Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Investigators are searching for answers in the aftermath of a deadly train accident between a tractor-trailer and a Chicago to California bound Amtrak that left 6 dead and many others injured.

According to the San Francisco Gate, the train vs. truck crash occurred at 11:30 a.m. on June 24th on a remote highway crossing 70 miles east of Reno, Nevada. The crossing gate and blinking safety lights were functioning and initiated 25 seconds before the train reached the crossing. Investigators are not sure why the truck driver failed to heed to the warnings in time even as other trucks in the convoy did.

The two other truck drivers and the train’s engineer looked on helplessly as the tractor trailer slammed into the double-decker Amtrak passenger train and burst into flames. The driver applied the brakes too late and skidded for the length of a football field before the collision. The resulting fire was intense enough to keep search teams from entering the wreckage until Saturday, after the two train cars burned out. Among the dead were the truck driver, the train’s conductor, and some of the estimated 195 passengers on board. An exact passenger estimate is difficult to ascertain as Amtrak does not record the amount of passengers that actually board the train.

The National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, is now investigating exactly what caused the seemingly avoidable crash. Investigators are focusing on the driver of the truck, including his medical and driving history, training, experience, toxicology report, and cell phone log. Investigators are currently baffled as to why the driver was unable to see the oncoming train on a clear day with functioning warnings. Reuters is reporting that the driver had received five traffic citations while driving commercial vehicles in the past three years. Three of those tickets were speeding citations received as he drove a school bus.

The driver worked for John Davis Trucking Co. in Battle Mountain, Nev., a family owned company that specializes in hauling ore from local mines. According to CNN, records indicate that the company has had 19 previous safety violations and had a fatal single-vehicle accident in May. One such citation was issued for operating a truck with tire treads so bare that it had to be taken off the road. Investigators are set to meet with representatives of the trucking company this week in an attempt to gain records on the driver and investigate the company itself.

Authorities are not entirely sure whether it was human error or a mechanical failure that caused the crash, and it may take the NTSB a year to pinpoint the probable cause. Lawyers are already investigating the incident to determine who is at fault so that they may seek compensation for the injured passengers and the devastated families who lost their loved ones in the tragic accident.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration’s online database, an average of 163 accidents have occurred at Illinois rail crossings since 2001, with a total of 270 fatalities over that period. In 2009, there were 1,896 incidents at public highway-rail crossings in the United States that resulted in 247 deaths. The entire FRA database may be explored by going to their website.

It is important to note that Illinois has many busy railway crossings and their safety mechanisms can malfunction. Drivers must not let their familiarity with crossings lull them into a false sense of security. Never attempt to cross a rail after the warning has sounded, even if the gate has not come down yet, and always keep watch for unexpected trains. Human error is an ever-present danger that must be respected.

Continue reading " Cause of deadly collision between Chicago to California Amtrak train and semi truck still unknown " »

Fewer motorists are expected to hit the roads this Fourth of July weekend than last, but it's all relative; with AAA estimating 39 million Americans on the road you are still at greater risk for a Chicago car accident through the long travel weekend.

The Chicago Tribune reports higher gas prices and the shaky economy are to blame for the 1 million fewer drivers expected to travel at least 50 miles from home.

AAA Chicago estimates 1.9 million drivers will hit the road in Illinois -- 3.3 percent fewer than last year. While gas in the Chicago area has fallen by 29 cents in recent weeks -- to an average of $3.93 a gallon -- that's still 37 cents more than the national average and nearly $1 a gallon higher than last year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 32 Illinois traffic fatalities over the 2009 Fourth of July holiday period.

While our Chicago personal injury lawyers wish each of you a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend, we also would like to remind you of risks away from the road.

Chicago fireworks injuries: Last year, 135 people were seriously injured in Illinois fireworks accidents, according to the State Fire Marshal Even those fireworks people often think of as harmless were responsible for serious injuries, including sparklers (13) and bottle rockets (16). Seventy-eight people suffered serious burns, 10 suffered loss of eyesight and six suffered dismemberment.

More than half of those injured in Illinois fireworks accidents were under the age of 21. Injuries to the hands, fingers and eyes were most common.

Illinois Boating Accidents: Independence Day is the height of the summer boating season in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports a total of 102 boating accidents in 2009 -- claiming 25 lives and injuring 70. Common causes are drinking and boating, lack of training and failure to wear life vests or follow other established safety procedures. If your weekend plans involve being out on the water, please stay safe and take responsibility for making sure those around you are safe as well.

Chicago swimming pool accidents: Family gatherings this time of year often occur at the home with the pool. As such, many are not familiar with pool safety. Children are at particularly high risk. An adult should always be assigned to watch children. Even those using small backyard portable pools. CNN recently reported that more than 244 submersion accidents involving small portable pools have been reported in the last decade. In 209 cases, the incident resulted in a fatality.

Continue reading " Chicago Injury Attorneys Wish you a Safe and Enjoyable Fourth of July " »

An Illinois pedestrian injury attorney at Abels & Annes has reached a $95,000 settlement on behalf of one of our clients.

The claim arises out of a truck vs. pedestrian collision which took place in Chicago on June 18, 2009 at approximately 6:54 a.m. There was plenty of light, the road was straight and flat and visibility was good.

The defendant was driving his truck northbound on Monticello approaching Leland in Chicago, Illinois. This is a quiet residential neighborhood. The trucker had a stop sign for northbound Monticello at Leland and stopped. The was walking eastbound across Monticello in the marked pedestrian crosswalk. He had crossed almost the entire street and had crossed in front of most of the defendant's truck when he suddenly accelerated and struck the pedestrian. The front end of the truck, on the passenger side, struck our client on his right side. The plaintiff was fully within the marked crosswalk when he was struck.

The force of the impact threw the pedestrian to the pavement. He had an immediate onset of back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. The truck driver was issued traffic tickets for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and for failing to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian. The at fault driver later pleaded guilty to his tickets in traffic court.

The trucker failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to remain stopped until it was safe to proceed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including the Plaintiff.

Following the collision our client had an immediate onset of back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain. He was transported from the scene of the collision by ambulance to Swedish Covenant Hospital.

At the ER the plaintiff complained of back, neck and shoulder pain. A history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic testing was performed. X-rays showed some loss of disc height in the lumbar spine and straightening of the lordotic curve of the cervical spine. He was initially diagnosed with lumbar and cervical strain. He was instructed to stay off work for a couple of days, prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medication and instructed to seek follow up care after discharge.

Over the next couple days the plaintiff's condition worsened and his back pain started radiating into his right leg. Due to his increasing pain and discomfort he saw follow-up treatment with an orthopedic physician on June 22, 2009. The doctor prescribed pain medication and recommended therapy.

Our client started therapy in June, 2009. Initially his main complaints were of low back pain radiating into his entire right leg and neck pain. The pain was exacerbated with movement. His pain was especially bad with sitting and activities such as putting his shoes and socks on. A course of therapy was prescribed to address his injuries. He continued to treat with the therapist over the next several months. Despite this ongoing treatment he did not experience any significant relief of his injuries.

Continue reading " Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer settles case at mediation " »

Cars acquire more and more technology every day. Some of this technology proves to help save the lives of pedestrians, like the rear-view cameras, while others many do nothing more than help you to check your Facebook while driving. Either way, these technological advancements are in high demand by consumers nationwide and our vehicles come with more distractions with each passing year.

David Strickland, the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, says enough is enough. He says these unnecessary and unsafe technology do nothing more than increase your risks of being involved in a car accident in Illinois or elsewhere in the United States. He recently voiced his opinion on these new technologies at Telematics Detroit 2011. This probably wasn't the best choice of audience to speak to about this topic as the attendees of this conference only look to enhance the use of such products inside the vehicle. Strickland wants to halt the progression of motor vehicles into rolling infotainment centers.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys understand the argument. But we also understand the argument of Telematics Detroit 2011. Some of these devices that have been recently introduced to motor vehicles do help to safely navigate on our roadways , like Global Positioning System navigation, automated emergency notification and internal diagnostics. However, there are a number of other new features that many safe driving advocates would argue only take driver attention away from the road, like a number of on-board systems for entertainment and social media.

"I'm just putting everyone on notice,” Strickland said, choosing his words carefully and ironically, “A car is not a mobile device."

Safe driving advocates refer to the Chevy Cruze ad when speaking about these unsafe technologies now being added to vehicles. This was a commercial that debuted during the Super Bowl. It showed a guy, driving in his car, receiving his Facebook updates. Even though the built in app read them to him while driving, many still believe that the hands-free device is potentially distracting.

The Telematics Conference preaches the exact opposite message, stating that these features make driving easier and safer because people are going to engage in these acts while driving anyways. As a matter of fact, their website title reads, "Telematics is Here to Stay! Take Note of Consumer Demands As the Car Becomes the Ultimate Mobile Device."

“I'm not in the business of helping people tweet better,” said Strickland. “I'm not in the business of helping people post on Facebook better.”

Most of the new gadgets that are being installed in these cars are indeed hands-free, which is one of their main selling points. Manufacturers claim that they're only making driving safer because hands-free is a whole lot better than thumbing through your smart-phone while trying to drive.

According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety studies, hands-free devices may eliminate some of the physical distraction, but not they do nothing to eliminate cognitive distraction. For this reason, the Institute says that drivers on the phone, whether hands-free or not, are still at an increased risk for a motor-vehicle accident.

Continue reading " Hands-Free Vehicle Technologies -- Still Causing Car Accidents in Illinois and Elsewhere? " »

It's no longer a secret that a number of drivers in Illinois have no idea what they're doing behind the wheel of a car. According to the 2011 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test, our state ranked 41st out of all 50 states. Our state's average was a 75.8 percent, meaning that roughly one in four drivers on our roadways would not score well on a written driver's exam if they were to take it today. Drivers with poor knowledge and awareness increase the risk that you will be involved in a car accident in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois.

”The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test has become the benchmark for America's driving IQ,” said Scott Eckman, chief marketing officer, GMAC Insurance. ”All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to rules of the road and it begins with education. We're hoping this year's GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test results will inspire drivers to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe.”

Our Chicago car accident attorneys believe that our state's drivers can do much better this year with a little studying and practice. Our state scored below the nation's average by 2.1 percent. These dangerous driving habits of ours can be reversed with the right mindset. Drivers are urged to familiarize themselves with the current road rules and regulations in attempt to reduce the risks of a serious or fatal car accident.

Nationwide, the test scores revealed that approximately 20 percent of the tested drivers would be unable to pass a written drivers exam if they were to take it today. They were unable to meet the minimum requirements to get a driver's license in their state. This 20 percent equates nearly 37 million licensed American drivers on our roadways.

While our country's score did increase from a 76.2 percent in 2010 to a 77.9 percent for this year's average, the failing population still accounts for far too many drivers. After this year's test results were released, it was concluded that nearly 90 percent of drivers were unable to identify what the proper action would be when pulling up to a steady yellow light. Another 25 percent of drivers were unable to identify what a proper following distance was.

Once again, Kansas took first place with an average state score of 82.9 percent. New York was bumped from last place, after 3 consecutive last place rankings, by Washington D.C. with an average score of 71.8 percent.

GMAC Insurance uses the National Drivers Test to remind all drivers that it may be time for them to re-up their driving skills as many of us "forget" what may be expected of us on our roadways.

The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test concluded the following:

-Older drivers, or those ages 60- to 65-years-old, are some of the most knowledgeable on our roadways as nationally they averaged the highest test scores at 80.3 percent.

-Men tested better than women. Women only returned an average test score of 74.1 percent while men averaged at an 80.2 percent.

-The Northeast region of the county has some of the worst drivers, or at least the worst test average. They submitted an average test score of 74.9 percent.

-The Midwest region of the country had some of the highest test scores as they averaged a score of 77.5 percent.

-After three years in last place, New York moved to 45th place in the country. Last place is now held by Washington D.C.

-Wyoming had the lowest percentage of failures. Only one in twenty tested failed.

Try taking the National Drivers Test for yourself and see where you score stands up against the country's average.

Continue reading " Illinois Ranks in Bottom 10 for Educated Drivers; More Chicago Car Accidents Likely Result " »

We are currently in the middle of the Nation Safety Council's National Safety Month.

June 19th through the 25th is designated to raise awareness of slips, trips and falls. These types of incidents are a common occurrence for personal injury claims in Chicago and elsewhere in the country. As a matter of fact, falls are the number one cause of unintentional injury in the United States. These incidents result in nearly 9 million visits to hospital emergency rooms every year.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers would like to remind residents that these types of incidents can occur virtually anywhere. Someone can experience a serious injury from falling because of mopped floors, broken sidewalks and parking lots, defective stairways, spills on the floor, unnatural accumulations of ice or snow, or other types of unmarked hazards. Business owners in certain circumstances can be held responsible as it is their responsibility to keep the public safe on their grounds.

The older population, those ages 55 and older, are more prone to being a victim of a serious fall. These falls can change a person's life dramatically and for the worse -- too often diminishing one's ability to lead and active and independent life. Residents in this age group experience four times as many deaths resulting from falls than those in any other age group.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 percent of adults over the age of 60 will fall. It is these types of falls that can result in serious injury, including, head traumas and hip fractures. These falls can greatly increase the risk of an early death.

Falls may be more common than you think:

-More than 2 million people experienced nonfatal falls that resulted in injury in 2009. These people were treated emergency rooms. More than 580,000 of these people were treated in the hospital.

-There were more than 18,000 older adults that died from injuries sustained from these unintentional falls.

-Falls experienced by people 65-years-old and older make up the leading cause injury death in this age group. These falls are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.

-The death rates of older adults from falls has risen dramatically over the last 10 years.

-Direct medical costs from these slip and falls cost Nearly $20 billion for nonfatal injuries and nearly $180 million for fatal falls.

How can older adults help to prevent these falls?:

-Have your eyes examines by an eye doctor. Be sure to make an appointment at least once a year to update your eyeglasses to maximize your vision.

-Make sure you exercise regularly. Exercises that focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance are most important.

-Make sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.

-Be sure that you're regularly screened and/or treated for osteoporosis.

-Make your home is safe as possible by reducing all tripping hazards. You can also add grab bars and railings. It wouldn't hurt to enhance the lighting in your house either.

-Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your current medicines. Be sure to include both prescription and over-the counter medicines. Consulting with a physician can help to reduce side effects and interactions that may cause dangerous dizziness or drowsiness.

Continue reading " National Safety Months Aims to Reduce Risks of Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago and Elsewhere " »

A new video, "Faces of Distracted Driving," was recently released by the U.S. Department of Transportation in an attempt to reduce the number of car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere throughout the country that are caused by drivers that aren't paying attention behind the wheel.

The new PSA features Charlene Sligting-Doud, who is a National Safety Council victim advocate. She became a safety advocate for the group back in 2007 after his father, John Sligting, was killed in a motorcycle accident. The cause of the accident? A distracted driver. His father's motorcycle was cut off by a teen driver who, when using a cell phone behind the wheel, ran his vehicle straight through a stop sign. The safety advocate is using this video to urge drivers to make a vow to be cell phone free behind the wheel in celebration of the upcoming Father's Day and in honor of all of the victims of distracted driving accidents.

Our Illinois personal injury lawyers understand that distracted driving is a common, and deadly, habit that creates serious risks for everyone on the road. Distraction.gov reports, nearly 5,500 people were killed in motor-vehicle accidents involving distracted driving in the United Stated in 2009. Another 448,000 people were injured on our roadways because of inattentive driving.

“My father was a hero to many,” said Sligting-Doud. “He served in the military, he was a firefighter and he was an amazing father. Losing him devastated my family. People need to put their cell phones down and focus on the task of driving. Don’t spend Father’s Day sharing memories – spend Father’s Day making memories.”

According to the National Safety Council, those who text while driving are at particularly high risk. More than 100,000 accidents happen each year because of the cell phone texts. An additional 1.2 million crashes involved a cell phone as the form of distraction for an accident.

“John Sligting was a beloved father and grandfather whose life was cut short because of distracted driving,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I applaud Charlene for all of the work she is doing to raise awareness about this deadly epidemic, and I hope that everyone who hears about the loss of her father will remember to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their focus on driving this Father’s Day weekend.”

Charlene Sligting-Doud also manages the HEARTS Network at the National Safety Council. Honoring Everyone Affected, Rallying the Survivors, or HEARTS, discusses real-life stories from victims who have all had their lives changed by traffic accidents that involved a teen driver.

Facts illustrating the dangers of distracted driving:

-Out of all the deaths resulting from distracted driving accidents, nearly 1,000 of these incidents reported a cell phone as the driver distraction. This counted for nearly 20 percent of all of the distraction-related accidents.

-Drivers that are using a hand-held device while driving a motor-vehicle are four times more likely to get into an accident serious enough to injure themselves.

-Roughly 20 percent of all the injury accidents that were reported in 2009 involved a distracted driver.

-The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drivers under the age of 20 have the greatest proportion of distracted drivers that were involved in fatal accidents.

-Using a cell phone behind the wheel gives a driver the same reaction time as someone who is driving while legally drunk.

Continue reading " Drivers Asked to Put Down Cell Phones in Honor of Father's Day and Chicago Distracted Driving Accident Victims " »

A Chicago police officer was hurt on Wednesday morning after being involved in an Illinois pedestrian accident, according to the Chicago Tribune. A driver allegedly struck the officer while turning his vehicle in an attempt to avoid a traffic safety check. After the collision, the motorist fled the scene of the accident.

The police officer, a 19 year veteran who works out of the near north police district, was in the middle of a traffic stop when he was hit around 2:10 AM in the 1500 block of N. Sheffield Ave. The offender was driving a Jaguar in the Goose Island neighborhood near several nightclubs and taverns.

The injured officer was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he received medical care for serious injuries to his legs.

The at fault driver was taken into police custody after a police chase that ended in the 3000 block of S. Princeton Ave., more than 5 miles from the scene of the accident. Police reportedly discharged their weapons during the chase, but it has not been reported if the motorist was hit by gunfire. The driver was injured, but a Fraternal Order of Police spokesperson on the scene said the injuries might have been from a shattered car window.

Criminal charges have not yet been filed. Depending on the severity of the injuries, it is very possible that the state's attorney's office could file felony charges.

Hit-and-run accidents continue to be an issue in the Chicago area and throughout the State of Illinois. Drivers flee accident scenes for variety of reasons, some because they have no auto insurance, some because they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, some because they are just scared and panic.

In this case, the decision to avoid a routine safety check was very poor judgment on the driver's part. If he had stopped for the safety check, he most likely would have received a minor traffic citation, if even that. But his decision to flee now will have serious consequences, and even a possible incarceration. Further, the injured police officer will likely pursue a civil claim against the driver and his insurance carrier.

If involved in an accident where you are at fault, it is always the smart move to stay and exchange information with the other driver and make a police report, as required by law. When drivers flee the scene of an accident, it only makes matters worse. What starts as a minor moving violation and a claim against your insurance carrier can sometimes turn into a significant crime.

Just this week the Illinois car crash lawyers at Abels & Annes signed on to represent a pedestrian that was injured in a Chicago hit-and-run accident. The accident took place on June 12 just after 1:30 AM in the 4300 block of N. Mozart St.

Our client had just exited the vehicle when in impatient driver try to pass by without waiting, and struck our client with his vehicle. Unfortunately, the pedestrian sustained significant injuries.

He was seen at Swedish Covenant Hospital for severe neck pain. Several CAT scans were taken, which showed he sustained a spinal fracture collision. The client is now following up with an orthopedic physician in Chicago.

STORY UPDATE: 6/15/2011, the Chicago breaking news center is reporting that the hit-and-run driver, a 32-year-old Chicago man, is been charged with attempted murder of a police officer, aggravated battery to a police officer, aggravated fleeing the scene and eluding police, resisting arrest and many other moving violations.

Chicago police were performing a seat belt check when they saw the defendant was not properly belted and instructed him to pull over. The defendant then drove his Jaguar into a police officer that was in uniform. The officer was thrown onto the hood and held on as the vehicle pulled away. The Jaguar then made a sudden turn and the officer was thrown into the street.

The hit-and-run driver had an outstanding warrant on a bribery and weapons charge, and was also driving on a suspended license. This is likely the reason why he tried to flee the scene.

The Windy City has once again been named one of the nation's Top 10 cycling cities as safety advocates and others continue to work together to add cycling infrastructure and reduce the risk of Chicago bicycle accidents.

Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers have reported on a number of initiatives recently, including the announcement that protected bike lanes would be coming to Chicago -- the first of at least 100 miles of protected bike lanes planned by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Bicycle Magazine announced the Top 10 cities are Minneapolis, Portland, Boulder, Seattle, Eugene, San Francisco, Madison, New York City, Tucson and Chicago. It's the second year in a row the city ranked 10th best in the nation.

"One of my top priorities as mayor is to create a bike network that allows every Chicagoan -- from kids on their first ride to senior citizens on their way to the grocery store -- to feel safe on our streets," Emanuel said. "When you hop on your bike this year, please remember to bike responsibly, with care for yourself and your fellow Chicagoans."

The City of Chicago has more than 110 miles of on-street bike lanes, more than 30 miles of shared bike lanes, and many miles of off-street paths -- including the Lakefront Trail, which is nearly 20 miles. The city also has installed and maintained 12,000 bike racks and has sheltered bike parking at many CTA rail stations, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.

While the vast majority of accidents are caused by careless or inattentive drivers, the city also recently began a crackdown on cyclists as authorities push safety through the summer riding months, the Chicago Tribune reported. Police handed out 240 warnings and 1 ticket during the two-hour morning rush.

The city DOT reports about 1,300 Chicago bicycle accidents occur each year -- about five riders are killed. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers understand that many more are very seriously injured -- a number that could continue to climb with the popularity of cycling unless there continues to be significant emphasis on safety.

Resources

Lake Front Trail Map

Chicago Bicycle Laws

Continue reading " Windy City Rated Near Top by Cyclists; Advocates Work to Reduce Risk of Chicago Bicycle Accidents " »

Chicago trucking accidents are a summer hazard, as more of us hit the road through the warm summer months. Teenagers and younger, less experienced drivers, may be at particularly high risk. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is urging teens, parents and other safety advocates to talk about the risks of trucking accidents in Illinois and elsewhere.

Our Chicago accident attorneys have reported about the high risk of teen car accidents over the long summer break. But when it comes to semis and other large commercial trucks, we are all at high risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports nearly 3,400 were killed and 74,000 injured in 300,000 commercial trucking accidents in 2009.

Of those, more than 80 percent were occupants of passenger vehicles involved in crashes with large trucks, or were non-occupants, such as bicyclists or pedestrians. Illinois trucking accidents claimed 90 lives in 2009.

The FMCSA reports a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds -- 20 times the weight of a passenger car -- and can require twice as long to stop. Trucks also have large blind spots, which can result in passing accidents.

“We want everyone to be safe, but as newer drivers, teens must adhere to a few simple rules,” said Anne Ferro, Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. “They are: buckle up, don’t drink and drive; don’t speed, don’t text or use your phone, and steer clear of a truck’s blind spots.”

Federal statistics show the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest days of the year for teen drivers. An average of 16 teens die on the nation's roads each day during the summer -- twice as many as are killed during the rest of the year. In the last 5 years, nearly 4,000 motorists between the ages of 16 and 24 have been killed in crashes with large trucks.

Just this week, a 21-year-old Chicago man was killed while driving a minivan in Milwaukee after his vehicle was involved in a crash with three semis, the Oak Creek Patch reported.

"Prom, graduation, and summer are fantastic times for youth to celebrate and enjoy. However, with these fun times come unfortunate tragedies,” said Sandy Spavone, President of the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS). “Through education, enforcement, and legislation lives can be saved and injuries prevented."

Continue reading " Chicago Trucking Accidents a Summer Danger - Young Drivers at Highest Risk " »

A 34-year-old Naperville woman has been charged with sexually abusing four students while she was employed as a teacher at a Christian school on the Northwest Side, according to the Chicago Sun-Times and several other media outlets. She has been charged with four counts of criminal sexual assault.

A Cook County Judge set bail on Tuesday at $1.5 million. The defendant is to appear in court next on June 27.

The teacher's brother, age 27, who was also employed at the school has been charged with one count of criminal sexual abuse.

The defendant teacher was employed as a teacher at Dayspring Christian Academy, which is located in the 5100 block of W. Fullerton Ave. She was employed there up until March of 2011, according to a spokesperson for the Cook County State's Attorney's office. It is being alleged that she sexually assaulted three girls and a boy several years ago. The four children were all students and members of a church next door called the Daysping Church.

Chicago police officials are stating that the sexual abuse began in the late 1990s but was not reported until April, 2011. It is being alleged that the former teacher gave the minors alcohol and performed sexual acts on them in her home, in the children's homes and in her car.

It Is being alleged that she had sexual intercourse with the male victim for about a year when he was between the ages of 15 and 16. At one point she babysat for him and his sister when their parents were out of town.

The abuse of one of the female victims started in 1998 when the girl was 15 years old. The defendant had taught her in the seventh and eighth grade. The abusive relationship lasted until 2001.

In 2003, when the teacher was age 26, she allegedly abused another 15-year-old girl while her parents were away. That sexually abusive relationship lasted until 2006.

She next allegedly abused a 14-year-old girl who was a church member and the teacher's student in the sixth and eighth grades. The abuse lasted until March, 2007 when the victim's family moved away.

The Academy where teacher was employed enrolls students from pre-K to 12th grade. School officials have made no comments regarding the allegations.

NBC news is reporting that a third person was questioned by police, but later released with no charges filed.

The Chicago Tribune is stating that the ages of victims were between 13 and 17. Further, they report that the defendant's brother allegedly abused a student who is now age 23.

The teacher supposedly has no past criminal history. The defendant's husband stated outside of court that his wife has had some psychological problems in the past, but recently started treating with a therapist.

The consequences of sexual abuse to a child can be devastating and last long into adulthood. There can be both emotional and psychological issues, and the abuse can cause negative behavioral changes at home and at school. Victims are more likely to suffer from depression, think about suicide, and become an alcohol and drug abuser. According to the federal government, over 40% of sex abuse victims are under the age of 18 and over 90% of child victims know the abuser.

Lawyers at our firm have become very familiar with the effects of sex abuse, as we currently represent several victims in lawsuits against the Chicago Archdiocese. Our firm also represents a student that was sexually abused by a suburban school bus driver, and a downstate teenager that was abused by a church employee.

An Illinois bus crash has resulted in injuries to 20 people, according to msnbc.com. The collision took place on the Dan Ryan Expressway northbound local lanes at 47th Street on Sunday around 6 PM.

Ambulances took the injured to area hospitals. 12 of the people hurt were in fair condition, and 8 were good condition. Another 31 passengers on the bus refused treatment. None of the injuries are supposed to be serious, according to representatives from the Chicago Fire Department. Those hurt were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Holy Cross, St. Bernard Hospital and University of Chicago Hospitals.

Once the fire department arrived they initiated an emergency response plan that sent 20 ambulances to the scene.

Northbound traffic on the expressway had to be temporarily closed, reopening around 7:30 PM. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the incident involved the tour bus and two other vehicles. The bus was traveling behind the other vehicles, when for reasons not reported one of the vehicles spun out. This caused the tour bus to strike the vehicle and then hit a median. One of the vehicles fled the scene of the accident.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the bus was traveling to Chinatown from the Majestic Star Casino in Gary, Indiana. The casino bus is run by Royal Excursion of Mishawaka, Indiana.

One passenger on the bus stated that it quickly swerved, knocking people around. One elderly woman ended up on the floor and had to be removed on a stretcher by paramedics.

Bus accidents don't happen often, but when they do it can be a very scary experience for all those on board. Passengers typically do not have the benefit of seat belts, which can lead to being thrown around the cabin, making them more susceptible to injuries.

According to IDOT, in the year 2009 there were a total of 2,528 bus accidents in Illinois (non-school bus related). In those collisions, 608 people were injured and seven were killed. Further, 2 of those killed and 576 of those injured were bus occupants.

As far as school buses are concerned, there were 1557 accidents in 2009 where 291 people were injured and 2 were killed. No school bus occupants died and 242 were hurt.

Statistics for the year 2010 have not yet been released.

It has not been reported if any Chicago bus crash attorneys are involved in the case or if any civil claims have been filed.

Accident lawyers at Abels & Annes have signed on to represent a South Side resident that was recently injured in a car crash. The collision occurred at 79th and Claremont.

The plaintiff was traveling southbound on Claremont in her Hyundai Sonata when the defendant, who was eastbound on 79th, failed to yield the right-of-way coming out a stop sign. Southbound traffic had no stop sign.

The Chicago Police Department investigated the accident. After speaking to all parties involved, they placed the defendant at fault.

After the incident, our client had an immediate onset of severe neck pain, headaches and generally ached all over. She was seen shortly after at Metro South Medical Center in Blue Island. At the ER she was examined by physicians who diagnosed her with muscle strain due to a motor vehicle accident. She was prescribed pain medication and told to follow-up with a physician.

Over the days following the collision, her neck pain did not decrease. She sought follow up treatment with a medical doctor in the Chicago area. The physician prescribed a course of physical therapy and also recommended an MRI due to the severity of the pain.

Our office will be pursuing a negligence claim against the defendant and her auto insurance carrier. Many of the auto accident claims we handle start off like this one. A motorist has been injured in a collision and he or she is having severe pain that requires medical attention.

MRI results will usually determine if this is a soft tissue case (neck sprain/strain), or if she sustained a more serious injury such as a herniated disc or a protruding disc in her cervical spine.

If the MRI is negative, she will most likely go through a course of physical therapy and her condition would typically improve over the coming months.

If a scan shows a client sustained more serious injury, her medical treatment could move forward in a variety of directions. Often, if she does not improve in therapy, a physician could recommend steroid injections to help alleviate the pain. If that doesn't work, the next option could be surgery.

More often than not the injuries sustained in a fender bender end up being soft tissue nature. However, once in a while our clients' injuries are more serious.

You've sustained a back or neck injury in an Illinois traffic collision, contact the accident lawyers at Abels & Annes for free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to a lawyer now.

A semi truck vs. car accident that occurred in downstate Illinois has resulted in the death of two girls and injuries to six others, according to herald-review.com. Illinois state police are saying that the victims fatally injured were ages 12 and 15 years old, both from Mattoon. The collision occurred on Illinois 316 just west of Loxa on the morning of June 1.

The two victims were traveling in a van that was involved in a collision with a semi truck. The van rolled over in the accident, ejecting seven people. The driver of the van, a 26-year-old woman from Mattoon, was reportedly in a hurry and passed a vehicle traveling east bound. The driver lost control of her van and then entered the westbound lane.
When the van crossed the center line, a semi truck was passing by in the opposite direction. The trucker was unable to avoid striking the van, making contact with the rear passenger side the vehicle. The van then rolled into a ditch on the North side of the highway.

Troopers ticketed the van driver for improper lane usage, no valid drivers license, driving an uninsured vehicle, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt. The accident is still being investigated. At least 5 of the occupants were not wearing seat belts. Due to the fatalities and seat belt violations, it is possible that the Coles County State's Attorney's office could upgrade the charges against the at fault driver.

One of the girls fatally injured was helicoptered to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, and the other was taken by Mattoon Fire Department ambulance to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. The others injured were taken to the same to hospitals by ambulance.

While our hearts go out to the victims and their families, a case like this raises several issues.

First, there is a basic safety issue. A crash like this reminds us of the need to wear seat belts. There is the possibility that lives might have not been lost and injuries to others might not have been as severe if everyone was belted in the van.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State's office, nationally in 2008 child restraints and safety belts saved the lives of over 13,000 vehicle occupants over the age of 4. If properly used, child car seats reduce the risk of death by 54% for toddlers and by 71% for infants. Front seat shoulder belts reduce the risk of death by 45%, and reduce the risk of serious injuries by 50%.

In 2008 over 90% of drivers and passengers wore seat belts. Further, over 90% of children were placed in child passenger safety seats.

In 2009, 130,223 people were cited and convicted in Illinois for not wearing safety belts, and 5388 people were convicted for not properly placing their child in a car seat.

As far as a civil claim is concerned, it appears that the driver of the van was uninsured. If an Illinois personal injury lawyer gets involved in the case on behalf of one of the victims, he or she might explore the possibility of an uninsured motorist claim. There, the injured passenger can make a claim against his or her own family's auto insurance policy. Click here to read more about Illinois uninsured motorist claims.

The fatal Memorial Day weekend Chicago car accident being blamed on drunk driving is a tragic reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving as the summer travel season begins.

The Chicago Tribune reports the crash killed an infant whose first birthday was a week away and closed the Dan Ryan Expressway for hours over the holiday weekend.

The crash injured seven people -- the 1993 green two-door Oldsmobile was apparently overloaded as it traveled I-90/94. The 47-year-old driver reportedly lost control and struck a guardrail. Four women and four children were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash -- three of the four children were ejected.

While we often think of victim's in another vehicle when we think of car accidents, it is equally possible to file a claim against the driver of the vehicle you are riding in when a serious or fatal accident occurs. Speaking with a Chicago injury attorney as soon as possible after the crash is the best course of action for protecting your rights.

The accused driver is due in court to face charges of aggravated DUI for an accident causing death and reckless homicide.

ABC7 reports the crash occurred near 75th Street and backed up the outbound Dan Ryan for hours during Monday evening's busy holiday rush.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports one-third of the nation's fatal accidents involve alcohol, claiming nearly 11,000 lives in 2009.

Illinois car accidents involving alcohol claimed 381 lives that year -- 42 percent of the 911 motorists killed on the road. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is among the most dangerous times on the road.

Those ages 25 to 44 accounted for about half of all traffic fatalities involving alcohol in 2009. However, the 21- to 24-year-old age group had the highest percentage of drivers with alcohol in their system at the time of the crash -- 35 percent.

Not surprisingly, motorists at night were about three times more likely to be involved in a crash with a drunk driver. Weekend nights were most dangerous.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving ranks Illinois a dismal 37th when it comes to drunk driving safety. The organization reports the state has nearly 50,000 three-time DUI offenders.

Continue reading " Weekend DUI Chicago Car Accident Highlights Summer Dangers " »

Abogados de responsabilidad de local en Illinois de Abels & Annes, trabajando con compañeros de consejo, han presentado una demanda por negligencia en el Tribunal de Circuito del Condado de DuPage. El reclamo surge fuera de un incidente que ocurrió en junio de 2009 en Winfield, Illinois.

Nuestro cliente caminaba de un parking a un edificio profesional dentro de un cruce peatonal recién pintado en propiedad privada. Allí dio un paso en un hoyo grande en el cruce peatonal, causando que se cayéra y golpeara. El hoyo fue difícil de ver para la demandante, tan había sido pintado blanco como parte de una de las líneas del cruce peatonal.

Los dueños de la propiedad tuvieron el conocimiento de la condición peligrosa, como recientemente habian pintado el cruce peatonal, y así pintaron realmente el hoyo mismo. Fallaron de corregir la condición peligrosa y aún más fallarón de colocar aviso o proporcionar cualquier advertencia de la condición peligrosa.

El acusado era dueño de la propiedad, operó, manejo, mantenío y controló el local y fue aún más responsable de proporcionar un ambiente seguro y un medios seguro de acceso y salida a y de sus facilidades.

Después de que la demandante se cayó, inmediatamente tuvo un inicio de dolor al tobillo izquierdo, pierna derecha, mano derecha y hombro derecha. Fue tratada poco después de la caída en la sala de emergencia de Central DuPage Hospital.

Sobre la llegada en el Departamento de Emergencia una historia fue tomada, nuestro cliente fue revisada y examenes diagnósticas fueron tomadas. Se quejó de dolor de hombro y codo derecho, dolor de espinilla derecho y dolor de tobillo izquierdo. Inicialmente fue diagnosticada con una torcedura/esfuerzo del hombro derecho, torcedura/esfuerzo del codo derecho, contusión al espinilla derecho y una torcedura/esfuerzo del maléolo lateral izquierdo. Se le prescribió medicamentos para el dolor, se le aplico un aircast, le dieron muletas para ayudar en la movilidad y fue encargada de buscar tratamiento de seguimiento después de alta.

En los próximos días el dolor del cliente se empeoró. Ellá buscó tratamiento de seguimiento el 25 de junio de 2009 con su médico primario. Se informó de un estallido en su su rodilla derecha y dolor en ambos hombros. El médico le recetó medicamentos y un curso de terapia física.

Después de completar su terapia física la demandante siguió con su médico el 12 de octubre de 2009. En este momento ella continuó teniendo dolor de espalda que irradia hacia abajo su muslo lateral a la rodilla que afectaba sus actividades de vivir diariamente. Por causa de sus síntomas en curso el médico ordenó un MRI lumbar.

Nuestro cliente se sometió a un MRI el 6 de noviembre de 2009. El MRI reveló una protusión discal en L4-5; y una protusión discal en L5-S1 que comprime en la raíz del nervio. Ellá vio a su médico para el seguimiento después del MRI el 12 de noviembre de 2009. El recetó otro curso de terapia física pero notó que si sus síntomas persisten ellá necesitará inyecciones epidurales y últimamente una fusión espinal.

Después de su segundo curso de terapia física ella regresó a su médico con reclamos continuos de dolor lumbar irradiado en ambas piernas hasta las rodillas. Debido a sus síntomas progresivos el médico prescribió un curso de inyecciones epidurales lumbares. Un médico diferente realizó las inyecciones espinales, epidurales y lumbares en ella el 19 de febrero de 2010, el 7 de julio de 2010 y el 11 de agosto de 2010.

Siguiendo el curso de inyecciones epidurales nuestro cliente regresó a su médico el 14 de octubre de 2010. A pesar del tratamiento intervencionista ella continuó sufriendo de dolor lumbar bajo constante que irradia en su pierna derecha. Basado en su dolor progresivo el médico recomendó intervención quirúrgica, una fusión espinal en L5-S1.

La demandante quiere evitar la cirugía siempre que sea posible. Sin embargo, debido a la naturaleza crónica y permanente de su herida, su médico cree que finalmente sera sometida a cirugía de fusión espinal. Incluso con la cirugía ella puede continuar sufriendo de dolor y incapacidad permanente.

A consecuencia del accidente, nuestro cliente sostuvo más de $23,000 en cuentas médicas, además es estimado que su futuro costo de cirugía estará en el área de $45,000.

Debido a la falta de voluntad del acusado de hacer una oferta de arreglo justo y razonable, se presentó una demanda para maximizar la recuperación financiera del demandante.

Si ha sido herido en un accidente de tropiezó y caída o de resbalon y caída debido a la negligencia de un dueño de propiedad, contacte a los abogados de obligación de local en Abels & Annes para una consulta gratís. Llame al 312-924-7575 para hablar directamente con un abogado ahora.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has issued a warning to parents that our Chicago personal injury attorneys urge you to take to heart: The next 100 days are the deadliest of the year for teen drivers.

We frequently report the risk young people face when it comes to Chicago car crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for those ages 15 to 20.

Put another way, it's a statistic that bears repeating: Your child is most likely to die in a traffic accident this summer. Your child. This summer. Our Illinois wrongful death attorneys are all too familiar with such tragedies. Dealing with the death of a young person in a car accident is among the most horrific cases a law firm can handle.

In 2009, about 3,000 teenagers were killed and more than 350,000 were treated in emergency rooms as a result of traffic accidents. Nine of the 10 deadliest days for teens are between the months of May and August.

Please speak to your child early and often this summer.

-MADD reports 28 percent of Illinois teens between the ages of 12 and 20 report using alcohol within the past month and 20 percent -- or 1 in 5 -- admit to binge drinking in the last 30 days.

-Teens are among the worst offenders when it comes to distracted driving. MADD recommends banning the use of electronic devices, including cell phones, while behind the wheel. The government's Distracted Driving Website reports that 16 percent of those under 20 are distracted at the time of a crash.

-Limit night driving.

-Limit the number of passengers your teen is permitted to have in the vehicle.

-Set clear consequences for violating the rules.

-Consider using an Illinois teen driving contract with your teenager -- which will outline the expectations and penalties for violations.

-Set firm rules about seat belt use. Statistics show teens are among the worst offenders when it comes to not buckling up.

-Invest in insurance. While teen car insurance premiums can be a shock in their own right, buy a policy with limits as high as you can reasonably afford. Basic policies or mandatory minimums are a joke in the event of a serious accident -- you can spend $10,000 or more before the ambulance even gets you to the hospital.

Continue reading " MADD Calls for Parental Involvement to Reduce Teen Car Accidents during 100 Deadliest Days " »

The State of Illinois and other states around the country and urging businesses and communities to join the celebration of National Safety Month. The entire month of June will focus on various safety topics. This awareness month is being put on by the Illinois-based National Safety Council (NSC) in an attempt to increase the awareness of the top five causes of preventable injuries and death from accidents in Chicago and elsewhere.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers understand that there are a number of things that we can all do to help this world be a safer place for everyone, but preventable injuries continue to happen because of the negligence of others. Residents are urged to participate in the activities of this safety month and encourage friends, family and coworkers to get involved to help reduce the risks of these types of accidents.

Top 5 causes of preventable injury or death:

-Injuries in the summer time (June 1-4). Injuries and fatalities during this time of year usually see an increase as more residents are out of school, vacationing or are outside enjoying the summer weather.

-Overexertion (June 5 to 11). These types of injuries are the third leading cause of unintentional injuries as they typical result in sprains and strains in various areas of the body, especially in the lower back.

-Teen Driving Safety (June 12 to 18). The NSC feels that promoting safe teen driving on our roadways is critical as more than 5,500 people are killed every year in traffic accidents that involve a teen driver.

-Slips, Trips and Falls (June 19 to 25). These accidents are among the top causes of unintentional injuries that leave residents in emergency departments throughout the nation.

-Cell phone use by drivers (June 26 to 30). Traffic accidents are the number one cause of unintentional deaths in the United States and a large number of these accidents are caused by distracted drivers using cell phones. The NSC estimates that nearly 25 percent of all traffic accidents involve distracted driving.

These awareness weeks in the month of June come with supplemental safety material to help spread the word about the ways you can help to prevent these unnecessary injuries and deaths.

The NSC reports that the United States witnessed 50 percent more of these types of injuries last year, compared to 1992 -- nearly 87,000 unintentional injuries and fatalities. These preventable accidents cause residents and employers nearly $700 billion, an average of roughly $6,000 per American household.

Residents are urged to join "A Million Acts of Safety" to share your stories and to learn about new ways to help keep you and your loved ones safe in your home. These stories and advice are shared with those around the world.

An NSC safety calendar, found on their website, shows you all of the safety events that take place throughout the year.

Continue reading " National Safety Month Aims to Halt to Top Five Preventable Accidents in Chicago and Elsewhere " »