Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

The bicycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes join Chicago and Illinois authorities in advocating safety and awareness this summer to reduce bicycle accidents.

The Chicago Department of Transportation began a series of 20 Share the Road events last week that will stretch across five city wards and into August in an effort to increase awareness.

"To ensure everyone's safety, all users of the public way need to follow the rules," said CDOT Commissioner Thomas G. Bryrne. "Safety is our No. 1 priority and the Share the Road program is an effective way to work toward that goal."

Nationwide, 698 bicyclists were killed and another 44,000 seriously injured in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Bicycling is a popular form of recreation and a practical means of travel for more than 4 million people in Illinois. But the Illinois Department of Transportation estimates more than 4,000 Illinois residents are seriously injured each year in bicycle accidents.

IDOT has released a public service announcement for the summer, emphasizing the legal requirement to give cyclists at least three-foot of clearance when making a pass. "There is plenty of room for us all, Please Don't Squeeze."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the majority of bicycle accidents occur between 5 and 9 p.m.

"Our goal is to keep everyone on the road safe," 42 Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly said. "Cyclists need to be protected but they also need to ride responsibly and follow the laws of the road."

The city plans to have 500 miles of bike trails by 2015 -- motorists should remember every bicycle on the road means one less car adding to the congestion.

An excellent map of Chicago-area bike paths and trails is available by clicking here.

Citywide, law enforcement is receiving special training to enforce the new bicycle safety ordinances that were passed in March 2009 -- and the city's bike-lane parking ordinance will carry a $150 fine, up from $100 last year.

IDOT offers the following rider safety tips as part of its Summer Survival Guide.

Continue reading "Chicago bicycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes call for summer of safety and awareness" »

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Bicycle Accident

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A Chicago Police Officer has been charged with the hit and run death of a teenage bicycle rider, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The charges include reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury, and aggravated DUI.

The car vs. bike accident occurred in the 8000 block of South Ashland on Friday at 1:30 am. The victim, 13 year old Trenton Booker, was riding his bicycle when he was hit by an off duty police officer who was driving his Dodge Charger the wrong way on a one-way street.

The officer has been relieved of his police powers and he was arrested after the accident. Further, a Chicago Police Department internal investigation has begun. The officer is a 39 year old narcotics officer who has been with the police department for 17 years.

The victim was going to graduate from 8th grade in June.

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Bicycle Accident , Hit & Run Accident , Wrongful Death

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In Chicago, Illinois a bicycle rider that was hit by a cab near Grant Park opened his eyes today as his family looked on at Northwestern Hospital. The bike vs. taxi accident happened at the intersection of Balbo & Columbus just after 10 pm on Tuesday night.

A witness to the accident states that the collision occurred when a speeding cab ran a red light. The witness says the victim was eastbound on Balbo and had almost made it across Columbus when he was hit. He also states that the taxicab was going at least 10 mph over the posted limit.

The bicyclist was critically injured and taken by ambulance to Northwestern. He suffered a subdural hematoma, and surgeons had to remove a large piece of his skull to relieve the swelling. The bone is frozen at the hospital will be reinserted at a later date.

The family of the victim has retained Abels & Annes to pursue a civil claim against the at fault driver and the taxicab company.

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Bicycle Accident

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In Chicago, Illinois as spring weather arrives, more and more bicycle riders are on the street. It is only the end of March and injury lawyers at Abels & Annes are working on their first bike vs. car accident case of the season.

A North Side resident was injured last weekend when he was struck by an opening car door. He was riding southbound on Southport Avenue just north of Addison Street in a marked and designated bicycle lane. As he was passing a parked car on the west side of the street, the driver swung the vehicle door open into the bike lane causing the plaintiff to flip over it and land on his back.

The bike rider immediately had severe shoulder and neck pain. An ambulance transported him to Thorek Hospital on Irving Park Road in Chicago. At the ER he was diagnosed with a separated shoulder.

As of today, the plaintiff is having shoulder pain and swelling, and neck pain. He is going for follow up treatment with a medical doctor in the Chicago area.

Last year in Chicago our law firm saw a dramatic increase in bike accident injuries (pedestrian accidents seem to be on the rise as well).

While the bicyclist in this case could not have avoided the accident, here are a few safety tips offered by the Illinois Secretary of State's Office:

1. Only one person should ride on a bike;

2. If riding with a group on the street, ride in single file and not next to each other;

3. Try to avoid riding at night;

4. Rid your bicycle as close as possible to the right hand side of the road;

5. Keep both hands on your handlebars;

6. Know the rules of the road, as bicycle riders have the same responsibilities on the road as motor vehicle drivers;

7. Always where a helmet; and

8. Make sure your bike is in good operating condition before riding.

If you have been injured in an Illinois bike crash, contact Abels & Annes to speak to an accident lawyer today at 312-924-7575.

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Bicycle Accident , Personal Injury

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Illinois accident attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have settled a motor vehicle vs. bicycle collision for one of our clients. The traffic accident occurred on August 21, 2008, at approximately 5:00 p.m. as the plaintiff was riding her bike southbound on California Avenue approaching its intersection with Grace Street in Chicago, Illinois. When she reached the intersection, she stopped at a stop sign and then proceeded into the intersection.

As she rode southbound she saw a car eastbound on Grace Street stop at the stop sign. The car failed to see our client and accelerated into the intersection, striking the bike. The front of the car hit the rear tire and rear portion of the bicycle frame. The impact caused our client to be thrown forward off her bicycle, hitting the pavement with her face and both of her knees. When Chicago police officers arrived at the scene, the driver admitted to them that he had been distracted when he began to enter the intersection.

Our client was transported by ambulance to the emergency room at Swedish Covenant Hospital where her history was taken, she was examined, and diagnostic tests were performed. She complained of mouth pain, left elbow pain, right leg pain, and bilateral knee pain. She had a lip laceration and her two front teeth were loose, one was noticeably cracked. In addition, she had abrasions to both of her knees, her right calf, and her left elbow. She was prescribed pain medication and upon discharge instructed to seek follow up care.

The next day our client sought follow up care from her dentist. Upon examination, the dentist discovered that she had fractured several teeth. Due to the severe nature of the damage sustained, it was necessary for her to obtain more specialized care from an oral and cosmetic surgeon.

Our client also sought follow up treatment with an Orthopaedic physician for ongoing and persistent pain in her knees that she suffered from the collision. The pain made walking, or riding a bike, or walking up or down stairs extremely difficult. Her examination revealed swelling in both knees and the doctor diagnosed her with post traumatic synovitis of both knees. Our client was prescribed medication and instructed to return for a follow up evaluation. She returned for follow up treatment and continued to have peripatellar pain in her right knee and occasional aches and pain in her left knee. The doctor ordered her to continue with her medication.

As a result of injuries sustained to her teeth in the collision, our client’s diet was restricted to only soft foods for three months and she was forced to go several weeks with her front teeth missing while she awaited temporary implants. Also, her knees continued to cause her pain and limit her mobility and activities. The case settled for $20,000.00, which is the defendant's insurance policy limits. There was no other insurance coverage available to pay a greater amount on the claim.

Chicago bike accident attorneys from our firm represent many clients who have suffered injuries resulting from bike v. car accidents. If you have been injured in a Chicago area bicycle accident, please contact Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Bicycle Accident , Settlements & Verdicts

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Accident Attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have resolved an automobile vs. bike accident case for Aaron Eiger, a former classmate of Dave Abels from Evanston Township High School. The collision took place on October 17, 2007 on the North Side of Chicago.

Aaron was riding his bicycle northbound on Southport in a marked bicycle lane. The defendant was driving her SUV southbound on Southport and began to make a left turn to turn into an alley. The driver failed to look to ensure that it was safe to make this maneuver and struck Aaron on his bicycle. The force of the SUV hitting Aaron on his bicycle threw him on through the air into a parked car.

Following the collision Aaron had an immediate onset of pain and discomfort. Aaron was taken from the scene of the collision by ambulance to Illinois Masonic Hospital. At the time of his arrival he complained of left knee pain and shoulder pain. A history was taken, Aaron was examined and diagnostic tests, including x-rays were preformed. Aaron was prescribed pain medications. Upon discharge he was diagnosed with a left knee contusion and multiple abrasions. Aaron was instructed to follow up with a physician.

Two days later Aaron sought follow up treatment from Dr. Steven Sclamberg, M.D. He sought treatment for his complaints of left knee and right shoulder pain. Aaron continued to treat with Dr. Sclamberg through August 7, 2008.

Aaron also underwent physical therapy at Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers for two months. During the course of physical therapy he reported pain with activities such as lifting and carrying his young children.

Aaron incurred over $8,000 in medical bills and his case settled for $35,000.

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Bicycle Accident , Settlements & Verdicts , Shoulder Injury

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In the Chicago suburb of Burbank, Illinois a bicyclist has been killed in a hit-and-run accident. The accident happened on September 28, 2008 at about 3 a.m. in the 6300 block of West 87th Street.

The victim, Richard Horvath, 53, was struck while riding his bike just 3 doors away from his residence. A witness thought the offender was driving a white Chrysler, however, Burbank police have recovered pieces of what they believe is part of a white Dodge Ram pickup truck at the scene.

Horvath was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and when he arrived he had no vital signs. He was resuscitated and lived about 23 hours before passing away.

The Burbank Police Department is investigating the accident and anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run should contact them at (708) 924-7300.

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Bicycle Accident , Hit & Run Accident , Wrongful Death

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In Chicago, Illinois a bicycle rider has been injured as a result of a collision with a car in Logan Square. The accident happened when the bicyclist was southbound on California Avenue crossing Logan Blvd. on a green light. At that time the defendant, who was eastbound on Logan, ran the red light, hit the bicyclist, and then struck another southbound car. The driver was ticketed for failing to obey the red light.

The bike rider, who is a Chicago resident, was taken by ambulance to Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center. At the hospital she was diagnosed with a spinal fracture. The bicyclist is having further treatment with an orthopaedic surgeon in Chicago.

The injured bike rider has retained Abels & Annes, P.C. to pursue an injury claim against the at fault driver.

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Back and Neck Injuries , Bicycle Accident , Fractures / Broken Bones , Personal Injury

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In Chicago, Illinois bicycle accident attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached an insurance policy limits settlement for a local resident stemming from a March 2008 crash. Our client was riding to work southbound on Halsted Street near Division in a bicycle lane. He was hit by a car that was turning left / westbound. That is the last thing our client remembers until he woke up at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The plaintiff sustained brain hemorrhaging and a sinus fracture as a result of the Chicago bike vs. car accident. He was inpatient at the hospital for several days. The defendant's insurance company tendered their policy limits of $20,000 and our firm is pursuing an under-insured motorist claim against our client's own insurance carrier for an additional $80,000.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyers Reach Insurance Policy Limits Bike Accident Settlement" »

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Bicycle Accident , Personal Injury , Settlements & Verdicts , Uninsured Motorist Claim

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In Chicago, Illinois a bicycle rider has been killed as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle in the Logan Square neighborhood, according to the Chicago Tribune and several other news sources. The accident happened early Sunday morning when the bicyclist was turning left from westbound Logan Blvd. to proceed south on Western Avenue.

The bike rider was hit by an eastbound car that was traveling through the intersection on a yellow light that was turning red. The driver, a 29 year old woman, was given a ticket for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. The bicyclist, a Logan Square resident, was later pronounced dead at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center on the North Side.

Continue reading "Fatal Bicycle Accident on the North Side of Chicago" »

Posted by Dave Abels | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Bicycle Accident , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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