Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog

The National Safety Council has announced a three-percent decline in fatal motor vehicle accidents last year with a report that estimates 34,700 people died in traffic accidents in 2010. The Illinois-based safety organization is the first to report fatality figures from last year -- the federal government will release its statistics through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this summer.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have reported before that much of the reduction has been attributed to the downturn in the economy and the high levels of unemployment -- fewer visitors and fewer people going to work during the morning and afternoon rush hours equates to fewer fatal Chicago car accidents.

The data bears that out as the NSC reports a slight increase in fatalities during the fourth quarter of last year.

“As encouraging as it is to see fatalities decreasing on our nation’s roads, the 2010 rate of decrease is less than a third of the previous year’s decrease,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “We must remain vigilant in addressing roadway safety issues where the greatest impact can be made, such as distracted and teen driving. As miles traveled start to rise again from recession lows, we want to ensure the continuance of this downward trend.”

January - March saw reductions of 13 to 14 percent, while September saw just a 1 percent year-over-year drop and October to December saw a 2 percent increase in the overall number of traffic fatalities nationwide. As we reported in February on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, Illinois recorded fewer than 1,000 traffic deaths for the second year in a row -- nearly matching 2009's total, which was the lowest since the 1920s.

The estimated cost of traffic accidents last year, including lost wages and productivity, medical bills and property damages, was $236.6 billion -- also a decrease of 3 percent compared to 2009.

Continue reading " Illinois Safety Organization says number of Chicago car accidents could rise with economic recovery " »

An auto accident in the north suburbs of Chicago has resulted in the death of a high school student, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center. The teen victim was riding as a passenger when the vehicle he was riding in lost control on a curve and ran into a tree.

The deadly Illinois accident took place early Thursday morning in Arlington Heights around 12:40 AM when a Hyundai moving south 400 block of S. Windsor Dr. lost control and left the road. The vehicle was only moving slightly above the 25 mph speed limit, but police say the street was wet from a recent snow.

The Arlington Heights Police Department responded to the scene of the accident, and they reportedly had to cut off the roof of the vehicle in their attempt to rescue the passenger. The16-year-old was transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The news story does not report when the teenager passed away.

The driver of the vehicle, also age 16, sustained minor injuries in the crash. Drugs and alcohol did not play a role in the accident. Both of the teens were wearing seatbelts and the vehicle's airbags properly deployed.

The teenage victim is an Arlington Heights resident.

A multiple vehicle car crash in Southern Illinois has caused the death of one person and injured four others, according to CBS news. The collision occurred Wednesday afternoon just before 3 PM on Interstate 57 in Union County, Illinois.

Local officials are saying that a 56-year-old man from Anna was pronounced dead at the scene. He was riding as a passenger in a pickup truck.

Illinois state police are stating that the accident occurred when a Camaro struck a cattle trailer from the rear around mile marker 39. The truck lost control, separated from the trailer and ended up in the median.

The truck was occupied by a driver and two passengers, one of which was killed. Another passenger, age 74, was transported by helicopter to a Cape Girardeau hospital for medical attention. The nature of that passengers injuries have not been reported. The 50-year-old driver of the rear ended truck was seriously injured and taken to an area hospital.

The Camaro driver and his three-year-old passenger were taken to an area hospital with no serious injuries. Illinois state police ticketed the 26-year-old driver with failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident, speeding, driving with a suspended license, failure to wear seat belt, and failure to secure child in a car seat.

It has not been reported if an Illinois personal injury lawyer is involved in the case yet.

An Illinois pedestrian collision has resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy in Bridgeview on Tuesday afternoon, according to WGN news. The deadly incident occurred when a family member backing out of the driveway rolled over him.

The collision took place in the 8100 block of S. Odell Avenue around 12:45 PM. The child was taken by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and pronounced dead a short time later. An autopsy is scheduled for today.

The Bridgeview Police Department is handling the investigation, and they have reportedly brought in an outside accident reconstruction team to assist them. Police are saying that it is doubtful that charges will be brought against the driver.

The article goes on to report that, according to kidsandcars.org, at least 50 children nationwide are involved in back over accidents each week. Out of those 50 children, two are killed and 48 are seriously hurt.

Children should remain in car seats for twice as long -- until the ages of 2 instead of 1 -- according to new recommendations issued this week by the federal government. MSNBC reports children younger than 13 should ride in the back and those as old as 12 should ride in booster seats.

“Parents often look forward to transitioning from one stage to the next, but these transitions should generally be delayed until they’re necessary, when the child fully outgrows the limits for his or her current stage,” said Dennis Durbin, MD, FAAP.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers urge parents to take the new, updated recommendations seriously. The Beacon-News reports that children should now remain in rear-facing car seats until they're 2-years-old, or until they've reached the maximum height and weight requirements of the seat's manufacturer. Previously, the recommendations were for children under a year old.

Once a child has reached the age of 2, or has outgrown their current seat, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends a booster seat until a child is 8-years-old or reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches, whichever comes later. The government recommends children stay in the backseat until they're 12, according to the report in the Los Angeles Times.

The new car seat regulations come after new research found that children are actually safer in rear-facing car seats. The research, conducted by Injury Prevention, found that children under the age of 2, who are seated in rear-facing car seats during a car accident, are 75 perfect less likely to die or suffer a severe injury.

We frequently report that Chicago car accidents are a leading cause of serious and fatal injuries to children over the age of 3. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 34 children under the age of 14 died in Illinois car accidents in 2009 -- 19 of those were under the age of 7.

According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 184,000 children were severely injured in car accidents last year -- more than 1,300 died.

"Parents are always looking for the next stage of development because in every other scenario, that's a good thing. With car safety seats, however, that's often not the case," said Ben Hoffman, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

An instructional pamphlet about car seat recommendations for children is available for you from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Continue reading " New Car Seat Regulations to Increase Child Safety in Chicago Car Accidents " »

Chicago bike accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have worked on several "Dooring" cases over the past few years.

Advocates are now pushing for officials to include "dooring" statistics when tracking the number of serious and fatal bicycle accidents in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois, according to a report in The Tribune.

Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers remind motorists that a new Illinois law permits criminal penalties for motorists who cause an accident by not allowing three-foot of clearance between a vehicle and a rider. The Journal Standard reports that the law also created the "Share the Road" license plate.

The 3-foot rule has been on the books since 2008. Now motorists convicted of intimidating a cyclist could face up to a year in prison and a fine of $2,500; the law took effect on Jan. 1.

However, vehicles that are not moving are involved in one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents in Chicago: Motorists opening car doors into the path of a cyclist. Because they do not involve a moving vehicle, crash statistics are not tracked by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The mother of a 22-year-old Chicago man, who was killed in an accident on La Salle Street when an SUV door opened into his path, is among those pushing for the change in how bicycle accidents are counted. The Active Transportation Alliance is launching a campaign to increase public awareness about the danger of bicycle accidents caused by open car doors. The group said the issue is the most prevalent threat facing cyclists on the street.

A survey by the group indicates half of cyclists have been doored at least once. However, the lack of official state statistics makes it difficult or impossible to apply for grant money or take other steps to improve safety. IDOT reports as many as 27 cyclists have been killed in Illinois bicycle accidents in each of the last five years and an average of 3,300 are injured.

Chicago police reports 76 dooring accidents last year and 62 in 2009. A 2008 city law carries a fine of up to $500 for opening a door into a cyclist's path. However, the Tribune reports no tickets have been issued under the law. Police did issue 161 tickets last year and 106 in 2009 to drivers who were driving, standing or parking in bike lanes.

Bicyclists and drivers can contact IDOT with questions or comments via the agency's website or by phone at 217-782-7820. IDOT's address is 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62764.

Continue reading " Group wants 'Dooring" tracked as cause of Chicago bicycle accidents " »

An Illinois auto accident that occurred Friday afternoon around 5 PM on Route 66 just south of Pontiac, Illinois has resulted in the death of one person and injuries to several others, according to visitpontiac.com. The accident was a head-on collision between an SUV and a car.

When emergency personnel arrived on the scene, three of the four injured were unconscious. There were 3 occupants in the SUV and one in the car. The driver of the car was helicoptered to OSF in Peoria. The others were taken by ambulance to OSF St. James Hospital in Pontiac.

An accident reconstruction unit from the Illinois State Police has been sent to the scene for an investigation. Pontiac Police, Pontiac Fire, Duffy Ambulance, Livingston County Sheriff's Police, Illinois State Police, Saunemin Fire and SELCAS Ambulance all responded to the scene of the accident.

Pantagraph.com is reporting that the victim that died in the accident was a backseat passenger in a northbound vehicle.

Click here to read the story as reported by the Pontiac Daily Leader.

An Illinois pedestrian accident has claimed the life of a man in his 30s on Thursday night, according to the Chicago breaking news center. The pedestrian victim was killed while standing on the side of Interstate 55 Near Damon Ave.

Police have located the hit-and-run vehicle but have not stated whether they are questioning anyone in connection with the accident. The Illinois State Police are handling the crash investigation.

The pedestrian accident occurred just after 10 PM as the victim was standing on the right shoulder near his vehicle in the northbound lanes. He was transported by ambulance to Mount Sinai Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

It is not been reported if a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney is involved in this case yet. Unfortunately, in hit and run accidents, even if the driver is located, in my experience most of the time they are not insured. The Illinois personal injury lawyer that gets involved in the case could very likely pursue a hit and run / uninsured motorist claim against the driver's own policy.

An Illinois pedestrian accident has resulted in the death of the 76-year-old woman who was hit and killed by a minivan in the parking garage at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights on Wednesday morning, according to Tribune Local. The pedestrian victim was reportedly walking in a marked area for pedestrians at the time of the accident.

The woman was struck by a red Chrysler van that was being operated by a 59-year-old driver from Mount Prospect. The pedestrian became trapped under the vehicle and rescue personnel from the fire department and hospital staff tried to treat her while others tried to lift the vehicle and free her. Once she was able to be removed she was taken a short distance to the emergency room with multiple injuries and she died a short time later.

It is being reported that surveillance cameras are helping police reconstruct the accident scene. No traffic citations or criminal charges have been filed against the at fault motorist, but the Arlington Heights police investigation is still ongoing.

It is not been reported if a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney is involved in the case yet. As the weather warms up in Chicago, more and more pedestrians will be on the street and Illinois motorists have to keep a proper lookout for them. The Illinois Secretary of State's office reports that in the year 2008 alone 135 pedestrians were killed in the State of Illinois and nationwide over 4,500 pedestrians were killed and approximately 60,000 were injured.

An Illinois auto accident has injured five people, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The crash happened during rush hour on Tuesday when a vehicle lost control, flipped over several times and then struck a fence and tree. The incident happened on the Tri-State Tollway.

It was a single vehicle accident that occurred around 5:25 PM in the southbound lanes of Interstate 294. Illinois state troopers responded to the accident which occurred about a mile north of the Willow Road exit in the area of Northbrook, Illinois.

It is being reported that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and lost control while attempting to change lanes, rolling over three times. The car took out approximately 40 feet of a fence when it left the roadway.

Five occupants in the vehicle were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver that loss control was ticketed, but the nature of the charge was not reported.

In a single car accident such as this one, the injured passengers typically will have a good claim against the at fault driver who lost control the vehicle. It has not been reported if an Illinois auto accident attorney is involved in the case yet.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is teaming up with Consumer Reports to warn parents and teenagers about the dangers of distracted driving.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers urge parents to have a serious talk with their teens as spring approaches. With spring break, prom and graduation, teens will have plenty of chances to be out late on the road and may face peer pressure when it comes to underage drinking, drinking and driving and drug consumption.

In short, the next few months are among the most dangerous when it comes to the risk of Chicago car accidents involving teenagers.

“Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on America’s roads, and teens are especially vulnerable because of their inexperience behind the wheel and, often, peer pressure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Behind the statistics are real families who have been devastated by these tragedies. We’re pleased to be working with Consumer Reports to raise awareness and help communities fight this problem.”

A free guide of "Distracted Driving Shatters Lives" is being made available at the Department of Transportation's website www.distraction.gov as well as the website for Consumer Reports. The National School Safety Coalition is also distributing copies to schools and volunteer groups.

A public service announcement is set to begin airing on television nationwide and a Consumer Reports video will air in retail stores in April.

“It only takes a moment of distraction to cause a tragedy. No text or call is worth a life," said Jim Guest, the president of Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports. "We know that educating people about the risk of distracted driving works. This partnership is devoted to spreading the word about the dangers of distracted driving and specific steps you can take to make a difference.”

A new survey by Consumer Reports highlights the dangers faced by young drivers:

-Two thirds of those under the age of 30 reported using a hand-held phone while driving at some point during the last month; one-third of them admitted to text messaging.

-Only about one-third of those under the age of 30 said they were very concerned about distracted driving. About the same number felt it was dangerous to use a hand-held phone while behind the wheel.

-Two-thirds reported seeing another driver texting using a hand-held phone within the last month.

-Nearly all young drivers had seen another driver talking on the phone in the past month and more than half had seen a dangerous situation related to distracted driving.

-Four out of five said they had reduced or stopped distracted-driving behavior. Two-thirds said they did so after hearing about the dangers.

Parents can assist teens in making good driving decisions by:

-Establishing ground rules forbidding texting or the use of cell phones while driving.

-Talking about the dangers with family and friends.

-Setting a good example by not using a phone while driving.

-Talking to teens about the risks and responsibilities of driving.

-Having your child sign a pledge not to use a cell phone while driving and agreeing on the penalties for violating the pledge.

Continue reading " Chicago car accidents a serious threat to teen safety as new study highlights dangers of distracted driving " »

Thursday is St. Patrick's Day and the beginning of a long three-days of celebrating with friends for many. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers urge you to celebrate responsibly, designate a driver, and avoid drinking and driving.

A public holiday in Ireland and an official religious holiday since the 17th Century, the Irish don't seem to have much on the Americans when it comes down to some serious celebrating. The Chicago River was dyed on Saturday during the 56th Downtown Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, according to the Chicago Tribune, leaving little doubt that the celebration will be a week-long event this year.

St. Patrick -- who legend has it used the Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish -- died in 461. While once largely a religious holiday, St. Patrick's Day has become a secular celebration of Irish culture.

Few know that the original color of St. Patrick's Day was blue. However, the use of green and of shamrocks dates back at least to the 17th Century. By 1991, the U.S. Congress had proclaimed the entire month of March Irish-American Heritage Month.

And, getting to our point, it is one of the leading days for alcohol consumption in the United States and is one of the busiest days of the year for bars and restaurants. As a result, state and local authorities are prepared for extended celebration and an increased risk of Chicago car accidents during the upcoming three-day weekend.

“We hope the St. Patrick’s Day holiday continues to be the popular and joyous celebration it has become, without being spoiled by impaired drivers,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “For those thinking about drinking and driving, the message is clear. Don’t do it. Designate a sober driver before the party begins or risk arrest, a DUI charge or even worse. Nothing good can come from drinking and driving.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 10,839 people were killed in drunk driving accidents in 2009 --or about one death every 45 minutes. Alcohol was involved in 381 of the 911 people killed in Illinois car crashes.

The Naperville police are among those reporting an increase in enforcement, according to the Naperville Patch.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports 15 people have died and 1,261 have been injured in St. Patrick's Day car accidents in Illinois during the last 5 years.

"The Illinois State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in an effort to prevent alcohol-related tragedies," said Interim Illinois State Police Director Patrick Keen. "Individuals who drive impaired will be arrested. If alcohol will be part of your celebration, designate a sober driver. As always, motorists are also reminded to buckle-up to ensure safe travel."

From March 11 to March 17, officials will use about $800,000 in highway safety dollars to conduct roadside safety checks in Illinois, as well as saturation patrols and other impaired driving countermeasures.

Party Hosts:

-You can be held liable and prosecuted for serving alcohol to someone who is involved in a drunk driving crash.

-Make sure all guests have a sober ride home.

-Serve lots of food as well as non-alcoholic drinks.

-Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys from anyone who is thinking about driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For Partygoers:

-Designate a sober driver before the festivities begin.

-If you don't have a sober ride home, ask a friend, call a cab, or stay where you are.

-Never let a friend drive impaired.

-Always wear your seat belt.

Continue reading " St. Patrick's Day celebrations increase risks for Chicago accidents " »

Our Chicago car accident lawyers encourage those who have been in a serious accident to gather as much evidence at the scene as possible. This often includes photos taken by you or a relative, which can be invaluable in fighting for your rights long after a crash.

Now you can record video in real time ... just in case. As we continue to report technologies impact on driving safety -- both the good and the bad -- the story of a Knoxville man who used a cell-phone app to help track down a hit-and-run driver is certainly out there on the cutting edge.

Nic Bender's vigilance might be a bit extreme, but it certainly proves the technological point. He had just dropped his kid off at daycare when he was sideswiped by a passing sedan that didn't stop. Other drivers might have been flummoxed. But not our Nic. He had decided to use a smartphone application called Daily Road Voyager ... just in case.

His cell phone attaches to the car windshield and the application records his commute. Knoxville police say the resulting video is legitimate evidence that will be used as part of the investigation.

"Technology is changing, so we do expect to see more of this in the future," Knoxville Police spokesman Darrell DeBusk told NBC10 News. "It is getting to the point where you cannot go out into public without the possibility of being recorded by someone."

We're not sure Chicagoans are going to record their vehicle's every move just in case they are involved in a fender bender -- but we are not so sure the technology won't be standard equipment installed by car makers in the not-too-distant future.

As a general rule, motorists in an accident should take pictures of the scene whenever possible. Such evidence can prove useful if a lawsuit results. Road conditions change. Weather changes. Vegetation may grow or be trimmed back. Buildings may be constructed or torn down. Street signs or signals may be removed or added.

Gathering as much information from the scene -- including the names and contact information of any witnesses -- is always a good idea.

Nic's just a step ahead of the rest of us.

Continue reading " Taking pictures after a Chicago accident always a good idea, but before? " »

A Chicago area car crash has claimed the life of a 49-year-old man from Elgin, according to WGN. The accident occurred on Monday and involved multiple vehicles in the area of 500 block of East Lake Street in Streamwood, Illinois.

The crash occurred around 2:15 pm. The victim was taken by ambulance to Saint Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates where he was pronounced dead around 6:15 pm.

When police responded to the accident scene, they found 4 vehicles had been involved and there were several victims with injuries. Some involved had to be extricated from their cars. A part of Lake Street had to be closed in both directions for a period of time after the crash.

The Streamwood police are handling the investigation and the cause of the accident has not been reported yet.

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported over 4,500 fatal crashes were at intersections or intersection-related. This is disturbing considering design changes of intersections have been on-going for the last 25 years.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have followed the debate over the affects of red light cameras, and whether they can reduce the number of Illinois car accidents that occur each year at intersections.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration summed it up best when the feds said that intersections are the most complex traffic situation drivers encounter on a daily basis.

Even with resources dedicated to intersection safety from AAA, FHWA, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the NHTSA, nearly 21% of all traffic fatalities are still occurring at intersections.

NHTSA reports that Illinois is at its lowest total of intersection related fatalities in 5 years. With roughly 200 intersections having red light cameras installed throughout the city, fatal intersection crashes are decreasing but the less severe rear-end collisions have increased. These can still lead to serious or even fatal injuries.

It is clear that conventional intersection designs can't handle the volume of traffic we have today. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration in April 2010 released the Alternative Intersections/Interchanges: Informational Report that explains 4 alternative designs for intersections.

Though these alternative designs are very different from each other all have one goal in mind: The elimination of left turn lanes, which many safety advocates believe is the key to making intersections safer. These designs eliminate at least one left turn lane. In the days when vehicle speeds were slower and the volume of traffic was not as heavy, the idea of turning left in front of oncoming traffic wasn't as dangerous. These days it is downright treacherous to make a left turn at many intersections in the city and the statistics prove it. Not only are motorists at high risk but left turns substantially increase the risk of a Chicago pedestrian accident or bicycle accident.

Decreasing the number of left turn lanes will also mean shorter waits at traffic signals and an increased volume of traffic getting through the intersection.Until then, only in NASCAR is turning left a no-brainer.

Intersections are a challenge to any motorist. Regardless of their design, nothing replaces safe driving skills. Please make it a point to use extra caution at intersections this spring and use special care in watching for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcycles.

Continue reading " Intersections a dangerous place for Chicago car accidents " »

The recovering economy is likely to lead to more car accidents in Chicago and other large metro areas that are already dealing with the consequences of congestion, CNN reports.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have frequently reported on the link between the drastic reduction in fatal car accidents and the economic downturn of the past few years. In January, we reported on out Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog that Chicago ranked worst in the nation in terms of traffic congestion.

Not even motorists in New York City or Los Angeles face more traffic during their commutes; Chicago motorists waste 70 hours a year waiting in their cars -- more than twice the national average and about four times more than the 18 hours we were wasting in 1982.

We also reported on the increase in fatal Illinois car accidents last year. And, while the state recorded less than 1,000 traffic fatalities for the second year in a row, many think the dozen more motorists killed on the roads last year signals the beginning of the economic recovery.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports 128 motorists have died on the roads thus far this year, just four fewer than during the same period a year ago.

Spring will bring with it an increased risk of Chicago pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents. And spring break, prom and graduation bring a trifecta of dangers for teen drivers, who are already the most vulnerable motorists on the road.

Drivers are urged to use caution as Northern Illinois shakes off the final weeks of winter. Give your fellow motorists a little room and a little respect. Safe driving tips include:

-Avoid aggressive driving: This includes speeding, changing lanes without signaling, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and disobeying traffic control devices.

-Watch your speed and remain extra caution at intersections.

-Don't drink and drive. Drunk drivers are responsible for one-third of the state's fatal traffic accidents.

-Don't drive distracted. It is illegal to text and drive in Illinois. Hand-held cell phone use by drivers is illegal within the City of Chicago. Regardless of the law, no phone call, text or e-mail is worth being in an accident.

-Speak to your teens about the importance of making good driving decisions.

-Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles, particularly as the weather warms.

Continue reading " Do your part to avoid Chicago car accidents, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, as spring nears " »

Illinois bicycle attorneys at Abels & Annes have reached a $100,000 insurance policy limits settlement on behalf of one of their clients. This claim arises out of an automobile vs. bicycle collision which took place on May 14, 2010 at approximately 7:15 a.m.

Our client, a medical school student, had been riding his bicycle westbound on 159th St. by the right hand curb approaching its intersection with 80th Ave. The traffic light at the intersection showed a steady green light for westbound and eastbound traffic on 159th.

The defendant had been driving eastbound on 159th approaching its intersection with 80th. When the defendant reached the intersection she proceeded to make a left turn without checking to ensure that it was safe to do so. She struck the plaintiff. The front of the vehicle struck our client's left side, knocking the bicycle rider up onto the hood and windshield and onto the pavement.

After the accident, investigating police officers issued the driver a ticket for failing to yield while making a left turn.

The plaintiff had an immediate onset of severe left hip pain following the accident. He sustained a large laceration on his lower left flank area. The ambulance transported the plaintiff to Palos Community Hospital where x-rays were taken and his laceration was sutured. Diagnostic tests revealed a left ankle medial malleolus avulsion fracture fracture.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain our client sought follow up medical care three days later at Silver Cross Hospital’s Emergency Department. Upon arrival a history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. He complained of severe low back pain with muscle spasms radiating into his left leg. He was given pain medication and instructed to seek follow up medical care.

Our client continued to suffer from extreme pain in his low back, left hip and left ankle. As a result he sought follow up treatment from board certified orthopedic surgeon. The doctor ordered MRIs of the lumbar spine, pelvis and left hip, prescribed pain medication and instructed the plaintiff to limit ambulation as much as possible.

The MRI revealed fractures of his left inferior pubic ramus, and left superior pubic ramus near the junction of the left acetabulum. There was a contusion of the left femoral head inferior medially.

As a result of the laceration our client suffered, he has a long keiloid scar on his left hip/flank area that is permanent.

The case was settled for the defendant's insurance policy limits without having to file a lawsuit.

If you have been injured in a Chicago bicycle accident, contact the Illinois personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 speak directly to a lawyer now.

Illinois auto accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have reached a $50,000 insurance policy limits settlement on an uninsured motorist claim. The case stems from an accident that occurred on June 18, 2010 around 5 PM.

Our client was hurt when his vehicle was T-boned by a vehicle being driven by an uninsured motorist at the intersection of S. Jeffery Blvd. and 68th St. in Chicago, Illinois. Our client was traveling northbound on Jeffrey approaching 86th Street when the uninsured defendant drove his vehicle eastbound, going the wrong way on 86th Street (a one-way westbound street). Further, our client had no stop sign in the right-of-way, while traffic on 86th Street (traveling in the proper direction) had a stop sign.

As the plaintiff went through the intersection the front side of the defendant's vehicle struck the driver's side of our client's car. The force of the impact caused the plaintiff's vehicle to roll over.

Following the collision, the client had an immediate onset of severe back pain, neck pain and chest pain. He was transported from the scene of the collision by ambulance to Christ Medical Center.

At Christ, the client complained of back pain, neck pain, and chest pain. A history was taken, he was examined, and diagnostic testing was performed. CT scans showed several fractured vertebrae in his spine, as well as a left posterior 3rd rib fracture, cervical soft tissue contusions, and paraspinal hematomas. He also received treatment for a tongue contusion, left hand abrasion, and medial knee abrasions.

He had to undergo several months of follow-up treatment with medical doctors in the Chicago area due to injuries sustained in the accident.

If you have been injured in a collision, contact the Chicago car crash attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575. There is no attorney's fee unless you win.

A new study found that separate bicycle lanes are safer than lanes along city streets and an increase in designated bike lanes could reduce congestion and encourage more women to ride, Bloomberg News reports.

We frequently report on the high risk of bicycle accidents in Chicago and the city's ongoing efforts to improve safety. Recently, we reported on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog that Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel made a campaign point of giving the city 100 miles of protected bike lanes by the end of his first term in office.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers frequently represent cyclists who are seriously injured or killed in accidents with automobiles. Too often, drivers either fail to show cyclists the respect they need and deserve to stay alive, or are simply careless when it comes to watching for riders on the road.

The new report by the Harvard School of Public Health found that separate bike lanes resulted in a 28 percent lower injury rate than driving in lanes shared by motorists. The issue is not really a no-brainer. Most crashes occur at intersections -- having separate bike lanes does not eliminate the risk as even those frequently intersect with city streets.

"Of course, intersections do have to be well-designed, ideally with red and green bicycle signals," Anne Lusk, the study's lead author. "And even then, we're not suggesting that cycle tracks have zero risk. But rigorous research does show that the difference in the accident rate is real."

The report also found that seniors, women and children are frequently afraid of riding on shared bike lanes. This helps explain why men account for the vast majority of fatal bicycle accidents. As we reported recently on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, male victims account for more than 80 percent of all riders who suffer serious or fatal injuries.

Many countries outside the United States have invested heavily in separate bike lanes. The Netherlands is half the size of South Carolina and yet has 18,000 miles of separate cycling tracks. About 55 percent of Dutch cyclists are women. In the United States, less than 1 percent of commuters use a bicycle; about one-fourth of the Dutch do so.

Continue reading " More bicycle lanes would reduce risk of Chicago cycling accidents " »