Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over the weekend, our Chicago car accident lawyers read about a lawsuit that was posted on The Madison St. Clair Record online. The Illinois car accident occurred in St. Clair County when a woman was driving near an intersection and stopped for traffic. Another woman, who was driving in the same direction, failed to stop for traffic, causing her to rear-end the vehicle in front of her. The plaintiff had apparently suffered from serious injuries, and a “permanent disability”, as well as hefty medical fees. The complaint alleges that the defendant was following too closely, was speeding, and failed to lookout for traffic that has stopped or slowed down in order to avoid a car crash. The plaintiff is seeking over $50,000, not including costs.

We wanted to point out that the majority of rear-end accidents occur at intersections, and when approaching an intersection it is important for drivers to slow down, and be on the look out for any sudden stopping, motorists turning, or pedestrians and bicyclists crossing. We also wanted to point out that in the state of Illinois, the rear-ending motorist is at fault for the rear-end accident.

To avoid a rear-end accident, in addition to slowing down, you should increase the distance between your car and the car in front of you. Giving yourself more space prevents you from following too closely, and gives you more stopping time as well. Should you be involved in a rear-end accident, an Illinois car accident attorney would highly encourage you to call the police, swap insurance information with the other drivers involved, and call paramedics to make sure that everyone is medically sound after the accident.

If you or a loved one was severely injured in a car accident where someone hit your car from behind, and you were not creating a situation where they could not avoid hitting you (such as parking in the middle of fast pace moving traffic), you can seek fair compensation for the harms caused. This can include medical and hospital bills, temporary or permanent loss of wages, and other damages, such as funeral expenses for the loss of a loved one. Filing a lawsuit not only helps victims receive fair compensation and peace of mind, but it also sheds light on the dangers of following too close, speeding, and other driving behaviors that cause rear-end collisions. Please contact one of our Illinois accident attorneys to see how we may be able to help you.

Two days ago, we saw in article by Consumer Reports that had the results of a new study about crash safety technologies. According to the report, “the proliferation of safety features typically takes 30 years for the technology to spread to most vehicles. “Some of the technologies that were considered in the study included air bags, antilock brake systems, forward collision warning, and electronic stability control. The researchers analyzed when the technology was created, and how long it took that technology to become standard in all vehicles. Government requirements, such as the air bag requirement, which was initiated in 1999, have helped to speed up some of these standardizations, but others such as antilock brakes, have yet to be seen in the majority of vehicles that are being produced today.

In past years, some of these technologies have only been accessible to people who can afford luxury vehicles, as an Illinois auto accident lawyer at our firm pointed out. But recently, some American manufactures have been adding these features, like forward collision warning, to non-luxury vehicles that are more affordable. Another factor that plays a role in the amount of cars with these new technologies on the road is the fact that people today are buying new cars less frequently. Because of increases in the price of gas, and the current economic state, buying a new car isn’t affordable for many people. Holding onto current cars longer results in the technology not getting on the road as fast.

At our firm, a Chicago car accident attorney would agree that the government needs to mandate safety-features in all automobiles, so that automobile manufacturers will help to continue to increase protection and safety for drivers and passengers. The article even went so far as to say that safety is the number one issue people look at when deciding what kind of vehicle to buy.

Our Chicago accident lawyers encourage the production and creation of new safety features, because they could be life saving. Some frivolous features are unnecessary, we agree, however features like head-protecting curtain air bags should be mandatory in cars. Other features, such as forward collision warning or even ones that wake up drowsy drivers, that could help prevent accidents should also be mandatory. We hope that in years to come we will see these changes made.

Earlier this week, an Illinois auto accident attorney of ours read an article posted by WJBDRadio.com about how winter weather last weekend caused many Illinois car accidents. The article concluded that there were close to 200 accidents because of the winter weather. These examples show that freezing rain, as well as snow, and extreme temperatures can all lead to extremely dangerous conditions for driving. The report noted that most of the affected drivers lost control of their vehicles, due to a decrease of friction, and this lack of control can cause drivers to harm themselves, or even hit others on the road.

After reading about these accidents that occurred because of winter weather driving conditions, our Chicago auto accident lawyers thought that once again going over some safe winter driving tips could be beneficial. The Illinois Department of Transportation offers some great tips, all starting with making sure that your car is ready to be driving in the winter. This means that you should have made sure that your car is in good shape, that you have winter tires, your wipers are working and you have plenty of radiator, windshield, and power steering fluid. It is also important to make sure that you have a full tank of gas and emergency supplies in your car. This could include jumper cables and basic tools, extra clothes or blankets, food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a cell phone so you can make sure you can contact someone if you need help. Also, having salt or sand could help should your car get stuck and you need to create extra friction on the ground.

Planning your trip is also incredibly important. Firstly, you should only be driving if it is absolutely necessary. If you can avoid driving in bad weather, do it. Make sure you have your route planned out, and tell someone else where you are going. Once you are on the road, we read on AAAExchange.com some tips that could help from swerving or decrease your chances of being involved in an accident. First and foremost, always drive slower in bad weather. Instead of following the three-second rule (finding a stationary object in the distance, and once the car ahead of you passes it count how many seconds you are apart), you should increase it to the nine-second rule. Also, remember that when there is less friction on the ground, it takes longer to stop. If you need to stop, “Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.” This will help to prevent you from swerving or losing control.

As a Chicago car accident attorney of ours mentioned, we know that people need to be on the road at all times, even when weather is bad. However, slowing down, and having a prepared car and planned trip, could help you avoid being in an accident, or help you should you be involved in one. Please drive safely this winter season, not only to protect yourself, but also to protect the people that you share the road with.

A Chicago car accident lawyer at our firm saw an article that was posted on USAToday.com yesterday that discussed how recently teenagers have been waiting longer to get their driver’s license. This comes as a bit of surprise to use because it used to be that teenagers were excited and persistent about getting their license. The article found that because of the increase in public transportation, such as the “L”, the train, buses, and other means of transportations, teens have had no problem delaying getting their license. Another reason that teens are waiting longer is because the Internet and social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, make communicating with friends more accessible and doable from home. Research done by Gartner Research showed that “nearly half (46%) of 18- to- 24-year-olds would pick Internet access over having their own car.”

Our Illinois car accident lawyers feel that it is important that teens learn safe driving practices at an early age, such as with a driver’s permit, Also, some teenagers 18 and older fail to take certified driver’s education courses which can be detrimental when on the road. Inexperienced drivers can cause many severe accidents, including when teens are not aware of or do not follow traffic laws. Driving recklessly, maybe because of music, too many passengers, or technologic distractions, can also cause serious injury or even fatality not only to the teenage driver themselves, but also everyone that they share the road with.

People who are injured as a result of these drivers’ mistakes regardless of whether or not they were a passenger in the car, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or in another vehicle, can seek action to hold these negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Filing a lawsuit allows seriously injured people, or the loved ones of someone who may have been killed in an accident to seek reasonable compensation, and peace of mind. It also brings attention to the negative actions of the negligent driver, and hopefully show others what not to do.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, pleases contact us to see if a Chicago accident lawyer at our firm could help you. When involved in an accident, costly medical and and hospital visits could result in large sums of money to be paid. Also, if you are seriously injured, you may also need to take time off from work resulting in a loss of wages, or even be unable to work permanently. Filing a lawsuit would help to recover from those hefty costs. Please contact us to discuss your potential case.

Yesterday, the Daily Herald reported on how in 2012, there may be new cell phone, drivers education, and helmet laws that Illinois motorists will need to be aware of. Some of the new anticipated legislation that our Illinois car accident attorneys read about includes:

• Mandatory helmet requirements for motorcyclists and any passengers
• Prohibiting the use of hand-held cellphones for drivers
• Enforcing and increasing consequences for drivers who misuse disabled parking passes or licenses
• Requiring 18-year-olds to have taken a driver’s education course in order to get their license
• Increasing the learner’s permit age from 15-years-old to 16, and enforcing nighttime regulations such as curfew
• Ensuring that drivers who have repeatedly been caught driving without insurance or on a suspended license face consequences

All of these new regulations, or modifications on old legislature, are being discussed and the creation of them has not been affirmed. Requiring 18-year-olds to take a driver’s education class would only be beneficial, not harmful, in the eyes of a Chicago auto accident attorney. Driver’s education classes are fundamental in providing the rules of the road to new drivers, making young drivers aware of both the rules and the risks associated with operating a vehicle.

And, in addition to the current texting ban in Illinois, prohibiting hand-held cellphones would only help to decrease distracted drivers on the road. Another potential new law that the article pointed out was mandatory helmet use for motorcyclists. Illinois is one of three states in the United States remaining that doesn’t have a helmet law. Once again, this helmet law will only benefit motorcyclists, not causing any harm. Safety gear, such as helmets, is crucial to motorcyclists’ safety because bikes lack the protection that cars have. During the warmer months, we frequently read about motorcyclists who are seriously injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. Although helmets may not prevent all injuries, they lower ones’ risk for serious brain injuries if involved in a crash.

As an Illinois accident attorney, one could see why these laws could be controversial; they put more government control into driver’s lives. However, we do believe that these laws are for the safety and protection of drivers and people they share the roads with. We hope to see these new laws passed in 2012 because they cover many of the issues that are pressing the safety of today’s drivers.

Over the weekend, our Chicago car accident lawyers saw an article posted by the Chicago Tribune that discussed a recent Cook County accident. A former Chicago police officer was found guilty of drunk driving, and reckless homicide. The negligent driver had been drunk, hit a 13-year-boyand fled the seen. The boy later died from his injuries. This article reminded us of the dangers of driving under the influence, and also why drivers should never leave the scene of an accident.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, almost 30 people die every day because of an impaired driver. Deaths and injuries caused by drivers who are driving under the influence are completely avoidable. By enforcing the BAC law of a 0.08% maximum for drivers who are 21 and older, and an absolute zero tolerance law for drivers who are under 21, states can make firm examples of intoxicated drivers. Some other consequences that can make examples include taking away or suspending license, and requiring treatment for second or third time offenders. We support the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation intheir use of sobriety checkpoints. Sobriety checkpoints, according to the CDC are “traffic stops where law enforcement officers assess drivers’ level of alcohol impairment.” These checkpoints have been proven to help reduce DUI related accidents by one fifth.

One Chicago auto accident lawyer recommended that individuals should always have a designated driver planned before going out. Also, when friends around you are drinking and thinking about driving impaired, don’t allow it. Take their keys away, and find a sober ride, call a cab, or even take public transportation. Finally, if you are the host of a party, remind all the partygoers to have a sober ride home.

In the case above, the impaired driver also made the decision to leave the scene of the accident. As we have said before, when a person is involved in an accident, they are required to stop. This allows the drivers, pedestrians, or bikers to swap any information they may need, or help anyone who could be injured. It is unlawful to flee the scene, and can have serious consequences including possible jail time.

Our Illinois auto accident lawyers believe that there are no excuses for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or leaving the scene of an accident. As you can see from this particular instance, a young man lost his life because the reckless driver made the decision to drink and drive. We want our readers to be safe on the road not only for their own benefit, but also for the benefit of the people that they share the road with.

An Illinois auto accident lawyer at our firm pointed out an article that was posted recently by USAToday.com that discussed a study showing drivers want in-car technology that helps to avoid accidents. Some of these in- car technologies include “features such as lane-changing and blind-spot warning systems and cars that automatically call 911 if they’re involved in a crash.” Close to 85% of those surveyed also mentioned that they want technology that would enable their car to automatically stop itself before calling 911 or emergency services to report a problem. Pairing safer vehicles with safer drivers and newer technologies could help drivers avoid serious accidents. Automated driver-aid and traffic awareness technologies are also in demand, as well as communication technologies that help drivers stay connected.

As we have mentioned in some of our previous Chicago car accident lawyer blog entries, new technologies, such as ones that can wake a drowsy driver up, or self-park, have been created or are close to being created. There has definitely been a visible demand for products such as these for tech savvy drivers. However, some in-car technologies may also be dangerous.

Features such as GPS, music, Bluetooth, or other communication systems can be just as dangerous as using hand held technologies. When buying a car with all of the technological bells and whistles, it is important to remember to only use them at safe points in time, such as when the car is parked. Using these devices and technologies while the car is in motion can lead to distracted driving. While we support technologically advanced safety features such as waking up a drowsy driver or blind spot warning systems, other types such as communication options can be dangerous.

When on the road, we want to remind drivers that their first priority is not plugging in an address to a GPS system or trying to get the voice control system to work. A driver’s first priority is staying alert and aware on the road. Using technology when driving can lead to cognitive distractions, which is when the driver does not have their mind focused on the road.

Our Chicago accident lawyers encourage automobile makers to continue coming out with new technologic safety features, but we also encourage drivers to make safe decisions on the road. We hope that drivers will take their safety and the safety of others they share the road with into consideration when choosing to manipulate devices in the car. New technologies are great, as long as drivers stay alert and aware on the road.

Last night, the Chicago Tribune posted an article online that discussed how distracted drivers might not be the only factor in pedestrian related accidents, but pedestrians who are tuned out may play a factor as well. Smartphones, music, grooming, and even reading can all be issues for drivers, but these distractions can be just as dangerous and life threatening for pedestrians. The article reports, “Serious injuries to pedestrians listening to headphones while walking have more than tripled in three years.” Close to 70%, well over half, of pedestrians involved in train or car accidents who were listening to headphones were killed, according to the study. Over 60% of those pedestrians who were killed were men that were under the age of 30-years-old. Many universities see accidents like this, because of the dense population of pedestrians, most of whom probably own and regularly use headphones.

Because headphones have become so popular over the years, with the inventions of smartphones with music capabilities as well as MP3 players, there has been a clear increase of pedestrian accidents. Our Chicago auto accident lawyers saw that USAToday.com reported on the topic as well. The article clarifies that most drivers are aware of the risks of texting while driving, but more and more people are seen with headphones in their ears and new handheld technologies, yet are unaware of the dangers of distracted walking.

An Illinois auto accident attorney in our firm thought going over pedestrian safety would be beneficial for our readers. First, always stay alert. As the articles above mention, don’t let distractions such as headphones or text messaging get in the way of your safety. You are responsible for making sure that you are walking in a safe path. Pedestrians should be particularly careful when crossing intersections, because drivers may not see them, or could not yield the right-of-way while turning left and right. Pedestrians should also make sure to wear clothing that stands out when it is dark out, but also try to refrain from waking around in the dark when visibility is limited. We understand that there not always be a crosswalk available, but when there is, use the designated path. Crosswalks are much more safe. However, if you should have to walk in the street, make sure that you are walking facing traffic so you are more visible.

From the point of view of a Chicago car accident attorney, we hope drivers will always make sure to yield the right-of-way when there are pedestrians present. They should also always be aware and alert and avoid distractions to prevent accidents with pedestrians. But we also hope that pedestrians will be more alert in order to avoid accidents that could result in very serious injuries, or even fatalities.

Today, a Levin and Perconti Chicago accident lawyer brought an article that was posted online yesterday, by the Lake County News-Sun, to the attention of our firm. The accident involved a 19-year-old Antioch woman involved in a five-car accident. One of the vehicles involved lost control, due to bad weather a few weeks ago. The driver of the vehicle that went out of control was ticketed for speeding in non-permitting weather conditions. After the first car lost control, it collided with another motorist. In attempts to avoid the accident, the car that the teenager was in and another car collided, and they went off of the roadway. The fifth vehicle involved had pulled over to help with the first crash, but then was hit by the second accident. The accident occurred in early January, but after spending weeks in the hospital, the teenager passed away last Friday because of the seriousness of her injuries from the accident.

This accident should remind all Chicago drivers to drive more slowly and cautiously in winter weather driving conditions. As we have mentioned before, Weather.com has some great tips for driving safely in winter weather. The first tip that they offer is to decrease speed. Speeding in winter driving conditions caused the accident previously discussed, and slowing down could make the roads safer. Drivers should give themselves plenty of stopping room, and use the 9 Second Rule. Drivers should pick a stationary object ahead, and should start counting seconds after the car in front of them passes the object. There should be at least nine seconds in between the time that the car in front of you passes the object, and you pass the object, when the roads are slick.

When the roads have snow and ice on them, they have less traction so tires can’t stick as well. Our Illinois car accident lawyers know that when speeds are increased, it makes braking very difficult and cars can go out of control. Brake gently and slowly to avoid skidding on icy or snowy roads. Also, turning your lights on will not only help you to see better, but will also help other motorists on the road see you more clearly. Be careful when driving on bridges or roads that aren’t used much, because they are typically the first to freeze. However, AAAExchange.com suggests that drivers should not stop if they can avoid it. They say, “If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it,” because coming to a complete stop may require more distance than you have.

When asked what the number one tip is for winter driving, any Chicago car accident lawyer would say to avoid driving in dangerous conditions. Staying home keeps you and your loved ones safe. Even if you think you are the best driver in the snow, many others that you share the roads with aren’t as cautious and can cause harm to you. If you don’t absolutely need to leave the house, stay where you are and stay safe.

Today, an Illinois car accident attorney at our office read an article online posted by WGNRadio.com about a Chicago hit-and-run accident. The police have not been able to locate the driver who hit the victim, but apparently the motorist struck the victim and drove away. A photo surveillance camera captured a picture of the car at close to 5:00 Monday evening. Although the pedestrian appeared injured, the driver didn’t stop.

After seeing this article, we thought it would be beneficial for our readers to be aware of what constitutes a hit-and-run accident. When a person is involved in an accident, they are required to stop. Stopping allows the driver to provide any information that the other drivers, pedestrian, or bikers involved may need, and also for the other involved drivers to help should there be an injury. Failure to stop after an accident has serious consequences, which can include anything from hefty fines to prison time. A negligent driver may have their license revoked, have to pay for properly damages and may even be subject to a lawsuit. If the hit-and-run accident should lead to a fatality, the accident is considered a felony.

If you are in the victim or witness of a hit-and-run accident, you should get as many descriptions of the vehicle and driver as possible. This can include the color, make, and model of the car, as well as the license plate number. Characteristics of the driver, as well as where they drove off too, could also be helpful information. After getting identification information, call 911. The police will help to further investigate what occurred, and how to go about finding the negligent driver. Next, if you have been injured or experienced property damage contact your insurance provider. Taking pictures, either on a disposable camera, digital camera, or even cell phone, can be beneficial later. Finally, contact a lawyer. Our Chicago car accident lawyers have successfully represented seriously injury victims in many hit-and-run accident cases and may be able to help you, or a loved one, seek reasonable compensation for your injuries.

This particular accident also brings up the importance of surveillance video cameras and photo photography to help to track down offenders. John Perconti, one of our Illinois accident attorneys, was recently quoted in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin discussing the importance of video cameras in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. We have relied on video evidence in a number of cases and anticipate that this practice will grow as more and more, buildings and businesses employ the use of these cameras to monitor their premises. With this growth, we are interested to see how videos are used as evidence to support plaintiffs and defendants alike.