Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog

Trucking accidents are a top concern for safety officials. What's even more of a concern is tired truck drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are roughly 100,000 police-reported accidents every year that are the direct result of a drowsy driver. These accidents result in nearly 2,000 fatalities, more than 70,000 injures and nearly $13 billion in monetary losses.

Those concerns are exacerbated when the driver is at the wheel of an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer.

Definitions of drowsy driving generally involve varying degrees of fatigue, sleepiness, and exhaustion. For the purpose of the discussion at hand, drowsy driving is simply driving in a physical state in which the driver's alertness is appreciably lower than it would be if the driver were “well rested” and “fully awake.”

Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers understand that truckers face some tough schedules on the job. These drivers are oftentimes traveling our roadways on little to no sleep. Products are in demand and truckers are responsible for delivering the goods. Unfortunately, this demand often leads to fatigued and dangerous drivers. To help to reduce these accidents and to keep truck drivers awake and on their toes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently issued a new rule to cut down on the number of hours that truck drivers are allowed to spend behind the wheel.

"Trucking is a difficult job, and a big rig can be deadly when a driver is tired and overworked," said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The new hours of service (HOS) rule was finalized after the Administration held a number of public listening sessions across the nation. Within these sessions, trucking companies, employers, employees, safe driving advocates and members of the public were provided with an opportunity to bring up questions, comments and concerns regarding the issue and the dangers presented by tired truckers.

The Newly-Issued HOS Rule:

-Drivers' approved work weeks have been reduced by 12 hours, from 82 hours to 70 hours behind the wheel in a seven-day period.

-Drivers are not allowed to drive for more than 8 consecutive hours without taking a 30-minute break.

-Drivers are allowed to take a 30-minute break whenever they feel it's needed and whenever they feel drowsy.

-Drivers may drive only 11 hours a day. Researchers will be continuing research into the risks associated with an 11-hour work day.

-Drivers must rest for at least 2 nights when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most (from 1 to 5 a.m.).

-Drivers may use the restart provision once in a week.

-Fines for companies who violate the new rules will be strict. Companies can face maximum fines and punishments. Trucking companies can face fines of more than $10,000 for each offense. Drivers can face nearly fines of $3,000 for each offense.

Who is most at risk for drowsy driving?:

-People who drive after not getting enough sleep.

-Younger drivers. Drivers under the age of 30 are 4 times more likely to get into a drowsy driving accident.

-People who work long hours and shift workers.

-People who have undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders. This accounts for roughly 40 million people.

-Business Travelers.

Continue reading "Truckers Required to Rest More by FMCSA to Help Reduce Risks of Trucking Accidents in Illinois, Nation" »

An Illinois truck crash on Illinois 394 has claimed the life of a 49-year-old woman, according to Fox news. The incident occurred on Friday around 6 PM during the evening rush hour.

A semi truck driver traveling north on the highway somehow lost control and drove cross the grassy center median into oncoming southbound traffic. This occurred just as the vehicle passed Glenwood Lansing Road.

After the truck entered the southbound lanes it collided with an SUV, which burst into flames, killing the driver. She has been identified as Mary Lacy. There were no passengers in the SUV. The truck came to a stop in the middle of the southbound lanes. The driver, a Valparaiso Indiana resident, was reportedly not hurt.

The Illinois State Police are handling the investigation and crash reconstruction. They're trying to figure out what caused the trucker to lose control.

It is being reported that several sand barrels were hit by the truck. The barrels were being used to mark a construction zone. The Fox news story is speculating that the truck driver possibly drifted off the side of the road, struck a guardrail and then lost control, driving across the median and into oncoming traffic.

Once the state police investigation has been completed, they should be able to determine if speed played a role in the crash.

Police are reportedly speaking with the trucker. They will also be checking his log books to see if fatigue may have been a factor, and they will also investigate whether he was on his cell phone or texting. There was supposedly no evidence of drugs or alcohol playing a role.

It has not been reported if a Chicago personal injury law firm is involved in the case yet or if there is a civil lawsuit on file.

After the crash, both sides of the highway had to be shut down for a period of time.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in the year 2010 alone there were 10,343 accidents involving tractor-trailers. Of those truck accidents, 84 resulted in fatalities and 1,836 resulted in injuries.

The State of Illinois further reports that semi truck accidents made up 9.8% of all fatal crashes last year. The number of fatal tractor-trailer crashes increased by over 35% from the year 2009, with the number of fatalities going up by 50%, from 64 in 2009 to 96 in 2010.

Continue reading "49-year-old woman killed in deadly Chicago-area truck accident" »

Governor Pat Quinn recently signed several bills to regulate trucking in the state. One of these bills increased the speed limit for tractor-trailers from 55 mph to 65 mph on four-lane divided highways that are not interstates. Previous legislation increased speed limits to 65 mph on interstate highways outside of Cook County and many other northern counties.

Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys believe that this is risky move as the perceived benefits of the increased limit could be outweighed by the risk of additional accidents.

A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety concluded that there were approximately 12,545 deaths because of car and truck accidents in Chicago that were caused by rising speed limits in the U.S. between 1995 and 2005.

Congress established a national speed limit of 55 mph back in the 1970s. It was effective at getting states to participate by threatening to withhold funds from states that didn't comply. The requirement was loosened for rural interstates in 1987 and then it was completely repealed in 1995.

A motorist that experiences an accident with a semi-truck or a tractor-trailer may have the legal right to compensation for their losses and injuries from either the driver of the truck or the business that employs the trucker. If a person is killed in one of these accidents, his or her survivors may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

With the list of simplified laws for truckers and trucking companies that Gov. Quinn recently signed, the Governor aims to clarify existing Illinois truck laws, improve trucking operations and allow for uniform speed limits on secondary highways.

-Senate Bill 1644 will be used to standardize gross weight regulations for trucks. There was some prior confusion after the legislation allowed standard 80,000-pound trucks onto local Illinois roads. The bill also allows a 400-pound weight exemption for trucks fitted with auxiliary power units.

-House Bill 2836 clarifies truck length limits. This limit depends on the type of equipment that is being pulled by a truck.

-Senate Bill 1913 will give the state a unified speed limit of 65 mph on four-lane highways outside of the Chicago area.

The Mid-West Truckers Association thanked Quinn for signing the legislation. The organization believes that the new laws will make compliance easier. The laws are the result of a year's worth of work between the industry, Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“We want to make sure we have simple, straightforward laws that can be complied with and can be enforced in a proper way,” Quinn said. He added that the changes will help create uniform rules for trucks, as well as help reduce emissions.

Continue reading "Gov. Quinn Increases Speed Limit - Motorists Worry about Speed-Related Trucking Accidents in Illinois" »

The Illinois Injury Lawyers at Abels & Annes have reached a truck accident settlement on behalf of a client who was rear-ended on the highway due to the inattentiveness of a truck driver. The woman sustained several injuries to her neck and back that required medical care.

On May 25, 2010, the woman was driving northbound on I-55 through Bolingbrook, Illinois when a commercial Freightliner semi slammed into her 2008 Honda Accord as she reduced her speed to match traffic conditions. The Illinois State Police responded to the accident and conducted an investigation which placed the truck driver at fault. The report stated the driver had failed to exercise due care by reducing his excessive speed because he was admittedly not paying attention.

Unfortunately, the victim had an immediate onset of neck pain, and was transported by ambulance from the scene of the crash to the Emergency Department at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital for examination. Upon her arrival, doctors performed a host of diagnostic tests and x-rays to determine the source of her substantial pain, and she was diagnosed with a cervical strain and cervicalgia. The doctors prescribed pain medication and instructed her to seek treatment if her pain continued. The pain did not subside, however, and she was forced to seek further medical attention for her low back pain, muscle spasms, and a radiating pain in her left shoulder caused by the pain in her neck.

She was then treated at a chiropractic office in the Chicago area where she was diagnosed with cervical and lumbar sprian/strain, myalgia, and muscle spasms. Her treatment plan consisted of conservative chiropractic spinal correction and manipulation therapy, and physical therapy. She required 16 separate session of chiropractic treatment before she was finally discharged.

A lawyer at our office negotiated a $12,000 settlement without having to file a lawsuit, saving our client the cost of litigation.

Accidents between cars and commercial trucks happen fairly frequently on highways, and the attorneys at Abels & Annes settled another case recently involving an inattentive truck driver colliding with a passenger vehicle.

On October 20, 2010, a man and his passenger were traveling in the right lane going east on I-80 when a commercial tractor-trailer merged into their lane and collided with their 1994 Pontiac Bonneville. The truck’s front bumper struck the driver’s side door of victim’s automobile, causing the car to fishtail out of control before coming to a rest on the opposite side of the highway.

The Illinois State Police Department’s investigation determined that the truck driver was at fault for the incident. They cited him for an improper lane change, as he was traveling at an excessive speed for the conditions and failed to exercise due care in ascertaining whether a lane change could be made safely. The driver admitted that he did not see the victim until after contact had been made.

Shortly after the collision, our client began to experience stiffness and radiating pain in his left leg due to back pains sustained in the crash. The increasing pain forced him to seek medical treatment at St. James Hospital where various tests were administered. The x-rays showed a significant decrease in vertebral body between C3 and C4 and he was diagnosed with a sciatica on his left side, a neck sprain/strain, and a muscle strain/sprain.

After the prescribed pain medication did not improve his condition, the victim sought treatment from a neurologist for his neck and back pain, as well as pain and a limited range of motion in his left shoulder. The doctor noticed a bruising on his left shoulder and had the impression that he had suffered a sacroiliac and lumbosacral strain.

On December 21, 2010, the victim returned to the doctor and indicated he was still having pain and limitations in his lumbar spine region. The doctor recommended that he continue physical therapy and return in a month. He was discharged by the doctor on February 1, 2011 after completing 12 sessions of physical therapy at a chiropractic office.

The Illinois Injury Lawyers at Abels & Annes negotiated a $13,500 settlement pre-litigation, once again saving our client court costs.

Continue reading "Chicago truck accident attorney reaches settlements in 2 cases" »

Those who oppose red-light cameras argue that the only thing they're good for is to generate revenue for struggling towns and cities, according to MSNBC. Advocates for the red-light cameras argue that these devices are used not to make a quick buck, but to increase motorist safety on roadways nationwide. With the threat of a possible ticket, drivers are likely to pass through these intersections more safely and your risks for a car accident in Chicago and elsewhere decrease.

More than 500 cities and towns in roughly half of all U.S. states currently have red-light cameras. These intersection watchers snap pictures and take video of drivers who run red lights. As contract for early adopters begin to run out, many wonder if cities are going to keep them around.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys note that guidelines through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) make revenue an invalid justification for the use of the these intersection cameras. Still, our 400 red-light cameras in Chicago generated more than $64 million in 2009 alone. Safety advocates continue to insist they have made intersections in the city and its suburbs significantly safer.

Because most red-light cameras are contracted out to private companies, they get a large percentage of each fine. This is where oppositional parties argue that there is a danger of “vendor overreach” in increasing the number of citations to generate more money for the contractor. Complaints in Chicago have ranged from targeting busy intersections regardless of accident statistics (and therefore maximizing revenue) to shortening yellow lights in an attempt to increase the number of offenders.

As we recently discussed on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, the NHTSA reported that more than 4,500 fatal accidents were at intersections or were intersection-related. Regardless of the presence of red-light cameras, nothing can replace safe driving skills.

Chicago started red-light camera enforcement back in 2003. Our city initially started the pilot program at two intersections, Peterson and Western and 55th and Western. Those locations were chosen based on crash data, according to The City of Chicago. As of May 1, nearly 200 intersections have been equipped with red-light cameras.

There have been a number of large studies over the past 10 years that have all concluded that these red-light cameras reduce accidents and injuries. The most recent study, published in February by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, analyzed 10 years of federal traffic data 99 of the largest U.S. cities. Nearly 15 percent of them have installed red-light cameras. The Institute calculated that had all 99 cities installed the devices, more than 800 lives could have been saved from 2004 to 2008.

"We still have thousands of people who die," said Adrian Lund, the Insurance Institute's president. "We look at where and how that's happening, and one of the most dangerous (locations) is intersections."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently approved a resolution that would endorse nationwide adoption of red light cameras.

These red-light cameras oftentimes lead to fines and, depending on the jurisdiction, can lead to costly points on drivers' records. A number of these consequences result from borderline infractions like neglecting to come to a complete stop at an intersection before making a right turn.

Another recent study from the Insurance Institute found that there has been a significant decline in deaths from red-light accidents in cities that have installed these cameras. A number of researchers write off the cameras as the contributor to the decline because deaths from U.S. roadway accidents of all sorts have decreased significantly during the study period.

The City of Chicago offers drivers a map of red-light camera intersections throughout the city.

Continue reading "Red-Light Cameras in Chicago - Saving Lives or Stealing Money?" »

Illinois is already one of the states in the United States that has banned the use of cell phones by drivers in school and work zones and has banned all drivers from text messaging in an attempt to reduce the frequency of distracted driving car accidents in Illinois, according to the Governors Highway Safety Administration. While many motorists ignore these safe driving laws, they may soon have another force fighting their distracted driving habits. A proposed federal law. Introduced by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., aims to federalize driving and cell phone usage. These types of laws are currently managed by individual states-- and sometimes even cities as is the case with Chicago's cell phone ban.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys hope that this proposed legislation will one day serve as additional ammo in the fight against distracted drivers. The proposed bill would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to set up a standard for the entire country that would prohibit hand-held cell phone use while driving.

“Driving while making a phone call, texting or using apps can be as dangerous as driving drunk, and much more common,” Rep. McCarthy said. “With some basic commonsense rules that are already in place in some parts of the country, we can reduce injuries and save lives in America.”

There are a few exclusions to this proposed law. Drivers would still be allowed to use voice-operated, vehicle-integrated devices, as well as voice-operated GPS systems. Even though there are cognitive distractions still present with hands-free devices, they pose a much less serious problem than using a hand-held device.

Under the proposed bill, the Department of Transportation would be required to conduct a study on distracted driving. This study would be required to focus on the issue of cognitive distraction and the impact of distraction on newly licensed, young drivers. Within two years of the completed study, the DOT would then be required to report its findings to Congress. Recommendations for revising the minimum distracted driving prohibitions and penalties must accompany this report. These newly proposed minimum distracted driving prohibitions would be mandatory for all states. Each state would then be allotted two years to comply with the law or lose a quarter of their federal highway funding.

Currently, each state is able to create their own laws regulating cell phone and texting use. Some states offer strict laws to prevent distracted driving while others have absolutely no restrictions at all. A majority of states ban teenagers from using cell phones while driving. Texting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle is forbidden in some 30 states. If this proposed bill becomes law, the entire country would be put under a seamless law that would require all motorists to follow it or face the consequences.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 5,500 people died because of car accidents that involved a distracted driver in 2009. These accidents accounted for roughly 1 in 6 of all motor-vehicle accident related fatalities that year.

Continue reading "Safe Driver Act of 2011 Could Increase Distracted Driving Laws in Illinois" »

Traffic fatality statistics for 2010 will be released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration later this summer. Meanwhile, the agency has recently released comprehensive state-by-state data for 2009. Statistics show car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois declined 13 percent. Still, Illinois experienced more than 900 fatalities resulting from traffic accidents in 2009.

As that number is still relatively high, law enforcement and safety advocates continue their push to urge drivers to drive safer on our roadways and to abide by driving laws during the busy summer driving season and throughout the remainder of the year.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys believe that through a conscious effort from all residents we can maintain a significant decrease in these numbers. This decrease will have to result from more alert driving, less distracted driving, the monitoring of drunk driving and more awareness for on-foot travelers and cyclists.

In our state, nearly 1 death occurs for ever 100 million vehicle miles traveled. It is also estimated that there are almost 9 deaths for every 100 million registered vehicles or nearly 11 deaths for every 100 million licensed drivers.

Illinois has witnessed a numbers of years in which the number of fatalities resulting from car accidents has decreased. The steepest decrease occurred from 1975 to 2009 when we saw a decreased of 55 percent. In 1975, we saw more than 2,000 traffic accident fatalities, compared to 911 in 2009. During these 34 years, we experienced a 76 percent decrease in the number of fatalities per vehicle miles traveled.

The numbers aren't all positive, however. From 2000 to 2009, we saw a near 5 percent increase in fatalities from car accidents that involved a drunk driver. During 2009 alone, nearly 40 percent of all fatal traffic accidents involved a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher.

Speeding was also a common factor in many of these accidents. Of the 911 traffic fatalities in 2009, 325 of them were the result of an accident that involved a speeding driver. Most of these accident occurred in an area with a set speed limit of 55 mph.

Passenger cars suffered the most fatal accidents as they accounted for nearly half of all deadly crashes. Light trucks followed behind, accounting for 32.9 percent of all fatal crashes.

In an attempt to reduce these numbers, Illinois enact a seat belt law for all front seat passengers. If you're busted not wearing your seat belt, you could face an immediate $30 fine. This law went into effect back in 2003. Consequently, more than 90 percent of motorists wear their seat belt. More recently, the state has enacted a law banning drivers from text messaging or using a cell phone in school zones and construction sites.

Just by looking at this data, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of being in an accident. It may not seem like rocket science, but believe it or not, many residents refuse to follow these few precautionary steps. Residents are urged not to drink and drive as it greatly increases your chances of being involved in an accident. All motorists are urged to wear their seat belt, not only because it's the law but to help save your life in the event of an accident. And lastly, you're urged to abide by the speed limits. Increasing your speed increases impact upon a collision which increases the severity of injuries.

Continue reading "NHTSA Releases Stats for Car Accidents in Chicago and Elsewhere" »

A motorist that crossed an interstate median has caused an Illinois truck versus car crash, killing himself and a truck driver, according to ksdk.com. The deadly auto accident occurred Wednesday on Interstate 64 in Clinton County.

The Illinois State Police are handling the crash investigation and they are reporting that a car traveled across the median near milepost 36 and headed eastbound in the westbound lanes until it slammed head-on into a semi truck. The wrong way driver, a 39-year-old St. Louis resident, was rushed to a nearby hospital and died a short time later.

The truck driver, a 29-year-old woman from Florida, passed away at the scene of the accident. Her husband, who was riding as a passenger, survived the accident and was taken to nearby St. John's Mercy Hospital with serious injuries.

State police do not know what caused the driver to travel into oncoming traffic. The crash investigation is ongoing.

stltoday.com is reporting that after the collision the truck left the road, struck an embankment and then caught on fire. The trucker was trapped in the vehicle and died in the fire.

The collision occurred just before 5 AM and it shut down part of the highway for around 12 hours.

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.

Illinois accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have entered into an agreement to represent a Shorewood resident that was injured in a Will County truck versus car crash. The collision occurred on Interstate 80 near Larkin Road in Joliet, Illinois.

Our client was driving his 1994 Pontiac Bonneville eastbound in the right lane of the highway. At that time a semi truck was in the eastbound left lane. The truck driver moved his vehicle to the right Lane and failed to observe our client, striking the Pontiac on the driver's side of the vehicle. This caused the plaintiff's vehicle to fishtail. The Pontiac was heavily damaged in the crash.

The Illinois State Police handled the accident investigation. After interviewing the parties involved, they issued the truck driver citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. The trucker admitted to police that he never saw the plaintiff's vehicle.

Our client sustained low back and neck injuries in the accident. He was seen a short time later at St. James Hospital where he was examined by physicians and prescribed hydrocodone for pain.

Over the days following the accident his pain worsened. He is now undergoing treatment with a medical doctor.

If you have been hurt in a Chicago area trucking crash, call the Illinois injury attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575.

A trucker from Chicago, Illinois is been given a sentence of 30 days in jail for his role in an accident that occurred in Ohio, according to the Washington Post. His truck was involved in a collision with a special needs bus during a snowstorm. Four people were killed.

The 60-year-old Chicago resident apologized in court on Wednesday to the families of the victims. Three special needs adults and the bus driver died in the accident that occurred in January, 2010 on Interstate 70 in the area of Springfield, Ohio.

The Illinois truck driver pleaded no contest to four counts of vehicular manslaughter back in August. He was released yesterday after the hearing in court, pending appeal.

Investigating police officers gave the opinion that the truck driver was driving too fast for weather conditions when the truck lost control and struck the bus. The Springfield News-Sun reports that the special needs vehicle was moving eastbound on Interstate 70 near US Route 40. At that time the westbound tanker truck being driven by the defendant lost control and went into oncoming traffic. Roads were very slick at the time of the accident and the trucker was going 57 mph.

Today's newspaper reports do not state whether truck accident lawyers are involved in the case or if civil lawsuits have been filed.

A Chicago area truck accident has resulted in six people being taken by ambulance to area hospitals, according to Trib Local. The multiple vehicle accident occurred after the driver of the construction truck crossed over the center line on route 30 in the area of Heggs Road in Plainfield around 6:30 PM on Monday.

The truck hit a car and a pickup truck, and then struck a semi truck. The semi truck then burst into flames, and the construction vehicle also caught on fire.

The driver of the semi and one of the occupants in the pickup truck were taken by ambulance to Rush Copley Hospital in Aurora. Both were reportedly in critical condition. Two others riding in the pickup, and the driver of the car involved, were also injured and taken to Rush Copley.

The construction truck driver was taken to Loyola Medical Center in Chicago in critical condition. He had to be extricated from his burning vehicle.

Route 30 between hundred and 11th St. and Heggs Road were closed for a period of time. Firefighters and ambulances from multiple jurisdictions such as Oswego responded to the accident.

The Illinois State Police are handling the crash investigation. What caused construction truck to cross the center-line has not been reported.

In a case like this, is a good bet that Illinois truck accident lawyers will get involved in the case and lawsuits will be filed. The reports indicate that several parties were significantly injured, and a commercial vehicle caused the accident. Typically, commercial vehicles that are involved construction work have larger liability insurance policies of $1 million or more.

Fewer Chicago bus accidents and trucking accidents should result from distracted driving as a result of a federal ban against text messaging that is now in place nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced at the nation's second annual Distracted Driving Summit in Washinton, D.C.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood also announced the law is being extended to train operators and those in-state truckers engaged in hauling hazardous materials.

Additionally, employer-backed anti-distracted-driving campaigns will enroll another 1.5 million motorists in the workplace within the next year. And a pilot program in Connecticut and New York -- called "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other" -- has been proven to increase compliance in much the same way as seat belt campaigns like "Click it or Ticket it."

All of the measures are part of an aggressive push by the federal government to combat the dangers of text messaging and other forms of distracted driving. As our Chicago accident lawyers continue to report, recent statistics suggest about 5,500 motorists were killed and 500,000 were injured last year in accidents caused by distracted driving. Only speeding and drunk driving were responsible for more carnage on the road.

“We are taking action on a number of fronts to address the epidemic of distracted driving in America,” said LaHood. “With the help of the experts, policymakers, and safety advocates we’ve assembled here, we are going to do everything we can to put an end to distracted driving and save lives.”

The laws aimed at truckers, bus drivers and train operators are important because they create a uniform standard. Part of the concern over laws governing text messaging and cell phone use by drivers is that they create a confusing patchwork of legislation from state to state and even city to city.

Meanwhile, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, an entity created by the government to work with private sector businesses, announced that nearly 1,600 U.S. businesses have instituted distracted driving policies covering 10.5 million workers with another 550 organizations adopting plans that will cover an additional 1.5 million workers in the next year.

“I am thrilled that businesses across the country are making anti-distracted driving policies an integral part of their employee culture,” said Secretary LaHood. “President Obama led by example last year by banning four million federal workers from texting behind the wheel. Employers across America are doing the same to help us set an example and keep our roads safe.”

The "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other," campaign also proved that the combination of law enforcement efforts and public service announcements improved compliance with local cell phone ordinances in Hartford and Syracuse. Each municipality issued about 5,000 tickets during a two-week enforcement blitz. Subsequent observation reported a decline in cell phone use and text messaging of between 38 and 68 percent.

Continue reading "Prevention of Chicago car accidents to target trucks, buses, trains and automobiles" »

A significant reduction in the number of Chicago car accidents, as well as serious and fatal traffic accidents elsewhere in Illinois, made the state the safest it has been since 1921, according to 2009 traffic statistics released by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

A total of 911 traffic fatalities were reported in Illinois last year and 89,090 were injured. Those figures indicate about 3 people are killed and 244 are injured every day on Illinois roads. Total economic cost was $5.3 billion.

Each fatality cost $1.3 million. An incapacitating injury cost $66,900, while a nonincapacitating injury cost $21,700.

Fatal Accidents in Illinois
-911 motorists were killed in 832 fatal crashes.
-25.7 crashes occurred at intersections.
-77.2 percent occurred on dry roads.
-48.3 percent occurred in daylight.
-56.4 occurred on urban roads.
-31.7 occurred in a crash with a fixed object.

Illinois Pedestrian Accidents
-111 pedestrians were killed in 2009.
-5,231 were injured.
-One in five fatal pedestrian accidents involved a senior citizen; 1 in 20 involved a child under the age of 15.

Illinois Motorcycle Accidents
-A total of 3,846 motorcycle crashes were reported.
-130 riders were killed and 3,152 were injured.

Illinois School Bus Accidents
-133 school-aged children were injured in school bus accidents.
-78 drivers were injured in school bus accidents.

Illinois Semi Accidents
-64 people were killed in tractor-trailer accidents in Illinois.
-3 fatality victims were occupants of tractor-trailers, while 55 were occupants of other vehicles.

Illinois Train Accidents
-One-fourth of fatal train accidents happened at crossings with gates.
-Three-quarters of fatal train crashes happened at crossings with other types of traffic control devices, including signs and flashing lights.

Illinois Work Zone Accidents
-31 people were killed in Illinois work zone accidents in 2009.
-5 of those killed were construction workers.

Continue reading "Fewer Chicago car accidents contribute to historic statewide reduction; nearly 250 a day still injured in Illinois car accidents" »

Illinois truck accident lawyers from Abels & Annes filed a lawsuit stemming from a truck vs. car accident that took place in Bellwood, Illinois. The accident occurred back on October 18, 2009 at the intersection of 25th and Madison.

The plaintiffs (both driver and passenger) were northbound on 25th St. stopped at a red light at its intersection with Madison Street. At that time there vehicle was rear-ended by a truck.

The accident was investigated by the Bellwood Police Department. After speaking to the parties involved, the police issued the truck driver citation for driving too fast for conditions.

Immediately after the accident, our client driving the vehicle had neck and back pain. The passenger had head, back and neck pain. Both were seen the same day at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois.

The passenger ended up sustaining significant injuries. Over the next several days her pain increased. She sought additional treatment with a medical doctor.

As time went on she did not improve, her physician ordered an MRI scan. The test showed that the plaintiff had sustained a herniated discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1. She underwent lumbar epidural steroid injections on three separate occasions. She has also sustained around $20,000 in medical bills since the date of the accident. It has not yet been determined the client will need to undergo surgery to alleviate her pain.

The driver of the vehicle also sought follow-up treatment for back and neck pain. He sustained over $8,000 in medical bills since the accident.

The lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

If you've been injured in the Chicago area truck accident, contact a Chicago accident attorney at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak to a lawyer.

A Chicago car accident claimed the life of a cab driver early Monday morning after colliding with a motorcycle and then slamming into a utility pole, WGNTV reported.

The motorcycle rider was among two other accident victims that were transported to Resurrection Medical Center for treatment. The Chicago Breaking News Center reported that the rider was reported to be in good condition. It's unknown whether the other victim was a passenger in the cab.

The accident pushed the utility pole into a garage, which collapsed from the impact.

Also early Monday, a motorcycle rider was killed in an accident with a semi in Chicago. The 33-year-old rider was killed on the Dan Ryan Expressway about two blocks from 35th Street. The accident happened shortly after 1:30 a.m. and closed the expressway's inbound lanes for about three hours.

Riders are expected to be out in force through the remainder of summer, hitting the roads through the long Labor Day weekend and into fall as long as weather permits. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation reports that more than half of all motorcycle accidents involve another motorist who is usually at fault in the crash.

In 2008, a total of 5,290 riders were killed and more than 96,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Illinois motorcycle accidents killed 121 riders.

The Foundation offers safe driving tips for avoiding motorcycle accidents.

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.

Three women were killed last Monday and a dozen injured in an Illinois semi accident authorities believe may have been caused by a distracted trucker.

The Chicago Tribune reported the accident happened on I-57 north of Mattoon when the tractor trailer crashed into a group of cars slowing for construction. The chain-reaction collision involved at least 9 vehicles, many of which were completely destroyed. The Coles County coroner's office reported there women -- ages 61, 68 and 80 -- were killed after the SUV they were traveling in was crushed by the truck.

Cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police. Police tested the blood and urine of the 55-year-old Louisiana truck driver but have no indication that drugs are alcohol are involved. However, a state police Captain said the crash was likely caused by driver inattention.

A patrol captain also said the driver had "discrepancies in his log book." Truck drivers are required to obey strict safety regulations, including hours on the road and hours of rest, to help insure the safety of other motorists.

One of the SUVs rolled into the median where it caught fire. Another was crushed beyond recognition. Somehow, an 11-year-old girl was able to crawl out of the wreckage. Injury victims were taken to hospitals located throughout the area, including Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana and Sara Bush Lincoln Health Center in Coles County.

The women who were killed were members of a Baptist church group traveling to Amish country. The Champaign/Urbana News-Gazette reported that two others were critically injured.

The highway was closed for nearly 8 hours.

Lawmakers are targeting excessive speeders in an effort to reduce Illinois car accidents.

The measure has the support of some professional truck drivers, who cite aggressive and speeding drivers as a cause of Illinois trucking accidents, according to Land Line Magazine, a professional trucking publication.

Last month, the Chicago Tribune reported the results of an investigation that determined nearly two-thirds of motorists cited for speeding in excess of 100 mph, were given court supervision, a form of probation that kept the citations off their driving records, prevented them from having their driver's licenses suspended and kept their insurance rates from increasing.

At least 1,100 motorists caught traveling 100 mph or faster in Illinois during the last five years were given such breaks.

This week, House lawmakers unanimously passed a measure that would prohibit judges from allowing court supervision in cases where a motorist is convicted of driving at least 40 mph over the limit. The Senate unanimously passed a slightly different version.

As we reported in November on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, speeding drivers cost an average of $44,193 a minute in speed-related accidents nationwide.

Speed facts:
-Risk of death or serious injury doubles for every 10 mph over 50 mph that a vehicle is traveling at the moment of impact.
-On average, more than 30 people a day, or 1,000 people a month, die in speed-related crashes, making speeding a cause or contributing factor in about one-third of nationwide traffic fatalities each year.
-One-third of fatal crashes involving young motorists, ages 15 to 24, involve speeding.

Continue reading "Truckers back law punishing excessive speed as means to reduce Illinois car accidents" »

A motorist has been charged in connection with a fatal Chicago drunk driving accident involving a semi on the near West Side, the Sun-Times reported.

The car's driver was charged with two counts of drunk driving this week, in connection with the crash, which occurred shortly after 2:30 a.m. last Thursday at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Canal Street. The 2005 Ford Taurus crashed into the cab portion of the UPS semi.

The 21-year-old driver of the Taurus was traveling West on Roosevelt Road at a high rate of speed when it collided with the truck as it attempted to turn across traffic, police reported. A 25-year-old passenger in the car was transported to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, where he was pronounced dead at 3:35 a.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

The driver was charged with two counts of misdemeanor driving under the influence and cited with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, as well as driving a vehicle without insurance.

Police said the driver's blood-alcohol level was .16 -- twice the legal limit in Illinois.

The Chicago Fire Department was called to the scene, where emergency crews had to extricate some of the victims from the wreckage.

Two other victims were taken in serious to critical condition to Northwestern Memorial Hospital; three were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, Rush University Medical Center and the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago.

The police Major Accident Investigation Unit continues to investigate.

A Chicago semi accident seriously injured four people on the Dan Ryan Expressway, according to the SouthTown Star.

The accident involved two semis and a car and occurred about 10:30 p.m. Monday in the southbound local lanes near 63rd Street. The lanes were closed to traffic until early Tuesday morning as work crews cleared the scene, the Sun-Times reported.

A semi rear-ended a car as it slowed while approaching slower traffic, according to Illinois State Police. The semi was then struck by another semi, which caught fire.

The driver of the second semi was cited for following too closely.

A woman and three men were injured in the crash. One victim was taken in serious to critical condition to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn; one was taken in serious to critical condition to the University of Chicago Hospitals.

The other two were taken in good to fair condition, to the University of Chicago Hospitals and St. Bernard Hospital.

In 2008, there were 14,632 Illinois trucking accidents, which claimed 115 lives and injured 2,940, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Chicago trucking accidents account for the vast majority of Illinois semi accidents. More than 12,000 of the accidents occurred in urban areas.

Unconfirmed reports that tailgating led to road rage between two truckers, which ended in a stabbing on the Edens Expressway, is an extreme example of the dangers of follow too closely. Whether tailgating turns out to be the deadly cause of this incident, following too closely slows your reaction time and can lead to a serious of fatal accident.

As many as 25 percent of Chicago car accidents are caused by a rear-end collision, according to state and federal estimates.

Police charged a Wisconsin man with murder last week for allegedly stabbing another trucker on the Edens Expressway near suburban Northfield, the Sun-Times reported.

Reports indicate the two truckers may have been cutting each other off in traffic before pulling over to fight.

An article in the Chicago Tribune listed several techniques area motorists use to try to combat tailgaters:

-Pumping the brakes
-Slowing down until the tailgater passes
-Activating emergency blinking lights
-Changing lanes or moving over
-Pulling off to the side of the road

"Swallow your ego and move over," even if you have to turn off a two-lane road," Roy Lucke, research manager of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety told The Tribune."How much time are you really going to lose if you go over onto a shoulder or onto a side street or a parking lot? Thirty seconds? You let the idiot go by, and you can go back on your way."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates rear-end collisions account for about 1 in 4 crashes, causing 2,000 deaths and almost 1 million injuries each year.

Snowfall, icy roads and winter weather are contributing to Chicago car accidents as we head into the weekend.

With snow continuing to fall in the Chicago area on Thursday, the Illinois State Police put an emergency snow plan into effect -- telling drivers who had accidents not to call 911 unless there were injuries.

The Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes encourage everyone to drive safely and allow plenty of time. Safe winter driving tips can be found here on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog and our sister site, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog.

About 8 to 12 inches of snow was expected in the area, ABC News reported.

In Chicago, the Department of Streets and Sanitation already announced Wednesday that the Snow Command Center will use ground sensors and closely watch nearly 1,000 cameras positioned throughout the city. Drivers are also advised to pay close attention to winter parking restrictions to avoid getting towed, ABC7 News reported.

Up to a foot of snow is expected in the Chicago area and as many as 500 flights could be cancelled, according to The Sun-Times.

Elsewhere in Illinois, a suburban teenager died in an Illinois car accident Thursday morning on Interstate 57 that is being blamed on icy roads and winter weather, WJBD radio reported.

The Marion County coroner said the 17-year-old Aurora teen was a passenger in an SUV that slammed into the rear end of a slow moving semi in the southbound lanes of I-57, about a mile south of the Salem exit.

The Illinois semi accidentoccurred just before 8 a.m. Thursday morning. The victim's mother, father and younger sister were being transported to St. Louis University Hospital.

The fire department reported that three of the passengers had to be cut from the vehicle.

Continue reading "First winter storm a dangerous time for Chicago car accidents" »

A new law beginning Jan. 1 will allow Illinois semis to travel 65 mph on many state highways, leaving opponents of higher speeds concerned about the increased risk of Illinois trucking accidents.

Earlier this fall the Chicago trucking accident lawyers at Abels & Annes reported the state ranks sixth-highest in the nation for fatal semi accidents.

The faster trucks comes as the federal government is phasing in better braking standards for semis amid consideration of a reduction in rest requirements for truck drivers. Trucks are heavily regulated because of the danger posed to much smaller passenger vehicles in an accident.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reported that 14,362 Illinois semi accidents killed 115 people last year and injured about 3,000. Of the 115 killed, five were truck drivers and the rest were victims in passenger vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists.

Last year, some 380,000 large trucks were involved in traffic accidents that killed 4,229 motorists. Another 90,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

ABC7 reported that the law will affect about 1,800 miles of road in the state. Lawmakers have passed the speed limit increase on three previous occasions but those efforts were vetoed by Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Abels & Annes blogged about the new law this summer on Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog. The law will not impact highways in the immediate Chicago area. Supporters of the measure argue it is safer for trucks to be traveling with the flow of traffic at the same speed as everyone else; opponents contend faster-moving rigs could increase the risk of Illinois semi accidents.

The issue has made news as far away as Evansville, where NBC14 reported the Illinois Department of Transportation is in the process of replacing signs at a cost of about $75,000 to display the new speed limit, which will also apply to campers and those hauling trailers.

This summer, Ohio changed its law to 65, Cleveland.com reported. Previously, large commercial vehicles had been restricted to 55mph in that state as well.

Nine states -- Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Texas, and Washington -- still retain lower speed limits for large trucks, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Texas and Utah allow semis to travel as fast as 80 mph.

Meanwhile, the federal government is looking at a measure that would reduce by an hour the amount of rest truckers are required to have between shifts-- from the current 11 hours to 10 hours.

And in July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued new braking requirements, which the federal government estimates will save more than 200 lives a year and reduce property damage by more than $169 million a year.

The new standard requires that a tractor-trailer traveling at 60 miles per hour come to a complete stop in 250 feet. The old standard required a complete stop within 355 feet.

The new regulation will be phased in over four years beginning with 2012 models.

Continue reading "Illinois trucking accident lawyers monitor increased speed limit, pending legislation" »

Illinois' 2008 traffic fatality clock logged 1,115 Illinois traffic crashes per day. Eleven people an hour were injured and 3 people a day died in fatal Illinois traffic accidents, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation's 2008 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics report.

This is the second blog looking at the newly published information. The Chicago injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes published the first blog in the series on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog last week.

The study reported 10.1 million vehicles registered to 8.7 million licensed drivers traveled over 100 billion miles in 2008. There were 408,258 traffic accidents reported in Illinois during 2008, which caused 94,021 injuries and claimed 1,043 lives.

The Illinois State Police announced last week a campaign to reduce the number of Illinois traffic fatalities by at least 100 through the end of the year, dropping the state total below 1,000. Currently, Illinois is one of 10 states that reported more than 1,000 road deaths last year.

Breakdown of Illinois vehicles:
77 percent passenger cars
17 percent trucks, buses and recreational vehicles
4 percent motorcycles

The highest numbers of fatalities were among passenger cars (850) and pickup trucks (200). However, a high number of fatalities were reported as a result of Illinois trucking accidents (113) and Illinois motorcycle accidents (131).

The state has a good chance of dipping below the 1,000 mark -- 781 fatalities had been reported as of Nov. 10, compared to 883 in the prior year. But November and December are traditionally two of the deadliest months on the road, with holiday travel, Illinois drunk driving crashes and winter weather combining to increase road hazards.

Continue reading "More than 1,000 Illinois car accidents a day injured 11 people an hour in 2008" »

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.

The federal government is poised to reduce by an hour the length of time long-distance truckers can stay behind the wheel, with the hope of reducing trucking accidents.

CBS 2 used a Chicago trucking accident that occurred four years ago as an example: A sleepy, fatigued, and perhaps drugged trucker slammed into 27-year-old Graham Brown's small sedan.

While Brown can walk, he has lost the use of his left hand and arm and has undergone 22 surgeries.

Earlier this month the Chicago trucking accident lawyers at Abels & Annes reported that the 136 fatal Illinois trucking accidents in 2008 ranks the state sixth-highest in the nation for fatal semi accidents.

Last year, some 380,000 large trucks were involved in traffic accidents that killed 4,229 motorists. Another 90,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Federal Department of Transportation is soon expected to pass a measure that will require truckers to stop and rest after 10 hours on the road. Currently, they can run for 11 hours without rest.

However, the Brown family takes issue with how the current measure is enforced -- with truckers who fill out written log books that can easily misrepresent hours spent behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound semi. The family has joined other safety advocates who want black boxes, data recorders with GPS, installed in the nation's trucks.

Continue reading "Reduction in Illinois trucking accidents could come from mandated rest breaks" »

A total of 136 fatal Illinois trucking accidents occurred in 2008, ranking the state among the worst in the nation for fatal trucking accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which continues to release data based on last year's accident statistics.

Overall, trucking fatalities declined slightly; the nation's 9 million semis drove 226 million miles and were involved in 4,066 fatal crashes, compared to 4,633 fatal crashes in 2007.

The Chicago trucking accident lawyers at Abels & Annes are often called to represent clients injured in Chicago car accidents involving semis, dump trucks, buses or other large commercial vehicles.

Trucking companies and truck drivers are heavily regulated because of the dangers they pose to motorists in an accident. An 80,000 pound semi can weigh 20 times more than a passenger vehicle. Four of every 5 multi-vehicle trucking accidents involved a fatality, compared to just over half of multi-vehicle crashes involving only passenger cars.

Compared to automobile drivers, truckers involved in fatal crashes were less likely to have derogatory driving records, like DUI convictions or suspended licenses, but were more likely to have been cited for speeding and just as likely to have been involved in previous crashes.

Illinois ranked 7th in the nation behind California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas in the total number of fatal trucking accidents.

Last year, some 380,000 large trucks were involved in traffic accidents that killed 4,229 motorists. Another 90,000 were injured. Nationwide, large trucks account for 4 percent of road traffic. In Illinois, nearly 10 percent of the state's traffic comes from large trucks. California and Texas were the two states with the most trucks on the road.

In 2008, one out of every nine traffic fatalities resulted from a collision involving a large truck. In 3 out of every 4 cases, the person killed occupied a vehicle involved in an accident with the truck. The trucker was killed in 26 percent of the accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious or fatal Illinois trucking accident, the Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free consultations to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a distracted driving summit in Washington, D.C. Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in an effort to combat car accidents caused by distracted driving, specifically the use of cell phones and text messaging while behind the wheel.

Earlier this summer the Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes blogged about Illinois' leadership role in banning the use of cell phones and text messaging while driving -- the state's new text-messaging ban was one of fewer than 10 tough new distracted-driving laws passed out of more than 170 that were introduced nationwide last year, according to a report by the New York Times.

Illinois' text-messaging ban (as well as a law banning cell phone use in school zones and road construction sites) became law last month and takes effect Jan. 1. Violators face a fine and repeated violations can lead to license suspension.

The City of Chicago already has a law in place prohibiting drivers from using cell phones.

The federal government estimates more than 4,000 people a day are in an auto accident as a result of distracted driving.

"If it were up to me, I would ban drivers from texting, but unfortunately, laws aren't always enough," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. "We've learned from past safety awareness campaigns that it takes a coordinated strategy combining education and enforcement to get results."

LaHood called the summit a "crucial first step in our efforts to put an end to distracted driving."

In June, the Chicago personal injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes wrote about distracted driving as part of its Safe Driving Series.

Nationwide, 80 percent of accidents are attributed to distracted driving -- more than 1.5 million drivers will get into an accident this year because of driver distraction.

From a California commuter train accident that killed 25 people, to a Florida trucking accident that claimed the life of a former lawmaker's daughter, high-profile incidents attributed to text messaging continue to make news.

The American Trucking Association has pledged its support for the summit with the hope of reducing truck accidents attributed to distracted driving.

"Improving driver performance by eliminating distractions, including those caused by text messaging, will greatly improve the safety of all motorists," ATA president Bill Graves said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation promises concrete steps will be taken following the summit.

"The bottom line is, distracted driving is dangerous driving," LaHood said. "I plan to announce a list of concrete steps we will take to make drivers think twice about taking their eyes off the road for any reason."

Continue reading "In effort to reduce car accidents, federal distracted driving summit planned" »

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.

On the South Side of Chicago, five firefighters and two others were injured when a vehicle and a fire truck collided on Saturday around 5 p.m., according to the Chicago Breaking News Center. The car crash occurred at 67th Street and Jeffery Avenue as the Chicago Fire Department engine was responding to an alarm on South Brandon Avenue.

The fire truck was eastbound on 67th when it was reportedly hit by a car. The engine then hit a pole.

5 firefighters were injured and taken by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Trinity Hospital, and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. One was in serious-to-critical condition.

The male driver and female passenger of the other vehicle were taken to Northwestern, and the passenger is in critical condition. The driver, a Chicago resident, was ticketed by the Chicago Police Department for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, no insurance and damage to city property.

In this type of case, hopefully the injured passenger has an auto insurance policy of her own, as it appears the driver of her car was uninsured. If insured, the passenger can make an uninsured motorist claim against her own policy. The Chicago car accident lawyer that represents her will also take a close look at the police report and interview witnesses to see if there is any liability on the part of the fire department.

Also see the story as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, and see ABC News for an accident photo.

Six people were injured-- three of them young children -- in a Chicago trucking accident on Thursday.

The accident occurred when a car trying to enter the Bishop Ford Expressway collided with a semi-tractor trailer truck, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.

A gold Buick LeSabre was rear-ended as it tried to merge onto the expressway at 130th Street. The Buick lost control and was hit by the trailer of the truck, pinning the victims.

A Fire Department spokesman reported that the accident occurred at about 10 a.m. and blocked the southbound lanes near where a chemical spill closed the same stretch of road on Wednesday.

In that incident, a trooper with the Chicago State Police noticed a semi leaking corrosive liquid, which forced the highway's closure, according to the Sun-Times.

It is the latest in a series of incidents on the Expressway: On July 10, a construction worker was struck by a drunk driver in an accident on Bishop Ford, according to the Chicago Tribune.

In Thursday's trucking accident, the victims of both cars were taken to MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island and Roseland Community Hospital.

Three of those injured were in good to fair condition and three were in fair to serious condition when first taken to the hospital, according to authorities.

While police reported the Buick tried to merge improperly, a Chicago car accident lawyer could help the victims determine their rights. While the Buick driver is at least partially at fault, all the passengers in that car will have a good personal injury case. Also, if the truck driver was injured, he or she may have a work injury case and a claim against the other driver's insurance carrier.

In the second accident, the construction worker would have a case against the driver that hit him and also can pursue a workers' compensation case for getting hurt on the job.

A teenage driver has filed a personal injury lawsuit after an Illinois trucking accident left her paralyzed.

The injured teen, age 19, filed suit last week against 12 people and companies involved in the muli-car collision on I-270 on Feb. 4, 2008 which left her 2001 Saturn trapped beneath the semi.

The Chicago trucking accident lawyers and car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes encourage anyone who has been in an accident with a semi or large commercial vehicle to seek the advice of a qualified attorney. This case illustrates the serious injuries and complex issues such a case presents to an injury victim seeking compensation for damages.

This lawsuit involved the tractor owner, who was driving the tractor, the owner of the trailer being hauled, and nearly a dozen other defendants.

According to the complaint filed in Madison County Circuit Court, defendant was driving a tractor-trailer in front of the victim when he rear-ended a Chevrolet Impala, which caused a chain-reaction collision that also involved another truck. The plaintiff is being represented by Clifford Law Offices in Chicago and Armstrong Teadsdale in St. Louis.

The teenager collided with the rear of the defendant's trailer because she could not see the accident unfolding in front of him, the lawsuit states, according to the The Record of Madison/St. Clair.

The lawsuit claims the trailer the defendant was hauling was not equipped with a properly affixed rear impact guard, which is designed to prevent cars from traveling underneath the trailer during a rear-end collision.

The suit alleges that the fasteners connecting the rear-impact guard were corroded and damaged due to normal wear and were not durable enough to withstand the impact.

Because of the injury to her cervical spine, the plaintiff was paralyzed and remains a quadriplegic, she claims.

She contends that her paralysis could have been avoided if the rear impact guard was properly attached to the back of the trailer.

"Had the rear impact guard on the trailer been attached with adequate fasteners that could withstand at least as much force as the rear impact guard itself, excessive underride would not have occurred," the complaint says.

The teen was wearing her seatbelt and the airbag deployed, but the lack of adequate safety features on the trailer made the safety equipment in her automobile largely ineffective, the lawsuit claims.

The plaintiff is seeking a judgment in excess of $500,000.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Chicago truck driving faces vehicular homicide charges and a wrongful death lawsuit for a Pennsylvania trucking accident that killed a woman last fall. The family is also suing Vidov Trucking of Indiana.

Pennsylvania state police charged the truck driver this week. Authorities say his container truck was too high when it struck an overpass, knocking the container onto an SUV and killing the driver, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The Morning Call reports the driver was charged with homicide by vehicle and related offenses and the family of the victim, Michelle LaMaze, has filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages.

Authorities report the container the trucker was hauling exceeded the 13 feet 6 inch height limit when it struck the overpass.

The truck driver reportedly told police that he did not measure the container, did not know how high it was and could not say how fast he was traveling at the time of impact. Police also report that the container was not properly fastened to the semi and that the truck was not permitted for an oversize load, which would have required it to be re-routed to avoid low overpasses.

He also told police he could not detail his route or report his destination because he was relying upon a GPS system, according to the Morning Call.

Continue reading "Chicago truck driver faces charges, lawsuit from fatal trucking accident" »

In Chicago, Illinois a driver was killed in a three vehicle accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway early Friday morning. The accident happened in the southbound lanes around 4:20 a.m. The motorist killed was driving a minivan that hit a semi truck after the truck slammed on its brakes to avoid an accident. The trucker braked because a car in front of the truck had just hit the left side retaining wall and came to a complete stop in the center lane.

The Illinois State Police responded to the accident and are handling the investigation. Three lanes were initially closed after the accident, and two lanes remained closed for the morning rush hour. No tickets were reportedly issued.

If the family of the minivan driver retains a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer, they would likely pursue a claim against the driver in front that lost control and came to a stop on the expressway. While liability could be disputed, an insurance carrier would likely pay on the claim due to the severity of the accident. A claim against the truck driver's insurance carrier would be investigated as well.

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An elderly man from the southern Chicago suburb of Orland Park has been killed in a motor vehicle accident, according to the Southtown Star. It is alleged that his car ran a red light and was hit by a commercial truck in the intersection.

The car crash happened at 80th Ave. and Wheeler Drive on Thursday at around 3:45 pm when a southbound box truck slammed into a Toyota Corolla. The driver, Walter Zyck, 91 was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he later passed away from his injuries.

His car incurred serious damage and emergency workers had to extricate him from the vehicle. The Orland Park Police Department is investigating the accident and they are reportedly asking anyone who witnessed the occurrance to call (708) 349-4111.

As a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer, here is what I want to know: Were there any witnesses to the accident? Were there red light cameras at the intersection? If not, how do we know what actually happened? The trucker is stating the victim ran the red light, but his testimony will not be admissible in court (under the Illinois Dead Man's Act).

It has not been reported if the victim's family has retained a Chicago Injury Lawyer, but if no witnesses to the crash have been identified, it would be a good idea to seek legal counsel.

Two older women from Chicago were killed and two others injured in an accident that authorities attribute to snowy conditions on the road. According to the Elgin Courier-News, the women were driving south when their car slid on the pavement and landed in the path of northbound traffic, where it was hit by a semi truck. The truck driver was not injured, but two of the women in the car, both 70, were killed. Two others were hospitalized in critical or serious condition in Rockford.

Unfortunately, this sort of tragedy is a common outcome of an accident between an ordinary passenger car and a large truck (a semi, tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler). Trucks are many times the size and weight of a passenger vehicle. In an accident, simple physics means their greater weight brings greater force to the collision. Their bumpers also tend to be so much higher that cars’ bumpers can’t do their job -- absorbing some of the shock of the impact. Rather, trucks’ bumpers are very frequently at the same level as the torsos, necks or heads of the people in the cars.

This can be disastrous for the occupants of the smaller vehicle, who are frequently killed or very seriously injured in accidents with trucks. According to the federal Department of Transportation, only 6% of fatalities in multi-vehicle trucking accidents in 2007 were the deaths of people inside the trucks. That’s true regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Statistically, truck drivers are much safer drivers than average, but when they do make mistakes, the consequences for the victims are very serious.

In this case, the facts suggest that the crash truly was an accident. But in cases where a truck driver’s bad decisions caused or contributed to a serious crash, victims have the right to hold the trucker -- and any trucking company at fault -- legally and financially responsible for the results. That includes hospital bills and other medical costs, any funeral costs, missed work and other expenses, as well as compensation for a wrongful death or permanent disability. To learn more from our Chicago truck accident attorneys, please contact us online as soon as possible.