Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

A Chicago bicycle accident claimed the life of a rider on the Dan Ryan Expressway Sunday night, according to CBS 2.

The Chicago Breaking News Center reports the accident happened in the northbound lanes near 55th Street. The 28-year-old rider was struck and killed by a Sports Utility Vehicle, according to Illinois State Police.

The accident happened shortly after 9 p.m. and police were trying to determine why the rider was on the freeway.

Also on Sunday, a Chicago pedestrian accident claimed the life of a man in his late teens or early 20s. The man was apparently pinned between two SUVs in the Logan Square neighborhood shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday. The Breaking News Center reported that the accident happened in the 2400 block of North Ridgeway Avenue.

The victim was apparently struck by a black Oldsmobile SUV, which then pinned him against a GMC Yukon.

It has not been reported if a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer or a bicycle attorney are involved in either case yet.

While the number of fatal accidents has been in decline in Chicago and throughout the state, pedestrian and bicycle accidents remain a significant threat in Chicago. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 3,484 pedestrian accidents were reported in 2008, injuring more than 3,200 and claiming 52 lives.

A total of 1,726 bicycle accidents were reported in Chicago, killing 5 riders and injuring nearly 1,500.

Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have filed a personal injury lawsuit in Cook County on behalf of an injured pedestrian. The automobile vs. pedestrian collision which took place on June 18, 2009.

The defendant was driving his truck northbound on Monticello approaching Leland in Chicago, Illinois. He stopped at a stop sign for northbound Monticello at Leland. The pedestrian was walking eastbound across Monticello in the marked pedestrian crosswalk and when he had crossed almost the entire street the defendant suddenly accelerated and struck our client. The plaintiff was fully within the marked crosswalk when he was hit. The force of the impact threw our client to the pavement.

The driver was issued traffic tickets by the Chicago Police Department for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and for failing to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian.

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

Over the next couple of days the pedestrian's condition worsened and his back pain started radiating into his right leg. Due to his increasing pain and discomfort he sought follow up treatment with a physician. He was prescribed pain medication and therapy was recommended.

After several months of treatment the client was not experiencing significant relief of his injuries. A lumber MRI revealed herniated/bulging disks at L3-4 and L4-5 which pressed against the L4 and L5 nerve roots and a herniated/bulging disk at L5-S1. Due to the nature and extent of his problems, the doctor referred him to a pain specialist.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyers file pedestrian accident lawsuit" »

A 33-year-old Chicago resident died in a pedestrian accident while attending to his disabled vehicle at the side of the highway, the Breaking News Center reported.

Our Chicago accident attorneys report such cases with some frequency. It is not at all unusual for a motorist to be hit and seriously injured or killed while standing outside a disabled vehicle or while awaiting the assistance of law enforcement after a Chicago car accident.

The media reports the victim was in the process of examining his vehicle, with the hood up, when the SUV was slammed into by a passing motorist driving a Chevy Cobalt. The 45-year-old Georgia man who was driving the Cobalt was cited for driving to fast to avoid a collision. Authorities report that additional charges are possible.

Police report the Cobalt had swerved to avoid slowing traffic when it slammed into the victim's 2000 Mitsubishi SUV. The car then swerved several more times before slamming into a concrete median wall and coming to a stop.

An informational sign was actively warning motorists of slowing traffic at the time of the crash, according to police.

Here is the report from the NWI Times.

Here is the report from FOX 28.

The idea of creating pedestrian plazas is back in vogue as a way to create appealing greenspace and reduce the risk of serious and fatal Chicago pedestrian accidents.

Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog reported recently that one-third of the city's fatal accidents in 2008 -- 52 of 156 -- involved pedestrians being struck by a vehicle in Chicago. And city planners recently cited reducing serious and fatal pedestrian accidents as among the most pressing goals for traffic safety within the city.

A recent piece in the Chicago Tribune questioned why street closures for events like Taste of Chicago don't occur more often. It cites New York City's bold decision to permanently close several blocks of Broadway to create permanent plazas in Times and Herald Squares.

A recent request for opinions about possible closures in downtown Chicago brought forth a number of proposals: Monroe between Michigan Avenue and Columbus, Rush Street, Taylor Street between Racine and Ashland and East 53rd Street east of Blackstone.

While permanently closing sections of downtown streets would require unprecedented cooperation among traffic planners, city leaders, business owners and residents, the idea has its early supporters.

The Chicagoist quickly jumped on the bandwagon. As Street Fest season enters full season, pedestrians are already bemoaning the season's end. "Who doesn't love the respite from traffic parking and noise when the fest is in your hood," The Chicagoist wrote. "Why not make those happy feelings permanent in places throughout the city."

One thing seems certain: With one-third of the city's traffic fatalities resulting from pedestrian accidents, such dynamic proposals are at least worthy of consideration.

Continue reading "Plazas could reduce risk of Chicago pedestrian accidents" »

Authorities responded to a number of hit-and-run crashes and fatal car and pedestrian accidents in the Chicago area over the weekend -- even as state statistics show that fatal Chicago car accidents have declined by more than 50 percent so far this year.

A hit-and-run Chicago car accident injured five people, including two police officers, in the Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side, according to the Breaking News Center.

The crash happened Sunday afternoon about 3 p.m. when a police cruiser and a civilian vehicle were stopped at an eastbound light on Roosevelt Road at Kedzie Avenue. A car traveling south on Kedzie lost control as it turned right and collided with the civilian vehicle, which collided with the cruiser.

Police say the at-fault vehicle turned out to be stolen. The driver fled on foot and is still be sought by authorities. Two officers and three others were all treated at area hospitals.

An 18-year-old woman was killed Saturday night in a Chicago pedestrian accident. The Tribune reported the woman was attending a graduation party when she was struck by a car and dragged 30-40 feet. Family members say the woman was to start community college on Monday and was a graduate of Proviso West High School in Hillside, where she was a member of the cheerleading, track and swimming teams.

Police say she tripped and fell and was dragged beneath a four-door vehicle.

As we reported on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, police are looking for a van involved in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident that killed a 24-year-old man Friday night. The man was hit crossing the street at 9100 S. Stony Island.

On Friday night, a Chicago woman died in a highway accident just over the state line in Indiana, the Sun-Times reported. The 52-year-old woman died on the Indiana Toll road near East Chicago after a vehicle she was riding in pulled out in front of another car and was rear-ended, according to police.

Through Sunday, a total of 318 fatal Illinois crashes have claimed 349 lives -- 46 fewer than during the same period a year ago, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

In Chicago, 64 people have died in traffic accidents compared to 141 during the same period last year.

The Chicago injury lawyers and staff at Abels & Annes congratulate the Chicago Blackhawks and urge fans to stay safe during Friday's Blackhawk Stanley Cup parade.

ESPN reports the ticker-tape parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Wacker and Washington and will proceed east on Washington to Michigan and then to Wacker. The parade will be carried live on ESPN3.com and ESPNChicago.com. The Blackhawks beat the Philadelphia Flyers in a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory in Game 6 on Wednesday night to capture their first Stanley Cup championship since 1961.

The Chicago Tribune reported that 19 people were arrested during the post-game celebration and Friday's celebration could get rowdy.

Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive downtown, celebrate responsibly and stay safe. Heavy traffic and enthusiastic celebration will increase the risk of Chicago car accidents, pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents in the downtown area.

Click here to review the parade route.

Mayor Daley said sponsors have stepped forward to pay for the parade and taxpayers will not foot the bill.

The city's special events department said parade festivities should wrap up between noon and 1 p.m. But, with it being Friday, revelers are likely to continue right on into the weekend, as the beginning of the Sox-Cubs three-game series gets underway at Wrigley Field and the Blues Festival begins in Grant Park.

More than 350,000 people attended a parade for the White Sox when they won the World Series in 2005. Friday's crowd is expected to be comparable.

Bus routes along the parade route will be detoured.

Have a great weekend and stay safe!

Police are questioning a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run Chicago pedestrian accident that occurred shortly before midnight Friday, according to the Southtown Star.

A 38-year-old Indiana woman was struck while crossing 95th Street after leaving a bar to buy cigarettes at a nearby gas station. Witnesses told police she was dragged 50 or 60 feet down 95th Street by a Suburban that then turned onto Ridgeland Road, the Sun-Times reported.

She was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where she was pronounced dead at 12:58 a.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Chicago Ridge police say they have released a man without charges after questioning. Police say the man was a relative of the owner of a black Chevrolet Suburban that was found in Oak Lawn, about eight blocks from the scene of the accident.

The vehicle was found with front-end damage and remains in police custody, where it is undergoing forensic analysis. At least one witness reported the SUV involved in the accident was dark blue, not black.

Illinois State Police are assisting the Chicago Ridge police with the investigation.

As we reported earlier this month on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, more than 150 people are killed each year in Illinois pedestrian accidents, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Lawmakers are considering several new laws aimed at improving safety and reducing the number of serious and fatal pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

A 32-year-old Near West Side man died on Saturday as a result of injuries sustained in a Chicago taxi cab accident, the Tribune reported.

Authorities say the victim was leaning in the window, perhaps arguing with the cab driver, when the cab took off, dragging him for more than a block and running over his legs. He was pronounced dead at 5 p.m. Saturday by the Cook County medical examiner's office.

His parents say the victim was a full-time MBA student and a die-hard Cubs Fan. He was hospitalized at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center for more than a week before dying as a result of his injuries.

Family members are pleading with the public to help find the cab driver, who fled the scene. The cab is white with blue stripes. Authorities say the University of Chicago student had been trying to hail a cab outside his house when the argument started, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Family and friends are offering a $20,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the cab driver.

Friends say the victim was always ready to help, and had been nicknamed "Batman" after tackling a burglar who was looting a neighbor's home this year and chasing down a mugger who stole an elderly woman's purse.

Police are reviewing nearby surveillance video with the hope of identifying the cab driver. Anyone with information is asked to call the Chicago Police Department at (312) 745-4521.

It has been a week since a Chicago pedestrian was seriously injured when he was dragged by a taxicab for 40-50 yards, according to WGN News. The accident happened in front of the victim's residence near 1600 North Honore Street around 3:30 in the afternoon last Friday. The Chicago pedestrian was leaning into a taxi when the cab suddenly accelerated without warning.

The victim was rushed to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. CT scans are showing he has sustained brain damage and may not recover, and may be in a permanent vegetative state if he survives.

Witnesses state that before the accident the victim and cab driver were involved in an argument right before the accident. At some point the driver attempted to leave the scene while the victim's body was still half way inside the cab. There was reportedly a blood trail from the scene where the pedestrian was dragged.

The victim was on his way home from the Cubs game at the time of the accident and about to head out to class as an MBA student at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

The cab driver fled the scene of the accident and has not been located. The taxi was white with blue stripes. If anyone has any information regarding the accident they should contact the Chicago Police Department immediately.

Click here to watch the news video on WGN TV.

An anonymous donor has posted bond for a North Shore teenager accused in a hit-and-run Chicago pedestrian accident that critically injured a fellow student, ABC7 reported.

The 18-year-old allegedly left the scene after striking a 16-year-old girl outside New Trier High School at Green Bay and Winnetka roads. She was stopped by police about half-an-hour later. The victim suffered a brain injury and is in critical condition.

The judge set bail at $500,000, saying the high bail reflected the fact that the accused teenager admitted that she smoked marijuana the night before the crash. Toxicology results are pending, which could affect the case.

The teen's attorney said there was no way the family could post that kind of a bond. An anonymous donor posted $50,000, the 10 percent required to get the girl released from jail. The family said they do not know the donor. The attorney said the benefactor was horrified by the prospect of the teenager being confined to the Cook County Jail and decided to post the bond.

The girl had been held in the jail's hospital wing after concerns about housing the 18-year-old North Shore teenager in general population. The Chicago Tribune reported that the woman was the mother of two teenage daughters and felt sympathy for the defendant and her family.

The defendant was required to surrender her passport and must wear an electronic monitoring bracelet. Her attorney noted the girl was an honor student at one of the best schools in the country and expressed concern that the incident could impact the rest of her life.

The state attorney's office reported that the victim suffered a severe brain injury.

As we reported on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 19 years old. One in every 7 traffic fatalities nationwide involves a teenager, leading to more than 5,000 deaths a year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Another 250,000 teenagers are seriously injured each year in car accidents, pedestrian accidents and other traffic crashes.

Police are looking for two hit-and-run vehicles involved in striking elderly pedestrians crossing Cottage Grove in separate accidents on Wednesday.

An 80-year-old man has been killed after being run down in a Chicago pedestrian accident by a driver who fled the scene, CBS2 reported.

Residents near Cottage Grove and 53rd Street said the area is a dangerous crossing for pedestrians, particularly the elderly. He was killed less than a block from his apartment as he tried to cross the street. Police say the accident happened shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday. The victim, who used a cane, was thrown onto the hood of the vehicle for a short distance before the driver fled the scene in a vehicle police believe was either gray or white.

Residence say the area near the CTA stop lacks a stop sign or a marked crosswalk and pedestrians and bus passengers face the danger on a daily basis. Police say drivers have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians whether or not there is a marked crosswalk.

Earlier Wednesday, an 89-year-old woman was seriously injured after being struck in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in the 6700 block of Cottage Grove Avenue. That accident involved a female driver and a maroon vehicle, possibly a Buick. Police report the woman was hit about 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to ABC 7.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department Major Accident Investigation Unit at (312) 745-4521.

As we reported last month on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, spring and summer is a deadly time for Illinois pedestrian accidents. A total of 135 people were killed in Illinois pedestrian accidents in 2008, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Click here for pedestrian safety tips.

In 2008, pedestrian accidents killed 4,378 people and injured more than 69,000, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

An Illinois pedestrian accident has claimed the life of a woman that was struck by a minivan in Lombard on Monday night, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Another pedestrian was critically injured.

The accident happened when a Jewel semi truck that was traveling eastbound on Roosevelt Road collided with a minivan that was headed northbound on Main Street. The minivan then lost control and rolled over, hitting a man and woman walking on the sidewalk.

The male pedestrian's legs were pinned under the minivan and bystanders came to his rescue, lifting the van off of his legs and freeing him. Both victims were rushed to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. The female pedestrian died Tuesday morning.

The accident is being investigated by the Lombard Police Department. It has not been reported if any traffic tickets were issued or which driver caused the crash.

Click here to read the story as reported by the Chicago Breaking News Center.

Suburban law enforcement are targeting railroad crossings for increased enforcement in the wake of a fatal Chicago pedestrian accident last month in North Chicago.

Rail road crossings in suburbs, including Elmhurst, Lombard and Des Plaines, are being monitored for gate-crashers and other violators, the Breaking News Center reported.

Ignoring a crossing signal or lowered gate is punishable by a $250 fine.

As we reported last month on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, a woman and an infant were killed by a Metra train near North Chicago station.

A total of 16 non-suicide Illinois train accidents were reported last year. Commuters in a rush, kids playing on the tracks and motorists disregarding gates and warning lights are all causes of Chicago train accidents.

The Illinois Commerce Commission reports 80 collisions involving trains occurred last year -- down from the 129 collisions that were reported in 2008.

In last month's case, a woman carrying an infant in heavy fog was attempting to catch up to her family, which had already crossed the tracks; she tried to cross ahead of a train moving into the station.

Continue reading "Authorities targeting suburban railroad crossing to reduce Chicago train accidents" »

After the first three months of 2010, fatal Illinois traffic accidents remain virtually unchanged compared to the record-low year recorded in 2009, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Through April 6, a total of 170 fatal crashes claimed 193 lives, three less than the 196 people killed during the same period of 2009.

As we reported in January on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, Illinois traffic fatalities dropped below 1,000 in 2009, making it the safest year on the road in 88 years.

A total of 928 traffic fatalities were recorded in 2009, compared to 1,043 in 2008 and 1,248 in 2007. However, as our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog reported in February, officials attribute some of the decline to the economic downturn and expect the dangers of serious and fatal car accidents to increase with congestion as employment and economic conditions improve.

2010 year-to-date crash statistics include:

Cook County:
-66 fatalities in 59 fatal crashes
-29 driver fatalities
-17 passenger fatalities
-18 pedestrian fatalities
-2 bicycle fatalities
-3 motorcycle fatalities

DuPage County:
-8 fatalities in 7 fatal crashes
-5 driver fatalities
-2 passenger fatalities
-1 pedestrian fatality

Will County:
-14 fatalities in 11 fatal crashes
-8 driver fatalities
-5 passenger fatalities
-1 pedestrian fatality

Kane County:
-4 fatalities in 4 fatal crashes
-3 driver fatalities
-1 passenger fatality

McHenry County:
-3 fatalities in 3 fatal crashes
-2 driver fatalities
-1 bicycle fatality

Lake County:
-3 fatalities in 3 fatal crashes
-3 driver fatalities

Elsewhere in Illinois, 3 fatalities were recorded in Champaign County, 3 in Vermilion County, 4 in Madison County and 6 in Saint Claire County.

The Greater Chicago area accounts for 13 of the 21 Illinois counties that have reported fatal traffic accidents so far in 2010.

Continue reading "Chicago auto accidents account for bulk of Illinois traffic fatalities in 2010" »

Police continue to search this week for the hit-and-run driver responsible for a Chicago pedestrian accident after the victim died of his injuries on Friday, the Sun-Times reported.

The accident happened March 27 in the Altgeld Gardens area on the Far South Side. Witnesses told police a light-colored car struck a pedestrian at 7:49 p.m. at 12940 S. Indiana Avenue.

A witness said he was driving south on South Indiana Avenue when he saw the light-colored car hit a pedestrian and flee east on East 130th Street, according to police. The witness stopped to check on the victim and called 911.

The victim was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in extremely critical condition and suffered very serious head injuries in the crash. The 39-year-old Riverdale man died late Friday, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Police are looked for a light-colored vehicle, possibly gold, possibly a Chrysler 300. Anyone with information is asked to call the police Major Accident Investigation Unit at (312) 745-4521.

As reported last week on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, warm spring weather brings with it an increased risk of Chicago pedestrian accidents. Motorists are urged to use extra caution and to yield to pedestrians.

Studies of Illinois traffic fatalities have concluded that more than half of all fatal pedestrian accidents in the state occur in Cook County.

In 2008, a total of 135 pedestrians were killed in Illinois traffic accidents, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Spring is here, and with it comes an increased risk of Chicago pedestrian accidents.

In 2008, a total of 135 pedestrians were killed in fatal Illinois pedestrian accidents, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Chicago pedestrian accidents are responsible for the majority of pedestrian deaths each year in Illinois.

A comprehensive study of Illinois traffic fatalities conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago between 1990-2000, found that more than half of all pedestrian deaths (1,357 of 2,286), occurred in Cook County.

Statewide, pedestrian deaths declined from 272 in 1990 to 187 in 2000. In Cook County, annual pedestrian deaths declined from 160 to 101 during the 11-year study period.

As we reported last year on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, Chicago police have stepped up enforcement by positing undercover police officers in crosswalks to ticket violators and promote pedestrian safety.

CyberDrive Illinois provides guidelines for drivers to avoid pedestrian accidents. A driver must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians:

-When a pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
-When turning at an intersection
-After stopping at an intersection
-When making a turn at a red light
-Whenever a pedestrian is entering or exiting a street from a building, alley, driveway or private road
-When people are walking, standing or working in a safety or construction zone
-When a pedestrian has stepped into a crosswalk and the light has yet to change
-When a pedestrian is walking in a crosswalk and the walk signal is flashing

Continue reading "Spring brings increased risk of Chicago pedestrian accidents" »

A Chicago semi accident claimed the life of a 6-year-old boy and critically injured his father in a Friday afternoon accident on the South Side, WBBM News reported.

The semi was southbound on South Ashland Avenue when it struck the victims as they attempted to cross the street between West 18th and West 19th streets shortly after 3 p.m. The Chicago Tribune reported the semi was traveling cab-only, and was not towing a trailer at the time of the accident.

Father and son were both transported to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

The child was pronounced dead at 3:38 p.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. The 45-year-old man remained hospitalized in critical condition over the weekend.

The 67-year-old truck driver, of Fortville, Indiana, was ticketed for striking a pedestrian in the roadway, according to police. No additional charges are expected.

Police say the victims were hit as they attempted to cross the street at an intersection that lacks signs, stoplights or other traffic control devices. The street was closed for several hours while police investigated.

The boy was a student at Cooper Elementary School, which is just a block east of the intersection and lets out at 3 p.m. A retired police officer who witnesses the accident questioned why no crossing guards were posted at the intersection, which he said gets busy after school.

There were 14,632 Illinois semi accidents in 2008, which killed 115 people and injured 2,940, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Eight pedestrians were killed and 30 more were injured in Illinois accidents involving semis.

The widow of a pedestrian killed in a Chicago bus accident has filed a civil lawsuit against the driver and bus company, the Chicago Breaking News Center reported.

The 63-year-old South Holland man was killed Feb. 23 when a Megabus struck him in a crosswalk on the Near West Side.

The victim's wife filed the lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court last week against the discount interstate bus company and the driver, claiming negligence led to the Chicago pedestrian death.

Police reported the bus was traveling west on Adams Street and was turning south onto Desplaines Street when it struck the victim in the crosswalk. The lawsuit contends that the driver's failure to yield the right of way, along with five other violations, led to the victim being struck and killed.

He was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, shortly after the 5 p.m. accident, according to the Sun-Times.

The 45-year-old Sauk Village bus driver was charged with reckless driving and not giving the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

The wrongful death lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the victim's widow and the couple's two sons.

In 2008, a total of 135 pedestrians were killed and 5,423 were injured in Illinois pedestrian accidents, the vast majority of which occurred in the Chicago area, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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 woman and a 1-year-old girl were killed in a Chicago train accident on Saturday when a Metra train struck them as they crossed the tracks with family in suburban North Chicago, the Sun-Times reported.

The Metra Union Pacific North Line train No. 806 struck the woman carrying a baby just after 8 a.m. near the North Chicago station on Lakeside Drive, FOX News reported. The Lake County Coroner pronounced the women dead at the scene.

The infant was taken to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, where she was pronounced dead about 11:30 a.m.

The Daily Herald reported that the infant was the woman's niece.

The woman was crossing the tracks with the infant's father and another child, both of whom made it across the tracks before the train came.

The train had departed the Waukegan station at 8:50 a.m. and was due at the Great Lakes station shortly before 9 a.m. The train does not stop at the North Chicago station.

None of the passengers on the train were injured. They were transferred to another inbound train headed for Chicago.

The Chicago Tribune reported that the engineer waited until emergency crews arrived before exiting the cab, then met with authorities and the two conductors without speaking to anyone on the train.

The train remained parked for several hours as investigators combed the scene and took photographs.

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 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.

A motorist was killed and another seriously injured over the weekend in a Chicago car accident after both were struck while standing outside a disabled vehicle early Sunday morning, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The accident occurred at about 2:40 a.m. on Illinois Route 394 and East Joe Orr Road in Chicago Heights. The 39-year-old man was struck by an automobile after his car broke down, according to Illinois State Police.

It is the second time in a week that a motorist was killed while stopped with a disabled vehicle. As Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer reported, a 36-year-old woman was struck and killed by a semi after pulling over to check for a flat tire.

In this case, a friend had arrived to help the man and both were standing outside of his disabled Pontiac when they were struck by a passing sports-utility vehicle. The victim was killed and his friend was transported in critical condition to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.

The Sun-Times reported that the driver of the SUV was taken into custody and was being questioned; he initially left the scene but later called 911 to report the accident.

In 2008, more than 5,000 people were injured and 137 people were killed in Illinois pedestrian accidents, according to the Department of Transportation.

As reported last fall on Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, police have launched a program stationing undercover police officers in crosswalks and other high-traffic areas in an effort to reduce Chicago pedestrian accidents.

A 36-year-old woman was struck and killed by a semi early last Tuesday morning, after stopping her vehicle on the Tri-State Tollway to check for a flat tire, the Chicago Breaking News Center reported.

The Chicago trucking accident occurred shortly after midnight. The victim was southbound on I-294 when she pulled over at Rexford Road in Alsip to check for a flat tire on the passenger side of her vehicle, according to the Illinois State Police.

Moments later, a semi struck her and side-swiped the driver's side of her vehicle, police reported. The Frankfurt woman was identified by the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Police reported that drugs or alcohol are not believed to be a factor in the accident, which remains under investigation. The semi driver was being questioned on Tuesday but was not under arrest.

In 2008, a total of 135 pedestrians were killed in Illinois traffic accidents and more than 5,400 were injured --accounting for about 15 percent of all Illinois traffic fatalities.

A total of 14,632 Illinois trucking accidents were reported in 2008. More than 12,000 occurred in large urban areas, primarily Chicago. Illinois accidents involving semi tractor-trailers killed 115 and injured 2,940. Eight of the deaths and 30 of the injuries involved Illinois pedestrians, according to IDOT.

As reported earlier this month on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, Scott's Law mandates that motorists move over for stopped law enforcement or safety vehicles.

Moving into an outside lane whenever possible is also a good way to help ensure the safety of motorists in or around stranded or disabled vehicles at the side of the road.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for a 23-year-old former West Rogers Park man in connection with a Halloween hit-and-run Chicago car accident that claimed the life of a 25-year-old DePaul University student.

The suspect, who doesn't have a driver's license, may have fled to Mexico, the Chicago Breaking News Center reported.

As reported last fall on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, the woman was struck at Cullom and Lincoln avenues, as she walked home about 3 a.m. on Nov. 1 after a long night of work bartending at Bowmans Bar & Grill.

Family of the victim said the arrest was a relief. Police said at a press conference that the defendant quit his job at a North Side food store after telling his boss he was leaving for Mexico to care for a sick mother.

Police served a search warrant on the defendant's home in December, following a tip about the suspect's possible identity from someone watching the news.

Authorities reported finding a silver vehicle with front-end damage and physical evidence linking the defendant to the scene.

The defendant, who obtained a driver's permit in 2003, has a previous accident and a citation for driving without a license on his record, according to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office.

Illinois car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have reached an insurance policy limits settlement for a Chicago pedestrian that was hit by a car on the South Side in December, 2009. The accident took place at 1750 W. 119th Street where our client was crossing and was was hit by an 83 year old woman driving a 2006 Honda Accord.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the accident scene, along with an ambulance. After investigating the accident they ticketed the elderly driver with failing to yield to a pedestrian.

The plaintiff was rushed to Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. There he was diagnosed with several fractures, included a broken left leg which required surgery to repair. He remained hospitalized for several days.

The defendant was insured by State Farm Insurance. The case was resolved without having to file a lawsuit.

With severe winter weather in the Chicago area, drivers are urged to keep a vigilant lookout for pedestrians crossing the street. With so much snow on the ground, it takes drivers longer to stop and pedestrians longer to get out of the way.

Continue reading "Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer reaches $100,000 insurance policy limits settlement" »

An 85-year-old man was killed Thursday night in a Chicago pedestrian accident after being struck by a van in the Albany Park neighborhood, according to The Sun-Times.

The 41-year-old driver was cited for driving without a license and striking a pedestrian in the roadway/failure to exercise due care, the Chicago Breaking News Center reported. He was driving a Chevrolet Astro van west on Lawrence Avenue when he struck the elderly man near the intersection of North Springfield and West Lawrence.

The victim was taken to Advocate Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:20 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

The accident was not a hit-and-run and alcohol or drugs are not believed to be involved, according to police. However, unlicensed drivers are increasingly responsible for large numbers of serious and fatal accidents.

As reported earlier this month on Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, 1 in 6 fatal accidents involve someone without a valid license, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In Illinois, 202 motorists were killed in accidents involving unlicensed drivers, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Unlicensed drivers are also more likely to be involved in uninsured or underinsured car accidents.

In recent months, Chicago police have targeted motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians. Police are stationing undercover officers near crosswalks at high-risk intersections in an effort to reduce Chicago car accidents involving pedestrians.

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.

An Alsip man was pronounced dead Sunday morning following a fatal Chicago car accident in the Morgan Park neighborhood, the Chicago Breaking News Center reported.

The 54-year-old South Karlov Avenue man was pronounced dead at 1:22 a.m. at MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.

Police reported the man hit a car near the intersection of 110th Place and Hoyne Avenue. The Chicago police major accident unit is investigating the crash.

A hit-and-run driver struck and killed a 55-year-old woman in a Chicago pedestrian accident Friday evening in the Austin neighborhood. The North Parkside Avenue woman was pronounced dead at 8:29 p.m. Friday at Mount Sinai Hospital, according to the medical examiner's office.

The woman was killed in the Chicago hit-and-run accident while walking westbound and attempting to cross the street in the 1300 block of North Central Avenue at about 7:30 p.m. She was struck by a white Cadillac southbound on Central. The Cadillac, possibly as 1995, kept going. The woman died of her injuries after arriving at the hospital.

A Thursday night Chicago car accident in the South Side's Englewood neighborhood killed an 18-year-old teenager, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Two others were injured in the 9 p.m. crash between a car and a truck. The driver of the car was attempting a left turn when it collided with the truck in the intersection, according to police.

Police reported the driver of the car was ticketed for failure to yield to right of way. The driver and a second passenger were taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County.

A pair of Chicago train accidents claimed two lives and injured several others Thursday afternoon.

A woman remained hospitalized Friday morning after her husband was killed in a Chicago car accident involving a train. Their car was struck by a Metra train in Bensenville at a railroad crossing near York Road and Main Street at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.

The woman was taken to Elmhust Memorial Hospital in serious but stable condition.

The Daily Herald reported the accident happened as the train struck the vehicle in a railroad crossing while approaching the Bensenville station. The vehicle was pushed nearly a quarter of a mile west of the crossing before coming to rest.

A half hour earlier, a pedestrian was killed in a Chicago train accident when she was struck in Lake Forest by an Amtrak train bound for Seattle, the Breaking News Center reported.

The 49-year-old Grayslake woman was apparently at a pedestrian crossing when hit by the Empire Builder train. Another person also was reported injured in the Chicago pedestrian accident.

Both trains were delayed for several hours as a result of the accidents. The Bensenville police, Metra police and the DuPage County Coroner's Office are investigating, according to the Sun-Times.

Five counties in and around Chicago were responsible for almost half of Illinois traffic fatalities last year, according to the 2008 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics data released by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Chicago car accident attorneys and injury lawyers at Abels & Annes are publishing a series of blogs taking a look at the new comprehensive traffic data here and on our sister site, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog.

Last year, 569 people were killed and 78,509 people were injured in urban Illinois car accidents, compared to 474 killed and 15,512 injured in rural accidents. Abels & Annes previously reported there were 408 Chicago car accident fatalities in the five-county area in 2008, accounting for 70 percent of the state's urban accidents and about 40 percent of the 1,043 traffic fatalities that occurred statewide in 2008.

The most common type of injury crash was rear-end collisions, which caused 25,817 injuries statewide in 2008, followed by "turning accidents," the state's second-most-common injury accident with 17,650 injuries.

The most fatal crashes occurred in a collision with a fixed object (283), followed by pedestrian fatalities (129), head-on collisions (105) and overturned vehicles (104).

10 Most common Illinois accidents:
Rear-end collision: 115,713
Turning: 60,399
Fixed object: 48,914
Parked: 48,507
Angle: 41,723
Sideswipe same direction: 35,366
Animal: 25,271
Vehicle overturned: 5,816
Pedestrian: 5,671
Sideswipe opposite direction: 5,492

Continue reading "40 percent of Illinois traffic fatalities occur as a result of Chicago car accidents" »

A $10,000 reward is being offered for the driver responsible for a north side hit-and-run Chicago car accident on Nov. 1.

The parents of the young waitress who was killed at Lincoln and Cullom avenues announced the reward, according to WGN9News. She was walking home from her nearby bartending job when she was struck by a vehicle that did not stop, according to police.

Surveillance video from Bowman's Bar and Grill may have captured the vehicle seconds before the accident that killed Rachel Gilliam, WGN9News reported.

In addition to making an appeal for the driver to turn himself in, the victim's mom is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the driver responsible.

ABC7 reported that police are looking for a silver four-door car that struck the 25-year-old DePaul University graduate without stopping as she walked home from work at about 3:30 a.m. on Halloween Night.

The young woman's co-workers and friends at Bowman's have been active in raising reward money and have hired a private investigator in the hunt for the runaway driver.

Chicago car accident lawyers blog recently chronicled a rash of hit-and-run Chicago pedestrians accidents being looked into by police.

If you think you can help, contact the Chicago Police's Major Accidents Division, at 312-745-4521. Please reference case #HR-619777.

Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for children ages 3 to 14 years old, according to 2008 crash statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Some of the most tragic and difficult cases handled by the Chicago car accident attorneys and the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes involve the serious injury or death of a child in a car accident.

In 2008, 1,347 young passengers were killed in traffic accidents nationwide and 193,000 were injured. Every day, an average of 4 children under the age of 14 are killed and 529 injured in traffic accidents.

Illinois ranked 6th in the nation for the highest number of children killed in automobile accidents. Texas (154), California (142), Florida (73), Georgia (65) and North Carolina (45) were the five deadliest states.

Nationwide, alcohol was involved in 16 percent of the fatal crashes -- about half of those occurred when a child passenger of a drunk driver was killed.

A total of 270 children were killed in pedestrian accidents and another 13,000 were injured. About half of these child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 4 and 8 p.m.

Eighty-one children were killed in bicycle accidents and another 52,000 were injured.

The report concluded that child-safety seats reduced the risk of fatal injury to infants by 71 percent and by 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars.

Continue reading "Traffic accidents leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14" »

Doctors delivered a newborn boy after a pregnant woman was killed in a Chicago car accident on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old woman died when two vehicles collided and one of the vehicle careened into her and three other pedestrians on the city's West Side, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The West Cortez Street Woman was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. The newborn infant is listed in extremely critical condition, according to the hospital.

A hospital spokeswoman said doctors were able to save the unborn child and believe the pregnancy was six or seven months along.

"The baby suffered injuries (from the crash) in addition to being premature," a spokesperson told The Tribune. The child's condition was described as "extremely critical."

Doctors reported it would be sometime today before they knew whether the infant had a chance to survive.

The car accident happened on Wednesday around 12 pm when a Ford van eastbound on Washington and a Chrysler Town and Country minivan southbound on Kostner, collided, according to police.

The Chicago Sun-Times said four pedestrians were struck during the accident and the driver of the Chrysler van had been cited.

According to the Sun-Times, the 39-year-old van driver was cited for failure to stop at a red light, driving with a suspended or revoked license and no insurance. It was unknown whether he will face further charges in connection with the woman's death.

In this case, due to the fact that the at fault driver had no insurance, the family of the victims will be able to pursue an uninsured motorist claim against their own auto insurance policy.

Police continue to look for a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run Chicago car accident.

The 36-year-old West Cullerton Street woman died Tuesday after being hit by a car on South Halsted Street, according to The Sun-Times. The car left the scene and the woman was struck again by a Chicago Transit Authority bus.

Authorities report the woman was struck by the car while crossing the street shortly after 5 p.m. The force of the impact propelled her into the path of a northbound CTA bus.

Police are looking for a purple or blue, four-door car with a chrome center grill. The car has damage to the hood near the driver's side headlight area.

Harrison-area detectives have joined the Major Accident Investigation Unit in the search.

Police hope a street surveillance camera will help identify the fleeing driver, according to ABC7.

Witnesses reported the driver of the car never stopped after striking her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members say the woman was married with two teenagers.

In a 2004 report conducted by AAA, 1,557 people were killed by hit-and-run drivers -- or more than four people a day. For every one killed, 72 more were injured.

Some of the most common reasons drivers flee the scene of an accident include drunk driving, driving without a license, self-preservation and road rage. Hit-and-run drivers face serious criminal charges for their actions in addition to any civil action to recover damages on behalf of the victims and their families.

In this type of case, most of the time the hit-and-run driver is never caught by police. If that happens here, the family of the victim will be able to pursue a hit-and-run claim against the victim's own auto insurance policy.

Anyone with information regarding the accident is encouraged to contact the Chicago Police Department immediately.

Chicago personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes have entered into an agreement to represent a Northwest Side resident who sustained personal injuries after she was hit by a car while crossing a street in a crosswalk. The car vs. pedestrian accident happened on August 15, 2009 just before 5 p.m. at the intersection of Central and Roscoe.

Our client was walking eastbound crossing Central in a crosswalk on the north side of the intersection when a woman driving a 2009 Nissan Murano, who was also eastbound on Roscoe, entered the intersection. She proceeded turn left on to Central and failed to observe the pedestrian in the walkway. She struck our client with the passenger side of her SUV.

The Chicago Police Department came to the scene and issued the defendant a traffic violation. She has a September court date at the Daley Center. The officer noted in his police report that the Nissan had a dent on the hood and broken plastic by the headlight where the vehicle hit the pedestrian.

The plaintiff was taken from the scene in a Chicago Fire Department Ambulance to Our Lady Of Resurrection Medical Center with back, chest and elbow injuries. Since the date of the accident she has also been going through follow up treatment at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, as her condition has not improved.

On the Northwest Side of Chicago a pedestrian was hit and killed by a semi truck while crossing the street, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The pedestrian vs. truck accident happened at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Ashland Avenue around 10:30 p.m. in the Wicker Park neighborhood.

The victim, a 59 year old male Chicago resident, was taken to Cook County Stroger Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

The Chicago Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Unit is handling the crash investigation. No tickets had been issued to the truck driver as of this morning, however the investigation is most likely not yet complete. What exactly caused the accident has not been reported. Whether tickets are issued could depend on if there were independent witnesses to the accident.

As for a civil lawsuit against the truck driver and the trucking company, it is a good bet that the family of the victim will retain a Chicago personal injury lawyer to investigate a potential case.

Also see the story as reported by NBC News.

The past 24 hours was a dangerous time to be on the roads on the North Side of Chicago. In addition to the pedestrian accident in Wicker park, there was a motor vehicle accident on the Kennedy Expressway involving 3 motorcycles and a car, and there was a rollover SUV accident on the Edens Expressway in Skokie early Sunday where two people were killed.

The crash on the Kennedy caused all three lanes to be shut down for a period of time and backed up traffic for miles, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center. Two of the motorcycle riders were taken to Stroger and the 3rd was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. A women in the car was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

In Seaside Heights, New Jersey, a well known American Idol contestant, Alexis Cohen, was killed over the weekend in a pedestrian vs. car accident, according to MSNBC. The man who hit her fled the scene and was later caught by police. Cohen's body was found in the street after the collision.

CBS News is reporting that Cohen, age 24, sustained abdomen, chest and head injuries after she was struck by the car early Saturday.

The person who allegedly hit her, Daniel Bark, age 23, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving. He was arrested on Sunday in New Jersey and is being held on $35,000 bail. If found guilty, he could receive up to 15 years in prison.

Cohen was not known for her vocals, but for her audition antics. She lost her temper after she was rejected by the judges, and Simon Cowell said she was "a bit possessed" like she was channeling voices. Click here to see her audition from American Idol Season 7.

See also Arrest Made in Hit-and-Run Death of Ex-'American Idol' Contestant as reported by Fox News.

The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes have recovered $255,000 on an underinsured motorist claim for a woman who was struck by a car leaving church following Good Friday services.

The client was hit in a crosswalk at Irving Park and Austin as she left Polish Jesuit Fathers. A driver turning left did not see the client, who was crossing the street on a walk sign.

Chicago attorney David Abels said the driver's insurance carrier, Allstate, paid $50,000. The firm then collected an additional $200,000 on an underinsured claim from the client's insurance carrier, which were the limits of the policy, as well as $5,000 in medical payment coverage.

Abels said timely recovery of the $255,000 will assist the woman in recovering from serious injuries.

The woman was rushed to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge with severe head injuries and underwent emergency surgery, Abels wrote in a previous blog. The client had a large piece of her skull temporarily removed and spent time in a coma.

"In reality, no amount of money is ever going to change the situation for our client. This is a lifelong injury that is going to affect her for the rest of her life," Abels told CBS2 in Chicago about pending legislation that would require motorists to come to a complete stop when someone is crossing the street.

The serious injury or death of pedestrians who are struck by motorists continues to be a serious problem -- more than 4,600 pedestrians were killed in 2007, including 171 people in Illinois.

The Chicago Department of Transportation is stepping up enforcement in conjunction with the Chicago Police Department. The operation puts undercover officers in crosswalks posing as civilians. Drivers who fail to yield face fines of $50 to $500.

“Providing a safe pedestrian environment is our No. 1 goal,” said CDOT Commissioner Thomas G Byrne. “This initiative is designed to increase awareness among motorists about the importance of stopping for pedestrians. People should be able to safely cross the street in their neighborhoods.”

Continue reading "Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers at Abels & Annes recover $255,000 for victim of crosswalk car accident" »

In Chicago, Illinois a pedestrian was fatally hit by a taxi last Sunday, according to the Lake Oswego Review. The victim, Robert Deighton, 42, a resident of Lake Oswego, Oregon was walking when a taxicab came out of a driveway and hit him. He was rushed by ambulance to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and was pronounced dead shortly after the collision.

The cab driver was ticketed by Chicago Police with failing to yield when coming out of a driveway. He has a June court date. The police department's Major Accident Investigation Unit is handling the investigation.

It has not been reported if the family of the victim has retained an injury lawyer to pursue a wrongful death claim against the cab driver's insurance carrier.

Pedestrian vs. car accidents in Chicago are a big issue as warm weather arrives. Due to a large increase in Chicago pedestrian fatalities in 2008, the Police Department is stepping up their efforts to protect people on foot from cars. They are running a sting operation to catch people who fail to yield to pedestrians, where undercover officers pose as civilians in crosswalks. Further, the Illinois legislature is considering a new law that would require drivers to stop for pedestrians rightfully crossing the street (not just yield).

On Sunday, Chicago accident attorneys from Abels & Annes appeared on CBS News in Chicago to discuss a pedestrian injury case that they are currently working on. The client was hit and severely injured while crossing in a crosswalk at Irving Park and Austin on the Northwest Side. The 38 year old driver of a 2006 Audi A4 failed to notice her crossing.

The Chicago resident was transported by ambulance to Lutheran General Hospital with severe head trauma. Emergency surgery was performed and the client remained in a coma for over two weeks.

Late last week, medical doctors at the hospital were able to wake her. She is in good spirits, however, her road to recovery is long from over. She is expected to remain in the hospital for an extended period of time.

The injured pedestrian has retained Abels & Annes to pursue a civil claim against the driver's auto insurance carrier. Witnesses to the accident should contact Abels & Annes, or fill out the contact form on our website.

Click here to view the CBS story.

A Chicago woman who was hit by a car on Good Friday has woken from a coma. The accident happened just after she left church services for Good Friday at Polish Jesuit Fathers on Irving Park Road. She was crossing in a crosswalk at Irving Park and Austin on a walk sign when a driver turning left did not see the woman and struck her with his vehicle.

She suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. There she underwent emergency surgery and had been in a coma ever since the accident.

She is now awake and in good spirits. However, she is missing a large piece of her skull that was removed during surgery. The bone has been frozen at the hospital and will be re-inserted during another surgical procedure at a later date. Her road to recovery has just begun and she will be in the hospital for several more months.

The driver who hit her was ticketed by the Chicago Police Department and is set to appear in Court later this month. The pedestrian has retained Abels & Annes, P.C. to pursue a civil claim against the driver's insurance carrier.

There may have been several witnesses to the accident who have not yet come forward. If you have information regarding this accident, please call 312-924-7575 or email accidentwitness@yahoo.com.

Train service on the Metra Union Pacific North Line was delayed for over two hours on Thursday evening after a train hit a pedestrian on the North Side of Chicago, according to chicagobreakingnews.com. The accident occurred around 5 p.m. just South of the Rogers Park train station.

The train engineer on outbound train no. 339 reported the collision and then stopped the train. Emergency workers found the body near Ravenswood and Thome Avenue.

The man hit by the train appeared to be in his 20s and it has not been reported as to why he was on the tracks. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

In Chicago, Illinois, a two year old boy died Saturday afternoon after being hit by a car in an alley, according to the Chicago Tribune. The pedestrian accident took place in the block of 7200 South Sacramento Avenue around 4:45 p.m.

The child was taken by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and was pronounced dead around 90 minutes after the accident.

The driver, a 40 year old Chicago woman, was ticketed by the Chicago Police Department for failing to keep a proper lookout for a pedestrian in the road. The exact facts as to how the accident occurred have not been reported.

The NHTSA reports that in 2007, children 14 and under accounted for seven percent of pedestrian fatalities in the United States (306 out of 4,654 deaths). Of those child fatalities, 187 (61%) were male children. Nearly 100 of the children killed were ages 1-3. Eighty percent of the child pedestrian deaths took place at at non-intersection locations. In the same year, around 70,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide, and 14,000 of those injured were children 14 and under.

NFL wide receiver Donte' Stallworth was involved in a fatal pedestrian accident yesterday, according to multiple media outlets such as the Boston Globe. The accident happened on a causeway between Miami and Miami Beach, Florida. Stallworth was driving his Bentley around 7 a.m. when he hit Mario Reyes, a 59 year old construction worker who was crossing the road. It is unclear whether Reyes was in a crosswalk or near a crosswalk. He was rushed to a nearby trauma center and pronounced dead a short time later.

Reyes worked at a crane operator and commuted by bus to work. He had just finished working the overnight shift and was headed to the bus stop when he was hit by Stallworth's Bentley. Reyes is married with a daughter. He came to Miami from Cuba when he was a teen.

Stallworth reportedly cooperated with police, consented to drug and alcohol testing, and has not been charged at this time. Stallworth, 28, currently plays for the Cleveland Browns who signed him last year to a 7 year, 35 million dollar contact. He has previously played for the Patriots, Eagles & Saints. It is being reported that he owns three condos in the Miami area.

An accident like this reminds us that back here in Chicago, pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise. As we recently reported, there were fifty-six pedestrian fatalities here in 2008, a big increase from forty-nine deaths in 2007 and forty-eight in 2006.

Pedestrians accidents are very dangerous. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that pedestrians are over 8 times likelier to be injured, and over 23 times likelier to be killed in an accident, as compared to people riding in a car.

Chicago accident attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached a settlement for a traffic flagger who was hit by a car on a road construction site. Our client was working in the 1400 block of Milwaukee Avenue in Glenview, Illinois on June 17, 2008 when she was hit. She was standing in a lane that had been blocked by construction horses.

The plaintiff was flagging drivers to slow down in the construction zone when a driver entered the blocked lane, drove over several construction horses, and struck our client. The driver then fled the scene. Police were unable to locate the hit and run driver.

Our client was transported by ambulance to Glenbrook Hospital. She complained of head pain, left hand and forearm numbness and tingling, and she had soreness in her thighs and legs. The treating physicians ordered a series of diagnostic tests including head, cervical, abdominal and pelvic CT’s, x-rays, and labs. Our client was prescribed pain medication, told to follow up with a physician, and discharged from the hospital.

On July 3, 2008, our client followed up with her physician. She complained of increasing abdominal pain and bilateral knee pain. Her doctor ordered an abdominal ultrasound, and due to our client’s continued complaints of pain and discomfort, he also ordered gallbladder, liver, and pancreas ultrasounds. The tests were negative.

As a result of her injuries sustained in the accident, our client incurred over $14,000.00 in medical expenses. Workers' compensation insurance paid her bills.

Because the at fault driver fled the scene, attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. filed an uninsured, hit-and-run motorist claim against our client’s insurance policy. She received an additional $15,000 for her injuries.

Chicago Injury Lawyers from our firm often handle and resolve accident cases for pedestrians. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please contact attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

Pedestrian deaths have recently increased in Chicago, Illinois, according to the Chicago Tribune. This is occurring even as the City has taken on new safety programs over the last several years such as countdown signals and red light cameras. There were 56 pedestrian deaths in Chicago last year, up from 49 in 2007, and 48 in 2006.

The Chicago Department of Transportation has put forth several theories for the increase, such as bad pavement markings and signage, and construction projects. They also state that there has been an increase of pedestrian traffic in Chicago.

The Tribune story lists pedestrian accident hot spots in the Chicago; intersections that for some reason are more prone to be the location of a collision. Intersections along Lake Shore Drive, Stony Island Avenue, Madison Street and Ashland Avenue are likely to have pedestrian accidents. The intersection of Chicago Avenue and Cicero Avenue is listed as a particularly dangerous location.

As a pedestrian in Chicago, it is a good idea to be as defensive as possible. Whenever possible, cross in a crosswalk, obey the walk signs, and always keep an eye out for traffic, even when you are rightfully and lawfully crossing the street.

Our law firm has represented many pedestrians who were in a crosswalk with the right-of-way that were hit by negligent drivers. In my experience, it is most common that pedestrians are hit by drivers making a right or left turn at an intersection when the driver fails to notice the pedestrian.

Abels & Annes currently represents a pedestrian who was hit by a car and and barely survived, suffering severe injuries. He was hit directly in front of a well marked pedestrian crossing sign.

If you are a pedestrian that has been hit and injured by a motor vehicle, contact Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

Abogados de Accidente de trafico en Chicago de Abels & Annes, P.C., han alcanzado un arreglo para un joven monopatinador que fue golpeado en un paso de peaton por un vehículo que fallo de rendir el derecho de vía. El accidente sucedió el 17 de Abril de 2008 en 117 y la Avenida J en el sur de Chicago. El conductor tuvo un stop y no noto al peatón cuando élla salio. La Policía de Chicago cargó al acusado con fracaso para rendir.

Nuestro cliente sufrió dos dientes rotos, una nariz quebrada, contusiones faciales, y abrasiones al brazo a consecuencia del accidente. El fue llevado a St. Margaret’s Hospital en Hammond, Indiana, y él también trató con un dentista local. Nuestro cliente incurrió varios mil dólares en cuentas médicas.

El conductor del acusado en este caso sólo fue asegurado para $25,000. Reunimos exitosamente esa cantidad para nuestro cliente, y entonces nosotros seguimos un reclamo de automovilista bajo-asegurado contra el seguro de la madre de nuestro cliente. (Este tipo de reclamo es presentado cuando la póliza de seguro del acusado no es suficiente para cubrir la pérdida).

Pudimos reunir un adicional $30,000 para nuestro cliente en el reclamo bajo-asegurado, trayendo el arreglo total a $55,000.

Si usted es un peatón que ha sido golpeado por un coche, o si usted ha sido herido por un conductor sin seguro médico o bajo-asegurado, llame a Abels & Annes, P.C. para una consulta gratis.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyers at Abels & Annes have reached a settlement for a teen skateboarder who was hit in a crosswalk by a vehicle that failed to yield the right of way. The pedestrian accident happened on April 17, 2008 at 117th and Avenue J on the South Side of Chicago. The driver had a stop sign and failed to notice the plaintiff when she pulled out. The Chicago Police Department charged the defendant with failure to yield.

Our client suffered two broken teeth, a broken nose, facial contusions, and abrasions to his arm as a result of the accident. He was taken to St. Margaret's Hospital in Hammond, Indiana, and he also treated with a local dentist. Our client incurred several thousand dollars in medical bills.

The defendant driver in this case was only insured for $25,000. We successfully collected that amount for our teen client, and then we pursued an under-insured motorist claim against our client's mother's auto insurance policy. (This type of claim is presented when the defendant's insurance policy is not sufficient to cover the loss).

We were able to collect an additional $30,000 for our client on the under-insured claim, bringing the total settlement to $55,000.

If you are a pedestrian who has been hit by a car, or if you have been injured by an uninsured or under-insured driver, call Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

A Chicago area resident has been killed in a pedestrian vs. auto accident that occurred this past Saturday, according to the Chicago Tribune. The collision took place at 87th Street and Cicero Avenue in Oak Lawn, a suburb just south of the Chicago city limits.

It has not been reported how the accident took place, however an arrest has been made by the investigating police department. This strongly indicates that the driver was at fault.

Every year there are thousands of traffic accidents involving pedestrians in the State of Illinois. For example, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports that in 2004 there were 5,694 pedestrian accidents throughout the State, and that 155 fatalities resulted from those collisions.

IDOT states that pedestrians involved in accidents (as opposed to vehicle occupants) are much more likely to be injured or killed. Pedestrians are 8.7 times more likely to be injured and 23.1 times more likely to be killed as compared to people riding in vehicles. And, while pedestrians are only involved in 1.3% of the accidents in Illinois, they account for 12.7% of the fatalities.

Pedestrian accidents also occur more often in congested areas. Of the 5,694 pedestrian accidents in 2004, 77% occurred in Cook County, and 97% happened on roads that have been classified as urban.

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact our office for a free consultation. Our law firm often handles these types of claims, and we just settled a case against Allstate Insurance this past week.

In West Suburban Lisle, Illinois a pedestrian was hit and severely injured as he crossed Ogden Avenue at Center Avenue on November 6, 2008. He was crossing to get to the First Congregational Church parking lot that is used for Metra train parking. The accident happened in the early evening at a location that is marked with warning signs for pedestrian crossing. The victim was a commuter on his way home from work.

The pedestrian suffered severe injuries, including a broken left arm, multiple pelvic fractures, right eye injuries, a fractured skull, internal bleeding and multiple lacerations. He had to undergo multiple surgeries and was in intensive care for over a week before being transferred to long term care & rehab.

One witness stayed at the scene until Lisle police officers responded, but there may have been others. If you were a witness to this accident, or if you know of a witness, please call (312) 924-7575 or email accidentwitness@yahoo.com.

Click here to view a map of the accident area.

Car Accident Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have settled an injury claim for a Chicago resident who was injured after being hit by a car while standing in front of his house when a car crash occurred.

On the evening of the occurrence our client was standing in his front yard when the defendant was driving westbound on 71st Street approaching its intersection with Lafayette. The intersection of 71st Street and Lafayette was controlled by a traffic light. There was a red light for westbound traffic. The defendant ran his red light and crashed into a southbound vehicle. The force of the impact knocked the other vehicle into a fence and yard on Lafayette and into the plaintiff, who fell to the ground.

Our client was seen at St. Bernard Hospital’s emergency room right after the accident complaining of shoulder, back, hip and knee pain. He was diagnosed with a fracture to his left clavicle, acute low back sprain and left knee contusion. Pain medications and physical therapy were prescribed. Despite this treatment he continued to suffer from pain and discomfort in his left shoulder, left hip, low back and left knee. However, our client sought no follow up treatment.

The case settled against State Farm Insurance for $15,000. The claim was resolved without having to file a lawsuit.

Pedestrians getting hit while in the area of auto accidents is not common, but it does happen on occasion. This is the second case we have resolved this year where a pedestrian was collateral damage to a car crash. Our other client was injured while waiting at a CTA bus stop. A car accident took place in front of him, a wheel flew off one of the cars and hit him, and he sustained injuries.

Car Accident Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have recovered insurance policy limits for a Chicago pedestrian injured by a motor vehicle in a September, 2006 accident. The claim was initially denied by the insurance company until our law firm got involved earlier this year.

The car vs. pedestrian accident happened when the defendant was driving northbound on Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago, Illinois as our client was planning to cross King Dr. from the east side to the west side. There was a parking lane for northbound traffic, on the east side of the street. The plaintiff was standing in front of, and to the north of, cars parked in this parking lane. As he was standing in the parking lane waiting for traffic to clear the defendant swerved into the parking lane and struck our client.

The defendant was issued several traffic citations by the Chicago Police Department and plead guilty to failing to exercise due care and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

The plaintiff was transported by ambulance from the scene of the crash to Advocate Christ Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital emergency room his most significant complaints were of right leg pain as well as injuries to his head, right wrist and right hand. He was diagnosed with displaced right tibia and fibula fractures. The fibula fracture was comminuted, segmental, with multiple components.

Continue reading "Injured Chicago Pedestrian Collects Policy Limits From Driver's Insurance Company" »

In Chicago, Illinois a pedestrian was fatally struck by a hit & run driver early this morning, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The pedestrian vs. auto accident happened on the West Side as a 43 year old woman was crossing the street at 4700 W. Chicago Avenue just after 1:30 a.m.

The pedestrian was hit by a blue and white conversion van. The vehicle continued eastbound on Chicago Ave. after the accident and did not stop.

She was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

Anyone with information regarding the accident should contact the Chicago Police Department. The police department's Major Accident Investigation Unit and area detectives are investigating the collision.

Click here to read the entire story.

Early Sunday morning a man who was changing a tire on the shoulder of the Ontario Street feeder ramp was hit by a car, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The driver that hit him then fled the scene of the accident without stopping.

The injured person, a 31 year old male, was the passenger in a Ford Explorer with a flat. The driver of the stopped car did not see the accident happen.

The Illinois State Police were the first to respond and reportedly the pedestrian was bleeding heavily when they arrived. He was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Hospital.

The police believe the vehicle that fled the scene was a black Mercedes. Apparently, the police found pieces of the car at the scene and they hope to match up the pieces to the offending vehicle. The Illinois State Police are investigating and anyone with information regarding the accident should call (217) 782-5423 or askisp@isp.state.il.us.

As far as an injury case is concerned, if the hit and run driver is not caught, the injured person will be able to make a hit and run, uninsured motorist claim against the insurance policy for the Ford Explorer or his own insurance policy.

Click here to read the entire story.

In Chicago, Illinois a woman lost control of her car, drove over a curb, and stuck and killed her sister who was standing on a nearby sidewalk, according to NBC news. The accident happened late Thursday night just after she started her car and tried to shift gears without removing a Club theft deterring device from the steering wheel, causing her to lose control of the vehicle.

The deadly collision happened in the 5400 block of West Ferdinand in front of the victim's home. The woman was pinned and dragged over 15 feet.

She was taken by ambulance to Stroger Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. An autopsy is scheduled.

Click here to read entire story.

A woman from the South Side of Chicago was stuck and killed early this morning after being hit by a car, according to the Chicago Tribune. The pedestrian vs. car accident happened just after 2 a.m. at Stoney Island and 93rd Street. The victim was Jessica Newton, age 46, a resident of the 10000 block of South Rhodes.

Newton was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn after the accident. She was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

The Chicago Police Department is investigating the accident and no further details are available yet.

In Chicago, Illinois a teenager has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after he struck a 73 year old pedestrian on the Northwest Side of Chicago this past Wednesday night, according to the Chicago Tribune. The pedestrian was crossing the street in the 6700 block of West Addison Street when he was hit by the teen who was driving a minivan. The driver fled the scene of the accident and was later pulled over after being involved in a second accident in the 3400 block of West Belmont.

The victim was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. He sustained fractured legs and ribs, and internal bleeding.

The teen driver was also ticketed with driving without insurance, driving without a driver's license, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and leaving the scene of an accident.

From an injury lawyer's view, hopefully the 73 year old pedestrian had his own policy of auto insurance. Many clients I talk to do not realize that if you are a pedestrian, and you are hit by a driver that has no valid insurance, you can make an uninsured motorist claim on your own insurance policy.

Click here to read more about uninsured and under-insured motorist claims.

En Chicago, Illinois un chico de tres anos de edad fue golpeado fatalmente por un vehiculo la noche del sabado pasado cuando el entro corriendo a un callejon, según el Chicago Tribune y otras fuentes de noticias. El menor fue llevado a la Universidad de Chicago, Hospital de Niños Comer y fue pronunciado muerto un tiempo corto más tarde.

El accidente sucedió en el 11200 bloque de la Avenida O del sur en Chicago sobre las 10 de la noche. El conductor, un residente de Chicago, de dieciocho años de edad fue etiquetado por la Policía de Chicago con fracaso para reducir la velocidad para evitar un accidente y conducir sin el seguro. No ha sido informado a qué velocidad el vehículo viajaba en aquel momento de impacto. El conductor no fue detenido.

In Harvey, Illinois a fourteen year old girl was struck in a crosswalk last week at the intersection of 159th Street and Wood. She sustained leg and neck injuries. She was taken by ambulance to Ingalls Memorial Hospital, and she is now following up with a medical doctor in Chicago.

Witnesses at the scene are reporting the at fault driver did not realize she hit anyone, that she appeared to be intoxicated, and further that she failed a preliminary breath test that was administered at the scene by police officers. It is not yet known what tickets were issued to the driver for her role in the Chicago area car vs. pedestrian accident.

The parents of the injured teen have retained Abels & Annes, P.C. to pursue a personal injury claim against the at fault driver.

Continue reading "Chicago Area Teen Struck and Injured In Crosswalk By DUI Driver" »

In Chicago, Illinois a three year old boy was fatally hit by a vehicle this past Saturday night when he reportedly ran into an alley, according to the Chicago Tribune and other news sources. The minor was taken to the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital and was pronounced dead a short time later.

The accident happened in the 11200 block of South Avenue O in Chicago around 10 p.m. The driver, an eighteen year old Chicago resident was ticketed by the Chicago Police Department with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving without insurance. It has not been reported how fast the vehicle was traveling at the time of impact. The driver was not arrested.

Click here to read the entire story.

Chicago Injury Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached an settlement for a local resident that was injured in a pedestrian vs. car accident in September of 2007. Our client was crossing Harrison Street in a crosswalk on a green light at LaSalle Street. At that time the defendant, who was driving southbound on LaSalle Street, turned right on a red light and hit our client.

The plaintiff was treated at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, Illinois for back and neck injuries. He later followed up at Roseland Community Hospital for further treatment. The pedestrian accident case settled prior to litigation. The Hartford is paying on the claim.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Attorneys Resolve Pedestrian Crosswalk Accident Case" »

In Chicago, Illinois four people were injured on Sunday when a car drove into a Starbucks Coffee Shop, according to the Chicago Tribune and several other news sources. The car vs. pedestrian accident happened in the 6000 block of Lincoln Avenue on the far North Side.

Reportedly, the driver of a blue Lexus who was turning into Starbucks lost control, jumped a curb, hit a stop sign, hit a tree, and then smashed through a glass window hitting customers inside the coffee shop.

There was no evidence that the driver, a 56 year old Chicago woman, was intoxicated. The Chicago Police Department issued her a ticket for negligent driving.

The driver and her passenger, and one injured customer were taken to Swedish Covenant Hospital on the North Side. Another person injured in the coffee shop was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston.

The Steve Dahl Radio Show, 104.3 Jack FM, reported that customers who went to the coffee shop the rest of the day were given free drink coupons to take to other Starbucks locations.

Click here to read the entire story.

In Chicago, Illinois a pedestrian was killed early Sunday morning in a hit and run accident. The accident happened at 68th Street and Stoney Island, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The pedestrian, a 35 year old Chicago resident, was crossing the intersection on foot when he was struck by a dark vehicle around 1:30 p.m. The vehicle then fled the scene. The pedestrian was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

TheChicago Police Department is investigating the hit and run accident and they have made no arrests. Anyone with information regarding the fatal collision should contact the Chicago Police Department.

Click here to read entire story.

A client of David Abels & Associates, P.C. was recently injured on the North Side of Chicago just after he parked his car on Montrose Avenue. After he exited his vehicle, he closed the door and began to walk towards the front of his car, and as he walked a passing vehicle drifted too close to his parked car and hit him.

After the accident the plaintiff was taken by ambulance to Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, Illinois with severe neck pain. In the weeks following the accident his neck pain persisted and his medical doctor ordered an MRI. The MRI showed that he had sustained a herniated disc in his cervical spine as a result of the pedestrian vs. car accident. He has not yet had surgery and still has pain on a daily basis.

The Chicago Police Department investigated the accident and issued citations to the driver that hit our client. The defendant is insured by Allstate.

A 62 year old Chicago resident was killed on Wednesday in Lakeview as she crossed a street in a crosswalk, according to the Chicago Tribune. The hit-and-run accident happened at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Belmont Avenue when a U-Haul rental truck ran a red light and hit a car headed south on Sheridan. The truck then hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk, and then the occupants of the truck fled the scene on foot. A witness at the scene said the truck was out of control.

The pedestrian, Anca Ramniceanu, 62, who lived in the area of the accident was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and died shortly after arrival at the hospital.

The only description of the two men that fled the scene was that one was wearing a red shirt and a baseball hat. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Chicago Police Department. Police should also be able to track down who rented the truck by obtaining records from U-Haul.

A pedestrian was killed on the South Side of Chicago on Sunday in a hit and run accident, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The collision occurred around 4 a.m. at 85th Street and Stoney Island. When police came to the scene they found the pedestrian lying in the street.

The victim, a 36 year old Chicago resident, was transported to Jackson Park Hospital and pronounced dead within an hour of the accident. The Chicago Police Department Major Accidents Investigation Unit is handling the matter. Chicago police state that the vehicle that hit the pedestrian fled the scene and that they put a description of the vehicle out over police radio. Tinley Park police stopped the vehicle on Sunday morning and there is now a woman in custody. No charges had been filed as of Sunday night.

The parents of a teen killed when a semi truck slammed into a CTA train station in Chicago have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Cook County against the truck driver and trucking company, according to the Associated Press. The lawsuit alleges that the 64 year old truck driver was driving too fast for conditions, ran a red light, and failed to use his horn to warn of impact.

The driver, who is from Metamora, Michigan, received a traffic ticket for the April 25 accident, but no criminal charges have been filed.

The accident happened when the driver crashed his semi truck into the CTA Red Line train station at Cermak Road on the South Side during the evening rush hour. One other woman was killed and twenty one others were injured, according to the Chicago Tribune and various other news sources.

The truck had just come off the Dan Ryan Expressway near Chinatown when it crashed into the train station and traveled several steps up an escalator. Some witnesses believed the truck was going 40 - 50 mph when it hit the station. Chicago Police Department officials have stated that the two women killed were pedestrians walking near the CTA station.

The cause of the truck crash is still unknown. The truck driver was taken to Stroger Hospital where he tested negative for alcohol, but then he refused a urine test and asked to be discharged from the hospital, stating that he had no insurance to cover treatment. He was then released into the custody of the Chicago Police Department.

A Chicago Fire Department official stated that twenty one injured were taken to area hospitals, and eleven of those were in critical condition. Four people had to be cut out of the escalators at the station by rescue workers.

Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached an insurance policy limits settlement in an uninsured motorist claim for one of our clients. The accident happened in May of 2006 when the plaintiff was hit by a Cadillac on the South Side of Chicago at 1908 W. 74th Street just after he exited a CTA bus.

The plaintiff was taken to Holy Cross Hospital with a pelvic fracture. He stayed at the hospital for over a week and was then transferred to a rehab facility for several weeks. He incurred over $50,000 in medical bills.

The at fault driver did not have insurance for the Cadillac so we pursued an uninsured motorist claim on our client's own auto insurance policy. The insurance carrier tendered the limits of the insurance policy on the claim.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyers Make Policy Limits Uninsured Motorist Settlement In Pedestrian Accident" »

In Chicago, Illinois a teenager riding a skateboard was hit in a crosswalk by a vehicle that failed to yield the right of way. The teen's parents have retained David Abels & Associates, P.C. to prosecute the claim.

The accident took place at 117th and Avenue J on the South Side on April 17th. Our client was on 117th crossing Ave. J in a crosswalk and he had no stop sign. The driver of the car was on Avenue J, had a stop sign, and did not see the plaintiff when she pulled out of the stop.

Our client sustained a fractured nose and two fractured teeth. He had to undergo an emergency root canal shortly after the accident and he is also being treated by a medical doctor for his broken nose. He was also treated in the emergency room at St. Margaret's Hospital in Hammond, Indiana.

The Chicago Police Department ticketed the driver with failure to yield. The defendant is insured by State Farm.

In Chicago, Illinois a semi truck crashed into a CTA Red Line train station at Cermak Road on the South Side during Friday's evening rush hour. Two women were killed and twenty one others were injured.

The truck had reportedly just come off the Dan Ryan Expressway exit ramp near Chinatown when it crashed into the train station and traveled several steps up an escalator used to take people to the train platform. Some witnesses on the scene stated the truck was moving at 40 - 50 mph when it plowed into the station. Chicago Police Department officials state that the two women killed may have been pedestrians walking near the CTA station.

The cause of the truck crash is still unknown. The truck driver was taken to Stroger Hospital where he tested negative for alcohol, but then refused a urine test and asked to be discharged from the hospital, giving the reason that he had no insurance to cover his treatment. He was released into the custody of the Chicago Police Department.

A Chicago Fire Department official stated that twenty one injured people have been taken to area hospitals, and eleven of those were in critical condition. Four people had to be cut out of the escalators at the station by rescue workers. Family members searching for loved ones who may have been injured can call the Red Cross at 312-729-6200 to find out what hospitals they may have been taken to.

Earlier this month an 88 year old woman crashed her car on the North Side of Chicago and in the process pinned two female pedestrians, ages 19 and 20, against a building, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The twenty year old pedestrian was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition. The driver and the 19 year old pedestrian were taken to Weiss Memorial Hospital.

The pedestrians injured in the Chicago accident reportedly suffered multiple broken bones. The accident happened in the 3900 block of North Ashland at its intersection with Byron. The two women were walking on Byron when they were hit.

In LaSalle County, Illinois a construction worker flagging traffic was injured on Friday morning along an Illinois 351 construction site, according to the Bloomington Pantagraph. The flagger, Eliseo Escatel, 38, of Peru, Illinois was hit by a car and taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital.

Escatel reportedly attempted to jump out of the way of a Jeep Liberty that did not slow down in the contruction zone. The driver, a Peru resident, was charged with driving with a suspended license, failure to stop for a flagger, and reckless conduct.

The accident took place on the same day that workers in other parts of the state were handing out saftey information for National Work Zone Awareness Week. WJBC News Radio reports that "twenty-one people were killed in work-zone related crashes in Illinois last year".

The law firm of David Abels & Associates, P.C. currently represents a flagger who has been hit and injured twice over the past several years while flagging in Chicago area construction zones. The first case settled a few years ago, and the second case is currently pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County against an Allstate driver. The issue in court is not liability, but the amount of money our client is entitled to receive from the negligent driver.

On Monday night an 8 year old child was hit and killed by an SUV on the South Side of Chicago just before 10 p.m., according to the Chicago Tribune and several other news outlets. The driver of the SUV, Theresa Alexander of Chicago, has now been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving and driving without insurance. The SUV vs. pedestrian accident occurred in the 5600 block of Princeton Avenue in the Englewood neighborhood.

The boy, Tishaun Fields, reportedly was crossing the street when he was hit by a northbound Jeep Grand Cherokee. He was pronounced dead a short time later at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital.

The Chicago pedestrian accident was initially thought to be a hit and run, but the driver returned to the scene shortly after the collision according to police. The Chicago Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Unit is handling the crash investigation. The driver is scheduled to appear in traffic court on May 15. There is no word yet if the charges will be upgraded to felonies.

On Monday night an 8 year old boy was struck and killed by an SUV on the South Side of Chicago just before 10 p.m., according to the Chicago Tribune and several other news outlets. The pedestrian accident happened in the 5600 block of Princeton Avenue in the Englewood neighborhood.

The child, Tishaun Fields, reportedly was crossing the street when he was hit by a northbound Jeep Grand Cherokee. He was pronounced dead a short time later at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital.

The driver was reportedly in police custody as of early Tuesday, but no charges have yet been filed and no tickets have been issued. The Chicago Police Department Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the accident and they have stated she may face charges of drunken driving and striking a pedestrian in the roadway, according to NBC 5 News. The pedestrian accident was initially thought to be a hit and run, but the driver returned to the scene shortly after the collision according to police.

Chicago, Illinois car accident attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C., working with the firm of Elman & Elman, have reached a partial bodily injury settlement with Geico Insurance as a result of a pedestrian accident that occurred in Chicago, Illinois. Our client was injured while his was standing on a sidewalk waiting to catch a CTA bus. As he waited for the bus, an auto accident occurred right in front of him and a tire flew off one of the cars and hit him, knocking him to the ground.

Our client was taken by ambulance to a local hospital in Chicago with back and neck injuries. The case was resolved against the Geico driver during the discovery phase in Court, and the case will continue against the other driver in the car accident who is insured by Allstate.

Continue reading "Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Reach Pedestrian Auto Accident Settlement" »

On Friday two lawsuits were filed in Cook County, Illinois stemming from Wednesday's SUV Accident that happened in South Suburban Crestwood that left fifteen people injured, according to the Southtown Star. One of the lawsuits was filed by an Oak Lawn couple.

The car vs. pedestrian accident happened around 11:45 a.m. at the Tri-State Auto Auction when a 2000 Range Rover sport-utility vehicle that was going on auction accelerated without warning, drove through a crowd inside the auction house, hit a minivan, exited the building, and then ran into a second crowd of people.

Robert Schutzenhofer, 61, is being represented by Parente & Norme, P.C. and is still in critical condition with severe and life-threatening injuries. He is in intensive care unit at St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields, Illinois.

The Illinois State Police are reportedly investigating whether the vehicle had a mechanical problem. The auction driver was taken to the Crestwood Police Department for interview and it is unknown if any type of charges will be filed. Attorneys for Schutzenhofer plan on investigating both driver error and a mechanical problem as they move forward in the case, however they feel that a mechanical failure is not likely.

Continue reading "Lawsuits Filed In Chicago Area SUV vs. Pedestrian Car Auction Crash" »

In the Southwest Chicago Area Suburb of Crestwood, Illinois a total of twelve pedestrians were injured when an SUV driver lost control and ran into a group of people at an auto auction on Wednesday morning, according to the Chicago Tribune and several other news outlets. Three people were very seriously injured with leg and head trauma.

The car accident happened around 11:45 am at the Tri-State Auto Auction when a 2000 Range Rover sport-utility vehicle that was going on auction accelerated without warning, drove through a crowd inside the auction house, hit a minivan, exited the building, and then ran into a second crowd of people.

The 12 injured were all taken to area hospitals. The Illinois State Police are reportedly investigating whether the vehicle had a mechanical problem. The driver was taken to the Crestwood Police Department for interview and it is unknown if any type of charges will be filed.

In Chicago, Illinois a South Loop resident has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol stemming from a hit and run pedestrian accident that happened on the near north side, according to the Chicago Tribune. The victim in the Chicago pedestrian vs. car accident was Ruben Zarco, 51. He was paying cab fare in the 1500 block of North Kingsbury when the DUI driver sideswiped the cab, hit Zarco, and then fled the scene.

Zarco was injured and taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago in reportedly stable condition. The driver was ticketed with DUI, striking a pedestrian in the roadway and leaving the scene of an accident. The accident happened early Friday morning just after 2 am. The location of the accident has a very active nightlife with several clubs and restaurants in the immediate area.

From a Chicago injury lawyer's view, Zarco could potentially have multiple claims to look into. First, there is a strong negligence case is against the driver that hit him. Once Zarco retains an injury lawyer, the first thing counsel will do is investigate who the DUI driver had auto insurance with, and then move forward with an injury claim from there.

Continue reading "Chicago, Illinois Resident Charged With DUI In Hit & Run Car vs. Pedestrian Accident" »

In Chicago, Illinois a bus vs. pedestrian accident has resulted in a fatality. A pedestrian who was walking west on on Cermak Road crossing Wabash Avenue was struck and killed by a tour bus at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Tribune. The victim was Winston Yu, 54, of the 2200 block of South Princeton Avenue. He was pronounced dead a short time later at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

A 65-year-old man from Maywood was driving the bus at the time of the pedestrian accident and he was issued a ticket for a traffic violation, according to the Chicago Police Department. There were no passengers on the bus at the time of the collision. The accident is being investigated by the Chicago Police Department's Major Accidents Investigation Unit.

Continue reading "In Chicago, Illinois Bus Hits and Kills Pedestrian In Chinatown" »

In the Chicago Area suburb of Des Plaines, Illinois, a car driver was killed Thursday night by a Metra train, according to the Chicago Tribune. The car accident allegedly occurred when Robert Wells III of Des Plaines drove his vehicle around down crossing gates at Pearson and Minor Street and was hit by Union Pacific Northwest Train No. 645. A pedestrian was also hurt in the train accident when the car hit him after it spun away from the tracks and ended up on a sidewalk.

Ricky Collins, of Chicago, was the injured pedestrian. He was standing on the sidewalk waiting to cross the tracks when he was struck. He was taken to Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Wells was pronounced dead at Lutheran General shortly after the crash. No other injuries were reported.

A 66 year old unidentified Chicago man was hit and injured by a car last week in Vernon Hills, Illinois as he was walking on Butterfield Road near its intersection with Creekside Drive in the evening hours of January 30th, according to the Lake County News-Sun. The driver of the northbound motor vehicle fled the accident scene. The victim of the Vernon Hills pedestrian hit & run accident was taken to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois where he was listed in serious but stable condition.

Police are looking for witnesses to the hit and run accident. Anyone who who has information regarding the accident being asked to call the Vernon Hills Police Department's crime prevention office at (847) 247-4888.

Continue reading "Chicago Resident Hurt in Hit And Run Accident In Vernon Hills, Illinois" »

Cook County and Chicago Area, Illinois car and truck accident attorneys could be busy over the next weeks after heavy snow falls. Traffic times are terrible and vehicles are sliding all over the roads. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has issued multiple warnings to be very careful on the roads and to leave yourself additional time to get where you are going.

It took me close to 2 hours to travel from downtown to the North suburbs in yesterday's commute and it took me 90 minutes to get downtown today (and I left for work at 5:45 am).

If involved in an auto accident, click here to visit our website for suggestions on what to do after a collision.

The Illinois State Police is reporting that yesterday there was a 7 car pile up on Interstate 90 just west of Plaines that was caused when a Chicago resident pulled over in the far left land to wipe snow from his windshield. A Palatine resident was injured and taken to Alexian Brothers Hospital. No other injuries were reported.

I am guessing that there will be multiple reports of accidents in Northern Illinois as snow continues to fall.

Continue reading "Chicago, Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers May Be Very Busy With Auto Accidents As Heavy Snow Arrives" »

Un residente de Chicago fue matada en un golpe pedestre de accidente de auto en el Norte el martes pasado, segun el Chicago Sun-Times y el Chicago Tribune. El accidente de auto sucedio en la esquina de Foster y la Avenida Lincoln. El conductor giraba supuestamente a la derecha de Lincoln para ir hacia el este en la Foster cuando la peatón alegada caminó del encintado y fue golpeada por el coche que daba vuelta. Angelina Romero, del 2400 oeste de la Avenida Winona fue la peatón que fue golpeada en el choque. Ella fue apresurada para Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center en Chicago en la condición crítica, donde ella murió el martes en la noche.

El conductor del coche no fue publicado ninguna multa y la Policía de Chicago ha sido citada por el Tribune diciendo "El conductor tuvo el derecho de vía. ... Ella dio un paso en el sendero del vehículo".

Aquí está el problema: Según miembros de la familia de la víctima, no hay testigos independientes al accidente. La policía parece haber tomado inicialmente la palabra del conductor como la verdad, pero el Departamento de Policía de Chicago la Unidad Mayor de Accidentes esta investigando el choque, y será interesante saber lo qué se contiene en el informe.

Aún más, si este asunto acaba en la corte civil, el conductor del coche será impedido de testificar a cómo el accidente sucedió bajo el Acto de hombre Muerto de Illinois. También, bajo la ley de Illinois, un conductor tiene un deber para mantener una mirada fuera para peatones y para rendir a peatones en una caminata cruzada. Este accidente sucedió en un cruce de Chicago que tiene el tráfico pedestre pesado.

A Chicago resident was killed in a pedestrian knock down auto accident on the North Side this past Tuesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune. The auto accident happened at the corner of Foster and Lincoln Avenue. The driver was reportedly turning right from Lincoln to go Eastbound on Foster when the pedestrian allegedly stepped off the curb and was hit by the turning car. Angelina Romero, of the 2400 block of West Winona Avenue was the pedestrian that was struck in the collision. She was rushed to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago in critical condition, where she died Tuesday night

The driver of the car was not issued any tickets and the Chicago Police Department has been quoted by the Tribune as saying "The driver had the right of way. ... She stepped in the path of the vehicle."

Here is the problem: According to family members of the victim, there are no independent witnesses to the accident. The police seem to have initially taken the word of the driver as the truth, but the Chicago Police Department Major Accident Unit is investigating the crash, and it will be interesting to find out what is contained in the report.

Further, if this matter ends up in civil court, the driver of the car will be barred from testifying as to how the accident happened under the Illinois Dead Man's Act. Also, under Illinois law, a driver has a duty to keep a look out for pedestrians and to yield to pedestrians in a cross walk. This accident happened at a Chicago intersection that has heavy pedestrian traffic.

The police might initially side with the driver, but it is a pretty safe bet that Chicago personal injury lawyers are going to get involved in this case.

In Chicago, Illinois auto accident attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a pedestrian accident settlement for a Cook County resident. She was involved in a pedestrian knock down in Chicago at the intersection of Pulaski and Ferdinand. She was struck by a car as she was crossing the street in the crosswalk by a driver who was turning left and did not see her.

She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago for neck and back injuries. She later treated with a medical doctor and an osteopathic doctor (D.O.) for her injuries. The case settled for $8,000. The defendant was insured by the Avis Budget Group.

Continue reading "Chicago Car Crash Lawyer Reaches Pedestrian Accident Settlement" »

A 59 year old Chicago resident was killed in a pedestrian accident after she was hit by a CTA bus on Monday afternoon, according to the Chicago Tribune. Ludwika Szynalik of the 3300 block of North Natchez was struck on West Addison Street near her home. She reportedly was a passenger of the bus. The 152 Addison bus was westbound at the time of the accident.

The bus accident victim was taken to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge and was pronounced dead later in the evening. The bus driver was ticketed, but it has not been reported what the ticket was for. No details have been released as to what caused the accident. A Chicago Police Department major accident investigation is underway. The fact that the driver was ticketed is a strong indication that a wrongful death claim may be investigated.

Personal injury lawyers always have to be careful when pursuing claims against the CTA. There is a one year statute of limitations and a six month CTA notice requirement. If involved in a CTA accident, it is best to hire an accident lawyer as soon as possible so they have adequate time to comply with the six month notice provision and the shortened statute of limitations.

Continue reading "Chicago Illinois Wrongful Death Accident - CTA Bus Hits and Kills Pedestrian" »

In Cook County, Illinois a Lisle resident has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident after he struck a police officer and then fled the scene on late Sunday, according to WBBM News Radio. The pedestrian accident happened in the Lake View neighborhood on Chicago's near north side at the intersection of Belmont and Cambridge.

Robert A. Heinzelman, 33, of Lisle was arrested by Chicago Police several hours after the crash. The car involved in the incident was found parked in a garage parked next to Heinzelman's apartment and it was registered in his name.

The Chicago Police Major Accident Investigation Unit arrested the defendant without incident and stated that he may be charged with DUI as well. He was driving a blue Ford Focus and was seen driving South on Cambridge after the alleged occurrence. The officer was on foot at the time of the injury accident and he was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Continue reading "Chicago, Illinois Hit and Run Pedestrian Auto Accident Injures Police Officer" »

In a Chicago, Illinois auto accident a person was killed and another was seriously injured when a motor vehicle struck a building near the Lincolnwood and Chicago border on Friday, according to the Chicago Suntimes. The car hit a building located in the 3800 block of West Devon Avenue. The Chicago Police Department, Major Accident Investigations were called to the scene.

No further information as to how the accident happened, or the identities of the driver and victims has been released. It was reportedly a "pin-in crash".

In this type of case the family of the deceased will have a wrongful death claim against the driver who struck the building. The second injured person would have a personal injury claim as well.

Our firm recently handled a similar bizarre case where our client was at home in bed in a South suburb of Chicago when an elderly neighbor lost control of her car, crashed thourgh the wall of the house, and struck the plaintiff. The case settled out of court. The only issue in this type of case is typically damages, as there is no issue as to who is at fault.

Continue reading "Chicago, Illinois Pedestrian Accident - Car Crashes Into Building, Kills 1, Injures Another" »

A Chicago resident was hit and killed by a car in Skokie on Thursday night, according to the Chicago Tribune. The pedestrian vs. auto accident happened after dark at 7:30 p.m. in the 3900 block of Golf Road near the Springfield Avenue intersection.

No traffic tickets were issued by the Skokie Police, as they say the pedestrian crossed in the dark without a crosswalk. The driver never saw the pedestiran, and did not know what he hit until after he pulled over.

The pedestrian was Jaime Villanueva, 44, of Rogers Park. He was taken to Evanston Hospital and pronounced dead at 9:08 p.m. Police state that location is very dark at night and they are still trying to determine why the pedestrian was in the road.

While the newspaper report indicates the police blame the pedestrian for this auto accident, it will be interesting to see if further investigation shows anything different, or if personal injury lawyers get involved on behalf of the pedestrian's family. While it was dark out, and there is no crosswalk at that location, the pedestrian obviously cannot give his side of the story.

Continue reading "Skokie Illinois Pedestrian Accident Kills Chicago Resident" »

A Cook County Resident was seriously injured when a motor vehicle drove onto a sidewalk at Cumberland Avenue and Summerdale Avenue, in Chicago, Illinois. Chester Doboszewski was the pedestrian who was hurt. He was waiting on the sidewalk for a walk sign to cross the street. The accident happened right in front of a Chicago Fire Department Firehouse.

The at fault driver did not stop and fled the accident scene. Chicago Fire Department Paramedics rushed Chester to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. He was diagnosed with multiple left leg fractures and a skull fracture.

Normally, a pedestrian struck by a hit & run driver would have a good uninsured motorist claim against his own insurance company. His insurance company would "step into the shoes" of the hit and run driver, and the pedestrian would recover monetary damages. Here, unfortunately Mr. Doboszewski has no auto insurance and no one in his household has auto insurance. His only hope to recover is against the at fault driver.

If anyone has any information regarding this pedestrian accident, please contact the Chicago Police Department, or contact our office.

In the Chicago area suburb of Geneva, Illinois a pedestrian has been struck by a Metra train on the Union Pacific West Line railroad tracks around 5:30 p.m., according to the Daily Herald. The pedestrian, who has not been identified, died in the train accident. The occurrence took place near the Fox River. The Geneva Police and Fire Departments were on the scene, but there has not been any indication yet as to what caused the accident.

The Federal Railroad Administration reports that train related accidents in Illinois declined in 2006, but statistics for 2007 are not yet available.

A Chicago Accident Attorney has received a good jury verdict in a pedestrian knock down case, according to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The plaintiff was struck while in a crosswalk by the defendant who was turning left. The plaintiff sustained a broken arm and various sprains and strains. The defendant contested the extent of the injuries, so the issue at trial was damages. The verdict was for $144,744. The result is especially nice because prior to trial the plaintiff was only demanding $110,000 to settle, and the defendant had offered $80,000. It appears the defendant may have gambled with a low offer and lost.

In Illinois, a driver has the duty to yield to a pedestrian rightfully in a crosswalk. Further, a driver turning left has to make sure said turn can be made safely before doing so, and yield to any oncoming traffic.

The above mentioned verdict was reached in Ealey v. Castagnoli, Cook County Case No. 05 L 9992. The defendant was insured by Allstate.

A Chicago, Illiois school bus driver that caused a bus accident that left one pedestrian dead and injured eight others was sentenced to 6 years in prison for reckless homicide and aggravated DUI. He admitted drinking prior to the crash and his blood alcohol limit was nearly 3 times the legal limit, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The accident was earlier this year on May 21.

The driver in the bus crash was Jerry Moncrease, 71, and the victim was Antoine Bolden, 22, a father of 3. Moncrease was employed by Bryden Transportation. Cook County prosecutors said the school bus was traveling as fast as 70 m.p.h. when it hit an SUV on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois at the intersection of Garfield Boulevard and Wentworth Avenue. The crash involved multiple vehicles and Bolden was a pedestiran killed as he was crossing the street.

Bolden's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County seeking damages in excess of $50,000 against Moncrease and Bryden Transportation. My clients have inquired in the past as to why "an amount greater than $50,000" is asked for in many lawsuits. That is the minumum amount to file your case in the Law Division of the Court. Even though this lawsuit may be worth millions, the complaint will usually only ask for an amount greater than $50,000.

At the time of the fatal accident, Bolden was on his way to see his 7 month old twin boys at a hospital who have health problems and were born 3 months premature. Bolden also had a 21-month-old daughter. While any accident that causes a death is a terrible event, these circumstances are particularily tough. It is likely that Bolden was the provider of income for his three children.

Sometimes auto accident deaths may be worth millions of dollars, but in reality the at fault party may only have a small amount of insurance. An individual driver in Illinois is only required to carry an insurance policy of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per occurrence. In this event, we are dealing with a bus company, so it is likely that there will be millions in insurance coverage. This type of money will be badly needed for the family to survive over the many, many years to come without their father.

A pedestrian accident in Chicago, Illinois occurred when an 87 year old driver lost control of his car, ran a red light, struck and killed three people. The auto accident occurred at the intersection of North Avenue and Kimball. Alicia Coria, 27, and two of her sons, Ivan Castro (age 8) and Diego Castro (age 10), were killed by a vehicle that struck them as they were crossing the street in a crosswalk .

Her son Christopher (age 12), survived the accident and so did the driver of the vehicle, George Miller, age 87, of Chicago, Illinois. Miller was ticketed by the Chicago Police Department for failing to stop at a traffic signal, driving left of center, striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and having no insurance. Chicago Police are still trying to determine what caused Miller to lose control of his car.

It is likely that the accident could create some debate about elderly drivers. NBC Nightly News has reported that drivers age 70 and older have the second highest rate of traffic fatalities of all age groups, a rate of approximately 25 deaths per 100,000 population. The only higher risk group is teenagers.

However, Illinois has the nation's toughest license renewal laws for elderly drivers. Drivers ages 75 and over have to take a road test every time they renew their drivers license. Drivers ages 81-86 have to renew with a road test every 2 years, and drivers 87 and over have to renew their license with a road test every year.

Continue reading "Pedestian Accident in Chicago, Illinois Kills Mother and 2 Sons" »