are well aware that there remain certain sections of our city’s roadways that are more difficult to navigate than others. Many intersections involve three or four roads converging at various angles making it extremely difficult and confusing for drivers to sort through. As a result, many drivers find themselves injured in crashes, often caused by fellow travelers who make mistakes when trying to get through the busy and dangerous intersections.

Fortunately, steps may be taken soon to fix one of those particularly challenging intersections. The Roscoe View Journal reported last week on a proposed re-route of Elston Avenue by the Chicago Department of Transportation. The changes would occur at the Damen-Elston-Fullerton intersection on the western edge of Lincoln Park. The main goal of the remap would be to divert Elston around the current intersection only to return to its regular path further north.

If completed the troublesome six-corner intersection would be reverted to a more manageable four corner intersection. The proposal is seen as more effective than other options (like building an overpass), because it would only take one year to complete instead of several.

The local alderman has cited safety concerns and traffic delays as the main motivation for the project. The area has consistently ranked in the top 10 intersection for Chicago car accidents—one year ranking as the second most dangerous intersection in the city. There were over 90 crashes at this intersection last year alone—reaching an unacceptable average of two per week.

Continue reading "New Construction Plan Could Relieve Accident Prone Chicago Intersection" »

ABC Local News reported today on a late-night car crash that has left two dead and injured nine others. The deadly Chicago car accident struck at 3 a.m. on Saturday in the Lawndale neighborhood. Authorities are still piecing together the facts.

Many witnesses explain that the scene remained chaotic for quite some time after the accident. Apparently an 2003 Mazda SUV jammed with eleven people, including the driver, was traveling northbound on South Kostner Ave. For reasons that authorities are trying to determine, the SUV swerved across the center line and began driving directly into oncoming traffic. The SUV eventually hit a Ford Probe head-on.

The filled truck flipped over in the accident, sending several of the passengers who were not buckled hurtling out of the vehicle. Two of the SUV passengers were killed, including a 19 year old man and a woman in her 40s. All of the other nine people in the SUV were rushed to local hospitals in serious to critical condition. The Ford Probe driver was not injured in the crash

One witnesses interviewed after the accident explained, “we just came running down and instantly we saw the baby right here on the ground. We’re just like ‘Oh my god.’ There were people in the car crying, trying to get out.”

Continue reading "Eleven Victims in Head-On Chicago Car Accident " »

A Chicago car accident can occur without discrimination in every neighborhood of our city; suburban crashes are just as frequent. Many Chicagoans will at one time or another be involved in a car accident. Far too many of those accidents will involve serious injury and death.

The Chicago Tribune reported on two local residents who recently lost their lives following one of these car accidents. According to reports the Northfield accident struck on Willow Road on Friday evening. A 22-year old woman was travelling east in on the roadway. For unknown reasons her vehicle drifted across the center line and directly in the path of west-bound traffic. Unfortunately, her car ran head-on into a westbound car driven by a 63-year old suburban man.

The impact was devastating. The female driver was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the accident. The driver of the other car was in critical condition until the weekend, when he succumbed to his injuries.

Drifting across lanes on roadways such as this remains a problem. When traffic heading in opposite directions at high speeds is separated by nothing more than a painted line on the road, there is a real risk of dangerous collisions.

Continue reading "Two Killed in Deadly Chicago Car Accident" »

Nothing new can be said about the incredible recklessness and danger of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated. The risk to oneself and others is far too high to ever entertain the idea. That risk includes both physical harm and criminal sanctions.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported last week on one local driver who was sentenced to six years in prison following a late 2009 car accident that ended the life of a 29-year old man. The Chicago car crash struck on Interstate 55 in December of 2009.

The aggressive driver watched a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game at the West End bar on Madison Street before the accident. Following the game he left the bar and started driving home. He began speeding on the highway, traveling over 80 miles per hour before losing control of the car. He eventually hit the median and flew into the opposite lanes of traffic. His car slammed head-on into the victim who was traveling home after working at his second job. The victim was rushed to a local hospital after being pulled from the considerable wreckage. However, there was little that medical professionals could do, and he died less than an hour after the crash.

Local authorities noticed that the negligent driver appeared drunk at the scene of the crash. The man refused a Breathalyzer. However, a test taken at the emergency room revealed a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit.

He was initially charged with reckless homicide and aggravated DUI. He eventually pled guilty to the aggravated DUI charge. A judge last week ordered that he be sentenced to six years in prison for his conduct.

Continue reading "Driver in Chicago DUI Crash Sentenced to Six Years" »

A local village clerk plead not guilty this week to charges stemming from a deadly car accident involving drunk driving. Blog readers are aware of the crash which struck in early February.

The man remains free after posting 10% of a $250,000 bond—a common occurrence in accidents of these kinds. The defendant was still recovering from his own injuries resulting from the accidents for which is charged with aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide.

According to the Northwest Indiana Times, the Chicago car crash occurred in the southbound lanes of Illinois Route 394. Reports indicate that the village clerk was in a city owned vehicle when he crashed head-on which another vehicle. The second vehicle was overturned in the center median, killing one of the passengers. The clerk’s car then hit a third vehicle, severely injuring that car’s driver.

The family of the victim has filed a Chicago wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent driver and the village which owned the vehicle. The Chicago car crash suit is in its initial stages and has yet to work its way into court.

Drunk driver remains a problem of troubling proportions. The statistics are always sobering. Last year over 250 Illinoisans were killed in alcohol-related crashes. Nationwide around 11,000 people die yearly because of drunk drivers. Over 1/3 of all car crashes have alcohol-impaired driving as a cause.

Continue reading "Drunk Driver Charged with Crime And In Wrongful Death Lawsuit" »

A Chicago area-family is in mourning today after a 16 year old teen was killed in a car accident in Joliet.

Police are still investigated the details of the Chicago car crash. However, initial reports indicate that the teen was driving north of Route 59 shortly before 7 p.m. on Sunday evening. For reasons yet unknown, the boy’s vehicle left the road, struck multiple objects in the car’s path and eventually came to a rest in a residential back yard.

Emergency responders were on the scene quickly, but there was nothing to be done. The officials reported the young man dead at the scene—caused by head and brain injuries sustained in the wreck. A complete investigation is currently underway to better understand was lead to these devastating crash.

When a child dies in these accidents, the effects are felt throughout an entire community. For many friends of the young victim, this may represent the first time that they have had to come to grips with the loss of someone close to them. It is a traumatic experience for so many, and a reminder of the continued need to take all steps possible to avoid future catastrophes.

Continue reading "Teen Killed in Deadly Chicago Car Crash" »

The Northbrook Patch reported yesterday on a car crash involving several local teens on a major Illinois expressway. The Chicago car accident occurred on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) late Tuesday afternoon.

Shortly before 5:30 p.m. near the Willow Road exit, the car carrying five area teens was moving at high speeds on the interstate. Police estimate that the vehicle was traveling in excess of 80 miles per hour when the young driver lost control of the wheel. The vehicle flipped over in the confusion, sliding into a ditch, and coming to a stop on the side of the road against a tree.

The five teens all suffered injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Fortunately, emergency responders do not believe that any of the injuries were life-threatening. No other cars were involved in the crash. The driver was issued several citations for the actions that led up to the crash.

Unfortunately, speeding, risky lane changes, and distracted driving remain a prevalent problem with many teen drivers. As studies have frequently demonstrated, this is especially true when young drivers are in a vehicle with their friends. It is vital that steps be taken to curb these risks and ultimately save young lives.

Continue reading "Five Teens Injured in Chicago Car Accident" »

ABC News reported late last week on a car accident that sent seven people to the hospital in critical condition.

The early morning Chicago car accident struck on the city’s near west side on Thurday. Around the United Center an SUV carrying several passengers was traveling down a one-way street in the 1800 block of West Warren Boulevard. Unexpectedly, the SUV was slammed head-on by another SUV that was traveling the wrong way down the road.

The impact caused substantial damage. Seven people were rushed to local hospitals, all in critical condition. One of the victims was a newborn baby—literally born the day before and on her first ride from the hospital. Police ticketed the negligent driver of the SUV headed in the wrong direction.

The shocking circumstances of the car crash symbolize the sad reality that even the most careful drivers are not completely safe while on the road. Rarely will someone come upon a driver so negligent that they drive head-on into oncoming traffic. However, virtually everyone will share the road with drivers who go too fast for conditions, become distracted while on the phone, or make risky lane changes in an effort to save a few seconds.

There is only so much care that a single driver can take to avoid deadly car accidents, because no one can control the negligent drivers around them. All it takes is being in the wrong place at the wrong time and a risky fellow driver may cause untold destruction.

Continue reading "Chicago Car Crash Critically Injures Seven, Including One Infant" »

A local man is dead following a Chicago car crash that struck early yesterday morning near the United Center.

According to Pioneer Local News, the car accident occurred around 2:50 am on Monday morning. The driver was traveling southbound in a Jeep on Wolcott Avenue. The man mistakenly missed a stop sign at the intersection of Wolcott and Washington Boulevard. As a result, the Jeep was hit on the side by a Toyota Prius that was rightfully traveling through the intersection.

The impact sent the Jeep barreling over, and the driver exited the vehicle through the sun-roof. Unfortunately, the victim suffered massive head injuries as a result of the collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. The driver and passenger of the Prius suffered injuries and were taken to a local hospital.

While investigations are pending, authorities initially indicate that alcohol may have factored into the Jeep driver’s failure to stop at the appropriate time.

Continue reading "Chicago Car Accident Claims Life of Area Man" »

The weather remains one of the most potent causes of truck accidents. This weekend’s strange mix of snow, rain, and freezing conditions has posed unique hazards of which all drivers should be aware. ABC Local News is already reporting on several car accidents that have plagued motorists throughout the area.

Overall, the Illinois Department of Transportation sent out more than 170 salt trucks in heavily traveled areas to improve the icy road conditions. However, there is only so much that those trucks can do to improve road safety. The responsibility for safe driving while on the road remains with the men and women behind the wheels of their cars and trucks.

According to reports, several Chicago car accidents have occurred on roadways across the region. Slick streets in Suburban Skokie have been blamed for a collision between two vehicles there. Also, three-cars collided on Lake Shore Drive due to icy patches on that highway. The Drive was shut down between Division and North Avenue for an extended period following that crash.

Reports of the dangerous weather conditions should make all drivers take caution, especially those operating large semi-trailers and trucks. Each driver has the responsibility to account for the dangerous roadways in front of them. If you or someone you know is injured in an accident caused by another driver’s failure to take safety measures in bad weather, be sure to consider if a car accident lawsuit is an appropriate next step.

Continue reading "Icy Roads Cause Dangerous Chicago Car Accidents" »

Last month the Chicago Tribune shared the story of a woman killed in a deadly car crash after the car she was traveling in was hit head-on by a drunk driver on Illinois Highway 394.

The accident occurred early last month on the Bishop Ford Freeway. The negligent driver was a Lynwood village official. He was so impaired by alcohol that he ultimately drove his car onto the highway headed in the wrong direction. The victim was a passenger in a car headed south on the highway. Eventually the drunk driver’s vehicle collided with the oncoming car.

The victim died at the scene, and there were several other injuries. The negligent driver was injured as was the driver of the car carrying the deceased victim. The family of the victim has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and the city of Lynwood—the driver was in a city owned vehicle at the time.

Drunk driver remains a problem of troubling proportions. The statistics are always sobering. Last year over 250 Illinoisans were killed in alcohol-related crashes. Nationwide around 11,000 people die yearly because of drunk drivers. Over 1/3 of all car crashes have alcohol-impaired driving as a cause.

Continue reading "Illinois Wrongful Death Caused By Drunk Driver" »

The Chicago Tribune reported this weekend on a car crash that severely injured two Chicago boys.

On Saturday afternoon two young boys, ages 11 and 15, were on 119th Street and Harvard Avenue on the city’s south side. Around noon they both were hit by a car driven by a man in his 40s. The car driver remained on the scene until emergency crews arrived. The victims were serious to critical condition following the crash and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

At the time of the report, officials were unsure of the cause of the accident. Of course a number of possibilities exist. The boys could have darted into the road at the wrong time, not giving the driver any chance to avoid the crash. On the other hand the driver could have taken his eyes off the road at an inopportune time leading to the collision. Investigation will hopefully reveal more.

This Chicago car accident emphasizes an often forgotten risk for drivers. It is imperative that all travelers remain on the look-out for children on or near the roadway. This is especially important in neighborhoods with yards and play-areas close to traveling cars.

Continue reading "Chicago Car Accident Severely Injures Two Young Boys" »

ABC News reported today on criminal charges that were recently filed against a man involved in a deadly Chicago car accident.

The November car accident occurred in the 3900 block of West Addison on the city’s northwest side. According to police reports, the aggressive driver was traveling on Addison when he drove through a red light. Upon entering the intersection, his vehicle crashed into another car. The second car was driven by a woman with another male in the passenger seat.

Both the female driver and her passenger were killed in the accident.

Initially police officers ticketed the negligent driver for his failure to stop at a red light leading to the accident. However, upon further inquiry into the cause of the crash, police learned that there was more to the story. The driver was actually in possession of a stolen vehicle. He also attempted to leave the scene of the crash following the impact. The further inquiry has therefore caused authorities to charge the man with the more serious crime of reckless homicide.

Of course, besides criminal charges, all victims of these sorts of accidents and their families have the option of contacting an attorney and filing a civil lawsuit. These car accident lawsuits seek to compensate the victims for the specific suffering they incurred as a result of the mistakes of their fellow drivers.

Continue reading "Man Charged In Chicago Car Accident That Killed Two" »

Cold, rainy, and snowy weather across the Chicagoland area this week has led to several car accidents. ABC Local News reported on the dangerous road conditions this morning, including one crash that included a fatality.

For example, one driver was headed north on Route 53 in Schaumburg when he lost control of his vehicle. The car hit a concrete barrier on the left shoulder of the road. The 35-year old man got out of his vehicle to inspect the damage. However, upon leaving his vehicle he was struck by a passing car. He died from this second impact.

In Chicago, icy road conditions caused a crash on Lake Shore Driver, near 58th Street. The accident forced the Drive’s closure for over an hour.

Other Chicago area car accidents included a squad car that was rear-ended in Burr Ridge while responding to a multi-car crash on Route 83 near Interstate 55. Seven people were injured in a crash in Shorewood that involved a semi-truck. Even airports were seeing accidents, as one small plane slid off the runway at the suburban Palwaukee Airport.

Continue reading "Icy Roads Cause String of Chicago Car Accidents" »

Distracted driving is a growing problem on all city roadways. As more mobile tools become available to those behind the wheel, more drivers take their eyes of the road and risk deadly accidents.

CNET News reported on one such deadly car accident that has spurred a Chicago wrongful death lawsuit. The victim in this case was 70-year old man who was hit by a distracted driver just as he was stepping out of his car. The man had his leg partially severed as a result of the accident. He ultimately bled to death waiting for emergency crews to arrive.

The young female driver was updating her Facebook page on her phone at the exact moment that she hit the man. The ability to use mobile phones to perform all sorts of actions is just the latest in a long string of technological advances that may distract drivers. Of course, talking and texting on cell phones remain some of the most common causes of Chicago car accidents.

Officers in the Chicago area receive around 100 calls per month from people who report seeing drivers who are using text messages while on their phones on the interstate. Nationally, over 200,000 car accidents a year are caused by the practice.

Several states have already banned texting while driving. Surprisingly many reports indicate that accidents following the ban may have increased in those states because individuals now attempt to hide their phone while texting—causing even more distraction.

Continue reading "Driver Updating Facebook Caused Chicago Car Accident" »

The Chicago Tribune is reporting on a car accident that has sent one man to the hospital in critical condition.

The 40 year old injured driver was in the Roseland neighborhood early this morning—around 3:45 am—when the crash occurred. He was driving near the intersection of Halsted and 115th Street when, for reasons that police are still investigating, the man failed to stop at a red light. His GMC minivan slammed into a Chevrolet Impala that was traveling through the intersection south on Halsted.

The collision caused the minivan to spin around and slam into a light pole in the corner of the intersection. The minivan driver was severely injured in the accident. He was listed in very critical condition after being rushed to a nearby hospital.

Police are still investigating the Chicago car accident and are unsure why the driver ran the red light. Fortunately, the Impala driver was not injured in the crash. In far too many accidents, the drivers and passengers who bore no fault in causing the crash are the ones who suffer severe injury and death.

Continue reading "Chicago Car Accident Caused By Running Through Red Light" »

The Chicago Tribune this morning is reporting on a car accident that took the life of an area teen and critically injured others.

The Dan Ryan Expressway was closed for several hours yesterday after a deadly accident involving a stalled school bus and a car. The Chicago car accident occurred inbound on the expressway, near 75th street. A school bus without any students on board was stalled in the left lane and shoulder. Around 2:20 in the afternoon a car apparently failed to notice the stopped bus. The vehicle was driven by a 17-year old and carrying two children, ages 8 and 9. The impact was so strong that the car became partially wedged underneath the bus.

The damage to the car was severe. The bus driver was uninjured, but the young car driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency crews were forced to use heavy tools to extract the two children from the vehicle. They were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The expressway was shut down for several hours while clean-up and accident reconstruction occurred.

Continue reading "Teen Killed After Chicago Bus Accident" »

A Chicago family is grieving this weekend after a deadly car crash took the life of a 17-year old girl and severely injured her 14-year old sister. The accident occurred on the 6700 block of North Artesian Avenue and North Shore Avenue.

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, around 2 a.m. the girls were in a Ford Explorer with two other friends on Artesian Avenue when the SUV they were traveling in ran a stop sign. Failure to see the sign at the intersection caused the vehicle to slam into a westbound car. The collision sent the SUV off the road, eventually slamming into two parked cars before being crushed by a tree.

The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital. The 17-year old girl was pronounced dead shortly after; her sister remains hospitalized. Three others were injured, and they remain in the hospital from guarded to critical condition.

The crash represents the tragic consequences of failure to properly abide by traffic signs at all times. Even in the middle of the night, it takes only one driving mistake to lead to a deadly collision. The cause of this particular miscalculation may never be known. However, statistics show that it is always dangerous for several teens to drive in the same car—they are more prone to distraction.

Continue reading "Failure to Stop Caused Deadly Chicago Car Accident " »

The Chicago Tribune wrote this week on an undercover squad car that ran into a fire hydrant, injuring both officers inside.

The car accident occurred on Monday night in the Little Village neighborhood. The car was not involved in a chase or any official traffic stops. But shortly before 8 p.m. on the 2400 block of St. Louis Avenue, the unmarked car slipped off the road and into a hydrant near the intersection. Fortunately, the air bags deployed on both the driver and passenger’s side, saving the officers from more severe injuries.

Investigations following the crash reveal that it was likely induced by the weather. Sleet had fallen that night, and ice was developing on certain areas of the road. Driving conditions were hazardous for all travelers. With more snow and even colder temperatures descending on the city this weekend, the driving hazardous will remain active for the foreseeable future. All drivers should remain alert to the special dangers the cold and ice poses.

Continue reading "Chicago Squad Car Slams Into Fire Hydrant" »

The Chicago Tribune wrote yesterday on a morning car crash on the I-290 expressway that took the life of a driver.

Early Friday morning, around 3:35 a.m., the victim was driving westbound of the highway nearing the Thorndale exit. Without notice, the victim’s car was rear-ended by a second car traveling behind. The collision caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It spun off the road, careen through a ditch, and eventually slam into the side of a tree. The driver was killed by the impact of the car on the tree. The driver of the second car which caused the accident was not hurt in the incident.

Police are still investigating. It is unclear if weather conditions, speeding, distraction, or something else led to the deadly incident.

Continue reading "Chicagoan Killed in Car Crash on Eisenhower" »

A 25-year old Chicago man died early yesterday morning in a car crash according to reports in the Chicago Tribune.

The fatal accident occurred on the corner of South Indiana Ave. and East 69th Street. Around 2 a.m. a police SUV cruiser was traveling down Indiana Ave. with its emergency lights activated. The officers were responding to a south side call. The victim was heading down 69th street with two passengers in the car. The driver ran the red light in front of him and his vehicle collided with the police car before slamming into a pole.

The driver was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. His two passengers remain in critical condition. The driver leaves behind many children. The victim’s family remains confused about the cause of the crash. They have voiced a hope that an investigation will reveal more about the events that led up to the deadly collision.

An aunt explained, “We are just looking for the truth. We need some answers.”

Continue reading "Chicago Man Dies After Car Crashes Into Police SUV" »

NBC Chicago News reported last week on a car accident that left two high school students injured.

According to police the accident occurred around lunchtime near the Lane Tech campus at the corner of Addison and Western. A 61-year old driver was at the intersection when he apparently “blacked out” while behind the wheel. As a result the car left the road and hit two high school girls who were walking nearby. After that the car careened into the side of a sandwich shop. Investigators believe that it is fortunate that more students were not harmed by the out of control vehicle.

One of the injured girls suffered a broken ankle while the other suffered a series of less serious injuries. Both were in the hospital for a short while but have been released. The negligent driver was cited by the police for this driving.

Continue reading "Chicago Student Hit By Car Near School" »

My Fox News is reporting on a strange new Chicago car crash lawsuit filed in the wake of a deadly car accident early last year.

The 20-year old victim died on News Years Eve 2009 following a single car accident in suburban Cook County. She was in the vehicle with her boyfriend who was driving. The male driver had consumed too much alcohol before getting into the car. His blood alcohol level was over two times the legal limit as he carried the couple on the suburban roads.

Unfortunately, the intoxicated driver eventually lost control of the vehicle. The car careened into a pole on the side of the road before rolling into a ditch. The young female passenger died, but her boyfriend survived the crash. The driver is now awaiting trial on charges of reckless homicide and driving under the influence.

The recently filed lawsuit, however, names the Cook County Sheriff’s Department as plaintiffs for the manner in which they conducted an investigation into the crash. According to the suit, several officers stripped the deceased victim completely naked on the side of the road and took pictures of the body. The suit claims this was done in view on onlookers and against all protocols.

The Department denies the allegations, claiming that they had “never before heard of the bizarre scenario this lawsuit describes.”

Continue reading "Chicago Car Accident Lawsuit Accuses Police of Improper Investigation" »

My Fox Chicago reported earlier this week on a tragic weather related car accident involving a police care in Aurora.

A squad car responded to a burglary in progress call shortly before 9 p.m. A 26-year old officer was driving and the Reverend Jerome Leak, the senior chaplain for the police department, was in the passenger seat. The car’s lights and sirens were activated.

While traveling quickly to reach the destination the car apparently hit a patch of ice on the road, sending the vehicle careening out of control. The squad car spun off the road and struck a tree located on a parkway. The impact occurred on the passenger side of the car. The Reverend had to be extricated from the vehicle by fire personnel. He was then airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, but his injuries were not expected to be life-threatening. The driving officer was treated locally for minor injuries and released.

Police are still investigating the circumstances of the death to better understand what caused the car crash. Dangerous road conditions and the need for quick emergency responders presents unique challenges to police officer, fire squads, ambulances and all those who need to reach a destination quickly while remaining safe on the roads.

Continue reading "Chicago-Area Police Chaplin Injured in Police Car Crash" »

We have frequently shared the word about advice on safe driving given to all travelers this winter season. Yesterday, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, via the Narragansett Patch, provided even more thoughts on the best way to travel safely and securely as the winter season descends in full swing on our nation’s highways and byways.

This is especially important for all those traveling in the northeast as the intense winter storm is making all travel an extremely risk endeavor. Sloppy road conditions, high winds, drifting snow, and poor visibility all combine to create many dangers for car travelers.

It is vital that you check the road conditions before heading out to ensure that all roads that you intend to travel on are open. Also, once in the car the vehicle must be in proper working order. In that way, it is important to have your car winterized . That process includes testing batteries, brakes, heaters, exhaust systems, lights, anti-freeze, and more. Tires should be in good working order. The gas tank should never fall below half a tank, and the car should always include emergency equipment like jumper cables, road flares, shovel, salt, warm clothes, blanket, hat, mittens, and similar items.

Additionally, it is important to notify others of your travel plans. If something does go askew, help can arrive much quicker if someone is aware of your situation, your route, and whether or not you arrived at your planned destination.

Continue reading "More Winter Driving and Safety Tips" »

The Chicago Tribune reported today on a deadly car accident that took the life of a young woman. The crash appeared to be yet another tragic roadway accident related to the holidays.

The Chicago car crash struck early in the morning on the day after Christmas, around 2 a.m. on the 1600 block of West Harrison. The single-vehicle accident involved a car driven by a 23-year old man with the a 25-year old woman in the passenger seat and a 4-year old boy in the back seat.

While traveling along Harrison witnesses reportedly heard the boy in the backseat yell, “Slow down, Dad.” It was only moments later that the car sped off the road and slammed into a pole on the side of the street. When authorities arrived on the scene all three in the car were rushed to a local hospital. The female passenger was pronounced dead and the male driver was reportedly in critical condition. The young boy was luckily not injured but in extreme shock.

Police are still investigating the accident to determine what might have caused the vehicle to careen off the road.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in Chicago Car Accident" »

The Journal-Sentinel Online reported on a deadly car accident that struck today as the winter weather descended upon Chicago in full force.

Shortly before 2 p.m. this afternoon, in the midst of the flurry of snow, wind, and ice, a car was traveling in Rock County on Interstate 39. Three passengers were in the car, all from Chicago: a 48-year old driver, a 21-year old female passenger, and a 17-year old male passenger. Unfortunately, the driver was traveling too fast for the conditions on the road. Eventually the driver lost control of the car and veered into the median. It bounced off one tree then struck another before it finally stopped.

The 21-year old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene while the other two victims were brought to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This was one of only many tragedies today as travelers suffered the effects of the dangerous road conditions. A seven car pile-up struck earlier on a nearby highway shutting down the roadway for hours and sending several people to the hospital with injuries.

Continue reading "Local Woman Killed in Chicago-Area Car Crash" »

The Chicago Tribune posted yesterday on yet another deadly highway accident that took the lives of two Illinois residents.

The crash occurred in northwest Indiana at 5:30am on Friday morning. The two victims were traveling in their car on Interstate 65, south of the Indiana 10 interchange near the town of Demotte. The specific source of the accident is unknown, because for reasons still to be determined, the 68-year old driver crossed the grassy median of the highway and went head-on into traffic headed north on the same highway.

The car ended up in the path of a semi-trailer who was unable to stop before smashing into the car. Both the driver and his 46-year old passenger were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The truck driver was not hurt in the car wreck.

Continue reading "Two Illinoisans Killed in Car Crash on I-65" »

Chicago car accidents occur without discrimination in every neighborhood of our city on a daily basis. Many Chicagoans will at one time or another be involved in a car accident; unfortunately far too many of those accidents will involve serious injury and death.

Another deadly car accident struck on the northwest side of the city last week, reports WGNTV News. The crash occurred on Friday evening, around 11 pm, on the 3900 block of West Addison Street—on the corner of Addison and Pulaski. Details are still murky, but police believe that a car driven by a young man crashed into another vehicle carrying an older couple in their early-50s. The impact of the two vehicles was severe, and emergency crews rushed all three individuals involved to hospitals immediately.

Both the man and woman in the car that was struck eventually died from their wounds while the younger man remains in serious condition at a local hospital.

Police have not issued any citations as of yet and are still investigating the accident.

Continue reading "Two Killed in Chicago Car Accident" »

A Chicago-area sheriff’s deputy was injured early last week after being hit by a car on Interstate 88. The accident occurred early in the morning, around 5:40am in the aftermath of two separate car crashes, according to KWQC News.

The first accident was caused by a car hitting a deer which closed down the left lane of the highway. The traffic build up following that incident caused another multi-car wreck. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene to help handle the aftermath of both of those accidents.

One officer was trying to divert traffic at that time when an oncoming driver lost control of her vehicle. The driver failed to take appropriate care when coming upon an accident scene—not reducing speed or moving over. Her car swerved around a flashing squad car and struck the standing officer several times. He suffered serious injuries on his head and leg but is expected to survive the encounter.

One officer explains, “You have got to slow down. You have got to pay attention. Scan ahead and see what’s happening at the scene before you enter and it’s too late.”

Continue reading "Illinois Police Deputy Hit By Car While Attending To Highway Crashes" »

With the winter season descending upon the city, new challenges will soon face drivers in their attempt to remain safe on the road. With cold weather typically comes snow and ice. Chicagoans are used to dealing with an abundance of both for the several months when cold weather descends upon the area. Yet no matter how experienced city drivers may be with tough conditions, many often fall victims to weather-induced accidents.

Car accidents are already occurring as a result of the change in season. WGN Breaking News reported on one of those crashes earlier this week. Six people were injured in a crash on the city’s far south side. Four victims were in serious to critical condition, while two other has less threatening injuries.

Shortly before 10pm on Thanksgiving night icy road conditions caused our vehicles to become tangled in a wreck. The multi-car accident struck near East 130th Street and South Stony Island Avenue. The specifics of the accident remain unclear, but emergency personnel believe that ice on the road played a major role. Salt trucks were dispatched to the area shortly after the crash.

Continue reading "Icy Conditions Cause Multi-Car Accident" »

The Skokie Patch reported this week on a devastating car accident that ripped one car in half and sent four people the hospital. Speeding and alcohol played a role in the wreck.

Police reports indicate that the negligent driver was traveling eastbound on Oakton Street near Kenneth Avenue in Skokie when the car accident occurred. The driver’s Pontiac car collided with a Toyota Camry that was attempting to make a left hand turn. The Camry was literally severed in two by the collision and the Pontiac had a third of its front compressed inward. Amazingly, while the three people in the Camry and the Pontiac driver were taken to the hospital, none of them suffered life threatening injuries.

Investigations into the cause of the crash indicate that the Camry driver’s blood alcohol level was well above the legal limit. Several empty liquor bottles were found in the vehicle. Also, witnesses recount that the driver was traveling at a very high rate of speed, likely much faster than the posted limit.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys reiterate our repeated refrain for all drivers to ensure their own driving is safe this holiday season. The total number of travelers driving under the influence of alcohol increase significantly during these times, as many families celebrate the festivities. It is vital that all those using the roads this season take care to use designated drivers if necessary and to remain on the look-out for potentially impaired drivers. In addition it is at times like that that simple safety measures like seat-belts are even more essential.

See Our Related Blog Posts:

Head-On Chicago Car Accident Kills One and Injures Three

Five Injured in Lake Shore Drive Car Accident

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on a tragic hit and run accident that struck in the north side of the city early yesterday morning.

Around 3:30am on Sunday morning a red car was speeding northbound on Ridge Road, near the 5900 block. In circumstances that are still being investigated, the driver of the vehicle plowed into a pedestrian who was walking nearby. Several witnesses were present at the time of the car crash, yet it remains unclear what happened. The victim remains in critical condition after suffering serious head wounds in the car accident. The police sergeant involved in the crash indicated that the man’s condition was grave.

There are no skid marks which would have indicated an attempt to stop. It is also yet unknown if the car entered the sidewalk to cause the crash. A red light camera may have provided a picture of the car or the accident, but those records are still being investigated.

The police may have located the car suspected of being involved in the accident yesterday afternoon. It was found in a motel parking lot near 6000 Lincoln Ave.

Continue reading "Man In Critical Condition Following Chicago Hit & Run" »

A car accident took the life of a Chicago-area teen last weekend according to a report by the Chicago Tribune. Around 9pm on Saturday night the victim was driving his 2001 Volkswagon Jetta on Garys Mill Road in Winfield, Illinois. Winfield is a suburb about 25 miles west of Chicago.

Several residential homes have driveways that connect to Garys Mill Road. A Ford pick-up truck was exiting one of those residential driveways onto the road as the teen approached. For reasons yet unknown to investigators, the two cars did not adequately account for one another. The Jetta ultimately smashed into the exiting truck.

Emergency personnel rushed the teen to the hospital following the accident. He was placed a life support, and he eventually passed away from his injuries.

Continue reading "Car Crash Kills Chicago Area Teen" »

A single Chicago motorist was charged with nine traffic violations in conjunction along with a bevy of other criminal charges after a police chase in the city last weekend. The Chicago Sun-Times reported on the story which highlights the unique, dangerous incidents that occur on our city’s roadways each day.

The reckless driver was spotted by police officers running a red light at the intersection of 59th and Wabash early Saturday morning. The officers turned on their lights and attempted to make a stop, but the driver continued to blow through several stop signs and another light before finally pulling over on the 6000 block of South King drive.

Just as officers were getting out of their car, the driver took off again, darting for the Dan Ryan exit at 59th and Wells. He reached speeds up to 80mph on the side streets while darting between lanes dangerously before making it to the highway. Officers followed from a distance until he exited the highway. It was at that point that the driver crashed directly into a Chicago Fire Department truck. The impact was severe, and the driver was almost immediately arrested and then rushed to a local hospital in serious to critical condition. Two firefighters were also taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

It was later that a blood test was taken which revealed the driver had a blood alcohol level of .225---nearly three times the legal limit. The officers also discovered cannabis blunts in the car.

Continue reading "Car Chase Ends With Vehicle Crashing Into Fire Truck" »

It was a tragic day on Chicago’s roadways on Thursday. As WGN TV reports, three separate motorists were killed in different car accidents in a two hour span that evening.

The first crash involved a tow truck driver who was changing a tire on a semi truck on the shoulder of I-65, just south of I-80. While underneath the large machine, he was hit by a Land Rover that plowed into the back of the tow truck. He suffered immediate life-ending injuries and was pronounced dead on that scene.

Shortly after that, a single vehicle crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway, near 26th Street, took the life of a 34-year old woman. The driver was behind the wheel of Chrysler Pacifica when she lost control and hit a concrete barrier head-on.

Finally, an hour after the second fatal crash, a rollover accident killed a man who was driving north on I-55. The man crashed into a wall just before the Dan Ryan interchange and was pronounced dead shortly after at a nearby hospital.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti seek to provide legal redress and recovery for all those who suffer following these tragic accidents. As is clear from a single night in one city with three separate deaths, fatal car crashes strike with far too much frequency. The distractions, complications, and negligence that lead to these accidents are varied but consistent. Be sure that you or loved ones do not attempt to navigate the legal waters of these situations alone. Contact a car accident lawyer to ensure that all matters are properly handled.

The Chicago Tribune posted a story early last week on a freak car accident that struck during the windy storm conditions in the city and the woman who stopped to help the victim.

On Tuesday the Good Samaritan, Connie Odoms, was driving in Lindenhurst when she saw a strange accident up ahead on the side of the road. She saw a yellow a car that seemed smashed with a woman trapped inside. The driver was trapped because she had been impaled by a large tree branch that had crashed through her window following high winds in the area.

Odoms worked to calm the driver down and ensure that nothing was moved that could have aggravated the injury. She, along with another driver who stopped to help, dialed 911, called the victim’s husband, and then waited until the ambulance arrived.

Fortunately, the victim seems to be on track to recover. The branch struck her below her lungs and above her stomach, missing most vital organs.

This is not the first time that Odoms has assisted following a car crash. Five years ago she stopped and saved the life of a woman whose car had slammed into a telephone pole in North Chicago.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti applaud people like Connie who work together to keep our roadways safe and protect the lives of victims follow the accident. With so many vehicles using our roads so often, car accidents of one kind or another will always exist. However with proper driving care (and helpful motorist like Connie) we can all do our part to ensure that future crashes are less common, less severe, and less costly.

Justice News Flash has the latest information on a car accident that injured one pedestrian and killed another early yesterday morning. Two pedestrians were near the road Monday morning shortly after parking their vehicle in North Aurora. A man and a woman, both 22, were still standing near their parked car when a van sped up near them and clipped both of their bodies.

The crash sent both pedestrians flying, and a passerby spotted their bodies lying on the pavement. Emergency crews were called and the victims were rushed to a local hospital. However, the female pedestrian ultimately died from her wounds; the male victim remains in the hospital.

The driver of the van initially left the scene. However, later that afternoon he turned himself in. Police have not yet filed any charges as they are awaiting the completion of a full investigation into the accident.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti send condolences to all those affected by this car crash. Our lawyers have been involved in all types of roadway accidents and understand the mix of emotions that follow these terrible tragedies. As evidenced by the incident here, it is vitally important for all travelers to be on the look-out for safety risks even after they park and exit their car. Any area near paved roadway remains is in the crosshairs for speeding vehicles. A single negligent driver in only a brief moment of error can collide with passersby and cause immense destruction.

If you or someone you know has suffered following a roadway accident, please contact a car accident lawyer to explain your story.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on a car crash that struck last week on the Stephenson Expressway. Early on Friday, around 12:45am, in the southbound lanes of I-55 near Damen Avenue, a car crashed into the median of the highway. It was a single vehicle accident. The driver was not injured, and following the wreck he got out of his vehicle to assess the situation.

At that time another driver saw the immobilized vehicle and pulled over in an attempt to help the driver of the first crash. It was at that point that the Good Samaritan who stopped to help was struck by another vehicle that was speeding along the highway. The victim suffered severe head trauma following the accident and was rushed to a local hospital. Luckily his injuries are not suspected to be life threatening.

The driver of the vehicle that hit the man admitted to police that he had fallen asleep at the wheel. While temporarily incapacitated, he drifted into the shoulder where the Good Samaritan was struck. He himself was not injured in the car crash, but police have charged him with several traffic citations.

This particular incident over the weekend highlights both the importance of remaining on the look-out for negligent drivers anytime near the road and the obvious need for all drivers to remain awake and alert at all times. Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti know that injuries and deaths following these accidents are common no matter what the circumstance. Anytime someone is near a travel area, the possibility for a car crash exists. We urge everyone, including those exiting their vehicle following a minor accident or those stopping to help others, to remain alert and aware of all dangers. It only takes one negligent driver to cause severe damage to all in their path.

WGN TV reported this evening on some good news following a damaging car accident that struck late last night. Around 11p.m. at the intersection of Western and Pershing, a man was involved in a single car accident. The driver of a Ford pickup truck had smashed his vehicle into a support beam for a metal bridge.

Fortunately, a Good Samaritan was nearby when the accident struck. The rescuer, a Chicagoan and 17 year veteran of the city’s Department of Water Management, rushed to the scene after the crash occurred. He knew that time was crucial, because the truck engine was already starting to catch fire and the crash victim was still inside.

The Good Samaritan quickly drove his own SUV to block the intersection and, along with another passerby, rushed to pull the unconscious victim out of the crashed truck. The two forced open the door and eventually carried the man across the street.

Only seconds later the pickup burst into flames.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti applaud the brave efforts of fellow community members, like those in this case, whose quickly thinking saves lives following car accidents. These rescuers are a testament to the community spirit that exists in our city. Our car crash attorneys recognize that most drivers carefully follow road rules with a focus on road safety. However, if you are ever a victim of an accident in which another driver fails to drive carefully, be assured that your legal rights provide support for your losses.

Chicago’s Breaking News Center discussed a unique car accident last week involving a Chicago Police Department squad car.

Two Chicago police officers were riding in the squad car on the city’s west side when the crash occurred. They had received an emergency call and were racing to the scene when the car was struck on the side by another vehicle. The impact drove the squad car into the side of a nearby building. Both officers were taken to a local hospital with injuries. Fortunately, the injuries were not life-threatening.

It is unclear exactly what led to the impact, but the squad car’s sirens and lights were activated at the time of the crash.

This accident is a reminder that yet another complication to all driving experiences is the possibility that emergency vehicles may be using road in a high speed situation. It is imperative that all drivers be on the lookout for these vehicles, providing them with a clear passage when rushing toward a city emergency.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti continue to urge all drivers to be aware of the various dangers that exist on our roadways. Time spent taking extra care while behind the wheel is time always well spent. Unfortunately, even when perfect caution and skill is used by drivers, they may still fall victim to the most serious car accidents. That is true because it only takes a single negligent driver to cause severe harm to countless careful drivers.

If a dangerous driver has caused harm to you or someone you know, please contact a car accident lawyer to learn more about your rights.

Chicago Breaking News reported yesterday on a three-car accident that struck on the Stephenson Expressway over the weekend, killing an Illinois man.

Early Saturday morning, shortly before 7am, a 44 year old Peoria man in a Ford Mustang rear-ended a Toyota Camry that was in front of him on I-55. No one was hurt that in that initial accident, but the driver and passenger of the Camry got out of their vehicles to examine the damage. The driver of the Mustang stayed in his car.

At that time, another driver, also in a Camry, came upon the accident site. That driver was driving too fast for conditions and failed to properly slow down when coming upon the accident site. As result, his car slammed in the Mustang that had already been involved in the first accident. That impact caused the Mustang to against move forward, hitting the first Camry driver and the passengers who were examining the wreck.

The men who had gotten out of their car suffered non-life threatening injuries. However, the Mustang driver suffered severe trauma while in his car during the second impact. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Even a short look at this blog will reinforce the reality that Chicago car accidents strike both on the streets within the city and on the many highways that lead up to and around our metropolis. The potential for serious harm and death following these accidents is possible no matter where the crash occurs. However, with increased speeds on the highways the likelihood of severe injury following a highway crash is greatly increased. Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have worked with victims of all forms of car accidents. We are committed to providing the very best in efficient, expert legal guidance any time that tragedy strikes. Be sure to contact our car crash lawyers if you or someone you know has been involved in one of these accidents.

A deadly Tuesday night car crash in Evergreen Park took the life an 18 year old Chicago man. The young man died following an accident on 95th Street and Central Park Avenue in Evergreen Park, reports the Southtown Star.

Around 9:30pm the victim was driving with a passenger and attempting to make a left turn off of 95th Street. At the same time an Evergreen Park Police Officer was following a speeding car in preparation for making a traffic stop. As the teen was turning left, his car collided with the eastbound squad car.

Investigators were not yet clear about the series of events that led to the tragic car crash, but they did confirm that alcohol was not involved. Police officers are reviewing tapes to determine how fast the officers was traveling and whether or not the squad car’s lights and sirens were engaged. They are also still determining if the teen driver stopped appropriately at the stop sign at the intersection.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti send thoughts to all those harmed in this tragic car accident. This accident is a reminder that vehicles of all types pose risks while on the roadway, from police cars and school buses to work trucks and bikes. While we may never reach the point where our roadways are without risk, we can ensure that the chance of becoming a victim of these crashes is dramatically lowered. To do that, we all have to ensure that we drive with vigilance—keeping our eyes on the road and our minds from wandering.

WGIL News reported this weekend on a tragic car accident that took the life of a northern Illinois woman.

50 year old Penny McKinney-Green was driving her pickup truck this weekend in the early morning, around 6:30 am. She was traveling east on route 116 with one passenger. An SUV with one passenger was traveling westbound on the same highway. As the two cars were passing each other, the driver of the SUV lost control of the vehicles due to water that was on the road. The SUV slid into the eastbound lane and hit McKinney-Green‘s truck head on.

McKinney-Green was rushed to a local hospital when emergency crews arrived. However, she died at the facility shortly after. The driver of the SUV was ultimately ticketed for driving too fast for conditions—he should have known that the roadways were wet and posed a threat.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys send sincere condolences to all those in pain following this tragic crash. Our lawyers have decades of experience working with families following accidents like this that take the life of a family member. In dealing with the grief of these losses, the legal component of the car crash often is not on the minds of family members. That is logical and understandable. However, there is always a point when the legal rights of the victim should be remembered, and that is where our car accident attorneys come in. Expert legal eyes are able to examine the causes of the accident to guide loved ones through the process of vindicating the claim. If you or someone you know may be in that situation, please contact an attorney today.

Chicago Breaking News Center reported this morning on two separate deaths that resulted from car accidents that struck near our city earlier this month.

The first accident occurred in the early afternoon on September 10th in the south suburb of Matteson near the Cicero Avenue and Southwick Drive intersection. The second car accident struck only hours later on the city’s south side near the 9500 block of South Escabana Avenue.

Both male drivers in each crash were seriously injured following the accident and rushed to nearby hospitals. They remained in the hospitals continuously since the time of the crash. However, both men eventually passed away yesterday. Phillip Reed the driver of the first accident was only 26 years old. The second driver was 40 year old Gildardo Hernandez.

Sympathies go out to all those affected by these vehicle crashes from our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti. The case of both of these deaths should serve as a reminder of the lingering effects of many car accidents. Our vehicle crash lawyers are well aware of the fact that many injuries sustained from car accidents last long after the initial accident. In some cases, many victims may not even know that they have been injured until days, weeks, or even months later.

It is important for all those involved in these crashes to understand that they still may have a legal claim if their injuries were even partly caused by the accident—even if they didn’t experience those injuries right away. In any case it is wise to be examined by medical professionals after any vehicle incident and to also be on alert to ailments that may arise following the crash.

The Quad-City Times reported yesterday on the death of a Chicago-area man. 54 year old Michael Nolan died in his home on Saturday. He failed to pick up his wife from the airport, and when neighbors checked on him, they could not get him to respond even though the lights were on in the house. When authorities arrived, they found him dead inside the home.

The man’s death may be related to a car accident that he was involved in the day before. On Friday Nolan was involved in a serious car accident that ultimately totaled his car. However, he himself did not appear to suffer any major injuries from the accident. His only complaint was of pain on the parts of his body that were hit by the deployment of the car’s airbag.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of death to determine if there was a clear connection with the major car accident the day before.

As these unique circumstances may indicate, sometimes the medical problems associated with accidents are hidden. For that reason, it is all the more important to ensure that proper medical professionals are consulted following these accidents. Even if it does not at first appear that no major injuries have been sustained, often the problems could only show effect hours (or even days) later. Too much is risked and little is gained by avoiding medical care to ensure that no health concerns exist following car accidents.

Also, this example should be considered by those who have lost family members shortly after major accidents, like car crashes. An injury from the accident may have been latent, only appearing a considerable time after the crash. If that may be the case, be sure to contact local legal help to work through the possible ramifications.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti send sincere condolences to the friends and family suffering following this death.

The Chicago Breaking News Center reported yesterday on a terrible multi-car accident that occurred on the northwest side of the city yesterday afternoon.

A 26-year old woman was traveling west on Devon Avenue around 3pm yesterday afternoon. She was nearing the 5600 block of the street when her vehicle inexplicably crossed the center line that divided traffic. As a result, her car collided with two vehicles headed eastbound. The head-on collision caused major damage.

The young female driver was in a Toyota Corolla that was literally severed in half upon the impact. The 26-year old was ejected from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The first of two cars that were hit by the Corolla was a Mercury Grand Marquis taxicab. The cab caught on fire shortly after the wreck and the driver had to be pulled out of the vehicle. The driver of the third car was also injured. The two survivors were taken to local hospitals with severe to critical injuries.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti send condolences to all those who are suffering following this car crash. Our lawyers have worked with countless victims and their families following similar accidents. We strive to protect the rights of those who are harmed by negligent driving in an effort to provide relief and help slowly limit the number of future accidents.

In many cases it is difficult to determine the actual cause of the crash without detailed investigation. For example, cases like this where one driver crosses the line of traffic are often never resolved completely. However, it is important to contact experts in these matters to both hold negligent drivers accountable and figure out what actually happened. In that way, lessons may be learned and future victims spared the pain from these car wrecks.

A tragic vehicle accident occurred in Forest Park on Tuesday. According to the Forest Park Review, a thirty-nine year old University of Chicago teacher had parked her car on Madison Street near the intersection of Elgin Avenue. She was on her way to Starbucks in the morning before work as part of her daily routine. The woman got out of her parked car and proceeded across the street to Starbucks. She did not use a crosswalk, but instead attempted to quickly get across the road from the middle of the stretch of street.

Several cars were stopped in the middle of the road in backed up rush hour traffic at the location where the woman was crossing the street. She walked between those cars which were at a stand-still. However, as she was crossing, another car had moved into the wrong lane in an effort to get past the backed up traffic and make a left turn. The turning vehicle ultimately struck the woman as she was crossing.

The victim was talking and communicating as emergency personnel arrived. But she died in the emergency room about an hour after the accident.

The circumstances leading up this deadly accident is something to which we can all relate. Everyone has watched as others have attempted to get across traffic without using the intersection. We have also all watched (and perhaps ourselves been guilty) of temporarily moving into the wrong lane in an effort to skip ahead of stopped traffic and move into the turning lane. However, both of these actions are extremely risky. It takes only one mistake, on the part of either the driver or the pedestrian, to lead to death and destruction. That risk is simply too high.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti encourage everyone to recognize their own traveling behaviors that are too risky and work hard to eliminate them. The consequences of these car accidents destroy lives—the lives of those involved as well as that of their friends and family. Please work hard to spare the suffering and correct risky driving and walking behavior.

Two separate car accidents struck in the suburbs of Chicago this weekend which resulted in two deaths, according to the Chicago Examiner.

First, an Orland Hills man, Robert Caputo was driving while drunk on Interstate 80 near Parker Road on Sunday afternoon. While driving under the influence in his pickup truck, Caputo eventually slammed into another vehicle. That other vehicle was forced off the road and into a ditch. After stopping in the ditch the car burst into flames, killing the unidentified driver.

Second, early on Sunday morning, around 2:30 a.m., Alonso Huerta-Perez was driving with five other men in a car in West Chicago. He was traveling along Lester Street, and he failed to stop at a stop sign as he came upon the Route 59 intersection. As a result, his car slammed into the one driven by a 27-year old Schaumburg man. The other driver died following the impact.

Huerta-Perez and the five other men all ran from the accident scene following the crash, but police caught up with him shortly after. Investigations are still underway to determine if he was under the influence of any substances at the time of the wreck.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti send sincere condolences to the friends and family of the victims of these car accidents. Each day our lawyers hear of more death and destruction on the roads, often caused by negligent or impaired drivers. While traffic safety is improving in many ways, there is still much to be done to ensure that no future victims suffer at the hands of preventable driving mistakes.

NBC Chicago News reported on a multiple car crash last week in Chicago involving four vehicles. It occurred early in morning last Saturday in the Logan Square neighborhood.

A driver of an Infiniti was headed west on Fullerton Avenue near Sacramento Boulevard when he hit another car. After that first impact, the driver panicked and made a U-turn. He then headed at a high speed back east. In the ensuing dash back down Fullerton, the Infiniti then crashed into two other cars—a taxi and a Toyota Land Cruiser.

The second impact caused three people to be ejected from their cars, as well as injuring the taxi driver, the Toyota driver, and a taxi passenger. All told, seven people were taken to the hospital in serious condition and two others were brought in for less serious conditions. One passerby administered CPR to one of the victims.

Car accidents like this one that involve nine different people are unfortunately all too common in our city. With millions of people using the roadways at all times of the day and night, serious traffic accidents happen at an alarming rate. Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have worked with many victims of these crashes and their families in the aftermath of the incident. With so many emotions involved in these events—especially when they are caused by the reckless behavior of a fellow driver—it is important to have experienced experts helping you handle the legal side of the matter. We encourage all those who have suffered because of the driving mistakes of others to contact a car accident lawyer and learn about your legal options.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported this weekend on a terrifying vehicle crash involving a stolen car and several pedestrians. The vehicle was apparently stolen at least a week ago—it was taken from the 5800 block of South Cottage Grove Ave. Around 5p.m. on Saturday, the driver of the stolen 1999 Chrysler was on the south side of the city, in the 6200 block of South St. and Lawrence Avenue. Several passengers were in the car when the driver ran the car into several pedestrians who were walking in the area. The stolen vehicle then struck a parked car before hitting a brick wall. Following that, several people fled from the Chrysler

Four of the pedestrians were hospitalized followed the vicious accident. One of the victims, an 11-year old girl, remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital. Two other victims were also children, a 12 –year old girl and 15-year old boy; they are in stable condition.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti are committed to helping victims in our area who have suffered in vehicle crashes. Our team of experienced lawyers has spent decades mastering the legal system that provides protection and support to victims of negligent and reckless drivers. It is important to remember that there are statutes of limitations which limit the amount of time you have to file a claim following one of these accidents. For that reason, it is very important to contact a car accident attorney soon after the crash so that you can properly learn about your options.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have seen many unique vehicle crashes in our time defending victims against negligent drivers. But the Chicago Sun Times recently profiled a vehicle accident that police officers in Montgomery, Illinois—a far western suburb—have described as one of the most bizarre crashes they have ever seen.

In mid-July of this year, Pete Moore was removing siding from a home when he was attacked by a swarm of wasps. He was not immediately alarmed following the attack, because as someone who worked in the home improvement business, he has experienced yellow jacket issues in the past. In fact, he had been stung by bees in the past without incident.

However, within 15 minutes of the attack, it became clear that these stings were much different than others. Welts began appearing on his body. At that point he called his wife to let her know that he was going to drive his truck to the local hospital to ensure that welts did not develop into something more serious. Unfortunately, his truck never made it to the hospital.

Not long after beginning the trip, Moore began feeling the consequences of the attack. He was experiencing anaphylactic shock caused by the closure of air passages. Just as he was trying to pull off to the side of the road and put the car into park, he lost consciousness. Police believe that it was at that point that his body moved the vehicle into reverse with his foot still on the gas pedal. That caused the truck to careen backwards.

The vehicle ultimately hit a sign, sped across four lanes of highway traffic, flew over the incline in front of a K-Mart parking lot, and crashed into the store. Moore was rushed to the hospital with a broken spine among other injuries. Fortunately, he survived the crash, but was paralyzed from the waist down.

The takeaway from this tragic car accident is remembering that driving impairments may strike at any time. Some circumstances when driving should be avoided are obvious—when you’ve too much drink, are tired, or have taken certain medications. But other circumstances are perhaps just as risky, like the unique circumstances in this case. It is impossible to fully know when certain things may occur that will get in the way of careful driving. But with the potential harm so high, it is reasonable not to risk getting behind the wheel of these large machines any time that you may feel physically, emotionally, or psychologically weakened.

The basic elements of road safety have remained remarkably similar for a century: follow all signs and signals, drive at a reasonable speed for conditions, ensure proper restraint of children, do not drive impaired, etc.

But with technical development also comes changes in how we think about vehicle safety. For example, seatbelts were much less used (and installed) in the past than they are today. Air bags were certainly not included in the first cars that were manufactured.

One of the latest developments in the automotive industry that will affect how we travel on the nations’ roads is the electric car. Concerns over the use of gasoline have made electric cars a booming market—the wave is about to build even more as automobile manufacturers are making a large push to encourage consumers to buy the new cars. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association projects that more than a million of these vehicles will be on the road in five years, by 2015. With the expected surge in use, it is important to understand the possible hazards posed by these vehicles when they become involved in auto accidents.

Specifically, while traditional cars often pose fire risks following crashes because of gasoline spillage, these new non-gas vehicles will present electric shock problems. WMAQ TV reports that Chicago firefighters are already being trained on the ways to handle these vehicles when responding to car emergencies. Firefighters must be trained in the proper way to disengage electrical power systems to alleviate the risk of shock after a crash.

Also, the high-strength steel used in many of these new vehicles cannot be cut open with traditional saws. Even then, with a several hundred volt charges surging through the car, an ill-places cut in the metal could shock the responder. Therefore, if attempting to rescue a passenger trapped in a car, firefighters must be trained on the exact location to cut to get through the metal.

The Chicago Fire commissioner noted, “Every year they are coming out with something new. Firefighters have to stay on top of new technologies to save civilian’s lives, but it can also save ours.”

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti applaud our city’s emergency personnel who save lives every day following tragic vehicle accidents on our roadways. We also urge all Chicagoans to understand the unique risks that new vehicles may pose and take appropriate steps to guard against the dangers.

The posts on this blog discuss car accidents, particularly in the Chicagoland area, analyzetheir causes, recommend practices to ensure road safety, and advise victims on their legal rights following those crashes. Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have decades of experience advising families after terrible accidents. Those crashes are quite often the result of negligent drivers who fail to take basic precautions to ensure safety on the road.

With all of the analysis of bad drivers, it is often easy to forget that the roadways are also filled with millions of Americans who diligently drive with care and caution. Severe accidents always cause intense pain and suffering. But at times, those accidents also bring out the very best in everyday citizens who attempt to help others in the wake of the tragedy.

Chicago Breaking News recently reported on one such situation following a tragic car accident yesterday on the south side of the city. Shortly before 7pm last night in the Altgeld Gardens neighborhood, a young woman and two young children were driving east on 130th Street. Witnesses say that the car abruptly veered off the road, crossed the median, and smashed into a pole.

Several people who saw the accident stopped their own vehicles and rushed the scene to provide help. When they reached the car they saw flames beginning to build underneath the car. In an amazing act of bravery, four men reached into the wreckage and managed to pull the two children out of their car seats and into safety. One man was injured in the effort. Unfortunately, they were unable to pull the female driver out of the car before it was engulfed in flames. She died in the accident. The two children were flown to a nearby hospital where they remain in serious condition.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. But there is no doubt that the men who rushed to the scene and saved the lives of two young children deserve immense praise for their selfless sacrifice. Even with repeated examples of negligent driving, it is important to remember the many drivers among us who are willing to stop at a moment’s notice and lend a helping hand.

NBC Chicago reported on another deadly car accident south of Chicago yesterday on Interstate 57.

Joseph Nestor was walking southbound along I-57 near 183rd Street late in the evening with his brother. The two were walking along the shoulder of the road, but at one point Nestor accidentally veered into the left lane of the roadway. It was then that an Infinity slammed into the back of him. Obviously the impact of a highway-speed traveling vehicle and a pedestrian causes extreme physical injury. Nestor was dead when police arrived at the scene, suffering multiple injuries from the collision.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident. They are not yet sure if speeding was involved (the limit is 55 mph at that location). It is also unclear exactly how Nestor and his brother were walking along the highway. Authorities mentioned that for a pedestrian to reach that point of the road, they would have had to scale a fence. Nevertheless walking anywhere near a highway lane or shoulder should be undertaken only when absolutely necessary in emergency situations.

This marks the end of a particularly deadly weekend on I-57, with 4 deaths occurring in three separate incident s on that particular freeway. These large, well-traveled, high-speed roadways offer particular risks to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. The speed of the vehicles often makes highway crashes more frequent and deadly than other accidents. It is for that reason that our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti urge particular care be taken when using these highways. It takes virtually a split-second of error to create a chain reaction of events that destroy property, cause emotional havoc, and destroy countless lives.

Car accidents can occur virtually anywhere, from parking lots to freeways. Most of the time the damage from these events occurs instantly from the physical impact on the vehicles. Protection from the physical jolt and collision is what most safety experts protect against in vehicle manufacturing. It is for that same reason that seat-belt laws swept the country, requiring all drivers and passengers to be strapped into the car to limit harm following an impact.

However, a much less common, but still deadly risk occurs following these accidents, in the moments when those involved let their guard down. Cars are complicated, heavy machinery that include countless heavy movable parts and combustible substances. When these machines are torn and smashed in an accident, the after-effects can never be fully known. Most dangerously, fuel spillage after a crash has the potential to seep far away from the initial site and ignite. The potential damage from a fire after the accident is high.

For example, the Lincoln Courier published a story today on an Illinois car accident that struck I-55 on Thursday. A twenty year old driver attempted to change from the right lane to the left while on the highway. However, she misjudged the lane change and hit the end of a trailer, bounced off a guardrail and then smashed into the truck yet again. The semi’s gas tank ruptured during the incident, spilling nearly 130 gallons of diesel fuel onto the roadway and into a creek below.

Fortunately, rescue crews, including hazardous material teams, were able to arrive on the scene quickly enough to keep all onlookers away from the dangerous location while clean-up was underway. No further injuries were reported.

The lesson to be learned from this crash and similar accidents is that the scene of any car wreck may pose many hidden dangers. As our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti know, extreme care should be taken at all time at or near these scenes to protect against lurking risks.

A young Chicago preschool student is dead and a 24 year old woman is in police custody after a deadly car accident last weekend on the north side of the city.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that shortly before 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, Leticia Medel was driving eastbound on Fullerton Avenue in her Dodge Avenger with her husband in the front seat and her two small children in the back, a 2 year old and a 4 year old. Eventually her vehicle rear-ended a Honda Civic that was stopped at a traffic light. The force of the initial crash caused the Civic to hit another vehicle in front of it before stopping against a building. After the first impact the Avenger then crossed over into the second eastbound lane, striking a Chevy Tahoe. All told, four vehicles were involved in the car accident.

Following the wreck, Medel and her husband grabbed the two children from the back of the Avenger and ran from the scene. The two children were eventually brought to nearby Children’s Memorial Hospital. Jonathan, the four year old, had suffered a lacerated liver and multiple contusions. Doctors did everything that could to save the young child, but he was pronounced dead shortly after 2 p.m. that afternoon.

The causes of the car crash that led to Jonathan’s death are varied but all involve extreme negligence of the part of Leticia Medel. Perhaps most damaging of all, Medel was drunk at the time of the crash. She had a blood alcohol level of .151, nearly twice the legal limit. Two beer cans were also found by police inside the vehicle. On top of that, Medel was driving between 15 and 20 miles over the speed limit at the time of the impact, significantly contributing to the seriousness of the accident. Those factors combined with her failure to properly buckle-in her two young children created the tragic accident that claimed the life of the innocent 4 year old.

It is difficult to read these car accident stories and comprehend how anyone could engage in this type of extreme, reckless driving. However, the sad reality is that our roads are filled with many drivers who continually engage in conduct that places themselves, their children, and all other drivers at extreme risk. Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti encourage everyone to not only operate their own vehicles with caution but to also vigilantly monitor all other potentially negligent drivers.

A fatal Chicago area car crash this week took the life of woman in her 20s and left three others in very critical condition.

As reported in My Fox Chicago, the accident occurred near Antioch very early Thursday morning, around 2 am. On a country road outside of town, an SUV collided head-on with a Mitsubishi hatchback. As is virtually always the case in high-speed head-on collisions, the damage was daunting.

The female driver of the hatchback was pronounced dead on the scene and had to be extricated from the car. The driver of the SUV was ejected from the vehicle following the impact, and both of his passengers required emergency personnel assistance to be removed from the wreckage. All three survivors were airlifting to a local hospital where medical professionals continue to work to save their lives.

Experts are still piecing together the cause of the deadly collision. However, they suspect that alcohol and speed are two likely factors. The accident occurred on a curve in the road, where the speed limit lowers to 40 mph. The location of the vehicles and the outcome of the collision makes is a virtually certainty that the accident occurred at speeds well over the legal limit.

Authorities may never know for certain what caused the tragedy of this accident. However what remains clear is that all dangerous speeds on dangerous portions of roadway under the influence of alcohol is a lethal combination. All it takes is one driver willing to risk these conditions to cause a deadly accident like the one here. In fact, the tragedy of many of these accidents is that one party is often driving with perfect care and caution. They just happened to be caught in the crosshairs of a negligent fellow driver.

Nothing can be done to fully fix the damage caused by these vicious car crashes. However, the legal rights of the injured parties can still be respected and honored. That is where our car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti come in. We are committed to helping victims of these accidents receive the compensation possible to best preserve their legal benefits. Please contact our office if you have suffered at the hands of a car accident.

Another harmful car accident occurred on Lake Shore Drive this week, as several women were injured in a late night single car crash.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on the incident. Shortly after 2:30am, the driver lost control of a hard top jeep in which five other women were riding. One of the wheels came off the car, it hit a guard rail, and barrel-rolled at least six times until finally coming to a stop. A 200 foot debris path was left in the wake of the careening vehicle.

All six women were in serious to critical condition when medical professionals arrived at the scene. One of the injured passengers was 6 months pregnant.

Authorities investigating the accident believe that the driver was traveling too fast, with the dangerous speeds contributing to the loss of control. Also, empty beer cans were found strewn around the crash area, presumably coming from inside the vehicle.

Obviously, all drivers are told repeatedly that driving under the influence of alcohol and driving too fast can have deadly consequences. But all too often, those common truths are ignored, causing injury, death, and heartbreak to millions. Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti continue to help victims of these tragic events protect their legal rights. We also strive to raise awareness of the far reaching consequences of even a single car accident. This wreck on Lake Shore Drive involved only a single car, but still has the potential to affect six individuals, an unborn child, and the family and friends of all of these young women.

All drivers should remain vigilant of their own speed and alcohol intake when driving a motor vehicle. Not only that, but all drivers should also be aware that other cars on the road may be helmed by careless or impaired drivers.

A car accident occurred on July 21st in which a Chicago cab crashed into a Chicago Loop 7-11 convenience store, resulting in seven injuries. The car accident occurred when a car sped through a red light, forcing a cab to broadside the car and then crash into the front of the 7-11 store. Luckily, the cab did not strike anyone that was inside the store at the time of the crash, but unfortunately several pedestrians involved did get injuries and four people in total had to be taken to local hospitals. According to the Chicago Sun Times, police do not suspect that the driver of the passenger car that caused the accident by running the light was under the influence of alcohol; however he was cited with disobeying traffic signals as well as driving without proper insurance. Later in the evening following the crash, the taxi cab was still lodged in the 7-11 and the store was a mess after a water pipe had burst from the cab accident. Additionally, glass from the storefront was all over the street where the accident occurred and was still being cleaned up well into the night. To read more about this Chicago cab crash, please click on this link.

This accident shows the importance of always obeying traffic lights and never trying to make it through a light that is changing to red. Even if you think you have time to make the light, you may not see another car approaching and an accident while traveling at highs speeds can cause seriously damage and destruction to the surrounding area, as well as seriously injury people that are in the area. Illinois injury attorneys remind you to always err on the side of caution and slow down for yellows and stop fully if the light will change red before you can safely cross through the intersection.

Bicycle riders need to make sure that they are aware of and follow all of the appropriate laws that are in place to protect both bike riders and other drivers on the road. Similarly, drivers need to be aware of the laws regarding bike riders to also help ensure the safety of all those that are on the road together. One important rule for bikers to always remember and always follow is that bicyclists must travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic and whenever it is safely possible should travel directly to the right of cars, and this is so that everyone is traveling in the same direction which hopefully makes it less likely that a bike and car will get into a collision.

Chicago accident attorneys remind drivers of vehicles to remember a few simple rules regarding bikers so they can do their part to keep the streets safe for everyone. First off, drivers need to make sure to always keep a safe distance and to allow about three feet of passing space between their car and a biker, and make sure to always give them this adequate room in order to keep them safe in the event of a sudden stop. Additionally, when making a turn make sure to check to make sure a bicyclist is not passing on the right or the left before you make your turn, and always use a turn signal to allow the biker to know of your plan to turn, in order to help prevent accidents. Lastly, make sure after parking your car to look out for bikers before possibly opening your door into their pathway. To read more about simple tips to help avoid a bike accident, please click on this link. These few simple safety measures taken by bikers and drivers could make all the difference in preventing biking accidents !

Recent studies have shown that deaths resulting from car accidents in the Chicagoland area have declined. Over the last decade certain safety measures, as well as newer vehicles designs, have lead to a decrease of about 200 fatalities a year. Over the course of a three-year span (from 2005 to 2008) traffic accidents in the seven-county region studied decreased over 30% and the overall injury rate decreased 18% in that same time period. There are several factors that the study, conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation, cited as reasons for the reduction of crashes in the Chicagoland area. One of these factors is an overall improvement in road conditions, making the roads safer for travelers. These safety features range from adding additional and clearer lane-striping which helps cars stay in the appropriate section of the road, adding cable median barriers which are designed to stop cars in which the driver has lost control of the vehicle and keep out-of-control cars from flipping into traffic that is traveling in the other direction, and better lighting to make late-night driving safer. Another key factor, according to Chicago Breaking News, is the recent influx of safer vehicles that are designed to withstand crash damage better and are able to protect the passengers better in the event of a crash. A third factor that the study showed as a contributing factor is stricter seat belt laws being imposed in Illinois, as well as roadside checks, which often result in stopping drivers that are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Stopping these motorists before they have a chance to get into a crash, that may injure themselves or others, is very helpful in reducing the number of fatal accidents each year.

While these safety measures have led to a reduction in accidents, there is still much more to be done. There are still around 300,000 accidents in the Chicago area each year and a fatal accident occurs as frequently as once a day. The study cites certain factors that need to be worked on in order to better improve the crash statistics, such as finding a way to reduce vehicle and pedestrian accidents in downtown Chicago and finding a way to reduce late night driving accidents. In downtown Chicago about a quarter of the traffic deaths occurred in pedestrian accidents. This number is very high and requires some type of safety measure to ensure that this number goes down. At this point no new measures are in place to make pedestrians safer, but this is an area that the Illinois Department of Transportation has seen needs work and will hopefully find new measures to help reduce the number of these fatal accidents in downtown Chicago. Additionally, the study shows that the number of late-night accidents is significant, accounting for over 35% of all fatal crashes in the area. Certain factors such as impaired drivers, tired drivers, slower reaction time at night, and faster speeds traveled due to the lack of traffic at night, are believed to be the reasons that this statistic is so high. While the hope is that more seat belt laws and road checks will (and as the study shows are) cutting down on some of these late-night accidents, more work still needs to be done. Additionally, while certain areas are better lit and help improve the safety in these areas, many areas still need better lighting to help reduce the number of late-night accidents. Luckily, the Illinois Department of Transportation seems to recognize what needs work to help improve the safety of our roads and will continue to work hard to reduce the number of traffic accidents that occur each year in the Chicagoland area. To read more about this traffic accident study and the plans to further improve the statistics, please click on this link.

Legislation was signed in Illinois on July 5th in which Governor Quinn promised to offer more protection to bicyclists that ride their bikes in Illinois. The goal of the bill is keep both bicyclists and motorists safe on Chicago roads and lead to a decrease in the number of injuries and accidents that occur each year involving bicycles. One of the main steps that will be taken to increase safety is the creation of new penalties to punish motorists that are caught driving either recklessly or too close to bikers. According to Chicago Breaking News, the hope is that creating penalties will create a deterrence to drivers to engage in this type of risky and unsafe behavior, in turn resulting in less bike-related accidents. Another change that will be made under this new piece of legislation is the creation of special "Share the Road" license plates that show the driver's support of bike safety and of which the money generated from the purchase of these plates will be used to pay for biker and driver safety educational programs. To read more about this recently signed bill that is aimed at reducing bike accidents, please click on this link.

Illinois accident attorneys remind all drivers how important it is to watch out for bikers, anytime you are driving in the city. Given the often heavy congestion of the streets in the city of Chicago, as well as the prevalence of bikers in the city, bike accidents occur far too often. While legislation of this sort is definitely a step in a positive direction in helping to ensure that both drivers and bikers remain safe, one of the best steps both drivers and bikers can take is to be alert and aware of their surroundings and not let distractions take your focus off of the road.

Two Northwest Chicago teenage girls were killed in a fatal car accident that occurred on June 28th. The car accident occurred when the car that the two girls were in struck a tree. There were three other passengers in the car who were injured, however it is unknown at this time who was driving when the car accident occurred. According to the Chicago Tribune, the two girls that were killed in the accident were best friends, and were almost inseparable and the girls and their friends were out celebrating one of the victim's birthdays when the accident occurred. At this point no charges have been filed against the driver, who is unknown but was not one of the victims, but they still could be filed pending the results of the accident investigation. To read more about this tragic accident, please click on this hyperlink.

While it is unknown whether this car was caused by an intoxicated underage driver, teen drunk driving results in a great number of deaths each year. Drunk driving is the leading cause of teenage death and about one person is killed in the United States every forty minutes as the result of a drunk driving accident. Chicago accident attorneys remind you of how preventable drunk driving deaths are and to never get behind the wheel even if you think you are okay to drive but have been drinking. Additionally, please make sure if you have a teenage driver that they understand that it is always a better idea to call for a ride than to drive drunk. The difference in making the choice to not drive after drinking can make all the difference in saving a life, so please always choose to not drink and drive!

A teenage girl from Chicago was killed when she was run over by a car driven by her friend after a gang fight broke out. As she was trying to get away from the fight she fell down and was struck by her friend's car and was dragged a distance. The victim died as a result of the serious personal injuries that she incurred when she was run over by the car. At this point the police believe that a gang fight broke out and the teenage victim was accidentally struck by a car while the car tried to get away from the fight, however, according to WGN TV, the mother of the victim has heard from people that saw the accident that it may not have actually been an accident. At this point, the accident is still under investigation and no charges have been filed. Although, the victims mother claims that people at the scene told her that her daughter's death was no accident, the police reports show no evidence of any witnesses claiming this. This makes the investigation process difficult and what really happened may be hard to uncover. It is important to understand why telling the truth of what you see during a car accident is crucial, because without truthful statements by the witnesses of the accident the police may never know what happened and if someone was at fault, they may never be charged. Please always tell the police exactly what you saw if you witness an accident and if you realize you were not completely accurate when you spoke to the police at first, please amend your statement. If you would like to read more about this tragic Chicago accident, please click on this link.

A Chicago police officer that was involved in a fatal car accident over two years ago is now expected to be called in a civil lawsuit over the same accident, now that the criminal charges against him have been dropped. The police officer was seen on tape drinking earlier in the night prior to the November 2008 car accident in which two Chicago men were killed. According to CBS, in the criminal case, the police officer defendant chose to exercise his right to not testify in the trial, and therefore did not testify about the amount of alcohol that he consumed the night of the accident. The breathalyzer test was also not admitted in the criminal case, and the police officer ended up being found not guilty. To read more about this Chicago car accident lawsuit, please click on this link.

The families of the victims are now suing the bar that was serving the police officer shortly before the accident, in a civil lawsuit. In this lawsuit, the police officer cannot exercise the same right to not testify and is expected to have to testify as to how much alcohol he consumed the night in question. In this civil suit the family is seeking monetary damages from the bar for serving the police officer and allowing him to leave the bar and drive, given the condition the officer was in at the time he left the bar that evening. Chicago accident attorneys remind all citizens that the place of business, or person serving, an intoxicated driver that caused a crash is often held liable or can faces civil lawsuits for serving the driver and failing to stop them from driving. Please stop anyone you know is about to drive when they have been drinking to safe both their life and the lives of others on the road.

A Lakeview Chicago car accident that occurred on June 3rd was likely caused by a drunken driver who lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a three foot divider on Lake Shore drive. Luckily, no other cars were involved in the Chicago accident and the driver only suffered minor personal injuries and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment of those injuries. According to The Chicago Sun Times, following the accident the driver was temporarily stuck in his car, but was able to be extracted and was not seriously injured. No one else was traveling in the car when the accident occurred and at this time it is unknown what charges are likely to be filed against the driver. If you would like to read more about this Lakeview car accident, please click on this link.

While luckily no one died in this drunk driving accident, many people are injured or killed at the hands of drunk drivers every year. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thirty two percent of all highway fatalities were caused by impaired drivers. These accidents are completely avoidable because no one should ever get behind the wheel after they have been drinking. Our Illinois injury attorneys remind readers that even "buzzed" driving is drunk driving and ask that you do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. It is always better to be safe than sorry so please hand the keys over to someone else or call a cab or another ride. Illinois police will charge you with drunk driving if you are pulled over and are found to be over the legal blood alcohol limit, so please err on the side of safety to protect yourself, your loved ones, along with other passengers and pedestrians on our streets and highways.

A young Rogers Park boy was killed when he was crushed between two sports utility vehicles while trying to cross the street. The deadlypedestrian accident occurred on May 30th after the young boy and his sister got out of their father's car to cross the street to go to their aunt's house. An allegedly drunk driver crashed into the back of one of the two parked cars causing that car to crash into the parked car in front of it, trapping the young boy between the two. According to The Chicago Tribune, the boy's younger sister who was crossing the street with him was not hit and did not suffer any personal injuries. The suspected drunk driver is still in custody pending charges for this horrific incident. To read more about this terrible Rogers Park accident, please click on this hyperlink.

This is one of the many accidents that are the result of drunk drivers during holidays such as memorial day weekend. Given the holiday weekend, the number of accidents greatly increases, the traffic on the road becomes more dense and busy, and the number of drunk drivers on the road increases. Chicago injury attorneys remind drivers not only to make sure to never drink and drive, but remind pedestrians and drivers to be even more aware and cautious of drunk drivers during holiday weekends. While the Chicago police do try to take extra measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Chicago residents, they can not be there to stop every drunk driver, so if you see a driver that you believe may be under the influence of alcohol, please call 911 immediately. Your vigilance may help to prevent others from being harmed or killed by an impaired driver.

A recent study has shown that Chicago cab companies have a complex system in place that may limit the amount that passengers are able to collect in the event of a personal injury or wrongful death resulting from a cab accident. The way the system is structured, a person injured is likely to never recover more than the $350,000 minimum required by the City of Chicago, even in cases where the injured party requires lifetime medical care or when the family is suing on behalf of a victim that was killed as a result of an accident.

According to The Chicago Sun Times, this change in damage recovery resulted about twelve years ago when Chicago stopped cab companies from being able to have a monopoly on owning cabs within the city, and as it stands now, no one company can own more that twenty five percent of city-issued taxi medallions. Prior to this, two Chicago cab companies had a complete monopoly on the system and typically held multiple layers of insurance, which would be available to protect the company in the event of a lawsuit and provide higher monetary damages for victims. The new system allow companies to argue that the driver is a private agent and without being able to show that the driver is an agent of the company, the recovery can be much lower for victims. While the legislature coming in to stop monopolies is good for cab companies and clients alike, these changes made it harder for injured victims of Chicago taxi accidents to recover the amount they deserve for the harm or injury caused. To read more about the damage recovery caps for cab accidents in Chicago, please click on the link.

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, many more people will be on the road than usual and according to AAA about 28 million people are expected to be traveling by car this weekend. With the wave of travelers, it is important to remember certain safety tips if you are going to be on the road this weekend. Even before you leave there are certain safety precautions to take to avoid car accidents. Always make sure to be well rested, because being tired can distract your focus from the road and making driving very dangerous. Additionally, if you feel too tired while driving please stop and rest before resuming driving. Before you leave make sure to inspect you car, making sure the oil and fluid levels are where they should be, the brakes are working, tires are full, and any other minor maintenance is taken care of. You would not want to get stuck on the road because of a small problem that could have been taken care of before you left. When you are ready to get on the road, make sure that all of you passengers are wearing their seatbelts and never drive with a suspended or expired license or if you have been drinking. When you are driving make sure to not let distractions take your focus off of the road. This can include using your cell phone, adjusting the radio, or trying to eat while driving. All of these activities take your focus off the road, if even just for a second, and can result in a car crash.
The increase of drivers over holiday weekends, and in the summer in general, make accidents more frequent and likely, so please be extra cautious and alert while driving this holiday weekend. Chicago injury attorneys bring you these tips to have a safe and fun holiday weekend and to remind you that these few simple steps can make all the difference in having a safe and easy drive.

In Illinois, cops are planning to crack down on seat belt usage this holiday weekend. The law in Illinois is that all drivers, all passengers riding in the front seat of a car, and all passengers under nineteen riding anywhere in the car, must be wearing a seat belt at all times the car is in motion. According to The Chicago Tribune, while this law is always in effect, Illinois state police say that they will be extra hard on people this weekend and be watching for seat belt violations extra carefully. The reason behind this crackdown is that holiday weekends are always a time of higher accident rates and more careless driving, so the cops want to make sure that everyone is wearing seat belts to try to keep the roads safer and any injuries less severe. To read more about the Illinois State Police’s safety plans to help keep people safe in the event of car accidents during the coming holiday weekend, please click on this hyperlink.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belt usage has been steadily on the rise in recent years, and in 2008 was up to ninety percent. While these numbers are good and it is obviously good that the statistics continue to rise in this regard, it is important for everyone to wear a seat belt. Chicago injury attorneys remind readers that seat belts can safe lives and can be what keeps someone from receiving serious personal injuries if they are involved in a car crash. Please make sure to do your part to reduce traffic accident injuries and always wear your seat belt and make sure that your passengers always wear their seat belts.

A car and bus accident occurred on May 20th in which ten people were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries. The Chicago bus accident occurred in Old Irving Park Neighborhood on North Pulaski Road when a car tried to make a turn and ended up turning directly into the path of the bus. According to Chicago Breaking News, at least six ambulances arrived at the scene and of the ten people injured, six were listed in serious to fair condition, three were listed in fair condition and one was listed in serious to critical condition. While little more is known about this Chicago bus crash, please click her for an article about the accident.

While bus crashes can be very dangerous and result in serious injury when they do occur, they are still, for the majority of the time, a very safe way to travel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 there were 247 total bus crashes that resulted in a fatality and only twelve of those occurred anywhere in the state of Illinois. This low number of accident compared to the number of car accidents in a given year show that bus travel is overall very safe. Illinois accident attorneys remind drivers to be careful when driving near a bus and to make sure to always give them an appropriate amount of safe. Busses are large and much more difficult to maneuver in emergency situations and also have much larger blind spots than a passenger car does.

A Chicago car accident occurred in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on May 10th that resulted in the injury of twelve people, two of whom suffered serious personal injuries. The accident occurred when a sports utility vehicle tried to pass a car that the driver felt was driving too slowly by getting into a lane in which a Chicago Transit Authority bus was traveling, causing the bus to hit another car while it swerved to avoid hitting the original sports utility vehicle that had cut into the bus’s lane. The bus then struck the side of the Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy Building. The driver of the SUV tried to leave the scene, however he did not get very far because his car had suffered damage in the accident which caused him to have to stop about a block away. So far the driver of the SUV has been cited for following too closely. According to The Chicago Sun Times, the scene was not as bad as initially thought and many bystanders helped out by helping get the injured passengers of the bus. Of the twelve injured, none were children and two people have since been listed in critical condition, nine have since been listed in fair condition and one has since been listed in good condition. The accident occurred around four in the afternoon and while the bus routes on that street had to be rerouted temporarily, the buses were back on schedule by around seven that same evening. To read more about this Chicago bus accident, please click on this hyperlink.

A person was seriously injured in Chicago in a pedestrian accident at 63rd and Damen on the morning of May 16th. The pedestrian was struck by a fire truck that had its lights and sirens on. The victim was distracted by a personal electronic which caused them to not to hear the approaching truck. According to Chicago Breaking News, the victim was taken to Stroger Hospital for treatment of their personal injuries.

While many people acknowledge that drivers must pay attention to the road and avoid being distracted by things such as cell phones and radios, it is also important to keep in mind that pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings when walking through the city. This concept of “distracted walking” was the subject of a New York Times article, addressing how the rise of the mobile gadget causes walkers to be distracted and not pay attention to where they are going. In 2008, over 1000 distracted walkers suffered some type of personal injury in accidents with cars, which was double from this type of injury reported the previous year.

This type of accident is something that all Chicago pedestrians need to be aware of with the rise in cell phone and mp3 player usage, as it is an issue that is unlikely to get better until pedestrians become more aware of the problem. Our Chicago accident lawyers encourage all walkers to make sure to remain alert, especially when using portable electronic devices. We hope that by raising awareness surrounding this issue, the number of pedestrians injured due to distractions will be lowered.

A recent study was done to help determine when people suffering from various types of dementia should no longer be legally allowed to drive. The issue with people with advanced types of dementia driving is that dementia affects the brain and memory and in its advanced stages can affect a person’s memory, attention, language, and ability to problem solve. This can be dangerous for a driver because paying constant attention to the road and being oriented to what is going on is crucial to be safe on the road and help avoid car accidents.

According to The American Academy of Neurology, new guidelines have been issued to determine at what level of advancement people with various forms of dementia are no longer safe when driving. A type of rating scale has been implemented that allows doctors to use a combination of information received from both a person with dementia’s caregiver and from an observation of the person themselves to determine what level of dementia they are suffering from. The reason that this testing scale is appropriate is that doctors have found that not all patients suffering from dementia are incapable of safely driving and that as many as 76 percent of patients with mild dementia are safe to drive.

It is important for caregivers to be alert and aware of dementia patients driving and if anything seems out of the ordinary such as car crashes, moving violations, avoiding certain driving conditions, or generally becoming more aggressive or impulsive, as these may be warning signs of dementia advancing or getting to a point that may make driving unsafe. If you notice these type of changes, please contact a doctor to the get the dementia patient tested for driving. To read more about the new guidelines for safe driving and dementia patients, please click on this hyperlink.

In Illinois, all drivers must have car insurance for every motor vehicle they own including cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. All drivers must carry their insurance card, issued by the insurance company upon issuance or renewal of the insurance policy, with them at all times and be willing to show it to any police officer that asks. While it is very important to always keep your insurance card with you at all times, if you forgot it but the insurance policy is up to date some officers will allow you to prove that you have current insurance in either court or by mail to avoid a penalty. In Illinois, if a person is found to be driving without car insurance, the first offense will result in the suspension of the drivers license until the driver pays a $100 fee and shows prove of current evidence. According to Cyber Drive Illinois, the driver will also be fined $500 for driving without insurance and will be fined $1000 for driving the same car in the time period in which the license plate is suspended. Aside from just checking at traffic stops or after accidents, Illinois has started randomly selecting cars and sending the owners a questionnaire asking for current insurance policy information, and that information will be double checked with the insurance provided. To read more about the Illinois requirements for car insurance and where you can obtain car insurance, please click on this link.

The Chicago injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti strongly believe in the importance of car insurance, not only to keep drivers from getting fines, but to protect drivers in the event of a car crash. Under Illinois law, the minimum amount of insurance required is as follows: $20,000 for the injury or death of one person in a car accident, $40,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in a car accident, and $15,000 for damage to another person’s property. While this is the state required minimum, there are certain more extensive types of policies that can protect and cover drivers even if the other person involved in the accident and who is at fault has little or no insurance themselves. One type of policy that is available in Illinois is underinsured motorist policy which means that you are protected by your insurance company and can recover damages when the other driver that caused the accident’s minimum coverage will not cover the damages. Additionally, in Illinois there is the option of obtaining and uninsured motorist policy. This is similar to the previous policy but means that your insurance company will protect you against uninsured drivers that are at fault for an accident as opposed to drivers with minimum insurance. Levin & Perconti recommends these policies because of how much protection they can offer to drivers in the event of an accident with a driver who is at fault but their insurance will not be able to cover the damages of the driver who is not at fault. Damages from a car accident can be extensive, so it is always good to protect yourself and your loved ones by having a thorough and extensive car insurance policy.

A Chicago bicyclist was killed on March 30th when he was struck by a car on the West Side of Chicago. The biking accident occurred when the biker was riding on North Waller Avenue and a car failed to slow down and struck the biker. According to Chicago Breaking News, the biker’s injuries were so severe that he unfortunately was unable to recover and died shortly after the biking accident. The driver that struck the man was cited with negligent driving as well as failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. To read more about this tragic car accident, please click on this link.

While drivers must always be aware of bikers and be careful to avoid hitting them, there are also certain safety precautions that bikers can take to ensure their own safety. The Chicago accident attorneys at Levin and Perconti offer several tips for bikers to remain safe while on the road. First of all, bikers should always ride as close to the curb as possible and only veer more into the road to avoid other bikers or a dangerous situation in the road. Additionally, bikers should always have at least one hand on the handlebars and never being holding on to something that would make it impossible for them to use both hands when necessary to control the bike. Whenever there is a bike path adjacent to the street, the biker should always ride on the path instead of the street. Bike should never have more people riding that there are seats available. In addition to these safety tips, all bikes should be equipped with reflective lights to help insure cars can see them and should always have a working brake. Following these tips and making sure your bike is safe to be riding can help you have a safe and enjoyable ride!

The family of a bicyclist that was killed in a car accident in 2008 has had filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the car. The car crash occurred while the driver was text messaging and got distracted, causing the driver to crash into the bicyclist. The driver, in his distracted state, failed to stop at a stop sign and was ticketed for causing the accident in which the young man was killed. According to About Lawsuits, the lawsuit alleged that the driver was grossly negligent when he intentionally took his eyes off the road while driving. To read more about this accident and car accident lawsuit, please click on this link.

Many states have chosen to deal with the dangers of texting while driving by enacting laws that make it against the law to text message while driving. Illinois is one of the states that have enacted anti-texting laws. In Illinois a law was enacted on January 1, 2010 that makes it against the law to compose or read text messages while driving or at any type the car is in drive, and carries a fine of $75 per offense. Unfortunately, while this law is a great attempt to try to curb the presence of texting while driving, Illinois officers have said that this law is actually very difficult to enforce. The law does not ban drivers from scrolling through their contact lists on their cell phones or for dialing numbers, and both of these acts look very similar to text messaging. At this point the Illinois law is proving hard to enforce however hopefully drivers knowing they may be ticketed for texting will make them reconsider doing it and realize the danger that it creates.

Whenever you are behind the wheel remember how distracting text messaging is to a driver and how much focus it takes off the road. Always refrain from texting while driving and if it is a matter that must be taken care of immediately, please pull off the road while you are texting. This simple act of refusing to text while driving will make you safer on the road and may prevent car crashes.

An Illinois woman was killed earlier this morning when her car was struck by a passenger van. The North Side Chicago accident occurred when a van struck her car, and she was pronounced dead shortly after the accident at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as a result of multiple personal injuries sustained in the crash. According to Chicago Breaking News, this car crash is still under investigation and there is no information at this point if any citations were issued or if any charges will be filed. To read more about this Chicago car accident, click on the link.

If a loved one was killed in a car accident and you believe that the driver that caused the car accident may have been negligent, or was responsible for the car accident in some other way, you may be entitled to compensation on the part of your deceased loved one. Even if charges were not filed against the driver in connection with the accident, there may still be civil options available to the family of the victim and a wrongful death lawsuit may be appropriate to compensate the family of the victim. If you would like to discuss possible options following an accident in which a loved one was killed, please contact a Chicago accident attorney today.

A Chicago woman died in a car accident on March 9th in which a woman lost control of her car, drove of the highway and struck a light pole. The driver and her nine year old daughter were taken to Christ Medical Center for treatment of their personal injuries and are both expected to recover fully. According to South Town Star, a passenger in the car suffered fatal injuries. The driver of the car has been charged with drunk driving. To read more about this Illinois crash, please click on the hyperlink.

Drunk driving in a very serious crime and in Illinois drunk drivers can face up to a year loss of driving privileges, possible jail time of a year, and a $1000 fine. According to the Illinois State Police’s website, this punishment is just for the first offense and the punishment gets much more severe with more than one DUI conviction. Always remember that drunk driving is very dangerous and can hurt not only yourself but others and that in Illinois the legal limit is a .08 blood alcohol content to be considered under the influence and in turn subject to drunk driving tickets.

If you see a driver that you believe may be impaired please call 911 immediately to give the police the location of the driver. Make sure to stay out of the way of the vehicle but also keep an eye on it to give the police the most accurate description of where the car is on the road. Additionally, if you know that someone is getting behind the wheel and they are intoxicated, please try to stop them and offer them a ride to where they are going. If they insist on driving, please take note of their license plate number and call the police to inform them of the intoxicated driver.

On February 27th a Chicago woman got into a car accident in which she struck an Illinois police officer on I-94. The accident occurred when the police officer was pulled over on the side of the highway and was standing outside of her patrol car and was then hit by the Chicago woman. According to Chicago Sun Times, the victim was conscious when emergency crews arrived and is believed to have suffered multiple broken bones but is expected to recover fully. To read more about this Chicago pedestrian accident, please click on the link.

The driver has been charged with aggravated reckless conduct for her failure to notice the police officer in time to avoid striking her. In Illinois there is an additional penalty for driver’s who fail to yield to emergency vehicles or cause accidents or injuries to public safety personnel. According to the Illinois State Police website violation of this law, Scott’s Law, can lead to up to an additional $10,000 in fines and a suspension of driving privileges for up to two years. In addition to the reckless conduct charge, the driver in this car accident was also charged under Scott’s Law, cited for improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed and operating an uninsured car. Driver distraction can be very dangerous and can lead to very serious car crashes. It is important for all drivers to be alert and pay attention every time they get behind the wheel.

A Chicago taxi accident occurred early on the morning of February 28th in which both the taxi driver and the passenger suffered personal injuries. According to Chicago Breaking News, the car accident occurred when a car traveling on Clark Street crossed over the center line and crashed into the taxi carrying the victims. The car that caused the car accident then sped off and the car was later found abandoned near the crash. Both victims had to be extracted from the taxi and were hospitalized with personal injuries. For more information on this Illinois taxi accident, please click on this link.

Hit-and-runs like this accident are when a driver hits another car and then flees the scene, rather than staying at the scene to talk to the police or the other driver. Many drivers get nervous after an accident and their instinct may be to leave immediately, but it is important to always stay to make sure everyone is okay and, if there are any injuries, that the police and emergency personnel are called. If you were in a hit-and-run accident and would like to talk to a Chicago car accident attorney about what your legal options may be, please follow the link.

A Chicago woman who was injured in a taxi accident has filed a car accident lawsuit. The accident occurred several months ago when the victim was the passenger in a taxi and the driver lost control and crashed into a tree. The victim was in a coma for a month after the crash and her husband was told she had less than a one percent chance of survival. Luckily, the victim has since recovered. According to ABC local, the victim and her husband have since filed a lawsuit against the taxi driver to cover their doctor’s bills of close to one million dollars. The taxi driver is claiming that the car sped up on its own and this is what caused the accident, and not his negligence, however the black box for the taxi that would store this data seems to have gone missing. To read more about this car accident lawsuit, please click on the link.

Taxi drivers are often involved in car accidents and if the victim believes that the driver may have been negligent and caused the accident, the passenger may be able to file a lawsuit against the driver. If you or a loved one have been involved in a taxi accident and feel that the driver may have been at fault and that you are entitled to compensation, please contact a Chicago car accident attorney.

A Chicago car accident occurred early on February 20th and left three Illinois residents seriously injured. The accident was at the intersection of Clark and Division and was caused by a car crashing into a taxi as it was going through the intersection. According to The Chicago Sun Times, the taxi then hit a pole and the car that caused the accident crashed into another taxi. Three people were listed in serious to critical condition and two were in good condition following the accident. At this point it is not known whether any of the victims were pedestrians or if they were all passengers in the cars. To read more about this Chicago car accident, please click here.

Given the high frequency of taxis in the city, taxis are often involved in car accidents. As a passenger in a taxi, you should always wear a seatbelt to protect yourself in the event of a taxi accident. While many people ignore seatbelts in taxis or find it not as important and necessarily to wear a seatbelt in a taxi as they do in a car, an accident can be just as dangerous so seatbelts are very important. Please make sure to always make a conscious effort to wear your seatbelt while traveling in a taxi, and encourage others to as well.

A recent study has found cell phone distraction is more likely to cause car accidents in densely populated areas. The study looked at the rates of car accidents in densely populated areas before and after the cell-phone ban laws went into effect. The results of the study showed that there was a higher drop in car accident fatalities in the heavily congested areas, as well as a higher drop in non-fatal car accidents. According to Science Daily, the reasoning that the conductors of the study believe that there is such a difference based on the congestion of the city, is because in a higher traffic area it is much easier to hit a car when distracted by a cell phone, because the cars are so much closer to each other. In other words, if you are driving on a road with no traffic and you get distracted and lose control of your car for a second, there is a much lower chance you will hit something than when you are stopped right behind another car in a heavily congested area. To read more about this study, please click on this link.

This study is very relevant for drivers in Chicago, because the city of Chicago is very densely populated and the streets are often very congested. To read about car accident rates in the city of Chicago, please click on this link. While the cell-phone ban is currently in effect in Chicago, many drivers still ignore the law and continue to use their cell phone while driving in the city. In addition to the law and potential citations you an receive for using your cell phone while driving in the city, this study offers an additional reason to not let yourself be distracted by your cell phone while driving in a heavily congested area.

The family of a Chicago baby that was killed in a fatal car accident last week has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the car that caused the crash. According to the Chicago car accident attorney who filed the case, the accident occurred when the plaintiff was fleeing from a previous crash at 100 miles per hour with headlights that were not operating correctly. According to Chicago Breaking News, the accident occurred at the corner of Parker and Cicero Avenues in Chicago and while the baby’s parents survived the crash, two of their friends who were passengers in the car were also killed. Read the report about this deadly Chicago car crash.

The driver who fled the scene but was later detained. He was released without criminal charges but faces several driving violations. The wrongful death lawsuit filed by the baby’s parents seeks an unspecified amount of money for both their baby’s death and their own injuries sustained in the collision. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a car accident and feel that you may be entitled to compensation by the person responsible, please contact an Illinois accident attorney to further discuss the case and the possible options you may have.

Many people are concerned with the way that Toyota is handling their recent recalls in the past couple weeks. The problem that have been identified in several Toyota models involve an safety issue where gas pedals have been sticking. This is a huge safety issue as a stuck gas pedal can lead to severe car accidents if the driver is unable to control their vehicle. The more recent concern is not just over the fact that this safety issue exists but that Toyota has been slow in their response to address the problem. To read more about the Toyota recalls, please click on this link.

According to Yahoo News, the Transportation Secretary says that it took Toyota awhile to recall the vehicles once the problem was initially discovered and that the government is considered penalizing Toyota for their delay. Toyota is suffering a big blow to their image with these recent safety issues, with their stock falling, and the company that has always prided itself on safety, losing business to other companies that are stepping up in the wake of these Toyota safety issues. To read more about other companies stepping in, please click on this link. For additional info on the trouble that Toyota may be in for their slow responses, please click here.

These types of safety issues in vehicles are very important to deal with because of the severity of what these issues can cause. Many car crashes may result from these faulty gas pedals and other similar safety oversights, and this is why it is so crucial for car companies to be very thorough in their quality checks and to immediately address any issues that so come up. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of negligence on the part of a car company or another driver, please contact an Illinois accident attorney to discuss your case and see what your possible options may be.

A chain reaction car accident occurred in Chicago today, which was initially caused by the snow fall earlier this morning. Very early this morning an intoxicated driver lost control on the snowy roads and hit a median on the highway, and then a truck struck the car after it hit the median. According to Chicago Breaking News, another truck trying to avoid the accident was struck by another truck traveling behind it and jack-knifed across all the lanes of traffic. The highway had to be closed for several hours to deal with this horrible mess of cars. To read more about this Chicago accident, please click on this link.

While the city of Chicago does try to prepare for the weather and reduce car accidents by clearing the snow as soon as possible, drivers need to be cautious because all roads usually cannot be cleared in time for the morning commute. Drivers need to be aware of the weather and drive slower and more cautiously given the harsh conditions. If the roads have a lot of traffic make sure not to follow others cars too closely as it is much harder to stop quickly in icy road conditions. Also keep in mind that right when snow (or rain) begins to fall is when the roads may be the most dangerous because the roads are just becoming slick.

An elderly Illinois pedestrian was killed on January 21st when a vehicle struck him in Albany Park. The driver of the car responsible for the car accident was unlicensed and was ticketed for driving without a license and for striking a pedestrian failing to exercise due care. According to Chicago Breaking News, the victim was taken to Advocate Illinois Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. To read more about this tragic Chicago car accident, please click here.

A northwest Chicago car accident resulted in the death of an Irving Park man early on the morning of January 19th. The fatal car accident occurred when a drunk driver, who also was driving without car insurance, lost control of his car and hit another vehicle. According to Chicago Breaking News, the drunk driver’s passenger was thrown from the car and died as a result of the car accident. To read any more about this Chicago car accident, please click on this link.

A January 16th Chicago car accident injured four people, one of which was severely personally injured. The car accident occurred when the car in which the four people were in tried to cross several lanes of traffic, lost control and flipped. The accident only involved one vehicle and all four injured were in that vehicle at the time of the car accident. According to Chicago Breaking News, it seems that the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash. To read more about this Chicago car accident, please click on this link.

A Chicago car accident that occurred on I-290 on January 13th resulted in three lanes of the highway closing for a little while shortly after the car accident, however the lanes have since reopened. According to The Chicago Sun Times, one person was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. At this point it is unknown if more vehicles were involved in the car accident. To read more about this Illinois car accident, please click on the link.

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in connection with a car accident that occurred on December 20th. The car accident occurred on the West Side of Chicago when an off duty Lockport police officer drunkenly drove into the victim’s car, causing the victim to die as a result of his severe injuries. According to Chicago Breaking News, criminal charges have already been brought by Cook County, but this wrongful death claim is against the bar in which the cop was drinking the night of the fatal Chicago accident. If you would like to read more about this tragic car accident and the lawsuit that was recently filed, please click on this hyperlink.

A Chicago car accident occurred on December 26th in which a driver of a pickup truck sideswiped a young boy, causing the boy to be hospitalized in serious condition. The accident occurred on South Kostner Avenue, and after the car hit the boy the car drove away. The boy then walked home and did not go to the hospital until later that evening when he complained that his head hurt. According to The Chicago Sun Times, the Chicago Police are looking for the hit-and-run driver and ask anyone that has any information in regards to the car accident to please contact them as soon as possible. If you would like to read more about this terrible car accident, please click here.

A new law will go into effect on January 1st in which it will be illegal to text on a cell phone in the state of Illinois. This law includes outlawing texting while at a stop sign or stop light as well as when the vehicle is in motion. According to Review Atlas, hopefully this will reduce the number of car accidents caused by people not paying attention and texting while driving. While the law is directed at all ages, young drivers seem to be most at risk for getting in texting related car accidents and advocates of this law hope that this new law will encourage parents to talk to their teenagers about paying attention while driving. The importance of parents incorporating this advice in a talk about safe driving to their children is that texting can be very dangerous, but the new law may still make it hard to police officers to catch texters while driving. If you would like to read more about this texting ban in Illinois, please click on this link.

Due to the high number of car accidents resulting from ice on the Chicago Skyway, the highway was closed in both directions on December 23rd. Several accidents occurred over the course of the day and due to the ice getting worse officials decided to close the Skyway until conditions improved. According to Chicago Sun Times, officials were urging drivers to stay off the roads if at all possible when snow turned to ice on the roads. To read more about this highway closure, click here.

Ice on Chicago roadways led to a number of car accidents on the evening of December 23rd. One accident occurred in Oak Brook on a ramp onto the I-294. A number of people were taken to local hospitals following another accident on the Chicago Skyway. The Skyway was closed following the multi-vehicle accident. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the accident was not the first on this highway that day and several other accidents occurred nearby.

While the number of car accidents resulting from pavement-edge drop-offs remain high, little efforts are being made to improve the roads safety. These drop-offs cause about 160 deaths a year and injure thousands more, and according to The New York Times, the drops are easily fixable. The drop-offs are common in construction work zones and cause a great deal of car accidents along with other safety hazards at work sites. Unfortunately, the laws and regulations governing safety measures in work zones are virtually non-existent and what precautions are in place are rarely followed. To read more about the issues with dangerous work zones, please click on this link.

A Chicago car accident on the Stevenson Expressway on December 20th left one man dead. The car accident occurred when an off duty police officer’s car veered onto the shoulder of the I-55 and struck a barrier and then flew over the median and struck two vehicles going in the opposite direction. The driver of one of the vehicles was killed in the accident and the police officer and third driver did not suffer life threatening injuries. The area of the I-55 where the car accident occurred was shut down for about five hours to clean up and for police to investigate the crash. The Lockport Police Department, where the off duty police officer worked would not say more than that he was involved in the crash and at this time according to Chicago Breaking News, it is unknown if the police officer’s blood alcohol count was over the legal limit. To read more about this tragic Illinois accident, click here.

A Cook County sheriff that was charged in connection with a Chicago car accident in which an Illinois Department of Transportation worker was hit has had a charge of reckless driving added against him. The car accident occurred when the sheriff was off duty on September 2nd and the sheriff initially faced no citations, however the driver struck by the car felt that no citations were issued at the time because the sheriff was wearing his uniform when the car accident occurred. Later that month, police issued the sheriff a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to yield. According to Chicago Sun Times, the reckless driving charge was just resulting added. To read more about this Chicago car accident, click here.

An Alsip man was killed early this morning after the driving was driving on Hoyne Avenue in Chicago and struck a parked car. According to Chicago Breaking News, the Morgan Park accident left only the one man with injuries and we was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after the car accident. At this point the fatal Chicago car accident is still under investigation, but if you would like to read more about the accident please click on the link.

A man has been charged with a DUI after he injured five people in a car accident on December 11 in Evanston. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the drunk driver blew through a red light and collided with another car. Three passengers in his car were injured, along with two people in the other vehicle. No one suffered critical personal injuries, but the victims were taken to local Chicago hospitals following the crash. To learn more about this car accident in Evanston, click on the link.

On December 10, a man was killed when his SUV was struck by a westbound Metra train in suburban Chicago. The train accident occurred when the man’s vehicle stopped on the Metra tracks. The victim’s wife escaped the SUV, but he did not make it out in time and the impact of the collision killed him. A report in the Chicago Tribune did not say why the man’s car was stopped on the train tracks. The Chicago commuter train's service was delayed by three hours as emergency workers cleared the accident. Read the full account of this Chicago Metra accident by following the link.

A North Side Chicago car accident on December 8th resulted in the death of one man. The car accident occurred at the intersection of Hollywood Avenue and Sheridan Road and was caused by a woman rear-ending the victims car at a stopped traffic light. According to Chicago Breaking News, the victim was having a heart attack and therefore did not go when the light turned green and then the woman’s car then struck his and pushed it through the intersection and into a light pole. The victim was alive following the car accident but then died shortly after being taken to a local hospital. The woman that rear-ended the man was cited with following too closely. If you would like to read more about this Chicago car accident and the victim’s life, please click on the hyperlink.

An Illinois man faces felony charges in connection with a fatal Chicago car accident that occurred on December 6th. The Gage Park accident occurred when the driver was driving under the influence and was driving the wrong way on 58th Street, entered the California Avenue intersection and struck a car. According to Chicago Breaking News, the victim was in the car struck by the aggravated driver, and the driver and his passenger refused treatment. The driver was originally ticketed for driving without insurance, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, reckless driving and failing to yield, but upon finding drugs and alcohol in his system the felony charges for aggravated driving under the influence were added. To read more about this Chicago car accident, click on this link.

Very early this morning, a pedestrian was struck by a car in the Austin neighborhood in Chicago. According to Chicago Breaking News, three other people were injured in this Chicago car accident and all four injured were taken to local area hospitals. The car accident occurred near North and Central Avenues on the West Side of Chicago. At this point little is known about the conditions of the victims. To read more about this Chicago pedestrian accident, please click here.

A young woman has died after her car crashed into Lake Michigan earlier this morning near downtown Chicago. The Chicago car accident occurred when the driver drove east on Randolph and through the entrance of the harbor and into the water which was about 12 feet deep at the point of entry. According to Chicago Breaking News, there is no evidence of the woman trying to stop her car before the car accident occurred. The victim was alive when the help crews pulled her from the water, but died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital shortly after being taken there. If you would like to read more about this tragic Chicago car accident, please click on this link.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has offered several tips to help keep families safe over the holiday season, hopefully reducing the number of Illinois car accidents this season. IDOT first recommends to make your vehicle winter ready by assuring that you regularly check all car equipment and make sure everything is running smoothly because the Illinois winter weather can be very tough on vehicles. Next, it is important to have an emergency survival kit in your car, in the event of a car accident or other car trouble. This kit should include items such as an ice scraper and other items to clean an icy windshield, jumper cables, antifreeze, shovels, tire chains, salt and other basic tools that could come in handy in an emergency. In the event that you get stuck in your vehicle it is important to have blankets, extra coats, gloves, hats, food, candles, fire extinguisher, flashlights and flares. Also remember to always have a cell phone, preferably with a backup battery source on you at all times when traveling in a car. Whenever you are planning a trip somewhere in horrible weather, make sure you are only driving in these terrible conditions at times when it is absolutely necessary, because so many car accidents happen at times when people should not even be driving in such dangerous conditions. If you must travel check the weather conditions along the route prior to departure to give you a better idea of what to expect. Current road conditions can be found at www.dot.il.gov and Interstate rest areas are equipped with monitors that display this current road condition information as well. Also make sure to always let others know where and when you are leaving and make sure to let them know when you safely arrive. If you are planning to travel to an unfamiliar area try to travel in daylight areas and bring detailed maps along with you. Also, as in any driving situation, make sure you have proper personal identification, car registration and insurance and a full gas tank. When you are on the road make sure to always have your seat belt fastened and drive cautiously, always willing to seek refuge if weather conditions become too severe to continue driving. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you do become stranded make sure to pull off as far of the road as possible to try to avoid a car accident and do not panic! Use your best judgment to determine if you should leave your vehicle to try to seek help (be aware of the temperature outside) and if you decide to stay in your vehicle and wait for help make sure to stay moving when possible to increase body heat. Please follow these tips to avoid car accidents and have a safe holiday season! For more IDOT tips, please click on this hyperlink.

A Chicago car accident that occurred on November 29th on U.S 57 in Calumet Park killed a college baseball player. According to The Chicago Tribune, the former Illinois resident who was on his way back to school when the crash occurred was pronounced dead at the scene after his car hit a wall and rolled over. While the details of the accident are not yet known, police know that alcohol was not a factor in the car accident. To read more about this tragic accident, click here.

A South Side of Chicago car accident that occurred on November 27th left eight people injured, including six children. The car accident occurred on Garfield Boulevard when the driver of the car swerved off of the road and struck a tree. According to The Chicago Sun Times, all of the victims were either taken to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County or Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment of their personal injuries. At this time it is unknown whether any of the passengers were wearing seat belts and if the children were in car seats. The car did only have five seat belts, and it is very important for all passengers in car to wear seat belts, especially children, and for their to be one seat belt per passenger in order to avoid serious injury in the event of a car accident. For more information on this Chicago car accident, please click on the link.

A seven car accident on Chicago’s Dan Ryan Expressway that occurred on November 21st just south of Downtown Chicago, caused the northbound express lanes to be shut down temporarily. According to The Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Police Department and Illinois Department of Transportation were available to assist with traffic control, and they said that drivers were getting frustrated and turning around on the expressway which was causing more traffic problems. At this point no injuries have been reported, but the details of the car accident was not completely known. For more information on this Cook County car accident, click here.

A Chicago woman died in a car accident that occurred on November 25th in the South Austin area of Chicago. The car accident occurred when the driver of the car lost control and crashed into an abandoned church. According to Chicago Breaking News, the driver was taken to Loyola Medical Center and is listed in critical condition and the victim that died from personal injuries sustained in the crash was the passenger in the vehicle. For more information on this West Side crash, click here.

A trend has emerged in Illinois in which car accidents involving deer have decreased. In 2008 there were 814 fewer deer crashed that the year people and the number of people injured in these deer and car accidents has also decreased. According to The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), people need to remember that that deer accidents are hard to avoid, and more likely to occur in the fall at dawn and dusk, that it is crucial for drivers to be alert, wear their seatbelt and for motorcyclists to make sure to wear helmets. For more information on the decrease in deer and car accidents and more tips to avoid these types of accidents, please click here.

A Chicago car accident on November 21st left eight people injured, including one child. The accident occurred on the Dan Ryan Expressway and involved five vehicles and caused the northbound express lanes to be shut down for about 40 minutes. According to Chicago Breaking News, the cause of the car accident is not known at this point. If you would like to read more about this multiple Chicago car accident, click here.

The Illinois police department is increasing their patrols for the duration on the holiday season. The operation is called “Operation Save 100” with the goal of cutting down at least 100 fatalities caused by car accidents between Thanksgiving and the end of the holiday season. According to the Northwest Herald, the increase will focus on certain areas and will involve seat belt patrols which will hopefully save lives especially when the weather conditions are bad and also will focus on trying to stop drunk drivers. The holiday season is a very dangerous time for drivers in terms of encountering drunk drivers on their way home from holiday parties. To read more about this initiative to reduce fatal car accidents in Illinois, please click on this link.

A Chicago car accident occurred on November 19th, that left five people injured, three of whom suffered seriously personal injuries. According to Chicago Breaking News, the car crash happened at the corner of 58th and State Street. Three of the injured people were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the other two victims were taken to Provident Hospital of Cook County. To read more about this Chicago car accident, please click on the hyperlink.

A Chicago car accident on the South Side that occurred on November 14th, left an elderly woman, and another person involved in the accident, dead. The accident occurred at the intersection of 75th and State when a car ran a red light slamming into a car that was making a left hand turn, causing that car to hit two other nearby cars.. According to Chicago Breaking News, the driver of the car that was turning left was a Chicago resident and was killed as a result of the car accident. An elderly woman that was a passenger in the car that ran the red light was also killed in the accident. There are charged pending against the driver of the car that caused the Chicago car accident. Charges may also be filed by the victim’s families for wrongful death for the two victims. For more information on this fatal Chicago car accident, click here.

Two men have been charged in connection with a November 3rd accident on the Southside of Chicago, after they tried to run over police officers and ended up killing a woman. According to The Chicago Sun Times, the car accident and chase began when two drug officers were conducting a traffic stop on two suspected drug dealers, and when the cops revealed themselves the driver took off. The driver rammed into the cop car and then sped away and struck another car, in which a woman was killed. For more information on this fatal Chicago car accident, click here.

The driver that caused the car accident that occurred last month, in which a pregnant mother of five was killed, has been charged with drunk driving. The crash that killed the woman and caused her baby to die after have to be emergency delivered early, occurred in Chicago. According to Chicago Breaking News, the driver could face up to 14 years in prison if convicted. To read more about this fatal Chicago car accident, click here.

A Chicago car accident that occurred earlier today resulted in the death of one man and left two others with severe personal injuries. The car accident occurred on West Congress Parkway following a police chase that began when police tried to question a man they believed might have been attempting to break into a car, and the man then jumped in a car that then sped away. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the cops were then pursuing the car and the car lost control and crashed into a tree. At this point, the investigation of the car accident and chase are still under investigation.

A Chatham car accident that occurred on October 26th left two Chicago police officers hospitalized. The accident occurred on East 79th Street, on the South Side of Chicago, when the cop driving lost control of the car and struck a pole. Luckily, no pedestrians were injured in the accident. According to Chicago Breaking News, the cops were on there way to respond to a call at the time of the car accident.

A car accident earlier this morning left a woman dead. The car accident happened early this morning, on what happened to be the victim’s birthday, when she was driving down South Chicago Avenue and lost control of her car. She then struck a car and the force of the impact caused the car to roll over and the driver to be ejected from the vehicle. According to WBBM Newsradio 780, the driver was pronounced dead on the scene and the passenger was taken a local hospital for treatment of her personal injuries resulting from the car accident.

A car accident occurred this morning on the West Side of Chicago in which a pregnant woman was killed and four other were injured, at least one of which was a child. According to Chicago Breaking News, the accident occurred at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Kostner Avenue and four of the victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their severe personal injuries and are listed in serious-to-critical condition. A fifth victim of this Garfield Park car accident was taken to a different local hospital and is listed in good condition.

An Illinois woman has received citations in connection with a Chicago car accident where the woman drove through a stop sign and hit the back of a cop car. According to Chicago Breaking News, the driver has been cited with failure to produce a valid driver’s license, driving without insurance, damage to city property and failure to yield to a stop sign. Seven people were injured in the accident, five of which were taken to local hospitals. Luckily, no one suffered life-threatening personal injuries in this Cook County Car Accident.

A woman was charged with aggravated DUI after allegedly being the cause of a North Side Chicago car accident on August 1st in which a motorcyclist was killed. The accident occurred in the early morning hours at the Ashland and Wilson intersection. According to Chicago Sun Times, the woman took a field sobriety test and then was given a blood alcohol test when she was taken to a local hospital. In connection with this lawsuit, a nurse at the hospital has filed a civil lawsuit because she was arrested when she refused to give the driver a blood test when she arrived at the hospital. The civil lawsuit claims that an officer ordered the nurse to take a blood test and when she refused telling him that the woman would have to be a patient of the hospital before she could administer the test, she was arrested. For more information on the criminal and civil case in connection with this Chicago car accident, click here.

A Chicago police officer was killed when he got into a fatal car accident early this morning. According to WBBM 780, the car accident occurred on the Kennedy Expressway at a curve at West Bryn Mawr Avenue and it may have been caused by the officer losing control on the curve, however the cause for the crash is still unknown. The officer died of multiple injuries from the car crash and he was not on duty at the time of the car accident. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

A DUI charge has been filed in connection with the previously mentioned Lakeview car accident on October 8th, in which five people were injured when the driver was driving drunk and struck a parked car. According to Chicago Breaking News, the driver has also been charged with three misdemeanor counts of the endangering the life and health of a child and with one count of reckless driving. For more information on this drunk driving car accident criminal case, click here.

A car accident that occurred late on the evening of October 8th in the Lakeview area of downtown Chicago, injured 5 people including three children. According to Chicago Breaking News, the driver of the car was drunk and driving on North Western Avenue when he struck the end of a parked car. All of the injured people were passengers in the drunk driver’s car and all but one woman, who denied medical attention, were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries. There is no current information on the status of the victims. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

An elderly man died on October 7th as a result of severe personal injuries sustained when he was struck by a car at 980 N. Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago 17 days before his death. According to Chicago Breaking News, an autopsy determined that his death was a result of the injuries sustained in the pedestrian accident. The driver of the car that struck the victim was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian at the time of accident. For more information on this pedestrian accident, click here.

One of the victims in the South Side of Chicago van and CTA bus accident on October 6th has died as a result of injuries sustained in the bus accident. According to Chicago Breaking News, the victim was in the van which appears to be an adult day care van and was pronounced dead early this morning. The bus accident occurred when the bus was stopped at 83rd and Cottage Grove and the driver of the van was driving too close behind and struck the bus. The van driver has been cited for tailgating the bus. For more information on this bus accident, click here.

An Ohio man has been charged with drunk driving and reckless homicide in connection with a car crash that occurred in Chicago at 59th and Ashland early on the morning of October 3rd. According to ABC news, the drunk driver allegedly ran a read light and struck a car in which two Chicago residents were riding and were immediately killed. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

Two people died in a car crash on the West Side of Chicago neighborhood of Austin on the evening of October 2nd. Only one car was involved in the crash and the accident occurred when the car hit a pole. The driver and one passenger of the vehicle were killed as a result of the car crash, and two other passengers are listed in critical condition. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the Major Accident Investigation Unit is currently investigating what caused the fatal Chicago car accident. For more information on this awful crash, click here.

A car accident occurred late on the evening of September 16th on the North Side of Chicago. This Chicago car accident involved two cars but the cause of the car crash is not known at this time. According to Chicago Breaking News, two people involved in the car crash were in serious condition and seven others involved were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their less severe personal injuries. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

A bus accident on September 22nd on Chicago’s West Side left five people injured. The bus accident occurred when a CTA bus was rear-ended by a car. Two of the five people injured were listed in serious-to-critical condition and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital and the other three victims of the bus accident were taken to other local hospitals and are listed in good condition. According to Chicago Breaking News, the bus driver was among the injured people. For more information on this Chicago bus accident, click here.

According to WBBM Newsradio 780’s news website, Former Chicago Bears player has been accused of fleeing the scene after a car accident in January 2008 in the Northwest Side of Chicago. When he was exiting the highway, he allegedly struck another car that was stopped at a light. The driver of the car that he hit has filed a car accident lawsuit and claims that the former Bear’s player got out of his car and was “mumbling incoherencies” and then fled the scene before the cops had time to arrive. The driver took down the license plate number and this is how he is able to identify the driver. The car accident lawsuit asks for damages in connection to the personal injuries that the Plaintiff suffered. For more information on this car accident lawsuit, click here.

A Chicago man was fatally injured after being hit by a bus late in the evening of September 20th. The victim had been standing on the sidewalk near a bus stop when a bus struck him as it pulled away from the stop. The victim was killed instantly according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. No one on the bus was injured resulting from the fatal accident. The bus accident is still under investigation. For more information on this fatal pedestrian accident, click here.

A Chicago man was charged with reckless homicide following a fatal car accident that occurred on September 19th. The driver that caused the car accident was drunk while driving the car that he then got into a car accident. The driver has been charged with leaving the scene of a car accident resulting in personal injury or death, in addition to drunk driving charges, operating a motor vehicle without insurance and failing to stop at a red light. For more information on this fatal car accident and arrest, click here.

Illinois law requires that all drivers have car insurance when operating a motor vehicle. In order to be in compliance with this mandatory insurance law, the minimum coverage amounts are as follows: as least $20,000 for the injury or death of one person in a car accident, at least $40,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in a car accident and at least $15,000 for damage to the property of another person in a car accident. Every driver must carry their insurance card in their vehicle and present it to any requesting law enforcement officer. Insurance companies will automatically send an insurance card to their insured and will send a new one when the previous one expires. The Vehicle Renewal Registration Application that all drivers must fill out when renewing their registration each year now has a signature requirement promising that they have current insurance to cover the registration period. Drivers that fail to keep their insurance current, or lack insurance completely, are subject to a $100 reinstatement fee as well as current proof of insurance on the first offense. If it is a repeat offense, the driver is subjected to a four-month suspension period of their license in addition to the punishments of a first time offender. For more information on the mandatory insurance requirements, click here. If you have been injured in a car accident involving an uninsured motorist, the Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti may be able to help you seek justice. Call 312-332-2872 for a free consultation with an accident lawyer.

Four people, including at least one child, were seriously personally injured in a two-vehicle automobile crash on the South Side of Chicago. Emergency crews were called to the intersection of 63rd Street and Damen Avenue. Five ambulances were called to the scene after the automobile accident. One person was taken to Stroger Hospital and is serious to critical condition with personal injuries while three other were taken to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. If you have been injured in an automobile crash, contact an Illinois lawyer. To read more about the Chicago car crash, please click the link.

The victim in a car accident involving a police officer in Palatine in July is suing the village of Palatine and the officer after he was struck while crossing the street. The car accident lawsuit alleges negligence, failure to keep a good lookout and operating the car too fast and without headlights. The defense attorney is claiming that the victim was under the influence of alcohol and stepped into the street, not in a crosswalk when the car accident occurred. The Plaintiff’s car accident attorney claims that whether or not his client was drinking that night makes no difference and that it doesn’t justify hitting a pedestrian. For more information on this Palatine car accident lawsuit, click here.

A Garfield Park teenager has died resulting from personal injuries sustained in a head-on car accident that occurred on September 9th. The victim was the back seat passenger in a car that crashed head-on into another vehicle. All of the occupants of the car the victim were in were taken to a local hospital, as well as the two passengers in the other car. At this point the details of the car crash have not been released. For more information on this Cook County fatal car accident, click here.

A Cook County car accident lawsuit recently settled for close to $24 million. The car crash lawsuit resulted from a 2004 car crash in which an Illinois Department of Transportation’s vehicle struck the Plaintiff’s car on the Elgin-O’Hare expressway. The police could not determine who was at fault in the accident, so the trial was used to determine whose fault the car accident was. The jury found for the Plaintiff after determining that his car was struck by the other vehicle. The car accident attorney for the victim said that the large settlement was for serious personal injuries suffered by his client, including back fractures and partial paralysis. The total award amount was slightly higher, but the jury found that the victim was 5% contributory negligent which slightly lowered the judgment amount. For more information on this Cook County car accident settlement, click here.

Six people were taken to hospitals with personal injuries following an automobile crash on Chicago’s West Side. The people were taken two different hospitals with personal injuries. Three are in serious-to-critical condition and the others are in fair-to-serious condition. Chicago police said two vehicles were involved in the automobile crash on North Hamlin Avenue. If you have been involved in a car accident, please contact an Illinois lawyer. To read more about the automobile accident, please click the link.

A new emergency contact system was been created in Illinois in order to help the families of car accident victims receive word of the accident sooner. Illinois drivers can now enter their emergency contact information on the secretary of state’s website, www.cyberdriveillinois.com, so their families can be contacted as soon as possible following a car accident. This information will only be available to law enforcement and emergency services people and will remain confidential to the public. This will hopefully help families be notified of a car accident as soon as possible. For more information on this new system, click here.

Five people were personally injured in an automobile accident outside Ford city mall on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Four of the victims were taken to an area hospital and are in serious-to-critical condition. The fifth was taken to the hospital with personal injuries in fair-to-serious condition. The car crash occurred at 76th Street and Cicero Avenue. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash, find an Illinois lawyer. To read more about the automobile accident, please click the link.

Two people were seriously personally injured in a two-vehicle crash on the Northwest side of Chicago. Fire Department crews responded to the pin-in automobile crash on the intersection of Central and Devon Avenues. Two people were taken to the hospital with personal injuries. One vehicle broadsided another in the car crash. If you have been involved in an automobile accident, find an Illinois lawyer. To read more about the Chicago car crash, please click the link.

Two people died and two more were injured when a car and a garbage truck got into a car accident earlier this morning. The car accident occurred in Logan Square and one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident and the other died shortly thereafter in a local hospital. Two other people were hospitalized for their personal injuries, including the driver of the garbage truck. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

An Illinois motorcyclist was killed early this morning in Chicago when his motorcycle was involved in a car accident. The car accident occurred when the victim struck a car that was making a left turn and had a green light. No citations have been issued in connection with this car accident. For more information on this Chicago motorcycle accident, click here.

An Illinois man was killed while riding a scooter in Humboldt Park on August 23, 2009 when he struck a vehicle. The car accident occurred early in the morning hours and the victim was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital. The car involved in the car accident did not stop and fled the scene following the accident and therefore no one is in custody for the fatality. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

A car accident earlier tonight on the Kennedy Expressway left three motorcyclists and another person injured. This car accident occurred in downtown Chicago and seems to have been a chain reaction in which three motorcycles struck each other and then one hit a car. Luckily traffic was moving slowly and all the motorcyclists were wearing helmets so no one was fatally injured. All of the motorcycle drivers as well as the driver of the car involved in the car accident were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries. For more information on this Cook County car accident, click here.

Two Chicago police officers and one other person were injured in a Chicago car accident that occurred on August 19th. The car crash occurred when a police car and another vehicle crashed into each other. Both of the police officers were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and the civilian was taken to another local hospital and all were treated for minor personal injuries. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

A stolen SUV was involved in a South Side fatal car accident on the morning of August 17th. The stolen car slammed into concrete pillars after the driver lost control and was thrown from the vehicle and died immediately. There were beer cans found around the scene of the fatal accident but at this point it is unclear whether the victim was under the influence when the crash occurred. There were two other people in the car and they are both fine after the accident. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

A car accident occurred on the South Side of Chicago on the morning of August 8th. A mother was rushing her very sick child to University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital and ran a red light causing her car to crash into another vehicle. It is confirmed that the child has died, but it is not believed that the car crash caused his death. For more information on this Cook County car accident, click here.

A four car accident on Route 53 near Schaumburg on August 10 resulted in the injury of three people, one of which was critically injured. The collision appeared to be a chain-reaction accident occurring when a truck rear-ended an SUV, forcing the SUV into other vehicles. All the victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries. The Sheriff’s department and Illinois State Police are still trying to piece together what happened to cause the car crash. For more information on this Schaumburg car accident, click here.

Three ramp entrances to the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago have been closed in an attempt to reduce car accidents and to help improve traffic flow. Certain ramps are set to be closed permanently, while others are being closed temporarily and are being redesigned to hopefully help reduce the likelihood of car accidents in these areas. For more information on this ramp closing/reconstruction project, click here.

An Illinois man was fatally injured when he was driving on I-57 and crossed over four lanes of traffic and then struck a median that divided the sides of the highway. The driver was pronounced dead not long after he arrived at the hospital. The police are still investigating what happened to lead to the car accident and that this point there is not much information because the driver was the only person in the vehicle. No one else was injured as a result of this car accident. For more information on this car accident, click here.

Charges have been filed against a South Side woman that is suspected to have caused a car crash after she drove the wrong way and killed one woman and injured two others on August 2nd, on the I-55. The driver has been charged with six counts of aggravated DUI, two counts for each of the three victims in the car crash. For more information on this fatal car crash, click here.

Eight people were injured on the morning of August 1st in a car accident in Chicago, when the driver of a minivan intentionally slammed into a SUV, causing the SUV to flip over and hit a pole. Two people are listed in critical condition, five are in stable and the last one is listed in good condition. There is not much more information on why the minivan intentionally started hitting the SUV, but witnesses saw it intentionally hit the car which caused the SUV to lose control. For more information on this car accident, click here.

One person died and four were injured on the evening of July 26th on the Southside of Chicago in a car accident. All of the victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment of personal injuries. One of the victims that was injured in the car crash, not the one killed, was a child who was struck by one of the vehicles on the sidewalk. There is no further information as to what caused the car crash or about the condition on the victims. For more information on this car accident, click here.

Two teenagers were killed and three more injured in a one car accident that occurred in Illinois on the evening of July 21st. The driver lost control of the car because of standing water in the road due to heavy rain. The car left the road and struck a tree after hitting the water patch. Rescue crews tried to help the car accident victims by transporting them by helicopter, but the weather prevented the helicopters from flying. For more information on this Illinois car accident, click here.

An Illinois car accident resulted in several injuries including a man with a severed arm. The car crash occurred early this morning on the south side of Chicago. Reports show that up to five people were taken to the hospital following the car accident and that one of the victims had his arm severed in the crash and was scheduled for surgery to hopefully have the arm reattached. There is no further information on the condition of the victims. For more information on this car accident, click here.

Two injured in a two car accident that occurred in the Chicago suburbs on the evening of July 15th. One of the injured victims was injured severely enough to need to be airlifted to a hospital because of his serious head injury. At this point there is no more information on the cause of the accident or the severity of other people’s injuries. For more information on this car accident, click here.

Chicago cop received minor personal injuries on July 2nd in Chicago when he swerved to avoid hitting a car and ended up hitting a building. This car accident occurred when a car pulled out in front of the officer and he attempted to avoid a car crash. The cop was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his personal injuries. For more information on this car accident, click here.

It is important to remember over the holiday weekend to be careful when traveling. One important suggestion to help stay safe in your travels is to not text while you are driving a car. Don’t forget that other drivers could be texting while driving and so it is extremely important to pay close attention when driving in order to avoid car accidents. While holiday travel has been lower over the past couple years, more holiday car travel is expected this year because gas is lower than it was last year. Another important caution to take when traveling this holiday season is too make sure never to drink and drive. For more information of ways to stay safe this Fourth of July weekend, please click here.

Six people, 2 of which were children, were hurt when they were involved in a car accident on the south side of Chicago on June 28th. The driver of the car lost control but no other cars were involved in the car crash. The two children were taken to the University of Chicago Children’s Hospital in serious but stable condition for treatment of their personal injuries. The driver of the car involved in the car crash was taken to a local hospital in serious condition and another passenger was taken to a hospital in fair to serious condition. Two other parties involved in the car accident refused treatment at the scene of the crime. For more information on this car accident, click here.

One killed and three seriously injured in a car accident that occurred in Chicago early this morning. Both cars caught fire after the accident and the person that died was in a sports utility vehicle that was involved in the crash. Several others were seriously injured from the fire and two teens suffered only minor personal injuries. Both cars were seriously burned and one was so badly burned that the make and model could not even be determined. The scene was under investigation and no further information is known as to the cause of the fiery car crash. For more information on this car accident, click here.

Former Chicago area Alderman was killed early on the morning of June 22nd when he drove his car into the path of a local bus. The victim was taken from the scene to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The autopsy shows severe cardiac disease that was present long before the car crash and may have precipitated the accident and therefore the cause of the car crash is still under investigation. The bus driver and two passengers on the bus were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries, but none of the their injuries appear to be severe. The victim was on his way to volunteer as a local hospital when the car accident occurred. For more information on this bus accident, click here.

A two-car accident on the South Side on June 22nd, left three children and four adults injured. None of the injuries appear to be life threatening at this point. Several of the victims were taken to the University of Chicago Hospital in fair to serious condition with one child taken there in serious to critical condition. Another adult victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in serious to critical condition and the rest were taken to Jackson Park Hospital in good condition. No more information is known as to the cause of the car accident. For more information on this car crash, click here.

A Chicago woman has been issued two citations in connection with a fatal car accident that occurred in May, in which a woman that was crossing the street with her two small children was killed. The driver in the car accident has been cited for failing to exercise due care to pedestrian and improper lane care. There is no evidence of alcohol or drug involvement or any mechanical or road problems that could have caused the fatal car crash. For more information on this car accident, click here.

Charges have been made against a man involved in a car accident that occurred last Thursday, June 11th that left one motorcyclist dead. The car accident occurred in South Chicago Heights and occurred when a passenger car was trying to make a left into a gas station and was hit my a motorcycle. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and is believed to have been dead on the scene of the crime. The passenger in the car was inured as well and taken to a local hospital for treatment of her personal injuries. The driver of the car has been charged with reckless homicide and may face additional charges when the results of blood and urine test are back. For more information on this fatal motorcycle accident in Chicago, click here.

On the morning of June 16th, a sports utility vehicle ran a light in a Chicago suburb causing a car accident. The SUV tipped over once the other car struck it. Luckily, no one was seriously injured. The driver of the car and 3 people from the SUV were taken to a local hospital, but only as a precautionary measure. The intersection where the car crash occurred was shut down for a little while but has since reopened. No citations have been issued in connection to the car accident at this point. For more information on this car accident, click here.

On the morning of June 14th in West Chicago, a teen was killed in a fatal car accident in which he was a passenger. The Chicago car accident occurred when the sports utility vehicle in which the teen was the front seat passenger in struck a tree. The teen was pronounced dead on the scene and his death was caused by mass trauma. The driver of the vehicle has been charged with drunk driving, unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor and failure to reduce speed to avoid a car accident. The two passengers in the backseat were taken to local hospitals to treat their minor personal injuries. For more information on this car accident in Chicago, click here.

A car accident occurred on the I-90 in the suburbs of Chicago on the afternoon of June 12th, leaving one person involved in critical condition. The driver of the original vehicle that caused the horrible accident was driving westbound and rear ended the car in front of him which then led to chain reaction of cars hitting each other. The victim was in a car in that chain reaction and suffered from brain trauma. The victim is currently in the hospital and his status is listed in critical condition. The driver of the original vehicle is facing a felony aggravated DUI charge, after he originally refused to take a blood alcohol test right after the car accident but was still over the legal limit hours later when he was tested. For more information on this car accident, click here.

One person was critically injured after running into a signpost on the feeder ramp of the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago. The car accident occurred when a passenger car hit a digital sign on the expressway and the sign then fell onto the vehicle. One person was taken to a Chicago hospital with serious personal injuries after this car accident and is listed in critical condition. For more information on this Chicago car crash, click here.

On the morning of June 11th, a multi-car accident led a car to jump a barrier and hit a CTA train. The blue line of the train was closed down for several hours following the car accident and a shuttle bus was used to transport passengers during the shutdown of the train line. The driver of the car that hit the train was cited for improper lane usage and not having insurance. Several people involved in the car accident were taken to local hospitals for their minor personal injuries but no one was seriously hurt. For more information on this car accident, click here.

A fatal car accident in South Chicago Heights early this morning left one dead. A motorcyclist collided with a car that was turning, and the motorcycles driver was declared dead at the scene after he was thrown from his bike. This fatal motorcycle accident occurred when the passenger car turned left in front of the motorcycle driver. The passengers of the car were okay with only the passenger suffering minor personal injuries. For more information on this fatal car accident, click here.

On June 4th in the Chicago suburbs, an elderly woman lost control of her car striking another vehicle and then hitting a nearby apartment building. According to the police, age was an factor in this car accident. The Chicago car crash occurred when the woman made a quick right and sideswiped another vehicle and then careened through a parking lot and into an apartment building. The elderly woman was taken to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries to treat her minor personal injuries, and no one else was injured in the accident. The elderly woman was issued a traffic citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid a car accident but is not being held liable for anything more serious. For more information on this car accident, click here.

A South Side car accident left a police officer in the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The car crash occurred while the officer was in his own vehicle on his way to work on the morning of June 5th. Reports show that one person was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in serious to critical condition but there is no definite word as to whether this was the police officer or someone else involved in the car accident. For more information on this Chicago car crash, click here.

Early on the morning of June 7th, one person was killed and two others were hurt on the South Side of Chicago when the car they were all in struck a light pole. This fatal accident occurred a little after midnight and the driver was ticketed with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving without insurance, driving without a license, negligent driving and having a passenger riding in the vehicle without a seat belt. One of the victims in this fatal car crash was pronounced dead on the scene and one other victim is reported to be in critical condition and the last passenger is in stable condition. For more information on this fatal accident, click here.

A Sunday night car accident on the Northwest side of Chicago left four police officers and one other person injured. A passenger van collided with a police car in which the four officers were riding. No charges have been made at this point but charges are likely pending. All five of the injured victims were taken to local hospitals to treat their personal injuries and are reported to be in either fair or good condition. For more information on this Chicago car crash, click here.