Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Illinois injury attorneys from Abels and Annes have agreed to handle a case for man was injured in a Chicago area bicycle crash. The Illinois car versus bicycle accident took place in the western suburb of Sugar Grove in mid-October, 2010.

The bicyclist was riding on Wheatfield Avenue when a motorist failed to observe him and struck the bicycle's handlebars with his side view mirror, causing the bike rider to crash and land hard on his left shoulder.

Over the next several days our client started experiencing consistent pain and a large bump on his left shoulder. He finally went to the emergency room at Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, Illinois. At the ER, he was examined by emergency room doctors and x-rays were taken. The x-rays showed the bicyclist had sustained a separated shoulder in the accident. The hospital physicians referred our client to an orthopedic specialist for further treatment.

A separated shoulder (also known as a acromioclavicular separation) can be a partial or complete separation of the collarbone (clavicle) and the shoulder blade (acromion). The two parts of the shoulder are connected by the acromioclavicular (AC) and the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments.

Click here to read more about shoulder injuries.

Contact the bicycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes if you've been injured in a Chicago area accident. Our consultations are free and there is no attorney's fee unless we recover for you. Call 312-399-8988 speak directly to an attorney.

Abogados de la responsabilidad de premesis en Abels & Annes, en colaboración con Howard Ankin, han llegado a un acuerdo con una tienda de comestibles en el área de Chicago, se derive de un accidente de deslizamiento y caída el 23 de octubre.

Nuestro cliente estaba comprando en una tienda de comestibles en Ciceró, Illinois con miembros de su familia. Cuando dio vuelta en una esquina y entró al pasillo de galletas y jugo, se resbaló y se cayó en un pedazo de carne que había caído al suelo. Tras la inspección, se constató que la comida había estado en el suelo por un tiempo excesivo y que debería haber sido descubierto por empleados de la tienda antes de que mi cliente se resbalara y se cayera.

El demandante fue llevado por ambulancia del Departamento de bomberos de Chicago al Hospital McNeal. Ella había sufrido heridas en el hombro izquierdo, el cuello y de pierna en el accidente.

El demandante fue a tratamiento médico adicional con un médico ortopédico en Chicago. El médico también la refirió a terapia fisica que consistió en ejercicios terapéuticos, estímulo eléctrico, terapia de tratamiento térmico y ultrasonido.

Después de la investigación inicial de la tienda de comestibles, ellos negaron su responsabilidad diciendo que ellos no fueron negligentes ni desrazonables en el mantenimiento y la inspección de sus instalaciones. Debido a la negación una demanda judicial fue presentada en el Tribunal superior de Condado de Cook.

El caso se arregló antes de ir al juicio por $32,500.

Contacte a los abogados de responsabilidad de premesis en Chicago de Abels & Annes para una consulta gratís si usted ha sido herido en un deslizamiento en Illinois. Llame al 312-924-7575 para hablar directamente con un abogado

A truck versus car accident in Mount Vernon, Illinois has resulted in the death of one person and injuries to another. The Southern Illinois truck crash occurred Friday morning on Interstate 57, according to the Mount Vernon Register-News.

The Jefferson Fire Protection District has released information stating that an out-of-state vehicle was hit by a semi truck in the area of the "north split" on Interstate 57/64 in the southbound lanes. The vehicle from out-of-state was a Saab and it sustained heavy damage to its driver side in the accident.

The driver of the Saab was killed and a passenger in the vehicle was taken by ambulance to Crossroads Community Hospital for medical care. The severity of the passenger's injuries has not been reported. The semi truck driver was not hurt.

The trucking accident investigation is being handled by the Illinois State Police. The cause of the crash has not yet been reported.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2009 alone, 64 people were killed in tractor-trailer crashes in our state. Of those fatalities, 35 occurred in rural areas of Illinois.

Illinois premises liability lawyers at Abels & Annes, working with co-counsel Howard Ankin, have reached a settlement with a Chicago area grocery store stemming from a October 23, 2006 slip and fall accident.

Our client was shopping in a grocery store in Cicero, Illinois with family members. When she turned a corner and walked into the cookie and juice aisle, she slipped and fell on a piece of meat that had been dropped on the floor. Upon inspection, it appeared that the food had on the floor for an unreasonable amount of time and that it should have been discovered by store employees before my client slipped and fell.

The plaintiff was taken by a Chicago Fire Department ambulance to MacNeal Hospital. She had sustained left shoulder, neck and left leg injuries in the accident.

The plaintiff went through further medical treatment with an orthopedic physician in Chicago. The doctor also referred her to physical consisted of therapeutic exercises, electric stimulation, heat treatment and ultrasound therapy.

After the grocery stores initial investigation, they denied liability stating they were not negligent or unreasonable in maintaining and inspecting their premises. Due to the denial a lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The case settled prior to going to trial for $32,500.

Contact the Chicago premises liability attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free consultation if you have been injured in an Illinois slip and fall accident. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to a lawyer.

Abogados de compensación de trabajadores en el Condado de DuPage de Abels & Annes se han puesto de acuerdo en representar un hombre que resultó herido en el trabajo en los suburbios del oeste. El demandante, un residente de Chicago, fue herido mientras trabajaba en Woodridge Illinois por una empresa establecida en Bolingbrook.

Nuestro cliente resultó herido en junio de 2010 cuando se resbaló y se cayó al tratar de evitar ser golpeado por un montacargas. Desde entonces ha tratado en la oficina del médico en Bolingbrook, Illinois.

Debido al accidente, el demandante estuvo fuera del trabajo por un periodo de tiempo y en trabajos ligeros por varias semanas después de eso.

El ya no esta tratando con un médico para sus heridas en el trabajo. Los abogados en nuestra oficina darán un paso en negociar arreglos corporales de herida en su nombre.

Si usted ha estado involucrado en un accidente del trabajo en el Condado de DuPage, contacte un abogado de heridas personales en Abels & Annes para una evaluación gratis. Llame al 312-924-7575 para hablar directamente con un abogado.

Illinois work injury attorneys from Abels & Annes have agreed to represent employee that was injured at a large national department store chain. The worker was injured in early October 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.

The claimant hurt her low back while lifting a heavy object. She initially hoped her pain would go away, however the next day her low back pain was worse and she went to the emergency room at University of Chicago Hospital.

At the ER, physicians prescribed Vicodin for pain and ordered the employee off work, and light duty upon return to work.

After a couple of weeks with no relief from her pain she went to see her family physician. She also plans on following up with an orthopedic medical doctor for further care.

If you had sustained a work injury in the Chicago area, contact an Illinois work accident attorney at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. There is no attorney's fee unless a recovery is made. Call 312-924-7575.

Read more about low back injuries.

Our Chicago accident lawyers were not surprised to see that the number of fatal SUV accidents is on the rise.

Passenger vehicles, including SUVs, account for 19 out of every 20 traffic accidents in the United States, according to a new report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The report highlights that motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are most likely to be injured in a Chicago accident involving a car. However, all types of passenger vehicle accidents have declined, except those involving SUVs, which continue to increase.

We know that more traffic brings with it the greater risk of an accident. While the economic downturn has played a role in temporarily reducing congestion, the overall number of vehicle registrations has increased 20 percent in the last decade. In addition to passenger cars, the government includes pickup trucks, vans and SUVs in its list of passenger vehicles.

In 2008, more than 10.1 million vehicles were involved in police-reported accidents and 94 percent of those, or about 9.5 million, were identified as passenger vehicles. In the past 10 years, light truck registration increased by 38 percent. Passenger car registrations increased by a more modest 10 percent.

The number of SUV registrations skyrocketed by 120 percent. This is significant because the occupants of smaller passenger cars are at greater risk of serious or fatal injury in an accident with an SUV. Likewise, the number of fatalities involving SUV occupants has also increased, from 3,026 in 1999 to 4,186 in 2008.

Rollover crashes are mostly to blame. Such crashes are among the deadliest and account for more than one-third of all traffic fatalities. Incidents were highest in SUVs, at 58 percent of all fatalities. Rollovers in pickups accounted for 48 percent of fatalities, followed by 35 percent for vans and 25 percent for passenger cars.

The number of fatalities involving other types of passenger vehicles has declined:

-Passenger vehicles: Fatalities have declined from 20,862 in 1999 to 14,587 in 2008.

-Light trucks: Fatalities have declined from 11,265 in 1999 to 10,764 in 2008.

-Pickup Trucks: Fatalities have declined from 6,127 in 1999 to 5,073 in 2008.

-Vans: Fatalities have declined from 2,088 in 1999 to 1,491 in 2008.

Injuries by type of passenger vehicle from 1999 to 2008:

-Passenger Vehicles (total): Declined from 3 million to 2 million.

-Passenger Cars: Declined from 2.1 million to 1.3 million.

-Light Trucks: Declined from 847,000 to 768,000.

-SUVs: Increased from 241,000 to 361,000.

-Pickup Trucks: Decreased from 372,000 to 250,000.

-Vans: Declined from 220,000 to 145,000.

Continue reading " Rollover crashes a common danger for Sport Utility Vehicles; Chicago SUV accidents among the areas deadliest " »

DuPage County workers' compensation lawyers at Abels & Annes have agreed to represent a man that was hurt at work in the western suburbs. The claimant, a Chicago resident, was injured while working in Woodridge Illinois for an employer based in Bolingbrook.

Our client was hurt in June, 2010 when he slipped and fell while trying to avoid being hit by a forklift. He has since undergone medical care in the physician's office and Bolingbrook, Illinois.

Due to the accident, the claimant was off work for a period of time and on light duty for several weeks after that.

He is no longer treating with a physician for his on-the-job injuries. Attorneys at our firm will be stepping in to negotiate a bodily injury settlement on his behalf.

If you've been involved in a DuPage County work accident, contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to an attorney.

Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, working in conjunction with the Elman Law Group, have filed a negligence lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The case stems from a Chicago car crash that occurred back on January 29, 2010.

The plaintiffs (a driver and two passengers) were driving westbound in a 1995 Chevrolet on 47th St. at the intersection with Knox Avenue. At that time the defendant was driving a Best Buy truck eastbound on 47th St. and turned left to head North on Knox. In doing so the defendant failed to yield to oncoming traffic. The two vehicles collided when the at fault driver attempted the left turn.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. After investigating, the defendant was ticketed for failing to yield.

The lawsuit on file alleges that the defendant was negligent in failing to yield the right-of-way, failing to reduce speed, driving too fast for conditions, and failing to take proper evasive action to avoid a collision.

All three of our clients were injured in the accident. One plaintiff was a passenger sustained injuries to his right ankle and foot. He was seen shortly after the accident at St. Anthony Hospital in Chicago.

He also went to follow-up treatment with an orthopedic physician in Chicago. An MRI ordered by the doctor showed the client had sustained right ankle joint effusion, fluid collection and a possible stress fracture.

The driver and other passenger were also seen at a Chicago area emergency room and also went through follow-up treatment with a medical doctor.

Feel free to contact a Chicago accident lawyer at our office if you've been hurt in an Illinois car crash. The consultation is free, and there is no attorney's fee unless a recovery is made. Call 312-924-7575.

Illinois schools have scheduled 184 Walk-to-School events during the month of October as part of an education and awareness campaign that hopes to teach elementary and middle-school age children across the state, nation and globe about the benefits of walking or riding their bike to school, Walk To School reports.

Events kicked off on Oct. 6, when students across the state participated in International Walk to School day, marking the 14th year students from Chicago and beyond have taken to the streets to hoof it to school.

Our Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers support the goals of the campaign which encourage children – including the disabled – to engage in some physical activity by walking or biking to school. Additionally, partnerships between participating parents, teacher and students provide a safe environment for students to sharpen their traffic safety skills. From an environmentalist perspective, there is a final lesson: walking to school also reduces both fuel consumption and air pollution.

Since 2005, the Illinois Department of Transportation Safe Route to School program has awarded more than $23.5 million to districts around the state. In 2009 alone, $13.1 million was distributed to fund 171 projects ranging from sidewalk repairs to purchasing equipment for law enforcement and crossing guards.

Getting a kid interested in walking or biking to school is one thing. Keeping them safe is another. To prevent pedestrian or bicycling accidents, the Children’s Medical Center provides the following safety tips:

Avoiding a Chicago Pedestrian Accident:

~ Until a child is age 10 or older, they should always be accompanied by an adult when walking anywhere. Holding hands is the safest way to cross streets or parking lots when walking anywhere with a younger child.

~ Always use crosswalks and sidewalks when they are available. Never enter a roadway without first stopping and looking left and right TWICE. Never step onto the road if you see a car coming your way.

~ If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic. Put as much space between yourself and traffic as possible.

~ If you have to have to walk in darkness, wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight. Even in daylight, bright clothing can help make you more visible to drivers.

Avoiding a Chicago Bicycle Accident:

~ Always wear a helmet and make sure both the helmet and the bike fit the rider.

~ Obey all traffic laws and ride with traffic, not against it. Put as much space between yourself and traffic as possible.

~ Avoid ride a bicycle when it is dark, foggy or in other low-visibility conditions.

Continue reading " Annual Walk to School campaign aims to reduce risk of Chicago pedestrian accidents " »

Illinois workers' compensation attorneys at Abels & Annes have agreed to represent employee that was injured at work earlier this month.

The claimant was working as a stocker a large hardware store on the North side of Chicago. While she was lifting heavy boxes off a shelf, she started experiencing severe back pain. Over the next few days the pain became much worse and started shooting down her right leg.

The client has since started medical treatment with an orthopedic physician in Chicago. Due to her low back pain traveling into her lower extremities, it is likely that the treating doctor will order an MRI to rule out a herniated disc. Click here to read more about back and neck injuries.

In other Illinois work injury news our office, an attorney at Abels & Annes recently settle the case for a woman that was working at a Chicago area candy company. She sustained bilateral wrist injuries due to repetitive lifting on the job. In this case our client just sustained sprained wrists. Often when our office sees repetitive lifting injuries in the wrist area, the client ends up being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur when the median nerve in your wrist is pinched due to swelling of the nerve or tendons. When this nerve is blocked, it can cause numbness, pain and tingling in your fingers and hand, and pain can radiate into your forearm. This condition is often caused by repetitive motion on the job.

Carpal tunnel can be treated by lifestyle changes (such as changing the way someone performs repetitive motion), immobilization, medication (anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections), or surgery when necessary.

If you've been injured on the job in the Chicago area, contact an Illinois work comp lawyer at our office to talk about your case. The consultation is free. Call 312-924-7575.

NBC news in Chicago is reporting that a hit-and-run accident in Northwest Indiana has led to the death of a pedestrian. Police officers made a gruesome discovery when they pulled a truck over for speeding only to find body parts hanging from the vehicle.

The officer reportedly approached the Chevy S 10 pickup after pulling it over on Saturday night. At that time the officer noticed partial remains of a person hanging over the tailgate. He saw legs and blue jeans.

The driver of the truck, a resident of Hobart Indiana, told police officers he drank around case of beer that evening and had then hit the pedestrian. The victim was 852-year-old man from Northwest Indiana.

Investigating police officers stated there was smoke coming from the truck, the windshield had been shattered, and the DUI driver had shattered glass on parts of his body. Police located another case of beer inside the truck.

The 26-year-old defendant's blood-alcohol level was .12 percent. He now will reportedly face charges for misdemeanor DUI, felony driving while intoxicated and causing death, and felony fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in death.

It has not been reported if a Chicago area pedestrian accident lawyer is involved in this brutal case yet.

Read the story as reported in the Chicago Sun-Times and UPI.com.

Noticias NBC en Chicago informa de que un accidente de carretera y gestión en el noroeste de Indiana ha conducido la muerte de un pedestre. Los policías hicieron un descubrimiento horrible cuando pararon un camión por exceso de velocidad sólo para encontrar partes de cuerpo colgando del vehículo.

El oficial se acercó a la camioneta Chevy S10 después de pararlo el sábado por la noche. En aquel momento el oficial notó restos parciales de una persona sobre la puerta trasera. El vio piernas y pantalones azules.

El conductor del camión, un residente de Hobart Indiana, le dijo a la policía que se habia tomado una caja de cerveza esa noche y entonces había golpeado al peatón. La víctima fue un hombre de 52 años de edad, del noroeste de Indiana.

Policías investigadores indicaron que había humo saliendo de la camióneta, el parabrisas se había roto, y el conductor de DUI tenía vidrio quebrado en partes de su cuerpo. La policía encontro otra caja de cerveza dentro del camión.

El nivel de sangre-alcohol del acusado de 26 años de edad fue 0.12 por ciento. El ahora se enfrentará a cargos por delito DUI, conducir intoxicadó, causar una muerte, y el crimen grave de huyir la escena de un accidente que resulto en la muerte.

No se ha informado si un abogado de accidente de pedestre en el área de Chicago esta involucrado en este caso brutal.

Abogados de accidente de trabajo en Abels & Annes han firmado un contrato para representar a una maestra de las escuelas públicas que fue herida en el trabajo. El accidente sucedió a finales de septiembre, 2010 cuando la maestra de colegio secundario en Chicago tropezó y se cayó aproximadamente 8-9 escaleras de concreta mientras que en el trabajo.

Después del accidente ella fue vista en la sala de emergencia de Advocate Christ Hospital. En la sala de emergencia ella fue examinada por enfermeras y médicos, y las radiografías fueron tomadas. Sostuvo heridas bilaterales del tobillo, heridas en la espalda, y hirió su muñeca derecha.

Durante los días siguientes del accidente su condición no mejoró. Desde entonces ha seguido con su médico primario en Chicago. Su médico la refirió a la terapia fisica en Accelerated Rehabilitation.

Abogados de la compensación de trabajadores de Chicago en nuestra oficina trabajarán para asegurarse de que su tratamiento médico que es relacionado al accidente este pagado, que reciba pago por incapacidad por perder tiempo del trabajo, y nosotros negociaremos un arreglo de herida en su beneficio una vez su tratamiento médico ha sido completado.

Si ha sido herido en el trabajo en el área de Chicago, contacte nuestra oficina para una evaluación de su caso gratís. Llame al 312-924-7575 para hablar directamente con un abogado de herida del trabajo en Illinois.

A 38-year-old Bolingbrook resident was killed in an Illinois motorcycle accident on Friday, according to Tribune local. The collision occurred just before 3:30 PM on Route 53. The motorcyclist was rushed by ambulance to Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital and was pronounced dead at 4:07 PM.

The Chicago area accident occurred when a northbound Saturn on Route 53 struck the motorcycle rider while turning left to get onto North Beaconridge Drive. The Bolingbrook Police Department is handling the crash investigation, and police representatives indicate charges could be filed when the investigation is complete.

The driver of the Saturn and a passenger, who are also Bolingbrook residents, were both injured and take to Bolingbrook Hospital. They were both treated and released.

Under Illinois law, the driver turning left as the duty to yield to oncoming traffic (625 ILCS 5/11‑902). In my experience as a Chicago personal injury lawyer, is common for left turning drivers to sufficiently look out for oncoming cars, but then fail to notice smaller vehicles such as motorcycles or bicycles. It is also common for left turning drivers to forget to look for pedestrians.

Our Chicago injury lawyers urge you to stay safe during Halloween week, which historically has been among the nation's most dangerous for car accidents and other types of injury mishaps.

Authorities will be looking for drunk drivers during a nationwide "Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaign from Oct. 25-31. In the past 10 years, drunk drivers have caused more than half of the nearly 5,000 traffic fatalities during the week of Halloween, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And, while nighttime is always a dangerous time to be on the road, Halloween night is frequently one of the year's deadliest.

Children, teenagers and adults are also at high risk of being injured in a Chicago pedestrian accident or premises liability claim involving anything from a slip and fall accident to a dog bite.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that Halloween is among the holidays with the highest number of emergency room visits. Finger and hand injuries are the most common, while the most likely to be injured are those ages 10 to 14.

The following safety tips may help you and your family stay safe this Halloween:

-Use knives specifically designed for pumpkin carving -- not kitchen knives. And never let a child carve pumpkins.

-Be mindful of fire hazards when lighting jack-o-lanterns. Use non-flammable light sources, such as glow sticks.

-Keep Halloween costumes light and bright so children are easily seen by motorists and other pedestrians. Use reflective tape for even better visibility.

-Costumes should fit properly and be flame resistant. Be sure masks, hats and face paint do not obstruct vision. Costumes may present a trip hazard if they are too long and should be trimmed appropriately.

-Trick-or-treaters should only approach houses that are well lit. Children and parents should carry flashlights.

-Be aware of dogs.

-Carry a cell phone in case of emergencies.

Continue reading " Chicago car accidents, pedestrian accidents just two of the many dangers during Halloween Week " »

Chicago bus crash attorneys from Abels & Annes have entered into an agreement to work on a case for a South Side resident that was injured in a CTA accident that occurred last Saturday on Lake Shore Drive. Our client was riding a Jackson Park Express bus going southbound around 6:00 p.m. He was seated near the front of the bus when the vehicle lost control, left the road and crashed in the area of 2800 South Lake Shore Drive. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.

After the crash many people jumped out through emergency windows. Several people were bleeding.

There were around 70 passengers on board. A total of 37 people were injured and taken to area hospitals. Our client sustained left knee, right ankle, right wrist and low back injuries. He was taken by ambulance to St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago.

Over the next several days our plaintiff's pain increased. He has since seen a medical doctor in Chicago and has been referred for an MRI. The severity of his injuries are not yet known.

Other injured passengers were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Stroger Hospital.

The exact cause of CTA bus crash has not yet been determined.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois bus accident, call the Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak to a lawyer now.

Parents need to become more involved in talking to teenagers about the role poor driving decisions play in their risk of being involved in a serious or fatal Chicago car accident, according to a new study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The New York Times was among the first media outlets to report on the new study as soon as it was released Tuesday -- National Teen Driver Safety Week is next week as safety advocates preach the message in advance of the upcoming homecoming and holiday seasons.

Our Chicago accident attorneys frequently report the dangers teenagers face behind the wheel. Car accidents are the number one cause of death for teens ages 15 to 19, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Name a poor driving habit and teens are the worst offenders: Drunk driving, failure to wear seat belts, text messaging while driving, distracted driving, speeding, and riding with too many passengers in the vehicle.

The new study found that parents are not giving their teenagers enough experience behind the wheel, particularly in challenging situations like heavy traffic, night driving or bad weather. Illinois' graduated driver's licensing program is a national leader -- and the extra training helps. But it is no substitute for time behind the wheel with a parent.

Nearly half of all parents who participated in the study reported that, even after their teen spent a year in the learner's stage, there was at least one driving condition with which a parent was not comfortable with their child's skills. Still, more than one-third of all parents allowed their child to get their driver's license within a month of being eligible.

The study -- which used video cameras and is among the first to look at the interaction of parent and child during the driver's education process -- found that parents were most likely to give instruction on the handling of the vehicle (like speed) and least likely to convey other important driving instructions, such as defensive driving techniques like anticipating the actions of another motorist.

This gap was so pronounced -- more than half of all instructive comments (54 percent) involved vehicle handling, while less than 5 percent dealt with visual scanning or other defensive driving techniques -- that it was among the study's most surprising findings.

The study also revealed that the amount of time parents spend practicing with teenagers varied greatly -- and only 1 in 4 parents mentioned the need to accompany their teenager for practice in a variety of driving conditions.

“One of the best things parents can do to reduce the risk is to spend as much time as possible with their children to provide guidance driving in a variety of situations so they can gain experience and competence,” said Peter Kissinger, the AAA Foundation's chief executive. “If they do, it will have a significant impact on the teenager’s later driving experience.”

Continue reading " Parental instruction crucial in reducing the risk of Chicago car accidents involving teenagers " »

As our Chicago injury lawyers continue to publish traffic data from the 2009 report by the Illinois Department of Transportation, we look at the issue of serious and fatal pedestrian and bicycle accidents.

While the tendency with such statistics is to focus on the number of people who were killed, state statistics show that more than 50 pedestrians were injured for every pedestrian fatality last year -- A total of 5,233 pedestrians were injured and 113 were killed in traffic accidents.

Many of those were the result of Chicago pedestrian accidents with urban accidents accounting for the vast majority, 4,984, of all serious and fatal pedestrian crashes.

Those killed and injured in Illinois pedestrian accidents by age:


Under 10: 3 killed/467 injured
Age10-19:6 killed/1,072 injured
Age 20-24: 5 killed/513 injured
Age 25-34: 16 killed/764 injured
Age 35-44: 16 killed/657 injured
Age 45-54: 26 killed/655 injured
Age 55-64: 16 killed/488 injured
Ages 65 or older: 23 killed/427 injured

Likewise, Chicago bicycle accidents were responsible for many of the state's serious and fatal cycling accidents, almost all of which occurred in urban areas. More than 150 riders were injured for every rider killed in a crash -- Illinois bicycle accidents killed 20 riders and injured 3,100 in 2009. Fewer than 150 accidents occurred outside urban areas.

Those killed and injured in Illinois bicycle accidents by age:

Under 10: 1 killed/202 injured
Age10-19: 4 killed/911 injured
Age 20-24: 1 killed/395 injured
Age 25-34: 14 killed/532 injured
Age 35-44: 4 killed/346 injured
Age 45-54: 3 killed/382 injured
Age 55-64: 1 killed/182 injured
Ages 65 or older: 2 killed/80 injured

Unlike pedestrian accidents, however, the vast majority of cycling accidents involved men. In particular, middle-aged men ages 25-34 were most at risk after teenage boys, who reported the most accidents.

Continue reading " Chicago pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents injured thousands in 2009 " »

Chicago work accident lawyers at Abels & Annes have entered into an agreement to represent an Illinois public school teacher that was injured on the job. The accident happened at the end of September, 2010 when the Chicago high school teacher tripped and fell down approximately 8-9 concrete stairs while at work.

After the accident she was seen it the Advocate Christ Hospital emergency room. At the ER she was examined by nurses and physicians, and x-rays were taken. She sustained bilateral ankle injuries, back injuries, and injured her right wrist.

During the days following the accident her condition did not improve. She has since followed up with her primary care physician in Chicago. Her doctor referred her to physical therapy at Accelerated Rehabilitation.

Chicago workers compensation attorneys at our office are going to work to make sure that her medical treatment that is related to the accident is paid for, that she receives disability pay for time off work, and we will negotiate an injury settlement on her behalf once her medical treatment has been completed.

If you have been hurt at work in the Chicago area, contact our office for free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to an Illinois work injury lawyer.

A new study that is been released by several victims groups is reporting that 60 percent of Chicago Roman Catholic parishes have had a priest at some point that was accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center. The study was released by such groups as Voice of the Faithful, African-American Advocates for Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse and the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP).

Barbara Blaine, who is the founder and president of SNAP, is encouraging victims to speak up, and is asking victims to come forward and get help, contact police and expose predators, and to protect children and start the healing process.

The groups' study found sex abuse accusations in the Chicago area against 97 priests from the years 1917 through 2009. 65 of the allegations have been reportedly confirmed by the Archdiocese of Chicago, while 32 other accusations were found in the news and in lawsuits.

The new report claims the highest concentration of Chicago priest sex abuse allegations come from the following neighborhoods: Bridgeport, West Town, Lincoln Park and Garfield Ridge. Some Chicago churches had more than one priest accused, such as St. Christina Parish, St. Aloysius Church, and St. Leonard Parish in Berwyn.

The press release issued by SNAP contained some disturbing allegations, such as 256 of the Chicago Archdiocese's approximately 400 parishes have had a priest accused of sexually abusing a minor, 30 parishes have had two or more such priests, and finally that a disproportionate number of these parishes were located in low income neighborhoods.

Illinois sexual abuse lawyers from our firm are currently working on several cases against the Chicago Archdiocese, all stemming from claims involving Father Daniel McCormack. McCormack was working out of St. Agatha's Parish, which is located in a low income neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago.

The SNAP the press release accuses officials from the Chicago Archdiocese as being "less than forthcoming" in regards to priests that abused children. It goes on to state that for years lawyers representing African-American victims have argued that the archdiocese"dumps" a disproportionate amount of predators into African-American communities.

A Chicago CTA bus accident on South Lake Shore Drive has resulted in 37 passengers being taken to area hospitals, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Around 70 people were riding the Jackson Park Express bus going southbound when it crashed on Saturday night. The incident occurred around 6 PM near 2800 S. Lake Shore Dr.

The bus ran off the drive and hit several trees. Witnesses on the bus said the driver was having trouble steering and a passenger actually went to help her. They said she was trying very hard to pull the steering wheel and would not move.

After the bus came to a stop, many riders jumped off the bus through emergency windows. Several were reportedly bleeding from head wounds.

Four passengers were taken by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Stroger Hospital in serious to critical condition. 33 other passengers were also injured and taken to area hospitals.

CTA officials are already stating that they will be looking at the black box on the bus to check speed and direction, and they will check video as well. Officials have not yet stated whether the steering wheel locked up.

It has not been reported whether any Chicago CTA bus accident lawyers are involved in the case yet. However, with so many injured and a technical issue as to what caused the bus to leave the road, is a safe bet that injury attorneys will be involved shortly and lawsuits may be filed preserve evidence.

Click here to read the story as reported by the Chicago Tribune and ABC news.

Illinois injury attorneys at Abels & Annes have signed on to represent a 10-year-old minor that was injured in a Chicago area SUV vs. school bus crash. CBS news reported that the collision took place around 3 PM at hundred 147th St. and LaGrange Road on September 30, 2010.

The school bus was carrying around 20 students when a Cadillac Escalade may have ran a red light and struck the front end of the school bus. A total of nine students, including our client, were injured and taken to area hospitals. The bus was traveling with 3rd, 4th & 5th graders from High Point Elementary School in Orland Park.

Our plaintiff was transported to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. She sustained right ankle, head and neck injuries in the collision. Her pain has been ongoing since the accident, and she has been treating with her pediatrician in Palos Hills, Illinois.

If your child has been injured in an Illinois school bus accident, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575. There is no attorney's fee unless a financial recovery is made for your child.

Chicago car accidents on the city's streets and roads accounted for more than one-third of the state's car accidents that involved serious injury and resulted in one-fifth of the state's traffic fatalities, according to 2009 crash statistics released by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

As we discussed on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog, the vast majority of car accidents in Illinois occur in urban areas, primarily in and around Chicago. A total of 243,189 accidents in urban areas injured 52,402 and killed 469. By comparison, 48,917 rural crashes injured 10,833 and killed 363.

But taking a look at the high number of serious and fatal accidents that occurred on the city's streets (as opposed to highways and freeways) may offer some clues for the defensive driver. A total of 117,683 crashes killed 166 people and injured more than 23,000.

The vast majority of accident statewide occurred in areas where there was no traffic control device. This typically means that someone pulled out of a parking lot or private drive and failed to yield the right of way. Or that someone turned in front of an oncoming vehicle or crossed the centerline. In fact, statistics show that rear-end collisions and turning accidents account for the vast majority of collisions.

No Controls: 156,286 accidents/451 fatalities
Stop Sign/Red Flasher: 30,634/83 fatalities
Traffic signal: 65,647 accidents/97 fatalities
Lane Use Control: 28,261 accidents/144 fatalities
RR Crossing gate: 435 accidents/2 fatalities
Other RR crossing device: 201 accidents/8 fatalities

A total of 63 Illinois railroad crossing accidents killed 11 motorists and injured 30.

Other types of accidents

Vehicle overturned: 4,558 accidents/65 fatalities
Pedestrians: 5,171 accidents/104 killed
Bicyclists: 3,246 accidents/19 fatalities
Animal: 19,558 accidents/ 6 fatalities
Fixed object: 35,257 accidents/285 fatalities
Parked: 34,653 accidents/13 fatalities
Rear-end: 80,076/72 fatalities
Head-on: 2,567/104 fatalities
Sideswipe-same direction: 23,323/16 fatalities
Sideswipe-opposite direction: 3,416/20 fatalities
Angle: 31,210/109 fatalities
Turning: 44,239: 78 fatalities

Continue reading " Rear-end collisions, turning crashes, most likely cause of Chicago car accidents " »

The Illinois Department of Transportation hopes to reach adult drivers through the creativity of their children as the department solicits artwork submissions for the Illinois Work Zone Safety Calendar.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers frequently report that car accidents are a leading cause of Illinois work injuries and nowhere are employees more at risk than construction workers on the roads in an around Chicago.

This year's theme is "See Orange. Slow Down. Save Lives" and contestants in Kindergarten through 6th grade are encouraged to enter artwork by November 15, 2010. The top 30 entries will be narrowed to 12 finalists, and those drawings will be displayed on the 2012 Illinois Work Zone Safety Calendar.

More than 9,100 students have participated since the contest began in 2005.

Work Zone Safety reports that 667 people were killed in road construction zones last year. Illinois road construction accidents claimed 31 lives.

Contest registration forms, release forms and instructions are available by clicking here.

Safety Tips for Driving in Work Zones

-Expect the unexpected: Slower speeds, changing lanes and people working near the flow of traffic are the norm.

-Slow Down: Speeding is a leading cause of serious and fatal accidents in construction zones.

-Don't Tailgate: Allow a safe travel distance between you and other vehicles. This permits more time to react, and reduces the risk of a rear-end collision.

-Watch for Workers: And allow a safe distance between your vehicle and construction workers, machinery, barriers or other equipment on or near the roadway.

-Pay attention to signs: Constructions signs, instructions, warning signs and other directions are in place to help you navigate a construction zone safely. Observe signs and remain alert.

-Obey road crews and flaggers: Flaggers understand the obstacles and challenges to moving traffic safely through work zones. Watch for their signals and obey their directions.

-Stay Alert: By minimizing distractions, you stand a better chance of navigating a work zone safely. Leave the radio, cell phones and other distractions alone while in a work zone.

-Keep up with traffic: Traveling slower or faster than the flow of traffic can be dangerous. Merge when directed -- don't race up to the lane closure and then try to cut in line.

-Allow plenty of time: Make adjustments to your traveling schedule that take road construction delays into account. Expect delays and check the radio, TV and websites for the latest information.

-Stay Calm: Keeping your patience is the key to staying safe and keeping road crews safe in work zones. Remember that work crews are working hard to keep roads in passable shape and to make tomorrow's commute better for you.

Continue reading " Work Zone Safety Calendar Contest a chance for kids to remind parents about safety in construction zones " »

An Illinois workers' compensation attorney at Abels & Annes has agreed to represent a construction worker that recently was hurt on the job. The claimant was working as a laborer for a Chicago area construction company. He was on a South Side job site in July, 2010 when he tripped and fell on some large rocks.

After he fell, he started experiencing severe low back and ankle pain. He was seen a short time later at the South Suburban Hospital emergency room. At the ER, he was examined by physicians and x-rays were taken.

Over the next several days his pain remained. He then went to follow-up treatment with both an orthopedic physician and a chiropractor.

After his condition did not improve, his doctor ordered an MRI. The scan showed the construction worker had sustained a herniated disc at L4-5. It has not been determined if his treatment will just consist of therapy, or if he will need injections and/or future surgery. Click here to read more about back and neck injuries.

A Chicago work injury attorney from our office will be filing a claim on his behalf at the Illinois Industrial Commission. We will work to make sure he receives any necessary medical treatment, disability pay while he is off work, and a bodily injury settlement at the end of the case.

If you have been hurt on the job in the State of Illinois, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free, no obligation consultation. Call 312-924-7575.

Un abogado de herida en Illinois de Abels & Annes ha alcanzado un arreglo para un peatón de Chicago que fue golpeado y fue herido por un autobús de CTA. El autobús de Illinois contra el accidente pedestre sucedió el 25 de febrero de 2010 en la intersección de State Street y Lake Street en el Loop.

Nuestro cliente estaba cruzando la calle en un cruce peatonal en el momento del accidente. El acusado, un conductor de autobús de CTA, se movía en dirección norte por la calle State y entonces giró a la derecha en dirección este en la calle Lake. El conductor del autobús hizo la vuelta y falló de observar que nuestro cliente estaba en el cruce peatonal y golpeó al peatón.

El Departamento de Policía de Chicago investigó el accidente. El conductor de CTA fue multado por el fracaso por no ceder el paso a un peatón en un cruce peatonal. Luego se declare culpable en la corte de trafico y fue puesta en la supervisión del tribunal.

Inmediatamente después del accidente el demandante empezó a tener dolor en la pierna izquierda. A la mañana siguiente ella fue a la sala de emergencia de Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Radiografías fueron tomadas, Ella fue diagnosticada con una fractura del peroné izquierdo. La fractura fue confirmada luego con una resonancia magnética en marzo de 2010 que fue ordenado por un médico en Northwestern Centro de la Ortopedia.

En el momento de la última cita de nuestro cliente el 28 de marzo de 2010, su dolor y el malestar han mejorado mucho y su fractura fue platuda.

El reclamo se resolvio sin tener que presentar una demanda , Le ahorramos a nuestro cliente el gasto de litigos.

Si usted ha sido herido en un accidente pedestre o accidente de autobús, contacte a los abogados de heridas en Chicago de Abels & Annes para una evaluación de su caso gratís. Contáctenos en línea o al 312-924-7575 para hablar con un abogado ahora.

Drive Safely Work Week is Oct. 4-8 as the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety work to reduce the number of Chicago car accidents and accidents elsewhere in the nation that are blamed on distracted driving or other poor driving habits.

"The statistics of distracted driving are staggering," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, noting that almost 6,000 people are killed and more than 500,000 are injured each year in accidents caused by distracted drivers. "If we are to succeed, each company must do its part to develop strong policies and educate its employees."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a crash; drivers who are text messaging are 20 times more likely to be in a crash. Traffic accidents are also a leading cause of Chicago work accidents.

This year's campaign urges businesses and corporations to institute cell phone policies and to ban the use of cell phones while driving. The week-long campaign urges organizations to make time to discuss safe driving with employees and to encourage employees to use call-blocking technology and mass transit as ways to reduce the dangers of distracted driving.

The safety initiative is increasing the focus on truckers and the trucking industry. As we reported on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, the enactment of a federal ban on text messaging by all truck, train and bus operators is now in effect nationwide. Unlike the patchwork of laws aimed at prohibiting text messaging in passenger cars, the nationwide ban covers truck drivers and federal employees in all 50 states.

“I am thrilled that businesses across the country are making anti-distracted driving policies an integral part of their employee culture,” said Secretary LaHood. “Employers across America are doing the same to help us set an example and keep our roads safe.”

Drive Safety Campaign material for the workplace may be downloaded here.

Continue reading " Drive Safety Work Week aims to reduce number of Chicago car accidents, work accidents, caused by distracted driving " »

An Illinois injury attorney at Abels & Annes has reached a settlement for a Chicago pedestrian that was struck and injured by a CTA bus. The Illinois bus versus pedestrian accident happened back on February 25, 2010 at the intersection of State Street and Lake Street in the Loop.

Our client was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at the time of the accident. The defendant, a CTA bus driver, was moving northbound on State Street and then took a right turn to headed eastbound on Lake. As the bus driver made the turn she failed to observe our client in the crosswalk and struck the pedestrian.

The Chicago Police Department investigated the accident. The CTA driver was ticketed for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. She later pled guilty in traffic court was placed on court supervision.

Immediately after the accident the plaintiff started experiencing left leg pain. The next morning she went to the emergency room at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. X-rays were taken she was diagnosed with a fracture of her left fibula. The fracture was later confirmed with an MRI scan in March of 2010 that was ordered by a physician at Northwestern Center for Orthopedics.

At the time of our client's last appointment on March 28, 2010, her pain and discomfort has greatly improved and her fracture was well-heeled.

The claim settled without filing a lawsuit, saving our client the expense of litigation.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident or bus crash, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Contact us online or call 312-924-7575 to speak to a lawyer now.

Un accidente de auto en el sur del estado de Illinois reclama la vida de un residente, 28 años de edad de Chicago, según el Herald Review. El accidente sucedió temprano el sábado por la mañana cerca de Mattoon, Illinois cuando otro conductor cruzó la línea central en Interstate 57.

El conductor que causó el accidente fue dirigido supuestamente con rumbo al sur en un Chevy Aveo y cruzo la línea central después de desviarse por no pegarle a un animal en el camino, y luego golpeó la víctima que iba hacia el norte en un Chevy Lumina. Inmediatamente después de que el Aveo golpeó el Lumina, un camión transportando dos remolques le choco por detras al Lumina.

De algúna manera el impacto causó que la puerta del lado del conductor se separara del vehículo. La víctima con sinturón, fue expulsado de su vehículo. El entonces fue desbordado por otro camión.

La policía Estatal de Illinois esta manejando la investigación. El choque ocurrió en el Condado de Coles. Nadie más result herido en el choque, incluyendo una mujer de 22 años de edad y un niño de un año de edad que viajaban con la víctima.

El News-Gazette informa que el conductor que causó el accidente fue multado por el uso impropio de carril.

Todavía no se sabe si hay abogados de accidente en Illinois involucrados en el caso.

A downstate Illinois auto accident as claimed the life of a a 28-year-old Chicago resident, according to the Herald Review. The accident happened early on Saturday morning near Mattoon, Illinois when another driver crossed the centerline on Interstate 57.

The driver that caused the accident reportedly was headed southbound in a Chevy Aveo and crossed the centerline after swerving to miss an animal in the road, and then struck the victim's northbound Chevy Lumina. Immediately after the Aveo hit the Lumina, a semi truck hauling two trailers rear-ended the Lumina.

The impact somehow caused the driver side door to detach from the vehicle. The victim, who was seat belted, was ejected from his vehicle. He was then run over by a second semi truck.

The Illinois State Police are handling the investigation. The crash occurred in Coles County. No one else was injured in the crash, including a 22-year-old woman and a one-year-old child that were riding with the victim.

The News-Gazette is reporting that the driver that caused the accident was ticketed for improper lane usage.

There is no word if there are any Illinois accident lawyers involved in the case yet.

The Daily Herald is reporting that a woman injured in a Cary, Illinois porch collapse will receive a $1 million settlement to compensate her for her injuries. The woman suffered a serious ankle fracture and multiple abrasions when her backyard deck collapsed. Surgery was required to repair the fracture, and another surgery will be needed in the future. A homebuilder from Lombard has agreed to pay on the claim.

The plaintiff filed a premises liability lawsuit in 2009 against the homebuilder for negligent work that did not comply with the village's building code, which required the defendant to use lag bolts on unattached decks. The attorney for the plaintiff stated the deck had been put together with only nails.

The victim's Illinois premises liability attorney, Francis Murphy of Corboy & Demetrio, stated that the deck tore away from the back of the home, which is located in the 300 block of Oakmont Drive, as the plaintiff stepped onto it from her kitchen.

The settlement was just approved by a Judge in McHenry County, Illinois.

Last month there were two separate Chicago area porch collapses that occurred on the same weekend, sending many to area hospitals. One accident occurred in the City Chicago, and the other in suburban Tinley Park.

Click here to read more about Illinois premises liability cases.

A Chicago personal injury lawyer at Abels & Annes has resolved a claim for woman from the western suburbs stemming from a May, 2009 car accident. The accident occurred in LaGrange Illinois at 25 N. Lagrange Rd. just after 12 PM. The plaintiff was driving in traffic when she was rear-ended by the defendants motor vehicle.

The plaintiff, who is a department coordinator at a hospital the western suburbs, sustained injuries to her chest and ribs. After her pain remained over the next several days, she was seen at LaGrange Hospital. X-rays taken were negative for fracture.

Over the next two weeks her pain continued and on June 15, 2009 she followed up with an osteopathic doctor. At that time she was still having pain in her right rib and chest area.

Over the coming months, her pain remained. She saw the physician several more times in September and October. At several appointments, she also had complaints of back pain and her rib pain still did not go away.

At the beginning of 2010 she went to see a medical doctor. At that time his impression was chronic right mid low thoracic musculoskeletal pain following a motor vehicle accident. He recommended an MRI.

An MRI was taken in February, 2010 and the results were negative. At that time the physician said the pain should resolve on its own over time.

The case settled without having to file a lawsuit. State Farm Insurance is paying on the claim.

If you've been involved in an Illinois vehicle collision, call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to a Chicago auto accident attorney. The consultation is free, and there is no attorney's fee unless we recover for you.