Articles Posted in Auto Accident

A snow storm is hitting much of the country, bringing freezing temperatures from Montana down to New Mexico and blanketing some of those areas with snow and ice. While Chicago has seen some winter weather this year, the amounts have been minimal and have not caused significant impact to motorists and commuters around the city. However, as the year winds down, it is a certainty that winter snow, sleet, and ice are on their way and soon will be threatening the roads of Illinois, and with it, threatening the safety of all of those who use the roads to travel.

Winter weather accidents can affect any driver or any passenger in the city and can turn a typical driving day into a nightmare in mere moments. Slush, drifting snow, black ice, and gusting wind can all play their role in a collision but in most cases, winter weather combines with the actions of a driver in leading to a crash. Actions like speeding to following too closely become more dangerous as the weather worsens and can be the primary factor to blame when weather leads to an accident.

The best thing to do when inclement weather strikes is to drive as safely as possible and to stay alert for dangers. The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. suggest you keep the following tips in mind as winter approaches:

– Winterize your vehicle: If you drive in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, consider taking steps to prepare your vehicle as much as possible before winter strikes. Make sure your car is in good working condition and get a tune-up if needed.

– Check your tires: Tires are one of the most overlooked safety aspects of a vehicle. If your tires are old or have a large number of miles, ask an expert if it is time to replace them. Consider opting for winter or snow tires during the snow season to enhance your vehicle’s performance and regardless of the tires you select, make sure they are properly inflated before driving.

– Accelerate and decelerate slowly: Poor conditions mean it is more likely that a vehicle will slip on a road’s surface. To limit a loss of traction as much as possible, increase and decrease your speed slowly, especially when turning or driving on a hill.

– Keep plenty of gas in your tank: Extra weight in a vehicle can help keep the car under control in wintertime, especially in icy conditions. Experts recommend keeping at least half of a tank of gas whenever possible to help control a vehicle’s motion. Additionally, extra gas may come in handy if poor weather slows your travel and it takes longer to make it to your destination than anticipated.
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Authorities often encourage travelers to report suspicious behaviors to officials working in the area, even if they are unsure whether the suspicious behavior is threatening. But traveling is not the only time such behavior should be reported, according to numerous police agencies across the nation. When motorists witness reckless or negligent conduct by another driver, they are encouraged to report such actions to a relevant police agency so steps can be taken to stop the driver and avoid a collision, whenever possible.

Often, reckless driving is associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a threatening behavior all too common on the streets and expressways of Chicago. Drunk driving accidents are responsible for thousands of injuries in the state of Illinois every year and they are believed to cause millions of dollars’ worth of damages.

Many victims do not know what to do or where to turn when a Chicago drunk driving accident occurs and leaves them injured, but fortunately, the law is on their side. When hurt in Illinois, victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their damages and payment for expenses like medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. As each crash is unique, it is a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer if you have been involved in a collision or if your loved one was injured or killed in a crash.

Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, police in the Chicago area received multiple reports of a driver traveling north in the southbound lanes of I-55 near Damen Avenue. Not long after the reports were made, the suspected wrong-way driver collided head-on with a vehicle traveling southbound, causing a serious crash that left two women injured. At this time, police believe that the wrong way driver may have been under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, leading to the arrest of the 22-year-old female driver with charges pending.

The driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash was a 29-year-old woman. Damage to her vehicle required authorities to cut away a portion of the car before she could be removed and transported to an area hospital for injuries considered to be serious but not life threatening. Her current condition is unknown.

The suspected at-fault driver was also hurt in the accident and needed medical assistance though her injuries were believed to be minor.
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Like every other state in the country, Illinois has laws against drinking and driving, and violating those laws can lead to serious punishments and penalties. In Illinois, a driver is presumed to be under the influence of alcohol if that driver has a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. But not everyone realizes that motorists can be cited and found guilty even if their BAC is lower than .08. As written in the law, what matters is whether a driver is intoxicated or impaired by the alcohol in his or her system.

Some types of drivers have even less leeway when it comes to drinking and driving. For example, those under age 21 are not permitted to have any alcohol in their system while operating a vehicle, in part because they have not reached the age of majority and therefore cannot drink legally. Some professional licenses likewise require drivers to refrain from all alcohol while driving. A school bus operator often is required to comply with this rule and even a drop of alcohol in a driver’s system can lead to a criminal charge in some cases.

When a motorist drives under the influence, that driver’s ability to make decisions and respond to changing conditions deceases, increasing the odds of a drunk driving accident occurring. These collisions can be serious and may leave victims with injuries ranging from bumps and bruises to broken bones and lacerations to head injuries or even death. While many drunk drivers know that they risk the possibility of a criminal charge if they are caught, not all realize that they may also be held financially liable for any and all damages that result if they cause a collision. Victims of these crashes may be able to understand their legal options by speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area.

Two cars collided and a building was hit in a Lincolnwood car accident that happened Thursday at approximately 3:00 p.m. According to police in the area, one car was traveling northbound in the 6600 block of North Lincoln Avenue when the driver lost control and struck a second car, then several trees, a building, and a sign pole. Emergency crews responded to the crash and transported the driver to an area hospital but his injuries were too severe and he was pronounced dead. During treatment, officials learned that the driver had alcohol in his system prior to the collision but the exact level of alcohol and whether that driver was intoxicated are unclear at this time. It is also not clear whether anyone in the second vehicle or in the area of the restaurant were hurt in the crash.
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Most drivers in Illinois follow the rules of the road, stopping at red lights and stop signs, driving safely, and yielding the right-of-way. But even when a large number of drivers act responsibly, safety is not guaranteed because the actions of a single motorist can threaten dozens of people on the road at the same time. When a driver acts negligently and causes an accident, it is often innocent victims who are left to suffer.

Car accidents occur in Chicago every day and most of them, fortunately, are minor. But thousands of Illinois residents suffer serious injuries annually in car crashes when a driver fails to pay attention or is otherwise distracted behind the wheel. Following a collision, the law requires all drivers to remain at the scene and to speak with police officers expect in rare situations like a medical emergency. Failure to stay at the scene can be classified as a hit-and-run accident and can lead to additional charges against a driver which may lead to fines, fees, penalties, loss of a driver’s license, or even incarceration.

Victims of car collisions in Chicago may be entitled to financial compensation for their damages if they were hurt or if a loved one was injured or killed. Following an accident, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you evaluate your case and inform you whether compensation is possible, and if so, what claims may be available to you or your family.

Shortly before midnight, an SUV on Lake Shore Drive was operating erratically and allegedly struck two vehicles before fleeing the scene, according to local police. The northbound SUV reportedly rear-ended a taxi cab before continuing forward and striking a Jeep from the rear. Both the driver of the cab and the driver of the Jeep lost control of their vehicles, sending both into concrete barriers where the cab flipped over become coming to a stop. Police state that the SUV fled the scene without stopping to check on the victims of the accident and that the driver has not been apprehended at this time.

Three victims were left in serious to critical condition after the collision and were taken to area hospitals for treatment of unspecified injuries. An additional three victims also obtained medical treatment for injuries believed to be less severe and all six victims are expected to survive.
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Sideswipe accidents and collisions result in numerous injuries every year. The heavy traffic in the city gets funneled into congested corridors and often requires motorists to make quick decisions when driving. Whether you are near an expressway, an interstate, or simply on a city road, you may encounter merging traffic as you travel around Chicago.

Merging is one common cause of sideswipe car accidents because drivers may attempt to merge into a new lane when it is not clear to do so. In some cases, a lane may end, leaving a driver little to no choice but to move to a new lane, regardless of traffic conditions. But even if merging is required and traffic is heavy, it is still the duty of drivers to operate in a safe manner and not to threaten the security of others in the area. Failing to do so may cause a collision and may lead to a driver being held legally liable for his or her actions. In addition to a traffic ticket or a citation, that may include financial liability for any damages done to a victim, whether those damages take the form of medical expenses, lost wages, or even pain and suffering. It is a victim’s right to seek relief after a Chicago car crash and speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your options if you have been hurt.

Police responded to the scene of a collision near the Stevenson Expressway and the Kedzie exit ramp early on Sunday morning. The incident happened around 1:00 a.m. and involved three cars, injuring at least two women and sending them to area hospitals.

Police believe that a Nissan traveling southbound on Kedzie sideswiped one vehicle that was exiting the expressway and rear-ended a second, leading to damage sustained by all three cars. The two victims reportedly were the driver and a passenger in the Nissan and both received emergency care at the scene before being transported to hospitals. In an unusual turn, authorities have confirmed a third person was taken to a hospital from the scene but reported that the victim’s injuries were sustained prior to the collision and were unrelated to the crash. Neither driver of the cars that were struck were seriously injured or required medical help following the collisions.

Police are still reviewing all factors related to this incident but anticipate the issuance of citations, according to reports. However, police have not stated why the Nissan struck the other cars at this time or whether any external factors, including intoxication, may have played a role.
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Car accidents can turn tragic in a matter of moments when a driver, a passenger, or another person involved is seriously injured or killed in the crash. When it comes to a traffic-related incident, it does not matter who you are or what you do for a living: car accidents will not discriminate and anyone can become a victim whenever they ride in a vehicle.

Unfortunately, officials in the Dominican Republic have confirmed that a car accident took place there yesterday. Little is known about the collision at this time but authorities have confirmed that Oscar Taveras, a baseball player in the system for the St. Louis Cardinals, was killed in the accident. He was 22 years old.

Photos of the alleged crash seen show a Chevrolet Camero in red, described by some as “Cardinals Red,” badly damaged and crushed in at points. In addition to the loss of Taveras, the crash is to blame for the death of Taveras’ 18-year-old girlfriend as well. The incident happened on a highway along the beach in Puerto Plata, just over 200 miles north of Santo Domingo. While the investigation is still ongoing, it appears that Taveras was behind the wheel and may have lost control of the vehicle for reasons that are not yet clear.

Taveras was a native of the Dominican Republic and was noticed for his baseball play from a very early age. His father played professional baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers and it became clear that Taveras was following in those footsteps. At 16 years old, Taveras was signed by the Cardinals organization, prompting his beginnings in American professional baseball. Just two years after being signed, he began playing in the States and experienced substantial success while batting. Taveras was poised to play in the major leagues in 2013 but his debut was postponed due to an injury, instead making the 2014 season with his debut. In his second at-bat, he hit a home run, endearing himself to faithful Cardinals fans across the nation.

Many in baseball have commented publicly since learning of Taveras death, noting his potential and the successes he had already achieved before his untimely passing. In 80 games he played this year, Taveras hit .239 with 22 RBIs and three home runs. Prior to his run in the majors, Taveras was considered the 3rd best prospect in all of baseball by MLB.com.
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Teenagers learning to drive across the nation are instructed in defensive driving techniques, or a set of skills that will help motorists avoid a crash due to actions beyond their control. An inattentive driver, an early collision, or a motorist traveling too fast for conditions are some of the reasons that defensive driving is important in the Chicago area. While defensive driving is beneficial, it is not fool proof and even a motorist who attempts evasive actions may still be involved in a crash.

Car accidents occur in every city and every town in Illinois and involve hundreds of thousands of people ever year. In addition, the family and friends of those involved in a crash may be affected and may suffer when a collision occurs. The financial and emotional toll of car accidents is believed to amount to billions of dollars annually and to affect things from child care to work productivity to demand on medical facilities. Often, those who sustain injuries in these collisions are not the at-fault drivers but rather are innocent victims who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. While victims may not be able to eliminate their losses overnight, they may be entitled to seek financial compensation for their damages, including any medical bills incurred. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a crash or if your loved one has been injured.

According to police in suburban Warrenville, a three-car collision began on Monday when one vehicle ran a red light at the intersection of Buttersfield and Batavia. The incident took place shortly after 2:00 p.m. and sent at least two people to the hospital.

At this time, officials believe that a westbound vehicle on Buttersfield Road ran a red light and collided with a vehicle traveling on Batavia. The resulting impact pushed the second vehicle into a third that was stopped for the light at the intersection, seriously injuring the drivers of the second and third car. Investigators responded to the scene and evaluated the damage and the victims, who were transported to area hospitals with unknown injuries. Police stayed on the scene for several hours as they began their review of the collision and later had the vehicles removed from the scene. Charges are pending against the driver believed to have run the red light but authorities have not disclosed the type of charges or whether any other factors led to the crash.
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Traffic laws vary between states and each city or municipality may have additional codes that cover the behavior of motorists behind the wheel. The basic elements of driving remain consistent throughout the country, though, and that is one of the reasons that drivers who are legally licensed to drive in one state are permitted to drive in all others. Among these laws, universality exists in the design of stop signs, the requirements of following speed limits, and the usage of traffic control devices like stop lights, to name a few.

If a driver does not obey the rules applicable to vehicular transit, that driver may face traffic citations or criminal charges for his or her actions. If a collision results and one or more individuals are injured, the pending charges may become more severe and may include punishments ranging from fines and fees to loss of a driver’s license to incarceration in jail or prison.

Failure to yield car accidents are a common threat to public safety in the Chicago area and they cause numerous injuries every year. These occur when one motorist or driver fails to yield the right-of-way to another vehicle, a bicycle, motorcycle, pedestrian, or other in the area of a street or an intersection. Failing to yield means that multiple vehicles may occupy the same space at the same time, leading to a collision. Though these instances cannot be erased once they occur, the victims of car accidents may be entitled to seek relief for their losses when an accident takes place in the Chicago area. Recoveries may be available to provide compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses that result from an accident and often can be available regardless of whether an at-fault driver was cited in the collision.

Police in Naperville have confirmed a Friday morning collision between two vehicles in the area of 75th Street and Book Road. Officials believe that a 45-year-old doctor was traveling eastbound on 75th Street when a vehicle turning south onto Book Avenue failed to yield and collided with the doctor, causing an impact. Due to the crash, the doctor was trapped in his vehicle until emergency crews were able to remove him and transport him to an area hospital. Though he obtained necessary medical care, his injuries were too severe and the doctor died as a result of the crash.

The driver in the turning vehicle was interviewed by police at the scene and has been cited for failing to yield the right-of-way as well as driving without a valid license or insurance. It is not clear whether that driver, a 30-year-old woman, was injured in the collision or whether she required medical assistance.
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Hundreds of thousands of car accidents occur in Illinois every year with a large number of those collisions taking place in Chicago and across Cook County. With the large population in the city comes a large number of potential drivers, and unfortunately, potential victims of car crashes. Many of these accidents are minor and may be described as fender benders by the motorists involved, meaning that the damage done to vehicles may be minimal and that no serious injuries may result. However, in a large number of car accidents, the drivers and passengers involved may sustain injuries that require medical treatment and may incur significant financial damages as a result.

When a crash produces injuries, those victims may be entitled to seek financial compensation for their damages, including the medical bills they incur. The right to seek relief belongs to the victims in these cases and cannot be prevented by an at-fault driver or an at-fault owner. However, claims must be brought within a time period specified by law so victims may want to consult with a personal injury lawyer to ensure that their rights are protected.

Police in Chicago have confirmed that an attempt at a traffic stop this morning turned into a chase and ended with a vehicle crashing, leaving one teen dead and another seriously injured. Police began following a Toyota on the city’s southwest side for reasons that are not yet known. The Toyota allegedly did not stop but continued driving in the area of West 32nd Street and South Central Park Avenue shortly before 2:00 a.m. At some point, police officers report that they backed off the Toyota but that the Toyota continued on West 32nd Street until it struck and collided with a concrete barrier.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and evaluated two 17-year-old males that were in the Toyota. One was pronounced dead at the scene and the second was taken by ambulance to an area hospital with unspecified injuries. He reportedly is in serious condition.

Authorities investigated on the scene for some time and are continuing their investigation at this time. It is not clear whether the victim who lost his life was the driver or a passenger in the car, nor is it clear whether any traffic tickets will be issued in this case.
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Every year, nearly 300,000 car accidents occur across the state of Illinois. These accidents take place in the most populated areas as well as the most rural, meaning that no driver, no passenger, or even no pedestrian is guaranteed safe from a possible crash. Unlike many activities in life, driving combines one motorist’s actions with the actions of all other drivers in the area to determine how safe conditions will be. The safest driver in the state or in the Chicago area may still be injured if another driver in the area fails to yield the right-of-way or otherwise acts negligently.

When a car accident occurs, victims may be left to wonder why they were injured or whey they must bear the financial burden of a crash that was not their fault. Fortunately, the laws in Illinois are designed to protect those who have been hurt by allowing them to seek financial compensation for their damages, including the medical bills they have incurred. As the facts and circumstances surrounding every collision vary, it may be helpful to speak with a personal injury lawyer to learn about the implications of your accident and whether you may be entitled to relief.

Around 4:30 p.m. yesterday, a serious collision involving 11 vehicles occurred in Oak Lawn that left three people dead and 11 others injured. According to local authorities, a speeding driver traveling west on 95th Street allegedly ran a red light at the intersection with Cicero Avenue and collided with a line of stopped traffic waiting to travel east. The eastbound traffic was not moving because all motorists were at a red light, witnesses reported.

Including the westbound motorists, 11 vehicles were involved in the impact and three individuals lost their lives due to this collision. Another 11 people were injured with two reportedly in critical condition, eight with minor injuries, and one with an unspecified condition. It is not clear whether those victims in critical condition are facing life-threatening injuries or whether they are expected to survive. Some reports have indicated that the suspect driver who was traveling westbound was among the three people killed in the crash and it is possible that the alleged at-fault vehicle flipped and rolled over in the collision.
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