Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Planning a road trip? There may soon be an app for that!

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers note a recent report by USAToday that motorists looking for the safest highway routes are more frequently turning to their smart phones and computers.

While often cited as among the major contributors to distracted driving car crashes in Chicago and elsewhere, smartphones are not without opportunities to help improve safety. Previously, we reported on cell phone apps capable of disabling a phone while driving and of monitoring a teen's driving behavior.

Now the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is working with eight states on a pilot program to map the safest roads. That information will be collected on a website, and a cell phone app will surely follow.

The idea is that a family traveling from Chicago to Disney World in Florida would be able to log on and incorporate accident data and other safety information when planning their route. "You could get in a car, turn on the in-vehicle navigation and request not only the quickest way from point A to point B, but the safest way," said Peter Kissinger, CEO of the AAA Foundation.

A survey in 2009 confirmed demand for such a service, when it found nearly three-quarters of all drivers said they would consider such information when traveling in unfamiliar areas. SafeRoadsMaps.org was founded in 2008 and has received more than 10 million hits in its first two years. "You can analyze where traffic deaths have occurred over the last several years anywhere in the country," said Lee Munnich, of the University of Minnesota's Center for Excellence in Rural Safety.

States included in the pilot program are Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, Utah, Florida, Iowa, Michigan and New Jersey.

Continue reading " Technology could help Illinois motorists plan trips, reduce risk of car accidents " »

Illinois workers' compensation attorneys at Abels & Annes have recently signed on to represent an airline worker was injured on the job at a Chicago airport. The accident happened when the employee was walking outside a terminal building when he tripped and fell, fracturing his left knee.

After the accident, he was seen by airport doctors. Since the date of the accident he has been treating with his own physicians. The break in his knee was severe enough that doctors are now considering surgical options.

Chicago work comp attorneys at our firm will work to ensure he continues to receive needed medical care, obtains disability pay while off work, and we will fight for a good settlement on his behalf at the end of the claim.

In other job injury news at our firm, accident lawyers have agreed to take on a case for a worker who was injured while working at a metal products company. The claimant was hurt while lifting a heavy object.

Our client was seen an emergency room is now having follow-up treatment with his own physician. He's missed six weeks of work due to the accident, and he could miss more work in the future.

If you have been hurt on the job in Illinois, contact the Chicago work injury attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to a lawyer now.

A national report is highlighting a point often lost when it comes to talking about teen driving safety: many of the victims of Chicago car accidents involving teenagers are not teens and are not passengers in a teen's vehicle.

They are victims of all sorts of poor driving decisions made by teenagers, including drunk driving, speeding, aggressive driving and distracted driving. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers frequently report, both here and on our sister site, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, regarding the dangers teens face behind the wheel.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers. And when it comes to being involved in a serious or fatal accident, teens are at the highest risk of all motorists except those over the age of 75.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 164 motorists were killed in Illinois car accidents involving teenagers in 2008. Of those, 80 were teen drivers and 39 were passengers in a teen's vehicle. But 37 other motorists were killed, as were eight non-occupants, including bicyclists and pedestrians.

Those statistics agree with the results of the study published in Health News Digest. According to research by State Farm Insurance and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, about 30 percent of those killed in accidents involving teenagers were not in the teen's vehicle.

Nationwide, nearly 700,000 people are involved in a crash with a teenager each year and more than 40,000 are injured.

"When most people think about those affected by teen driver crashes, they think of the teens behind the wheel. We must also consider the significant impact of these crashes on other members of our communities: occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road-users," said Dennis Durbin, a co-author of the report. "Whether or not we have a teen driver in our family, we should all care about this issue. This report provides a concrete way to measure the effectiveness of laws, education, and other programs in reducing teen crashes and their impact on communities."

The report cites reducing speeding and alcohol use as critical to stemming the tide of teen car accidents. Eliminating distracted driving and increasing seat-belt use were also cited.

Continue reading " Innocent often victimized in Chicago car accidents caused by teens " »

Un informe nacional destaca un punto que a menudo se pierde cuando se trata de hablar sobre la seguridad en la conducción de los adolescentes: muchas de las víctimas de accidentes de tráfico en Chicago que implican a los adolescentes no son adolescentes y no son pasajeros en el vehículo de un adolescente.

Son víctimas de todo tipo de malas decisiones de conducción realizadas por los adolescentes, incluyendo conducir borracho, exceso de velocidad, la conducción agresiva y la conducción distraída. Nuestros abogados de heridas personales en Chicago con informan con frecuencia, tanto aquí como en nuestra pagina hermana, Accidentes Automovilísticos en Chicago blog de abogados, con respeto a los peligros que enfrentan los adolescentes al volante.

Los accidentes automovilísticos son la causa principal de muerte entre los adolescentes. Y cuando se trata de estar involucrado en un accidente grave o fatal, los adolescentes están expuestos al mayor riesgo de todos los conductores, excepto los mayores de 75 años.

El National Highway Traffic Safety Administration informa que 164 motoristas murieron en accidentes de coche en Illinois involucrando adolescentes en 2008. De ellos, 80 eran conductores adolescentes y 39 eran pasajeros en el vehículo de un adolescente. Pero otros 37 conductores matados, como fueron ocho no ocupantes, incluidos los ciclistas y peatones.

Esas estadísticas están de acuerdo con los resultados del estudio publicado en Health News Digest. Según una investigación realizada por State Farm Insurance y el Hospital de Niños de Philadelfia, el 30 por ciento de los muertos en accidentes relacionados con los adolescentes no estaban en el vehículo del adolescente.

A nivel nacional, casi 700,000 personas están involucradas en un accidente con un adolescente cada año y más de 40,000 heridos.

"Cuando la mayoría de la gente piensa de las personas afectadas por accidentes de conductores adolescentes, piensan de los adolescentes en el volante. También debemos considerar el impacto de estos accidentes a otros miembros de nuestras comunidades. Ocupantes de otros vehículos, peatones, ciclistas y otros usuarios de la carretera ", dice Dennis Durbin, un co-autor del informe.
"Si tenemos o no un conductor adolescente en nuestra familia, todos deben preocuparse por este asunto. Este informe ofrece una manera concreta de medir la eficacia de las leyes, la educación y otros programas en la reducción de accidentes de adolescentes y su impacto en las comunidades."

El informe cita la reducción de exceso de velocidad y el consumo de alcohol como fundamental para detener la ola de accidentes automovilísticos de adolescentes. Eliminación de conducir distraido y aumentar el uso del cinturón de seguridad también fueron citados.

Si usted o un ser querido ha sido herido en un accidente, los abogados de heridas personales de Illinois en Abels & Annes ofrecen evaluaciones gratís para discutir sus derechos. Llame al (312) 924-7575. No hay que pagar a menos que gane.

Un informe nacional destaca un punto que a menudo se pierde cuando se trata de hablar sobre la seguridad en la conducción de los adolescentes: muchas de las víctimas de accidentes de tráfico en Chicago que implican a los adolescentes no son adolescentes y no son pasajeros en el vehículo de un adolescente.

Son víctimas de todo tipo de malas decisiones de conducción realizadas por los adolescentes, incluyendo conducir borracho, exceso de velocidad, la conducción agresiva y la conducción distraída. Nuestros abogados de heridas personales en Chicago con informan con frecuencia, tanto aquí como en nuestra pagina hermana, Accidentes Automovilísticos en Chicago blog de abogados, con respeto a los peligros que enfrentan los adolescentes al volante.

Los accidentes automovilísticos son la causa principal de muerte entre los adolescentes. Y cuando se trata de estar involucrado en un accidente grave o fatal, los adolescentes están expuestos al mayor riesgo de todos los conductores, excepto los mayores de 75 años.

El National Highway Traffic Safety Administration informa que 164 motoristas murieron en accidentes de coche en Illinois involucrando adolescentes en 2008. De ellos, 80 eran conductores adolescentes y 39 eran pasajeros en el vehículo de un adolescente. Pero otros 37 conductores matados, como fueron ocho no ocupantes, incluidos los ciclistas y peatones.

Esas estadísticas están de acuerdo con los resultados del estudio publicado en Health News Digest. Según una investigación realizada por State Farm Insurance y el Hospital de Niños de Philadelfia, el 30 por ciento de los muertos en accidentes relacionados con los adolescentes no estaban en el vehículo del adolescente.

A nivel nacional, casi 700,000 personas están involucradas en un accidente con un adolescente cada año y más de 40,000 heridos.

"Cuando la mayoría de la gente piensa de las personas afectadas por accidentes de conductores adolescentes, piensan de los adolescentes en el volante. También debemos considerar el impacto de estos accidentes a otros miembros de nuestras comunidades. Ocupantes de otros vehículos, peatones, ciclistas y otros usuarios de la carretera ", dice Dennis Durbin, un co-autor del informe.
"Si tenemos o no un conductor adolescente en nuestra familia, todos deben preocuparse por este asunto. Este informe ofrece una manera concreta de medir la eficacia de las leyes, la educación y otros programas en la reducción de accidentes de adolescentes y su impacto en las comunidades."

El informe cita la reducción de exceso de velocidad y el consumo de alcohol como fundamental para detener la ola de accidentes automovilísticos de adolescentes. Eliminación de conducir distraido y aumentar el uso del cinturón de seguridad también fueron citados.

Si usted o un ser querido ha sido herido en un accidente, los abogados de heridas personales de Illinois en Abels & Annes ofrecen evaluaciones gratís para discutir sus derechos. Llame al (312) 924-7575. No hay que pagar a menos que gane.

A Chicago area school bus accident has resulted six children being injured and hospitalized, according to Tribune Local. The collision occurred Tuesday morning in North Suburban Vernon Hills, and all children have since been released from Advocate Condell Medical Center.

It is being reported that a vehicle was trying to avoid hitting a school bus that veered into its lane when it slid on a snow-covered highway and struck the bus. The school bus involved was from District 73 and was carrying approximately 20 students to Aspen Elementary School. The incident took place around 7:40 AM.

Police are stating that the bus driver may have entered the other driver's lane to avoid a snow pile. The Vernon Hills Police Department and the Countryside Fire Department responded to the scene of the accident. In addition to the six children transported to the hospital, three kids were treated and released at the scene. Both drivers involved in the Illinois bus crash were reportedly uninjured.

The police investigation is ongoing. It was not reported if any traffic citations were issued.

Un accidente de autobús en el área de Chicago ha resultado en seis niños heridos y hospitalizados, según el Tribune local. El choque ocurrió el martes por la mañana en Suburbio Norte de Vernon Hills, y todos los niños han sido liberados de Advocate Condell Medical Center.

Se ha reportado que un vehículo estaba tratando de evitar chocar contra un autobús escolar que se desvió en su carril cuando se deslizó en una carretera cubierta de nieve y golpeó al autobús. El autobús escolar involucrado fue del Distrito 73 y llevaba aproximadamente 20 estudiantes de Aspen Elementary Scool. El incidente paso alrededor de las 7:40 AM.

La policía está diciendo que el conductor del autobús puede haber entrado en el carril del otro conductor para evitar una pila de nieve. El Departamento de Policía de Vernon Hills y el Departamento de Bomberos de Countryside respondieron en la escena del accidente. Además de los seis niños transportados al hospital, tres niños fueron atendidos y dados en la escena. Los dos pilotos involucrados en el accidente de autobús de Illinois resultaron ilesos.

La investigación policial está en curso. No se ha informado si emitieron citaciones de tráfico.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers hail the government's long-overdue decision to require data recorders to track hours of service for long-haul truckers.

Fatigued truck drivers are a significant danger throughout Illinois and increase the risk of car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 380,000 large trucks were involved in accidents in 2008, claiming more than 4,000 lives and injuring 90,000.

For decades, the government has relied upon a system of hand-written log books to enforce hours-of-service regulations. The rules limit the hours per day and per week that a trucker can remain behind the wheel. When combined with the fact that truckers are typically paid by the mile -- and therefore make the most money for traveling the furthest distance in the shortest amount of time -- the antiquated system has become a mockery that is ripe for abuse and routinely exposes innocent motorists to exhausted drivers barreling down the highway in 80,000 pound tractor trailers.

"We cannot protect our roadways when commercial truck and bus companies exceed hours-of-service rules," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This proposal would make our roads safer by ensuring that carriers traveling across state lines are using EOBRs to track the hours their drivers spend behind the wheel."

The electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) are in use by several carriers nationwide and can be mandated for truckers or trucking companies that are found in violation of hours-of-service rules. But the new regulations will mandate the recorders for 500,000 carriers nationwide. Violations could result in a fine of up to $11,000.

"This proposal is an important step in our efforts to raise the safety bar for commercial carriers and drivers," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "We believe broader use of EOBRs would give carriers and drivers an effective tool to strengthen their HOS compliance."

Safety organizations -- including Road Safe America, which was founded by parents who lost their child in an accident with a tractor-trailer, have been pushing for the move for years.

The organization is now encouraging the government to use the data recorders in conjunction with mechanical speed-limiters, saying the two issues go hand-in-hand.

Continue reading " Mandated data recorders for truckers could reduce number of Chicago car accidents " »

A pair of Chicago car accidents occurred in the pre-dawn darkness Monday morning when two vehicles slammed into a pitch-black train blocking a crossing without lights, gates or other warning signals, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have reported on the high risk motorists in Illinois face at the state's railroad crossings. As we reported earlier this year here on our Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, Chicago train accidents increased last year.

Seventy-six crashes with trains were reported during the first nine months of last year, claiming 17 lives and injuring dozens of others. We reported earlier this year on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog that Illinois is under federal mandate to improve safety at railroad crossings.

That federal smackdown came after nearly 100 people were killed at 855 railroad crossing accidents in Illinois between 2006 and 2008.

In this case, the black train was stopped across a dark and quiet intersection. Motorists reportedly had no warning when, shortly after 3 a.m., first one car, then a second car approaching from the opposite direction, slammed into the train. The crash occurred in the 9000 block of South Halsted Street. Four people were injured.

The Federal Railroad Administration said the automated gates and warnings were not functioning because of a buildup of road salt. However, nearby residents said the gates have been malfunctioning for weeks.

One victim, who was being treated at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, for injuries to his head, neck, back, shoulders and knee, said he plowed into the train at 35 mph in his Nissan Maxima. He was trying to pry his passenger door open and climb out when he heard the southbound car smash into the train on the other side.

Continue reading " Pair of Chicago car accidents caused by night train parked in crossing " »

Un par de accidentes de tráfico en Chicago ocurrieron en la oscuridad antes del amanecer, el lunes por la mañana cuando dos vehículos se estrellarón contra un tren negro bloqueando un cruce sin luces, puertas u otras señales de advertencia, informa el Chicago Tribune.

Nuestros abogados de heridas personales en Chicago han informado sobre los conductores de alto riesgo en el rostro de Illinois en los cruces de ferrocarril del estado. Como se informó a principios de este año aquí en nuestro blog de abogados de heridas personal, los accidentes de tren en Chicago aumentó el año pasado.

Setenta y seis accidentes con trenes fueron reportados durante los primeros nueve meses del año pasado, reclamando 17 vidas e hiriendo a docenas más. Hemos informado a principios de este año en nuestro blog de Abogados en Accidentes Automovilísticos en Chicago que Illinois esta bajo de mandato federal para mejorar la seguridad en los cruces de ferrocarril.

El Smackdown federal se produjo después de casi 100 personas murieron en 855 accidentes en el cruce de ferrocarril en Illinois entre 2006 y 2008.

En este caso, el tren negro se detuvo en una intersección oscuro y silencioso. Los conductores no tuvieron ninguna advertencia cuando, poco después de las 3am, en primer lugar un coche, a continuación, un segundo coche se acerca desde la dirección opuesta, se estrellarón contra el tren. El accidente ocurrió en la cuadra 9000 de South Halsted Street. Cuatro personas resultaron heridas.

La Administración Federal de Ferrocarriles dijo que las puertas automáticas y advertencias no estaban funcionando debido a una acumulación de sal del camino. Sin embargo, residentes de la zona dijieron que el mal funcionamiento de las puertas han han estado fallandosemanas.

Una de las víctimas, que estaba tratado en Christ Medical Center en Oak Lawn, por heridas en la cabeza, cuello, espalda, hombros y la rodilla, dijo que se estrelló contra el tren a 35 mph en su Nissan Maxima. Estaba tratando de abrir la puerta de pasajeros y salir cuando oyó el accidente de coche en el tren hacia el sur en el otro lado.

Si usted o un miembro de la familia han sido heridos en un accidente automovilístico en Chicago, contacte a Abels & Annes para una cita gratís y confidencial para hablar de sus derechos. Llame al (866) 99-Abels. No hay que pagar a menos que gane.

Un accidente de peaton en Chicago ha llegado a un caso fatal de conducta agresiva del camino en el lado oeste de la ciudad de Chicago, informa el Chicago Tribune.

Los medios informan que el peatón de 20 años de edad, fue disparado y matado después de ser atropellado por un automóvil en la cuadra 700 de South California Avenue, y luego discutir con el conductor. La víctima fue encontrada en South Sacramento Avenue poco antes de las 9am.

La policía dice que la víctima fue golpeado y derribado por un vehículo que pasa. No estaba herido de gravedad y al parecer comenzó a discutir con el conductor, quien salió del vehículo y le disparó. Fue llevado a John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital de Cook County, donde fue declarado muerto.

La policía no ha publicado información sobre el sospechoso.

Hay una gran diferencia entre rabia del camino, que por lo general implica un acto criminal, y la conducción agresiva, de que todos somos culpables en algún momento. El National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reconoce muchas formas de manejo agresivo, incluyendo exceso de velocidad, conducir demasiado rápido para las condiciones, fiestas, y no usar luces de giro.

En lo que el invierno sigue, nuestros abogados de heridas personales en Chicago recuerdan a los automovilistas que respiran profundo y se relajen. La impaciencia conduce accidentes y da todo tipo de malas decisiones de manejo.

El gobierno ofrece una serie de consejos de seguridad para hacer frente a los conductores agresivos, incluyendo:

No fuerza el problema: Salga fuera del camino de un conductor agresivo.

No desafía: Ponga su orgullo a un lado. No trate de mantener su propia o de otra manera recusar a un conductor agresivo.

-Mantenga sus ojos en el camino: no haga contacto visual con un conductor agresivo. Esto a veces puede aumentar la agresividad.

-Mantenga las manos a ti mismo: Los gestos deben ser ignoradas y no deben ser devueltos.

-Póngase en contacto con las autoridades: un conductor agresivo es tan peligroso como un conductor borracho y debe ser reportado a las autoridades a través de 911 tan pronto como sea seguro para un conductor hacerlo.

Consejos de seguridad de conducción agresiva en Chicago están disponibles aquí.

Continue reading " Conducta agresiva del camino termina en disparo de peaton después de un accidente en Chicago, informa la policía. " »

A Chicago pedestrian accident has reportedly led to a fatal case of road rage on the city's West Side, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The media is reporting the 20-year-old pedestrian was shot and killed after being struck by a car in the 700 block of South California Avenue, and then arguing with the driver. The victim was found on South Sacramento Avenue shortly before 9 a.m.

Police say the victim was struck and knocked to the ground by a passing vehicle. He was not seriously hurt and reportedly began arguing with the driver, who then climbed out of the vehicle and shot him. He was taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have not released information about the suspect.

There is a big difference between Road Rage, which typically involves a criminal act, and aggressive driving, which we are all guilty of at some point in time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recognizes many forms of aggressive driving, including speeding, driving too fast for conditions, tailgating, not using turn signals and driving too fast for conditions.

As winter wears on, our Chicago personal injury lawyers remind motorists to take a deep breath and relax. Impatience too often leads to accidents and can lead to all sorts of poor driving decisions.

The government offers a number of safety tips for dealing with aggressive drivers, including:

-Don't force the issue: Get out of an aggressive driver's way.

-Don't challenge: Put your pride aside. Don't attempt to hold your own or otherwise challenge an aggressive driver.

-Keep your eyes on the road: Don't make eye contact with an aggressive driver. This can sometimes increase the aggression.

-Keep your hands to yourself: Gestures should be ignored and should not be returned.

-Contact authorities: An aggressive driver is just as dangerous as a drunk driver and should be reported to authorities via 911 as soon as it is safe for a driver to pull over and do so.

Chicago aggressive driving safety tips are available here.

Continue reading " Road Rage ends in shooting of pedestrian after Chicago accident, police report " »

Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers at Abels & Annes have signed on to represent a woman that was hit by a taxicab on February 12, 2011 in front of 3209 N. Halsted Street. The cab driver never stopped to help her and fled the scene of the accident.

The pedestrian victim, a woman from the North Side, had just been dropped off by another taxicab at the time. As her taxi pulled away, she was immediately struck by another cab passing by that was white in color. While there were several witnesses to the accident, no one was able to take down the cab number or license plate.

Our client remembers nothing immediately after the accident, was knocked unconscious and woke up over three hours later at Illinois Masonic Medical Center. She sustained head, neck and back injuries in the accident. She is also experiencing severe headaches, facial bruising and left leg swelling. She was kept in the hospital for two days after the incident.

Our client is hoping that any witnesses to the Chicago hit-and-run accident would contact either the Chicago Police Department or her Illinois personal injury lawyers at 312-924-7575.

Mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel has a plan to expand Chicago's bicycle network that would reduce the number of Chicago bicycle accidents and give the city 100 miles of protected bike lanes by the end of his first term, the Sun-Times reported.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have reported on the great strides made in turning the area into one of the nation's best cycling cities. Still, bicycle accidents remain a real threat to the health and safety of those who cycle for fun, transportation or fitness.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports 1,460 Chicago bicycle accidents occurred in 2009, claiming 5 lives and injuring nearly 1,400.

Emanuel's plan includes the creation of the Bloomingdale Trail -- a $75 million, 2.65-mile trail built along Bloomingdale Avenue for cyclists traveling downtown and for school children traveling to one of the dozen schools nearby. He also wants to require downtown buildings to offer bike storage. A similar law has been passed in New York City and was successful in increasing the number of commuter cyclists.

NYC's plan included adding 200 miles of bile lanes. Transportation Alternatives reports the improvements increased the average number of daily cyclists to 236,000 -- up 28 percent from the 185,000 daily cyclists the previous year.

The number of miles traveled by bike also increased, from 1.4 million to 1.8 million.

Authorities increasingly see cycling as a viable option to reduce congestion. But, while the number of other types of fatal accident has declined in recent years, the increasing popularity of cycling has held fatality numbers constant at between 700 and 800 per year. In 2008, 716 cyclists were killed and more than 52,000 were injured in bicycle accidents nationwide.

Middle-aged men are now the most likely to be killed in a bicycle accident; that age has increased from 32 in 1998 to 41 in 2008. Nearly two-thirds of all bicycle fatalities now involve an adult between the ages of 25 and 64.

Continue reading " Emanuel would add 100 miles of cycling trails, reduce Chicago bicycle accidents " »

Illinois premises liability attorneys at Abels & Annes have resolved a Cook County personal injury lawsuit for $72,500.

The case arises out of a trip and fall that occurred back on October 9, 2008 at an indoor soccer facility in Chicago. Our client was playing soccer when he tripped and fell over a ridge/bump in the playing surface that was similar to bunched up carpeting approximately 2 inches in height.

The lawsuit alleged that the playing surface should have been flat even and that precautions should have been taken to ensure the surface remained good condition, such as reasonable inspections and repair. Further there were no signs or other warnings posted to notify players of the condition.

Immediately after the Chicago trip and fall accident, the plaintiff developed left ankle pain. Other soccer players took our client to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment. X-rays at the ER revealed our client sustained a fractured ankle. Due to the severity of the fracture, our client had to undergo surgery to repair the ankle.

If you've been injured in a Chicago trip and fall accident or an Illinois slip and fall incident, contact the premises liability attorneys at Abels & Annes for free consultation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to a Chicago personal injury lawyer now.

Fewer Chicago car accidents are being reported at intersections as red-light cameras are being credited for reducing fatal intersection accidents by 24 percent in 14 of the nation's largest cities, ABC7 reported.

As our Chicago personal injury lawyers reported last year, red-light cameras at Chicago intersections number about 200, with plans to install the cameras at numerous intersections in suburbia. Detractors say the cameras increase the risk of rear-end collisions, are an invasion of privacy, and are in place to provide millions in citation revenue to local governments.

However, Time Magazine reports the study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety concluded the cameras have saved 159 lives in the last five years and would have saved 815 lives had they been installed in the nation's 99 cities with populations over 200,000.

"The cities that have the courage to use red light cameras despite the political backlash are saving lives," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

The study found 22 fewer fatal Chicago car accidents were blamed on red-light runners with the cameras in operation from 2004 to 2008 than the 69 deaths that were reported from 1992 to 1996. A reduction of 32 percent. And, perhaps debunking the myth of the increase in rear-end collisions, the report found the total number of fatal intersection crashes also declined slightly, from 175 to 170.

However, don't count the ACLU among the supporters. Forbes Magazine reports Chicago's emergency management officials are busy defending the cameras after an ACLU report blasted the network over privacy concerns and a lack of regulations.

To that end, the IIHS argues traffic offenders should not be portrayed as victims.

"Somehow, the people who get tickets because they have broken the law have been cast as the victims," Lund says. "We rarely hear about the real victims — the people who are killed or injured by these lawbreakers."

Red-light runners killed 676 people and injured more than 113,000 in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Continue reading " Red-light cameras reducing number of fatal Chicago car accidents, study finds " »

An in Illinois school bus versus car accident that occurred on a inbound Dan Ryan Expressway today has claimed the life of one person and injured two children, according to the Chicago Tribune. The collision occurred this afternoon when a motor vehicle struck the rear of a stalled school bus.

The bus was broken down in the left lane and left shoulder in the area of 75th Street. No students were on the stalled bus at the time of the bus crash, which occurred around 2:20 PM.

Rescue workers that responded to the scene had to use tools to extricate the occupants of the car, as it had become wedged underneath the bus. Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle died at the accident site. Two children, ages eight and nine, were rushed by ambulance to Comer Children's Hospital, reportedly in critical condition.

Police shut down northbound traffic on the expressway to investigate and reconstruct the accident, issued warnings to motorists to use alternative routes, and indicated lanes could be closed from 2 to 4 hours.

The Illinois state police are handling the crash investigation. It has not reported what caused the bus to break down or how far the stalled vehicle was protruding into moving lanes of traffic.

Read the story as reported by the Chicago Sun Times here.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration unveiled new technology last week that could someday eliminate the threat of drunk driving car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys frequently report on the dangers of drunk driving crashes in Illinois. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports alcohol was involved in 42 percent of fatal Illinois car crashes in 2009. A total of 381 motorists were killed as a result of drunk driving crashes.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports at least 85 people were killed and 316 seriously injured in Chicago car accidents involving alcohol or drugs in 2009.

As authorities continue to look for ways to reduce the dangers of traffic crashes involving alcohol, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working to develop the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS).

Unlike ignition interlock devices -- which are temporarily placed in the cars of some repeat DUI offenders and test for the presence of alcohol before the car will start -- the DADSS is designed as standard equipment installed by the manufacturer. Prototypes work by either passively testing a drivers breath for the presence of alcohol or by touch, such as a thumbprint.

"Drunk driving continues to be a national tragedy that needlessly claims the lives of thousands of people on our highways each year," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We need to put an end to it."

Federal data shows drivers in fatal accidents with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of .08 are eight times more likely to have been previously convicted of DUI than drivers who did not test positive for the presence of alcohol at the time of a crash.

The research has the support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other road-safety organizations. "Auto makers have stepped up to help turn cars into the cure," said MADD President Laura Dean-Mooney. "This project has made substantial progress and this technology could one day be an important step in our efforts to eliminate drunk driving."

The $10 million government effort is being conducted in conjunction with the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, which is an industry group representing most of the world's auto manufacturers.

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland called it the "new frontier" in automotive safety but cautioned it won't replace common sense.

"Whatever the future holds for these advanced drunk driving prevention technologies, one thing remains clear; no technology can, or should, ever replace a driver’s personal responsibility not to drive drunk," Strickland said.

Continue reading " Chicago drunk driving car accidents could someday be eliminated by new technology " »

Chicago premises liability attorneys at our office reported last week that a toddler was seriously injured in Joliet after falling down an elevator shaft in a hotel. The Naperville Sun is now reporting that a switch that was used by the child to open the elevator door should have been locked at the time of the accident.

The safety issue was disclosed by Joliet's chief building inspector, who is stating that the failure to have the switch locked was a code violation. He also stated that the switch should have been shielded or should have required a key to work.

Elevators in Joliet are reportedly inspected by private companies that are licensed by the state, and not inspected by the city itself. Due to this accident, the fire marshal has temporarily suspended the licenses of two inspectors as it continues to investigate this Joliet elevator incident.

The two-year-old boy was injured when he walked out of a room, got into the elevator and began pressing buttons. At some point he flipped emergency switch and the elevator stopped between floors and the doors opened. This created an opening that the boy went through and then fell 30 feet into the basement.

The child survived and is being treated for his injuries at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

It is not been reported if a Chicago personal injury lawyer is involved in the case yet or if a civil lawsuit has been filed.

An Illinois truck versus pedestrian accident has resulted in the death of a 44-year-old man in the Bridgeport neighborhood, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The accident happened just before 3 PM on Wednesday in the 2800 block of S. Archer Ave.

The pedestrian was hit by a Chicago Department of Transportation truck. The city employee remained at the scene until police arrived. The Chicago Police Department issued the driver tickets for operating a vehicle in reverse and for striking a pedestrian. The name of the truck driver has not been released. It was also not reported whether the truck involved was out clearing snow after this week's blizzard.

The pedestrian victim died at the scene of the accident, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. An autopsy is scheduled for today. The name of the victim has not been released.

The Chicago Police Department's major accident investigation unit is handling the investigation.

It has not been reported when the city driver is scheduled to appear in traffic court or if a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney is involved in the case yet.

While Super Bowl Sunday will not be as chaotic with the Bears out of the picture, the fact remains that the biggest football day of the year is also among the most dangerous days for Chicago car accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers urge party hosts and football fans to celebrate responsibly, designate a driver and avoid drinking and driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is partnering with the NFL, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a number of other organizations in promoting the safety campaign, "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk."

"Football is one of America’s favorite pastimes, but fans can put themselves in serious danger if they don’t plan ahead," said David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator." Whether you’re at the game or watching from a sports bar or a friend’s house, designate a sober driver before the game. And remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk."

Nationwide, about one-third of all traffic fatalities involves a drunk driver. Nationwide, about 11,000 people a year are killed in drunk driving accidents, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Alcohol involvement was cited in more than 4 in 10 fatal crashes in Illinois in 2009, accounting for 381 of 911 fatalities.

The following safety tips have been adapted from information provided by the NHTSA:

-Leave your keys at home if you plan to drink and have a plan before setting out for the evening.

-Put the phone numbers for local cab companies in your phone.

-If you are hosting a party, offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks.

-Never serves drinks to a guest under the age of 21.

-Set a time to stop serving alcohol, say at the end of the third quarter or an hour before the end of the coffee. Serve coffee and dessert.

-Do what's necessary to prevent a party guest from drinking and driving.

-Have a place for guests to spend the night if necessary.

Continue reading " Chicago car accidents a danger during Super Bowl weekend " »