Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Hit-And-Run Driver Kills Pedestrian in Chicago

June 24, 2014 | By Dave Abels

If you live in, work in, or visit Chicago on occasion, chances are that you have walked along the city’s sidewalks and likely crossed the streets at an intersection or two. That is because that at some point, most people are pedestrians. Even those that commute by car, bus or train tend to walk from a parking spot or a transit stop to their final destination. With everyone taking on the role of a pedestrian, it would seem that the safety of walkers in the city would be a top concern among drivers.

Unfortunately, though, that is not always the case. Too often, drivers pay attention only to other motor vehicles on the roads and not to those walking. This leads to thousands of pedestrian accidents in Chicago and across the rest of Illinois every year with many of those accidents resulting in injuries to the pedestrians involved. In some accidents, those drivers and passengers inside an involved vehicle may also be hurt in the crash.

When injuries result due to a driver’s negligence, those harmed may be entitled to seek relief for their damages, including any medical and surgical bills they must incur for treatment related to the accident. Speaking with a lawyer who represents injury victims may help you understand if you are entitled to such relief, and if so, what types of claims may be available to you after an accident.

In the worst collisions, a pedestrian may lose his or her life due to the crash and may leave behind loved ones who will experience that loss forever. Though no amount of relief can ever cover this type of damage, the family members of a victim who is killed may have the right to seek a claim for their damages and relief may be able to ease the financial burden left when a loved one is taken.

Police in Chicago responded to the scene of a pedestrian accident in the south side neighborhood of Pill Hill around 5:30 this morning. When they arrived, they determined that a female had been walking in the area of 9100 South Euclid Avenue when an unknown vehicle approached and struck her, causing injuries that led to her death. Officials have not yet identified the vehicle or the driver involved in the crash and are still investigating at this time.
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Teenage Driver Allegedly Was Drunk When He Caused Fatal Crash

June 23, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Illinois and across every other state in the nation. Despite the fact that drunk driving is a crime, though, thousands of drivers in Chicago and Illinois choose to operate a vehicle when they are legally impaired every year, putting their own safety and the safety of others on the road at serious risk for an accident.

Drunk driving accidents can cause those involved to sustain serious injuries ranging from broken bones and fractures to head and neck injuries and even death in the worst cases. Many injuries are painful and require extensive medical treatment; some are permanent and leave a victim suffering for the rest of his or her life. While nothing can reverse a Chicago car accident and make it like the crash never happened, the victims of these collisions may be able to seek relief for their damages, enabling them to get the treatment and help they need to return to their pre-accident states, when possible. Speaking with a lawyer who represents personal injury victims of car crashes may help you understand the legal implications of your crash and whether you are entitled to relief.

Police and local prosecutors have confirmed some terrible facts surrounding a construction area accident that occurred on Saturday and that left one worker dead. According to officials, a 19-year-old man was operating his vehicle in the area of the 4900 block of South Western Avenue when he approached the construction site. Allegedly, the driver was speeding and weaving in and out of construction barriers along the site before he struck a 58-year-old worker, throwing the worker several feet into the air. The driver of the car then hit a paving machine which brought his vehicle to a stop.

The construction worker was critically injured and died as a result of the crash which occurred around 4:15 am. Several other workers at the site suffered injuries but all were expected to recover.

Three people were inside the car at the time of the incident, including the driver. All three individuals needed medical treatment at area hospitals though their current conditions remain unknown. Blood tests conducted on the driver allegedly revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.195, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 in Illinois. But as the driver was 19-years-old, a stricter requirement likely applies which prevents motorists under the age of 21 from having any alcohol in their systems while they drive.
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Wrong Way Crash with Semi Truck Leaves 1 Dead

June 17, 2014 | By Dave Abels

In Chicago like anywhere else in the country, a car accident can happen in a matter of seconds. A driver may lose focus on the road, an accident up ahead may cause a chain reaction, or debris on a highway may cause a crash when all seemed fine moments earlier.

Some accidents are unavoidable and no one is to blame for them, but that is not the case in the majority of collisions. Usually, a mistake on the part of one or more individuals involved leads to the crash and is to blame for any injuries that result. When negligence or a mistake lead to injuries, the victims of that crash may be entitled to relief under the laws of Chicago and Illinois. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing the victims of car crashes may be a good place to start if your accident left you hurt and you are unsure of your legal options.

A 56-year-old Aurora resident was driving westbound on the Indiana Toll Road on Sunday evening when officials say she lost control of her vehicle. The woman allegedly struck a guard rail which sent her across two lanes of westbound traffic and into the median dividing the highway. The car entered the eastbound lanes of traffic, struck another guardrail, and then reportedly struck a semi-truck that was traveling in the area before coming to a rest.

Police and emergency crews responded to the scene of the collision and assessed all those involved. The woman driving the car was injured and was transported to Memorial Hospital of South Bend for treatment. Her passenger, a 57-year-old man identified as her husband, was trapped inside the vehicle following the collision and had to be removed. Unfortunately his injuries were too severe and he was pronounced dead at the scene as a result.

The sole occupant of the semi-truck, a 54-year-old male driver, was not injured in the incident and did not require hospitalization.
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Single Car Crash in Chicago Leaves 4 People Dead

June 12, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Chicago and the surrounding suburbs boast a population of nearly three million. Some are too young to drive and others may not drive though they may be authorized to do so, yet even with many non-drivers, most people in the area travel by car on occasion. Whether it is part of a daily commute or a trip to school or simply a rare ride in a taxi cab, those in Chicago are likely to be a driver or a passenger in a vehicle at some point in time.

Even the safest operators can become the victims of a Chicago car crash if another driver in the error fails to pay attention to traffic or otherwise acts in a negligent manner, leading to a collision that may result in injuries. While you may not be able to control the actions of other drivers, the law is on your side if you end up hurt in a crash. The laws of Chicago and Illinois enable the victims of the mistakes of another the right to seek a recovery for their damages. In the case of an automobile collision, often that means a victim can obtain compensation to cover the medical expenses they incur, the wages they miss earning while they are unable to work, and proper payment for things like pain and suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing the victims of car accidents may help you understand the legal implications of your collision and whether you have a valid claim for your damages.

The worst accidents can claim the life or lives of those involved, turning a car crash into something much more serious than simply an accident. In those cases, the victim’s surviving family members may be entitled to bring a claim for the loss of their loved ones to help ease the financial burden left behind, even though no amount of compensation can ever fully compensate for a family member’s life.

Police in Chicago were called to the scene of a fatal crash on Thursday morning that claimed the lives of four individuals while leaving a fifth person seriously injured. The crash occurred in the Montclare neighborhood in an alley behind a home improvement store around 3:00 a.m. At this time, officials believe that a BMW was speeding and the driver lost control, leading the BMW to strike a concrete wall.
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Orange Line Train Kills Pedestrian in Chicago

June 10, 2014 | By Dave Abels

On average in Illinois, there are over 175 train accidents and 40 related deaths every year, meaning that train-related crashes are of serious concern to those that live in the state or visit it from time to time. Train related collisions can involve multiple trains, a train and a passenger vehicle, or even a train and a pedestrian. In Chicago, many trains and pedestrians transverse the same areas, meaning that the potential for collisions exists and unfortunately occurs far too often.

When a pedestrian is hit by a train, that pedestrian nearly always sustains serious or even fatal injuries, leaving the victim in need of medical care or taking a loved one away from the victim’s family. The laws in Chicago are designed to enable those victims who are injured by negligent or reckless conduct by another with the right to seek a recovery, including the right to recover for medical expenses and pain and suffering. Speaking with a lawyer who handles train accident cases or cases on behalf of injured pedestrians may help you understand whether you have a valid claim, and if so, whether you are entitled to relief for your damages.

Authorities have confirmed a collision between an Orange Line train this morning and a pedestrian near the Ashland Avenue station around 9:00 a.m. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Though it is still early in the investigation, officials believe that the man may have been on the tracks when the train entered the area though no one is sure why he would have been on the tracks. Authorities for the Chicago Transit Authority as well as local police are looking into the incident and attempting to determine why the crash occurred.

Passengers were removed from the train involved in the crash and later trains were halted for some time. Shuttle buses were available to transport CTA customers to the next working station while crews investigated the scene and until they were able to restore train service in the area.
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Actor Tracy Morgan Critically Injured in 6 Vehicle Bus Crash

June 7, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Car accidents can affect any person regardless of what they do for a living. Unfortunately the popular comedian and actor, Tracy Morgan, reportedly learned that earlier today as a bus he was riding in was involved in a six vehicle collision, leaving one dead and leaving Morgan in critical condition.

Details are still emerging regarding the collision that took place in New Jersey around 1:00 a.m. and reportedly involved six vehicles, including a party bus carrying Morgan and others. At this time it appears that a semi-truck traveling on the Turnpike in Mercer County failed to notice slowing traffic and failed to slow his truck in response, leading the semi-truck to strike the rear of the party bus and causing the party bus to roll onto its side. Officials have reported that the suspected at-fault semi-truck was owned and/or operated by Wal-Mart; the driver of that truck has been charged in the crash and is currently free on bail.

One person inside the bus was killed in the collision and at least four others, including Morgan, were injured. Morgan and two other injured passengers are in critical condition at this time and Morgan’s status is not expected to change throughout the day. The impact between the semi-truck and the bus spilled over and involved another four vehicles though no injuries have been reported.

Morgan, a New York native, is best known for his role as a cast member on Saturday Night Live and for his portrayal of Tracy Jordan, a fictionalized version of himself on the scripted comedy series 30 Rock. He is believed to have performed a stand up comedy show in Delaware on Friday night before this collision took place.
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4 Vehicle Crash in Chicago Sends 6 to Hospitals

June 5, 2014 | By Dave Abels

In 2011, there were 281,788 car crashes in Illinois and 84,172 injuries resulted in those accidents. Those injuries ranged from minor bumps and bruises to permanent conditions that will plague their victims for the rest of their lives. Many of these injury victims incurred medical and surgical bills necessary to treat their injuries in addition to other financial expenses, like time missed from work.

Car accidents can result when a driver makes a mistake or an error behind the wheel. When that happens and a driver’s error leads another to become injured, that victim may be entitled to financial relief under the laws of Chicago and Illinois. Speaking with a lawyer who represents the victims of accidents may help you understand if you are entitled to relief if you have been involved in a collision and you sustained injuries.

Police in Chicago have reported a four vehicle collision took place around 12:30 pm yesterday on West Jackson Boulevard. Officials believe that a robbery suspect fleeing the scene started a collision that involved four vehicles and sent six people to area hospitals for treatment.

According to police, a robbery occurred earlier in the day near the 1700 block of West 35th Street. The victim informed police of the incident as well as a description of the vehicle driven by the suspect. The description was heard by police in the area of 200 West Jackson who identified a vehicle of interest and attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver reportedly did not stop but rather tried to flee, causing a collision involving four cars, including the robbery suspect. The suspect then allegedly attempted to run away on foot but was apprehended by police officers.

In addition to the suspect driving the car, two other passengers in that vehicle were injured and were transported by emergency medical crews to area hospitals for treatment. The driver of a second car involved in the crash was also hurt as were two other people, though their roles in the collision are not clear at this time.
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Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Chicago Caused by Drunk Driver

June 4, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Nationally, thousands of pedestrians are killed every year in motor vehicle collisions. Many of those take place right in Chicago as people walk to and from work, to school, or simply just for pleasure. In most cases, pedestrian accidents are preventable collisions that can be blamed on a mistake or error on one or more individuals involved. Whether a driver is distracted, texting or talking on a cell phone, speeding, or driving the wrong direction, a pedestrian does not stand much of a chance of a driver is acting in a negligent manner and ignoring the safety of others in the area.

Drunk drivers and drivers under the influence of drugs pose a serious threat to pedestrians as well as other motorists across the state. Intoxicants like alcohol work by decreasing the speed body’s central nervous system, restricting a driver’s ability to make quick decisions, think clearly, and respond appropriately to changing conditions while on the road. Recognizing this danger, legislatures across the nation have passed laws making driving under the influence illegal in an effort to keep these hazardous drivers off the road. Despite these efforts, motorists continue to drive drunk in Chicago and continue to put the safety of others at risk on a regular basis.

The laws in Chicago can provide relief to those who have been victimized by the actions of a drunk or otherwise negligent driver by allowing these victims the opportunity to recover financially. This relief can be sought through the use of a civil claim for damages that may be available even if a traffic ticket or criminal charge was not brought against a responsible driver, depending on all the facts and circumstances surrounding a crash. Speaking with a lawyer who representing the victims of car accidents may help you understand if you are entitled to relief or what legal options may exist if you have been injured in a crash.

Police in Chicago have reported that a two vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian this weekend was caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol. According to officials, a 26-year-old man was driving westbound on North Avenue when he reportedly ran a red light and struck a stopped car at the southbound ramp from the Kennedy Expressway. The force of the impact caused the second car to roll over and slide into a 73-year-old pedestrian near the intersection. The crash caused injuries too severe to the pedestrian and he died as a result of the incident.
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SUV Strikes Motorcycle, Causing Deadly Collision in Bridgeview

June 2, 2014 | By Dave Abels

traffic accident in Chicago can cause injuries or even death but not all accidents pose the same risks. For example, though motorcycles were involved in only 1.3 percent of all collisions in Illinois in 2011, those accidents were responsible for 3.5 percent of all injuries and a staggering 16 percent of all vehicular fatalities in the state. This means that motorcycles continue to account for a disproportionately large number of injuries and fatalities even though the incident of motorcycle accidents is relatively low when compared to other forms of crashes. This stark statistic may be more stunning when it is considered that most motorcycle riders do not ride year-round, condensing a large number of these terrible accidents into fewer than 12 months of any year.

Many motorcycle accidents are preventable and do not need to occur. In most cases, a motorcycle crash is caused by negligent or reckless behavior on the part of one or more individuals involved in the collision, whether it is a driver of a car, a motorcycle, a manufacturer, or even another individual in the area. When a Chicago-area accident is due to a mistake, it is not simply an accident and it may enable victims injured in the crash with the right to seek relief. This relief can be obtained through the use of a civil claim for damages and it can allow victims the ability to recover for losses like medical expenses incurred and to be incurred in the future, time missed from work, and pain and suffering. Speaking with a lawyer who handles cases on behalf of motorcycle accident victims may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a collision and you were injured.

Officials in Bridgeview were alerted to a collision between an SUV and a motorcycle that occurred on Sunday morning and they responded to the scene. Though the investigation into the incident is ongoing, police have confirmed that the crash occurred near the intersection of 85th Street and Harlem Avenue around 1:30 am. It appears that a male in his 20s was driving an SUV southbound in lanes designated for northbound traffic of Harlem Avenue. As the SUV continued, a motorcycle driven by a male and with a 41-year-old female passenger approached northbound in the northbound lanes. The SUV struck the motorcycle, causing the death of both the operator and the passenger on the bike. The driver of the SUV was injured but was expected to survive though his current condition is not clear.
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2 Elderly Drivers Injured in Morton Grove Car Accident

May 30, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Car accidents in Chicago and the surrounding areas can turn anyone into a victim on any given day. Routinely, safe and responsible drivers are still involved in collisions due to the negligent actions of another driver or motorist on the road. When even the safest driver cannot be guaranteed a ride free from an accident, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the legal implications of a crash, especially if you are injured.

The laws in Chicago are designed to hold those responsible for car accidents as liable for the injuries that result. This means that the victims of a crash may be entitled to seek relief for their damages through the use of a civil claim. These claims are separate and distinct from any traffic or criminal charges brought by the State of Illinois and often are available even if a driver was not ticketed in the crash. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing the victims of accidents in Chicago and the suburbs may help you understand your legal rights if you have been hurt, including whether you may be entitled to financial relief.

Police in Morton Grove received notice of a collision between two vehicles on Wednesday afternoon. When they responded to the scene of the crash, they determined that two vehicles collided in the intersection of Greenwood Street and Schermer Road shortly after 1:00 pm. The cause of the collision has not yet been determined but police have confirmed that one vehicle was eastbound on Greenwood while the second was northbound on Schermer.

The impact of the collision sent one vehicle into a residential garage and the second into a light pole near the intersection. The eastbound vehicle was driven by an 85-year-old woman while the northbound vehicle was driven by a 71-year-old woman with no passengers in either car.

Both drivers were injured in the accident and were treated at Glenbrook Hospital after being transported by emergency medical personnel. The extent and nature of their injuries is not clear but both women were expected to survive. Fortunately, no one inside the home associated with the garage and no pedestrians in the area of the light pole were injured.
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