Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog

One man was killed and another critically injured in a hit-and-run Chicago pedestrian accident early Sunday morning, according to the Breaking News Center.

The accident happened shortly after 2 a.m. at the Lynwood Sport Center, when two pedestrians were hit by a white Ford truck.

The truck reportedly fled the scene westbound on Glenwood Dyer Road; the driver was taken into custody minutes later at the intersection of Illinois Highway 394 and I-80/294. Investigation of the accident is ongoing and the 56-year-old driver of the pickup truck has not been charged.

A three-car Chicago car accident on Lake Shore Drive sent six people to area hospitals Friday afternoon, the Sun-Times reported. The crash occurred about 2 p.m. near Soldier Field at the intersection of Lake Shore Drive and McFeteridge Drive.

Two adults were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and two were transported to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. Two other adults were transported in stable condition to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center.

Police were investigating the crash, which involved two cars and a pick-up truck, according to ABC 7.

Fatal Illinois traffic accidents claimed 111 lives through the first 2 months of 2010, compared to 123 during the same period a year ago.

An Illinois civil lawsuit has been filed in connection with a hit-and-run Chicago car accident last week that claimed the life of a toddler.

The child's parents filed the lawsuit after the driver accused in the crash was released on bond, ABC7 News reported.

As reported last week on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, the driver of a Toyota Camry allegedly sped away from one accident before he crashed into the car containing a young mother and her infant.

The Camry reportedly had its lights off when it slammed into her vehicle while turning left at Parker and Cicero avenues. In addition to her 13-month-old son, two friends ages 20 and 21 were also killed in the crash.

The Camry's driver, a 55-year-old Skokie man, faces numerous charges, including negligent driving, leaving the scene of an accident and driving too fast for conditions.

"We just want him to pay for what he did. That's it. He shouldn't be out on the streets," the child's mother told ABC7.

Nobody was reported injured in the first collision, when the Camry rear-ended a Ford Expedition. But before authorities could be notified, the driver allegedly sped off and slammed into the victims' Honda Civic.

Police are looking for the vehicle responsible for a suburban Chicago hit-and-run accident that killed a bicyclist, according to ABC7 News.

Family members of the 61-year-old man gathered at the scene of the Chicago bicycle accident over the weekend to pray and ask for help in locating the suspect in the fatal hit-and-run crash. The victim was hit while riding his bicycle in suburban Ford Heights, near Cottage Grove and 11th Street.

The accused driver fled and left the man lying at the side of the road.

A citizen found the man at about 9 p.m. The victim was taken to St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights and then airlifted to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, where he died as a result of his injuries, the Park Forest News reported.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office is seeking the suspect. Authorities reported evidence found at the scene indicates that the vehicle involved is a 1996 to 2002 Chevy van of unknown color. The sheriff's office asks anyone with information to please contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Investigations Section at (708) 865-4896.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reported more than 3,810 Illinois bicycle accidents occurred last year, killing 27 people and injuring 3,385. Three-quarters of injured cyclists were male.

As first reported on Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog last fall, police continue to deal with high numbers of Chicago pedestrians being struck and seriously injured or killed by hit-and-run drivers.

Authorities are seeking the driver responsible for running down three pedestrians in a Chicago hit-and-run pedestrian accident last month.

The Sept. 26 incident happened on the 1200 block of South Halstead Street shortly after 2 a.m.

The Chicago Breaking News Center reported three 19-year-old pedestrians, a man and two women, were standing in a bicycle lane, waiting to cross the street, when a dark colored SUV struck the trio and continued south on Halsted Street without stopping.

All three victims were transported to Stroger Hospital.

Police have investigated a rash of Chicago hit-and-run accidents in recent weeks as they seek drivers who have failed to stop after causing an accident or striking a bicyclist or pedestrian.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Chicago police major accident investigation unit at (312) 745-4521.

Two men died last weekend in separate Chicago hit-and-run accidents as police continue to battle drivers who fail to stop after pedestrian accidents.

CBS2 reported a 47-year-old Texan and a 60-year-old grandfather were killed in the latest crashes and in both cases the drivers fled the scene.

The 60-year-old grandfather was struck down before dawn last Saturday on Cicero Avenue near Roosevelt Road, where his granddaughter erected a memorial on Sunday. The granddaughter expressed frustration, saying he might have been saved with proper medical attention.

Police are looking for a red or dark-colored vehicle with extensive front-end damage.

West of that crash scene, at Ogden and Lombard avenues in Berwyn, a seasonal construction worker was killed shortly after 6 a.m. last Sunday.

"We believe somebody saw this vehicle or may know who was driving this vehicle. We're asking them to come forward," said Berwyn Police Detective Roger Montoro. "We're positive a newer model Dodge Charger, black in color. We're totally positive of that."

Police believe the car has a missing hood ornament and front-end damage.

At least five other pedestrian accident have claimed lives or led to criminal charges in the past few weeks.

Last week, a 36-year-old woman was killed after being rundown in a crosswalk and thrown into the path of an oncoming CTA bus.

On Oct. 2, a Waukegan man was charged with killing a pedestrian in a Chicago hit-and-run accident; a week earlier, a man was charged in a drunk driving accident that killed a man at the state line.

In August, our sister site, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, reported on the city's efforts to reduce pedestrian accidents at night by stationing undercover officers in crosswalks.

Accidents data for Cook County and the surrounding area continues to show that pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in Chicago traffic fatalities. Through September, more than 1 in every 3 of Chicago's 110 fatalities involved a bicyclist or a pedestrian.

Hit-and-run drivers account for a large portion of traffic fatalities -- more than four people a day die in an accident where the at-fault driver does not stop, according to a report by AAA. Each day, another 72 are injured by hit-and-run drivers.

Anyone with information regarding a Chicago hit-and-run accident is encouraged to contact the Chicago Police Department immediately.

An Ohio man faces charges in connection with a weekend Chicago drunk driving accident that claimed two lives.

The 27-year-old Cleveland man had a blood-alcohol level of .148 -- nearly twice the legal limit -- when the car he was driving slammed into another car, killing two South Side men, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Cook County prosecutors report the man had just gotten into another car accident before Saturday night's fatal crash. Prosecutors allege the man downed a bottle of Arbor Mist and three vodka martinis, struck a car at 62nd and Ashland, and took off at a high rate of speed after berating the victimized motorists.

Authorities reported that the man weaved in and out of traffic before running a red light at Ashland and 59th and slamming into another car. That crash claimed the lives of a 27-year-old driver and his 28-year-old passenger, both of whom were pronounced dead on arrival at Holy Cross Hospital.

A third passenger was hospitalized at Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

The defendant was jailed and remained in custody after bail was set at $500,000.

Authorities reported that the at-fault driver left a bar at 82nd and Ashland after twice being offered a ride to his destination, which he refused. He faces two counts of reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated DUI, according to police. He also is charged with disobeying a traffic-control signal, negligent driving and driving without insurance.

The accident occurred shortly after 2 a.m., according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.

Last Month, Illinois warned of the high number of drunk drivers out at night, particularly on the weekend. In August, a study reported 1 in 7 weekend nighttime drivers tested positive for alcohol or drug use.

Click here for more information, safety tips and other coverage of Chicago drunk driving accidents.

A 24-year-old Waukegan man has been charged with leaving the scene of a Chicago-area car accident that killed a pedestrian last Sunday night in Aurora, Illinois.

The Chicago Breaking News Center reported that Aurora police were able to convince the man to turn himself in to authorities after he called several times to inquire about the victim's condition.

He was also charged with obstructing justice and driving with a suspended license. Police reported he claimed he was rear-ended by another vehicle, which pushed him into the pedestrian and that he used a hammer and crow bar to damage his vehicle in an attempt to prove his story.

He later admitted the rear-end crash did not occur, according to police.

The hit-and-run driver was in a 1996 Mercury Marquis northbound on Lake Street, at 8:38 p.m., when he struck and killed the woman, who was crossing Lake Street in a market crosswalk, according to the Chicago Daily-Herald.

Police say accused driver did not stop and continued on to Waukegan.

Law enforcement continue to focus on prevention of Chicago area pedestrian accidents at night.

In 2008, a total of 135 pedestrians were reported killed in Illinois traffic accidents.

A brother and sister have been injured in a Chicago rollover car crash on August 16, 2009 in the early morning hours. Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes have agreed to represent them in an accident claim against the at fault driver's insurance carrier.

Our clients were traveling in an SUV on Interstate 55 in the middle lane near Harlem Avenue. The brother, a 36 year old Chicago resident, was driving, and at that time saw headlights coming from behind him. The car looked to be approaching at a speed of 80-100 mph. The speeding car hit an Oldsmobile immediately to their left and the Olds then ran into their SUV. Our clients went into a ditch and their car rolled over twice.

The driver that caused the accident fled the scene. The driver of the Oldsmobile was able to take down the license plate of the hit-and-run vehicle, and the plate was reported to the Illinois State Police who handled the crash investigation. The state police, working with the Stickney Police Department, were able to track down the owner of the vehicle, who admitted involvement in the accident. The hit & run driver was ticketed and has an early October court date in Bridgeview, Illinois.

The siblings both sustained injuries. The brother was treated at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn and the sister was taken by ambulance to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. Both are seeking follow-up treatment with orthopaedic physicians in the Chicago area.

The tough economy is forcing people to reduce their automobile insurance, increase their deductibles, shop for cheaper coverage and, in some cases, even cancel their insurance.

The Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes urge motorists to carry as much uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage as they can afford. Reducing expenses by reducing auto insurance is shortsighted at best -- the cost is minimal compared to the expense of being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

The Insurance Research Council reports that a recent survey found 15 percent of those surveyed said they had increased their deductibles or reduced their coverage in order to reduce their premium costs.

Nine percent of those surveyed said they canceled or did not renew vehicle coverage in response to the economic downturn.

Encouragingly, the survey found most homeowners and drivers have continued their insurance coverage, even if they shopped for a lower rate.

"These findings confirm that most Americans recognize the importance of maintaining essential insurance coverage on their homes and cars," said Elizabeth A. Sprinkel, senior vice president of the IRC. "But they also show that Americans are willing to shop and reevaluate their insurance needs in order to reduce insurance costs."

And a proposal awaits the signature of Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn that would make failure to carry auto insurance a criminal offense, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Current law allows for a fine of up to $1,000 and license suspension of up to 6 months.

Chicago car accident attorney Dave Abels was recently interviewed about the new law and blogged about the inadequacy of the state's mandatory minimum insurance of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

The new law is tougher, but still not tough enough.

Here is the big problem with the insurance law in Illinois. The minimum coverage is still $20,000 per person, and $40,000 per occurrence. No amount of money is going to bring a loved one back or make a family whole again, but $20,000 is a slap in the face. (I have handled car accident death cases where the victim incurred over $500,000 in medical bills before passing away).

Continue reading "Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes urge motorists to maintain proper car insurance " »

In Chicago, Illinois a pedestrian being struck by a hit and run driver has been caught on tape, according to NBC News. The car vs. pedestrian accident happened May 14th at Kedzie and Montrose Avenue. The Chicago Police Department made the video public with the hope of catching the offender.

The victim, a 60 year old grandmother, was hit just after she pushed her 7 year old granddaughter out of harm's way. She was seriously injured and is currently in a wheelchair. The child was not hurt.

The at fault driver was described to be in his 20s and was driving a white Chevy Trailblazer. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Chicago Police Department - Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521.

If the driver is not caught by police, the victim can pursue an uninsured motorist claim against her own auto insurance policy to recover financially for her injuries. The fact that she was a pedestrian (and not driving) at the time of the accident will not bar insurance coverage.

Click here to view the accident video.

In Chicago, Illinois a hit-and-run pedestrian vs. car accident has left a South Side woman severely injured, and her family is looking for help and answers. The accident happened near 67th & Halsted on April 22, 2009 and the victim, Eve Davis, age 67, still remains hospitalized at Stroger Hospital.

She is scheduled for surgery today to replace a broken left hip. Her other injuries include two spinal fractures, internal bleeding, staples in her left shoulder, a laceration from the top of head down to her left eye, and significant memory loss.

The Chicago Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the hit and run, but no witnesses to the collision have been located. The investigating officers have informed family members that there was evidence that the pedestrian was dragged 20 feet in the accident.

The family of Eve Davis believes that there likely are witnesses to the accident, as the incident occurred in a busy area. The victim's daughter, Taniya Page, has been going out to the area of the collision trying to locate witnesses on her own.

If you have information regarding the pedestrian hit-and-run accident, please contact the Chicago Police Department or the law firm of Abels & Annes, or email accidentwitness@yahoo.com.

An auto accident has taken the life of Nick Adenhart, a rookie pitcher for the LA Angels, according to the Los Angeles Times and many other news outlets. The car crash occurred on April 9, 2009 just hours after Adenhart pitched six scoreless innings in his first game against the Oakland As.

The collision took place when a minivan ran a red light and struck a sports car that Adenhart was traveling in as a passenger. Two others in the vehicle were also killed. He was riding in a red Mitsubishi sports car. After the van hit them, the sports car crashed into a utility pole. One passenger in the sports car survived and is in an area hospital.

The driver of the minivan ran from the scene on foot and was caught by police a short time later. As the at fault driver was allegedly intoxicated, prosecutors in Orange County filed three counts of murder charges on Friday. He was also charged with leaving the scene of the accident and DUI. It is being reported that the defendant's blood alcohol level was over three times the legal limit.

The minivan was allegedly going between 50 and 65 m.p.h when it ran the red light. The posted speed limit was 35 m.p.h. The defendant's license was suspended at the time of this crash as a result of a prior drunk driving case. If convicted of all counts, he could be sentenced from 55 years to life in prison. He is in custody and will appear in court on Monday.

Hit-and-run accidents have been a theme in the news this week. In Chicago, Illinois there was a similar car accident on Friday when an off-duty detective from the Chicago Police Department slammed into a disabled car on the side of the Dan Ryan Expressway. He reportedly tried to flee the scene on foot and was also allegedly driving while intoxicated.

In the Chicago area suburb of Bartlett, Illinois, a DUI driver has caused a six car accident, according to Chicagobreakingnews.com. The accident occurred at the the intersection of Illinois Route 59 and Army Trail Road on Saturday night as the defendant weaved in and out of traffic moving southbound in a 1995 Nissan Maxima.

The at fault driver fled the scene of the accident on foot. However, he was quickly apprehended by Bartlett police not far from the accident. He now faces criminal prosecution for felony aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a suspended license, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and failure to reduce speed to avoid and accident. The defendant was taken into custody and transported to the DuPage County Jail in Wheaton, Illinois.

Often, hit-and-run drivers do not have valid and/or adequate car insurance. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run car accident in Illinois or if you have been hit by a driver who did not have valid automobile insurance, you may still have an opportunity to recover damages caused by the car accident.

In unfortunate situations such as this, you can make an uninsured motorist claim against your own insurance policy. When you are the victim of an automobile accident caused by someone without valid car insurance, your insurance company will pay on your claim to recover for damages and/or personal injuries caused by that automobile accident.

Personal injury lawyers from our firm can initiate an uninsured motorist claim and attempt to negotiate a settlement on your behalf . If a satisfactory settlement cannot be obtained, under the terms of your policy the next step would most likely be to resolve your case in arbitration.

Attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. often handle and successfully resolve uninsured motorist claims. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, or if you have been injured by an uninsured or under-insured driver, please contact Abels & Annes at 312-924-7575 for a free consultation.

A Chicago resident that was hit by a vehicle on Monday evening remains in a hospital, according to the Chicago Tribune. The accident happened in the area of Harlem Avenue and Lake Street in River Forest, Illinois.

After the accident, the driver fled the scene. The car was later stopped in Oak Park and the driver, a Chicago resident, was taken into custody.

The severity of the pedestrian's injuries have not been reported, but the fact that she is still hospitalized is not a good sign. Statistically, pedestrians involved in accidents are seriously injured. Click here to read a recent article we posted on pedestrian injuries.

In this case, the victim most likely has a civil case against the driver, however, the chances are good that the driver had no insurance. It has been my experience that most drivers that flee the scene of an accident are uninsured.

If the hit-and-run driver was uninsured, hopefully the victim has her own auto insurance policy with good uninsured motorist coverage. She can make a claim on her own policy and recover for her injuries, medical bills and other damages.

If you have been the victim in a pedestrian accident, or if you have been injured by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver, contact Abels & Annes for a free consultation.