Auto Accident

Chicago pedestrian accident attorney to represent local resident hit by taxi

January 19, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Illinois personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes have signed on to represent a client who was injured in a taxicab versus pedestrian accident that occurred in downtown Chicago on January 14. Our client was walking across the intersection of Dearborn Street and Wacker Drive within a marked crosswalk and with a green walk sign. At that time, a taxi driver turned right on a red light and failed to yield to our client. The cab ran over the pedestrian’s foot causing injuries.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the accident. After an investigation, a police officer determined the cab driver was at fault and issued him a citation for failing to yield to a pedestrian crosswalk. The defendant is scheduled to appear in traffic court at the Daley Center in early February.

Our client was seen after the accident at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital emergency room. X-rays taken were negative for fractures and at this time the extent of her internal foot injuries are still unknown. She is scheduled to see a medical doctor for further care.

Chicago car crash lawyer files lawsuit in Lake County, Illinois

January 18, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Chicago injury lawyers from Abels & Annes, working with co-counsel from the Elman law group, have filed a lawsuit stemming from an accident that occurred in Waukegan, Illinois in February, 2010. The collision took place in a parking lot on Pioneer Street just after 6 PM in the evening. We represent two passengers that were injured in the accident.

The plaintiffs were sitting in a parked Pontiac Bonneville in the lot. At that time the defendant, who was driving a Toyota Solara, quickly backed out of another spot and struck the vehicle our clients were sitting in.

The Waukegan Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. At that time the defendant admitted that when he was backing out he failed to judge the distance correctly and struck the other vehicle.

Fewer Chicago car accidents last year but Illinois among states to post increase in traffic fatalities

January 15, 2011 | By Dave Abels

The National Safety Council reports Illinois was one of a number of states to see an increase in the number of fatal accidents last year, in a year where the numbers continued to trend downward.

Our Chicago accident attorneys reported recently on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog that 129 fatal car accidents had occurred within the city at the start of the New Year weekend, compared to 141 during the same period a year ago. But the 916 fatalities reported statewide had surpassed the 911 reported during all of 2009.2009 reported the fewest number of fatal Illinois traffic accidents in nearly a century of reporting.

The NSC reported 861 fatal accidents in Illinois through the end of November, compared to 847 during the same period in 2009 and 934 in the same period of 2008.

However, the Chicago-based safety organization reports the overall number of nationwide traffic fatalities decreased by 4 percent during the first 11 months of last year, from 33,180 in 2009 to 31,740 in 2010.

We have reported that the downward trending fatality statistics are likely to begin increasing again with the economic recovery. Fewer people working and fewer people traveling has been largely responsible for fewer fatal accidents since the start of the Great Recession.

Besides Illinois, other states that saw an increase in fatalities through November included Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Nationwide, more than 3.1 million people were seriously injured in traffic accidents through the first 11 months of last year. The estimated cost of accidents, including deaths and injuries, was $216.5 billion — a 12 percent increase over 2009.
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Chicago fairs well in pedestrian accident study – serious and fatal walking accidents still a danger

January 9, 2011 | By Dave Abels

The number of Chicago pedestrian accidents ranked the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet area 41st most-dangerous in a new study detailing the nation’s 52 deadliest areas for pedestrian accidents, which was conducted by Transportation for America.

It was a good showing for the area, where our Chicago injury lawyers frequently discuss the high rates of serious or fatal pedestrian accidents. The fact that 41 areas of the country are more dangerous illustrates the scope of the problem.

Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 4,000 people are killed and 69,000 are injured in pedestrian accidents each year. Illinois pedestrian accidents killed 111 people last year and injured more than 5,000. One in 5 fatal pedestrian accidents claimed a victim over the age of 65.

Each year, Chicago pedestrian accidents account for about half of the state’s total. In 2008, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 52 people were killed and 3,225 were injured in Chicago pedestrian accidents.

Last year’s top five most-dangerous areas for walking were Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville and Memphis. In the past 15 years, more than 76,000 people have been killed while walking the streets of their communities. In the past decade, more than 43,000 — including nearly 4,000 children under the age of 16 — have lost their lives.

The organization recommends reducing pedestrian accidents through a variety of means, including:

-Traffic calming and street design.

-Complete Streets, a program that includes reducing speeds and taking into account the needs of all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians.

-Safe Routes to School programs.

-Walkable neighborhoods.
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Chicago pedestrian accidents, car accidents, increase at railroad crossings in 2010

January 6, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Chicago pedestrian accidents at railway crossing and Illinois train accidents both increased last year, the Chicago Tribune reported.The Illinois Department of Transportation also reports the number of fatal Illinois traffic accidents increased, although there were fewer Chicago car accidents. There were 128 fatal accidents in Chicago last year, compared to 141 in 2009. Statewide figures have not yet been released, but 916 motorists were killed through Dec. 29 last year, compared to 911 who lost their lives in 2009.

The Illinois Commerce Commission reports 17 fatalities occurred at railroad crossings from January to November last year and 10 pedestrians were killed after being hit by trains. Those numbers reverse a recent decline in accidents involving trains in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois.

Fifteen motorists were killed by trains in 2008, compared to 16 in 2007 and 18 in 2006. The 10 pedestrian fatalities is the most since 12 were killed in 2007.

Injury accidents involving trains also increased last year. Seventy-six were reported in the first nine months of the year, compared to 80 in all of 2009. More than 125 were reported in both 2007 and 2008.

In response, officials launched a public service announcement this week entitled “Where’s the Best Man,” which depicts a member of a wedding party who is killed trying to beat a train across the tracks.

Our Chicago injury lawyers reported earlier this year that Illinois is under federal mandate to improve railroad crossing safety. Between 2006 and 2008 a total of 98 people were killed in Chicago railroad crossing accidents — 588 were killed across Illinois.

The state is one of 10 states that must submit a plan by August to address railroad crossing safety.
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In an effort to reduce Chicago car accidents, major insurance carrier to monitor and reward safe drivers

January 3, 2011 | By Dave Abels

In an effort to reduce Chicago auto accidents and injuries, Allstate insurance is launching a voluntary program to reward and closely monitor safe drivers, according to the Star Tribune. They will be placing devices in cars that monitor speed, braking and mileage, and are further offering savings of up to 30 percent on insurance premiums.

The insurance company, based in Northbrook, Illinois, is calling the program “Drive Wise” and they plan on expanding the program into other states this year.

The device they are placing in cars is wireless and about the size of a pack of cigarettes. It gets plugged into the vehicle’s on-board computer.

Resolve to slow down in 2011 and reduce your risk of a Chicago car accident

January 1, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Want to make a resolution in 2011 that could safe your life, the life of a loved one or the life of a total stranger: Vow to watch your speed and reduce your risk of a serious or fatal Chicago car accident.

Speed or the pace in which we do things seems to be of growing importance in our society each and every day. We race at home in the morning so that we can then rush to work. Then once we have occupied 8-10 hours of our day at work we rush to run errands, pick up or transport kids to activities, and race home to do chores before we hit the pillow at night. At this pace, it’s no wonder that, as Chicago accident attorneys, we see so many accidents caused by speeding.The 2008 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that we have not slowed down in the last 10 years. Alarmingly, nationwide from 1998-2008, we have not gone below 10,000 fatal crashes involving speed.

The NHTSA offered the following speeding statistics from 2008:

-1/3 of all fatal crashes involved speeding.

-Speed-related costs in the United States total $44,193 a minute.

-A monthly average of just under 1,000 people died in speeding accidents.

-16% of property only damage was the result of speeding.

-Males had a tendency to speed more than females.

-A correlation seemed to exist for males as their driving age increases, their chance of being in a fatal speeding crash decreased over time.

– Male drivers between the ages of 15-24 reported almost 40% of fatalities due to speeding.

According to the NHTSA, 31% of all fatal crashes in 2008 involved speeding nationwide. Unfortunately, Illinois is a state that bumps up this average as the recorded fatalities involving speeding crashes was slightly higher at 37%.

Speeding decreases a driver’s reaction time to an incident. Speeding increases your stopping distance. If the driver in front of you suddenly stops; you will need more distance to stop, especially if you are going faster than the driver in front of you. Speeding pushes the limits of your vehicle and roadway safety system. Barriers that can stop a vehicle at 55 mph might not be effective at 100 mph.

And the laws of physics make each mile an hour that much more deadly in the event of an accident. So the probability of death, disfigurement or debilitating injury doubles for every 10 miles per hour over 50 mph that a vehicle travels.

So do yourself a favor in 2011, and slow down.
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Safe Ride Home a good option for Chicago drivers this New Year’s Eve

December 31, 2010 | By Dave Abels

Before you head out to your New Year’s Eve Party, make arrangements ahead of time for a safe drive home. Starting off a new year with a bang is the right idea unless it involves a hospital bed or a funeral home. Our Chicago auto accident attorneys want to remind you to not drink and drive this holiday season and to do your part to keep the roads safe for everyone.

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 156 fatalities in the United States on New Year’s Eve and Day that occurred as a result of at least one driver in the crash with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. Illinois recorded 3 fatalities on these same two days but two of those fatalities involved a BAC level of .20 or higher which is well over the legal limit of .08. Each year, hundreds of others are seriously injured in Illinois car accidents caused by drunk drivers through the holiday season.Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants to remind Illinois drivers that the penalties for drunk driving can be severe, especially if a serious or fatal accident is involved.

The penalty in the state of Illinois if you drive under the influence and cause an accident that kills someone is 3-14 years. If more than one person is killed in the accident the penalty is no less than 6 years up to 28 years in addition to a possible fine of up to $25,000.

Orland Park, located just outside of Chicago is increasing patrols this week according to an article in TribLocal Orland Park. It is just one of many communities taking a zero tolerance stance when it comes to drunk drivers. Seat belt violators, speeders and aggressive drivers will also be targeted.

If local residents of Orland Park or the surrounding areas can’t come up with a ride home then they should rely on the Safe Ride Home program funded by Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation where local establishments will call a limo service to get you home safely at no charge.

A number of other local services will also be available to get you home safe. The trick is to plan ahead, stay safe and enjoy the New Year’s weekend in a safe and responsible manner. Start your year off on the right foot and don’t drink and drive. Not only can you save your life but it could save the life of others, too.
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Southern Illinois auto accident kills three people

December 28, 2010 | By Dave Abels

A three vehicle Illinois car crash has caused the death of three motorists in downstate Alexander County, according to the Chicago Tribune. The wreck occurred back on December 20, 2010 on Illinois Route 3 near Thebes, Illinois.

The car crash occurred when a vehicle driven by a 20-year-old Wisconsin resident and a pickup truck driven by an 18-year-old Missouri resident sideswiped each other as they were headed in opposite directions. The Missouri driver then hit a van head on that was occupied by a 54-year-old female driver and a 76-year-old passenger, both from Cairo, Illinois.

The driver of the van and the Missouri motorist died in the accident. The passenger in the van passed away four days later from injuries sustained in the accident. The Wisconsin driver survived, but her condition has not been reported.

Mandatory BAC testing could reduce risk of drunk driving car accidents in Chicago

December 20, 2010 | By Dave Abels

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is pushing states to adopt a “no refusal” strategy when it comes to dealing with motorists suspected of drunk driving. As our Chicago car accident lawyers often report, drunk driving is responsible for about one-third of the nation’s fatal traffic accidents.

Somewhere in The United States, someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 45 minutes. Last year, more than 41 percent of fatal Illinois car accidents involved alcohol, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Nationwide, more than 11,000 motorists were killed in accidents with drunk drivers.As part of its effort to combat drunk driving, the government is pushing states to adopt a “No refusal” strategy, which would allow law enforcement to obtain warrants from “on call” judges in order to take blood samples from suspected drunk drivers who refuse a breathalyzer test.

“Drunk driving remains a leading cause of death and injury on our roadways,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I applaud the efforts of the law enforcement officials who have pioneered the ‘No Refusal’ approach to get drunk drivers off our roads. And I urge other states to adopt this approach to make sure that drunk drivers can’t skirt the law and are held accountable.”

Many suspects refuse the tests in the hopes of beating the charges at trial. States have used implied consent laws to automatically suspend a driver’s license for a period of time equivalent to a conviction –usually six months or a year for a first offense — in cases where a driver refuses the test. Implied consent means a driver agrees to take the test if requested when he or she is issued a driver’s license.

States with high refusal rates include New Hampshire (81 percent), Massachusetts (41 percent), Florida (40 percent), Louisiana (39 percent) and Ohio (38 percent).

“MADD is proud to support NHTSA, as well as our heroes in law enforcement, in their focus on ‘No Refusals,’ said MADD National President Laura Dean-Mooney. “Working together, we can make our roadways safer and eliminate drunk driving in the U.S.”

Illinois is one of several states that already use the strategy. Other states include Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Some states are better than others at more routinely pushing for warrants and mandatory testing in refusal cases.

“When it comes to drunk driving, we cannot afford to have repeat offenders,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “The ‘No Refusal’ strategy helps support prosecutions and improves deterrence, which means fewer drunk drivers on the road. I want to remind everyone this holiday season: if you’re over the limit, you’re under arrest. So please, for safety’s sake, find a designated driver or take a taxi if you are under the influence.”

This year’s holiday drunk driving crackdown includes $7 million in national television and radio advertising and runs from Dec. 15 to Jan. 3.
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