Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

This is the third entry of a 6-part blog where our Chicago car accident attorneys are discussing New Year's resolutions that you can use to help make our roadways safer for everyone. Usually, residents will make resolutions to quit smoking or to lose weight. But how about making a New Year's resolution that everyone can benefit from this year, pledging to practice safer and sober driving habits.

In this blog, we will be discussing the dangers of drunk driving and asking you to make the pledge to stay sober behind the wheel to help reduce the risks of a fatal alcohol-related car accident in Chicago in 2012. Take the recent accident that made national headlines, for example, in which a drunk Chicago driver allegedly swerved off of the roadway, ran into some trees and slammed into the Chicago’s Gresham District police station. Reports indicate that the driver sped away from the police station after the crash, but officers were able to catch up with the man just a few blocks away.

The man is being charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident, according to the New York Daily News.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the number of drunk driving arrests in the state has decreased in the last year. Although a reduction, the dangerous truth is that there are still far too many people dying on our roadways because of the carelessness of intoxicated drivers.

According to the most recent statistics, the number of drunk driving busts have decreased by more than 15 percent from 2007 to 2010. The number of alcohol-related accidents has decreased by nearly 35 percent during this same time.

Some people point to the increase in DUI enforcement efforts and stricter laws as the cause of this decrease while others believe that it's a direct result of the downturn of the economy.

Stricter DUI laws have in fact decreased the number of drunk driving busts. The first wave of decreases came with the new DUI laws of the 1980s and the 1990s. In 1997, our state reduced its legal blood-alcohol content limit to 0.08 from 0.10. From 1996 to 1999, the number of arrests went from just under 45,000 to about 50,000. The number of arrests remained stagnant at 50,000 for a number of years until a notable decrease in 2008, which was around the start of the economic downtown. As the economy recovers, experts believe that the number of DUI arrests and accidents will increase.

We're asking all motorists in the state to make their New Year's resolution to stay sober behind the wheel. We're not saying you have to stay sober, we're just saying you should as you drive. Be sure to always designate a sober driver if you know you'll be going out and drinking. Have a safe and Happy 2012 and be responsible behind the wheel. Your good decisions can help to save lives.

Continue reading "New Year's Resolutions: Reducing Risks of Alcohol-Related Car Accidents in Chicago" »

Alcohol-related car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere throughout the state will be a top concern of officials throughout the holiday season and the remainder of the year.

State Rep. Carol Sente (D-59th) has applauded local law enforcement agencies on their efforts to track down drunk drivers on our roadways and on their efforts to keep our roads safe during the busy holiday travel season, according to The Chicago-Sun Times.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has also commended the work of law enforcement agencies in the state for their efforts to combat drunk drivers on our roadways. Illinois recently received a five-star rating, the highest rating possible, for its efforts to stop drunk drivers. Illinois was one of the only five states that got this high of a rating.

Our Chicago drunk driving accident attorneys understand that we are not the only ones who are looking to keep our roadways free of drunk drivers over the holiday season. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently launched a nationwide crackdown, the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, to target these irresponsible drivers as well, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to new statistics, although the number of drunk driving accidents across the country declined over the last year, about a third of all roadway fatalities are caused by a drunk driver.

"Safety is our focus year round at DOT. But this holiday season, we're stepping up our efforts to get drunk drivers off our roads and reminding Americans 'drive sober, or get pulled over,' " said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

In 2010, there were 28 states that reported an increase in the number of drunk driving-related fatalities. Each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia has a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08. Still, there were nearly 10,500 people who were killed in alcohol-related car accidents. More than 400 of these accidents happened in the second half of December!

During the USDOT's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, there will be thousands of law enforcement agencies nationwide that will join together to target intoxicated drivers on our roadways. To accompany this increased enforcement, a $7 million dollar advertisement campaign will be running from December 16th through January 2nd.

The NHTSA;s Administrator David Strickland would like to thank law enforcement agencies nationwide along with safe driving advocates for committing their efforts to making our roadways safe throughout the holiday season. This increase in efforts is expected to reduce the number of drunk driving accidents. Strickland said that the message is clear; if you drink and get behind the wheel, you will be pulled over.

“Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix,” said James Wales, with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). “If you plan to consume alcohol, you should plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle.”

Continue reading "Agencies across the Nation Launch Campaign to Reduce Drunk Driving Accidents in Chicago and Elsewhere through Holidays" »

A woman from Riverdale has been criminally charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after she drove her vehicle into a Chili's restaurant on the south side, according to Fox news. The car caught on fire after the Saturday night Illinois car crash and several restaurant patrons were injured.

The Chili's is located at 1750 W. 119th Street in the Morgan Park neighborhood. The alleged DUI motorist drove a green four-door Chevy Impala into the front corner of the restaurant. The building itself also caught on fire after the accident.

A total of eight people were injured in the accident, including the driver. There were no passengers in the vehicle. All of the injured inside the restaurant were adults. Four people were critically injured.

The Chicago Fire Department responded to the accident scene. They were able to extinguish the fire quickly and put into place what fire officials refer to as a EMS Plan 1, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The driver, age 23, resides on S. Tracy Ave. in Riverdale and has been charged with DUI, damage to public property, failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving with no insurance and driving with a suspended license.

Two of the critically injured were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. The other two people critical were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Three of the others injured were taken to Metro South Medical Center in Blue Island in serious but stable condition. The last person was transported to Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Center in stable condition.

As of Sunday afternoon the restaurant remained closed. The specific evidence of the at fault driver's impairment (field sobriety testing, breathalyzer, etc.) has not been disclosed.

It has not reported if a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer is involved in the case yet. Once lawyers get involved, due to the fact that the DUI driver had no insurance, they will look to set up uninsured motorist claims against the victims' own auto insurance policies. There the plaintiff and his or her lawyer can pursue an injury claim against pedestrian's own policy of insurance.

Hopefully each of the restaurant patrons who were critically injured in the accident possess significant auto insurance policies. That way there will be enough coverage to compensate them for their injuries and losses.

In the year 2010, according to IDOT there were just over 5,000 pedestrians injured in accidents with motor vehicles in Illinois. 115 pedestrians were killed. Approximately 97% of the accidents occurred in Urban areas

Continue reading "Chicago pedestrian accident - Motorist drives into Chili’s restaurant" »

According to the National Safety Council, based out of Itasca, Illinois, approximately 400 people will die because of car accidents in Illinois and elsewhere this Labor Day weekend. The NSC also estimate that another 38,800 people will be injured because of these traffic accidents. Over the last six year, Labor Day weekend has seen an average increase of about 15 percent in the number of traffic accident-related deaths compared to other similar non-holiday periods.

From now until the end of the Labor Day weekend, Illinois State Police will be keeping eyes on the road in search of drivers who aren't abiding by the law. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who are speeding, distracted or not wearing a seat belt. And, of course, drunk drivers will be a primary target through the long holiday weekend.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys ask that all motorists be extra safe and cautious during this last holiday weekend of summer. According to CBS Chicago, nearly 2 million people are expected to be on Illinois roadways throughout the weekend. Even though gas prices are up about dollar this year from last year, more than 27 million motorists across the nation are expected to hit the road for a weekend vacation.

The expected 27 million travelers illustrates an increase in the number of road travelers from those on the road in 2010. Nearly 90 percent of holiday travelers will be driving this year, partially because of the increase in airfares.

Here are some safe driving tips to help keep you safe during your Labor Day travel:

-Get some rest. Never drive when you're tired or drowsy. Drowsy driving decreases your ability to react to traffic hazards.

-Buckle up. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt.

-Don't tailgate. Keep the two-second rule in mind. Keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you will help to reduce your risks of a serious accident.

-Look around. Make sure you check your surroundings at all times, but especially before changing lanes or making a turn.

-Obey the signs. Always follow traffic signals and posted speed limits. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who are driving by their own rules.

-Stay sober. Officers throughout the state and the country will be looking specifically for intoxicated drivers.

-Don't drive distracted. Distractions slow a driver's reaction time and increase their risks of a serious traffic accident. Distractions include text messaging, using a cell phone, operating a GPS system and interacting with other passengers.

-Be prepared. Know your route before you leave the house. Having a plan helps you to avoid confusion.

-Spare time. Leave for your destination with plenty of time to spare so you're not forced to rush.

-Defensive driving. Always be ready for the unexpected maneuvers of other motorists.

We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and ask that all drivers remain cautious and alert while navigating roadways packed with holiday travelers.

Continue reading "Nearly 2 Million Expected to Travel in Illinois this Labor Day -- Increasing Your Risks of a Chicago Car Accident" »

A Chicago area auto accident has reportedly been caused by a motorist who was texting while simultaneously driving under the influence of drugs, according to the Orland Park Patch.

Illinois car accident lawyers from our office recently reported that research shows the use of a handheld cell phone while driving can delay the reaction time of a motorist to the equivalent of a drunk driver. So it would be fair to say that the combination of driving under the influence and texting would be considered especially dangerous.

Last week Orland Park police responded to report of a reckless driver in the area of 151st Street and 94th Ave. By the time police arrived at the location a crash had already occurred.

The defendant, a 19-year-old Orland Park resident, had allegedly ran a red light and hit a van in the intersection. A passenger in the defendant's vehicle told investigating officers that when she failed to stop at the light she was texting.

The at fault driver then informed rescue personnel that she had taken methadone and Oxycontin before the accident.

Police charged the driver with DUI drugs and released her on a recognizance bond. She is due to appear at the Bridgeview courthouse in June.

After the accident the motorist was taken by ambulance to Silver Cross Hospital for medical attention. It was not reported if anyone else involved in the crash was injured.

As Chicago auto accident lawyers from Abels & Annes reported to yesterday, an Illinois hit-and-run pedestrian accident has caused the death of a man in his 30s on the Stevenson Expressway on Thursday evening. It is now being reported by the Chicago Tribune that the at fault driver has been caught by police and charged with DUI.

The defendant, a 40-year-old Chicago resident from the 5400 block of S. Ellis Ave., was allegedly headed northbound on the interstate near Damen Avenue around 10:10 PM when he drove onto the right shoulder and hit a pedestrian who was standing by his disabled vehicle. The victim was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and pronounced dead at 11:34 PM.

The driver fled the scene after the collision, but occurrence witnesses described his vehicle to Illinois state troopers and he was arrested a short time later near his home. Blood-alcohol testing after arrest showed the driver had a BAC of .161, just over twice the Illinois legal limit. The defendant reportedly admitted consuming alcohol prior to the incident.

Judge Peggy Chiampas has set bail for the defendant at $1 million. It is also being reported that the driver has been convicted of DUI three prior occasions, and had just completed probation in August from an Aggravated DUI. It is likely that the criminal charges in this matter will be upgraded to felonies by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office due to the fatality and the defendant's driving history.

It has not been reported if an Illinois pedestrian accident lawyer is involved in the case yet.

Click here to read the story as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

In an effort to reduce Chicago area car crashes, the Libertyville, Illinois Police Department is running special patrols this St. Patrick's Day week, according to Tribune Local. They are taking a zero tolerance stance against impaired drivers.

Police chief Clint Herdegen is stating that if you drink and drive in Libertyville on St. Patrick's Day, you lose. The chief is recommending that you select a designated driver before you start celebrating, and to act responsibly or risk getting arrested.

The Tribune article goes on to state that, according to IDOT, over the past five years an average of 15 people lose their lives in Illinois car crashes on St. Patrick's Day. Over that same time span, over 1200 people were injured in an Illinois auto accidents.

The article also gave the following safety tips for party hosts:

Make sure all of your guests have designated drivers.

Provide non-alcoholic beverage options and serve food.

Have phone numbers available for local taxicab companies.

Take the keys away from anyone you believe is impaired at your party.

If you've been involved in a Chicago area DUI car crash, contact an Illinois personal injury attorney at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to a lawyer now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before you head out to your New Year's Eve Party, make arrangements ahead of time for a safe drive home. Starting off a new year with a bang is the right idea unless it involves a hospital bed or a funeral home. Our Chicago auto accident attorneys want to remind you to not drink and drive this holiday season and to do your part to keep the roads safe for everyone.

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 156 fatalities in the United States on New Year's Eve and Day that occurred as a result of at least one driver in the crash with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. Illinois recorded 3 fatalities on these same two days but two of those fatalities involved a BAC level of .20 or higher which is well over the legal limit of .08. Each year, hundreds of others are seriously injured in Illinois car accidents caused by drunk drivers through the holiday season.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants to remind Illinois drivers that the penalties for drunk driving can be severe, especially if a serious or fatal accident is involved.

The penalty in the state of Illinois if you drive under the influence and cause an accident that kills someone is 3-14 years. If more than one person is killed in the accident the penalty is no less than 6 years up to 28 years in addition to a possible fine of up to $25,000.

Orland Park, located just outside of Chicago is increasing patrols this week according to an article in TribLocal Orland Park. It is just one of many communities taking a zero tolerance stance when it comes to drunk drivers. Seat belt violators, speeders and aggressive drivers will also be targeted.

If local residents of Orland Park or the surrounding areas can't come up with a ride home then they should rely on the Safe Ride Home program funded by Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation where local establishments will call a limo service to get you home safely at no charge.

A number of other local services will also be available to get you home safe. The trick is to plan ahead, stay safe and enjoy the New Year's weekend in a safe and responsible manner. Start your year off on the right foot and don't drink and drive. Not only can you save your life but it could save the life of others, too.

Continue reading "Safe Ride Home a good option for Chicago drivers this New Year's Eve" »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is pushing states to adopt a "no refusal" strategy when it comes to dealing with motorists suspected of drunk driving. As our Chicago car accident lawyers often report, drunk driving is responsible for about one-third of the nation's fatal traffic accidents.

Somewhere in The United States, someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 45 minutes. Last year, more than 41 percent of fatal Illinois car accidents involved alcohol, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Nationwide, more than 11,000 motorists were killed in accidents with drunk drivers.

As part of its effort to combat drunk driving, the government is pushing states to adopt a "No refusal" strategy, which would allow law enforcement to obtain warrants from "on call" judges in order to take blood samples from suspected drunk drivers who refuse a breathalyzer test.

"Drunk driving remains a leading cause of death and injury on our roadways," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "I applaud the efforts of the law enforcement officials who have pioneered the 'No Refusal' approach to get drunk drivers off our roads. And I urge other states to adopt this approach to make sure that drunk drivers can’t skirt the law and are held accountable."

Many suspects refuse the tests in the hopes of beating the charges at trial. States have used implied consent laws to automatically suspend a driver's license for a period of time equivalent to a conviction --usually six months or a year for a first offense -- in cases where a driver refuses the test. Implied consent means a driver agrees to take the test if requested when he or she is issued a driver's license.

States with high refusal rates include New Hampshire (81 percent), Massachusetts (41 percent), Florida (40 percent), Louisiana (39 percent) and Ohio (38 percent).

"MADD is proud to support NHTSA, as well as our heroes in law enforcement, in their focus on 'No Refusals,' said MADD National President Laura Dean-Mooney. "Working together, we can make our roadways safer and eliminate drunk driving in the U.S."

Illinois is one of several states that already use the strategy. Other states include Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Some states are better than others at more routinely pushing for warrants and mandatory testing in refusal cases.

"When it comes to drunk driving, we cannot afford to have repeat offenders," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "The 'No Refusal' strategy helps support prosecutions and improves deterrence, which means fewer drunk drivers on the road. I want to remind everyone this holiday season: if you're over the limit, you're under arrest. So please, for safety's sake, find a designated driver or take a taxi if you are under the influence."

This year's holiday drunk driving crackdown includes $7 million in national television and radio advertising and runs from Dec. 15 to Jan. 3.

Continue reading "Mandatory BAC testing could reduce risk of drunk driving car accidents in Chicago" »

Our Chicago car accident attorneys encourage revelers to make arrangements to get home safe this holiday season. If you are going to be drinking, don't drive. And make sure friends and loved ones also have made arrangements for safe transport home.

Companies and safety organizations are offering professional designated drivers this holiday season in an effort to reduce the risks of Chicago car accidents caused by drunk drivers.

The Chicago Tribune reports the "Fans don't let fans drive drunk" campaign at Soldier Field and a company called 'Be My Designated Driver" are two such efforts. That company charged $45 plus tip to take a customer and several friends home from a Lincolnshire party recently.

Parents should take special care to speak to their teenagers and young drivers about the importance of making good driving decisions this holiday season and not drinking and driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 11,000 deaths resulted from drunk driving accidents last year -- or one death every 45 minutes. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports there have been a total of 373 alcohol-related traffic crashes in the state so far in 2010.

The SouthTown Star recently reported that the night before Thanksgiving -- Black Wednesday -- is the busiest night of the year and kicks off the holiday season. Increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints and other efforts by law enforcement will be aimed at reducing the risks associated with Chicago drunk driving accidents and serious and fatal car accidents elsewhere in Illinois.

We encourage you to celebrate responsibly to help ensure the safety of you and your family, as well as other motorists on the road.

Continue reading "Designated drivers can help reduce risks of Chicago car accidents caused by drunk driving" »

The number of drivers who tested positive for drugs in the aftermath of a fatal crash has increased in the last five years, according to a new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Like drunk driving accidents, drug involvement frequently leads to impairment which can contribute to serious and fatal car accidents in Chicago and the surrounding area.

Serious and fatal accidents involving the allegations of drug use require an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer. Some drugs remain in a driver's system long after their ability to impair driving ability. For instance, marijuana remains in a person's system for about a month. As the government points out, the presence of drugs in a driver's system does not mean that he or she was impaired at the time of the crash.

But a first-of-its-kind analysis came to a startling conclusion: About 1 in 6 drivers involved in fatal accidents tested positive for drugs. Of the 21,798 drivers killed in crashes last year, 63 percent were tested for drugs. Eighteen percent of those tested had drugs in their system.

Drug use among fatally injured drivers has also increased in state reports, from 13 percent in 2005 to 18 percent in 2008.

The study includes tests for narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens and other types of mood-altering substances. Drugs included illegal narcotics, prescribed medications and over-the-counter drugs.

Authorities are urging drivers to take the side effects of medication seriously and to take responsibility for avoiding the dangers of driving impaired even when prescription or over-the-counter medications are responsible.

"Every driver on the road has a personal responsibility to operate his or her vehicle with full and uncompromised attention on the driving task," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "Today’s report provides a warning signal that too many Americans are driving after having taken drugs, not realizing the potential for putting themselves and others on the highway at risk."

As part of the battle, the federal government's Drug Evaluation and Classification program has trained 1,000 instructors and 6,000 police officers in 46 states to recognize symptoms of impairment by drugs other than alcohol.

"If you are taking any drugs that might impair your ability to drive safely, then you need to put common sense and caution to the forefront, and give your keys to someone else," Strickland said. "It doesn’t matter if its drugs or alcohol, if you’re impaired, don’t drive."

Continue reading "Drug impairment frequent cause of Chicago car accidents" »

A Chicago auto accident that occurred on the South Side on Friday around 2 PM has resulted in the death two passengers and the 32-year-old female driver being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a story in the Chicago Tribune. The crash occurred when the driver of an Oldsmobile Achieva reportedly ran a stop sign while moving eastbound on W. 111th St. in the Roseland neighborhood. The vehicle then crossed the centerline to go around another vehicle, loss control and struck a tree. The Oldsmobile then flipped on its side, hit a light pole and then finally came to a stop.

The victims were 13-year-old boy and a 34-year-old woman, who were both riding in the backseat. They both died at the scene of the Chicago accident, according to a fire Department spokesperson.

The at fault driver was reportedly treated at an area hospital for minor injuries and then released. Another passenger also sustained minor injuries.

The driver, a South side resident, has been given a traffic court date of December 14. The Chicago Police Department's investigation is reportedly ongoing. Due to the fatalities, it is very possible that the criminal charges could be upgraded to felonies.

Read the story as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times here. They are reporting that two additional women, ages 37 and 25, were taken by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety is funding a $10 million study that could make new-age ignition interlock devices as standard in new vehicles as seat belts and airbags.

The Boston Globe broke the story in the wake of criticism of the federal government for not doing enough to focus on driving safety issues aside from the aggressive campaign against distracted driving. As our Chicago injury lawyers reported recently on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog, alcohol continues to be involved in one-third of all fatal car accidents nationwide.

Earlier this month the federal government reported the number of fatal Illinois car accidents declined to 911 last year, from the 1,043 reported in 2008. However, the percentage of fatal crashes involving alcohol actually increased from 34 percent to 35 percent.

Many states require ignition interlock devices for drunk driving offenders. The systems require a driver to blow into a tube and tests for the presence of alcohol before permitting a vehicle to start. However, the system being tested by a Massachusetts defense contractor would be completely passive. A number of hurdles remain -- not the least of which are the privacy concerns such a system is sure to raise. But safety advocates believe it could ultimately save 9,000 lives a year. Not since the 15,000 lives a year saved by the seat belt has such a safety improvement hit the market.

Congress is considering providing another $10 million in funding to the project, which is in testing through 2013. Cost is another hurdle, as is the size of the units. Prototypes are the size of a large shoebox, while industry experts say they would need to be the size of a cell phone to make them practical.

“We just don’t think it’s appropriate that people who have no problem with drunken driving and impairment should have to be subjected to having to have this kind of a device,’’ Jim Baxter, president of the National Motorists Association, told the Globe. “It will create more problems than it was ever intended to solve.’’

However, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other organizations intend to throw their support behind making the devices standard.

“MADD is very excited about this,’’ said national spokesman J.T. Griffin. “This could really eliminate drunk driving in America.’’

Continue reading "Technology could someday eliminate drunk driving car accidents in Chicago and nationwide" »

A West Side strip club has agreed to pay a $1 million settlement in the wake of a Chicago car accident caused by a drunk driver, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The January 2006 accident claimed the life of a pregnant woman, her unborn child and a patron of the club. Diamonds Gentlemen's Club paid $800,000 to the husband of the 27-year-old woman, who was eight-months pregnant when her vehicle was struck head-on by an SUV near South Elgin.

The rest of the settlement went to the relatives of a 25-year-old St. Charles man who was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle, according to court records. The lawsuit alleged that the driver and passenger had gotten drunk in the club and were ejected by bouncers after the driver was found vomiting in the bathroom. The bouncers put the driver in his car before he drove off and slammed into the victim's car about 15 minutes later on Illinois Highway 25.

The club does not serve liquor, but patrons are allowed to bring their own. The club argued it was not responsible but the Illinois Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that it bore some responsibility for the accident.

Seeking damages against a business can have a significant impact on a case: In this case, the $1 million settlement was the maximum available under the club's liability policy; the maximum coverage of an auto insurance policy is frequently less than $100,000.

The driver was found guilty in 2007 of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide and is serving a 12-year-prison sentence.

The victim's family was represented by attorney Robert Speers of Aurora.

A man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a drunk driving Chicago car accident that claimed the life of two friends, the Sun-Times reported.

The 26-year-old Batavia man pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated DUI and one count of DUI in connection with the August 2007 crash that killed two friends. The victims were both 21 years old. The judge rejected a defense argument of extraordinary circumstances and declined to give credit for time served at home on electronic monitoring.

An accident reconstruction expert testified the vehicle was traveling 104 to 113 mph when it left Dugan Road in Sugar Grove Township. The car was nearly split in half after striking a tree. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The defendant survived and was arrested after being treated at the hospital. Blood tests showed the defendant's blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit of .08 and that he had marijuana in his system at the time of the crash. The defendant initially admitted to being the driver of the vehicle but later changed his statement.

The three friends had been at a party when the cops arrived and sent home those who were sober. The three men promised to stay at the home through the night, but ended up speeding down the road instead.

Since his arrest, the defendant has spoken more than a dozen times to DUI offenders at drug and alcohol counseling centers and has spent more than 900 days on electronic home monitoring.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 44 percent of drivers who died in Illinois car accidents in 2008 tested positive for alcohol; half of all drivers ages 16 to 24 had alcohol in their systems when involved in a fatal accident.

A woman accused of a Chicago drunk driving accident that killed 5 teenagers is expected to testify this week as her trial comes to a close in Kendall County, the Daily Herald reported.

The 26-year-old Auora woman is accused of drunk driving in a Feb. 11, 2007 accident while giving 8 teenagers a ride home from an underage drinking party hosted by an 18-year-old Boulder Hill resident. Police say she was driving a 2001 Infiniti Q30 68mph in a 45 mph zone when she lost control and slammed into a telephone pole on Route 31 near River Run Road, 4 miles from the party. Five Oswego High School students -- ages 17, 16, 15, 14, 14 -- died in the crash. The home's owner reported that she and her boyfriend had returned home to find their son having a party and kicked everyone out around 1 a.m.

The defendant's blood-alcohol level was .124, above the legal limit of .08. However, she is contesting the results, saying she vomited during the accident, which can skew test results.

We continue to post information on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog about the dangers teenagers face on the road. Traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 20, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Teenagers are often ill-equipped to recognize the risks associated with traffic accidents. In this case, eight kids piled into a car with a woman who may or may not have been under the influence. Regardless, she was speeding down the road in a car with more passengers than it was made to handle and some of the kids must have been forced to ride without seat belts. To say nothing of the distraction of driving eight drunken rowdy teens around at 2 o'clock in the morning.

Parents who host parties, or who arrive home to find their child has hosted a party, also need to be aware of the liability. In this case, the homeowner had an obligation to make sure these kids found a safe ride home. When excessive drinking occurs on a homeowner's property, and a serious or fatal accident results, a homeowner can be held liable in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit -- just as a bar can be held responsible for over-serving a patron.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving offers resources for the parents of high-school students.

As the Fourth of July approaches, our Chicago injury lawyers encourage parents to speak with their teenagers about the importance of making good decisions and staying safe on the road. They should feel free to call home for a ride if they feel they need to do so -- without fear of punishment. And parents need to understand the importance of adult supervision and appropriately host gatherings involving teenagers.

A Chicago car accident in Hyde Park has claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman, the Breaking News Center reported.

The two-car accident happened shortly before 9:30 a.m. Saturday on East 58th Street. She was pronounced dead early Sunday morning at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

A Chicago motorcycle accident seriously injured a rider who crashed into a wall on the Dan Ryan Expressway, the Sun-Times reported. He was transported to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in critical condition. Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.

As our Chicago injury lawyers have been reporting all spring, serious and fatal motorcycle accidents continue to concern authorities in Illinois and law enforcement nationwide. In 2008, a total of 121 riders were killed in Illinois motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In Kane County, a car accident critically injured a 24-year-old Aurora man on Route 25 near Bond Street on Saturday night, The Beacon-News reported. The man was driving a 2009 Chevy Colbalt south on Route 29, when the vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a 2002 GMC Yukon, according to the sheriff's office.

The 17-year-old driver of the Yukon and two passengers, ages 15 and 18, were also transported to area hospitals with injuries.

The sheriff's office and the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team are investigating the crash, which closed Route 25 until about 10 p.m.

The Beacon-News also reported an Aurora bicycle accident seriously injured a man Friday night. A 24-year-old Joliet woman was cited for failure to reduce speed as a result of the collision.

As prom season begins, Illinois is considering reducing the amount of time that teenagers can drive on weekend nights, the USA Today reported. The Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes urge parents to talk to their children about prom safety.

From 2003 to 2008, a total of 1,563 fatal Illinois car accidents involved teen drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Only California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas reported more teen driving deaths.

WQAD reports that many schools throughout Illinois are using "Operation Prom Night" as a tool to warn teenagers of the dangers of drinking and driving as prom season enters full swing.

"Operation Prom Night" is a graphic display of a drunk driving automobile accident involving serious and fatal injuries and is sponsored by a number of organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

MADD is also promoting "The Power of Parents: It's Your Influence" to promote safe teenage driving.

Parents can help teenagers make the right choices by:

- Establishing clear rules and consequences for underage drinking and monitoring your child's activities.

- Acknowledging that the choice to be drug and alcohol free isn't easy.

-Signing a contract allowing a limo driver to phone parents if alcohol is detected.

-Insisting that only registered passengers be allowed transportation.

-Never serving alcohol to an underage person.

Continue reading "Prom safety critical to avoiding Chicago car accidents involving teenagers" »

Three-quarters of all fatal car accidents occur in urban areas or withing 5 miles of an urban area, according to new research released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As reported earlier this month on Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, Chicago is the third-most congested urban area in the country after Los Angeles and New York, leading to an increased risk of serious or fatal Chicago car accidents.

In Illinois, the numbers are even more striking -- 94 percent -- or 19 of every 20 fatal accidents -- occur within 10 miles of an urban area.

-95 percent of speed-related traffic fatalities in Illinois occur in and around urban areas.
-95 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents in Illinois occur in and around urban areas.
-99 percent of fatal Illinois pedestrian accidents occur in and around urban areas.
-96 percent of fatal Illinois trucking accidents occur in and around urban areas.
-94 percent of fatal Illinois drunk driving accidents occur in and around urban areas.

Nationwide, the numbers trend lower than they do in Illinois but are still striking:

-More than half (53 percent) of fatal motorcycle crashes occur in urban areas -- 9 in 10 fatal motorcycle crashes occur within 10 miles of an urban area.

-74 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas -- while 95 percent occur within 10 miles of an urban area.

-About one-third of fatal trucking accidents occur in urban areas -- 83 percent occur within 10 miles of an urban area.

-Two-third of all interstate highway fatalities occur within 2.5 miles of an urban area.

-85 percent of all speed-related fatal traffic crashes occur within 10 miles of an urban area.

-86 percent of all fatal drunk driving accidents occur within 10 miles of an urban area.

Continue reading "Illinois traffic fatalities center around Chicago accidents" »

A 15-year-old Bowen High School freshman is dead following a weekend Chicago pedestrian accident after being struck by as many as three vehicles, including a drunk driver, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Chicago police said the teenager was struck by a drunk driver while walking home, thrown into the path of a second vehicle and hit again. Police are investigating reports that a third vehicle may also have been involved.

The girl had just stepped onto East 87th Street near King Drive when she was run down at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday. She died Monday morning at Advocate Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn.

Her death was ruled an accident by the Cook County medical examiner's office, which reported that she died of multiple injuries sustained in the accident.

The first driver was charged with DUI and ticketed for striking a pedestrian as well as a plate registration violation. The second driver has not been cited and the accident remains under investigation.

The victim was a popular student who had earned a place on her school's honor role. She worked on the school's yearbook and took part in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, according to a school spokesperson. Family said she was an aspiring beautician who had just recently landed a job at a beauty salon.

A total of 156 people were killed in fatal Illinois pedestrian accidents in 2008, the vast majority in and around the Chicago metro area, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

As reported earlier this week on Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, one-third of traffic fatalities in Cook County are blamed on Chicago drunk driving accidents.

A 26-year-old Aurora man has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a fatal Chicago drunk driving accident that killed two of his friends back in 2007, the Examiner reported.

The Balmoral Court man agreed to plea to two counts of aggravated DUI and one count of DUI, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's office. He faces between 6 and 28 years in prison at his April sentencing.

The fatal Chicago DUI accident occurred in Aug. 2007. The defendant was driving two of his friends in a Nissan Sentra when he crashed into a tree near Sugar Grove. The two 21-year-old men were killed.

Investigators said the defendant had marijuana in his system at the time of the crash and a blood alcohol level of .01, above the Illinois limit of .08.

Illinois drunk driving fatalities are a primary cause of fatal Illinois traffic crashes. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that nearly half of fatally injured drivers (including 49 percent of young drivers ages 16 to 24) had a positive blood-alcohol content at the time of the collision.

As reported earlier this month on Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, the state of Illinois will spend more than $11 million to combat drunk driving this year.

One-third of all fatal accidents in Illinois involve a drunk driver. The overall goal is to reduce Illinois traffic fatalities to 883 by 2011 from the 1,355 recorded in 2004. Last month, we reported here at Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog that the 928 traffic fatalities recorded in 2009 were the lowest in nearly a century of reporting.

A 48-year-old man is accused of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he struck and killed a 6-year-old girl in a Chicago car accident.

The man had cocaine in his system and admitted to smoking marijuana and buying beer before the crash, which also injured the girl's 21-year-old aunt, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.

The defendant was held on $500,000 bail after a hearing in Cook County Criminal Court. He is charged with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence. His defense attorney denies his client was under the influence during the accident, which occurred a week ago Tuesday evening as the victim and her aunt were crossing Ashland Avenue near 74th Street.

The State Attorneys office reports that the defendant failed field sobriety tests at the scene and subsequent tests revealed he had cocaine in his system. They also say the man admitted to smoking marijuana and had bought a 40 ounce bottle of beer that was found in the van.

Police report the South Damen Avenue man has more than 40 traffic tickets on his record. The victim and her aunt had gone to a nearby dollar store to buy candy when the girl was killed in the Chicago pedestrian accident.

The defendant was driving a Dodge Caravan at high speed, southbound on Ashland Avenue, when he struck the two victims waiting in the median to cross to the other side, according to authorities. The girl hit the van's windshield and was thrown into the street. Her aunt was thrown across the northbound lanes of traffic and landed near a curb.

The aunt remained in the hospital nearly a week after the accident, after undergoing surgery for a fractured skull, broken leg and fractured shoulder blade.

The defendant's attorney claims the drug tests could have been a false positive due to medication the man is on following a work accident. The defense also tried to blame the victims for the accident by saying the defendant tried to stop and help "the people who were running across the street, through traffic, and across the median where they shouldn't have been," the attorney told the Chicago Sun-Times.

The federal government is launching FocusDriven this month, the first nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Chicago car accident attorneys and the personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes have been advocates of raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. In October, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog published a report showing an increase of 25 to 50 percent in fatal accidents caused by distracted driving over the last five years.

In 2008, government statistics estimate 1 in every 6 fatal accidents were caused by distracted drivers -- killing almost 6,000 and injuring more than half a million motorists.

The new agency, FocusDriven, is an outgrowth of a distracted driving summit reported on by Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog in September.

“I first met several of the founding members of FocusDriven at our Distracted Driving Summit, and I’m deeply impressed by their commitment to turn these tragic events into positive actions that will help save lives,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Their stories are not just heartbreaking; they’re also a clear and compelling call to action.”

FocusDriven is modeled after Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which has successfully changed society’s attitudes towards drinking and driving and sought the reduction of fatal drunk driving accidents.

“It is my hope that FocusDriven will serve as a valuable resource for those who have lost loved ones as a result of the senseless and preventable destructive practice of distracted driving,” said Jennifer Smith, President of FocusDriven, whose mother was killed by a driver talking on a cell phone in a 2008 car accident. “Secretary LaHood and the Department of Transportation’s attention to this topic have helped make it top safety issue. Their efforts have provided hope that we can quickly eliminate this threat and prevent other families from going through what we have experienced.”

FocusDriven also hopes to provide support for victims of distracted driving, educational services and evaluation of new technologies.

"Just as groups like MADD changed attitudes about drunk driving, I believe FocusDriven can help raise awareness and change the way people think about distracted driving," Secretary LaHood said. "Together, I hope we can put an end to this dangerous practice."

For more information, visit www.focusdriven.org.

Continue reading "New agency aims to reduce Chicago car accidents, traffic accidents caused by distracted driving nationwide" »

Several Chicago car accidents on the Eisenhower Expressway seriously injured at least nine people last week and caused long delays for motorists.

Last Tuesday, three lanes of the Eisenhower Expressway extension near I-355 were closed for several hours after a three-vehicle Chicago car accident seriously injured a driver, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.

The crash happened on the inbound expressway about 1 p.m. A medical helicopter transported one person to Lutheran General Hospital.

-Drunk driving and child endangerment charges are pending against a motorist driving a van on the Eisenhower Expressway that flipped over early a week ago Monday in a Chicago car accident that sent six passengers -- including two teenagers -- to the hospital.

The Sun-Times reported that the 19-year-old driver and another passenger fled on foot after the crash but were later apprehended. The remaining six passengers in the van were injured.

Three passengers were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital and three others were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

The driver is facing a DUI charge and two child endangerment charges related to the injury of two teenage passengers, ages 16 and 17.The one-vehicle accident occurred when the van flipped over on the outbound Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) near Cicero Ave. shortly before 2:30 a.m.

-Also a week ago Monday, a dismembered body was found lying in the outbound lanes of the Expressway. Police were investigating whether the death could have been the result of a Chicago pedestrian accident, foul play or suicide.

A Chicago motorcycle accident claimed the life of a 47-year-old man on Saturday -- two years after he was struck by an SUV driven by a man whose felony drunk driving case is still pending, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.

The 47-year-old victim had been living at the Imperial Grove Pavillion nursing home, where he died Saturday. The medical bills in such cases can be astronomical and the pain and distress placed on families is devastating.

While it will be several months before motorcycles take to the roads again in Illinois, motorists are reminded that Chicago bicycle accidents and Chicago pedestrian accidents also often result in serious injury or death because of the vulnerability of such accident victims.

While overall traffic fatalities are down nationwide, the number of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities have not shown significant improvement and fatal motorcycle accidents have risen each year for more than a decade. As reported last fall on Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, Illinois motorcycle accidents were up 22 percent last year. Nationwide, 5,290 riders were killed in 2008. Fatalities increased for the 11th straight year and accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

And, as is alleged in this case, more than one-third of Chicago car accidents are caused by a drunk driver.

The driver is facing nine felony counts as a result of the alleged Chicago drunk driving accident. Police say it is uncertain whether the 48-year-old driver will face additional charges as a result of the victim's death.

The Sept. 2, 2007 crash occurred just before 9 p.m. at the intersection of Lawrence and Elston avenues, Chicago police reported. The victim was headed south on Elston on a 1991 Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he was struck by a Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which attempted to turn left in front of him.

The defendant remains free on $20,000 bail. He is next scheduled to appear before Cook County Judge Catherine Haberkorn at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, according to court records.

A Chicago man faces serious criminal charges for a New Year's Chicago drunk driving accident that claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The Cook County sheriff's office reported the Oak Forest car accident was caused by a 22-year-old man who is a business partner of a former Chicago Blackhawks player.

The defendant's 20-year-old ex-girlfriend, a local college student, was killed in the one-car Chicago car accident. He was tested with a blood-alcohol level of .236, almost three times the legal limit, according to media reports.

He was charged with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence.

The one-car Chicago car accident occurred at about 4:20 a.m. Thursday on 147th Street near Oak Park Avenue, when the defendant's Mercedes SUV struck a light pole before careening into a ditch and rolling over, according to police.

The defendant was treated at Advocate Christ Medical Center for a broken wrist and other injuries. He was being held in custody over the weekend, pending a bond hearing at the Markham courthouse.

The Sun-Times reported bond was later set at $200,000.

The Tribune reported the victim's parents spent New Year's Day planning funeral arrangements for their middle child.

As reported recently on Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, one-third of fatal Illinois car accidents involve drunk drivers. Last year in Illinois, 1,043 people killed in traffic accidents; one in three (362) were legally drunk and one in four (252) had a blood alcohol level of almost twice the legal limit (.15) or higher, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

As it makes a final push through the Holiday season, Illinois' Operation Save 100 reported that 204 agencies had arrested 1,814 people for drunk driving and issued almost 10,000 seat belt citations. The Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes remind motorists that the new year's weekend is typically one of the deadliest on the roads as heavy traffic, winter driving accidents, and Chicago drunk driving accidents pose a danger to holiday motorists. As reported on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, the state launched the program Nov. 11 and hopes to reduce Illinois traffic fatalities by 100 lives through the end of the year. At launch, 781 had died on Illinois roads in 2009, compared to 883 during the same period last year. The statewide enforcement effort focuses on the deadly nighttime hours and includes roadside safety checks, safety belt enforcement zones and police patrols looking for impaired drivers and safety belt law violators, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. “There is no doubt that many serious crashes occur at night,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “This high visibility enforcement effort comes at a time of year when lots of people are traveling across the state and nation, so it is a good time to focus on safety, especially during the holidays.” IDOT reports nearly 7 of 10 Illinois traffic fatalities occuring between midnight and 3 a.m. involve a drunk driver. Saving 100 lives would also save $100 million -- the state estimates each road fatality costs about $1.2 million. While fatal Illinois traffic accidents have been declining -- from 1,248 in 2007 to 1,043 last year -- Illinois is one of only 10 states to log more than 1,000 traffic deaths per year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Continue reading "Authorities hope for fewer fatal Illinois car accidents" »

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Raising awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs this holiday season, could reduce the number of serious and fatal Chicago car accidents.

The Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes have posted here and on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog about recent stepped-up enforcement efforts aimed at combating drunk driving and other holiday car accidents in the Chicago area and across the country.

In 2007, nearly 1,500 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving's Tie One On for Safety campaign joins increased enforcement by local law enforcement through the holiday season, including sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols.

To show support, motorists are encouraged to tie a red ribbon on their antenna or display a window decal as a pledge to drive safe, sober and buckled up during the holidays and throughout the year. Red ribbons and red ribbon window decals are available by contacting your local MADD affiliate.

MADD encourages all drivers to obey the following safety tips:

-Designate a sober driver before celebrations begin.
-Never serve those under the age of 21 alcohol.
-Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests and not serving alcohol the last hour of the gathering.
-Be prepared to get everyone home safe in case your plans or individual circumstances change.

Holidays bring increased risk of serious or fatal accidents on Illinois roads, according to 2008 statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation:

Memorial Day: 8 killed 726 injured in
Fourth of July: 15 killed and 805 injured
Labor Day: 15 killed and 803 injured
Thanksgiving: 9 killed and 961 injured
Christmas: 8 killed and 841 injured
New Year's: 10 killed and 575 injured

Last year, almost half -- 44 percent -- of fatally injured Illinois drivers tested positive for alcohol. Forty percent of all Illinois traffic fatalities in 2008 occurred in the 5 county area around Chicago.

Continue reading "Drunk driving awareness month aimed at reducing Chicago car accidents, drunk driving accidents nationwide" »

The National Safety Commission has issued a comprehensive plan for staying safe and avoiding car accidents as the perennial biggest travel holiday of the year begins Wednesday.

The Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes wish you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving and urge you to do your part to keep the roads safe throughout the upcoming holiday season. Earlier this week we posted on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer's blog the first of a series of safe-holiday advisories, including AAA's estimate of 41 million American travelers hitting the road.

And please designate a driver. Chicago drunk driving accidents and DUI accidents nationwide are responsible for significant numbers of traffic fatalities, particularly among young people.

In Illinois during the 2007 Christmas-New Year's Holiday, 92 of the 214 young drivers who were killed during the holidays were impaired.

The commission reminds motorists that Thanksgiving is not only be busiest travel holiday of the year, but also the deadliest. The Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog reported that almost 1,000 people were seriously injured or killed during the Thanksgiving holiday last year in Illinois.

The National Safety Commission has the following tips:

Seat Belts
-Of the fatalities during the 2008 Thanksgiving weekend;
-More than two-thirds (67%) of the total fatalities did not have their seat belts fastened.
-40 percent of the fatalities in daytime crashes were not wearing seat belts.

Speed
Speeding is the major reason for traffic crashes; speed reduces reaction time and increases the force of a collision.

Wednesday
-Long-distance travel will be heaviest after work on Wednesday, extending normal rush-hour delays and causing congestion in more rural areas where traffic is typically lighter.

Fatigue and Frustration
-Fatigued and frustrated drivers may tempt drivers to take chances they otherwise would not take.
-Sleepy drivers may nod off at the wheel and are just as dangerous as drunk drivers.

Sunday
Most drivers will wait until Sunday afternoon to return home where they will face many of the same driving conditions that they faced on Wednesday evening.

Drunk Drivers
-Drivers are more likely to face drunk drivers following Sunday football games and other celebration.

The Commission recommends these actions to remain safe on the road:

-Try to leave on Tuesday and return either on Saturday or Monday when traffic is lighter and safer
-Give yourself plenty of time
-Allow for plenty of rest
-Share driving duties with a fellow traveler and stop every couple hours for at least a short break
-Don't depend on caffeine or energy drinks
-Understand that traffic will be heavy and don't let your frustrations tempt you to take chances
-Watch the weather and adjust travel to accommodate road conditions
-Wear your seat belt
-Use safety seats for children
-Don't speed
-Use your cruise control to prevent speeding
-Don't phone and drive- pull over when using cell phones
-Don't drink and drive

Continue reading "Thanksgiving plan for avoiding holiday Chicago car accidents" »

The year-end holiday season will kick off with more than 41 million Americans hitting the road for trips of 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving weekend, according to AAA estimates, and authorities are preaching caution during the final two months of the year as holiday travel, shopping and congestion too often clash with drunk drivers and winter weather.

The Chicago car accident lawyers and drunk driving accident attorneys at Abels & Annes urge motorists to head safety warnings, designate a driver, and enjoy the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

While the "Don't Drink and Drive" message may be at its loudest when it comes to New Year's Eve, more people were seriously injured in Illinois car accidents on Thanksgiving (961) and Christmas (841) last year than during any other holiday.

The New Year's holiday reported the fewest injuries (575) but the most fatalities (10) of the trio of year-end holidays. Nine people were killed on Christmas and 8 died over the Christmas holiday, according to figures recently released by the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of its 2008 traffic study. More information from the study is available by visiting the Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog.

Chicago drunk driving accidents and drunk drivers nationwide are responsible for large numbers of holiday fatalities.

On average from 2001 to 2005, about 40 percent of Christmas and New Year fatalities nationwide involved a drunk driver compared to 28 percent during the rest of December, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In 2007, drunk driving accidents made Thanksgiving the deadliest holiday of the year, claiming 548 lives, followed by Labor Day (519), Memorial Day (491), Christmas (468), New Year's (391) and Fourth of July (200).

At particular risk are young people, according to federal statistics. More than 300 young drivers ages 21 to 24 are involved in fatal crashes during the last half of December each year. One-third of the 1,710 deaths from 2002-2007 were the result of drunk driving accidents that claimed 649 lives.

In Illinois during the 2007 Christmas-New Year's Holiday, 214 young drivers were killed and almost half --92--were impaired.

Nationwide, an average of 36 people a day are killed by a drunk driver, compared to 54 per day during the three-day New Year's Holiday and 45 per day during Christmas.

Continue reading "Year-end Holidays a dangerous time for Chicago car accidents" »

A total of 11,773 of the nation's 37,261 traffic fatalities were caused by drunk drivers, according to a comprehensive look at drunk driving released in time for the holiday driving season by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes encourage everyone to do their part in preventing drunk driving accidents as we head into the heart of the holiday season.

In Illinois, of the 1,043 people killed in traffic accidents, one in three (362) were legally drunk and one in four (252) had a blood alcohol level of almost twice the legal limit (.15) or higher.

While drunk driving deaths decreased nearly 10 percent from the 13,041 deaths recorded in 2007, the new statistics are startling confirmation that one-third of all traffic deaths are the direct result of drunk driving.

The statistics represent an average of one drunk driving death every 45 minutes.

Included in the deaths were 692 non-occupant fatalities, which usually means a bicyclist or pedestrian death.

Over 70 percent of drunk driving fatalities occurred at night and 55 percent occurred during the weekend.

One in every 7 drivers killed in a drunk driving accident were under the age of 21 (and thus not even old enough to drink). One-third of drivers ages 25 to 34 who were killed in fatal accidents were intoxicated. One in four drivers 35 to 44 who were killed were intoxicated.

In recent months, the Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog at Abels & Annes has reported on the dangers of nighttime driving, the increasing number of women arrested for DUI, and a report that found 1 in 7 weekend nighttime drivers tested positive for alcohol or drugs.

Continue reading "One drunk driving death every 45 minutes -- Illinois drunk driving accidents a continuing problem" »

A Cicero man was sentenced to 7 years in prison this week for causing a fatal Chicago car vs. bicycle accident last year while driving drunk, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.

The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty at the Cook County courthouse in Maywood in connection with the Chicago drunk driving accident. He had been charged with one count each of aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury.

He admitted to running a red light in his van on Roosevelt Road about 8:30 p.m. on July 23, 2008, where he struck a 49-year-old woman crossing Roosevelt on her bicycle. He left her lying in the street, severely wounded with broken bones and a head injury and fled the scene because he did not have a driver's license, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The victim, Wilma Bradford, 49, of Cicero, survived for six months in a coma before dying in January as a result of her injuries.

Police found the hit-and-run driver in the attic of his home about an hour after the crash. Blood and urine samples taken four hours after the crash showed he had cocaine in his system and a blood-alcohol content of .06, just under the legal limit of .08.

His license was suspended because at the time of the accident and he had just been convicted of misdemeanor driving under the influence, according to Assistant State's Attorney Jamie Santini.

It has not been reported if the family of the victim is pursuing a civil wrongful death action against the driver.

Continue reading "Cicero driver sentenced to prison for killing bicyclist in Chicago drunk driving accident" »

A majority of motorists favor mandating high-tech devices that would prohibited people from driving vehicles under the influence, according to the results of a new study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

About 180,000 interlocks -- devices which test an operator's blood-alcohol level before allowing a vehicle to be operated -- are mandated for use by some drunk driving offenders. Widespread use of interlocks by all motorists has been increasingly debated as a way to lower road fatalities caused by drinking and driving.

The Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes continue to monitor enforcement and safety issues surrounding the prevention of drunk driving, which accounts for about one-third of all traffic fatalities

Nationwide, the number of fatal drunk driving cases dropped slightly in 2008, to 11,773 compared to 13,041 in 2007. But alcohol-related fatalities still account for about 1 in every 3 of the nation's 37,261 road deaths in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In Illinois, 362 people were killed by drunk drivers last year of the 1,043 traffic fatalities.

About 3 of 4 survey respondents were aware of interlocks being required for some people with DUI convictions. Connected to a car's ignition system, the devices keep vehicles from starting if an operator's blood-alcohol level registers above a predetermined level, usually set below the legal threshold of .08.

While the Insurance Institute says the devices have been successful in reducing the risk posed by prior drunk-driving offenders, the group contends that most fatal crashes involve drunk drivers who have not had a prior offense in the past 3 years, and so would not be subject to mandatory use of the devices under various existing state laws.

The group contends 8,000 lives could be saved by equipping all vehicles with such devices and points to the study's results as proof the general public might be receptive to the idea.

"The results are clear-cut and a bit surprising," says Anne McCartt, Institute senior vice president for research. "We didn't expect to find support across the board for the idea of detecting alcohol in everybody, but this survey tells us people are ready to crack down on all impaired drivers, not just those who've had DWI convictions."

Technology would have to be improved so that the devices could be invisible and maintenance free-- current interlock devices are large, visible, "unwieldy and obstructive," according the the group.

However, the Institute reports that a partnership between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, is exploring new detection technologies that could be developed for widespread use.

"The idea is to stop anyone from operating a vehicle if the BAC registers 0.08 percent or higher, not to prevent drivers from having any drinks at all before getting in their cars," McCartt said.

Sixty-four percent of survey respondents said the devices would be a good idea in all cars if the technology proves reliable. Only 30 percent said it's a bad idea.

Continue reading "Study claims majority of motorists would support mandatory ignition interlocks on all vehicles to avoid drunk driving accidents" »

A 35-year-old man faces numerous charges after a fatal weekend Chicago DUI accident.

The accused driver faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, driving without insurance and failure to stop at a red light, according to the Chicago Tribune.

ABC7 reported the victim, a 30 year old man from Chicago, died as a result of his injuries after his vehicle was struck by the defendant's truck at about 2:30 a.m. The crash happened at West Cermak Road and South Damen Avenue on the city's Southwest Side.

Authorities say the victim was pronounced dead at Stein Institute. The accused drunk driver and a 20-year-old female passenger in his truck were treated for injuries at a local hospital, according to the Tribune.

The accident was investigated by the Chicago Police Department.

Earlier this month we blogged about the high numbers of nighttime DUI accidents reported by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Seven in ten Illinois drunk driving accidents are reported between midnight and 3 a.m.

In August, a federal study found 1 in 7 nighttime weekend drivers were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

An alarming new federal report shows the battle against drunk driving is far from over: 1 in 10 binge drinkers got behind the wheel of an automobile the last time they drank heavily, driving away from a bar, restaurant or nightclub after downing five or more drinks and putting everyone in their path in danger.

The Chicago car accident lawyers and drunk driving accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have blogged this year --both here and on our sister site www.chicagocaraccidentlawyersblog.com --about the increase in drunk driving cases against women, the high rate of night and weekend car accidents caused by drunk drivers, and the overall dangers of drunk driving.

One out of every three fatal crashes in 2008 was alcohol related, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In this latest study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 percent of 14,000 binge drinkers surveyed admitted to driving after their last bout of heavy drinking.

All had five or more drinks; half admitted to having seven or more drinks; 1 in 4 admitted to consuming at least 10 drinks before driving. The report highlighted the need to do a better job of preventing bars and restaurants from serving intoxicated patrons.

Illinois' Dram Shop laws permit injured parties to attempt to recover damages from restaurants or bars who serve intoxicated patrons who cause serious injury or death to an innocent party. in other words, Chicago car accident victims who are injured by a drunk driver can sometimes make a claim, not only against the at-fault driver, but against the establishment that severed the alcohol.

Dr. Timothy Naimi, of the CDC's alcohol program, attributes binge drinking to more than 11,000 deaths a year. He called Dram Shop laws "among the most disregarded laws in the country."

"The drinking location is really important," Naimi said. "We're trusting these licensed establishments to serve responsibly, and more than half of the intoxicated people who drive have been drinking in these places."

Continue reading "Binge drinking research - DUI drivers too often endanger Illinois residents" »

Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes often represent Illinois residents who have been injured by DUI drivers. One car accident case we are currently working on involves the death of two minor children.

The State of Illinois has announced a crackdown on drunk drivers that launches this week and runs through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Robert Brasky, Illinois Traffic Safety Leaders president, announced officers from all departments will be out in force beginning Aug. 21 and cited motorcycle riders as being at particularly high risk through the holiday weekend.

The Chicago car accident lawyers and motorcycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes blogged recently about the increase in motorcycle fatalities.

Police will join thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies throughout the nation as they take part in the "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" crackdown on impaired driving.

In 2007, nearly 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. About 1 in 3 road fatalities involves drunk driving.

For motorcycle riders, 2007 statistics show a higher percentage (27 percent) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher than any other type of motor vehicle driver.

The Chicago Sun-Times recently reported Illinois motorcycle accidents are up 22 percent, from 2,180 in 2007 to 2,663 last year.

“Make no mistake. Our message is simple. No matter what you drive—a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle—if police catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” said Brasky. “Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state. Yet we continue to see far a tragic number of people with debilitating injuries and deaths as a result of impaired driving. This careless disregard for human life must stop. To help ensure that happens, police are dedicated to arresting impaired drivers wherever and whenever they find them."

The national "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest." program is organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and focuses on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness and publicity.

For more information, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

Continue reading "Illinois announces crackdown on drunk drivers through Labor Day weekend" »

On the South Side of Chicago a single car accident has resulted in a nine-year-old's head being thrown into a windshield, and the child's mother being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, according to ABC News. The mother, Cheryl Ranae Reynolds, hit a viaduct Saturday night near East 83rd and South Jeffery after she allegedly reached down to pick up a bottle alcohol she dropped on the floor.

The mother has been charged with aggravated DUI and not wearing a seat belt. The Chicago Police Department is handling the investigation. The extent of the child's injuries have not yet been reported.

While the mother caused the accident, that fact does not bar an injury claim by the minor child against her mother and mother's auto insurance carrier. If the mother had valid auto insurance, the child will be able to pursue a claim.

In a similar case, personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes currently represent a father who lost his two daughters in an auto accident. The girls were in their mother's minivan when she crossed the center line and struck another vehicle head on.

The fact that the mother's actions caused the accident does not bar the childrens' estates from recovering against the mother's estate and her insurance company. Car accident lawyers at our law firm expect to recover the insurance policy limits on behalf of the childrens' estates over the next several weeks.