Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Drivers in Illinois, ages 18-years-old and older, are allowed to take their attention off the roadway and talk on their cell phone while behind the wheel of a car if they want. Well, everyone outside of Chicago is allowed to. That could all change very soon, if Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y. has her way.

She recently proposed a House bill that looks to federalize driving and cell phone usage, according to Auto Trends Magazine.

As it stands now, these are laws that are managed by individual states. Under the proposed legislation, the U.S. Department of Transportation would be required to set up a nationwide standard that would prohibit all cell phone use while driving. McCarthy's House bill aims to reduce the number of distracted driving car accidents in Illinois and elsewhere in the United States.

In the meantime, many local law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to raise awareness and enforcement efforts to push the laws that they do have. A number of recent studies have illustrated the effectiveness of more visible enforcement efforts.

Nearly 5,500 people were killed on U.S. roadways in 2009 alone because of car accidents that reported the involvement of a distracted driver, according to Distraction.gov. Another 448,000 people were injured because of these types of accidents. Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand that a nationwide ban on cell phone use by drivers has the potential to truly benefit the safety of everyone on our roadways. According to these statistics, roughly 20 percent of all injury crashes that happened in 2009 involved a distracted driver. These numbers can be drastically reduced with the proper awareness, laws and enforcement. No cell phone conversation is worth a human life.

“Driving while making a phone call, texting or using apps can be as dangerous as driving drunk, and much more common,” Rep. McCarthy said. “With some basic commonsense rules that are already in place in some parts of the country, we can reduce injuries and save lives in America.”

Safe driving advocates everywhere are stepping up awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts in an attempt to reduce the occurrence of this dangerous driving habit. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that a recent study returned dramatic reductions in distracted driving in both Syracuse, New York, and Hartford, Connecticut. These studies included two pilot projects that were used to measure the effect of increased law enforcement coupled with high-profile public education campaigns.

"These findings show that strong laws, combined with highly-visible police enforcement, can significantly reduce dangerous texting and cell phone use behind the wheel," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Based on these results, it is crystal clear that those who try to minimize this dangerous behavior are making a serious error in judgment, especially when half a million people are injured and thousands more are killed in distracted driving accidents."

Each of these programs was funded by $200,000 in federal funds and $100,000 from the state. The result proved that increased police enforcement accompanied by paid advertising and news media coverage indeed made a significant reduction in distracted driving. Television campaigns were aired and bulletin boards were posted to warn drivers about this dangerous driving habit and of the law enforcement crackdown on the behavior.

After the increased enforcement efforts:

-Syracuse, New York, witnessed that both handheld cell phone use and texting declined by one-third with just the use of high-visibility law enforcement.

-Hartford, Connecticut saw nearly a 60 percent decrease in handheld use. Texting by drivers decreased by nearly three-quarters.

"The success of these pilot programs clearly show that combining strong laws with strong enforcement can bring about a sea change in public attitudes and behavior," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "We applaud the work of the men and women of the Syracuse and Hartford police forces, and call on state legislatures, law enforcement and safety advocates across the nation to follow their lead."

Continue reading " Enforcement Efforts Increased to Reduce Risks of Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Illinois and Elsewhere " »

A train accident in Illinois took the lives of two elderly women earlier this week. The two women had just dropped off a friend before their car slammed through the crossing gates near 167th Street and Central Avenue, according to the Chicago Tribune. The seven-car train plowed into the vehicle and pushed it along the tracks for several hundred feet. The lead car eventually derailed but remained upright. The train was traveling at speeds of up to 96kph when the incident occurred.

There were 89 people aboard the train at the time of the accident. Seven were taken to various local hospitals with minor injuries. A number of passengers credited the driver with keeping the entire train from derailing. According to Metra officials, the track was bent as a result of the accident. It will have to undergo repairs before train services can resume. National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Keith Holloway says that federal officials have already been notified of the accident and are currently investigating the cause.

As we recently reported on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, Illinois is one of 10 states that has been ordered by the federal government to develop additional safety measures to reduce the number of fatal accidents that occur at railroad crossings. Neglecting to develop these new safety measures can result in a loss of funding.

Since 2006, Illinois has witnessed nearly 600 grade-crossing accidents involving trains, vehicles and/or pedestrians. These accidents have resulted in nearly 100 deaths. These statistics land Illinois at second place for the highest number of rail-crossing accidents in the nation.

In our state, roughly a quarter of all fatal train accidents have occurred at crossings with gates. About 75 percent of fatal train accents happened at crossings that have other types of traffic control devices, like signs and flashing lights.

Follow these safety tips to help prevent a collision at a railroad crossing:

-Never drive around gates that have been lowered. Not only is it illegal, but it can be deadly.

-Never race a train to the crossing.

-Only go through a crossing if you're sure you can safely cross the entire track.

-If your vehicle gets stuck on the tracks at a crossing, call your local law enforcement agency for assistance. You should only try to restart if you can post lookouts to warn of approaching trains.

-Be on the lookout for a second train when crossing multiple tracks.

-You should always expect a train on the track. Trains do not follow set schedules.

-Never ignore safety devices like lights, gates and bells.

-Only cross tracks at designated roadway crossings.

The http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/"target="_blank">Federal Highway Administration reports that there were nearly 2,000 incidents at public highway-rail crossings in the United States in 2009. These incidents resulted in nearly 250 deaths and more than 700 injuries. About 75 percent of these incidents happened during daytime hours.

Continue reading " Illinois Train Accident Claims the Lives of Two Elderly Women " »

Illinois bicycle crash attorneys at Abels & Annes have negotiated a settlement on behalf of a cyclist and tri-athlete injured in a crash caused by a negligent motorist. The case settled for the insurance policy limits of the at fault driver, as well as additional compensation from her own under-insured motorist policy.

The accident took place on July 24, 2009, as the victim was traveling eastbound in a marked bicycle lane through the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Sangamon Street in Chicago, Illinois. A woman traveling westbound in a 2005 Nissan Ultima failed to properly yield to the cyclist, who had the right of way, causing her left hand and right knee to strike the car on impact. The victim’s momentum then took her up and over the hood before landing on her back, right shoulder, right head/helmet, and left hand. Following the collision, the victim had an immediate onset of right knee and left hand pain, swelling and bruising, head pain, and multiple lacerations and abrasion. She was then transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center by ambulance.

At the hospital, x-rays and CT scans were administered which came up negative for any fractures or brain/spine damage. After a night in the hospital, she was provided a pair of crutches, a prescription for pain medication, and instructions to follow-up with a doctor before being discharged.

Due to ongoing right knee pain, the woman went to see a doctor on August 14, 2009, who ordered an MRI scan for a possible meniscal tear. She also complained of low back pain that was radiating down into her right knee and lower leg. These injuries made it difficult for her to turn with a fixed foot, squat, or lie in bed at night, which was especially difficult for her as a tri-athlete. She described the pain in her left hand as constant. The August 19 MRI was luckily negative for serious injury. She was told to begin physical therapy and slowly increase her level of activity.

Over the next few months, the victim attended 21 physical therapy sessions between two locations and was still suffering from pain in her right knee and lower back. The pain was still persisting as of her latest evaluation on May 26, 2010, ten months after the accident, and still limiting her ability to compete in triathlons.

Our firm was able to settle with the at-fault driver for her entire policy limit of $25,000. In addition, the lawyers showed that the $25,000 was inadequate to fully compensate the victim for her injuries, and secured another $15,000 payment in under-insured motorist benefits from her own policy. The settlement allowed the victim to avoid litigation, and the court costs and stress that can come along with it.

Continue reading " Chicago bike accident lawyers secure $40,000 settlement " »

You may be inclined to take it easy this summer, and you deserve it. Whatever you do though, don't let down your guard behind the wheel.

Residents are more likely to die in a car accident in Illinois during the summer months. There are a number of things you can do to help protect yourself and your loved ones on our roadways during the next few months.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer, but we also ask that you use caution while traveling to and from your summer vacation destinations. Increased traffic during the summertime directly affects the number of fatal accidents on our roadways.

“During the summer months, weekends provide families and friends with an opportunity to come together and enjoy the warm weather,” said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. “….[As]the summer driving season shifts into gear, the Illinois State Police want to remind motorists to stay focused behind the wheel, obey all traffic laws and avoid unnecessary distractions. Our goal is to make the summer driving season as safe as possible.”

According to the 2009 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics report, more than 89,000 people were injured in traffic accident during the year. Rear-end collisions accounted for the highest number of injury accidents, resulting in nearly 30 percent of all injuries in 2009. These types of accidents were also responsible for a majority of property damage accidents, accounting again for nearly 30 percent of total crashes.

“The number of fatalities and injuries on Illinois roadways has declined in recent years due to many factors including effective traffic safety programs, excellent safety engineering, strategic partnerships with law enforcement and the fact that more motorists are buckling up today than ever before,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig in a release statement. “Even with these accomplishments, however, impaired driving is still responsible for far too many motor vehicle deaths and injuries across Illinois. IDOT stands firm in its goal to eradicate the senseless act of drinking and driving on Illinois roadways.”

Reader's Digest urges Motorists to keep these five driving hazards in mind when driving during the summer months:

-Look out for wild animals. As more vehicles travel our roadways during the next few months, your risk of hitting a deer, moose, or other wild animal greatly increases. You are urged to always be alert and focused when behind the wheel of your car.

“Drivers need to understand the type of area they are driving in and be aware of any signs or markings indicating the possibility of animal crossings,” he says.

According to State Farm there were 2.3 million collisions between deer and vehicles in the United States in 2009.

-Be cautious in wet weather. A number of accidents happen when drivers fail to adjust their driving behaviors to current weather conditions.

“If a hailstorm is bad enough that you can’t see the road, the safest thing might be to pull off to the side of the road and wait until driving conditions improve,” says Dan Bleier, a spokesperson for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "A little extra caution is bound to slow you down, “but being involved in a crash could end your trip entirely – or worse.”

You're also urged to clean the interior and exterior of your vehicle's windows, make sure that all of your lights and signals are working and to always turn on your headlights when visibility is poor.

-Never drive drowsy. It is estimated that two out of every five drivers report that they've fallen asleep at the wheel.

“About one in six fatal crashes involves a drowsy driver,” says Belier.

You are urged to pull over and stop driving or switch with a passenger if you start to feel sleepy at the wheel. You should be driving on at least 6 hours of rest and you should take a break every 100 miles or every two hours.

-Lookout for bicyclists.

Because these two-wheeled vehicles are smaller than your vehicle, you may have a hard time seeing them in your mirrors. Keep an eye out of these vulnerable travelers. Bicyclists also hit the open road in full force during the warm summer months. Chicago bicycle accidents are a common cause of serious and fatal injuries.

“Drivers should leave extra stopping space between themselves and riders because they (riders) have far less protection than those inside of other vehicles,” Bleier says.

-Watch your speed. Speeding is one of the top contributors to traffic accidents. It contributes to one out of every three reported traffic crashes.

“Drivers are focused on getting to their destination quickly, rather than getting to their destination safely,” says Bleier.

Continue reading " Heads Up to Drivers: Higher Risks for Summertime Car Accidents in Illinois " »

Distracted driving accidents have recently experienced a significant decrease in Syracuse, New York and Hartford, Connecticut, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Two pilot projects in these areas are proving that increased enforcement of distracted driving laws can have a significant impact.

Illinois distracted driving accidents remain a primary safety concern. Even though drivers in our state are banned from text-messaging and driving -- and Chicago drivers are banned from using a cell phone -- enforcement is spotty at best.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand that as technology advances, the risk of distracted driving accidents increases. To help combat this problem, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy is currently proposing a law that would enforce a ban nationwide.

She is currently seeking co-sponsors, no one from Illinois has jumped on that bandwagon yet. Verizon Wireless has already voiced its support of the policy, the Safe Drivers Act of 2011.

“We applaud Rep. McCarthy for introducing the Safe Drivers Act of 2011. While mobile devices bring great benefits to Americans’ lives, they must be used responsibly while driving. We’re pleased that Congresswoman McCarthy is championing this public safety measure, and we fully support her efforts to enact the Safe Drivers Act of 2011,” says Peter Davidson, Verizon senior vice president of federal government relations.

The studies conducted in Syracuse, New York and Hartford, Connecticut reveal that areas with strict enforcement of these types of rules typically see a lower fatality rate.

"These findings show that strong laws, combined with highly-visible police enforcement, can significantly reduce dangerous texting and cell phone use behind the wheel," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Based on these results, it is crystal clear that those who try to minimize this dangerous behavior are making a serious error in judgment, especially when half a million people are injured and thousands more are killed in distracted driving accidents."

The enforcement programs in these states were made possible by $200,000 in federal funds and $100,000 from the state. Each state studied driver habits based on increased police enforcement and public advertising about the effects of distracted driving. The pilot efforts included a "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other" campaign.

Distracted driving has be a large concern of some in our state. According to statistics from a Naperville North High School study of nearly 3,500 observed vehicles, nearly 200 drivers were witnessed talking on their cell phones and nearly 100 were observed texting behind the wheel.

“I try to show them how statistics are related to their lives,” said teacher Hiram Baird said.

Public awareness may be one of the first steps in enforcing these regulations and encouraging drivers to put down their phones.

"The success of these pilot programs clearly show that combining strong laws with strong enforcement can bring about a sea change in public attitudes and behavior," said National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Administrator David Strickland. "We applaud the work of the men and women of the Syracuse and Hartford police forces, and call on state legislatures, law enforcement and safety advocates across the nation to follow their lead."

According to the NHTSA, there were nearly 5,500 fatalities that resulted from accidents involving a distracted driver in 2009 alone. Another 500,000 people were injured in these accidents. Distracted driving accidents accounted for nearly 20 percent of the total traffic fatalities in 2009.

A nationwide ban and a pledge to strictly enforce this ban may be the only way to effectively prevent distracted driving accidents and deaths in our state and in our country.

Continue reading " More Enforcement Needed to Reduce Number of Illinois Distracted Driving Accidents " »

You may have heard about the "Drive Now. Text Later." campaign launched by theIllinois Tollway Authority, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State and AAA Chicago. This awareness campaign urges drivers to put down their cell phones and to stop texting behind the wheel in an attempt to reduce the risks of a car accident in Illinois.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys understand that drivers are already banned from using a cell phone and texting while driving within the city, but without strict enforcement efforts drivers will continue engaging in the dangerous driving habit and endangering motorists statewide. Statewide, motorists are forbidden from texting while driving and from using cell phones in school zones or at road construction sites. This campaign seeks to get the word out about the risks ... and the law.

Across the United States, nearly 5,500 people were killed in traffic accidents that reported the involvement of a distracted driver in 2009 alone. Another 500,000 people were injured in these accidents. These fatalities represent nearly 20 percent of all of the traffic fatalities for the entire year.

“We must adopt a no tolerance attitude on this issue,” said pediatric emergency physician Dr. Charles Nozicka. “We have to pay attention to the task at hand. Put the cell phone down. Stop texting and driving. One accident can change a life forever.”

Drivers under the age of 20 have the biggest proportion of distracted drivers. Nearly 20 percent of the drivers in this age group that were involved in a fatal accident were reported to have been driving while distracted, according to the Lake County News-Sun.

"This new challenge comes as a result of technology, and at face value, nothing really inherently dangerous, just your cell phone or your Blackberry. Let's be honest, texting and e-mailing isn't going to go away anytime soon and neither is talking on the phone," said Kristi Lafleur, Illinois Tollway Authority executive director.

Here are some tips to help you avoid being involved in a distracted driving accident:

-Put your cell phone in the glove box or in your center console, turned off, while you're driving. Think "out of sight, out of mind."

-Display a “Drive Now. Text Later.” campaign decal on your window to remind both yourself and other drivers to stop texting while driving. You can order one of these from the Illinois Tollway website.

-If you need to use your cell phone, pull over and stop in a safe location before you do.

-If you have to answer the phone while you're driving, do so on a hands-free device.

-Don't send or read any text messages while driving.

-If you're listening to the radio, use the volume and station buttons on the steering wheel instead of reaching for the center console.

“As an emergency physician and father of four, the issue of distracted driving has been a key component of my professional and parenting practice,” Nozicka said. “Life does not supply our teen drivers with a ‘reset button.’ Studies have shown that distracted driving is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.”

A distraction happens when you either take your eyes off the road, take your hands off the wheel or taking your mind off driving. Texting is the most deadly of distracting driving habits because it combines all three distractions simultaneously.

Continue reading " "Drive Now. Text Later." Campaign Aiming to Reduce Risks of Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Illinois " »

"During this heavy summer travel season, we will remain alert and remove from our roads any passenger bus or driver that places motorists at risk,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

As travel increases during these summer months, more bus accidents in Chicago and elsewhere are expected to occur. This is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and its state and local law enforcement partners conducted more than 3,000 surprise passenger carrier safety inspections. These inspections resulted in nearly 450 unsafe buses or drivers being removed from the nation’s roadways. Out-of-service citations were issued to 127 drivers and 315 vehicles during the surprise inspections.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys understand that many residents and visitors will be traveling through the city this summer as they get out and enjoy summer vacations. Passengers of these buses expect these companies to keep them safe and get them to their destination safely. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. A number of bus companies operate with unsafe vehicles and drivers not fit for the road. That's why the FMCSA steps in to push their safety rules and regulations on these companies to help to ensure passenger safety.

Motorcoaches transport roughly 750 million passengers ever year. Standards regulating roof strength, window glazing and a protected seating area reduce the risk of injury in an accident, according to the National Trasnportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The NTSB has placed bus accidents on their "most wanted" list. This list is a campaign that is used to raise awareness about preventable injury and to encourage states to increase their safety measures to regulate these companies. The FMSCA and the NTSB focus on these companies to help ensure the safety of all occupants. Both organizations continuously enforce new safety regulations and standards to make travel and equipment safer for these companies and for passengers.

As we recently reported on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, a recent Illinois bus crash resulted in injuries to 20 passengers. Although serious, that is a small portion of the accidents experienced throughout the entire year. In 2009 there were 2,528 bus accidents in Illinois (non-school bus related). These accidents resulted in 608 injuries and seven deaths.

"The public deserves safe passenger bus transportation every ride,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "FMCSA and its law enforcement partners will not rest until we weed out every unsafe passenger carrier and driver. Our ongoing strike force inspections are essential to protecting motorists and reaching our goal of zero fatalities involving commercial vehicles.”

In recent years, the FMSCA has upped the ante in these comprehensive safety reviews. It's estimated that our nation has about 4,000 passenger bus companies. The Administration has increased their safety inspection efforts from 12,991 roadside safety inspections of motorcoaches in 2005 to nearly 26,000 inspections in 2010.

In another effort to protect bus passengers, the Administration passed a new final rule that requires any driver that is applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL) to first have a commercial driver's learner's permit. The new rule also requires that every state licensing agency use a standardized CDL testing system and prohibits the use of foreign language interpreters to reduce the potential for testing fraud.

Safety is a top priority of the Department of Transportation. In an effort to increase and double check all safety measures, the DOT unveiled a new "Think Safety: Every Trip, Every Time." pre-trip safety checklist. This checklist is to help consumers review a bus company's safety record, safety rating and USDOT operating authority before they purchase a ticket.

The FMCSA has also banned commercial drivers from texting behind the wheel. They're also looking to enact a rule that would prohibit hand-held mobile phone use by all drivers. Through the Motorcoach Safety Action Plan, the Department has proposed rules that will require all buses to have seat belts and electronic on-board recorders. These recorders will be used to replace easily the falsified paper records of driver hours. Drowsy driving is a top contributor to these busing accidents.

Travelers are urged to look into busing companies. You're encouraged to look at their driving records, to look at their recent safety inspections and to look at the shape of their equipment. It may not always be your best bet to take the lowest priced company, but it's is always safest to travel with the most reliable company.

Continue reading " Research Companies before traveling this summer to avoid a Bus Accident in Chicago " »

52-year-old man died last Friday after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago. An autopsy concluded that the man died from multiple injuries after his motorcycle collided with a truck, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys understand that traffic accidents that involve these bikes often result in fatal injuries. Motorcyclists travel with much less protection than the occupants of passenger vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcyclists are often overlooked on our roadways. To prevent accident fatalities, it is a good idea for motorcyclists to wear the proper protective gear when hitting the road, even though it is not required by law. We also ask that all motorists be extra cautious during these summer months as we typically see more motorcyclists on our roadways because of the beautiful riding weather.

The National Transportation Safety Board recently placed motorcyclists on their "most wanted" list. This list is part of an awareness campaign that aims to rally support for action for states to adopt safety steps that can help to prevent a number of accidents.

Motorcycles only represent about 3 percent of all of the vehicles on our nation's roadways, but they account for nearly 15 percent of all highway deaths. From 1997 to 2009, the number of annual motorcycle deaths more than doubled from 2,116 to 4,462. It is estimated that more than 12 motorcyclists were killed every day during that time period. In 2009 alone, more than 600 motorcyclists were killed in the United States. Another 51,000 were injured in these motor-vehicle accidents.

A majority of these deaths occurred at non-intersections. More than 70 percent of these accidents happened during the daytime hours, between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The remaining fatalities happened during the nighttime hours. The average age of motorcyclists that were killed in 2009 was 41. This is a number that has seen a steady increase over the last 10 years. In 2009, Illinois witnessed 20 motorcyclist deaths.

The National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association encourage riders to wear motorcycle helmets. These organizations do not oppose laws mandating such use by minors. The Scripps Survey Research Center at Ohio University concluded that, even of those riders who had previously ridden a motorcycle without a helmet, more than 60 percent favored state requirements for motorcycle helmet use.

Continue reading " Multiple Injuries Take the Life of 52-Year-Old Man after Chicago Motorcycle Accident " »

A Chicago-area Baptist minister has been convicted in a child sexual abuse case in Lake County, Illinois. He told the judge that God would punish those who bore “false witness” against him in a trial that resulted in him being sentenced to 18 years for aggravated criminal sexual abuse and predatory criminal sexual assault against an 11 year-old girl, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The minister had preached at Baptist churches in North Chicago and Zion. The victim testified that the minister had told her that whatever they did would stay between them and she did not come forward until 11 months later because she was scared and embarrassed. After the girl’s mother first confronted the minister about the assault, he swore on the bible that he didn't abuse her.

The minister had signed a confession to the sexual assault at the Waukegan Police Department, but his defense attorney challenged the confession as the minister maintained his innocence. He never took the stand in his own defense, stating that he would rely on his faith to clear his name.

“I want this court to know when I am out, I will go back to trying to help people turn their life around,” the minister said before sentencing. “Whatever time is given to me, I will walk it upstandingly. I will walk it as God would have me.” He also prayed for mercy before the sentencing.

The assistant state's attorney prosecuting the case noted that the defendant asked for mercy at at the time of sentencing, but at the same time he had taken no responsibility for his actions.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the minister had a criminal history from the late 60s and early 70s for charges related to being in possession of stolen checks. The charges were out of the State of California where he served 18 months.

The minister’s attorney plans to appeal the conviction, stating that since the time of his arrest he has been helping others and has been a good influence on other jail inmates in Lake County.

Sexual abuse of minors by religious figures is an all too common news story in Chicago. According to one study, the Tribune reports that more than half of Chicago’s Roman Catholic Parishes have been served by a priest credibly accused of sexually abusing a child. This abuse is not limited to any one denomination, however, and instances of abuse have spread across many faiths.

Illinois sex abuse lawyers at office currently represents several young men who were abused by a Catholic priest when they were minors.

Unfortunately, many of the abused never come forward and do not get the psychological help they need to properly deal with the traumatic event. Often victims suffer from depression, abuse drugs and alcohol, and they are more likely to attempt suicide. Nationally, almost half of all sex abuse victims are under the age of 18, and over 90% of minor victims know their abuser.

Continue reading " Chicago-area Baptist minister sentenced to 18 years for sexual assault on a minor " »

Chicago reported nearly 4,500 DUI arrests in 2010, according to the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. Although this illustrates a 15 percent decrease from 2009, DUI's and drunk driving car accidents in Chicago are still a big problem and take the lives of too many innocent people on our roadways.

Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIIDS) have been placed in the vehicle of every first-time DUI offender since January of 2009. Since the law was first put into effect, the number of "BAIIDS" in Illinois quadrupled to 12,000 a year, according to ABC 7. This program isn't costing tax payers either, DUI offenders are required to pay for all of the costs to install and operate the BAIID devices. With this device, a convicted driver must blow into the car's breathalyzer so that it can measure the blood alcohol content before the car can be started.

This month, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has placed impaired drivers on its "Most Wanted" list. The most wanted list is part of an awareness campaign that aims to increase the public's awareness of, and support for, actions that can help prevent these drunk driving car accidents. Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand that drunk driving accidents can be easily prevented. No one has to drink and drive. Stopping these drivers may come down to stricter punishments for those who have already been busted.

That's exactly what the NTSB proposes. In an attempt to target these dangerous drivers, the NTSB encourages states to create comprehensive solutions for this problem. They recommend that states conduct sobriety checkpoints, especially during popular holiday periods. They also suggest that a state enact administrative license revocation if a driver fails or refuses a sobriety test. It is important for all states to limit plea bargaining. Currently, 16 states have laws that prohibit plea-bargaining DWI cases. Eight of those states limit the ban to specific conditions, such as when the DWI has caused an injury or fatality. The NTSB recommends that these convicted drivers be assessed and treated to prevent them from operating their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol in the future.

To reduce recidivism, the NTSB suggests the use of jail alternatives. These alternatives should include dedicated jail/treatment facilities, intensive supervision probation or home detention with electronic monitoring.

So you don't think drunk driving is a serious enough offense to deserve these restrictions? Consider this. Every 48 minutes, someone is killed in a traffic accident that involves an alcohol-impaired driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 11,000 people were killed in these types of accidents. These alcohol-impaired-driving deaths accounted for more than 30 percent of the all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States that year. Even though we've seen a decrease in the number of highways deaths over the last few years, the number of DUI-related deaths has not decreased in the last 10 years.

Nearly 400 people were killed in Illinois from car accidents that involved an intoxicated driver in 2009. The NHTSA reports that a driver usually makes more than 85 impaired driving trips before finally being caught and arrested by authorities.

Continue reading " Ignition Interlock Devices around the City to Target Drunk Driving in Chicago " »

A work zone car accident in Chicago left two Illinois Department of Transportation workers and another motorist injured earlier this week. According to officials, the accident happened in a work zone on I-290. The collision occurred shortly before 11:00 a.m. on the westbound lanes of the Eisenhower Expressway just west of Route 83 near Addison, according to the Chicago Tribune.

We've recently reported, on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, the importance of safe driving habits around road workers and in road work zones. This is especially important in the summer months because this is typically a time when we see and increase in both road traffic and construction projects.

The motorist who allegedly caused the I-290 accident was driving his minivan when he drifted on to the should of the road. Once traveling on the shoulder, the van hit an IDOT truck that was parked on the side of the road. The minivan spun off the first truck and collided with another IDOT truck that was parked in front of the first one.

The driver of the minivan was extricated from the vehicle. He was taken by helicopter to Loyola Hospital in Maywood. He remains hospitalized in serious condition.

One of the state workers was taken to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village with non-life threatening injuries. The other worker was treated at the scene.

The accident closed all of the lanes. Police are still investigating and citations are pending against the driver of the minivan.

"Every day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency response personnel, and highway workers place their lives in jeopardy to protect the citizens of the state of Illinois." said Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Larry G. Trent.

Road construction only increases during the summer months, providing another reason for motorists to practice extra cautious driving habits on our roadways. Construction is expected to increase soon as Governor Pat Quinn recently announced a $100 million capital investment to address local transportation needs. The $100 million funding will be distributed to local officials to repair municipal, township and county infrastructure, and improve public safety, reports the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“We are extremely proud to work with our communities so they can fix their roads and bridges and address other needed projects,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. “This local component of the Governor’s capital program will not only stimulate the economy and create jobs, but improve the quality of life of residents for years to come.”

To help keep these workers safe this summer and throughout the span of this project, motorists are asked to follow these safety tips:

-Slow down. Posted speed limits in work zones are not suggestions, but the law. They are there for the safety of everyone. The Illinois State Police have a zero tolerance policy against violations in work zones. In these areas, fines are doubled.

-Pay close attention. Since traffic patterns in these areas are always changing, sometimes many times a day, it is important to stay alert. Don't take anything for granted in work zones and expect the unexpected.

-Follow all signs. Signs, flaggers and arrowboards and not there to slow traffic, but they're there to make it flow more safely and efficiently. Always merge as soon as possible when approaching a work zone. Don't keep driving in the merge lane until the very last moment.

-Don't follow too closely. Crashes are likely to occur when a motorists follows another vehicle too closely. One of the most common types of accidents in these areas are rear-end collisions. Be sure there's at least two seconds of time between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

-Turn on your lights. Workers and motorists in these zones need to see your vehicle. Turn on your headlights in work zones.

We also discussed, on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, the importance of putting down your cell phone and other distractions while navigating through a work zone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 40 percent of on-the-job fatalities are associated with motor vehicles. Drivers are asked to put down their cell phones while navigating through our state's work zones not only to protect your safety and the safety of our road workers, but because it's the law in Illinois.

Throughout the United States, there were nearly 700 fatalities resulting from car accidents in road construction zones in 2009. During that year, Illinois witnessed nearly 50 fatalities in work zones as a result of motor-vehicle accidents, according to The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse.

Under the direction of Governor Quinn, the Illinois Department of Transportation has already invested approximately $7 billion to repair or rebuild 4,800 miles of roads and more than 500 bridges in the last two years. This momentum is expected to continue with more than $2.5 billion in road construction projects already scheduled for 2011.

Continue reading " Two IDOT Workers Injured in Work Zone Car Accident in Chicago " »

Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law amending Illinois’s workers’ compensation law last Tuesday that he hopes will reduce employers’ insurance premiums and help Illinois retain and attract businesses concerned with the state’s insurance costs. Governor Quinn estimates that the changes will save employers at least $500 million on the estimated $3 billion in costs they pay each year the Chicago Tribune reports.

Illinois has some of the higher workers’ compensation premiums in the country. The new law aims to reduce these costs in order to attract new businesses and jobs to the state as well as retain those already here. “This overhaul is going to improve the strength of our state’s business climate and economy,” Governor Quinn said. “We’re going to be helping employers in Illinois, workers in Illinois, all of those who are committed to economic growth.”

However, much of these changes come at the expense of Illinois workers, and there is no guarantee that insurance companies will pass along these savings in the form of lower premiums.

One of the major changes is a 30% reduction in the current fee schedule for doctors and hospitals that treat employees under workers’ compensation. In theory, this change will make the cost of treating workers cheaper, and therefore lower business’s premiums. Nothing mandates the lowering of premiums, however, and the people of Illinois must trust insurance companies to pass these savings along as the quality of their healthcare potentially suffers. Good physicians are at a premium, and a 30% reduction in their fee may cause many of them to stop treating injured workers.

The fee reduction is in conjunction with the creation of employer PPO networks for injured workers. Currently, when a worker is injured, they are able to seek out two doctors of their choice. After the law goes into effect, employees of businesses who opt-in to the PPO plans will only be able to choose from two doctors within that network and seek a hearing to go out of network if they are not satisfied with their first two selections. Workers may also “opt-out” of the plan in writing, but they then only have one choice of doctor, according to the Beacon News. Under the old law, workers could choose two physicians. Once again, Illinois workers are being asked to sacrifice their quality of healthcare for the benefit of Illinois businesses in general.

Currently, when a worker is injured and forced to take a lower paying job because they cannot return to the old, the worker is entitled to two-thirds of the difference between the new and old wages for the rest of their life. After the changes go into effect, these wage differential cases will only pay workers this difference for 5 years after the incident or until they reach the age of 67, whichever is later. This is a significant disadvantage to older workers. Not all Illinois residents can retire on time or even at all in this economy.

The extent of permanent partial disabilities will now be judged according to the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Currently, the compensation is set by an arbitrator based on their own judgment, past precedent, and the testimony of the workers themselves. After September 1st, a physician will evaluate an injured worker based on the AMA’s guide to determine the measure of impairment and level of function lost due to the injury. This will then be submitted to the arbitrator. This policy is meant to increase the accuracy and fairness of disability assessments by moving to a more objective approach.

The arbitrators themselves will also change under the new law, according to the Illinois Government News Network. The current arbitrators’ terms end on July 1 and will be subject to strict evaluations in their consideration of re-appointment. Any new arbitrators must be licensed attorneys and all arbitrators will receive ongoing training in fraud, ethics, and medical practices.

Continue reading " New changes in Illinois’ workers’ compensation laws aim to save money, streamline system " »

Earlier this week, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a law that will require that all Illinoisans buckle up in the back seat of a motor vehicle. Although Illinois has a 90.3 percent seat belt usage rate and is ranked 12th in the nation for responsible seat belt users, state government believes that we can improve our stats a little more.

Regardless of your viewpoints on government regulation on seat belt usage, you can't deny that seat belts save lives. Yes, we have all heard the stories of someone surviving an accident because they were NOT wearing their seat belt. And motorists who where their seat belt are too often tragically killed in motor vehicle accidents. The fact remains though, that wearing your seat belt and not driving distracted are two things each motorist can do to help protect themselves from a fatal car accident in Chicago and elsewhere throughout Illinois.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys know motorists are the frequent victims of negligent drivers, whether or not they are wearing their seat belt. Drivers have a civic duty to be cautious behind the wheel. This mean obeying speed limits and traffic laws, exercising respect for other motorists and halting distractions while operating your vehicle.

Starting the first of the year, driver in Illinois can get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt in the back seat of a motor vehicle. The current law states that only motorists who are age 19 and over can ride without a seat belt in the back seat. After the first of the year, Illinois will become the 26th state to require that everyone buckles up in the back seat.

The bill was sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton. He says that the change could save as many as 25 lives a year.

“This is the most important thing we can do,” Cullerton said.

Not everyone agrees with the new law. Some argue that by requiring people to wear seat belts the government is intruding on personal freedom. Hinsdale Republican Sen. Kirk Dillard, was one of those who opposed. He has previously stated that he strongly supports the use of seat belts but had to vote against the plan because he believes that it shouldn’t be the government’s call.

Still, suburban motorists are some of the state's most responsible seat belt users. According to a recent study, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties all had a 94.2 percent seat belt usage rate of drivers and front-seat passengers.

As of July 2008, our state officers can fine a motorist $55 for not wearing a seat belt.

Seat belts aren't just an issue in Illinois either. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is urging all motorists around the nation to buckle up, too. He released data that concludes that states that strengthen seat belt laws and increase fines for unbuckled motorists tend to see a significant increase seat belt use.

"For the sake of your loved ones and everyone else on the road, please remember to buckle up and put away your cell phone every time you get behind the wheel," said Secretary LaHood.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that upgrade
from a secondary to primary seat belt law show estimated seat belt use gains of 12 percent.

They've also concluded that states that increase fines for seat belt use violations show gains of nearly 5 percentage points in belt use.

"Seat belts are the single most protective safety device ever invented for use in vehicles, saving thousands of lives each year. Now our research proves that when states step up sanctions, they’re rewarded with huge improvements in belt use," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.

Continue reading " Gov. Pat Quinn signs Legislation Requiring Motorists in Illinois to Buckle Up " »

As we recently reported on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, Chicago has started a new project to help improve bicycle safety on our city's roadways. The first phase of this project started on Kinzie. The city chose to construct bicycle lanes here because bicyclists account for more than 20 percent of the traffic on that roadway. It was also chosen because it's a very congested area and very hazardous to bicycle riders.

“I promised the people of Chicago that we would create 100 miles of shared bike lanes in the city to ensure our transportation network supports diverse and affordable ways of getting around,” said Mayor Emanuel. “These bike lanes will help ensure that all Chicagoans can get to work and travel in their neighborhoods in the safest and most efficient fashion possible. It’s about making sure that every dollar we spend is focused on building a city that works for all of its residents.”

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys are happy to announce that the City of Chicago has almost completed the project. The project kicked off Monday, June 6th and is expected to be completed shortly. Kinzie Street is now home to the city's first protected bike lane. This is the first 1/2-mile lane of Mayor Emanuel's plan for 100 miles of protected lanes citywide.

During the summer months, bicyclists of all types hit the open road to get some exercise, enjoy the beautiful weather and to practice some earth friendly traveling habits. Now, bicyclists can do all three on a new protected bike lane that provides cyclists with exclusive space in the roadway by separating bicycle and motor-vehicle traffic.

“This is a major milestone for Chicago in terms of transportation,” said CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein. “No matter how someone wants to move around our city, they should be able to do so, and we are committed to finding every solution to advance the transportation system of the city of Chicago.”

More than 60 percent of the trips that Chicago travelers take are three miles or less. Chicago has been constructing eight additional miles of standard bike lanes each year, but has still continue to fall short of production in other major cities. These bike lanes are a part of a comprehensive effort to redefine the city’s bike and transportation plans.

The newly constructed bike lane sits adjacent to the curb. It is equipped with a lane width that varies between 5-1/2 to 7 feet wide. For safety reasons, the bike lane is separated from moving traffic by a 4-foot-wide buffer zone. This zone includes flexible posts that help delineate the lane.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 650 bicyclist fatalities resulting from motor-vehicle traffic accidents in the United States in 2009. There were an additional 51,000 bicyclists injured in these incidents. Bicyclist fatalities accounted for 2 percent of all traffic accident deaths for the entire year. Approximately 70 percent of all bicyclist fatalities occurred in rural areas. Illinois experienced approximately 20 bicyclist deaths in 2009 alone.

Continue reading " Kinzie Bike Lane Nears Completion; Reduction in Risk of Chicago Cycling Accidents the Goal " »