Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog

Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer Gary Annes has reached a $600,000 settlement. The claim stems from a DuPage County automobile vs. pedestrian collision that occurred in Lyle, Illinois in November, 2008. Liability, was difficult and heavily contested in the case.

The pedestrian was struck at the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Center Avenue in an unmarked crosswalk. The intersection is near a METRA train station and frequently crossed by train passengers.

Our client was a pedestrian walking from the nearby train station to his automobile parked in a commuter parking lot. He crossed north from the southwest corner of the intersection toward the northwest corner. He safely crossed the two lanes of eastbound traffic and stood in the median waiting until it was safe to cross the westbound lanes. A car approaching in the centermost westbound lane stopped for him to cross. The pedestrian crossed in front of the stopped car, checked to his right to ensure that it was clear to cross the outside lane of westbound traffic. It was clear and he began to cross the last lane.

At the intersection there was a handicap ramp cut-out of the sidewalk and curb at Center’s intersection with Ogden. However, there was no marked crosswalk at the location and the accident occurred at night. Further, the westbound traffic had no stop sign.

The defendant, a seventy-eight year old gentleman, was driving westbound on Ogden Avenue approaching its intersection with Center Avenue. The pedestrian had safely crossed almost the entire outside lane of traffic and was only a step away from the edge of the road when Defendant struck our client with the front passenger side corner of his vehicle. The force of the impact threw him up on to the windshield of Defendant’s vehicle and then forward and to the right, landing directly in front of another vehicle. The plaintiff was found in a pool of his own blood and transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital.

The Lisle Police Department responded to the scene of the collision. The responding officer spoke with Defendant and a witness about the incident. Defendant admitted to the responding officer that he hit our client and stated that initially he thought he only struck a rock. Defendant admitted that he had not seen the pedestrian at any time before he struck him with his car.

Continue reading "Illinois pedestrian accident attorney settles DuPage County lawsuit for $600,000" »

As our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys recently reported, pedestrian accidents are a growing concern for safety officials. Despite record-low numbers of traffic fatalities in 2010, the number of serious and fatal pedestrian accidents actually increased.

Transportation For America recently released a study that attempted to pin some of the blame on pedestrians -- specifically the growing popularity of headphones.

The truth of the matter is that a vast majority of pedestrian accidents are the fault of the driver. Many components can contribute to these accidents, including drowsy driving, distracted driving, speeding and failing to obey traffic devices. Fatal pedestrian accidents caused by drivers are completely preventable.

Our Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers understand that traveling while engaging in distractions is never a good idea, whether you're driving or walking. This is especially important along busy roadways, like the ones in our Chicago area. When traveling in these areas, you need all of your senses to travel safely. From 2000 to 2009, there were nearly 50,000 pedestrians who were killed while walking along U.S. roadways. But according to The University of Maryland, just 115 of these deaths were blamed on pedestrians wearing headphones. Driver distraction is much more likely to lead to serious or fatal pedestrian accidents.

You may remember the distracted pedestrian story from 2008 in which Barack Obama’s adviser, Valerie Jarrett, confessed that she fell off a Chicago curb while she was texting on her Blackberry.

"I didn't see the sidewalk and I twisted my ankle," said Jarrett. "It was a nice wake-up call for me to be a lot more careful in the future, because I clearly wasn't paying attention and I should have."

There are a number of ways to help reduce pedestrian accidents in Illinois. We need safer crosswalks. We need more driver awareness. Until we live in the "perfect" world with protected sidewalks for all, we're asking for pedestrians to put their best foot forward in an attempt to help reduce the risks for an accident along our roadways and our sidewalks.

Pedestrian Safety Tips, from the City of Chicago:

-Always use a sidewalk or a path when one is available. If you have no other choice but to walk along the street, remember to do so while facing oncoming traffic so you and oncoming drivers can see one another. Just be sure to walk as far away from traffic as possible.

-Remember that other vehicles and standing objects can hinder a driver's view. Make sure that you can see the driver before making any movements in the street.

-Make a plan to walk along routes that are clear of dangerous crossings.

-Make sure to look in all directions for oncoming traffic before crossing a street.

-Never rely on traffic signals.

-Keep a lookout for turning vehicles. In these instances, drivers are concentrated on making turns and not on pedestrian traffic. Look in all directions for these drivers as they come from all different directions. Always make sure that a turning driver sees you.

-Make sure that you understand the meanings of the crosswalk signals.

Continue reading "Study Examines Distraction-Related Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago, Nation" »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working diligently to get backup cameras installed on motor vehicles across the country to help reduce the risks of car-pedestrian accidents in Chicago and elsewhere. These rear-view cameras are used to help drivers to see pedestrians, especially the elderly and young children, while reversing a vehicle.

Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys understand that Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's is a dangerous time for back over accidents. These accidents are a common occurrence during family gatherings and in busy parking lots during the holiday season. Motorists are urged to be extremely careful when backing up in a motor vehicle. Make sure that you know that nothing is behind you before slamming it into reverse and hitting the gas.

The NHTSA is looking to make backup cameras a requirement on all minivans, pickup trucks, passenger cars, buses and vehicles with a gross weight of up to 10,000 pounds. These cameras would turn on and would display images from the back of the vehicle to drivers whenever the vehicle is in reverse.

The Administration of the NHTSA, David Strickland, is hoping that backup cameras will significantly reduce the risks of backup accidents. He says that all ages are at risk for one of these accidents, but especially young children and the elderly. Strickland also reiterates that this technology is a useful tool in preventing injury, but nothing is more effective in making safer roadways than driver attention.

Drivers are urged to always know and to physically see where children are and to make sure there is no one behind your vehicle before backing up.

According to the NHTSA, there is an average of nearly 300 fatalities and about 20,000 injuries every year because of back-over accidents that involved motor vehicles. Of these accidents, nearly 230 fatalities involved a vehicle that weighed less than 10,000 pounds. Both young children and elderly pedestrians most often fall victim to these accidents. Nearly 45 percent of the deadly accidents that involved a light vehicle happened to a child under the age of 5. This is an abnormally high percentage for any type of accidents. Pedestrians over the age of 69 accounted for nearly 35 percent of these accidents.

Throughout the remainder of the year and during the holiday season, parking lots will be full of shoppers and driveways will be packed with friends and family members. Drivers are asked to be cautious of their complete surroundings before backing up, regardless of where the vehicle is located. Always walk behind the vehicle to make sure nothing's there before reversing.

Have a safe, injury-free and Happy Holidays!

Continue reading "NHTSA Pushing Backup Camera to Reduce Risks of Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois, Nation" »

For reasons that can only be speculated about, Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes seem to hear about more and more hit-and-run accidents. The Illinois two pedestrian accidents discussed below are eerily similar. Both occurred on the same day in July and both involved SUV drivers swerving into pedestrians.

In one case, last weekend two people ran the Chicago Marathon in memory of an 18-year-old woman from the Northwest suburbs that was killed July 22 by a driver that fled the scene of the accident, NBC News is reporting.

The victim was a pedestrian who was struck and killed by a swerving SUV as she walked with a group of people on Church Street near Lake Zurich High School. Two of her friends sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Unfortunately the at fault driver fled the accident scene and has still not been caught. There is currently a $5,000 reward being offered by the Lake County Crime Stoppers and the Lake Zurich Police Department.

The marathon runners hope to increase the offered reward by asking people to donate one dollar per mile. They have a goal of raising another $5,000-$10,000.

Anyone with information regarding this accident is encouraged to contact Lake Zurich police investigations at (847) 719-1695.

In another incident, a 24-year-old man from Glenview has been charged for his alleged role in a hit-and-run accident back in July, according to Trib Local. The arrest was made on October 9 and charges include leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. A judge set bond at $30,000 and the defendant is due back in court on October 26.

The collision also occurred on July 22 in the area of Country and Locust Lanes in Glenview. Two pedestrians were walking North on Country when they heard a vehicle coming up behind them. They turned around and saw a gray SUV swerving towards them. The automobile hit one of them, a 54 year old woman. The driver then fled the scene, heading northbound on Country Lane.

The injured pedestrian was taken by ambulance to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge with non-life threatening injuries, according to investigating officers.

Surprisingly, the arrest was only made after the at fault driver made what is being reported as an "unsolicited appearance" at the Glenview Police Department.

We can only guess as to why the drivers in the above accidents fled the scene. Some believe that with a poor economy, more and more motorists are driving without insurance, which in turn leads to a greater likelihood of leaving the scene. However, in the to accidents discussed above, many might speculate that drugs or alcohol were involved. In both cases the drivers swerved into innocent pedestrians for reasons unknown and then left without assisting the victims. The repercussions of a DUI and possibly other serious charges could have been incentive enough to flee.

Sadly, in most hit-and-run cases the offending motorist is never caught by police. This type of crash is not a rare occurrence and attorneys at Abels & Annes handle hit-and-run claims a regular basis.

Continue reading "July 22 Illinois hit-and-run pedestrian accidents result in charges in one case and a reward offer in another" »

As often the case, holiday weekends in the Chicago area can result in serious auto accidents, and this weekend was no exception.

In one Illinois motor vehicle crash, a motorist has been charged with DUI after driving his SUV off the roadway and hitting a tree on the Eisenhower Expressway on Labor Day morning around 5:20 AM. The incident occurred around Kostner Avenue and both he and his passenger were seriously injured, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Both the Illinois State Police and the Chicago Fire Department responded to the scene of the accident. Both the driver and passenger had to be removed from the vehicle by rescue personnel. Both were taken to area hospitals serious condition, but luckily their injuries were reportedly not life-threatening.

Several lanes of the interstate were closed for a few hours for the investigation. Police have not released the name of the alleged intoxicated driver, nor has it been reported what facts lead investigating officers to believe the driver was DUI.

In another Chicago area single car crash, a 16-year-old teenager was killed in a 17-year-old was seriously injured, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Both were from North Chicago, Illinois. Police believe the vehicle the 16-year-old was driving was traveling at a high speed when it drove off the road and hit a tree in the area of 942 Fulton Ave., Waukegan early Wednesday morning.

Government officials stated the impact cut the vehicle in half. The rear half of the car ended up against the front of a house and the front half was upside down in a nearby yard.

The driver was partially ejected from the car. An autopsy revealed he sustained multiple internal injuries from deceleration in a high-speed collision.

The passenger was taken by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois with non-life-threatening injuries.

The collision is being investigated by the Waukegan Police Department's major traffic accident unit. Police say there were no witnesses and the incident is still being investigated. Police received a call about the crash around 2:45 AM.

In yet another deadly incident, a toddler was killed in an Illinois pedestrian accident, according to ABC news. The driver involved, 45-year-old woman, has been charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

The collision occurred on Saturday on the South Side of Chicago in the West Pullman neighborhood. The victim, 23 months old, was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oaklawn where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

The child and her grandmother were reportedly within a crosswalk when they were hit by a van.

It has not been reported if a Chicago injury lawyer is involved in any of the above cases yet or if a civil lawsuit has been filed.

Continue reading "Labor Day weekend sees a series of dangerous Chicago-area car crashes" »

Six traffic violations were handed to an 82-year-old woman accused of causing a serious car vs. pedestrian accident in Chicago this past weekend. The woman was allegedly driving the wrong way on the Magnificent Mile and struck two pedestrians, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The woman was cited for driving over the median, negligent driving, disobeying a red light and for striking the pedestrians in a crosswalk, according to Chicago Police Officer John Mirabelli.

It's a part of life. One day we're all going experience a loss in eyesight, hearing and hand-eye coordination. Many of us will fight these aging symptoms. It is important to keep an eye on our parents, grandparents and other elderly loved ones to make sure that our friends and family members are not facing increased risks of being involved in a serious car accident. Our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage all residents to speak with their parents about aging and driving. It may be tough and you may not want to do it, but it's important.

Police have yet to determine why the woman was driving the wrong direction when the accident happened. The pedestrians were injured just after 5:00 p.m. Friday evening. Both were taken to the hospital, according to Huffpost Chicago.

Currently, elderly drivers account for about 20 percent of all motorists on U.S. roadways, according to the Government Accountability Office. That number isn't expected to shrink any time soon. Those who make up the first wave of the baby-boom generation celebrated their 65th birthdays this year.

"The number of older drivers on the road is definitely a concern, and their number can't help but increase in the years ahead, due to the aging of the population," said Lisa D'Ambrosio, a research scientist at the MIT AgeLab.

If you're worried about your parents driving abilities, you're not alone. The Hartford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's AgeLab, reports that nearly 1 out of every 10 adults are concerned about an older family member's driving.

An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study determined the following about drivers and intersection accidents:

-Nearly 60 percent of drivers 80-years-old and older neglect to yield at intersections.

-Nearly 40 precent of those age 70- to 79-years-old fail to yield at intersections.

-Only 26 percent of drivers that are age 35- to 54-year-old don't yield at stop signs.

"We know that having that first conversation with an older parent is going to be a difficult one, because driving is so intrinsic to our sense of independence and autonomy," said D'Ambrosio. "So many of us are dependent on driving, especially in regions where public transportation does not exist, or is inconvenient, or runs irregularly. There is also a concern about what the transportation alternatives might be if an older person has to stop driving."

Should you ask your parent turn in their keys for good. MSN recommends you ask yourself these question. Yes answers means you should talk with you parent:

-Have they suffered a stroke, heart attack or diminished eyesight?

-Have they experienced any difficulty negotiating sharp turns and intersections?

-Do they hesitate over right-of-way decisions?

-Are they oftentimes surprised by the sudden presence of other vehicles or pedestrians?

-Are they getting lost on familiar routes?

We understand that talking with your loved ones about when they need to stop driving may be hard on you, but it is important that you do this for their safety. If you avoid the conversation, you're only putting them at an increased risk for experiencing a car accident that could potentially end their life prematurely.

Continue reading "82-Year-Old Driver Injures Two Pedestrians - Are Your Parent's at Risk for a Car Accident in Chicago?" »

An Illinois taxi vs. pedestrian collision has left one person dead and two others injured when a cab driver lost control on the morning of June 27, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The incident occurred just before 8:50 AM in the 300 block of E. Illinois Street.

The cab driver reportedly lost control, fatally striking a pedestrian and crashing into a parking garage. The taxi driver and his passenger were both injured when the vehicle hit the garage in the Streeterville neighborhood. Witnesses and police are stating that the passenger was female and she had to be cut out of the backseat. As Chicago fire department personnel worked to extricate her from the vehicle, the male pedestrian's body was laying in the street under a sheet.

The two injured people were taken by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in serious to critical condition.

The accident was picked up on surveillance video from a nearby business. The pedestrian victim is shown walking eastbound on Illinois. The taxicab then skids off the road towards the pedestrian and the garage, and then the victim disappears from view.

A 23-year-old Chicago Tribune employee was at scene the to witness the crash. He stated he saw a Checker cab going fast on Illinois Street. The taxi then may have been cut off by another, swerved and hit the pedestrian on the sidewalk on the north side of the street.

NBC news is reporting that the cab driver is 71 years old and does not have a great driving record. He has received more than 30 traffic tickets between 1988 and 2010. The moving violations include failing to obey red lights, stop sign violations, speeding, obstructing traffic and improperly changing lanes.

The victim, a man in his 50s, was a dishwasher at Navy Pier seafood store and a resident of Rogers Park.

The Chicago Police Department handled the crash investigation. They issued citations to the cab driver for driving too fast for conditions and failing to show due care to a pedestrian.

This same intersection is the location where a fatal tour bus vs. pedestrian accident took place in May. The bus was turning and struck a pedestrian in the crosswalk. The driver was later charged with DUI.

The summertime can be dangerous for pedestrians in downtown Chicago. Just days after the June 27 accident, more pedestrians were injured on July 1 on Michigan Avenue, according to the Tribune.

Two pedestrians were hit in the crosswalk by a driver headed in the wrong direction. The collision took place around 5:15 PM in the 200 block of N. Michigan Ave.

The woman was reportedly in her 80s and was driving southbound in the northbound lanes. The pedestrians hit were a 35-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman. After the collision with the pedestrians, the motorist struck a northbound vehicle, and the northbound vehicle was then knocked into a third vehicle.

The pedestrians were taken by Chicago Fire Department ambulance to Northwestern Hospital. One of the injured was in serious to critical condition. The 80-year-old motorist was also taken to Northwestern, but her injuries were not reported.

It has not been reported if a Chicago car accident attorney is involved in either of the above cases, or if any civil lawsuits are on file yet.

Illinois truck crash lawyer Gary Annes has reached a settlement on behalf of a pedestrian that was injured in April, 2010. The truck vs. pedestrian collision occurred at the intersection of Monroe and Wells Streets in Chicago.

A truck driver had been traveling westbound on Monroe Street around 7:45 AM and was making a left turn onto southbound Wells Street. Our client was walking eastbound on the sidewalk on the south side of Monroe. When the pedestrian reached the intersection she waited for a walk sign, and proceeded to cross in a marked crosswalk one she received a walk sign.

When the plaintiff had made it almost all the way across the street, the truck driver suddenly made a left turn and hit her in the crosswalk. The front end of the truck struck the pedestrian's left side. She was fully inside the crosswalk at the time of impact. She had an immediate onset of head pain and left side pain, especially in her left hip and shoulder.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. After investigating, the truck driver was issued a ticket for failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Over the next few hours the plaintiff's pain became worse. She was seen shortly after the accident at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.

At the ER she complained of head pain, neck pain, left shoulder pain and left hip pain. She was examined by emergency room physicians, a history was taken and diagnostic tests were performed. She was nauseous and eye twitching to the left was also observed.

Our client was diagnosed with a concussion and multiple contusions. She was prescribed pain medication and instructed to seek follow-up treatment after discharge.

Over the next few days the plaintiff's symptoms continued, especially her headaches, neck pain, and left hip and left lower back pain. She first followed up with her primary care physician, who recommended that she seek treatment for her hip, low back and neck at the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute ("IBJI"), and also ordered a brain MRI.

The MRI was taken on May 15, 2010. The MRI revealed hydrocephalus, an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Based upon the results of the MRI, she was referred for a neurological consultation. After an initial consultation the doctor performed injections in her occipital area.

The client had her first treatment at IBJI in April, 2010. Based on our ongoing headaches, neck pain and left hip/left lower back complaints she was referred to a neurologist and for physical therapy.

After a month of physical therapy, the client returned to IBJI. Continue to experience neck pain, left hip and left low back pain. Examination at that time revealed the client was walking with a list to the left and that she had a limited range of motion in her lumbar spine. She was prescribed more physical therapy and a home exercise program.

The plaintiff again returned to IBJI after another month of therapy. She continued to suffer left him and lower left back pain and neck pain. Physical therapy was again extended.

After further therapy she had improved and was discharged from treatment.

The claim settled for $35,000 pre-litigation, saving our client the expense of a lawsuit.

Continue reading "Chicago pedestrian accident attorney settles truck accident case" »

Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Tom Byrne was given strict orders from Mayor Rahm Emanuel earlier this week to tighten up city enforcement of road laws, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. This order comes after a pedestrian accident in Chicago, allegedly caused by a city employee driving drunk.

We previously reported on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog that eight people suffered injuries after a city worker allegedly lost control of his truck in the Gold Coast community. The city worker is being accused of driving under the influence at the time of the accident.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand that intoxicated motorists are frequently responsible for the serious and fatal accidents that occur on our roads. It's particularly egregious that a city employee is involved.

“One of the things I said to Commissioner Byrne was I want to know what steps need to be taken so, in the future, this does not occur again — both at the level of management and at the level of employees,” Emanuel said.

The 61-year-old city worker reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration of more than twice the legal limit. Termination proceedings have already been started by the city against that employee. The mayor wants more done though. He says firing the worker isn't enough to suffice for these types of tragedies that affect the lives of the injured and cost the city millions.

Prosecutors report that the city worker plowed through the group of pedestrians in a city vehicle, a Ford F-150, with a bottle of brandy in his cab. The driver is being held of a $400,000 bond and is facing charges including four counts of felony aggravated DUI and two counts of misdemeanor DUI. He was also cited for negligent driving, failing to reduce speed and transporting open alcohol in a vehicle.

“You take these moments, you deal with them and there are lessons learned for future. And I’ve directed Commissioner Byrne to come back with recommendations,” said Emanuel.

Currently, city employees that hold a valid driver’s license are subject to random drug and alcohol tests. The employee that took out several pedestrians earlier this week was not a part of these random screenings. He was a worker assigned to empty garbage cans and to collect stray debris throughout the city.

“Streets and Sanitation is conducting its own internal review into all aspects of this incident, including supervision, to determine if any policies and procedures should be changed to prevent such incidents in the future,” Smith said.

Employees that have jobs similar to this city employee are only subjected to drug and alcohol tests after being involved in an accident. This worker was tested earlier this year, in March, after an on-the-job accident that resulted in property damage. His previous test came back with negative results.

“Random drug [and alcohol] testing for laborers would have to be negotiated with the union. The city cannot implement the tests unilaterally,” Smith said in an e-mail response to the Chicago Sun-Times.

All motorists are asked to both keep a watchful eye out for pedestrians and to refrain from drinking and driving. This city worker reportedly had neither in mind and in turn injured a number of innocent residents. The city reports to have upped its efforts to keep an eye on their employees to reduce the risks of such accidents in the future.

Continue reading "Mayor Calls For Stricter Rules after City Employee allegedly caused Chicago Pedestrian Accident" »

Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers previously reported that a 75-year-old man was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver at the intersection of Kimball Avenue and North Avenue on April 1. Now comes word that a 38-year-old West Side resident has been charged with a felony count of leaving the scene of accident causing death, according to ABC news.

The charge was announced by Chicago police officials on Wednesday. Fox News is reporting that the hit and run driver had previously been cited for driving without insurance, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to give information.

The pedestrian victim was crossing the intersection in the Humboldt Park neighborhood just after 8 PM when he was fatally hit. Police later located the defendant and the vehicle and the 4700 block of W. Washington Blvd.

An autopsy determined the victim died from multiple injuries in the collision. The death was ruled an accident.

The hit-and-run driver was scheduled to appear in bond court on Thursday.

It has not been reported if a pedestrian accident attorney is involved in the case or if a civil lawsuit has been filed.

Read the story in the Chicago Tribune here.

A 26-year-old woman has been killed in a downtown Chicago pedestrian collision, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The victim was crossing Columbus Avenue at East Illinois Street in the Streeterville neighborhood when she was struck by a tour bus just before 7 PM on Tuesday evening.

The pedestrian was crossing with a green light, but the driver did not yield as he turned onto Columbus. A witness to the accident believed the driver never saw the pedestrian, as he looked shocked and was crying afterwards. The driver reportedly told police he heard a bump, thought it was a curb, but then stopped the bus when he heard a second bump.

According to WGN-TV, other witnesses to the accident said they could tell that nothing could be done to help the victim, and that they were upset about what they had witnessed.

The woman was taken a short distance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead approximately 15 minutes later.

It has not been reported if an Illinois bus accident attorney is involved in the case yet.

Read the story as reported by the Chicago Tribune here.

A deadly Chicago pedestrian accident on the North Side has claimed the life of a 75-year-old man, according to the Chicago Tribune. The collision occurred in Logan square just after 8 PM last Friday evening at the intersection of Kimball Avenue and North Avenue.

The victim was transported by ambulance to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County in critical condition and pronounced dead less than an hour later.

After the accident the driver involved fled the scene. Chicago police located the car in the 4700 block of W. Washington Blvd. The Chicago Police Department's major accident investigation unit is now involved and a man has been taken into police custody.

As the weather warms up in the Chicago land area, drivers have to be on the lookout for more and more pedestrians in crosswalks and at other locations. In the year 2009 alone, 111 pedestrians were killed in Illinois accidents, and 13 of those pedestrians were age 75 and older, that according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

It was not reported if an Illinois pedestrian accident attorney is involved in this case yet.

Click here to read the story as reported by the Chicago Breaking News Center.

Anyone with information regarding the collision should contact the major accident investigation unit at (312) 745-4521.

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.

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.

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" »

The family of a man killed in a Chicago pedestrian accident blames a driver who was allegedly updating her Facebook page at the time of the crash, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers frequently write about the hazards associated with distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 5,474 people were killed and 448,000 were injured in crashes caused by distracted driving in 2009.

As we reported recently on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, Illinois has recently launched the campaign "Drive Now. Text Later. You Can't Do Both." The campaign aims to remind people that texting and driving has been illegal in the state of Illinois since Jan. 1 2010. Hand-held cell phone use has been illegal for Chicago drivers since 2005.

Along with texting, the law also forbids reading or sending e-mails, surfing the Internet and, of course, updating your Facebook account while driving.

In this case, the 70-year-old was in a minor car accident on Dec. 7. His family claims he was outside his vehicle, exchanging information with the other driver, when a vehicle southbound on Ewing Avenue ran into the victim, partially severing his leg and causing him to bleed to death.

Both that driver, and the other driver in an accident with the victim, claimed sun glare was a problem.

It's not the first time Facebook has made the news in connection with distracted driving, nor will it be the last. Last fall, the USA Today reported that General Motors' OnStar system would allow drivers to dictate Facebook posts and have their text messages read aloud.

The New York Times reported such services were coming under increased scrutiny during the nation's second annual Distracted Driving Summit, held last fall in Washington, D.C.

Please note that while our law firm works on distracted driving cases, we are not involved in the case discussed in the Chicago Tribune article. Further, the lawyer representing the victim's family was not named in the Tribune article.

Continue reading "Driver on Facebook blamed for fatal Chicago pedestrian accident" »

An Illinois pedestrian accident has caused serious injury to 2 women, and the Chicago Police Department is now asking for help in locating the hit-and-run driver, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The accident happened on Tuesday night in the 100 block of South State Street.

A southbound SUV struck the women as they were walking across the intersection with the right-of-way. The pedestrians were both hospitalized after the accident.

The hit-and-run vehicle is being described as a silver Mitsubishi Montero sport with an Illinois license plate of X76 5013. The SUV is registered to a woman from Sauk Village, Illinois and police in that southern suburb are now assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the Illinois hit-and-run pedestrian accident should immediately contact the Chicago Police Department's major accident investigation unit at 312-745-4521.

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that one of the women, age 53, sustained fractures to her pelvis and a serious laceration on her left leg. The other pedestrian, age 70, sustained a fractured collarbone and ribs, and also injured a knee. One of the women is hospitalized at Northwestern and the other at Loyola in Maywood.

The at fault SUV was reportedly speeding and ran a red light. After the collision driver never slowed and fled southbound on State Street.

Is has not been reported if a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer is involved in the case yet.

In East St. Louis, Illinois a pedestrian versus motor vehicle accident has resulted in the death of a woman. BND.com is reporting that the collision occurred shortly after 1 AM on Sunday at the intersection of 26 Street and Cleveland Avenue. Police are asking for help as they are still trying to figure out what happened.

The victim has been identified as a 56-year-old East St. Louis resident. It is believed she was going home from the store when the accident occurred. After the collision, the driver involved fled the scene of the accident.

The East St. Louis Police Department is searching for someone in the area that was driving a light-colored SUV. Anyone with information pertaining to the accident should immediately contact police. Call either the East St. Louis Police Department at 482-6700, the Illinois state police at 346-3990 or call Crimestoppers at 866-371-Tips. Crimestopper tips are anonymous and can pay up to $1,000.

An Illinois personal injury lawyer has filed a lawsuit on behalf of an Oak lawn man who died in a Chicago car vs. pedestrian accident that occurred last Thanksgiving, according to the Neighborhood Star. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed in Circuit Court of Cook County. The victim's mother has been named special administrator of the estate for the purposes of the suit.

The accident reportedly occurred when the victim was trying to push his disabled vehicle and 6500 block of Cicero Avenue around 3 AM. At that time an alleged drunk and speeding driver struck the pedestrian.

The victim was rushed by ambulance to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he passed away several hours later. Four other people were hurt in the accident, and five ambulances responded to the crash.

The defendant, a 31-year-old South Side resident, was criminally charged with felony aggravated DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and leaving the scene of an accident.

Also listed as a defendant in the civil lawsuit is a tavern (and its owners) where the driver was allegedly drinking alcohol prior to the crash.

The Illinois pedestrian accident lawyer that is representing the victim's family was not named in the newspaper article.

A Chicago hit-and-run accident has caused severe injuries to a pedestrian on the North Side, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The collision occurred early Sunday morning in the Edgewater neighborhood.

Around 3:30 AM a red vehicle that was traveling in a northwest direction struck the pedestrian in the area of 5900 N. Ridge Ave. The motorist then fled the scene. Rescue personnel from the Chicago fire Department rushed the pedestrian to St. Francis hospital Evanston where he is reportedly being treated for severe head injuries and is in critical condition.

The vehicle that may have been involved was located later that same day in the 6000 block of N. Lincoln Ave. in a motel parking lot. The Chicago Police Department's major accident investigation unit is stating that they have been in contact with someone who may have been the driver.

Police are also stating that it was not raining at the time of the accident and there were no skid marks showing the driver tried to stop. 30 mph is the speed limit at the location. There is actually a red light camera at the accident location, however it is not been determined if a photo was taken.

Police have not yet been able to interview the pedestrian.

Click here to read the story as reported by WGN-TV and ABC news.

Click here to read more about Chicago pedestrian accident lawsuits and Illinois hit-and-run injury claims.

New data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that children continue to be at high risk for Chicago car accidents, bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents.

Traffic accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14. Last year, 1,314 kids were killed and 179,000 were injured in traffic accidents nationwide. An average of 4 children are killed and 490 were injured in car accidents every day last year.

Our Chicago accident lawyers frequently report on the common causes of serious and fatal car accidents, including speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving. When it comes to children, obeying car seat and booster seat laws, and ensuring that your child is properly seat belted, can go a long way to ensuring their safety in the event of an accident. The government reports that child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injuries to infants by 71 percent and to toddlers by 54 percent.

-Children also face significant risk of being seriously injured or killed in a Chicago pedestrian accident. Nationwide last year, 244 children under the age of 14 were killed in pedestrian accidents and more than 13,000 were injured.

-And, while the popularity of cycling has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of serious and fatal injuries involving middle-aged men, young children have always faced significant risk. Last year, 74 were killed in bicycle accidents and more than 8,000 were injured.

-Tragically, drunk driving accidents killed 181 kids last year and in half of those cases the children were passengers in the vehicle with the intoxicated driver.

-Illinois car accidents killed 34 children last year, including one victim under the age of 1 and 18 victims who were 1 to 7 years old.

Continue reading "Government reports that children remain at high risk for Chicago car accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents" »

A Chicago man has been arrested due to his alleged involvement in a deadly Illinois pedestrian accident that took place on a South side on Saturday. NBC news is reporting that Chicago police officers believe he was drinking at the time of the hit-and-run accident.

The defendant, age 36, resides in the 6900 block of S. Laflin St. and he has been charged with aggravated DUI. The collision resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman.

The at fault driver was also cited for improper lane usage, hitting a pedestrian in the road, and driving without a valid insurance. It is further alleged that his blood-alcohol level was above the 0.08 limit, but test results have not been released.

The accident took place early Saturday morning around 2:15 AM in the 7300 block of South Racine. After the defendant struck the pedestrian he fled from the scene. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday for a bond hearing.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center where she was pronounced dead a short time later, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. An autopsy on Saturday confirmed that that the pedestrian died from injuries sustained in the accident. The Chicago Police Department's major accident investigation unit handled the crash investigation.

Due to the fact that the at fault driver was reportedly uninsured, when a Chicago wrongful death lawyer gets involved in the case he or she will look to pursue an uninsured motorist claim against the pedestrian victim's own auto insurance policy.

Illinois pedestrian accidents claimed the lives of two people in separate accidents last night in the Chicago area, according to WGN news.

One of the deadly pedestrian hit-and-run crashes occurred in suburban Des Plaines. A teenager was found around 6:20 PM on Friday evening in the area of 906 E. Algonquin Rd. lying in the westbound lanes traffic just East of S. 3rd Ave.

The driver involved in the collision left the scene of the accident before police arrived. The pedestrian was taken by ambulance to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge where he was pronounced dead just after 6:30 PM.

The Des Plaines Police Department is asking for help locating the hit-and-run driver. Anyone with information about the accident is being asked to call police at 847-391-5400. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers. The pedestrian victim was only 17 years old.

In a second fatal Chicago pedestrian accident, a 35-year-old woman was killed while she was walking the 7300 block of S. Racine Avenue in Chicago around 2:15 AM. The victim was a Chicago resident who lived in the 8600 block of South Aberdeen. The victim was taken by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

The driver that struck the pedestrian was reportedly in police custody and charges are pending. There is no word as to whether Chicago injury attorneys are involved in either case yet.

A Chicago hit-and-run accident is seriously injured pedestrian on the south side, according to the Chicago Sun-Times . The accident happened just outside an election polling station Tuesday morning and the pedestrian was Martin Munoz, brother of State Sen. Antonio Munoz.

A driver of vehicle reportedly sped through the intersection and hit Munoz, age 40. The victim was taken by paramedics to Mount Sinai Hospital where he underwent surgery for significant leg injuries. The senator's brother was apparently on his way to vote at the time of the accident.

Illinois pedestrian accident occurred just before 6 AM in the area of 4030 S. Archer Ave. The pedestrian was crossing Archer northbound towards the election station when the mid-1990s Nissan came through the intersection heading southeast. The car was traveling between 30 and 40 mph when it hit the victim. Occurrence witnesses heard screeching tires and then turn to see the pedestrian being knocked around 20 feet.

A Chicago police officer reportedly was working security the location. The officer gave chase in a squad car, was able to get a license plate number, but then lost track of the vehicle. Police have since located the vehicle and are speaking to a "person of interest".

Click here to read the stories reported by ABC news and the State Journal Register.

As far as a civil claim is concerned, this case will likely turn into a hit-and-run / underinsured motorist claim. In my experience as a Chicago personal injury lawyer, most drivers that flee accident scenes end up not having valid auto insurance. Once an Illinois pedestrian accident attorney gets involved in the case, they will surely investigate whether a case can be pursued against the hit-and-run driver, however the claim will most likely end up being against the victims own auto insurance company.

The government has released a report detailing a half-century of safety initiatives as part of the reason for the historic decline in serious and fatal car accidents. However, as our Chicago injury lawyers have reported, the economic downturn has also played a significant role in the reduction. And, as the economy slowly recovers, the number of fatal Illinois car accidents is again on the rise.

Car accidents and traffic fatalities have been declining steadily since reaching a peak of 43,510 in 2005. Most recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that traffic fatalities declined from 37,423 in 2008 to 33,808 last year -- a level not seen since the 33,186 deaths that occurred on the nation's roads in 1950.

Safety officials are quick to point toward the success of enforcement efforts aimed at increasing seat belt use and reducing drunk driving.

“Today’s numbers reflect the tangible benefits of record seat belt use and strong anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland in announcing the record-low fatalities. “But we are still losing more than 30,000 lives a year on our highways, and about a third of these involve drunk driving. We will continue to work with our state partners to strictly enforce both seat belt use and anti-drunk driving laws across this nation, every day and every night.”

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have frequently reported the drastic decline in traffic crashes. But recently that trend has changed. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 746 people have died in Illinois car accidents thus far in 2010, compared to 742 during the same period a year ago.

That increase could be linked to the (albeit slow) economic recovery -- many cite the sagging economy as a primary reason for the reduction. To counter this argument, the government points to an overall increase in miles traveled. However, it does not report whether a significant reduction in peak congestion (due to high unemployment and less holiday and vacation travel) could be partially responsible.

Additionally, not every category bears good news: Motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents have continued to increase over a three-year moving average.

Recently, the government completed a study that does offer some insight into where the reductions are occurring, even if the reasons why remain a mystery.

-Crashes involving young drivers declined 17 percent between 2007 and 2008.

-Fatalities involving children under the age of 16 decreased by 20 percent.

-Multiple-vehicle fatalities decreased by 13 percent.

-Fatalities involving large trucks decreased by 12 percent.

-Weekend fatalities decreased by 11 percent.

The government cites a number of safety milestones along the historic downward trend in traffic fatalities that began in the 1970s:

1968: Front-seat lap and shoulder belts are required for all vehicles.

1970: NHTSA is formed by an act of Congress.

1971: Standardized training for EMTs.

1974: Nationwide 55mph speed limit enacted by Congress in response to energy crisis.

1978: First child safety-seat law enacted.

1980: Mothers Against Drunk Driving is formed.

1984: First seat-belt law enacted by New York.

1987: Passive restraint rules (airbags) began with the 1987 model year.

1988: All 50 states have raised minimum drinking age to 21.

1990: NHTSA begins providing crash worthiness tests.

1996: Safety campaign to move children to rear seats.

1998: All 50 states have zero tolerance alcohol policy for drivers under 21.

2002: First nationwide "Click It or Ticket" campaign.

2005: All 50 states have .08 legal limit for alcohol.

2008: Seat belt use up to 83 percent as states continue to enact primary enforcement laws.

Continue reading "Government touts half-century of safety initiatives for reduction in traffic fatalities even as fatal Illinois car accidents are on the rise" »

A Chicago suburban pedestrian accident has left to teenagers seriously injured, according to Tribune Local Aurora. The Aurora Police Department is now seeking help to find the hit-and-run driver that was involved in the October 22 crash.

The teenage boys that were injured in the accident are ages 15 and 16. They were hit by a Dodge Ram pickup truck in the 700 block of Fifth Avenue while they were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. The collision reportedly knocked 16-year-old pedestrian about 15 feet in the air and the 15-year-old was dragged by the vehicle for approximately 100 feet.

Accident witnesses stated that the driver stop for second, and then fled the scene westbound on Fifth Avenue.

The pedestrian accident victims were taken by ambulance to an area hospital. Their injuries are supposed to be non-life-threatening, including fractures, cuts scrapes.

The Aurora Police Department is asking anyone with information about the hit-and-run accident to call police officers handling the investigation at 630-256-5333, or anonymously call crime stoppers at 630-892-1000.

As far as a civil claim is concerned, unfortunately hit-and-run drivers are usually not caught by police. Once a Chicago area pedestrian accident attorney gets involved in the case, they will most likely look to set up hit-and-run / uninsured motorist claim on the teenagers' (or their family member's) own auto insurance policy. The fact that the teens were not in a motor vehicle the time of the accident is irrelevant, and they should have coverage for the accident from their own insurance carriers.

Read more about Illinois uninsured motorist claims here.

A good Samaritan has been injured in a Chicago pedestrian accident on the Stevenson Expressway, according to WGN news. The incident occurred around 12:45 AM on Friday at Interstate 55 and Damon Ave.

The good Samaritan was Daniel Vasquez, 28, who was scheduled to graduate from the Chicago Police Academy next month. He was heading home from work when he saw that a vehicle had just crashed and he stopped to assist. When he got out of his car he was struck by another vehicle.

He reportedly sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. At the ER it was discovered that he suffered internal bleeding in his brain and had to be sedated.

The 26-year-old motorist that struck the pedestrian was issued citations by the Illinois State Police for failing to yield to a pedestrian, improper lane usage, driving without a license, and failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident. NBC news is reporting that the at fault driver told police he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Click here to read the story as reported by ABC news.

The Northwest Herald is reporting that the Cary Police Department is looking into an Illinois hit-and-run accident that hurt a 20-year-old Cary resident on Saturday morning. The victim was found around 4:15 AM lying in a parking lot near Walgreens at 500 Northwest Highway in Cary, Illinois.

Police went to the store after receiving a call about a fight. There, they found the victim in the parking lot who appeared to have been hit by a car. He was alert but could not move due to injuries he sustained.

Cary Fire Department emergency technicians help the victim in the parking lot and then took him by ambulance to the firehouse at 400 Cary-Algonquin Road. He was then flown by helicopter to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

Police are reportedly still investigating, and they believe they found the car that was involved in the incident. Criminal charges are expected to be filed.

The extent of the pedestrians injuries has not been reported.

As far as a civil claim is concerned, in most hit-and-run accidents the at fault driver is never caught. And when he or she is caught, the vehicle involved is usually uninsured.

When the victim gets a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer involved in the case, that attorney will investigate whether the offending driver was insured. If they were not insured, counsel will look to file a hit-and-run / underinsured motorist claim against the injured pedestrian's own auto insurance policy.

Chicago injury attorneys at Abels & Annes have reached a settlement in a pedestrian accident case that occurred on the north side.

The accident took place on December 16, 2009 at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Estes. Our client was walking northbound on the west side of Sheridan Road. The defendant was driving westbound on Estes. Our client had a walk signal at the stop light and began to cross Estes within a marked crosswalk. At that time the driver, who was in an SUV, had a red light. The defendant entered the crosswalk on red and the front of the SUV struck our client, causing her to fall to the ground. She landed on her backside and head.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the accident. At the scene the defendant admitted to the investigating police officer that he did not see our client in the crosswalk. An independent witness also reported to the police that our client was crossing within the crosswalk on a green light.

After the accident the plaintiff had immediate onset of pain. She had pain on the back of her head, both knees and her left hand. She was transported by ambulance to the emergency room at St. Francis Hospital. There, a history was taken she was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. She was prescribed pain medication and instructed to seek follow up medical care.

Due to our clients ongoing and increasing complaints of pain and discomfort, including onset of neck and back pain, she sought medical treatment two days later with a medical doctor. The doctor prescribed pain medication and a course of physical therapy.

She went to physical therapy at ATI in Chicago. She was seen a total of 22 times over two months. After that, she was discharged with a home exercise program.

The case settled for $22,250. American Family Insurance paid on the claim. The case settled without having to file a lawsuit.

If you've been injured in a Chicago pedestrian accident, contact the Illinois personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak to a lawyer now

Just last week a Chicago injury lawyer at Abels & Annes entered into an agreement to represent a bike rider that was injured on the Lakefront Trail. She was struck by a taxicab that failed to stop at a stop sign near Soldier Field.

Authorities hope the first comprehensive study of Lakefront Trail in more than a decade could reduce the number of serious Chicago bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents that occur during peak congestion, the Sun-Times reported.

Safety advocates are looking to determine the busiest times and spots on the trail. More than 100 Active Transportation Alliance volunteers counted pedestrians, in-line skaters and cyclists at 30 trail locations last week, including entry points along Lake Shore Drive.

"We all know it's busy," said Gia Biagi, the Chicago Park District's director of planning. However, "we wanted to really establish quantitatively, 'What is the usership?' "

As officials determine how the path is utilized by commuters and recreational users, they will be seeking strategies to make the path safer and more efficient. Last summer, the Sun-Times reported that crashes on the path occur quite frequently but are not specifically tracked.

Chicago pedestrian accidents killed 52 and injured more than 3,200 in 2008, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Five cyclists were killed and more than 1,700 were injured in Chicago bicycle accidents.

City leaders say the analysis is not motivated by safety issues, but rather the need for maintenance and improvements, including trail widening.

Continue reading "Study of Lakefront Trail could reduce congestion, Chicago bicycle and pedestrian accidents" »

The Chicago Daily Herald is calling for tougher punishment for those caught leaving the scene of a Chicago car accident.

The paper said it was raising the issue after two high-profile cases: The son of the Elk Grove Village mayor was fined $195 for leaving the scene after striking a parked car; and a DuPage County judge was fined $500 after leaving the scene of an accident involving a parked car in Glen Ellyn.

But hardly a week goes by that our Chicago car accident lawyers are not reporting serious or fatal injuries caused in a hit-and-run accident.

The newspaper questions whether the law is tough enough, since a driver is likely to suffer less punishment for leaving the scene of an accident than for DUI; and research suggests an offender convicted of DUI is much more likely to have their driver's license suspended.

While the penalties are much more severe for leaving the scene of serious or fatal accidents, the media continues to report almost daily occurrences. Often a driver panics, but the decision can be life-threatening for a victim, especially in cases involving a cyclist or pedestrian who is left on the ground, often in the dark, usually with very serious injuries.

The law requires that you stop and offer assistance to an injury victim; that you trade basic information with other drivers involved; and that you notify authorities, according to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office. Those caught leaving the scene can be fined up to $2,500 and sentenced to up to one year in jail. If a driver fails to report a crash for over 30 minutes after it occurred, they may be fined up to $25,000 and sentenced to up to three years in prison.

Common reasons that drivers do not stop at the scene of a crash include impaired driving, speeding, and driving without a license or proper insurance. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 86 unlicensed drivers have been involved in the state's 459 fatal crashes so far this year.

Continue reading "Hit-and-run drivers increase risk of serious or fatal injuries for victims of Chicago car accidents" »

A suburban teenager has abruptly pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a Chicago pedestrian accident that critically injured a fellow New Trier High School student.

ABC7 reported that the 18-year-old woman pleaded guilty to one felony count of leaving the scene of an accident and one count of misdemeanor DUI for driving with marijuana in her system. She was sentenced to two months probation with drug treatment and will not be permitted to go to college out of state. She also must complete 120 hours of community service at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where the teenager she struck is in rehab.

The 16-year-old girl suffered a brain injury in the May 14 hit-and-run accident in Winnetka. She is now in out-patient rehabilitation and goes several times a week. We first reported this case on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog in May, when an anonymous donor posted the teenager's $500,000 bail.

The defendant was accused of striking the victim outside the New Trier High School at Green Bay and Winnetka roads. She was stopped by police and arrested about a half an hour later.

The Sun-Times reported that the victim has undergone two brain surgeries and is facing extensive rehabilitation. Her prognosis is uncertain.

The Chicago Tribune report is available here.

Two people were killed in a suburban Chicago car accident on Sunday night when a Porsche flipped over and caught fire after side-swiping a van near Naperville, the Chicago Breaking News Center reported.

The Porsche was westbound on I-88 when it struck the Dodge Caravan shortly after 11 p.m., according to Illinois State Police. The vehicle flipped at least twice before landing in a ditch and catching fire. Both occupants of the Porsche were killed. No one in the van was injured.

Two people were killed in an Illinois semi accident involving three tractor-trailers early Monday morning, WQAD reported.

The chain-reaction crash on I-70 near Highland happened after traffic began to slow due to another crash on the highway. Three semis and a pickup were involved. The two victims were inside a tractor-trailer that caught fire as a result of the impact. The first accident happened after a trailer lost its load and the cab and trailer separate from each other on the highway.

Several people were injured in a Chicago pedestrian accident on Saturday night, the Southtown Star reported.

The accident happened about 7 p.m. when a car struck several victims as they walking near Schilling Avenue and West 15th Street, according to the Chicago Heights Police Department.

Through Sunday, a total of 449 fatal Illinois traffic accidents have claimed 293 lives. A total of 553 people died in traffic accidents during the same period last year.

A Champaign teenager has admitted to texting while driving in the fatal Illinois pedestrian accident that killed an elderly Chicago resident, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The 19-year-old pleaded guilty in court to failure to reduce speed to avoid and accident and to texting while driving. As our Chicago injury attorneys reported last week on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, many states, including Illinois, have outlawed texting while driving.

Police say the teenager struck the 84-year-old Chicago resident in downtown Urbana. The man had been at a downtown restaurant to celebrate a relative's graduation. He had gone to check on his dog in a parked car when he was struck and killed.

Nationwide, more than 6,000 people are killed and 500,000 are injured in accidents blamed on distracted driving each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The federal government's distracted driving website places particular emphasis on the dangers of cell phone use and text messaging while driving. Other forms of distracted driving include eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, grooming, talking to passengers, reading or using in-car electronic devices.

The government reports that younger, inexperienced drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of fatal crashes blamed on distracted driving.

The News-Gazette report is available here.

Nearly 300,000 Chicago car accidents occur each year, killing at least one motorist per day. That's an astounding 821 crashes every day.

Yet the Chicago Tribune reports that new statistics released by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning show that the rates of traffic deaths and serious injuries have declined dramatically in the last decade. In all, about 200 fewer lives are being lost per year.

Our Chicago accident lawyers will review this study and the upcoming release of 2009 data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, as we continue monitor traffic safety trends in the greater Chicago area. As we have reported both here and on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, statewide traffic fatalities declined to the lowest level in almost a century of reporting last year. This year's numbers are on track to beat last year's.

Authorities credit safer vehicles and more aggressive enforcement measures, as well as tougher primary enforcement seat belt laws and distracted driving initiatives that ban things like cell phone use and text messaging while behind the wheel. As we have reported here previously, traffic experts also believe the high unemployment and tough economy has reduced the number of accidents as fewer people are commuting to and from work or traveling on vacation.

The study did reveal a number of challenges, including:

-Reducing the number of serious and fatal Chicago pedestrian accidents.

-Recognizing trends in the high number of late-night fatal accidents that occur across the metropolitan area.

-Reducing the number of teenage driving accidents.

-High accident rates in areas of rapid suburban expansion, including Kendall, Lake and Will counties.

Overall, the annual number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents in the seven-county region declined by 12.5 percent from 2002 to 2005 and 18 percent from 2005 to 2008. Fatalities decreased 30.5 percent from 2005 to 2008, from 629 deaths to 437 deaths.

The report also found that travel times can be significantly reduced by improving the overall safety of the system. "If we are serious about reducing congestion, one way is to reduce crashes," said Tom Murtha, a senior planner and the report's co-author. "There is positive reinforcement between the two."

Continue reading "Fewer Chicago car accidents reported but high risk of Chicago pedestrian accidents among the significant challenges that remain" »

As our Chicago accident lawyers await the release of crash statistics for 2009, we are taking a look at information released by the Illinois Department of Transportation, which provides a comprehensive review of Chicago accident data in 2008, the last year for which information is available.

Chicago reported 111,693 traffic accidents -- or more than 300 accidents per day. A total of 166 motorists were killed and 21,313 were injured. Rear-end collisions and accidents involving parked cars accounted for almost half of all accidents.

Chicago pedestrian accidents accounted for the largest number of fatal accidents. One-third of all fatal accidents (52 of 156) involved pedestrians and nearly one-third of all fatalities (52 of 166).

Chicago car accidents involving a fixed object resulted in the second-highest number of fatal accidents (50) and fatalities (57).

Weather/Road Conditions

Four of five accidents occurred in clear conditions, on dry roads, during the day. Of the 11,693 accidents,

-Clear: 83,737
-Rain: 12,792
-Snow: 7,846

-Dry: 73,289
-Wet: 19,196
-Ice: 3,351

-Daylight: 71,287
-Dark/lighted road: 26,354
-Dark: 5,876

Of the 219,337 vehicles involved in accidents:

-Passenger cars: 148,971
-SUV: 19,274
-Vans: 13,866
-Pickup: 7,389
-Bus: 2,699

Continue reading "Chicago car accidents, pedestrian accidents, account for the majority of city's traffic fatalities" »

Illinois is among 10 states ordered by the federal government to improve safety at railroad crossings, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys continue to report on the large number of Chicago railroad crossing accidents. Our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog has reported at least one fatal railroad crossing accident in each of the last three months.

Between 2006 and 2008, a total of 98 people have been killed at 588 railroad crossing accidents in Illinois, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. In fact, Illinois had more railroad crossing accidents than any state in the nation except Texas.

States must submit a plan by August 2011 to reduce railroad crossing accidents and must pay extra attention to crossings that have been identified as particularly dangerous. Options include shutting down crossing or building tunnels or bridges to separate trains from vehicle traffic.

In Northeastern Illinois, four crossings in Chicago and the Bensenville Rail Yard in Franklin Park top the list of crossings where multiple accidents have occurred. Five crashes have been reported at each location during the past five years.

Other states under the federal mandate to improve crossing safety are Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas. Federal statistics show that 7,077 crossing accidents have killed 873 people during the last three years. Just over half of those accidents occurred in the 10 states targeted for safety improvements.

Federal authorities rejected an argument by some states that fatalities be determined based on the number of crossings in a state and the number of vehicles traveling through crossings. Instead, the enforcement action is being taken based on the total number of railroad crossing accidents that each state has reported.

State authorities have yet to finalize a separate plan meant to reduce Illinois pedestrian accidents at railroad crossings. Twenty-eight pedestrians have been killed at crossings in the last three years, according to the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Continue reading "Chicago railroad crossing accidents in focus as Illinois under federal mandate to improve safety" »

A hit-and-run Chicago pedestrian accident has claimed the life of an 11-year-old girl, the Sun-Times reported.

The girl was dragged by the vehicle and pronounced dead at Comer Children's Hospital less than an hour after the South Side crash, which occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on the 2500 block of E. 79th St. The intersection is heavily traveled by pedestrians.

Police report that a man was driving a 1993 Chevy van eastbound on 79th Street when he struck the girl while she was crossing the street at the corner of 79th and Colfax. The girl was dragged for several feet and suffered a head injury. Police say the driver initially stopped but apparently became fearful of a crowd that had gathered and drove away.

The van sustained damage to its front passenger side bumper area. The Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating.

WGNTV reported that witnesses obtained the van's license plate number and police were able to locat the driver when he returned to his home near 18th Street and Kedzie Avenue early Wednesday morning. The 67-year-old man was taken into custody and was being questioned by detectives.

The girl would have been a sixth-grader at Beasley Elementary School.

Our Chicago injury attorneys continue to report the dangers of pedestrian accidents, both here and on our sister site, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog. More than 150 people a year are killed in Illinois pedestrian accidents, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

A man accused in a hit-and-run Chicago pedestrian accident that claimed the life of a 20-year-old pregnant woman will remain in jail without bail, the Sun-Times reported.

It is one of at least three fatal pedestrian accidents that occurred over the weekend. Our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog reported two others, one involving an 18-year-old girl killed after being run over at a graduation party and another involving a 24-year-old man who was hit and killed Friday night. Pedestrian accidents remain a leading cause of fatal Chicago crashes. In 2008, a total of 135 people were killed in Illinois pedestrian accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In this case, the woman's death may have been intentional after a clash between two groups of people near the Chicago River on the Northwest Side. The feud had spilled into the street when a motorist ran down the victim, who was six-months pregnant, as she crossed at a nearby intersection. The incident occurred in the 2700 block of west Roscoe, according to police.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled her death a homicide. The defendant in the case was ordered held without bail pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 2.

Police report that the victim threw a bottle in an attempt to break up a fight between two men. The defendant then climbed into his car and gunned the engine toward the victim and her friends. Her friends fled down both sides of the car while the victim attempted to retreat down the street. She was struck by the front end of the Buick Park Avenue and ended up lodged beneath the car. The defendant allegedly drove into her again as she attempted to get back up.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the 18-year-old defendant has been charged with murder.

On Friday evening there was a fatal pedestrian accident in Chicago and police are asking for help in finding a hit and run driver. The Chicago Breaking News Center is reporting that the van vs. Chicago pedestrian accident occurred in the Calumet Heights neighborhood around 9:15 p.m.

A 24 year old pedestrian was hit crossing the street at 9100 S. Stony Island. The driver that hit him fled the scene in a red or burgundy Chevy conversion van that has a gray stripe on the side of it. The driver is reportedly an African American male in his 20s.

The pedestrian victim, who was a Chicago resident, was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and pronounced dead a short time later.

Anyone with information related to the accident is asked to immediately call the Chicago Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Unit at (312) 745-4521.

Click here to read the story as reported by ABC News.

A twelve year old boy has been critically injured in a Chicago hit-and-run pedestrian accident on the South Side, according to the ABC News. The pedestrian accident happened on Sunday in the 8000 block of South May Street in the early evening.

The boy was crossing the street when a 2 door Cadillac struck him. The car was traveling southbound and just kept going after the accident. The driver has been described as African American, age 20-26, and is known by the alias of KB.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition. CBS News is reporting that he suffered multiple injuries and sever head trauma, facial lacerations and a fractured leg that has been surgically repaired. He is currently in a drug induced coma.

CBS News is also reporting that the child was dragged down the street before the driver fled.

Anyone with information regarding the Chicago car vs. pedestrian accident should immediately contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-745-4521.

Click here to read the story as reported by the Southtown Star.

- A Chicago car crash involving an ambulance injured a fire department paramedic and a patient early Monday morning on the Northwest Side, the Breaking News Center reported.

The ambulance was on a transport run to Resurrection Medical Center when it was struck in the 6000 block of West Foster Avenue. The 46-year-old driver of the other vehicle was also injured and taken to the hospital. He was cited for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

- A Chicago bus accident involved two other vehicles and injured three people just after 7 a.m. Monday. The fire department reported the crash happened near the intersection of Lawrence and Elston avenues.

- A Chicago motorcycle accident seriously injured a man Sunday night when his motorcycle hit a guardrail on the Dan Ryan Expressway. He was thrown over the rail and landed on a residential street beneath the bridge. The rider was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in serious condition.

- A Chicago train accident claimed the life of a 35-year-old Wisconsin woman early Sunday. The woman was struck by a train in suburban Glenview about 3 a.m.

Through Sunday, a total of 299 people have been killed in Illinois traffic accidents, compared to 325 people killed during the same period last year, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The State Journal-Register reports that lawmakers are considering a number of new laws aimed at increasing traffic safety in Illinois. Last year, the most significant legislation to come out of the capitol was a law that banned text messaging by drivers and cell phone use in school zones and construction sites.

Laws being considered this year:

Crosswalk Safety

Toughening crosswalk safety, lawmakers are considering a law requiring motorists to stop at a crosswalk with a pedestrian in it in an effort to reduce Illinois pedestrian accidents. Currently, Illinois law uses the more ambiguous "yield" wording when dealing with crosswalks and pedestrians.

Supporters contend the law would be easier for authorities to enforce. The measure would apply to unregulated crosswalks, not those regulated by traffic signals or stop signs. Drivers who fail to stop would face a fine of at least $150.

Illinois Teen Drivers

Driving hours could be reduced for teenagers in an effort to combat Illinois car accidents involving teen drivers.

Proposed legislation would reduce by half an hour the amount of time drivers under 18 could be on the road on Friday and Saturday nights. Teen drivers would have to be off the road by 10:30 p.m. Currently, young drivers are not allowed to be on the road from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. and between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the week.

The measure has the support of the American Automobile Association.

“Friday and Saturday nights statistically are the most dangerous times of the week for teens to be driving,” AAA spokeswoman Beth Mosher said. “Research has shown that teen injuries and fatalities are reduced when the nighttime driving provision is set earlier.”

Excessive Speeding

A proposed law would not allow court supervision, a form of probation that can keep a citation off a driver's record, for motorists caught going more than 40 mph over the speed limit. Driving more than 40 mph over the speed limit is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $25,000 fine. However, an investigation by the media recently found more than half of drivers ticketed for driving 100 mph or faster received court supervision.

Under the proposal, drivers caught going 30 to 39 mph over the limit would also face serious consequences, including up to six months in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Illinois Bicycle Safety

A proposed law would toughen the penalty on drivers who cause an Illinois bicycle accident, pedestrian accident or accident involving a horse-drawn carriage. If a victim suffers serious injuries, a driver could face 2-5 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

The law would also make it illegal to throw something at a bicyclist.

Interstate Speed Limit

A proposal to increase the speed to 70 mph on Illinois interstates will not become law after failing to make it out of the senate. The speed limit for semis was raised to 65 mph at the beginning of the year.

Continue reading "Proposed laws aimed at reducing Chicago bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, car accidents" »

A 21-year-old man has been criminally charged for allegedly driving drunk when he slammed into a Chicago police officer during a traffic stop, the Sun-Times reported.

It is the latest in a string of Chicago car accidents that have injured law enforcement officers conducting traffic stops.

As we reported last month on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, a trooper was struck on I-80 while conducted a traffic stop involving a suspected drunk driver.

The accident happened early Thursday morning on the Northwest Side. The officer had a vehicle stopped in the 5600 block of West Foster Avenue when he was struck by another vehicle. Police report the at-fault vehicle had turned onto Foster from Central and was on the wrong side of the street traveling at a high rate of speed.

The car crashed into the woman's car and her open car door slammed into the officer, throwing him to the ground. He was transported to Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center. The drivers of both vehicles were also taken to Resurrection for treatment.

The defendant was charged with DUI, negligent driving, driving without a license and failure to keep in the lane, according to Chicago police.

As we reported on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, Scott's Law requires motorists to move over or slow down for stopped emergency or construction vehicle's with activate lights.

Violators face a mandatory court appearance, a license suspension and a fine of up to $10,000. The law is named for a Chicago Fire Department lieutenant who was working an accident scene on the Dan Ryan Expressway when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver.

The law also applies to road crews, as authorities work to reduce the number of serious and fatal Illinois road construction accidents through the upcoming summer construction season.

A 32-year-old man is facing reckless homicide and other charges after a deadly Chicago car accident that is being blamed drunk driving, The Sun-Times reported.

The accident occurred last Friday at a busy Southwest Side intersection, where the defendant allegedly crashed into three vehicles and struck three pedestrians, killing a 25-year-old Chicago resident.

The driver is charged with reckless homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol, operating a vehicle without insurance, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, reckless driving, not using due care for a pedestrian in the roadway, and driving without a valid license, according to police.

Police report he was driving an SUV in the 4300 block of South Archer Avenue about 3:30 p.m. Friday when he crashed into the vehicles and pedestrians.

At least 8 people were injured, including three pedestrians who were walking in the intersection. One of the pedestrians was pronounced dead at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. A small child was also taken to the hospital in critical condition.

The Chicago Breaking News Center reported that the defendant was speeding Northeast on Archer Avenue in a Lincoln SUV when it sideswiped a vehicle sitting at the red light at Kedzie Avenue. The SUV then struck three pedestrians as it ran the red light, before crashing into another vehicle and causing a chain-reaction collision.

A Chicago car crash on the Southwest Side has resulted in the death of a pedestrian and several others being injured, according to WGN News. The car accident occurred near Archer and Kedzie around 3:45 p.m. and involved 4 cars and three pedestrians. The pedestrian was reportedly run over by a van involved in the crash.

The pedestrian was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and dies a short time later. The others hurt were taken to Sinai, Stroger Hospital, and Saint Anthony Hospital. One of the victims seriously injured was a child.

The at fault driver arrested at the scene. Witnesses to the accident are saying that the van that caused the accident was going around 60 mph right before the crash and was weaving in and out of traffic, according to NBC News.

According to data compiled by the Illinois Department of Transportation, from 2004-2008, an average of 158 people died every year in Illinois pedestrian accidents. Most of these fatalities occurred in urban area. In those same years, on average 5,973 pedestrians were hurt.

A Chicago area hit & run pedestrian accident has seriously injured a construction worker in the Chicago area, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center. The accident took place in Porter County, Indiana on westbound Interstate 94.

The construction worker injured on the job was rushed to a hospital in Valparaiso, and later helicoptered to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. The worker is in critical condition and is having head and leg surgeries.

The victim was filling cracks in a well marked construction area when the defendant made an illegal U-turn and hit him, and then carried the worker for over 30 feet before he was thrown off the car.

The defendant, an East Chicago resident, was only caught because his mother called police the next morning after she saw that his car appeared to have been involved in an accident. When the Illinois State Police arrived at the driver's home, he was passed out on the couch. He admitted to police he had drank a lot and then drove home. He said he thought he had hit a construction barrel in the work zone, not realizing he had hit a person.

As police interviewed the defendant, he smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. He was taken to a hospital for a blood draw, and his BAC level was 0.12. The driver has been charged with leaving the scene of an injury accident and DUI.

Click here to read the story as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Chicago injury attorneys at Abels & Annes would like to inform you that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers comprehensive resources aimed at increasing pedestrian safety and reducing the number of serious and fatal pedestrian accidents.

As we reported recently on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, the spring and summer months are among the most dangerous times for serious and fatal Chicago pedestrian accidents.

In 2008, a total of 135 people were killed in fatal Illinois pedestrian accidents, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Tips for pedestrian safety include:

-Visibility: Wear bright colored clothing, particularly at night. Reflective material is recommended and cyclists should use front and rear lights, as well as reflectors, to avoid a serious or fatal Chicago bicycle accident.

-Obey traffic signs and signals: Traffic signs, speed limits and signals are installed for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Often speeds are reduced or additional warning signs are installed in accident-prone areas. Remain aware of your surroundings and always follow the advice of traffic signs.

Avoid Impairment: Drunk driving accidents and impaired cyclists or pedestrians are responsible for a large number of accidents. Avoid traveling while impaired, call a cab, or utilize a designated driver.

Don't rely on a green light: While a green light or crossing signal may mean you have the right-of-way, it will be little consultation in the event you are struck by a passing motorist who ignores the signals. Look left-right-left before stepping off the curb. Look left first and last because the first lane of traffic will be coming from the left.

Crosswalks are not bulletproof: Always wait for signals and, again, look left-right-left before proceeding into a crosswalk.

A driver sees you: Just because you see a driver, do not assume the driver sees you. Make sure a motorist stops before proceeding across a traffic lane.

White at night no White Knight: White clothing is not enough to protect you at night. Wear reflective clothing and carry a light.

Continue reading "Stay safe, avoid summer Chicago pedestrian accidents" »

A trooper was struck during a traffic stop over the weekend and a fire department vehicle was involved in a Chicago car accident that seriously injured a pedestrian.

Three people were injured in a Chicago pedestrian accident after a fire department SUV struck an elderly pedestrian in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood Saturday morning.

The Breaking News Center reported that the incident began with a car accident after an AT&T truck traveling northbound on Kedzie sideswiped the fire department SUV. The SUV was responding to a call with lights and sirens activated when it was struck, causing it to lose control, jump a curb, and strike the 71-year-old pedestrian.

The pedestrian and the drivers of both vehicles were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

Earlier Saturday morning, an Illinois State Police trooper was struck while conducting a traffic stop, the Breaking News Center reported.

Authorities were looking for the hit-and-run driver shortly after the crash at I-80 near mile marker 122 east of the Ridge Road/Minooka exit. A trooper had stopped a suspected drunk driver when he was struck by the passing motorist. He suffered a broken ankle and was treated and released from an area hospital.

As we reported earlier this year on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, Illinois' Scott's Law requires motorists to move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.

Violators face a fine of up to $10,000. The law is named for a Chicago Fire Department lieutenant who was struck and killed by a drunk driving while assisting at an accident scene on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

A driver has been charged in connection with a fatal Chicago bike accident that occurred Tuesday afternoon on the West Side, the Breaking News Center reported.

The 48-year-old bicyclist was killed while riding his bicycle just after 4:30 p.m. on West Chicago Avenue. He was struck by a Pontiac G6 traveling west from Lawler Avenue.

The 25-year-old driver of the vehicle was charged with negligent driving and failure to reduce speed, according to Chicago police.

The victim was taken to Mount Sanai Hospital, where he was declared dead at 5:15 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

In 2008, a total of 27 bicycle riders were killed and 3,385 seriously injured in Illinois bicycle accidents.

Meanwhile, police continue to investigate the intersection at 18th Place and Ashland Avenue, where a child was killed in a bicycle accident last year and another child was killed last month in a Chicago pedestrian accident, the Chicago Tribune reported.

As we reported on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, the 6-year-old boy was killed and his father critically injured after being struck by a semi while crossing the street.

Witnesses said the intersection, which is just down the street from the boy's elementary school, lacks crossing guards.

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.