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.

Three pedestrians were injured over the weekend, along with two passengers in a Chicago taxi cab accident, the Sun-Times reported.

The accident happened about 3:55 a.m. near North Clark and West Division streets on the Near North Side. Police say a car struck two taxis before fleeing the scene. One of the taxis struck a pole and the car struck another taxi before driving away.

Victims were down in the street when emergency vehicles responded. Authorities on the scene were unclear which vehicle or vehicles struck them. Three pedestrians and two passengers in one of the taxis were among the injured, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.

The injured were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

Authorities were reviewing evidence and looking for a two-door Toyota convertible believed to be the hit-and-run vehicle.

In 2008, 1,043 people were killed in fatal Illinois traffic accidents. Illinois pedestrian accidents killed 135 and injured more than 5,000, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

As reported last month on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, Illinois recorded the fewest traffic fatalities in 88 years last year, when 928 motorists were killed.

But 2010 has gotten off to a rough start, IDOT reports 103 people were killed in Illinois traffic accidents during the first six weeks of the year -- several more than during the same period last year. Bad weather could be partly to blame.

One of every five fatal crashes occurs at an intersection, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has issued guidelines for driver and pedestrian safety at intersections.

The Chicago car accident attorneys and the pedestrian accident lawyers at Abels & Annes remind motorists that intersections remain one of the most dangerous places for serious or fatal Illinois traffic accidents.

The government reports that 7,772 of 37,261 traffic fatalities nationwide -- or 20.8 percent -- occurred at intersections in 2008. In Illinois, that percentage is even higher, with 25.2 percent of fatal Illinois traffic accidents reported at intersections, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Each year, about 250 fatal crashes occurred at intersections in Illinois.

It is easy to forget during our daily commute that an intersection s a "planned point of conflict in the roadway system," according to the NHTSA.

In addition to Chicago car accidents, statistics show that pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents frequently occur at intersections.

Government reports found 20 percent of accidents at signalized intersections involve a turning vehicle striking a pedestrian; and trucks are at greater risk of being involved in a bicycle accident, in part because of blind spots. In 2007, 1,152 people died nationwide as a result of a pedestrian accident at an intersection.

Motorists who run red lights are a primary danger at intersections. Over 90 percent of Americans believe running a red light is "very" or "extremely" dangerous, yet two-thirds of motorists report seeing someone run a red light almost every day. More than 800 a year are killed by a crash involving someone who ran a red light.

Basic motorist tips for safe driving at intersections can be found at www.safemotorist.com, and include:

-Look both ways before proceeding into an intersection
-Don't depend on traffic signals
-Ensure the intersection is clear: Don't presume other drivers will comply with signals
-Obtain a good view before proceeding: Large trucks or people driving smaller cars and motorcycles and bicycles may have a hard time getting an unobstructed view.

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

A suspected Chicago drunk driving accident injured a woman in downtown St. Charles over the weekend, the Daily Herald reported.

The suburban Chicago pedestrian accident occurred on Helen Avenue in West Chicago. The woman was struck by a falling tree limbs while walking on the sidewalk with a group of people after the driver ran over a curb and crashed into a tree and garbage can on the sidewalk.

The 47-year-old driver was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. The DUI charge is a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and probation.

The accident happened shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday as the driver turned onto West Main Street from southbound North Second. The tree snapped off at the base and fell into the crowd after being hit by the Chevy Silverado, causing the 48-year-old woman to hit her head on a building.

The victim was taken to Delnor Hospital in Geneva for further evaluation.

The garbage can was thrust through a nearby window and the defendant hit another tree before coming to rest.

The drug charge was added after police found marijuana and paraphernalia in his vehicle.

The Defendant was also taken to the hospital for treatment, but was released and was no longer in custody on Monday, according to the Kane County Chronicle. He is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 9.

A 13-year-old girl died over the weekend after getting hit by a van on New Year's Eve as she tried to pick up a cell phone in the roadway, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.

The teen was pronounced dead shortly after 12:30 a.m. at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge as a result of the Chicago pedestrian accident, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

The girl and a friend were returning home from a shopping center and attempting to cross U.S. Route 12 at Pheasant Ridge Road shortly before 6:30 p.m. Thursday when the victim was struck by a 2006 Dodge van driven by a 60-year-old Barrington man.

Lake County officials are investigating.

Family and friends fathered to bury a Rogers Park mother, after she was killed during a Christmas-week hit-and-run Chicago pedestrian accident, the News Center reported.

The woman was remembered at a church across the street from where she was fatally struck by a car Dec. 21 while walking with her six-year-old son, who was also hit. The driver was reportedly fleeing police at 70 to 80 mph and did not slow down or stop after striking the mother and her child.

The driver, who police report had cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana in his system, was ordered held without bail on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

A Chicago train accident delayed the Chicago Transit Authority's Red Line on New Year's Day after a person fell onto the tracks at the Lawrence Avenue station, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The victim was transported to Weiss Memorial Hospital in "stable" condition after falling off the station platform shortly after 5:15 p.m., according to the Chicago Fire Department.

The day after Christmas, an 8-year-old boy was struck by a white Ford F-150 while crossing in the 5400 block of South Kostner Avenue in the West Elsdon car accident.

The truck did not stopped and turned westbound on 55th Street after the accident, according to the News Center.

The truck, possibly a 1995 to 1997, had an extended two-door cab with no rear cap and a temporary license plate with the letter "M" in the middle. Anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle should contact the Chicago Police Department Major Accident Investigation Unit at (312) 745-4521.

A 65-year-old woman died Saturday night after being involved in a Chicago car accident with an off-duty police officer, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The woman's Kia Rio went through a stop sign at 112th Street and Kedzie Avenue shortly after 2 p.m., where it was struck by a Dodge Durango driven by an off-duty Chicago police sergeant who was southbound on Kedzie, according to authorities.

The Mount Greenwood car accident resulted in the victim being extricated from her vehicle, according to the Southtown Star. The South Sawyer Avenue woman was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 6 p.m., the Cook County medical examiner's office reported.

The police sergeant, who lives in the area, suffered a leg injury and was treated at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park. Her name was not released.

A neighbor, who is also a Chicago police detective, told the Chicago Sun-Times that the intersection was dangerous and speeding on Kedzie, where the speed limit is posted at 30 mph, often contributes to accidents.

He said numerous car accidents have occurred at the intersection and Chicago pedestrian accidents result from people trying to run across the road.

A 32-year-old cyclist was killed in a Chicago bicycle accident on the Northwest Side after being struck by a van in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, The Chicago Tribune reported on Tuesday.

After the accident, the driver left the van and fled, according to police.

The bicyclist was riding in the 3800 block of West Diversey Avenue shortly after noon when the van veered into his path, police reported. He was pronounced dead at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

A relative told ABC7 that the bicyclist had been on the way to a job interview. Police were searching for the van's owner as part of the continuing investigation.

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 the end of 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.

In October, the Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog reported on a rash of hit-and-run accidents being investigated by police.

This fall, police launched a program aimed at reducing the number of Chicago pedestrian accidents occurring at night by increasing enforcement and stationing undercover police officers in crosswalks and other areas at high-risk for such accidents.

A 31-year-old Soutwest Side man faces charges stemming from a Thanksgiving Chicago drunk driving car accident that claimed the life of a pedestrian, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The 21-year-old Chicago pedestrian was killed after being struck by a car about 3:10 a.m. Thursday in the 6900 block of South Cicero Avenue.

The at-fault driver was reportedly northbound when he swerved into the southbound lanes and struck a car before continuing north and striking the victim, who was standing outside his vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn on Thursday morning.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported the victim had run out of gas and had climbed out to push when the accused driver's Chevy Equinox allegedly rear-ended an Oldsmobile and kept going before striking the victim.

The driver had a blood-alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit, according to the Tribune, and was held on $300,000 bail on Saturday. He faces several charges, including felony aggravated driving under the influence.

Last year in Illinois, nine people were killed and 961 injured in serious traffic accidents over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

As reported last week on our Chicago Injury Lawyer blog, about 40 percent of holiday fatalities nationwide involve a drunk driver compared to 28 percent during the rest of the holiday season, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Illinois recorded the fewest traffic fatalities since 1923, according to an exhaustive report on 2008 traffic fatalities released by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Chicago car accident attorneys and the Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes are taking a look at the report in a series of blog here at our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog and our sister site, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog.

"We believe these reductions are evident that Illinois' traffic safety efforts are working," Gov. Pat Quinn said.

While the statistics are encouraging, the simple fact remains that traffic fatalities are a leading killer both in Illinois and nationwide. For most of us, riding in a motor vehicle is the most dangerous activity in our lives.

In 2008, 1,043 people were killed and more than 94,000 injured in Illinois traffic accidents, the vast majority occurred in an around Chicago. But, perhaps because of the poor economy, fewer motorists were on the road: the state reported a 1.6 percent decrease in traffic.

Highlights of "2008 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics"

Cost
-Total estimated cost of Illinois traffic accidents in 2008 was $6.2 billion
-Each fatality was estimated to cost $1.2 million
-An incapacitating injury was estimated to cost $67,500
-A nonincapacitating injury was estimated to cost $21,800
-A property damage crash was estimated to cost $7,800

Fatal
-1,043 people were killed in 950 fatal Illinois crashes in 2008
-There was an average of 1.1 deaths per fatal crash
-25.2 percent of fatal crashes occurred at intersections
-74.2 percent of fatal crashes occurred on dry roads
-48.2 percent of fatal crashes occurred during daylight hours
-55.7 percent of fatal crashes occurred on urban roads
-29.8 percent of fatal crashes occurred with a fixed object

Alcohol
-44 percent of fatally injured drivers who were tested, tested positive for alcohol
-49.3 percent of fatally injured drivers ages 16 to 24 who were tested, tested positive for alcohol

Pedestrian Accidents
-135 pedestrians were killed in 2008 and 5,423 were injured
-About 9 percent were under 15 years old
-About 15 percent were over the age of 65
-About 40 percent had a positive blood-alcohol content

Motorcycle Accidents
-There were 4,901 motorcycle crashes in 2008, though the number of fatalities decreased by 14 percent

School Bus Accidents
-No school bus passengers were killed; 123 were injured
-No school bus drivers were killed;99 were injured

Tractor Trailer Accidents
-115 people were killed in semi accidents
-5 of the persons killed were truck drivers while 99 were occupants of another vehicle

Train Accidents
-38.5 percent of fatal train crashes happened at crossings with gates
-53.8 percent happened at crossings with control devices other than gates, including flashers and warning signs

Work Zone Accidents
-There were 31 fatal crashes in work zones in 2008 in which 31 people were killed
-Two of the persons killed were road construction workers

Deer
-There were 24,209 crashes involving deer
-Two deer crashes involved fatalities

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an accident, call the Chicago injury lawyers and Illinois wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free appointment to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.

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.

Traffic fatalities in 2009 are down nationwide, according to statistics released this past weekend by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which reviewed data for the first six months of the year.

So far in 2009, 16,626 people have been killed in traffic accidents, a 7 percent reduction compared to the 17,871 traffic deaths reported in the first half of 2008.

The Chicago car accident lawyers and personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes continue to monitor state and national traffic statistics. While overall traffic deaths are declining, instances of drunk driving and motorcycle accident fatalities continued to increase last year.

And in Cook County, bicycle and pedestrian fatalities continue to be a problem. Through September, more than one-third of Chicago's 110 traffic fatalities involved a Chicago pedestrian accident or a Chicago bicycle accident.

In Ilinois, where crash statistics are available through the end of September, the downward trend in traffic fatalities continues: 698 motorists died in 628 fatal crashes through the first 9 months of the year, compared to 796 fatalities last year. The 96 fewer fatalities represents a 12 percent decrease year-over-year.

Of the 628 fatal accidents, 204 deaths were attributed to alcohol-involved traffic crashes and 131 involved unlicensed drivers, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Also of note, is that the pace of decline in nationwide traffic fatalities slowed as the economy recovered. In the first quarter of 2009, a 10 percent reduction in fatal accidents was reported, compared to the 4 percent reduction in the second quarter amid a significant recovery in the stock market and reports of an improving economy.

Traditionally, the deadliest time on the nation's roads has been the second half of the year -- which includes back-to-school, and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as well as the start of the winter driving season.

Continue reading "2009 fatal car accident data released by NHTSA and Illinois" »

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 3-year old girl was seriously injured in an accident after being dragged 200 feet by a car on Tuesday in Fox Lake, Illinois.

The Chicago Breaking News Center reported the girl was playing on the side of the road when she was hit and became stuck under a 1999 Dodge Intrepid as it backed out of a driveway.

The 36-year-old driver of the Dodge did not realize the child was trapped beneath the car and drove a block on Arlington Road in Fox Lake. Luckily, neighbors saw what happened and chased the car down. The witnesses then reportedly lifted the vehicle off the girl.

She was airlifted to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge with injuries to her head and shoulder. The victim may have to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery.

The driver of the Dodge and two passengers were questioned by police. Authorities said there is no indication alcohol was involved.

The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team is handling the accident investigation.

Also see the story as reported by the Lake County News-Sun.

Chicago police are launching an effort this week aimed at reducing the number of pedestrian traffic accidents and personal injuries at night.

The city's enforcement effort targets four city areas with a high number of pedestrian crashes -- River North, Austin, Wrigleyville, and 79th Street (Ashland to the Dan Ryan).

If drivers don't yield to the pedestrians, as required by law, the vehicle will be pulled over by police officers farther down the street and face a fine of $50 to $500, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The program, which launched Monday in conjunction with an effort by the Chicago Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Western Michigan University, includes multiple approaches to address nighttime safety, including an element similar to Chicago's crosswalk enforcement efforts, which use undercover police officers posing as pedestrians in crosswalks.

Other elements include speed enforcement and an education component involving outreach to bars, restaurants and taxi companies. Small changes such as traffic signal-timing adjustments and new pavement markings may also occur.

The effort is being led by Dr. Ron Van Houten, professor of psychology at WMU, and Richard Blomberg, of Connecticut-based Dunlap and Associates. In a recent study conducted in Miami, Dr. Van Houten introduced procedures that decreased overall crashes by 50% along high crash corridors.

A Western Michigan University study on nighttime crashes in Chicago from 2005 to 2007 found the four zones being targeted had notably high numbers of nighttime pedestrian accidents. Several factors were identified as being related to the crashes, including alcohol use and driver behaviors and inattention.

"When you drive you are more likely to see something if you are thinking about it,” said Dr. Van Houten. “Whenever and wherever you drive, particularly at night, think about pedestrians."

The program is slated to continue through the fall.

The Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes have a history of advocacy on behalf of pedestrian accident victims, including a $255,000 recovery earlier this year for a woman struck in a crosswalk while leaving Good Friday church service.

In Chicago, Illinois one person died and four were hurt in a car crash on the South Side, according to chicagobreakingnews.com. The auto accident involved two cars and occurred around 6:40 pm in the Woodlawn neighborhood on Sunday. One of the victims was a 9 year old pedestrian who was on a sidewalk and was hit by one of the vehicles.

The injured child was rushed to University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. The others were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. The Cook County medical examiner's office has stated that one man involved in the collision has died, but no further details have been made available.

The Chicago Police Department is handling the crash investigation, and the cause of the accident has not yet been reported.

It is not that uncommon for an innocent bystander to get hurt if he or she happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Recently Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes settled a case for a South Side resident who was seriously injured in front of his apartment when two cars collided, and one vehicle bounced off and hit our client.

Illinois car accident lawyers from our firm also represented a Chicago resident who was waiting at a CTA bus stop when two cars crashed near by. A wheel flew off one of the cars and hit him, causing significant injuries.

Two customers at Curves fitness club suffered injures Saturday morning after a woman drove through the front of the business in Lake Zurich, the Daily Herald reported.

The 65-year-old driver was treated and released at the scene. The two customers were taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Lake Zurich for treatment.

The accident occurred at about 10 a.m. as the woman tried to pull into a parking place in front of the fitness center and instead crashed through two large panes of glass.

"It appears at this time there was some confusion" that caused her to accelerate instead of brake, said Lake Zurich Sgt. Robert Johnson. "The front of the store is gone from floor to ceiling."

Police said Curves, which suffered extensive damage to the front, will be closed until further notice, according to the Lake County News-Sun.

Chicago car accident lawyers from Abels & Annes currently represent a man who was injured in a similar case. In our lawsuit, an elderly driver lost control of his vehicle and drove into a Loop restaurant, injuring several patrons. The case is currently pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

This type of accident is not uncommon in the Chicago area. In the last year, two people have hit Starbucks in Chicago and twice this spring taxicabs hit the restaurant Petterino's in downtown Chicago.

Illinois reduced fatal accidents across the board in 2008, even seeing a drop in fatal motorcycle accidents, despite a rise in motorcycle deaths nationwide, which increased from 5,174 deaths in 2007 to 5,290 deaths in 2008.

Chicago accident lawyers at Abels & Annes are publishing the results of the annual release of accident data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While the Chicago area is still the state's most dangerous, the reduction in fatal accidents is certainly good news for motorists.

Yet getting into an automobile is the most dangerous thing most of us do on a daily basis. Frequent review of safe-driving habits is always a good idea. And those who are injured through no fault of their own have a right to recover damages from a negligent driver.

More than 700 of this year's fatal accidents -- or 7 of every 10 fatal crashes -- were caused by just two of the roads deadliest violators: drunk drivers and speeders.

Traffic Fatalities
Total: 1,043 in 2008 compared to 1,248 in 2007
Rural: 501 in 2008 compared to 433 in 2007
Urban: 609 in 2008 compared to 747 in 2007

Passenger vehicle occupant fatalities
Restrained: 722 in 2008 compared to 861 in 2007
Unrestrained: 339 in 2008 compared to 395 in 2007

Alcohol-impaired fatalities
362 in 2008 compared to 439 in 2007

Speed-related fatalities
385 in 2008 compared to 523 in 2007

Motorcycle fatalities
Total: 133 in 2008 compared to 157 in 2007
Helmeted: 32 in 2008 compared to 28 in 2007
Unhelmeted: 96 in 2008 compared to 121 in 2007

Drivers involved in fatal crashes
Total: 1,434 in 2008 compared to 1,709 in 2007
Aged Under 15: 4 in 2008 compared to 2 in 2007
Aged 15-20: 142 in 2008 compared to 252 in 2007
Aged under 21: 146 in 2008 compared to 254 in 2007
Aged 21 and over: 1,255 in 2008 compared to 1,415 in 2007.

Pedestrians
135 in 2008 compared to 171 in 2007

Continue reading "Chicago car accident lawyers examine state accident data" »

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.

The Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes are launching a summer safe-driving series featuring more than a dozen blogs aimed at reducing serious injury and wrongful deaths resulting from summer car accidents.

Chicago ranked fifth in the nation in the number of motor-vehicle-related deaths (192) in 2007, the most recent year of data released by the federal government. And the city was third in the nation in the number of pedestrians killed at 50.

In Illinois, the number of fatalities remained virtually the same between 2006 and 2007, dropping by five deaths, from 1,254 to 1,249. The state ranks ninth-highest in traffic fatalities, after California, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Nationwide, 41,059 people were killed and 2.5 million injured, causing $230 billion in economic damage, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Make no mistake about it: Driving a car is the most dangerous activity each of us engage in on a daily basis. Yet, as you climbed behind the wheel of that 4,000 pound hunk of steel to begin the work week, do you even remember the last time you made a conscious effort to review the safe driving habits and practices that could save your life?

In the coming weeks, we will be reviewing some of the most common causes of serious or fatal accidents, including:
-Aggressive Driving
-Speeding
-Distracted Driving
-Drowsy Driving
-Impaired Driving
-Accidents with motorcycles
-Accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians
-Red lights and intersections
-Driving in inclement weather
-Teen driving
-Driving and seniors
-And driving in parking lots

So check back with us often. Why not? Your life could very well depend on it.

Continue reading "Summer Safe Driving series brought to you by the Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes" »

In the western suburb of LaGrange, Illinois a pedestrian was hit and killed today by a car while she was lifting her baby stroller onto a curb, according to WQAD.com. She was carrying her 2 year old daughter in the stroller. She was also carrying her 4 month old son who sustained a broken leg in the accident. The daughter was not injured.

The victim, Cari Cook, age 30, of Countryside, Illinois was reportedly crossing an intersection with her children and had made it to the other side when she was hit. She was rushed to an area hospital and pasted away a short time later.

The LaGrange Police Department is investigating the accident. It is reportedly not a hit-and-run, however no one has been charged or arrested. Witnesses are still being interviewed.

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.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyers from Abels & Annes have been retained by two pedestrians who were injured by a driver in April. The accident occurred when a driver talking on his cell phone lost control, drove onto a sidewalk and hit them. The collision happened on the South Side in the area of 57th Street.

Both pedestrians were treated for injuries at Advocate Christ Medical Center. One of the pedestrians is going through follow up treatment with a medical doctor and at MacNeal Hospital for leg injuries.

The Chicago Police Department investigated the accident and ticketed the defendant with using a cell phone while driving and with striking a pedestrian. The driver pleaded guilty to the charges this week in traffic court at the Daley Center.

Chicago Injury Lawyers from Abels & Annes were on CBS News on Sunday in regard to a pedestrian accident case. Our client sustained sever head injuries after getting hit by a car on Good Friday. She had been in a coma since the collision until doctors brought her out of it last week.

The accident happened at the intersection of Irving Park Road and Austin Boulevard just after she left church services. She was crossing the street in a crosswalk and was hit by a car turning left that did not see her.

She was rushed by ambulance to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois for emergency surgery. During the procedure, a large piece of her skull had to be removed. The bone is frozen at the hospital and will be re-inserted in a future surgery.

While she is now out of the coma, she is expected to remain hospitalized for the next several months. She may be dealing with the effects of the injury for the rest of her life.

The Chicago Police Department investigated the accident and the driver of the car was ticketed with failing to yield while turning left. He is due to appear in traffic court later this month.

The pedestrian accident victim has retained Abels & Annes to represent her in a civil negligence claim against the driver who hit her, and the driver's insurance company. Any witnesses to the accident are encouraged to contact our law firm.

Click here to watch the story on CBS.

In Chicago, Illinois a pedestrian was seriously injured on Thursday, according to chicagobreakingnews.com. The pedestrian vs. car accident happened on the North Side around the intersection of LaSalle and Burton.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment. The cause of the accident has not been reported and the investigation will be handled by the Major Accidents Investigations Unit of the Chicago Police Department.

We recently reported that pedestrian accidents have been increasing in Chicago. There are different theories as to the cause of the increase, but as a result the police have been cracking down on drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at Chicago intersections.

The Police Department has been running a sting operation at dangerous uncontrolled intersections (no stop sign or stop light) where undercover officers pose as pedestrians. When a driver fails to yield to an officer, he or she receives a ticket.

In my opinion, as the weather warms up in Chicago and more people are on the street, it is good to see that the Chicago Police Department is taking the problem seriously.

A 26 year old woman who was 6 months pregnant was hit by a car while fleeing from a bear in Colorado Springs, CO on Thursday, according to the Denver Post. The woman had gone for a lunch hour walk on a hiking trail when she crossed paths with a bear that was about 4 feet tall.

The woman started to quietly walk away, but when she saw the bear was coming towards her, she panicked and started running. The bear ran after her for around 20 seconds until the woman reached a road.

When she was in the street she was hit by a slow moving car. The driver then fled the scene without stopping to help. The pedestrian's injuries were reportedly minor, and she was taken to an area hospital.

Wildlife officers soon located and euthanized the bear. The mother-to-be said she now plans on giving her child the middle name of "bear".

In Chicago, Illinois a new plan is about to go into effect to cut down on pedestrian accidents at dangerous intersections, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Chicago Police Officers are set to pretend to be pedestrians at certain intersections and they will be issuing tickets to drivers that fail to yield. The operation starts next week.

Fines for violations are to range from $50 to $500. The crackdown will start at the following intersections:

Division and Hoyne;

Nagle and Peterson;

119th and Stewart;

103rd and South Prairie; and

86th and Commercial.

The above intersections all have had several accidents. They are also near schools, shopping areas, or areas where elderly people reside. Many of the above intersections are also the location of recent pedestrian knock-downs. The intersections have no stop lights or stop signs.

We recently reported that pedestrian accidents have been increasing in Chicago. As warm weather arrives, our law firm is already working on several new cases.

Just last Friday, a North Side resident was hit by a car as she crossed in a in a crosswalk with a green light. The driver was turning right on the green light, however he failed to notice the pedestrian. Our client sustained serious head injuries and is still hospitalized a week later.

A pedestrian was hit and killed by a car in Chicago last Saturday while walking across the street near his Chicago home, according to Chicagobreakingnews.com. The victim was Berthel Walters, 69, a South Side resident who lived on the 800 block of East 46th Street.

The accident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. when the pedestrian was walking in the area of the 3000 block of South Moe Drive. He was hit by a 2000 Dodge Ram pickup truck. The pedestrian was taken from the scene of the accident to a local Chicago area hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:00 a.m.

The driver of the pickup truck was also a Chicago resident. As a result of the accident, she was cited for striking a pedestrian in the roadway. Under Illinois law, drivers have a duty to use due care to avoid hitting pedestrians.

This accident occurred just days after our law firm reported that pedestrian deaths in Chicago, Illinois are on the rise. In 2008 there were 56 pedestrian deaths in Chicago, which increased from 49 in 2007.

If you are a pedestrian who has been hit and and injured by a motor vehicle, or if you have lost a loved one who was killed in an automobile collision, please contact attorneys at Abels & Annes 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.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have resolved a bicycle accident claim for a DuPage County resident who was hit by a State Farm driver. The accident happened on June 28, 2008 in front of 529 S. Ardmore in Villa Park, Illinois. Our client was riding his bicycle southbound along the curb of the northbound lanes when the northbound defendant hit him with his car.

Our client was taken from the scene of the crash by ambulance to Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. He had complaints of right ankle pain. X-rays were negative for fracture and he was discharged with instructions to return if pain increased.

Over the next few days his right leg and ankle pain remained. He also had headaches, weakness, and trouble walking. His pain was exacerbated by movement.

On 6/30/08 the plaintiff was at home and felt very weak and dizzy. Paramedics were called to his house and he was taken back to Elmhurst Memorial. A CT scan of his brain was negative. He was prescribed Motrin. He reported head pain of 8 and leg pain of 9 on a scale of 1-10. He was diagnosed with post traumatic headaches and right ankle sprain.

After discharge, the plaintiff developed back, neck and right shoulder pain over the next several days. On July 25, 2008 he went to see an Osteopathic Physician for his pain. He was diagnosed with lumbar strain and shoulder strain. He again followed up on July 28, 2008 with the doctor and had the same complaints.

The case settled pre-litigation for $12,000.