Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Tomorrow is the beginning of the Labor Day weekend and with it, the unofficial end to summer. Traditionally, many across Illinois and the rest of the nation have a long weekend off from work and some take advantage of it by traveling with their family or friends. AAA estimates that 34.1 million travelers will journey more than 50 miles from home this holiday, the largest number over Labor Day weekend since 2008.
Many of those traveling will be hitting the roads and driving, in fact, 85 percent of all travelers, according to AAA. Many will be crossing state lines and taking their families on one last trip before school becomes busy and fall starts in full swing. With these driving trips, traffic will be heavy on the interstates and vacation areas will be crowded with cars, leading to potentially dangerous situations where car accidents may occur.
Car crashes range from the minor to the severe and any type of accident can result in injuries to those involved. In the worst instances, a driver or a passenger may lose his or her life due to the collision, leaving family and friends behind to suffer an inconsolable loss. While neither injuries nor loss of life can be erased once it occurs, the victims of these crashes or their surviving family members may be entitled to bring a civil claim for damages to seek financial relief. Compensation may help relieve monetary losses including missed wages and medical expenses. A personal injury lawyer may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a car accident in Chicago.
If you plan to take to the roads this weekend, consider the increased risk for car accidents that occur during heavily traveled holiday weekends. Keep the following in mind before you take to the road:
– Check your tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and that they have enough tread to drive safely. Tires are an often overlooked part of vehicle safety but driving on properly inflated tires increases a driver’s ability to control a car as well as increasing your fuel efficiency.
– Slow down: Experts estimate that excessive speed contributes to 50 percent of all traffic-related accidents across the nation. Simply slowing down and keeping your speed below the posted limit can decrease your chances of a crash.
– Wear a seat belt: The National Safety Council reports that seat belt usage reduces fatalities among front seat passengers by 45 percent. It also decreases the risk of being ejected in the event that a collision occurs and can limit the severity of injuries after a crash.
– Don’t drink and drive: It is illegal in Illinois and in every other state to drive while intoxicated. Not only is it illegal but drinking and driving decreases a motorist’s ability to respond to hazards in the road. It slows the central nervous system and can cause a driver to lose focus, fall asleep, or otherwise pose a threat to others in the area.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our legal team understands that being the victim of a car accident is not the fault of those who are harmed but rather occur due to negligence, recklessness, or other actions. That is why we stand by victims and help them fight for their rights, regardless of the injuries that are sustained.
If you have been involved in an accident or if your loved one has been killed, we want to provide you with a free, no obligation case consultation so that you can receive the answers you deserve. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. If you prefer to meet with us in person but you are too injured to travel to our offices, we also offer free in-home or in-hospital consultations.
If an accident in Chicago has left you hurt, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you towards the recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Alcohol Suspected in Illinois Crash, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 27, 2014.