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" »

This claim arose out of a Chicago-area car crash which took place on November 4, 2010 at approximately 7:59 a.m.

The plaintiff was driving northbound in his GMC truck on Harlem Avenue approaching Route 83 in Palos Heights, Illinois. The defendant was driving a Mitsubishi gallant, also northbound on Harlem Avenue approaching Route 83, directly behind our client when he came to a stop in traffic. The defendant then failed to stop or slow her vehicle and struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The front of the at fault driver's vehicle struck the rear of our client's vehicle. The force of the impact pushed his car forward.

The Palos Heights Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. After interviewing the parties, they placed the defendant at fault in their report.

We alleged to the defendant's insurance company that their insured failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop and/or slow down for traffic, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including the Plaintiff.

Following the incident the client had an immediate onset of neck, back, and chest pain. He was taken from the scene of the occurrence by ambulance to Palos Community Hospital’s Emergency Department. A history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic tests were performed.

There he underwent X-rays to his cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, thoracic spine, and chest, as well as a CT scan of his chest and an echocardiogram. He was diagnosed with cervical, back, and neck strain. He also received a cardiology consultation and was diagnosed with chest pain due to musculoskeletal chest discomfort. He was prescribed muscle relaxants and pain medication, instructed to follow up with a physician, and discharged.

The plaintiff followed up with a physician on November 10, 2010. He complained of pain in his lumbar back, pain in his hips into his mid dorsal area, as well as pain in his cervical spine. He struggled with daily activities, including rising from a seated position. He also had headaches and sharp pain across the left side of his chest at the seatbelt site. There was a small bruise on his lumbar area. The doctor diagnosed him with muscle inflammation and instructed him to follow up in three weeks.

Our client returned to the physician on December 1, 2010. He continued to complain of pain and spasms to his lumbar area, pain at his mid dorsal area, and pain across his chest. He obtained minimal relief from his muscle relaxants and pain medication. Additionally, he was having trouble sleeping as his pain prevented him from resting comfortably. The doctor prescribed a course of physical therapy and instructed him to follow up in six weeks.

Per his physician's instructions, the client engaged in physical therapy at Palos Community Hospital’s Physical/Occupational Therapy Division beginning on December 7, 2010. He had pain with activites of daily life, like rising from a seated position, getting out of a car, and walking more than ten feet. His pain was made worse with bending, lifting, sitting, standing, walking, coughing, sneezing, and turning his neck and back. Additionally, he could not pick up his granddaughter because of his injuries. He engaged in seventeen (17) sessions of physical therapy and was discharged on February 8, 2011.
The plaintiff followed up with his doctor again on March 7, 2011 and again on April 18, 2011. While he received some relief from physical therapy, he was still in pain and having troubling sleeping. The physician prescribed valium for him on April 18, 2011, and provided follow up care on May 23, 2011 and June 13, 2011, at which time he was discharged.

As a result of the collision, the claimant struggled with daily tasks. He could not sit, stand, or even walk more than ten feet without pain.

The claim settled for just under $37,000. State Farm Insurance paid on the claim

Continue reading "Chicago car accident attorney reaches $37,000 settlement" »

An Illinois accident attorney at Abels & Annes has resolved a traffic collision case on behalf of one of our clients. The claim arises out of an incident which took place on April 24, 2011, at approximately 12:27 a.m. The plaintiff was injured when the automobile she was driving was T-boned by a vehicle being operated by a negligent driver.

Our client was driving northbound on Broadway at or near 150th in Harvey, Illinois. The defendant was driving her automobile westbound on 150th, approaching its intersection with Broadway. The intersection of Broadway and 150th is a four-way stop. She came to a complete stop at 150th, checked that traffic was clear, and proceeded through the intersection.

The other motorist failed to properly stop at the intersection and proceeded to cross Broadway, striking the rear passenger’s side of our client's vehicle with the front end of her vehicle.

The Harvey Police Department responded to the scene of the collision. After speaking to both parties, the investigating officer placed the defendant at fault for the collision. The negligent motorist admitted to the responding officer that while she crossed the intersection, she looked away from the road and down to the floor of her vehicle, searching for CDs she dropped. She stated that she looked up just as she struck the plaintiff's vehicle. She was cited for disobeying a stop sign. She also failed to yield to traffic.

We alleged to the defendant's insurance carrier that their insured failed to stop and/or reduce her speed to avoid a collision, disobeyed a stop sign, failed to pay proper attention to the road conditions, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including our

Following the collision, our client had an immediate onset of neck, shoulder, and back pain.

Shortly after, she sought medical treatment from an orthopedic physician in Chicago. She complained of pain along the right side of her neck and right shoulder, made worse with motion of her neck, as well as lower back pain and a tingling sensation in her right arm and hand. A history was taken, a physical examination was performed and diagnostic tests were ordered. An exam revealed pain on palpation of the paracervical muscles and also of the supraspinatus muscle, increased with motion of the neck. She also had tenderness on palpation of the lumbar area. She was diagnosed with a sprain/strain of the cervical and lumbar spines. She was prescribed pain medication, instructed to begin physical therapy, and ordered to have x-rays of her cervical and lumbar spines taken.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain, the plaintiff returned to her doctor's office for treatment on May 12, 2011. She complained of pain in her lower back which radiated to her left leg, numbness in her right thigh, and pain along her cervical spine. The physician reviewed the x-rays of her cervical and lumbar spine taken on May 6, 2011, which showed no fractures. He diagnosed her with a sprain/strain of the cervical and lumbar spines and ordered an MRI of her lumbar spine.

She next followed up on May 24, 2011. At that time, her doctor reviewed the MRI of her lumbar spine, which was taken on May 13, 2011. The MRI showed disc injuries at more than one level. She continued to complain of sharp lower back pain which radiated to her left leg. On exam, she had pain on palpation with muscle spasms of the paraspinal muscles. Her sensory reflexes were diminished in her left thigh. Her doctor then referred her to an orthopedic surgeon.

On her physician's referral, she sought treatment from an orthopedic physician. At that time, she complained of constant sharp pain at her lower back which radiated caudally into both buttocks, thighs, and calves, as well as neck pain that radiated into both shoulders, arms, and hands. She also had moderate paresthesia. The pain was so severe that it affected her sleeping and prevented her from engaging in her regular activities. The doctor reviewed the MRI which identified disc herniations and diagnosed her with a lumbar disc injury/lumbar radiculopathy. He instructed her to continue physical therapy and to follow up with him for fluoroscopy guided right-sided L2-L3, L3-L4 and L4-L5 selective nerve root block, transforaminal epidural steroid injections.

Our client received the transforaminal epidural steroid injections on June 1, 2011 and interlaminar fluoroscopy guided lumbar epidural steroid injections on June 22, 2011 .

The car accident case settled for the defendant's insurance policy limits of $20,000.

Continue reading "Policy limits settlement reached in Chicago area auto accident claim" »

Illinois car crash attorney David Abels has obtained a $70,000 out-of-court settlement on behalf of a Chicago area woman injured in a collision with a driver insured by Geico.

The Illinois auto accident took place on October 19, 2010, at approximately 8:00 a.m. The client was injured when the automobile she was driving was rear-ended by another motorist.

The plaintiff was driving northbound on I-294 at or near mile post 31.0, Proviso Township, Cook County, Illinois. The defendant was also driving his automobile northbound on I-294, behind our client. She came to a stop in stop-and-go traffic on I-294. The other driver failed to stop and/or reduce the speed of his vehicle and struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The front of the at fault driver's vehicle hit the rear of our client's vehicle in a rear-end type of collision.

The Illinois State Police responded to the scene of the collision. After speaking to both parties, the investigation officer placed the defendant at fault for the collision. The investigating officer determined that he was distracted and exceeding safe speed for conditions at the time of the collision.

The defendant failed to stop and/or reduce his speed to avoid a collision, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, failed to pay proper attention to the road conditions, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including our client.

Following the collision, the plaintiff had an immediate onset of neck, back, chest, and shoulder pain.

Shortly after, she sought medical care from a physician. She complained of pain in her mid back and upper back that was worse with movement. A history was taken, a physical examination was performed and diagnostic tests were ordered. She was diagnosed with upper back strain, instructed to rest, and to have a physical therapy evaluation. Her doctor instructed her to follow up in one week.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain, our injured client returned to her physician for treatment on October 23, 2010. She complained of increased pain in her upper back as well as pain in her mid back, arms, and chest. Because of the increased pain, she was unable to obtain the physical therapy evaluation as instructed the physician. A physical examination revealed supraspinous tenderness and weakness in her arms. The doctor diagnosed her with back pain, instructed her to not lift or pull anything heavier than five pounds, and once again ordered a physical therapy evaluation. Her doctor also ordered a CT scan of her chest.

Following her physician's recommendation, she attended physical therapy on October 27, 2010 and November 4, 2010. She complained of pain in her right hip as well as pain in her back and neck. She stated that the pain traveled from her left shoulder through the middle of her back and down to her right hip. The client described numbness in her gluteal region as well as numbness going down to her left hand. She also said she had stabbing pain that started in her back and spread to her check. She was diagnosed with neck sprain/strain, lumbar sprain, and brachial neuritis or radiculitis. During therapy, she engaged in stretching exercises as well as therapeutic exercises to decrease her pain and increase her functionality.

Our client next saw her doctor on October 28, 2010, where she continued to complain of upper and lower back pain as well as pain in her chest. An X-ray of her cervical spine was ordered, which revealed moderate decreased height of the C4-C5 disc space. The doctor instructed her not to lift, push, or pull more than five pounds and referred her to an orthopedic surgeon.

She next treated with a surgeon at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute on November 3, 2010 for an orthopedic consultation. She complained of pain in her neck, mid back, and low back. She said the pain was sharp, severe, and constant and that it was worse with standing, walking, sitting, lying down, and climbing up stairs. The doctor took a history and preformed an examination. He also reviewed the X-rays of her cervical spine. He diagnosed her with low back pain and cervical and thoracic strain.

The client saw another physician on November 9, 2010, complaining of left arm pain and back pain. A history was taken and she was examined. Based on his assessment, the doctor diagnosed her with cervical radiculopathy and recommended an MRI.

Continue reading "$70,000 auto accident settlement reached by Chicago injury lawyer" »

Chicago car crash attorneys have reached a settlement on behalf of a Cook County resident that was injured by an inattentive driver who rear-ended him as he was preparing to turn into a shopping mall parking lot. The victim suffered injuries to his neck and back.

On September 24, 2009, our client was traveling southbound on 25th Avenue in Bellwood, Illinois when he turned his right turn signal on and began to slow down to an appropriate turning speed. Before he could attempt the turn, a 1994 Chevy Lumina failed to yield to the victim and rear-ended his 2006 Honda Ridgeline. The Bellwood Police Department responded to the scene and after a brief investigation, they placed the driver of the Honda at fault.

Immediately following the collision, the victim had an onset of back and neck pain that required him to be taken to Loyola University Medical Center by ambulance. The hospital performed a series of diagnostic tests and initially diagnosed him with a cervical strain and thoracic spine pain. He was placed in an aspen collar, prescribed pain medication, and instructed to seek follow up treatment with an orthopaedic doctor.

Six days after the accident occurred, ongoing and worsening pain in the victim’s neck, right arm, and left arm necessitated a trip back to the hospital emergency room. After more tests, doctors found that he had tenderness in the paraspinal musculature and instructed him to begin physical therapy and seek further treatment if necessary.

After an examination by an orthopedic physician in October, the doctor ordered an MRI as he believed the plaintiff may have sustained a herniated disc in the accident. The MRI results showed plaintiff sustained a disc bulge with at C3-4 level, peripheral right sided neural foraminal encroachment and impression upon the thecal sac, a right sided posterolateral disc herniation at the C4-5 level, encroachment of the exiting nerve root zone, and proximal right neural foramen, and a disc bulge at the C7-T1 level and peripheral neural foraminal encroachment bilaterally.

The doctor recommended that he receive a cervical spine epidural injection if his radicular symptoms continued. Our client completed fifteen sessions of physical therapy, but the pain of the injury continued, limiting his ability to conduct daily life activities.

Illinois injury attorneys at our office obtained the defendant's $20,000 insurance policy limits. The case against the at fault driver resolved without having to commit to a time-consuming and expensive lawsuit. That being said, attorneys at our office believe the value of his injuries are greater than $20,000, so we are now pursuing an underinsured motorist claim against the plaintiffs own auto insurance carrier to recover an additional amount.

You may be entitled to compensation for your auto accident injuries if they were caused by the fault of another. Contact the lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free, no obligation case evaluation and see what your options are. Call (866) 99-ABELS.

The Illinois car crash attorneys at Abels & Annes have recently settled two cases on behalf of motorists involved in collisions. Both clients were injured and required multiple visits to healthcare professionals before their symptoms were under control.

In one case, on March 23, 2010, our client was the victim of an Illinois hit and run accident. She was traveling southbound on Oakhurst Drive in Aurora, Illinois when she came to a stop in the left turn lane. When the light changed to green, she proceeded to turn left onto New York Street when a 1999 Chevy Blazer traveling westbound disregarded their red light and T-boned the woman’s 1999 Honda Accord. The at fault driver immediately fled the scene.

The Aurora Police Department responded to the scene and began to interview witnesses who confirmed that the victim was obeying all traffic laws when the hit and run driver ran the red light and crashed into her. Police soon found the vehicle involved in the crash, but the driver had left and the registered owner could not be located. The police report described that victim as dazed and confused when they arrived, and she was transported to Rush Copley Hospital for an examination.

At the hospital, the plaintiff complained of left-sided rib pain and right knee pain. After diagnostic tests and x-rays were administered, she was diagnosed with a left rib contusion and a right knee sprain. She was prescribed pain medication and instructed to follow up with her primary care physician.

The victim sought follow up medical treatment on March 25, 2010 due to ongoing and increasing pain, especially in her left ribs. She was diagnosed with a severe left rib contusion and ordered to refrain from heavy lifting and to stay off work for several weeks. She was also instructed to seek further medical attention if the pain persisted.

After the rib pain did not subside, the woman sought additional medical treatment on April 9, 2010. An x-ray of her left ribs found non-displaced fractures of her left fourth, fifth, and sixth ribs. She was ordered to continue to refrain from heavy lifting and to stay off work until after April 26, 2010. The pain was still persistent when she visited a doctor again on May 14, 2010, and she complained that the injury was aggravated with movement, which made sleeping very difficult. Finally, on June 11, 2010, the victim reported that her condition was improving.

Her inability to work due to the injury resulted in a lose of income. In addition, the lingering pain made it difficult for her to conduct simple tasks in her daily life.

Our law firm pursued an uninsured motorist claim against our client's own insurance carrier due to the fact that the at fault driver fled the scene of the crash. We were able to negotiate a settlement of $20,000 to compensate the plaintiff for her expenses and lost wages, as well as her pain and suffering.

In the second case we settled, a woman was driving northbound on Winfield Road in Winfield, Illinois when she stopped for a red light at the intersection with Highlake Road. Another motorist traveling in the same direction failed to stop for the red light and crashed into a car idling at the intersection, which in turn rear-ended the victim’s car. The man admitted to Winfield Police officers that he did not notice that the vehicles in front of him had stopped because he was lost at the time and not paying attention.

Following the collision, the victim had an immediate onset of pain and received initial medical treatment at the scene by Wheaton Fire Department EMTs. She later sought follow up medical treatment due to ongoing and increasing pain. She complained of left shoulder pain, chest pain, headaches, and neck pain due to whiplash. The doctor prescribed her pain medication and recommended physical therapy, which she completed 15 sessions of.

The case settled for $8,500 pre-litigation.

Continue reading "Chicago injury attorneys settle pair of cases involving negligent drivers" »

A Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at Abels & Annes was able to secure compensation for a biker's injuries after negotiating a settlement for the full policy limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance, as well as additional payments from an under-insured motorist claim and a medical benefits claim.

On August 27, 2010, the victim was riding his Honda motorcycle northbound on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago when he approached the intersection with Paulina Street. As he proceeded through the intersection, a man driving a 1998 Chevy Blazer southbound on Milwaukee initiated a left turn onto Paulina without adequately checking if he had a safe path to travel and T-boned the victim.

The front driver’s side of the negligent motorist’s vehicle hit the left side of the victim’s motorcycle, striking the rider’s left leg in the process. The force of the impact ejected the victim from his motorcycle, causing him to land on his back and skid 20 feet across the pavement. The Chicago Police Department arrived at the scene and ticketed the driver of the Chevy for failing to yield when making a left turn, which he was found guilty of at trial.

The paramedics brought the victim to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where doctors began treating him for the multiple injures sustained in the accident. He had numerous lacerations on his left thigh and left shin which required saline irrigation and sutures to close. He also suffered abrasions to his shoulders, arms, and hands, as well as a left ankle sprain. The doctors prescribed the victim medication for his pain and to prevent infection, issued crutches to help with his limited mobility, and instructed him to seek follow up care.

The victim was forced to return to the emergency room at the hospital about a week later because of increasing pain in his right ribs, left leg, and left flank. He was diagnosed with a hematoma of the left abdominal wall, and what they suspected was a right rib contusion. He was told to seek follow up care, which he did three days later. After an examination of the victim, the doctor diagnosed him with lumbar spine injury, bilateral shoulder injuries, bilateral elbow injuries, left leg injuries, and a left knee injury. For treatment, the doctor placed the victim on total temporary disability for 45 days and instructed him to begin physiotherapy and chiropractic manipulation.

The follow up physician examined the victim once again and started him on a course of physical therapy and chiropractic treatment consisting of manipulative therapy, myofascial release, interferential therapy, traction, heat/cold therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic exercise. He completed 11 full sessions before finishing his therapy on November 12, 2010.

After completing his therapy, the victim still had significant pain that made it hard to engage in the activities he enjoyed before the accident. Even simple daily tasks like putting on shoes, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and any other activity that required standing for an extended period of time were difficult. Moreover, the victim was left with numerous permanent scars and disfigurements on his left leg, shoulders, and arms.

The lawyers at Abels & Annes were able to negotiate a settlement for the at-fault driver’s full policy limit of $20,000. In addition, they were able to secure another $5,000 payment from the victim’s own insurance provider in an underinsured-motorist claim, and $5,000 in medical benefit payments.

If you have been injured because of the negligence of others, Abels & Annes will consult with you about your case free of charge. If our lawyers take your case, you pay nothing unless you win. Contact us online or call (866) 99-ABELS to speak directly to a lawyer now.

Illinois personal injury lawyer Gary Annes has reached a $100,000 policy limits settlement on behalf of a client who suffered painful injuries in a car accident caused by woman who had smoked marijuana and consumed alcohol prior to the incident.

On August 2, 2008, the defendant was driving northbound, at an excessive rate of speed, in the leftmost lane of IL-53 in Rolling Meadows when she lost control of her vehicle, improperly crossed over all lanes of traffic to her right and the shoulder, impacted with the metal guardrail, swerved back left, and crashed into the passenger side rear quarter panel of the plaintiff’s 2000 Subaru Forrester.

The woman admitted to paramedics that she had been drinking, and the drug screen at the emergency room was positive for marijuana, cocaine, and valium. She later admitted to smoking marijuana on two separate occasions that day, including approximately 45 minutes before the incident.

The woman had a prior DUI conviction from less than a year prior to that date, as well as other prior arrests related to drugs and alcohol. She was issued several tickets for the incident and pled guilty to failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision, improper lane usage, and driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol. The accident was investigated by the Illinois State Police.

After impact, the victim’s car began to spin out of control, causing her to hit her head on the driver’s side window, hit her left arm, elbow, shoulder, knee, and ankle against the driver’s side door, and her right knee against the center console. When the paramedics arrived, she complained of headaches and hyperventilation.

Shortly after the accident she was treated at the Glenbrook Hospital emergency room. There, the woman complained of pain in her neck, left shoulder, elbow, arm, knee, and was suffering from a headache. Tests were performed and an MRI revealed that she had multiple disc protrusions. The pain and discomfort then worsened over the next couple days. Her primary care physician recommended a course of physical therapy.

On November 10, 2008, the victim followed up with her primary care physician as she was still experiencing pain, primarily in her head and neck. She was referred to a chiropractor and underwent physical therapy treatment from then until June of 2009. Despite these treatments, the plaintiff’s condition continued to worsen, especially with regard to her knees and ankles.

Her doctor ordered MRI’s for her knees, which revealed meniscus tears in both. The doctor related both injuries to her car accident and recommended bilateral knee arthroscopies with debridement. He then performed the surgery at Weiss Memorial Hospital in July 2010, which he reported was needed as a result of the motor vehicle collision. She was prescribed a course of treatment consisting of twenty-five physical therapy sessions.

As her knee problems became more manageable, she sought treatment for the pain in her foot and ankle. Bilateral MRI’s were performed, and showed sprain or partial tear of the distal posterior tibial tendon in both feet and an avulsion injury of the synchondrosis of the naviculare in the left foot. The doctor reported that the condition was caused by the motor vehicle accident and recommended surgery for both the foot and ankle, which the woman plans to undergoe in the near future.

As a result of the injuries caused by the intoxicated driver, the victim was unable to engage in many of the activities she enjoyed prior to the collision. In addition, most activities of her daily life, such as sitting, standing, cooking, shopping, cleaning, walking stairs, and going to work, were impossible for a time, and then later caused her pain when she did attempt to accomplish them.

She hired the lawyers our law firm shortly before the two-year statute of limitations, and we immediately began working to secure the maximum compensation possible for the life-altering injuries she sustained at the hands of a negligent driver. We obtained the defendant's insurance policy limits. And we continue to work on the case, however, as the $100,000 is not adequate to compensate the victim for all the pain and suffering she has endured. We are now seeking additional monetary damages in the form of an underinsured motorist claim against her own insurance provider.

Continue reading "Chicago injury lawyer settles DUI accident lawsuit for $100,000 policy limits" »

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" »

Illinois personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes have recently settled an auto accident claim against a driver insured by Geico.

The first case arises from an accident that occurred back on May 26, 2010 at 9 AM, in the City of Chicago. Our client was driving a 1995 Mazda Protege northbound on Cottage Grove Avenue approaching 88th St. when the defendant, who was operating a 1992 Chevrolet Van southbound on Cottage Grove, attempted an illegal U-turn at the intersection of 88th and Cottage Grove. As the defendant attempted to U-turn he struck our client's vehicle.

The Chicago Police Department came to the scene of the accident. After interviewing the drivers, the investigating officer ticketed the defendant with making the illegal U-turn.

The plaintiff sustained back injuries in the crash. She was seen at the Jackson Park Hospital emergency room shortly after. x-rays were taken she was diagnosed with ace thoracic sprain. She was also prescribed pain medication.

The plaintiffs pain became worse in the days following the accident. She also developed neck pain, shoulder pain and headaches. She sought follow-up treatment with a chiropractic physician. The doctor prescribed course of physical therapy the consisted of electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, heat treatment, manual therapy, mechanical traction and ultrasound therapy. She attended physical therapy on 15 occasions through August, 2010.

The case settled for just under $8,500. No lawsuit had to be filed. This is the second case we resolved with Geico Insurance over the last few weeks.

In the other claim against Geico, our client was the victim of a hit-and-run auto accident. He was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of 71st and Michigan in Chicago when he was rear-ended. The at fault driver then fled the scene.

The plaintiff sustained neck, shoulder and back injuries in the accident. He was seen in the ER at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital and then had follow up treatment with an orthopedic in Chicago.

Our client had hit-and-run / uninsured motorist coverage with Geico. The case settled for just over $6,000.

If you've been injured in a traffic collision, contact the Chicago auto accident attorneys at Abels & Annes for free consultation. Call 312-924-7575.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A downstate Illinois car crash lawyer has received an $8 million Court of Claims award for the family of two sisters killed in a 2007 collision, according to the Chicago Tribune. It is being reported that this is possibly a record award for a tort claim against the State of Illinois.

The victims, ages 18 and 13, from Collinsville, were killed when an Illinois state trooper, allegedly driving 126 mph while using email, slammed into their car, causing it to burst into flames. The Illinois traffic accident took place on Interstate 64 near Fairview Heights.

The auto accident lawyer representing the family asked for $46 million, however the family believes that justice was done through the $8 million decision. Four million dollars was awarded for the death of each girl. The mother of the victims stated Tuesday at a press conference that she hopes this award deters negligent behavior in the future.

The ruling still must be approved by the Illinois Legislature in a special bill. These bills generally are introduced near the end of April.

The family was represented by Thomas Q. Keefe Jr., P.C. of Belleville, Illinois.

The police officer was injured in the crash and resigned from his position last year. He has also pleaded guilty to two counts of reckless homicide and was sentenced to 30 months probation.

Click here to read the story as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Belleville News-Democrat.

Illinois personal injury lawyers Abels & Annes have reached a settlement in a Cook County auto accident lawsuit. The case involved a collision that occurred on Roosevelt Road near Ridgeland Avenue in Berwyn, Illinois. Our law firm worked with co-counsel from the Elman Law Group in representing the plaintiff.

Our client was in her vehicle and stopped at a red light when the defendant failed to stop in time and rear ended the plaintiff’s car. The Berwyn Police Department responded and determined the defendant caused the crash by exceeding safe speeds for conditions.

The plaintiff incurred neck, back and chest injuries in the Chicago car crash. She was treated at Mt. Sinai Hospital a short time later.

Over the next several days our clients pain did not resolve and only got worse. She received additional medical care from a neurologist who prescribed physical therapy. The plaintiff underwent physical therapy the consisted of electric stimulation, therapeutic exercise, heat and cold treatments, joint mobilization, and ultrasound therapy.

A complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County and alleged that the defendant was negligent in failing to yield the right of way, failing to keep a proper and sufficient lookout, driving too fast for conditions, and failing to keep his vehicle under control. The parties settled the lawsuit prior to going to trial for $12,000. Allstate insurance is paying on the claim.

If you have been hurt in an Illinois car accident, contact a Chicago injury attorney at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak to an attorney now.

Chicago injury attorneys have resolved a case that stems from a deadly 2008 truck versus car accident that took place in Huntley, Illinois, according to the Northwest Herald. The accident involved a semi truck driver was under the influence of drugs. A woman was killed in the Illinois truck crash, and her husband and son were severely injured.

The accident happened back on October 31, 2008. The family was stopped in their pickup truck on Route 47 in the area of Interstate 90 waiting to make a turn. At that time their vehicle was rear-ended by a semi truck that was being driven by a 32-year-old driver from Spring Grove.

The truck was reportedly going around 60 mph at the time of impact. The crash pushed the family's pickup truck into an Illinois Department of Transportation dump truck.

The Father was hospitalized for a month with a spinal fracture, facial fractures and respiratory issues. The son suffered two fractured legs, a laceration across his forehead and other head injuries.

The trucker is currently incarcerated, having been sentenced to 45 months in prison. The driver allegedly had smoked marijuana within 12 hours of the accident and there was enough drugs in his system to cause impairment.

The civil lawsuit further alleged that the truck was overloaded, it's left rear turn signal was not working, half of its brakes were out of adjustment, and some brake pads were unsafe due to oil or grease. Also, the suit alleged the trucking company failed to comply with federal regulations by not performing random drug screens on it's drivers and not performing background checks or obtaining copies of each of their driver's driving records.

The lawsuit settled for a total of $6.5 million, which included 4.7 million for the death of the mother, 1.5 million to compensate for her husband's injuries, and $300,000 for injuries to her son. The plaintiffs were represented by John Perconti of Levin & Perconti in Chicago.

Chicago personal injury lawyers from Abels & Annes, working with co-counsel from the Elman Law Group, have obtained a jury verdict at trial in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The lawsuit stems from a Chicago car crash that occurred several years ago at the intersection of Clark Street and Oakdale on on the North Side.

The plaintiff was working as a delivery driver when he stopped his 1992 Honda Civic at a stop sign. After stopping his vehicle he was rear-ended by the defendant who was driving a 1996 Saturn.

The plaintiff had an immediate onset of back and neck pain after the collision. He was treated the day after the car crash at Grant Hospital in Chicago. At the ER he was examined by physicians and prescribed pain medication.

Our client's pain did not improve over the next several days so he sought follow-up treatment with a chiropractic physician. The plaintiff went through therapy that consisted of inferential current, mechanical traction, and heat treatment. He also at x-rays and an MRI several weeks after the accident to rule out more serious injuries.

The defendant's insurance carrier would not make a settlement offer pre-litigation so a lawsuit was filed. The case eventually went to trial in front of the Honorable Shelli D. Williams. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $12,123.00 plus court costs. Our co-counsel, Anthony Elman tried the case.

If you have been injured in an Illinois accident, contact a Chicago car crash lawyer at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak to an attorney now. There is no attorney's fee unless a recovery is made.

Illinois car crash lawyers at Abels & Annes have reached a settlement in a lawsuit for case pending in Cook County, Illinois. The accident occurred at 6600 South Martin Luther King Dr. in Chicago.

Our client was traveling northbound on King Drive when the defendant, who was southbound, crossed the center line and struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The defendant had been traveling too fast for conditions for the road and had to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting a bus, and that is why his vehicle lost control and crossed the center.

Our client was taken by ambulance to Trinity Hospital with neck and shoulder injuries. Due to ongoing neck pain he went to follow-up treatment at University of Chicago Hospitals. Our client eventually had an MRI scan that showed he sustained a bulging disc in the crash.

The case settled prior to trial for $18,330. The defendant was insured by United Automobile Insurance.

The settlement was actually the second payout our client received due to the accident. At the time of the collision, plaintiff was employed by SBC as a cable splicer and he was on the job at the time of the injury. In addition to the lawsuit against the at fault driver, our law firm that filed a workers' compensation claim on his behalf.

A work injury lawyer at our office had previously settled the comp claim for just over $11,000. In addition to that, we obtained temporary total disability benefits for him of over $4,000 while he was off work due to the accident.

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

Illinois school bus accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have settled a lawsuit that stems from a June 4, 2008 collision in the Western suburb of Woodridge.

At the time of the accident, our client was a passenger on a Pace bus that was rear-ended by a school bus. The accident happened at 63rd and Woodard. Several other passengers were injured in the bus accident.

The accident was investigated by the Woodridge Police Department. After interviewing the parties involved, they issued the school bus driver a citation for driving too fast for conditions.

Our client was taken by ambulance to Hinsdale Hospital after the accident. There, she was treated for back and neck injuries. X-rays taken at the hospital that were negative for fractures.

Over the next several days, her pain only got worse. She sought follow-up treatment with a chiropractic physician in Bolingbrook, Illinois. There, our client underwent a course of treatment that lasted just under two months. Her pain resolved by the time of her last appointment.

The case settled for $9,500 within weeks after filing a lawsuit.

If you or your child has been injured in an Illinois school bus accident, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at our office for free consultation. To speak directly to a lawyer now, call 312-924-7575.

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

Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes have reached a settlement on behalf of an Illinois physician that was injured in a DuPage County auto accident. The crash took place at Liberty & Farnsworth in Aurora on October 3, 2009.

Our client was stopped at a red light facing northbound on Liberty in her Honda Civic. At that time an eastbound SUV lost control on wet pavement and struck several cars stopped at the light, including our client. There were a total of five cars involved in the collision.

The Aurora Police Department investigated the crash. Drugs and/or alcohol did not play a role in the accident.

Due to the accident, the plaintiff sustained sprain/strain of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and sprains to both of her wrists and ankles. In addition, she sustained bruising to her shoulder, hip and trunk, as well as a concussion, tendon inflammation and spasm.

Our client underwent several months of treatment with a physician in Naperville, Illinois. Her treatment consisted mainly of physical therapy exercises and chiropractic manipulation. She also had an MRI that was negative for more serious injuries.

The claim settled for $30,000 without having to file a lawsuit. Erie Insurance paid on the claim.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, contact our office for a free consultation.

Illinois auto accident attorneys from Abels & Annes have reached a $200,000 on behalf of a Bellwood, Illinois woman for injuries sustained in a Chicago DUI car crash. The collision took place on May 31, 2009 at approximately 3:15 a.m. Our client was driving westbound on I-290 near Racine, and the defendant was also westbound on I-290 near Racine. The at fault driver was racing and speeding, swerved out of his lane of traffic and struck the plaintiff’s vehicle. The force of the impact caused our client to lose control of her vehicle and hit a third car.

After causing the accident the DUI driver attempted to flee the scene of the collision but was apprehended. He was issued citations from the Illinois State Police for driving under the influence, driving too fast for conditions/failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to give aid or information. The criminal case is still pending in Cook County.

Our client had an immediate onset of neck pain with paresthesia in her right arm following the collision. She was transported by ambulance from the site of the collision to Stroger Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain, the plaintiff sought follow up medical care on the following day at the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department. She complained of worsening neck pain radiating into her right arm with tingling and numbness in her face and arm, bilateral shoulder pain, back pain and pelvic pain. A history was taken, she was examined and additional diagnostic tests were performed. A neck strain was diagnosed and she was prescribed more pain medication and muscle relaxants and told to follow up with a physician.

Her pain continued to worsen. On June 3, 2009 she followed up with her physician. She complained of neck pain with numbness, back pain, left leg and hip pain following the motor vehicle collision. The pain was so bad that it was interfering with her ability to take care of her everyday needs such as getting around, bathing and shopping. Her doctor prescribed more pain medication, muscle relaxants and recommended that she see a specialist.

Continue reading "Chicago injury lawyer settles DUI car accident case for $200,000" »

Chicago car accident attorneys from Abels & Annes have obtained an insurance policy limits settlement for one of their clients. The case arose out of a rear end automobile collision which took place on November 12, 2008 at approximately 6:15 p.m. in the City of Chicago. The plaintiff was eastbound on Garfield, approaching its intersection with Damen, and the defendant was traveling eastbound on Garfield behind our client's vehicle.

The light for eastbound Garfield at Damen was red and the plaintiff slowed and stopped for the red light. The defenant failed to slow and stop for the red light and struck the rear of our client's vehicle.

Immediately after the accident the plaintiff began to have some neck and back pain. As the evening progressed his pain got worse. When he awoke the next morning he was suffering excruciating pain in his neck and back.

Due to his worsening symptoms the plaintiff sought treatment the next day at Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department. He complained mostly of neck pain, back pain, headache and dizziness. A history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. He was prescribed pain medication, muscle relaxants and instructed to seek follow up medical care.

Over the next few days the pain worsened. He sought follow up treatment from a a board certified neurologist. At this time he continued to complain of neck and back pain as well as headaches and dizziness. Additionally, his low back pain was radiating into his left leg. Following an examination the doctor prescribed a course of therapy that he underwent.

The plaintiff later had an open MRI that showed disc bulges at C3-4, C5-6 and C6-7 and bulging at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1. He underwent left L4-5, L5-S1 and S1 trans foraminal epidural steroid injections and he obtained significant relief from the treatment.

The case has settled for the defendant's insurance policy limits of $50,000. Safeco Insurance is paying on the claim.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyer reaches $50,000 insurance policy limits settlement in Illinois car accident case" »

Chicago personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes reached a $60,000 settlement today for a client who sustained personal injuries in a February 4, 2009 truck accident.

On the afternoon of the occurrence the plaintiff was driving her vehicle southbound on I-94 just south of I-290 in lane number 3. The defendant was driving his semi-truck southbound on I-94 just south of I-290 in lane number 2. The car crash occurred when the truck driver switched lanes into the plaintiff's lane and struck her vehicle. The rear passenger’s side of the defendant’s trailer struck the driver’s side of our client’s vehicle. Her car was totaled as a result of the damage caused by the auto accident.

We alleged in the claim that the trucker failed to keep a proper lookout, improperly changed lanes, failed to yield the right of way, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including the Plaintiff.

Following the truck accident the plaintiff had an immediate onset of back and neck pain. She was transferred from the scene of the accident to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital’s Emergency Department. She was given pain medication and instructed to seek follow up treatment.

Over the next two days our client's pain and discomfort got much worse. Her pain became so bad that she sought medical care from West Suburban Hospital’s Emergency Department on February 6, 2009. There she reported increasing neck pain, mid/upper/lower back pain, headaches, lower abdominal pain and left flank pain. A history was taken, she was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. She was given more pain medication and instructed to follow up with her physician.

Due to her ongoing complaints of pain and discomfort the plaintiff sought treatment from an orthopaedic physician beginning on February 11, 2009. She complained of neck and back pain and stiffness as well as left wrist pain. The doctor found muscle spasms and muscle stiffness upon examination and prescribed a course of physical therapy. An MRI was ordered, which showed injuries to her low back and neck.

The physician determined that our client reached maximum medical improvement as of March 25, 2009 and discharged her from his care. Despite being discharged she continued to suffer from periodic pain and discomfort both in her lower back in her neck for several months.

As a result of her injuries our client incurred over $18,000 in medical bills and she also missed a week of work.

The accident case settled for $60,000 without a lawsuit being filed. The Cincinnati Insurance Group insures the defendant.

Chicago Auto Accident Attorneys from Abels & Annes have reached a policy limits settlement for an Illinois resident. The case arises out of an automobile accident which occurred on February 7, 2008 at about 10:00 a.m. The plaintiff was westbound on Armitage, just west of Keeler, in the City of Chicago. Our client stopped for traffic in front of him. As he was at a stopped,another driver rear-ended his car with great force. The impact was so substantial that it pushed his stopped vehicle into the vehicle stopped in front of him.

Our client was seen at West Suburban Hospital Emergency Department on February 9, 2008. He was complaining of shoulder and neck pain following having been rear-ended in this automobile collision. His pain had been increasing over the two days since the collision. A history was taken and an exam was performed. Muscular spasms were found. He was instructed to not work and was prescribed pain medication and instructed to seek follow-up care.

On February 12, 2008 the plaintiff sought follow up care with a chiropractic physician in Chicago. He was suffering from headaches and neck pain that radiated to his left shoulder/arm and low back pain. He had suffered injuries when he was rear-ended, and his symptoms had progressively worsened over time. Diagnostic tests were ordered and a course of therapy was prescribed. He was instructed to stay off work. The doctor ended up keeping him off work through February 24, 2008, during which time period our was “totally incapacitated”.

Despite the course of therapy the plaintiff did not improve. As a result, he was sent to a board certified neurologist for a consultation. The doctor's assessment was positive for a possible upper extremity peripheral neuropathy. Based upon this Dr. Osman ordered an EMG which was positive for a left C5/C6 cervical radiculopathy.

Despite an additional course of therapy, our client had no improvement in his condition. A cervical MRI was performed on April 3, 2008. The MRI diagnosed C5-C6 and C6-C7 cervical disc herniations that indented the thecal sac.

Based upon his medical condition he was referred to board certified anesthesiologist for consultation and care. He first saw the doctor on April 7, 2008. Based upon his cervical radiculopathy, the doctor prescribed a course of cervical epidural steroid injections. He underwent epidural injections on April 10, 2008, June 19, 2008 and July 17, 2008.

On September 8, 2008 the doctor determined that Mr. Rios had reached maximum medical improvement from this significant injury. At the time of discharge one doctor noted that our clilent will likely experience exacerbations in the future, is more susceptible to future injury and will likely require additional care and treatment in the future as a result of the injuries he suffered in this collision.

Throughout the course of the plaintiff's treatment, and up through the present time, his pain and discomfort have been exacerbated by sitting, standing, walking, bending, turning his head and using his left arm. His injuries have significantly inhibited his activities of daily living ever since the collision. Furthermore, his pain and muscle spasms interrupted his sleep on a nightly basis for months and continue to interrupt his sleep on a regular basis.

Despite the treatment he has undergone, our client continues to suffer from pain and discomfort in his neck, left shoulder/arm and lower back. This pain has greatly affected Mr. Rios’ life. As a result of his injuries he is unable to engage in many activities he enjoyed prior to the collision, and those activities he can engage in cause him pain and he cannot participate as fully as he did prior to the collision.

His pain is aggravated by prolonged sitting, standing and walking as well as turning his head and use of his left arm. Any activities that involve turning, twisting, or bending at the neck are difficult and painful. Furthermore simple activities such as household chores, shopping and a wide variety of activities of daily living are limited and painful.

As a result of his injuries our client was unable to work from February 10, 2008 through February 23, 2008. At the time He was employed by Advanced Auto Parts where he earned $12.50 per hour. He missed a total of eighty (80) hours of work for a lost wage claim totaling one thousand dollars.

Our client's medical bills and lost wages were already paid by workers' compensation insurance. He also previously received a work comp bodily injury settlement that was obtained for him by our law firm. The current settlement is for an additional $20,000, the defendant's insurance policy limits. Our client had no auto insurance of his own, so we are unable to make an under-insured motorist claim for him. Founders Insurance is paying on the claim.

Illinois Car Accident Attorneys from Abels & Annes have resolved an injury claim for a Bartlett woman who was injured in a 2007 accident. The crash occurred at Aurora Avenue and Indian Trail in Aurora, Illinois when the defendant was Southbound on Aurora Avenue and his foot slipped off of the brake and struck a vehicle, knocking said vehicle into our client's car. My client was hit from the rear. After the first impact, the defendant lost control again and the plaintiff for a second time.

Shortly after the collision the plaintiff had pain and discomfort in her neck and left hand, with complaints of dizziness. That evening her pain increased and she had difficulty sleeping.

The pain did not resolve on it’s own and she sought medical care at Saint Alexius Medical Center on 3/24/07 with the abovementioned complaints. A history was taken and our client was examined. X-rays were ordered and pain medicine was prescribed. The x-rays indicated cervical muscle spasms. The ER doctor diagnosed her with cervical strain.

Over the next several days her pain remained and she sought treatment with a medical doctor. When she saw the doctor she had complaints of neck pain and she was examined and the X-rays from the ER were reviewed. The doctor recommended to her that she seek chiropractic treatment if her pain remained.

Over the next week her pain increased. On 4/19/07 she sought treatment with a chiropractor. At that time she had complaints of neck pain, back pain, headaches, dizziness, ear ringing, and numbness in her right big toe. She said her pain was 8 on a scale of 10. The doctor examined her, reviewed the x-rays, and prescribed a course of physical therapy. She was diagnosed at that time with cervical strain/sprain, cervicocranial syndrome, dorsal sprain/strain, dizziness, and sprain/strain of the great toe.

Over the next 2 months the plaintiff went to physical therapy on twenty-three occasions. The therapy consisted of chiropractic adjustments and manipulation, electric stimulation, heat treatment, electrodes, myofacial release, massage, and manual traction.

On 6/25/07 my client was discharged from therapy, however, at that time the doctor noted that the client was still having neck and back pain, headaches, and numbness of the great toe of the right foot. He advised her to return if her condition should exacerbate.

The case settled for $14,000. Nationwide Insurance paid on the claim.