Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
If you drive in Chicago, it is likely that you have been forced to endure some snow, slush, and ice during this long and cold winter. These conditions increase the chances of a winter weather accident occurring on the roads of Chicago and already bear some responsibility for hundreds of accidents. But winter weather alone causes only a few collisions each year; rather, the combination of winter conditions and negligence on the part of one or more drivers is really behind the majority of collisions.
When weather factors into a crash that is also caused by a negligent driver, those injured in the collision are entitled by law to seek relief for their damages. This can include bringing a civil claim against a responsible driver so that a victim can make a monetary recovery to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Each accident is unique so it is always a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area after an accident to learn about your legal rights and options.
Commuters who drive into and out of Chicago daily may have been met with some difficult weather conditions this morning and those conditions are expected to continue, if not worsen as the day progresses. The city is experiencing wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour and several rivers, including the Des Plaines and DuPage, are in danger of flooding.
Local officials believe that the inclement weather was a factor in a massive pileup in Will County yesterday as well as sporadic power outages. As the wind continues and as the snow begins to fall, more car accidents are expected in Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties as well as many other areas of Illinois.
Gusting winds pose a significant threat to drivers of light vehicles, like compact and economy cars, but they can cause a crash involving any type of vehicle. Often, drivers notice gusting winds most prominently when they are on overpasses or elevated streets that allow the wind to flow both over and underneath the car. The best thing you can do if you must drive in severe gusts is to slow down from your normal speed and to keep a firm grip on the wheel, expecting a sudden burst of wind at any time.
Snow today is expected to limit visibility and to create slippery conditions on the expressways and local streets. Make sure that if you are driving in the snow, you leave yourself extra distance to stop for a red light, stop sign, or traffic in front of you. Also be aware that other drivers in your area may lost control of their vehicles, posing a threat to your safety and potentially causing a collision.
If you have been involved in an accident during winter weather and you suffered injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Call the Chicago lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation. At Abels & Annes, we understand that accidents can happen at any time of the day or night so we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call at (855) 529-2442 or (312) 924-7575. If an accident has left you hurt, call us today and make sure you get the help you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
CTA Employee Burned After Contact with Third Rail, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published February 19, 2014.
Resource:
Flood warnings for parts of Des Plaines, DuPage rivers, Chicago Tribune, published February 21, 2014.