Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illinois motorcycle crash lawyer Gary Annes has reached a settlement on behalf of the client injured in a collision. This claim arises out of a cycle vs. automobile accident which took place at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Paulina Street in Chicago, Illinois, in August, 2010.

The plaintiff was hurt when the motorcycle he was riding was T-boned by a vehicle being driven by the defendant. Our client was northbound on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, approaching its intersection with Pauline Street.

The traffic light at the intersection showed a green light for north and southbound traffic on Milwaukee. As the plaintiff went to the intersection, the defendant turned left into his motorcycle, failing to yield the right-of-way. The front of the defendant's vehicle struck the motorcycle and our client's left leg. After getting hit, the motorcyclist was knocked off his bike, and he slid around 20 feet after landing on the pavement.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. After speaking to both parties involved in the collision, the investigating officer placed the defendant at fault for the collision. The officer issued a traffic citation to the driver of the car for failure to yield when making a left turn, which he was found guilty of at trial in traffic court.

After the collision, our client has an immediate onset of left leg pain, left hip pain and pain in both shoulders. An ambulance was called to the scene. Paramedics noted multiple left leg abrasions in severe road rash on both arms. He was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Over the next few days the plaintiff's pain increased significantly. A week after the accident he returned to Northwestern for additional treatment. He was instructed to continue on pain medication and seek follow up treatment with a medical doctor.

A few days later our client started treatment with an orthopedic physician in Chicago. There he began a course of physical therapy and chiropractic treatment in September, 2010. His treatment consisted of chiropractic manipulative therapy, myofascial release, interferential therapy, traction, heat/cold therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic exercise to increase range of motion and decrease pain. He attended eleven (11) sessions of physical therapy and chiropractic treatment, which ended on November, 2010.

The case resolved for the defendant's auto insurance policy limits of $20,000. Further, our office was able to recover an additional $5,000 for the plaintiff by making an under-insured motorist claim against our client's own auto insurance policy.

If you've been hurt in a Chicago area motorcycle accident, contact the Illinois injury attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to a lawyer now.

The "Start Seeing Motorcycles" campaign was recently launched by State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) in an attempt to help reduce the risks of a motorcycle accident in Chicago and elsewhere in the state.

The agencies are now urging motorists to watch for motorcyclists as the spring season signals the start of the riding season in Illinois.

Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers urge residents to join the cause not only in the month of May but year round. It is important to use caution when sharing our roads with motorcycles through the spring and summer months.

“Under the leadership and vision of Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois experienced an historic and record breaking two-year low in traffic fatalities in 2009 and 2010,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “IDOT continues to stress the importance of motorcycle safety and understands the need for proper attention, dedication and commitment by all motorists and motorcyclists in Illinois. Motorists share equal responsibility for motorcycle safety and are strongly encouraged to share the road and start seeing motorcycles.”

Statistics show more than half of all motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are the fault of the other driver -- not the rider.

“The Illinois State Police is committed to the safety of all motorists, and we are proud to partner with IDOT in an effort to raise awareness and reduce motorcycle related crashes,” said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. “Inclement weather, road conditions, traffic congestion, and limitations of protective gear, make motorcycle riders susceptible to serious or life threatening injuries, regardless of their experience or skill level. We can all help make this summer safe and enjoyable by practicing safe driving habits and staying focused on the road.”

Yellow banners and yard signs illustrating the “Start Seeing Motorcycles” message will be displayed throughout Illinois this month in hopes of effectively informing the public about the increased number of motorcyclists expected to hit the road this spring. Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for motorcyclists and to be considerate of all motorists when behind the wheel.

IDOT and partners will also be continuing their new “Gear Up” campaign. This campaign is geared towards motorcyclists and their responsibilities as drivers. The campaign urges riders to keep their bikes in good running condition, make sure licensing and insurance are current, never ride impaired, wear protective clothing and increase their visibility.

“When you ride, be aware of your surroundings, others may not see you. Whenever there is a motor vehicle versus a motorcycle accident, most of the time the operator’s comment is, ‘I did not see the bike” said Larry Kolling, GWRRA’s Illinois District Motorist Awareness Coordinator.

During the "Gear Up" campaign, free Cycle Rider Safety Courses will be available statewide so that motorcycle riders can acquire proper safety knowledge and training.

The courses expect about 20,000 riders to participate and are coordinated through Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and University of Illinois-Campaign,

Motorist tips to help keep our motorcyclists safe:

-Be sure to look twice when entering traffic, switching lanes or passing through an intersection as motorcyclists are oftentimes overlooked.

-Because of their small size, motorcycles appear to travel faster than they actually are.

-Motorcyclists will sometimes slow down or attempt to stop by downshifting instead of using their brakes. This move does not activate their brake lights. Do not follow too closely.

-Their small size may make them seem farther away than they actually are. Assume bikes are close and pose potential threats. Be extra cautious when driving near these motorists.

-Some blinkers on motorcycles are not self-canceling like they are on other motor vehicles. Make sure that a motorcyclist's signal is real when traveling nearby.

-Bike drivers will swerve within a lane to avoid debris and the effects of winds. Don't assume they're just showing off or being reckless.

Continue reading "Governor Quinn Joins Motorcycle Safety Campaign to Help Reduce Risks of Chicago Motorcycle Accidents" »

It might be early, but as long as the snow is melting it's not too early for die-hard riders to hit the roads. Motorists unprepared for riders on the road in early spring are at increased risk of causing a Chicago motorcycle accident.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has teamed with the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and a Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) to warn motorists to watch for cyclists this spring.

Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys know that more than half of all motorcycle accidents that involve another vehicle are the fault of the motorist, and not the rider.

“IDOT is dedicated to motorcycle safety in Illinois and has developed a proven and effective traffic safety program to positively impact motorcyclists and the general public as a whole,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable of highway users, and we want to work together to promote motorcycle safety and help protect all of the motoring public.”

In an effort to address those accidents which involve fault on the part of the rider, the organizations are kicking off a statewide campaign called "Gear Up," which is aimed at encouraging riders to wear the proper equipment and receive the proper training.

"Our goals are to educate our members in proper riding techniques and safe operation and to improve public acceptance and awareness of motorcyclists while maintaining a friendly, fun atmosphere,” said GWRRA Illinois District Director Dan Ribbing. “The Illinois District of the GWRRA is proud to cooperate with the State of Illinois and all of its departments in educating the motoring public.”

Despite representing less than 3 percent of the vehicles on the road, motorcycle riders account for about 1 in 7 fatality victims.

“The mission of the members of ABATE. of Illinois is to preserve the universal right to a safe, unrestricted motorcycling environment, and to propose and advocate actions that can be taken by elected and appointed officials to protect and conserve the natural resources of the State of Illinois, and ensure through professional management that sustainable use, recreational opportunities and enjoyment of these new resources is available for this and future generations,” said ABATE of Illinois, Inc.

IDOT offers the following safety tips as part of the "Gear Up" campaign:

-Wear the proper gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, goggles or glasses, long pants and gloves, and protective footwear. High-visibility clothing can offer added protection.

-Make sure your bike is properly serviced and in good repair.

-Take advantage of free training opportunities and other safety programs. IDOT will make 25,000 free training slots available in 2011 to riders of all skill levels. Click here to learn more about Illinois motorcycle safety courses.

-Make sure you have the proper license and you obey all traffic laws. About 1 in 5 riders killed in accidents do not have the proper license.

-Never drink and ride. Alcohol plays a part in more than one-third of all fatal motorcycle crashes.

-Know your abilities and do not ride beyond them.

To learn more about motorcycle safety in Illinois visit Start Seeing Motorcycles.

Continue reading "Even in early spring, Chicago motorcycle accidents a concern " »

A 38-year-old Bolingbrook resident was killed in an Illinois motorcycle accident on Friday, according to Tribune local. The collision occurred just before 3:30 PM on Route 53. The motorcyclist was rushed by ambulance to Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital and was pronounced dead at 4:07 PM.

The Chicago area accident occurred when a northbound Saturn on Route 53 struck the motorcycle rider while turning left to get onto North Beaconridge Drive. The Bolingbrook Police Department is handling the crash investigation, and police representatives indicate charges could be filed when the investigation is complete.

The driver of the Saturn and a passenger, who are also Bolingbrook residents, were both injured and take to Bolingbrook Hospital. They were both treated and released.

Under Illinois law, the driver turning left as the duty to yield to oncoming traffic (625 ILCS 5/11‑902). In my experience as a Chicago personal injury lawyer, is common for left turning drivers to sufficiently look out for oncoming cars, but then fail to notice smaller vehicles such as motorcycles or bicycles. It is also common for left turning drivers to forget to look for pedestrians.

A 32-year-old man from Chicago lost his life on Tuesday when he was involved in an Illinois truck vs. motorcycle accident, according to the Chicago Daily Herald. The crash occurred in Elk Grove Township around 11:40 AM.

The truck was headed in a westerly direction on Higgins Road, just west of Landmeier, where it was in the left lane while turning right turn into a parking lot. The motorcycle rider was in the right lane and hit the side of the truck as it was turning into the lot.

The motorcyclist suffered severe head and chest injuries. He was rushed by ambulance to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge where there is a Level I trauma center. Physicians were initially able to revive him, but he passed away around 1:30 PM.

The Cook County Sheriff's Department responded to the accident, and the Sheriffs accident reconstruction unit is investigating.

It is not been reported if Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys are involved in the case yet. Once involved, they will certainly look into whether there was negligence on the part of the truck driver in swinging the right turn from the left lane.

WGN news is reporting that the victim was Mariusz Koziel, age 32, who resided on the Northwest Side of Chicago.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in the year 2009 there was a total of 3,846 Illinois motorcycle accidents. In those crashes, 130 motorcyclists were killed and 3,152 were injured. The State further reports that there were a total of 9,319 Illinois truck accidents last year. In those tractor-trailer crashes, 62 people were killed and 1,603 were injured.

A woman who caused a fatal Chicago motorcycle accident while painting her fingernails has been sentenced to "periodic jail time," NBC Chicago reported.

The 49-year-old defendant was convicted of reckless homicide in connection with the Lake Zurich accident and sentenced to 18 months of periodic imprisonment, followed by 30 months of probation. The victim was sitting on her bike at an intersection when the defendant's Chevy Impala slammed into her at about 50 mph. She was thrown several hundred feet and later died at the hospital.

"We appreciate Judge Foreman's acknowledgment of the epidemic of distracted driving, and the need to apply a sentence that will serve as a warning for all motorists," said the victim's son.

Our Chicago accident attorneys frequently report on the dangers of distracted driving, both here and on our sister site, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog. While authorities largely focus on the dangers of cell phones and text messaging while behind the wheel, other common forms of distraction include applying makeup, dressing, grooming, smoking, eating and drinking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 6,000 people a year are killed and more than 500,000 are injured in accidents caused by distracted driving.

During the trial, her attorney had argued that other motorists around the cyclist went through the yellow light. When the rider stopped, the defendant had no time to react.

We frequently report on the dangers of following a motorcycle too closely. Motorcycles require about the same amount of time to stop as a passenger car -- rear-end accidents are one of the leading causes of serious and fatal Illinois motorcycle accidents.

The jury took just three-and-a-half hours to find her guilty in the case.

ABC7 reported that the May 2009 crash happened in unincorporated Lake County at Route 9 and Old McHenry Road.

Police are looking for the vehicle responsible for a Chicago car accident that injured nine people over the weekend, the Sun-Times reported.

The three-car accident injured nine motorists Saturday night on the Bishop Ford Freeway (I-94) on the city's South Side, according to Illinois State Police. The crash happened about 10 p.m. near 130th Street when a vehicle struck another vehicle in the northbound lanes. The second vehicle collided with a third vehicle before being pushed into a ditch with five motorists inside.

The vehicle that started the accident fled the scene. No one was taken to the hospital in the third vehicle; four people were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Among the passengers in the car forced into the ditch: One person was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious to critical condition; two were taken to Metro South Medical Center and one was transported to Roseland Community Hospital.

Elsewhere over the weekend, an Illinois motorcycle accident claimed the life of a rider in Will County. The accident happened on Center Point Drive in Elmwood when the motorcycle veered off the roadway and crashed shortly before 5 a.m. Saturday. The rider was taken to Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, where he was pronounced dead.

A Chicago semi accident claimed the life of a 92-year-old woman on Friday afternoon in Riverside, the Breaking News Center reported.

Police responded to the crash at First and Forest avenues at about 1:30 p.m. Police found a heavily damaged 2001 Chevy Impala sitting in the intersection and a semi sitting in a nearby wooded area. A 92-year old passenger in the Impala was transported to Loyola University Hospital in Maywood, where she was pronounced dead. Several other occupants were also transported to the hospital.

Cause of the accident remains under investigation.

A Chicago motorcycle accident injured a 33-year-old Aurora man Friday night after his bike collided with a vehicle that failed to yield while turning left, the Daily-Chronicle reported.

Our Chicago accident attorneys continue to report about the high number of serious and fatal motorcycle accidents that occur each summer in the Chicago area. Motorists who fail to yield to a motorcycle are a primary cause of crashes.

Nearly 1,000 motorcycle accidents occurred in Chicago in 2008, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Twenty three riders were killed and 463 were seriously injured.

In this case, police report the motorcyclist was riding his Suzuki eastbound on Chicago Road, shortly before 6 p.m. Friday, when he was struck by a westbound Chevrolet van that turned left in front of him. The rider was taken to Valley West Community Hospital. The 54-year-old driver of the van was not injured.

Nationwide, a total of 5,290 riders were killed in 2008 and 96,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Riders will be out in force through the last half of summer, enjoying the Illinois riding season before the weather turns crisp in the fall. Motorists are urged to do their part to avoid being involved in a serious or fatal Illinois motorcycle accident. IDOT provides a wide range of resources through startseeingmotorcycles.org, including a list of safety classes and resources for bikers and motorists alike.

According to its "Share the Road" brochure:

-Intersections: Are the most dangerous place for crashes. Most often the motorcycle is proceeding straight when the vehicle makes a left turn in front of the rider (which is exactly what happened in this case). Yield the right of way and always use your turn signal.

-Lanes: A motorcycle lane is the same size as a car lane; a motorcycle is entitled to its own lane of travel and should never be crowded. Don't attempt to share a lane.

-Following Distance: Allow at least two second following distance between any vehicle, especially a motorcycle.

-Stopping Distance: Motorcycles can sometimes stop quicker than cars, but a lot depends on weather and road conditions and a rider's training and experience. Make sure to leave plenty of room between you and a motorcycle in the event it becomes necessary to stop suddenly.

-Drive Aware: Motorcycle registrations account for little more than 3 percent of the vehicles on the road. However, they are involved in almost 13 percent of fatal motor vehicle accidents. Motorists need to be aware of motorcycles and share the road.

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.

Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation have proclaimed May Motorcycle Awareness Month and urge motorists to be vigilant in looking for motorcycles.

Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog recently reported a pair of serious Chicago motorcycle accidents in April as riding season begins in earnest and we encourage all motorists and riders to ride and drive safely.

"Start Seeing Motorcycles" will be the primary message geared toward motorists as the state seeks to continue the decrease in Illinois motorcycle accidents and traffic fatalities. Overall traffic fatalities decreased last year to 911, from the 1,043 reported in 2008, while fatal motorcycle accidents dropped slightly, to 130 compared to the 135 recorded in 2008.

"We are very encouraged to see a drop in the number of motorcycle fatalities on our roads and would like to see that trend continue,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “This campaign reinforces the importance of motorcycle safety. We urge every motorist on the road to be on the lookout for motorcycle riders and to ‘Share the Road’ with them.”

Celebrities backing the Illinois campaign include mixed martial artists and motorcycle riders Matt Hughes and Gray Maynard, as well as Stephanie Reaves, the first woman to earn a professional drag racing license through the American Motorcycle Association.

“Motorcycle safety is a fundamental topic close to my heart and thousands of riders in Illinois and across the nation,” Reaves said. “Whether I am racing on the track or traveling on the road, I make sure to wear the proper riding gear and am always aware of my surroundings.”

Additionally, officials are pushing all riders to take advantage of free riding courses being offered to beginning and intermediate riders. Last year, IDOT trained 16,701 students in its Cycle Rider Safety Training Program.

“The Illinois State Police is committed to sustaining the downward trend of traffic crash fatalities in Illinois, and ensuring the safety of motorcyclists,” said Acting Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken. “Troopers throughout the state will continue to monitor speed limits, check license endorsements, and enforce “Fatal Five” moving violations.”

State Police offer the following safety tips:

- Don’t drink and ride.

- Wearing a helmet, protective body wear, boots and gloves is strongly recommended.

- Wearing brightly colored clothing can improve your visibility during the day -- wear reflective clothing at night.

- Ride within your skills and capacity. Riding beyond 80 percent of capacity leaves no margin for error, or for the unexpected.

- Stay alert to what's ahead. Don’t become fixed on what’s just beyond your front tire. Be alert to what's 12-16 seconds ahead, including vehicles, potholes, roadway obstructions, and other potential hazards.

- In an emergency, remember that motorcycles have a far better stopping capacity than larger vehicles. As you avoid a hazard, scan for a safe escape route and keep watch for vehicles approaching from behind.

- At intersections, check left, check front, check right, and check left again. Checking left first and last is important because it is the first lane of oncoming traffic. Continue to scan the intersection in a clockwise pattern. Take special care to watch for vehicles approaching from the front, in case that vehicle turns left in front of you -- 77% of motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an approaching rider.

To learn more about the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program visit www.startseeingmotorcycles.org.

Continue reading "State officials launch Motorcycle Awareness Month in effort to reduce Illinois motorcycle accidents" »

Preliminary numbers for 2009 show what might be the first significant decline in motorcycle accidents in more than a decade, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Authorities cite the economy as a primary factor for the reduction.

The Governors Highway Safety Association reports a 10 percent decline in 2009, to a total of 4,762 fatal accidents, based on preliminary statistics. Fatal Chicago motorcycle accidents were down 18 percent, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

As we reported recently on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, spring is a dangerous time for Chicago motorcycle accidents. New riders hit the road alongside veteran riders who are gearing up for the summer riding season. Motorists need to use extra caution in watching for motorcyclists and are urged to give them the space and respect they need and deserve to stay safe on the road.

In the six-county Chicago area, deaths fell to 47 in 2009, compared to 57 in 2008 and 68 in 2007. Statewide, motorcycle accidents declined to 130 in 2009, compared to 135 in 2008.

Nationwide, accidents have increased with the popularity of motorcycling. The number of registered motorcycles has nearly doubled in the last decade, from 4 million in 1998 to more than 7 million this year. Illinois motorcycle accidents killed 121 riders in 2008. Nationwide, 5,290 riders were killed and more than 100,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While the overall number of fatal traffic accidents has declined in recent years, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents had increased each year for more than a decade until last year. In 1998, 2,294 fatalities and 49,000 injuries were reported.

Every rider can benefit from a rider safety course. Free courses are offered through Northern Illinois University.

Continue reading "Chicago motorcycle accidents decline; tough economy cited as primary reason" »

Along with an increased emphasis on watching for pedestrians and bicyclists, the Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes urge motorists to remember to look twice for motorcyclists as the spring riding season gets underway.

More than 100 motorcyclists are killed in Illinois motorcycle accidents each year, according to state and federal statistics. A total of 121 were killed in 2008, the most recent year for which statistics are available.

Recently ABATE-Illinois, a non-profit organization dedicated to motorcycle safety and motorcycling rights, delivered 80 Easter baskets to Hope Institute for Children and Families in Springfield, the State Journal-Register reported.

One of Illinois' first big motorcycle rides each spring, the 21st annual event is a sure sign that springs is here and it's time to start watching for motorcyclists on the road.

In 2008, a total of 5,290 people were killed and more than 96,000 injured in motorcycle accidents nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Motorcycle accidents have been on the rise for more than a decade as riding continues to become more popular. The number of registered motorcycles in the United States has increased from less than 4 million in 1998 to more than 7 million today.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a host of safety tips for riders, including equipment checklists, rider-safety information and tips for group riding.

The Foundation also provides tips for car and truck drivers:
-Look for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
-The size of motorcycles makes it difficult to judge speed and distance. Predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
-A motorcycle's size makes it easy to get lost in a vehicle's blind spots. Take an extra moment to check before changing lanes or turning at intersections.
-Motorcycles often slow by shifting or letting off the throttle, so brake lights are not a good indication. Allow more following distance. Predict they may slow without visual warning.
-Turn signals on motorcycles often do not cancel on their own and may be left on accidentally. Make sure of a motorcycle's intentions before proceeding.
-Motorcycles often adjust position within a lane to see more clearly, avoid debris, or for other reasons. Don't crowd a motorcycle -- they are entitled to their own lane.
-Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars. Allow them room.
-Think of a motorcycle in motion as a person -- it is just as vulnerable.

Continue reading "Chicago motorcycle accidents avoided with spring safety awareness" »

A proposal that would mandate helmet use by underage motorcycle riders failed to pass through the Illinois Senate last week, according to the Quad-City Times.

Lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected the measure in a 19-32 vote. Supporters argued the measure would help reduce serious and fatal Illinois motorcycle accidents while opponents painted the proposal as government interference in what should be a decision made by young riders and their parents.

The measure had been sponsored by Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago, who said the proposal would help save lives and reduce medical costs. He argued that the public spends millions of dollars in medical expenses to treat brain injuries caused by serious motorcycle accidents.

Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, questioned those statistics, citing a study done by the Brain Injury Association.

“Six percent of brain injuries occur from motorcyclists, whereas 13 percent of brain injuries occur to pedestrians,” he said. “When will the pedestrian helmet bill be before the Illinois Senate?”

Illinois is one of only three states that has no motorcycle helmet laws. Trotter has also proposed separate legislation that would require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. That bill has not yet made it to the Senate floor.

In 2008, there were 4,901 motorcycle accidents in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. In all, 268 people were killed and more than 6,000 injured in Illinois motorcycle accidents.

The Chicago car accident lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes urge you to review your automobile insurance policy as we begin the New Year.

Having a solid auto insurance policy that includes more than the Illinois minimum coverage of $20,000 per person/$40,000 per occurrence, as well as uninsured motorist coverage, can help protect you and your family in the wake of a serious or fatal Illinois traffic accident.

The state's minimum coverage can be quickly exhausted by a serious accident and increased coverage is often available for just a few dollars more in premiums.

As a recent article published by MSNBC illustrates, a flight in a medical helicopter can cost $12,000 to $25,000.

In the event of a serious Chicago car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you have adequate insurance coverage.

The MSNBC article reported on the case of a Pennsylvania women who was taken to the hospital by medical helicopter after a car crash and awoke in a hospital room six weeks later to find out she owed $500,000 in medical bills.

As we reported on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog in June, Abels & Annes partner Dave Abels told WUIS 91.9 that the state's mandatory minimum coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per occurrence is not adequate in the wake of a serious car accident.

"It covers you for small accidents but not the big accidents that you really care about where your life is changed forever," Abels said.

The Association of Air Medical Services estimates that 550,000 people in the United States are flown by medical helicopters or planes each year for a medical emergency, including car accidents.

Hopefully, few of us will be among that number. But the reality is routine medical costs in the wake of a car accidents can quickly exhaust Illinois minimum car insurance coverage limits. An ambulance ride can cost $2,000, according to the American Ambulance Association.

And Chicago pedestrian accidents, Chicago bicycle accidents and Chicago motorcycle accidents also often lead to very serious injury and sky-high medical bills, which in many cases can be covered by an adequate car insurance policy.

The Air Medical Services reports car accidents are a primary cause of medical flights, noting that nationwide, severe car accidents cause 500,000 hospitalizations, more than 250,000 serious injuries and 42,000 deaths a year in the U.S

The MSNBC article quoted Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, a Harvard University researcher, as saying car accidents and the associated medical bills are a contributing factor in more than 60 percent of all U.S. bankruptcies.

Motorists should also review their policies to make sure they are properly covered in the event of an uninsured or underinsured Chicago car accident.

As reported in August on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, Illinois' tough new uninsured motorist law carries a penalty of up to a year and jail and a $2,500 fine for those who cause an Illinois car accident while driving without insurance.

But that won't help you or a family member pay medical bills in the wake of an accident. Ensuring your policy has adequate coverage in the wake of a Chicago uninsured motorist accident means your family will be protected by your own insurance policy in the event of a serious car accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Continue reading "Chicago injury lawyers urge review of car insurance policy at start of New Year" »

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 29-year-old Aurora man died in a Thanksgiving holiday Chicago motorcycle accident.

The man was killed Saturday afternoon when his Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle collided with a Chevy crossover vehicle on Sullivan Road, The Beacon-News reported.

The 28-year-old Chicago driver was charged with failure to yield while exiting a private drive, Aurora police reported. He was turning east onto Sullivan Road from the entrance of the Hindu temple, according to authorities.

The motorcycle rider was apparently wearing a helmet that dislodged during the accident and appeared to have died on impact when his motorcycle collided with the crossover vehicle's front driver's side.

Police are investigating the speed of the motorcycle, The Beacon-News reported. The fatal accident closed Sullivan Road between Elmwood Drive and Randall Road for more than two hours.

Last year, 5,387 motorcycle riders were killed and more than 90,000 injured in motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than two-thirds of the 2,562 vehicle-involved motorcycle fatalities occurred in such frontal crashes.

In Illinois last year, 133 riders were killed on motorcycles, compared to 445 in cars and 277 in light trucks.

A driver accused of causing a fatal Chicago area motorcycle accident while polishing her nails has been charged with reckless homicide.

The 48-year-old Morris woman faces up to five years in prison on a six-count indictment stemming from the May 2 death of Lake Zurich resident Anita Zaffke, according to a report in the Daily Herald.

Chicago authorities continue to combat an increasing number of motorcycle accidents, many of which are caused by distracted driving. Nationwide, deadly motorcycle accidents increased for the 11th straight year -- claiming 5,290 lives in 2008-- now accounting for 14 percent of all fatal traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Last month, our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers wrote on this blog about the 22 percent increase in Chicago motorcycle accidents during the past two years. There were 2,663 motorcycle accidents in the Chicago area last year, or more than a dozen a day during the five-month riding season.

This crash was part of a series of fatal Chicago motorcycle accidents we wrote about earlier this summer.

In this case, the woman is accused of painting her nails while driving 50 mph when she struck Zaffke's motorcycle at the intersection of Rand and Old McHenry roads near Lake Zurich, according to police.

While Zaffke's death prompted a debate about the dangers of distracted driving and its link to fatal Chicago traffic accidents, prosecutors in this case content the defendant's actions went beyond distracted driving, calling her "oblivious" to the safety of other motorists on the road, according to the Herald Tribune report.

The accused driver was initially charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, but the charge was dropped in favor of the more serious reckless homicide charge; the charges could not have been upgraded had she quickly pleaded to the lesser charges.

Bond for the defendant was set at $100,000 and her attorney said he was making arrangements for her to surrender to authorities.

Zaffke was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash but died shortly after being taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, according to the Lake County News-Sun.

The Lake County coroner ruled the cause of death was chest and abdominal injuries stemming from the accident.

A Schaumburg couple was killed on Labor Day when their motorcycle was hit by a car in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The deadly motorcycle accident took place in unincorporated Cook County near Palatine, Illinois. The Chicago Sun-Times reported the husband was driving the motorcycle when it was struck by a vehicle exiting a gas station parking lot at Quentin and Dundee roads shortly before noon.

The 65-year-old husband was pronounced dead about 2:30 p.m. on Monday at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, according to the Chicago Tribune. His 54-year-old wife was pronounced dead about an hour later.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Department is handling the crash investigation. The driver of the car that collided with the motorcycle, a 61-year-old Palatine woman, was ticketed for failure to yield from a private driveway, according to the Daily Herald. Whether the charges will be increased due to the fatalities has not been reported.

Over the past two years there has been a 22 percent increase in Chicago-area motorcycle accidents. Last year, there were 2,663 motorcycle accidents in the Chicago area. That's a dozen motorcycle accidents a day during the 5-month riding season.

Too often Chicago motorcycle riders are hit and seriously injured or killed by a motorist that fails to yield. Earlier this summer, www.chicagopersonalinjurylawyerblog.com posted "10 Things Every Driver Should Know About Motorcycles."

Motorcycle accidents continue to rise in the seven-county Chicago area -- up 22 percent in just two years, according to the Sun-Times News Group.

That's more than 7 Chicago-area motorcycle accidents a day -- all year long -- or more than a dozen a day during the five-month riding season. Most motorcycle accidents result in personal injuries to the rider involved.

The Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes urge car drivers to remain vigilant about the dangers to motorcycle riders through the remainder of the summer riding season.

Inexperienced drivers who aren't used to seeing so many cycles on the road have helped push the number of motorcycle crashes in the seven-county region to 2,663 last year, a Chicago Sun-Times survey has found.

That's up 22 percent from 2,180 just two years earlier, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Kane, DuPage and Kendall counties are among the few counties that have not seen a steady increase in crashes. Motorcycles in Kane and DuPage counties went up between 2006 and 2007, then down in 2008.

As we reported in a blog last month, fatality statistics are sobering for motorcycle riders across the country.

Nationwide, motorcycle fatalities increased for the 11th straight year and accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A total of 5,290 riders were killed in 2008, compared to 5,174 in 2007. The increase came in a year when federal statistics revealed a steep drop in virtually every other category, including a 13 percent decline in motor vehicle fatalities.

Our summer blog on motorcycle safety can be found by clicking here

Click here to read our post on 10 things all drivers should know about motorcycles.

Continue reading "Chicago area motorcycle accidents continue to rise" »

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" »

Six people were injured in an accident on Sunday night involving a motorcycle and a car, Chicago Breaking News reported.

The Chicago traffic accident in the Humbolt Park neighborhood occurred at Mozart and Division Streets at about 11 p.m., Chicago Police spokesman David Banks told CBS2.

Media reports indicate four people were critically injured in the crash involving a motorcycle and a car.

Five ambulances responded and the four people in critical condition were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County while the other two were taken to Norwegian-American Hospital in stable condition.

No other information has yet been made available, but the location of the accident indicates it may have occurred at an intersection, possibly from someone failing to yield the right of way.

While any motorcycle accident is very serious for motorcycle riders, it is somewhat unusual for motor vehicle passengers to be critically injured in an accident with a motorcycle. It is possible that the car went off the road or struck another object after the colliding with the motorcycle.

Authorities have not reported who was at fault in the accident. It has also not been reported if Chicago car accident lawyers or motorcycle accident attorneys are involved in the case.

Injured passengers will have a claim regardless of which vehicle was at fault, while the rights of the drivers could differ depending on the facts of the accident.

Click here to read our recent motorcycle safety blog.

At least four Chicago-area motorcycle accident deaths in May have advocates looking at ways to punish distracted drivers and increase awareness to prevent motorcycle accidents as the summer riding season gets into full swing.

The Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have been active in promoting motorcycle safety awareness on this blog, publishing 10 things drivers should know about motorcycles, and a safe riding blog earlier this month.

Abels & Annes is also taking a look at distracted driving as part of its Summer Safe Driving Series.

"We are a nation of distracted drivers and it's costing us lives and property damage," Mami Pyke wrote in the Daily Herald on Sunday. "One local case that's provoked outrage is the death of motorcyclist Anita Zaffke of Lake Zurich, killed May 2 by another driver who was polishing her nails instead of watching the road, police say."

Pyke said Zaffke's death is giving weight to a call to give authorities additional means to punish distracted drivers in addition to charges like reckless homicide, which can be difficult to prove against distracted drivers.

Legislation sponsored by Rep. William Blake, R-Danville, would create a misdemeanor category of negligent vehicular homicide, which could result in up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Black pushed for the reform after a 25-year-old Urbana cyclist was killed by a driver who went off the road while downloading ring tones on her cell phone.

Illinois motorcycle accidents and fatalities continue to increase. From 4,119 in 2005 to 4,819 in 2007. There were 154 Illinois motorcycle deaths that year, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

"This is the ugliest start to riding season in Illinois that we ever have seen," Dean Akey, a veteran biker and owner of an Allstate Insurance business in St. Charles, told the Daily Herald.

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable travelers on our roads. Please give them a break this summer. Pay attention while driving, return or motorcycle friends home safely to their families and give yourself a break from the grief and heartache hitting a motorcyclist can cause.

Continue reading "Increase in Chicago motorcycle accidents blamed on distracted drivers " »

The Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes urge motorists to review "10 things all car, truck and bus drivers should know about motorcycles" to increase awareness as we enter the summer riding season.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,154 motorcyclists were killed in the United States in 2007 and another 103,000 were injured. In fact, the number of fatalities has exploded with the increase in registered motorcycles over the last 10 years.

In 1997, 3.9 million motorcycles were registered and 2,116 fatalities were reported compared to the 5,154 deaths in 2007 when 7.1 million bikers were registered on our roadways.

"It's a fact that car drivers and other motorists are at fault most of the time in multiple-vehicle crashes that involve motorcyclists," said Motorcycle Safety President Tim Buche, of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. "That's why we've initiated several public outreach tools specifically targeting the driving community. MSF has life-saving messages for everyone, whether they are behind a handlebar or behind a steering wheel."

MSF has launched a new website, www.forcardrivers.com, aimed at helping car, truck and bus drivers safely interact with motorcyclists. One of the leading motorcycle safety advocacy groups in the nation, MSF's primary website also offers a wealth of information geared toward safe motorcycle riding.

10 things Car, Truck and Bus Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles:

1. Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Most of the time, the motorist, not the motorcyclist, is at fault. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle – they ignore it (usually unintentionally).

2. Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car's blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car.

3. A motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle's speed. Predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

4. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance and predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

5. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.

7. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

8. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."

9. When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the motorcycle - see the person under the helmet, who could be your friend, neighbor, or relative.

10. If a driver crashes into a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian and causes serious injury, the driver would likely never forgive himself/herself.

Continue reading "Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers advocate review of 10 things all car, truck and bus drivers should know about motorcycles" »

A 20-year-old Campton Hills woman was fitted with an alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet on Thursday after pictures of her partying with college students appeared on Facebook as she awaits trial on charges of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI stemming from a July 2007 South Elgin crash that killed a motorcyclist.

The car accident attorneys and personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes follow the impact of social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. Such evidence is increasingly relied upon by law enforcement and more and more attorneys are attempting to get it admitted into the courtroom.

The defendant had been ordered not to consume alcohol or be around people who were drinking. But South Elgin police found the photos of the accused, who attends college in Ohio, drinking with friends.

"It appears the defendant is having a grand old time drinking tequila," Judge Thomas Mueller was quoted as saying in the Chicago Tribune.

Assistant State's Attorney Steve Sims argued for the monitor, telling the court the defendant had previously violated her bail by failing to report by phone to the county court services department.

The defense attorney argued against the bracelet, saying it would hold his client up to scorn.

The judge cited with prosecutors, quoting the caption of one of the Facebook photos: "Erika passed out in bed. Ha. Ha."

The Tribune quoted Jennifer Grasz, a spokeswoman for careerbuilder.com, who said the defendant's situation shows the dangers of posting questionable material online.

"Once you post something online, it's online for an unlimited amount of time," Grasz said.

A Chicago woman died last Monday from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash in Janesville, Wisconsin, according to the Gazette Xtra. The crash occurred last Saturday on a highway ramp connecting Interstate 90 & 39 to Highway 14 East.

The 42 year old woman was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle when the driver, also a Chicago resident, exited the interstate by mistake. When the driver braked and down shifted, he lost traction and the motorcycle hit the ground.

Both were taken by ambulance to an area hospital for medical treatment. The motorcycle driver was treated and released. Alcohol was not a factor in the accident. The Wisconsin State Police are handling the investigation.

In this type of case, the Estate of the passenger can make a claim against the motorcyclist and his liability insurance carrier. While the crash occurred in Wisconsin, it is likely that the lawsuit will be filed in Cook County, Illinois. Both people involved in the accident were from Chicago, and the personal injury lawyer that gets involved in the case will likely prefer to file suit here.

A Chicago motorcycle rider was killed this past Saturday on the South Side when he was hit by a minivan near the intersection of 95th Street and Forest Avenue, according to the Chicago Tribune. At approximately 6:45 p.m., the victim was traveling east on 95th Street when he was struck by a Dodge minivan coming from the opposite direction that failed to yield when turning left onto Forest Avenue.

The motorcyclist, Reginald "St. Nick" Coleman, 27, of the 400 block of West 95th Place, was rushed by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at a short time later. The at fault driver and his passenger were not injured. The driver was ticketed by the Chicago Police Department for failing to yield the right of way.

Coleman was a local rap artist from the group White Chalk. His wife had just passed away in November from a heart attack. Coleman is survived by his three children, three sisters, and his mother.

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, in 2007 there were about 600,000 licensed motorcyclists in Illinois. Furthermore, the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration found that in 2007 there were 142 motorcycle deaths in Illinois (and 2,116 riders killed across the United States).

Attorneys from our firm have handled and successfully resolved injury cases resulting from motorcycle accidents. If you are a motorcycle rider who has been injured in a collision, contact attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. for a free consultation.

In Evanston, Illinois part of Sheridan Road was closed today due to a traffic accident, according to the Evanston Review and the North By Northwestern. The crash happened around 10 a.m. between Foster and Chicago Ave. in the 1900 block of Sheridan. The road was closed for several hours for the Evanston Police Department investigation.

The accident involved a northbound motorcycle and a pick up truck. The severity of the motorcyclist's injuries, or the details of how the accident occurred, have not been reported. However, the motorcyclist has been hospitalized. Witnesses at the scene were very concerned, as the motorcycle rider did not move and remained on the ground during the five minutes it took for the ambulance to arrive.

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a very scary event. You are very vulnerable to serious injury, as it is essentially you and your body vs. a motor vehicle. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, between 2002 and 2007, motorcyclist deaths increased by 57% in the U.S. Further, a motorcyclist is 5.5 times more likely to be killed in an accident as compared to the occupants of an automobile.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

In Chicago, Illinois a Monday night motorcycle accident resulted in the death of a Richton Park resident, according to the Southtown Star. The accident happened on the North Side of Chicago on Lake Shore Drive near Belmont Avenue and it involved a car and a motorcycle.

The accident backed up traffic for miles and northbound vehicles were diverted at Belmont for an hour. The Chicago Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Unit is handling the crash investigation. It has not been reported what caused the accident.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, motorcycle fatalities have greatly increased in the United States from 2,161, fatalities in 1996 to 4,810 fatalities in 2006. The NHTSA also states that there were 88,000 people injured in cycle accidents in 2006, as compared to only 55,000 in 1996.

It was not reported whether the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet in the Chicago accident on Monday. The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,658 motorcycle riders' lives in 2006, and that 752 more lives may have been saved if helmets were used.

Chicago Bike Injury Attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have resolved a car vs. motorcycle crash case that arises out of an accident that occurred on October 9, 2007. Our client was traveling southbound on Greenbay Road approaching Chatfield Road, in Winnetka, Illinois. The defendant was traveling eastbound on Chatfield approaching Greenbay. The defendant had a stop sign and our driver had the right-of-way.

The at fault driver proceeded to attempt to turn left onto northbound Greenbay Road without waiting for a safe interval. As a result if the defendant's negligence, our client was forced to lay his motorcycle down on the roadway to avoid a collision. The defendant was issued a traffic citation for failure to yield when making a left turn pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-902. A finding of guilt was entered in the traffic court on the offense.

The plaintiff sustained cuts and abrasions on his left ankle as well as over his back. Initial medical treatment was administered on scene by paramedics who cleaned his wounds. The client sought follow up treatment with a medical doctor and a plastic surgeon, as he sustained scars on his back and ankle from the accident.

The case was resolved without having to go to court and Progressive Insurance is paying on the claim.

A husband and wife riding on a motorcycle were killed, and two others were injured, in a chain reaction crash involving three vehicles in Macoupin County, Illinois, according to the Edwardsville Journal. The couple from Brighton, Illinois were westbound on a motorcycle on Illinois State Route 16 in Shipman, Illinois when a pick-up truck struck them on Monday afternoon.

The Central Illinois accident happened when a pick-up truck that was attempting to make a left hand turn was rear-ended by an eastbound SUV being driven by a teenager. The pick-up truck was knocked into the path of the westbound motorcycle and then the collision occurred. The motorcycle and the pick-up truck both reportedly burst into flames after the crash. The Shipman Fire Department responded to the accident and extinguished the fire.

The husband and wife on the motorcycle were pronounced dead at the scene. The other two drivers in the accident were taken to area hospitals and their injuries have not been reported. The Illinois State Police are investigating the accident and no tickets have yet been issued.

A Chicago police officer involved in a fatal motorcycle accident in June, 2007 has been charged with misdemeanor DUI, according to the Chicago Tribune. A passenger on his motorcycle was killed in the accident. The officer was off duty at the time of the crash and allegedly had a blood alcohol content of .24 (.08 is the legal limit in Illinois).

The motorcucle crash occured in the 4300 block of W. 87th Street in Chicago, Illinois when a eastbound Dodge Charger turned left into the westbound motorcycle. The driver of the Dodge was also charged with DUI.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reportedly just learned of the officer's high alcohol content this week, and the Chicago Police Department spokeperson could not say why the officer's alcohol results were not released for over 5 months. The spokesperson also said that it was the other vehicle who caused the accident.

From a personal injury lawyer's perspective, the family of the passenger that was killed will most likely file a lawsuit against both drivers in the accident. The driver of the Dodge does appear to be the most at fault party. He failed to yield to oncoming traffic while turning left (which is required by Illinois law) and he was also allegedly intoxicated.

The off duty police officer could also be partially to blame as well, as he had 3 times the legal limit of alcohol in his system at the time of the accident. While he had the right of way at the time of the accident, you cannot help but wonder if he could have avoided the collision if he had not been drinking. If the case is not settled, a Cook County Jury may have to ultimately decide who was at fault in the accident.

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