Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

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.

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.

Earlier today, a Chicago car accident lawyer at our firm read a news report posted on WashingtonPost.com detailing a government rule that is under consideration which would require automakers to install rearview cameras in newly manufactured cars and small trucks. This rule and passenger vehicle feature, the article points out, is intended to help prevent drivers from backing over children. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rule will be delayed until the end of this year in order to obtain more time for study and data analysis.

Our Chicago auto accident attorney learned through a statement released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s secretary that additional time has been given to the development of this rule in order to ensure that the final rule is appropriate and the safety analysis is strong. This issue also garnered government concern in 2008 when Congress encouraged safety upgrades in light of numerous motor vehicle accidents where small children were backed over.

According to current data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 300 people are killed each year due to back-over accidents, while approximately 18,000 are injured – with almost half of the deaths involving children under the age of 5. A majority of these devastating accidents transpire in driveways, as well as, parking lots.

However, our Chicago accident lawyer learned that lobbyists for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers urge administrators to allow automobile manufacturers the option to include expanded mirrors in newly manufactured vehicles – instead of in-vehicle cameras. The lobbyists assert that the cost of in-vehicle cameras in new cars would cost the manufacturing industry approximately $2.7 billion each year.

Additionally, the lobbyist point out that many automakers are concerned about the cumulative costs of federal regulations – noting that cameras are already standard in many new vehicles or are offered to car buyers as an additional vehicle feature. The federal government estimates that the camera systems would cost approximate $200 per new vehicle. However, if the automobile already had a built-in GPS screen, it would only cost manufacturers roughly $58.

Our accident attorneys in Chicago are pleased to learn that steps are being taken to decrease the increasing amount of fatalities caused by backed-over accidents. Given that a majority of accident victims in these cases are young children, the government must take the initiative to develop and implement regulations that prevent continued harm. Furthermore, our attorneys urge the traveling public to maintain the utmost caution when backing up and to always ensure the coast is clear of pedestrians and small children before travel.

In most posts related to bicyclists, we discuss the dangers they face when sharing the road with larger vehicles. However, earlier this month, our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys read in The Wall Street Journal that some new studies have recently surfaced, discussing cyclists and the dangers they pose. The article reported that bicycles are not only dangerous for the riders, but also to pedestrians who are on the streets. A study showed that each year, bicyclists could cause up to 1,000 pedestrian injuries in urban cities, such as Chicago.

Addressing the study regarding cyclists causing injuries to non-cyclists, some say that this could be related to the rapid increase in the amount of bicyclists that are on the road in the past five years. The average of 1,000 pedestrian injuries per year by bicyclists includes those who have been admitted to hospitals for treatment. In Chicago, our team has noticed an increase in the number of bicyclists on the streets. The City has made changes to accommodate this increase, including opening a number of bike lanes. Bike lanes can not only help to prevent accidents between cars and bikes, but will also hopefully lower the number of accidents between bikes and pedestrians, since bicyclists will not have to ride on the sidewalks to avoid obstacles on the streets.

There is some controversy regarding this recent study, however, because it seems as though the researchers have supplied these numbers without addressing the context as to where they apply. For example, urban cities such as Chicago are more likely to have a higher population, with more pedestrians so it is inaccurate to generalize these statistics to other parts of the nation. The Wall Street Journal continues on to say that many of the pedestrian injuries were minor and easily treated.

Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers acknowledge that although some data can be misrepresented, it is still evident that there is a correlation between an increase in bikes on the streets and pedestrian accidents. We encourage our readers to take all of this information into account, and to be especially careful of pedestrians when cycling in an area that has a dense pedestrian representation.

Early this morning, our Chicago accident attorneys read on The Chicago Tribune website about a pedestrian safety campaign along Wacker Drive. The City posted 32 mannequins up and down Wacker Drive this morning to represent pedestrians who were killed by cars last year in Chicago. The purpose of the campaign is to draw attention to the significance of pedestrian related car crashes, and to motivate drivers to be aware of the pedestrian’s presence on the street. Along with the mannequins, the safety campaign implemented messages citywide, posted on buses, garbage cans, and notice boards, as well as talking with cab drivers, schools and elder drivers.

The Chicago Tribune reported, “About 80 percent of vehicle-pedestrian crashes in Chicago occur at intersections and commonly involve people crossing the street with the walk signal.” The most common cause of pedestrian accidents and fatalities is when drivers do not pay attention to the illuminated walk signal, or simply don’t yield.

Along with the citywide awareness, the campaign will also install crossing flags in certain neighborhoods with the pedestrian icon painted on sidewalks. The Chicago Department of Transportation continues to offer new pedestrian initiatives, along with Illinois state law requiring cars to not only yield, but to stop when pedestrians are present. This pedestrian safety awareness campaign comes just three days after a woman pedestrian was killed on the West Side of Chicago.

Our Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys have successfully handled many pedestrian related accidents, and if you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident, we may be able to help you. Some of our successful cases include a $10 million settlement for a 5-year-old boy who lost his leg and half of his pelvis when hit by a fire truck, a $1.25 million verdict for a woman pedestrian who was hit by a bus, while in a crosswalk, and a $1.25 million settlement for an elder woman pedestrian who was hit while she was walking across a bus terminal.

Because pedestrians have no protection, when hit by a car, the damage can be incredibly severe. These types of accidents can result in extensive medical bills, wage loss, and serious disability. Although filing a lawsuit cannot undo the past, it can help the victim or the victim’s family to receive fair compensation and some piece of mind Knowing that all wrongdoers have been held accountable. Please contact our Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers to discuss your potential lawsuit, and see how we may be able to help you.

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" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys recently read with interest a report titled Dangerous by Design released by Transportation for America. The report ranks Illinois the 27th most dangerous state in the U.S., and the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet metro area 38th most dangerous in the U.S. for pedestrians. The report highlights the growing issues surrounding pedestrian accidents throughout the country, noting that although pedestrian deaths account for 12% of traffic-related deaths, little has been done to increase pedestrian safety.

The report calls for more attention to the problems and funding increases to create safer roadways for pedestrians. This funding could be used to improve our nation’s sidewalks, trails and crosswalks to create a safer environment for people on foot. The full report can be viewed on Transportation for America’s website.

Far too often, we do not consider the dangers that surround us as we walk to our homes, work, and for entertainment purposes. However, throughout our practice, our Chicago personal injury lawyers have represented a number of injured victims and the families of people who have been wrongfully killed in Illinois pedestrian accidents.

Like other traffic-related accidents, pedestrian accidents can occur under many different circumstances. Sometimes it is a driver who is at fault. In other instances, the pedestrian themself is to blame for disobeying or ignoring traffic signals or due to distractions such as iPods and cell phones. When a driver is responsible for a pedestrian's injuries or death, the victim or his or her family can file a pedestrian accident lawsuit to recover damages and hold all wrongdoers accountable.

Since 1992, we have helped a number of individuals and families in pedestrian accident cases. Most recently, we filed a lawsuit on behalf of a young man who was severely injured while standing on a sidewalk in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. He was hit by a City of Chicago worker who was driving under the influence of alcohol.

We have recovered a number of million dollar settlements in pedestrian accident lawsuits, including a $10 million settlement for a young boy who lost his leg and half his pelvis when he was run over by a City of Chicago Fire Department truck, a $1.25 million pedestrian accident settlement for a 50-year-old hit by a bus at a crosswalk, a $1.25 million pedestrian accident settlement for a woman who was struck and required a right leg amputation, and a $900,000 settlement for a pedestrian with disabilities who was struck suffered leg fractures when he was hit by a truck.

We support Transportation for America’s mission to push for safer environments for pedestrians and hope that the organization’s efforts will help to reduce the number of people seriously injured or killed in pedestrian accidents in Illinois and throughout the country.

ABC News 7 wrote a story Sunday about the fourth annual walk in remembrance of a four year old girl who was killed while crossing the street. Maya Hirsch was killed in 2006 near her Chicago home when a driver failed to stop at a stop sign as the little girl was crossing the street with her mother and brother. The family had just spent a day at the Lincoln Park Zoo when the horrific accident occurred and took the life of the family’s youngest member.

The accident has left a mark on the community. An anonymous stranger has kept a vigil with fresh flowers at the intersection ever since the accident. Also, the veteran Chicago police officer who responded to the accident continues to put a sticker with Maya’s picture on all tickets that he gives out to drivers who fail to stop at intersections.

This awareness event in held in honor of Maya coincides with the new law in Illinois focused on pedestrian safety in crosswalks. As we reported on this blog last week, the new state law requires drivers to stop for all pedestrians in any crosswalk, even those that do not have signals or stop signs. In that way, state officials are hoping to make the law very clear—cars cannot pass when pedestrians are waiting to cross the street.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti understand the destruction wrought with so many car accidents---especially those that take the precious lives of young children like Maya. The tragedy is even more apparent when the accident is caused by negligent or careless behavior that should have been avoided. If you or someone you know may have suffered from a similar accident on the road, please contact a car accident attorney today.

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.

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 fatal train accident occurred on April 16th in which a Chicago woman’s car was struck by an Amtrak train and she was killed. Upon investigation it was discovered that the trains warning system (to alert drivers when a train is approaching) was not properly reconnected after the track had been worked on. Unfortunately, this meant that there was no adequate warning for the young woman whose car was struck to let her know the train was coming and to keep her from crossing. According to Chicago Breaking News, after the repair work was done on the tracks, the workers thought they had appropriately hooked the warning system back up but unfortunately had not causing the warning system to not go into effect with an approaching train. To read more about this tragic accident, please click on this link.

While this accident was a result of human error on the part of the train workers, it is important for all drivers to be very cautious when driving over train tracks. If there are safety alerts telling you a train is approaching, never try to cross even if you cannot see the train. Trains travel at very fast speeds and can approach much quicker than you may realize and could be very close even if you can not see it from the intersection. If you are at a train track and the warning systems are not activated but you can see or hear a train nearby wait anyway just to be safe. If you are ever not sure if it is safe to go at that time, in order to avoid a car accident, please err on the side of caution.

An Illinois construction worker was killed on March 16th when he was struck by a car on Interstate 80. The victim was patching potholes on the highway when he was hit by a car at such a high speed that the victim was forced through the windshield. According to The Chicago Tribune, the driver of the car fled from the scene of the car accident and is still being sought out. Many hit-and-run accidents occur every year when people either get scared and don’t know how to handle the situation or think they can avoid the consequences caused by their negligence. If you are ever involved in an a car crash, make sure to stay at the scene for the police.

The accident occurred in a construction zone that was clearly marked. The construction zone signs are intended to protect both the construction workers as well as the drivers. It is important to always be aware when driving and make sure to take note of construction zones and follow the construction zone special rules. According to the Illinois Tollway website, first of all pay attention so you know where the construction zone begins and ends as well as what the reduced speed limit is in that area. While in the construction zone, obey the reduced speed limit whether you can see workers or not. The penalty for hitting a construction worker may be up to $10,000 and up to 14 years in jail. To read more about this car crash in which a construction worker was fatally injured, click on the link.

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 car accident wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in connection with the death of a Illinois woman who was killed when struck by a vehicle in October of this past year. This pedestrian accident occurred in Evanston when the elderly woman tried to cross Sheridan Road and the car accident lawsuit alleges that the driver was negligent because she failed to keep a proper lookout in addition to driving too fast given the weather conditions. According to The Pioneer Local, the suit seeks over $200,000 in damages. To read more about this tragic accident, please click on the link.

While there has been a decrease in pedestrian deaths over the last decade, this is still a serious problem that drivers and pedestrians need to be aware of. In 2007, 170 pedestrians were killed and 1000 were injured in Illinois. Pedestrian accidents are much more common in urban areas, so residents of Chicago need to be extra cautious when walking and when driving. The best way to try to avoid pedestrian accidents is to make sure you are always alert, paying attention to the road and following street signs while either driving or walking. To read more about pedestrian accident rates and ways to avoid these horrible accidents, please click on the 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 fatal car accident occurred in Chicago on October 17th when a car struck a local panhandler and drove away without stopping at the scene. The accident occurred on the corner of Roosevelt and Cicero and friends say they had warned him that it was a dangerous intersection, and he had even been struck by a car at that intersection previously. According to ABC, a gas station video caught the October 17th car accident on video and police are looking for a red vehicle with extensive front end damage and possible windshield damage. Many people could vouch for what a great guy the victim of this fatal hit-and-run accident was.

A Chicago man was killed on the morning of October 15th, when he was struck by a car while he was placing traffic counters near Farmington on Manley Road in Avon. The fatal car accident occurred when the driver crossed into the westbound lane and struck the victim, who it is believed to not have seen anything coming. According to The Peoria Journal Star, the driver immediately stopped and called 911 and at this point has not been ticketed and his speed is unknown. The car accident attorney for the company the victim worked for says that the victim was well aware of safety protocol and appears to have complied with it completely at the time of the fatal car accident.

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.

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 couple who were both hit by a car got their car stolen the same day while they were in the hospital receiving treatment for their personal injuries. The car accident occurred on September 14th, and that same day their car was stolen from their home. Two teenagers were later arrested and charged with stealing the car and the couple is expected to fully recover. For more information on this car accident and car theft, click here.

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.

An Oak Lawn man was killed on August 18th when he was riding his bicycle and was hit by a car. The car accident left the bicyclist dead just hours after the car hit him. The car was driven by a Chicago woman who hit the victim as he was biking across the traffic. The fatal accident reduced traffic to two lanes for three hours to allow the police to investigate the traffic accident. For more information on this Cook County car accident, click here.

On Sunday, July 5th an Illinois woman was killed while riding her bicycle. The bike accident occurred when a pickup truck struck the woman and her daughter while they were riding bicycles. The victim’s daughter suffered injuries, but they are not life-threatening. The driver of the truck involved in the fatal accident has been charged with improper lane usage, and at this point there is no evidence of drug or alcohol involvement and speed does not seem to be a factor in the terrible crash. For more information on this terrible truck accident, click here.

Two men were caught under a Metra train in Chicago on June 30th. The train accident occurred when the two men attempted to cross the tracks as the crossing gates were coming down. The train tried to stop to avoid them, but in its sudden stop it ended up pinning them under the train. One of the victims that was pinned in this pedestrian accident was killed as a result of the personal injuries he sustained and the other victim was seriously injured. The first victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the second victim was taken to a local hospital where he is listed in serious to critical condition. For more information on this train accident, 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.

Early in the morning of May 22nd, a young boy was killed in a terrible hit-and-run pedestrian accident, by an off duty police officer. The boy was killed instantly and the police officer just drove off after hitting the boy with his vehicle. The boy was riding his bike and although the light was red, the police officer continued through the light striking the boy. The officer has been stripped of his police powers but at this point no criminal charges have been filed for this hit-and-run car accident. For more information of this terrible pedestrian accident, click here.

A Countryside woman was crossing the street with her two young children when she was struck and killed by a car. Luckily, the small child that the woman was pushing in the stroller and the toddling that was strapped to her did not suffer any serious injuries. The pedestrian accident was not a hit-and-run and did not involve excessive speeds, and the driver claims that she did not see the victim crossing the street. At this point the driver has not been arrested or charged with anything in relation to the car accident. For more information on this car accident, click here.

A 22-year-old DePaul University student is being held on $80,000 bail for the hit-and-run death of a pedestrian in Chicago on April 30. The Chicago Tribune reports that the woman was driving a rental truck at 65 mph when she hit the 57 year-old man as he was crossing at a cross walk. The rental truck drug the man over 100 feet. After the accident, the woman kept driving. Police found her in distress several block away from the pedestrian accident. Read more about this Chicago hit-and-run accident.

The accident comes several weeks after Chicago police began a sting campaign to increase awareness of pedestrians at crosswalks. At many of the city's busiest crosswalks, vehicles consistently fail to yield to pedestrians, greatly increasing the risk for pedestrian accidents that may cause injury or death. Chicago police will now issue tickets to drivers who do not yield to pedestrians crossing the street.

On April 30, a pedestrian was hit by a car near LaSalle and Burton Place in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. Chicago Breaking News reported that the victim was seriously injured in the pedestrian accident. The pedestrian was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment. The report did not reveal the cause of the accident or the identity of the victim. According to a report by the Illinois Department of Transportation, 3,697 pedestrian accidents occurred in Chicago in 2007. Of these, 3,645 lead to injury.

Read more about the Chicago pedestrian accident.

A 19-year-old woman from Joliet, IL died on April 15 after being struck by a vehicle along a busy roadway. The accident occurred on April 14 and the victim was flown to Loyola Hospital in Maywood for treatment of her critical injuries. A report in the Joliet Herald News did not reveal what caused the driver to hit the pedestrian or who may have been at fault. The driver of the car did remain on the scene and has not been cited by police. Read more about this pedestrian accident.

Each year, hundreds of pedestrians are killed by cars and trucks in the Chicago area. If you or a loved one is injured or killed due to a drivers’ negligence, please call Levin & Perconti to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.

According to a Crash Report by the Chicago-based Active Transportation Alliance, Hopkins Park in Kankakee had the most pedestrian accidents in the Chicago area. The study used Illinois Department of Transportation data from 2004-2007. Other Chicago-area towns that had high accident rates include: Oakbrook Terrace, Harvey, Markham, Countryside, Oak Park, Rosemont, Summit, Calumet Park, and Midlothian.

The report also states that there are over 800 traffic accidents in Chicagoland each day. If you are involved in a car or truck accident anywhere in the State of Illinois due to someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to call Levin & Perconti to discuss your case. Our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of car and truck accident lawsuits and can help you seek justice and fair compensation for your damages.

Read the Crash Report here.

Read the Chicago Tribune accident report coverage.

Chicago’s train system has been riddled with difficulties lately including car accidents, truck crashes, pedestrian accidents, security issues, and derailments. Another derailment that occurred this morning will affect 5000 passengers. The 72-car freight train from Canada derailed in Buffalo Grove, Illinois on its way to Chicago. Two of the cars were holding a hazardous and toxic material, sulfur, but is not dangerous, according to a spokesperson. No injuries were caused by the derailment. For the full story, click here.

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a car Saturday night on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The victim of the car crash was a 59 year-old man.

For the full article.

A pedestrian was killed this evening while crossing I-57 close to the Sibley Boulevard interchange near Harvey, Illinois. An Illinois state police trooper said that a vehicle traveling northbound in the left lane of 1-57 struck the pedestrian who was trying to cross the interstate east-to-west about 500 feet south of 147th Street. All inbound lanes of I-57 were closed for more than two hours during the investigation of the automobile accident. Officials are still trying to determine why the pedestrian was on the interstate and how he caused the car accident. To read the full story, click here.

An investigation of a car crash that injured a motorist and two police officers has preliminarily shown that one officer may have disregarded a stop signal while speeding. Reports say that an officer was driving his car to a shoplifting call when his car struck a car. The car crash caused one car to spin out of control and strike a person standing by.

For the full article.

Illinois police are looking for a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed an Illinois pedestrian and injured another last Thursday in a Chicago suburb. An 18 year-old was walking on Lake Street when a car struck her and a friend. The car accident victim was pronounced dead at a Chicago-area hospital soon thereafter.

For the full article.

As the sun sets sooner and the days growing shorter, many people are doing more nighttime driving. That means more automobile accidents. Studies show that pedestrians walking during the evening rush hour are three times more likely to be struck and killed by cars in the weeks after the fall time change. However, surveys show two-thirds of pedestrians say they don’t take extra precautions this time of year. This means drivers need to be extra careful and should follow these tips:

*Keep your eyes moving and away from glare. If a driver focuses on the white lines
on the side of the road, they’ll avoid oncoming headlights and be able to spot
pedestrians.
*Pedestrians are more likely to cross the street when you’re turning at a green light
or turning right on red, so drivers should take an extra look to make sure that the
path is clear.
*Remember pedestrians always have the right of way, even if they’re crossing where
they shouldn’t. It is the driver that must stop!

To read the full story, click here.

As the sun sets sooner and the days growing shorter, many people are doing more nighttime driving. That means more automobile accidents. Studies show that pedestrians walking during the evening rush hour are three times more likely to be struck and killed by cars in the weeks after the fall time change. However, surveys show two-thirds of pedestrians say they don’t take extra precautions this time of year. This means drivers need to be extra careful and should follow these tips:

*Keep your eyes moving and away from glare. If a driver focuses on the white lines
on the side of the road, they’ll avoid oncoming headlights and be able to spot
pedestrians.
*Pedestrians are more likely to cross the street when you’re turning at a green light
or turning right on red, so drivers should take an extra look to make sure that the
path is clear.
*Remember pedestrians always have the right of way, even if they’re crossing where
they shouldn’t. It is the driver that must stop!

To read the full story, click here.

A unknown vehicle struck and seriously personally injured an elderly man near West 116th Place and South Peoria Street in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago Police are asking for the public’s help finding the vehicle that struck and personally injured the elderly man in the hit-and-run crash in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood. The vehicle failed to stop after it struck the man and fled the scene. Police are still investigating the hit-and-run crash and looking for the identity of the driver of the vehicle. At this time, no personal injury lawsuits have been filed. To read the full story, click here.

A pedestrian was hit by several cars last night while attempting to cross the northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive. The man suffered serious personal injuries and was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in serious condition. The accident occurred at the 2900 block of North Lake Shore Drive shortly before 8:45 p.m. A Chicago Police Department investigation is currently underway.

For the full story, click here.

A pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a car in the South Loop of Chicago. The pedestrian was struck at Roosevelt Road and Wabash Avenue in the evening. The victim was taken to the hospital with personal injuries and is “extremely critical” condition in the hospital. The police Major Accidents Investigation Unit was responding to the scene. At this time, no lawsuits have been filed regarding the automobile accident. To read the full story, click here.

A soldier from the Chicago area was struck and killed by a car over the weekend near his Army base. The 23 year old was assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and was stationed in Texas. The man was struck as he was crossing a road near the base. The driver has been charged with striking a pedestrian. At this time, no wrongful death lawsuits have been filed. To read the full story, click here.

A woman was killed after she exited her stalled car on South Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois. The woman went to look under the hood after her car stalled. She then was killed in a chain reaction crash. The 48 year-old woman stepped out to work on her stalled car in a southbound lane which cased the car behind her to stop. A third vehicle then collided into that car and pinned her underneath her own car. She died at the scene. The automobile accident occurred near 50th Street on Lake Shore Drive and police had to divert traffic. At this time, no wrongful death lawsuits have been filed. To read the full story, click here.

This video shows an elderly man becoming the victim of a hit and run accident. As a result of the automobile accident, the elderly man was paralyzed. Notably, bystanders do not come to the man's aide after the accident. This type of video shows that many automobile accident victims should turn to a car accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer for help.

On Tuesday afternoon, a girl from Des Plaines, Illinois was hit by a car crossing a street. Alexis Perroca, 11, was returning from feeding ducks and geese in the Des Plaines River when she was hit by an SUV heading south on Des Plaines River Road. The driver was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian. The girl was crossing at a point on the four-lane road where there was no crosswalk and the speed limit was 35 mph. Apparently, as they were crossing, Alexis let go of her father’s hand and darted out into traffic, her father was carrying her 3 year-old twin siblings and their bicycles at the time. Alexis died later that afternoon as a result of the car accident at Advocate Luther General Hospital in Park Ridge. Read more here.

A Chicago, Illinois teenager was hit by a car while on vacation. The teen was rollerblading when he was struck by a car. The in-lining skating car crash left the teen dead. The driver in the car crash was cited for reckless driving, negligent driving and other criminal citations. There is no word yet if a wrongful death suit or a personal injury lawsuit will be filed by the Chicago, Illinois family of the deceased teenager. To read the full story click here.

Wednesday morning 2 Illinois Department of Transportation workers died while painting a bridge in Elgin. The workers’ truck came into contact with a power-line and by the time firefighters arrived on the scene the truck was encased in flames. Both men were so severely burned that they were pronounced dead on the scene. It is as of yet unknown what caused the truck to hit the power-line, but human error or product liability are some potential issues. Later that same day, one IDOT worked died and another was injured in a car accident on one of Chicago, Illinois’ highways. It is not clear yet whether any workers' compensation claims, personal injury lawsuits, or wrongful death lawsuits will be filed in connection with the two construction accidents.

A fatal car accident left an Illinois Department of Transportation worker killed yesterday. A deadly interstate accident on a Chicago, Illinois interstate left the road worker dead and another individual with car accident injuries. The injured interstate worker suffered from a head injury and a brain injury but was released from the hospital. The reckless driver attempted to leave the scene but was later apprehended. This accident comes after Illinois legislation has been passed to minimize highway car accidents and construction accidents in highway work zones. As of yet the family of the deceased has not filed a wrongful death suit against the negligent reckless driver. To see the full story click here.

A new personal injury lawsuit has recently been filed by the family of a man who was run over by a car in the Durkin Park fight that occurred earlier this year. Durkin Park was the site of the clash that ended with one teen driving an SUV through a crowd of people. Despite the numerous and frantic calls to 911 that night, authorities were slow to respond and dealt with the callers with sarcasm and apathy. The man who was run over by the SUV sustained personal injuries that have prevented him from returning to his job in construction. He and his family are suing the driver of the car, the owner of the car, and the City of Chicago.

Click here for the full article
Click here for a post on an earlier lawsuit filed after the Durkin Park fight

A Chicago Police Officer has recently filed a personal injury lawsuit in the Cook County Circuit Court against a man the officer later shot to death. The defendant hit the Chicago Police Officer with his car and dragged the officer for ten feet under the car's bumper. The police report indicates that four officers then shot 42 bullets at the driver because he was using the car as a weapon. This account of events is different than the one depicted in the wrongful death lawsuit filed last year by the deceased driver’s family.

Click here for the full article