Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Car Careens into Home after Earlier Accident

December 4, 2014 | By Dave Abels

It is possible that one mistake or one error causes a car accident in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, but it does not happen as often as many people would expect. A usual crash occurs after multiple factors, either independent or interrelated, combine to create a hazardous or dangerous situation. For example, in more than 50 percent of collisions across the country, excessive speed is believed to be a factor, but speed alone accounts for only a small percentage of all collisions. Rather, speed may be coupled with following too closely, failing to yield the right-of-way, or failing to obey a traffic signal. In other cases, distraction behind the wheel may combine with poor weather conditions or with an unsafe attempt to pass, leading to an accident.

If you have been the victim of a car crash in Chicago or if your loved one was injured or killed, it is possible that you do not realize all the factors that went into the situation leading to the crash. Many drivers who are responsible portray an image of their actions that is more flattering than honest, making it difficult for even skilled experts to understand the crash, including police officers and emergency personnel. Some personal injury lawyers who are dedicated to the representation of accident victims may be able to help you understand the legal implications of your collision and to help you understand your rights if you have been injured. If your family member lost his or her life, the right to seek relief may belong to you, though no amount of compensation can ever be considered adequate in these cases.

Authorities are still trying to sort through the factors that led to an SUV colliding into the side of a house in Arlington Heights on Tuesday. A woman was driving the vehicle with two children inside when the SUV left the road’s surface on Tuesday afternoon and collided with a brick wall of a house near Central and Belmont. The car knocked down numerous bricks and came to a rest partially inside the home.

Investigators responded to the scene and spoke with the driver who reported that she was initially struck by another vehicle, leading to the second crash with the house. Authorities have confirmed that the rear of the SUV was struck by a car that has yet to be identified but they have not concluded that the impact led to the car leaving the road at this time. Their final conclusions will be released upon completion of the investigation.

No one was inside the home at the time of the crash and no one in the SUV was believed to have sustained significant injuries.
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Metra Train Strikes, Injures Boy South of Chicago

December 3, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Train accidents pose a significant threat to those in Chicago, even if they may not realize it. When considering train incidents, many may picture two trains colliding or a single train derailing, but in Illinois, these are just two of many types of accidents that occur. Trains can strike cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles, especially at crossings where a train is at street level. Some of the most devastating accidents take place when a train collides with a pedestrian or a bicyclist as these victims almost always sustain injuries. The worst situations may claim the life of one or more people involved.

The truth is that anyone can be involved in a train accident in Chicago, including passengers and the employees on the train but also including others who are in the area. When these victims are injured, they can incur medical and surgical expense as well as being forced to miss time from work. While nothing can remove these injuries once they have occurred, victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses through the use of a civil claim. This type of relief is authorized by state law but the claims must be brought within a specified time period, so if you have been injured, you may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer to learn about your rights and your options for help.

On Tuesday morning, an 11-year-old boy was hit by a train in Blue Island, south of Chicago, and sustained unspecified injuries. The incident occurred shortly after 7:00 a.m. near the Burr Oak Metra train. Officials for the train and local police are looking into the incident but have not revealed why the collision occurred. At this time, they believe the boy was running along a sidewalk on Winchester Avenue which happens to be next to the train tracks, but they have not said what caused the train to strike the boy.

The boy was transported to an area hospital where reports are that he is recovering at this time. Traffic in the area, including train traffic, was delayed for some time as authorities cleared the scene and investigated before service resumed in full later in the morning.
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Car Rear-Ends CTA Bus in Chicago, Injuring 2

December 2, 2014 | By Dave Abels

How many buses do you see on your average day in Chicago? If you are like most, buses are so common that you may not fully realize how many you come across as you travel to or from work. In addition to the fleet of CTA buses, tour buses, double-decker buses, Greyhound buses, charter buses, and others all take to the streets of Chicago and elsewhere across Illinois. Buses provide an efficient and cost-effective means of transit for millions of people every year in the state and can help ease traffic congestion in heavily-populated areas, like Chicago. Additionally, the construction of bus lanes is often significantly cheaper than the investment needed for alternative transit infrastructure like railways for elevated trains. When all things are considered, it is easy to realize that buses in Chicago are beneficial to many.

You may even ride on a bus from time to time if you call Chicago home. If so, you may board the bus, pay your fare, and take a seat with little thought. Regular riders might take these actions in an automatic manner as they are used to the procedures that accompany a bus ride. But once a rider is seated, few pay attention to the habit and actions of the driver behind the wheel, even though each patron’s safety depends on that bus driver.

While buses are often safe, they are still involved in collisions every year, and many of those crashes cause injuries to the bus drivers, passengers on board, others in nearby vehicles, or even pedestrians. Often, these victims are left with medical expenses and other financial damages that can be complex and may hinder the victim’s ability to recover. Illinois law is designed to hold an at-fault driver or another responsible party liable for these financial damages and therefore victims may be entitled to seek relief through the use of a civil claim, a type of action that belongs to the victim and is separate from any traffic charges brought by local authorities. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago who has experience representing bus accident victims may help you understand your options if a collision has affected your life.

On Monday afternoon, a CTA bus near Central Avenue and Chicago Avenue was traveling northbound when a vehicle in the area approached the bus and rear-ended it, injuring at least two people. The collision occurred around 1:30 p.m. and involved a Number 85 bus on Central Avenue, triggering a response at the scene by local police. At least one victim was transported to an area hospital for additional treatment of undisclosed injuries and at least one other person was treated at the scene.

Officials are still reviewing all relevant facts and trying to determine why the second vehicle rear-ended the CTA bus.
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Actress Angelina Jolie Involved in California Car Accident

December 1, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Bad weather can affect anyone in a car at any location in the country, and even those who are famous are not immune to the risks of a potential car accident. This is a lesson actress Angelina Jolie knows all too well, according to sources who have confirmed that Jolie was involved in a car accident late last night.

Jolie attended a screening of the film “Unbroken” in Los Angeles last night, a war drama produced and directed by Jolie that has received positive praise from numerous critics and is believed to be in the running for numerous awards. After the screening, Jolie reportedly left the scene in a black SUV driven by an unidentified driver. The driver turned onto the busy and crowded Santa Monica Boulevard when wet roads reportedly combined with speed to cause the driver to lose control. The SUV swerved out of the lane of traffic it was occupying and struck a median, causing two tires to pop and significant damage to the vehicle.

Jolie did not sustain any serious injuries, according to several witnesses, who also reported that another driver picked her up from the scene of the collision. It is unknown whether the driver was hurt or whether Jolie sustained minor injuries but authorities have confirmed that they are still investigating the incident. Paparazzi were on the scene of the collision but it is not clear whether they were present prior to the impact or only after the crash took place.

Jolie is well-known for her film career that has spanned several decades in addition to her work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Perhaps best known for her roles in the Lara Croft movies as well as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Salt, Wanted, and Girl, Interrupted, Jolie’s recent ventures have placed her behind the camera in a creative role with her movie, “Unbroken,” premiering to anxious crowds.
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Victim Killed in Drunk Driving Accident

December 1, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Drunk driving accidents pose a danger to those who are under the influence of alcohol, those who may be in their cars, or even others who happen to be in the area of a drunk driver. Avoiding a car unfortunately is not a fool proof way to avoid a collision as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists may be injured in a crash in the greater Chicago area or across the nation. Too often, it is an innocent victim who is hurt and forced to deal with the damages after the dust settles on a drunk driving crash.

Victims may be at the mercy of the actions of others but in the event of a collision, they may be entitled to seek relief for their damages. Through the use of a civil claim, victims may be entitled to obtain financial compensation for losses including medical expenses, surgical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago may help you understand your options for relief, including whether you have a valid claim for your injuries.

Friday afternoon, a woman was killed in a St. Charles car accident that is believed to have been caused by a drunk driver. The incident took place near Timbers Trail and North 2nd Avenue shortly after 2:00 p.m. and involved one northbound and one southbound vehicle. Local officials believe that a 23-year-old man was traveling southbound when he crossed the center line and struck the second vehicle, which was driven by a woman. The woman sustained critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital for emergency treatment; unfortunately, the crash caused injuries too extreme and she died a short time later.

Police questioned the male driver of the first vehicle and determined he was under the influence at the time of the crash. He was arrested and is facing multiple charges including aggravated driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance. It is not clear whether the driver was intoxicated or was under the influence of drugs at this time but police have reported that he was driving on a suspended license and therefore should not have been operating the vehicle at all. The driver is awaiting an initial court appearance at this time.
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Tips for a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving

November 25, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, meaning that millions of people in Illinois are busy preparing for the festivities. If you are like many, you may be planning to spend Thanksgiving with your friends and family members over a meal. Some Chicago residents will stay close to home but a large number of them will take to the roads and travel. In fact, AAA estimates that more than 46.3 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles in their efforts to get to their final destination. This is the most traffic anticipated for a Thanksgiving weekend since 2007 and an approximate increase of 4.2 percent since 2013.

Increased travel means there will be more cars on the road, greater congestion, and an increased possibility for a car accident to occur. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend hosts a greater number of crashes than a typical weekend in Chicago, and many of those accidents leave victims injured. The best way to prevent a crash is to think before you drive and to follow safety tips, including the following:

– Gear up: Before you hit the roads, make sure you have everything you need. Fill up your gas tank and consider taking salt and a pair of boots with you in case they are needed if inclement weather strikes.

– Check your vehicle first: It is a good idea to identify potential issues as soon as possible, and ideally, before you leave your home. To do this, consider a visual inspection of your car. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and that your brake lights and turn signals work. Review your vehicle’s maintenance history and get a tune up or an oil change if needed.

– Plan a route: If you are driving somewhere unfamiliar, plan out your route ahead of time. In addition to saving you frustration from getting lost, having a designated course means that you are less likely to miss a turn and less likely to cause a collision by being confused by your surroundings.

– Eliminate distractions if you are driving: Nearly anything can be a distraction to a motorist behind the wheel, including a radio, a conversation with a passenger, or a sudden increase in traffic. One of the most common forms of distraction is a cell phone, whether being used for a telephone conversation or to text someone. To be safe, put away the distractions to the extent possible and focus on the road.

– Drive defensively: Even if you take all possible precautions, other drivers on the road will still pose a threat. Watch out for hazardous actions on the part of other motorists and take evasive action when necessary and possible.
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4 Car Collision on Dan Ryan Leaves 2 People Injured

November 24, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Car accidents in the Chicago area can be complex and can lead to numerous legal actions, some against an at-fault driver in the form of a traffic ticket or a civil charge, and some brought by victims for their own damages in a civil action. Often, the intricacies of these cases can be difficult for average citizens to sort through because of the interrelated nature of the laws and the convoluted outcomes that are possible.

Many victims who are involved in car accidents realize that they may be entitled to seek relief if they have been hurt in a crash. But fewer people realize that this relief is still possible if an at-fault driver flees the scene or causes a hit-and-run accident. Whether a hit-and-run driver is later apprehended or even identified, Illinois laws may enable those hurt by the fleeing driver to obtain financial compensation though an auto insurance policy. If you have been involved in a crash and you would like to learn about your rights, you should consider speaking with a Chicago personal injury lawyer to determine your options and whether compensation is possible.

A collision occurred on the Dan Ryan Expressway this morning at approximately 3:30 a.m. and involved four separate vehicles, including a semi-truck, according to local officials. The crash took place in the northbound lanes in the proximity of 47th Street and left two people in need of medical treatment.

The victims were assessed and transported to area hospitals for injuries that have not yet been disclosed and their current conditions remain unknown. Police are still investigating this incident and trying to determine what caused the impact, including whether anyone acted negligently or recklessly in their conduct. Based upon this determination, traffic tickets may be issued.

Officials have also confirmed that one of the four vehicles involved in the crash left the scene on the Dan Ryan without speaking to police or being cleared by other authorities. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to speak with local officials or officers.
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Minivan Crash Injures 7 in Chicago

November 21, 2014 | By Dave Abels

When imagining a typical car accident in Chicago, many drivers picture two or more vehicles colliding at an intersection. But the reality is that single car collisions also occur in Chicago and across the nation and that these accidents can cause just as much damage as a crash with multiple vehicles. Victims of a single car accident may not realize that they have the right to seek relief for their injuries, but often, the laws of Illinois enable these individuals to obtain financial compensation.

When a single car crash occurs, it can be difficult to determine if the crash was due to an error on the part of a driver or on another factor, like a weather condition, a mechanical failure, or even a poor road design. In addition, multiple claims may be possible depending on the totality of the circumstances surrounding the crash. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area may help you understand your options and your rights if a collision has affected your life or has left your loved one injured or killed.

Between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, a crash involving a minivan occurred in Jackson Park near East Marquette Drive and South Richards Drive, according to local police. Officials believe that the minivan was traveling west with five children and two adults inside when the driver lost control of the vehicle and left the road’s surface, colliding with a tree in the area. The impact caused the van to catch on fire and prompted a response from emergency officials in Chicago.

All seven people in the van were able to exit the vehicle and were assessed by emergency medical crews before being transported to area hospitals. All the children were taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital and Comer Children’s Hospital while the adults were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. While the nature and extent of the injuries sustained has not been revealed, officials have stated that all are expected to survive despite being in critical condition.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collision and trying to determine why the driver lost control and whether any other factors led to the impact.
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Elderly Driver Cited after Striking Pedestrian in Chicago

November 20, 2014 | By Dave Abels

More than 4,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2012 alone, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On average, nearly 13 people were killed every day simply by walking in an area by, near, or adjacent to a street or other driving surface. While no state was spared the devastation caused by pedestrian accidents, Illinois, and in particular the greater Chicago area, experienced significant suffering due to the large number of pedestrians, the congested traffic, and numerous dangerous intersections in the state.

Pedestrians are at a significant disadvantage when a collision with a vehicle occurs and almost always sustain injuries. In the most serious Chicago pedestrian crashes, a victim may lose his or her life or may sustain permanent damages that will not heal fully. These victims often realize that at-fault drivers may not be dedicated to helping victims recover for the wrongs caused by these drivers, leaving victims in need of help but without the knowledge of where to turn for relief. Fortunately, Illinois state laws are designed to protect victims who are injured in collisions by allowing them to seek relief for their losses through the use of a civil claim for damages. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area may help you understand your options if you have been involved in an accident or if your loved one was injured or killed.

Just prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning, a collision between an elderly driver and an elderly pedestrian occurred in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, leaving the pedestrian seriously injured. Police in Chicago are conducting an investigation and believe that a an 86-year-old driver was traveling in the area of 18th Street and Ashland Avenue when he attempted a right hand turn at an intersection. A 78-year-old pedestrian in the area was crossing the street when the driver turned and struck the walker, causing the impact.

Emergency crews transported the pedestrian to an area hospital with undisclosed injuries. He is expected to survive but it is not clear whether any permanent damage is likely to result. Responding officers spoke with the driver while the man remained at the scene and cited him for failing to yield to a pedestrian while turning. Though the investigation continues, no additional charges are anticipated without the discovery of currently undisclosed facts.
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Personal Injury Lawyer Gary Annes Lectures to Other Attorneys, Emphasizes Winning Techniques

November 19, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Yesterday, personal injury lawyers in the greater Chicago area gathered to learn advanced trial techniques from some highly-respected attorneys in the field. Among the decorated faculty was Gary Annes, founding partner at the injury firm, Abels & Annes, P.C.

Annes took to the podium to educate fellow lawyers on several strategies to maximize trial successes including the effective presentation of opening statements, effectively conducting direct examination, presenting witnesses successfully and eliciting beneficial testimony, and approaching and managing direct examination of opposing witnesses. While lecturing, Annes also addressed and discussed advantageous approaches when facing expert witnesses.

Annes had one goal in mind when he lectured yesterday – to effectively convey his knowledge and skill to other lawyers in his field so that all injury victims in Illinois can obtain the high caliber legal representation they deserve. In the audience, a range of attorneys took note as Annes spoke about his experiences practicing law and how they helped shape him into the respected and successful trial attorney he is today.

This is not the first time Annes has been asked to share his knowledge with other lawyers to educate and to improve the profession. In addition to lectures to licensed lawyers seeking to further their legal skills, Annes has also co-authored several publications including the chapter “Initial Client Contact” in the book Medical Malpractice, published by Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the chapter “Physical Injuries: Plaintiff’s Perspective” in the book Proving and Disproving Damages in Personal Injury Cases, also published by Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education. He regularly updates these chapters to stay current with the changing legal landscape in Illinois, allowing countless others to approach litigation with the techniques that benefits all injury victims across the state.

Annes seeks out opportunities to lecture and assist in his field because he believes strongly in protecting the rights of victims who have been injured by the actions of others. Whether hurt in a car accident, a slip-and-fall, a medical malpractice case, or in a workplace injury, Annes fights for his clients so that they can obtain the relief they deserve and so they can recover from their accidents, regardless of their injuries or what damages they sustained.
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