Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Actor Gary Busey Hit Elderly Pedestrian with Car

February 14, 2015 | By Dave Abels

In 2012 alone, 4,743 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents across the United States. In addition to those that were killed, thousands others sustained serious injuries and many were left to deal with permanent effects after a pedestrian accident occurred. While these crashes happen in every state in the county, they are more likely to occur in areas where high pedestrian and dense vehicular traffic overlap. In Illinois, these crashes occur all too often in the Chicago area and the surrounding suburbs.

When an accident happens in Chicago and a pedestrian is left with injuries, the law in Illinois can enable that victim or that victim’s family to seek and obtain financial compensation for the damages that result. In a typical case, that can include medical bills that have already been incurred, bills that will be incurred in the future, wages missed from work, and pain and suffering. If you have questions about a collision that affected your life, speaking with a personal injury attorney may enable you to get an understanding about your legal options and whether you have a valid claim for your damages.

Car accidents do not discriminate and affect celebrities just like they do average citizens. Actor Gary Busey learned this yesterday as police in Malibu, California have confirmed that he was behind the wheel of a car that was involved in a pedestrian accident. According to authorities, Busey’s vehicle was parked in a parking lot of a popular grocery store Friday afternoon when Busey entered the car and attempted to reverse. Allegedly, Busey did not look behind him before moving his car and he collided with an elderly pedestrian who was in the area; the pedestrian had her back to Busey’s vehicle when it was moving and reportedly did not see the vehicle until it struck her.

The impact knocked the woman to the ground and left her with minor injuries. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene with police and the woman was evaluated for damages but officials have stated that she will make a recovery. It is not yet clear whether Busey will face any charges associated with the collision or whether any other action will be taken by authorities.

Busey is known as a Hollywood staple and is remembered for roles in movies like Lethal Weapon, Under Siege, and The Buddy Holly Story. He has had a long career on television as well and has been featured on both scripted programs and reality television. Busey was previously involved in a well-publicized motorcycle accident in 1988 that left him with brain damage and has had a public battle with cancer.
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Bob Simon, Correspondent on ’60 Minutes’ and Longtime War Reporter, Killed in Car Accident

February 12, 2015 | By Dave Abels

Tragedy can befall anyone who is involved in a car accident and it may not matter whether a victim is a driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian in the area. When a collision occurs, those involved are at the mercy of the physics of the crash and may suffer serious, even permanent harm regardless of what precautions were taken. Unfortunately, car crashes continue to be one of the largest causes of death across the country and neither Chicago nor the State of Illinois are spared from that devastating reality.

Today, officials in the State of New York have confirmed a catastrophic car accident that left at least one man dead. That man was Bob Simon, longtime employee of CBS, regular correspondent on 60 Minutes, and known for his war time coverage of more than 40 overseas conflicts.

At this time, police have reported that Simon, 73, was riding in the back of a Lincoln Town Car that was traveling southbound on the West Side Highway in New York City near West 30th Street. The vehicle, driven by a 44-year-old male, reportedly slammed into the rear of a Mercedes in the area that was being operated by a 23-year-old male; the impact caused the driver of the Town Car to lose control of the vehicle as it cut across the highway and struck a center divider. The totality of damage done during those two separate impacts caused much of the Town Car to be destroyed and pinned Simon inside the back seat which forced emergency responders to take drastic measures to remove him.

Crews cut away a portion of the Town Car, including the roof, to free Simon who had head and body injuries before he was transported to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained were too severe and Simon was declared dead at the hospital not long after the crash.

Those who knew and worked with Simon have taken to expressing their sorrow with many noting that it was tragic for a man, known for his journalistic integrity and kind demeanor, to survive so many dangerous wars only to be killed in a car accident in the town he called home.

Simon was born in the New York City area and first began working for CBS in 1967. He began his tenure on 60 Minutes in 1996 and during his career, he amassed 27 Emmy Awards, a testament to the coverage and virtue he brought to his chosen profession.
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Employee of Water Department Hurt in On-The-Job Fall

February 10, 2015 | By Dave Abels

Workplace accidents in Chicago are unique in many aspects. For instance, it does not matter who is to blame for an incident when it comes to a worker’s rights; if that worker is injured while in the scope and course of employment, the worker has certain rights that cannot be barred by an employer. Even if the injured worker is the one who caused the accident, these rights are still available and can help an employee obtain financial compensation when injuries occur.

Workers who are hurt generally are entitled to get the medical treatment they need at no cost to them. This includes any emergency treatment necessary at a hospital, follow up care with a physician, rehabilitative treatment, occupational therapy, and any other treatment that is needed to help a victim recover. In addition to medical help, an injured worker is also entitled to compensation for the time he or she misses from work and may be entitled to a lump sum settlement for pain and suffering caused by an incident. The myriad options that exist following a work injury can make it difficult for a victim to understand what relief may be possible; speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago can help you sort out the details and determine what claims exist, including whether you are entitled to monetary compensation in your case.

In the afternoon hours on Monday, an employee of the Chicago Water Department was hurt when he fell while on-the-job. Police and local officials have reported that the employee was working at the South Water Purification Plant and performing an on site inspection when the employee fell and landed in a basin. The worker was rescued from the area and transported by ambulance to an area hospital where his injuries were not disclosed but it has been confirmed that he was in serious condition. He is expected to survive though it is not known whether the employee sustained any permanent damage due to the incident.

Police are reviewing the fall as are authorities who are charged with ensuring the safety of working environments in Chicago.
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Single Car Accident on I-80/94 Near Gary Kills 3, Injures 2

February 9, 2015 | By Dave Abels

When you enter a vehicle in the Chicago area and you intend to ride as a passenger, you give up control over your own personal safety to the person who will be driving your vehicle as well as the other drivers on the road. Additionally, you must trust that the car you are riding in is safe and in good working condition and that things like inclement weather will not lead to a dangerous drive for you.

In theory, passengers may think about these things before they enter a car. In practicality, though, safety is assumed and passengers trust that others will put safety first when they drive in Chicago. Once you are in a vehicle, there is little you can do to ensure that you will not be harmed as you are unable to control the actions of others.

Often, the passengers of car accidents who are hurt in a collision are left to wonder about what can be done to alleviate their suffering. While the injuries sustained cannot be magically erased, in many cases, these victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their suffering and they can seek this relief through the use of a civil claim for damages. If you are unsure of the options that may exist following a car accident, you may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you comprehension of local and state laws is complete and so that you can get the help you need.

On Sunday morning, a passenger car was traveling westbound on I-80/94 near Gary, Indiana when the driver, a 22-year-old male, attempted to pass a semi-truck. The driver entered the left lane, passed the semi, and then attempted to return to the right lane but reportedly lost control of the vehicle during the final lane change. The vehicle struck a concrete barrier along the side of I-80/94 near the Cline Avenue exit and then flipped over, landing on a pole in the area that holds an expressway sign.

Police have confirmed that the collision was devastating and that the vehicle split into two pieces as a result. Five people were inside the car and all were injured or killed; a 21-year-old female passenger was ejected and killed at the scene, a 20-year-old male passenger was killed at the scene, a 21-year-old male passenger initially survived before dying later at an area hospital, a and a 22-year-old male passenger survived and is receiving treatment at this time in the Chicago area. Additionally, the driver was hurt in the crash but is expected to survive.
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Olympian Bruce Jenner Involved in Fatal Car Accident

February 7, 2015 | By Dave Abels

When driving, a situation can arise in a moment that turns a normal trip into a nightmare. It only takes one motorist not paying attention or otherwise being distracted for a crash to happen and the results of that accident can affect victims for the rest of their lives.

Police in Malibu, California are confirming a fatal collision that happened on Pacific Coast Highway today around 12:00 p.m. PST and have confirmed that former Olympian and current reality TV star Bruce Jenner was involved. Eyewitnesses state that Jenner was driving a Cadillac SUV and approaching an intersection. Reportedly, a white car in front of Jenner began to slow for a red light but Jenner allegedly did not slow and instead collided with the white car. The car accident pushed the white vehicle forward into the intersection where it was struck a second time by a Hummer and then collided a third time with a Prius in the area. Some reports indicate that the impact with the Prius happened before the impact with the Hummer.

The damage done to the white vehicle was particularly severe and emergency crews were called to the scene of the accident. Unfortunately, the driver of the white vehicle lost her life due to the accident and eight other people were hurt in the crash with injuries ranging from minor to severe. Police have stated that Jenner denied drinking before the accident happened and that he volunteered to have blood alcohol testing done to prove it; officers took Jenner to have the testing done but the results are not yet known. Further allegations indicate that Jenner may have been being pursued by multiple paparazzi prior to the incident and that Jenner may have been attempting to avoid them when the crash happened.

Early indications are that Jenner may have been at fault for the accident but police have not stated whether he will face any civil or traffic charges at this time. The investigation into the crash remains active and it may be some time before any official conclusions are released.

Jenner was well-known for winning the gold medal in the 1976 Olympic decathlon. In recent years, he has seen a reemergence into the public light as he has starred in several reality TV shows including Keeping Up With the Kardashians where he was portrayed with his wife, Kris Kardashian and children and stepchildren, including Kim Kardashian. Jenner divorced his wife, Kris Kardashian, in December of 2014 but the divorce will not finalize until March of 2015.
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Posen Car Accident Leaves Pedestrian Dead

February 7, 2015 | By Dave Abels

It is a daily activity for millions who live in Chicago – walking outdoors. Whether you walk from your parked vehicle to an apartment, to a bus stop, or to the train, chances are that you walk some distance outside on most days. Chicago is known for a large pedestrian presence and that is part of the reason that some city officials place such a focus on the safety of these walkers.

Despite the fact that nearly everyone walks, pedestrian accidents continue to occur in Chicago and continue to injure hundreds to thousands every year. Until all pedestrian collisions are eliminated, those who walk in Chicago will continue to be at risk for injuries and for lasting damage due to the actions of drivers on the streets, and tragically this is true even when a pedestrian does nothing wrong. While the law cannot erase a crash once it has occurred, it can enable a victim to obtain financial compensation to cover the losses suffered by that victim including any medical bills that may be incurred. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can provide you with the information you need if you have been the victim of an accident or if your loved one was hurt while a pedestrian.

Police in Posen were alerted to the scene of a crash between an SUV and a pedestrian early Thursday morning and they responded to the area. Upon arrival, it was clear that the pedestrian was critically hurt in the crash and he was pronounced dead at some point during the morning.

The incident happened near the 12600 block of South California Avenue and involved just the two parties but officials have not released information as to why the two collided or whether either individual erred prior to the impact. Further, it is not yet known whether the driver of the SUV will be cited for his or her actions in the collision though police have stated that their review of the facts of the facts of the case is ongoing at this time.
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Slip-And-Fall Lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. Settle Case for $122,500

February 5, 2015 | By Dave Abels

The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have experience representing victims of Chicago-area slip-and-fall accidents, and recently, they settled one such case for $122,500.

The case occurred in Oak Park and involved a winter weather incident that led to a buildup of ice near a building. Our client lived in an apartment building and returned home one evening, parked her vehicle, and began to walk towards her unit. It was nighttime and there was no lighting in the area to help our client see.

While on a paved walkway near the apartment building, our client slipped on a patch of ice and landed hard on the ground. Upon inspection, it was clear that the ice was not caused naturally but rather accumulated due to a faulty downspout in the area that was encased in ice, a condition that the building’s landlord was aware of but that was not fixed prior to our client’s accident.

When she fell, our client experienced immediate pain in her ankle and needed treatment at an area hospital where doctors determined that her ankle was broken. Additionally, she sustained some soft tissue damage to the area as a result of the fall. During the course of her recovery, our client was forced to endure the pain and discomfort that was caused by her broken ankle and the inconvenience it caused in her daily activities.

Shortly after the incident, our client contacted the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. to learn about her legal rights and legal options for this Illinois accident and to understand what type of relief may be available to her. Our legal team developed a plan with our client on how to approach her case and we were able to pursue our client’s rights for relief in a timely manner, securing a recovery of $122,500 to help our client move beyond her accident and move forward with her life.

Slip-and-fall accidents happen year-round in Chicago and across Illinois but many people find them more likely in the cold winter months than they do in summertime. Accumulations of ice and water are some of the most common complaints we hear when potential clients describe slip-and-fall instances and when they talk about the injuries they sustained.
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Pedestrian Killed in Chicago by Unmarked Police Car

February 4, 2015 | By Dave Abels

If you live in the City of Chicago, you may expect the City to perform certain tasks and certain duties to ensure your safety on a daily basis. From maintaining the roads and intersections to ensuring pedestrian crosswalks, there are many areas of Chicago that are designed or maintained with safety in mind.

Police serve a vital function in this arena as they patrol the streets to help citizens and improve safety. Officers may be on the lookout for traffic violators or for those who drive in an unsafe manner. However, the actions of police officers themselves can also contribute to the safety of an area and in some cases, detract from it. When a car accident happens and a City of Chicago employee is involved, the results to a victim can be devastating. From broken bones to bumps and bruises and even head and neck injuries, these victims can be left with injuries that may require medical treatment and may force them to incur medical bills. In the worst instances, a victim may lose his or her life due to a collision and the victim’s surviving family members may possess the right to seek a wrongful death claim due to that incomprehensible loss.

A skilled personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and your legal rights if a collision has affected you or has harmed your loved one. The possible relief may vary based on the facts surrounding an accident so it is a good idea to get your information from a lawyer who has experience with cases against the City of Chicago or local police departments so that you understand how your claim may be affected.

Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, a male pedestrian believed to be in his 40s or 50s was allegedly hit by an unmarked police car while he walked along the 2800 block of East 79th Street. At this point in time, little has been confirmed about the collision other than the fact that the man was critically injured and died as a result of the accident.

Witnesses at the scene claim that the street lights along the block at issue were out and, according to the Chicago Tribune, 311 reports requesting to have the street lights fixed were logged on January 29, 2015. Despite this, the City of Chicago has not confirmed that the lights were out nor stated why they had not been fixed since the issue was first reported.
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45 Vehicle Pileup on I-294 Injures at least 8 People

February 3, 2015 | By Dave Abels

The roads were far from ideal when many Chicago residents began their morning commutes yesterday and as a result, numerous car accidents happened across the city. Many were minor and fortunately did not cause injuries; however, local officials have confirmed that several were serious and sent the victims involved to area hospitals for treatment.

When a car collision happens and injuries are caused, it can be challenging to know whether the laws in Illinois protect those victims or enable them to seek financial compensation. Generally, the laws are on the side of those who are hurt by the actions of another and the laws enable those individuals to obtain financial payment to cover their losses. The goal of these claims is to place a victim in the financial state they would have been had the collision not happened, and to do this, the laws hold negligent drivers responsible for the damages they cause. If you have questions or if you are looking for more information, you may obtain the guidance you need by speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area.

Of all the accidents that happened yesterday, none caused the damage that a massive 45 vehicle pileup on I-294 caused. State police responded to the scene near 95th Street in Hickory Hills yesterday morning shortly after 9:00 a.m. and determined that the incident began when one vehicle struck a trooper’s stopped car. They believe the trooper had stopped on the shoulder of the expressway to respond to a prior crash but for unknown reasons, a vehicle in the area collided with that trooper’s car and caused a chain reaction accident that involved cars, semi-trucks, and vans.

When the dust settled on the collision, the damage spanned nearly 3/4 of a mile and triggered a response from at least a dozen local police agencies. Several other vehicles in the area were stopped due to the blocked lanes of traffic and were able to avoid an impact, leading to inconvenience for these motorists but fortunately no injuries. Unfortunately, at least eight people were not as lucky as they were hurt in the Chicago-area pileup and were transported by ambulances to area hospitals. The nature of those injuries are not clear at this time nor is it known whether anyone will be cited in the crash.
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I-80 Car Accident Sends 2 to Hospitals

February 2, 2015 | By Dave Abels

Any road that is open to vehicular traffic can be the site of a car accident in Chicago. Whether one vehicle is in the area or multiple cars are around, a crash can happen in an instant and can affect the lives of all those involved. In a typical year, almost 300,000 collisions occur in the State of Illinois and many of those are located in the greater Chicago area due to Chicago’s heavy traffic load, high population, and congested streets.

When an accident takes place, there are many legal aspects that can complicate or affect the rights and options of the victims involved. Initially, these victims cannot help which driver strikes them and therefore are at the mercy of the actions of others and potentially the coverage carried by those at-fault drivers. Victims can pursue a claim for financial compensation when they are hurt in a traffic crash but the insurance available may be limited or the damages caused by a collision may exceed the available help. In these cases, multiple claims may be possible to enable victims to recover fully for their losses and may include an underinsured motorist claim against a victim’s own insurance carrier. If you have been involved in a collision and you have questions or you need help, speaking with a personal injury attorney in Chicago may help you realize your options and the viability of your claims.

State Troopers in Illinois have confirmed a collision on I-80 that occurred early Sunday morning and that injured at least two people. At this time, the cause of the crash and the specific details surrounding the incident remain unclear.

The incident happened in the eastbound lanes of I-80 just east of I-355 in Mokena and took place prior to noon but the exact time of the collision has not been confirmed. A semi-truck was involved in the accident and two people at the scene were evaluated for injuries and taken to area hospitals. It is not clear whether those victims were in the semi-truck or in another vehicle that was involved but authorities have stated that the injuries sustained were believed to be non-life threatening.

Immediately following the collision, officials in the area closed part of I-80 while they began an investigation and cleaned up debris from the incident. All lanes of I-80 were reopened prior to 1:00 p.m. and traffic was moving normally at that time.
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