Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Chicago bicycle accident lawyers to represent woman injured in North Side accident

May 19, 2010 | By Dave Abels

Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes have entered into an agreement to represent an Illinois woman who was injured recently in a bike accident on the North Side of Chicago. The crash took place at Chicago Ave. & Sangamon. The plaintiff was bicycling eastbound on Chicago when the defendant who, was westbound, failed to yield while turning left and hit our client.

The bicyclist was taken by ambulance to Illinois Masonic Medical Center. There she was treated for multiple injuries and lacerations. She has since followed up for treatment with a medical doctor.

As warm weather arrives in Illinois, Chicagoans are again riding, and the Chicago bicycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes are receiving more and more phone calls regarding accidents. Drivers in the Chicago area, especially when Downtown, need to be on the lookout for bike riders.

Chicago motorcycle accidents decline; tough economy cited as primary reason

May 17, 2010 | By Dave Abels

Preliminary numbers for 2009 show what might be the first significant decline in motorcycle accidents in more than a decade, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.Authorities cite the economy as a primary factor for the reduction.

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

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

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

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

Every rider can benefit from a rider safety course. Free courses are offered through Northern Illinois University.
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Two elderly residents struck in separate hit-and-run Chicago pedestrian accidents

May 15, 2010 | By Dave Abels

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.

Reimbursement sought for Illinois car accidents involving defective vehicles

May 13, 2010 | By Dave Abels

Insurers are gearing up to seek reimbursement from embattled automaker Toyota and motorists who believe a defective vehicle was responsible for an Illinois car accident may also be entitled to collect for damages, the Associated Press reported.

Anyone involved in a Chicago car accident involving a defective vehicle can contact Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss their rights.

Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide this year for a series of problems including sticking gas pedals. The company agreed last month to pay a $16.375 million fine, the largest ever levied by the federal government in connection with defective vehicles, after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found Toyota failed to notify consumers of the safety defect in a timely manner.

Older drivers may reduce the risk of a Chicago car accident through computer simulation

May 12, 2010 | By Dave Abels

Older drivers may reduce the chances of a Chicago car accident and sharpen their driving skills using “DriveSharp,” a computer program aimed at aging motorist, the Sun-Times reported.

Motorists over the age of 65 are less likely to drive drunk or use cell phones while driving, however their risk of being involved in an accident begins to increase at age 70 and jumps sharply after the age of 80, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As we reported last month on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog, Illinois law requires drivers ages 81 to 86 to be pass a driving test every two years. Beginning at age 87, drivers are required to pass an annual examination. That report came following a fatal Illinois bicycle accident involving three Chicago college students who were struck by an 86-year-old motorist.

The “DriveSharp” program has helped 78-year-old Bob Parmacek, who told the Sun-Times he wanted to take a proactive approach to remaining sharp behind the wheel.

“I live in Highland Park, and we get deer on the road every so often, and I’m able to see them much quicker than I did before,” Parmacek said. “I don’t want to give up my driving, so anything I can do, I’m all for it.”

The DriveSharp program works on the premise that cognitive skills can be sharpened with training, just as muscles can be built with lifting weights. The program, developed by Posit Science, consists of two computer games. One game involves tracking jewels hidden behind swimming fish; the other has a user locate road signs and identify cars within a circle.

Posit Science CEO Steven Aldrich told the Sun-Times that the games are designed to improve reaction time and a driver’s ability to notice things on the edge of peripheral vision. “It focuses on your divided attention, which is a key piece of driving because you have cars around you and cars behind and in front of you,” he said.

The company claims that independent research has shown improvement among older drivers who use the program, saying 10 hours of practice can cut the risk of an at-fault car accident in half.

Allstate Insurance has offered the games to 100,000 Pennsylvania drivers over the age of 55 as part of a pilot program. The insurer reported “significant improvement” in the driving of customers who used the product.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also recommends the product to members, offering it at a discount of $69, compared to the $89 retail price.

Click here to measure your accident risk through the AAA Foundation.
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CVS Strangling Case – family of alleged Chicago shoplifter outraged

May 10, 2010 | By Dave Abels

The deadly assault of a Chicago customer in a CVS drugstore is under investigation and the store manager will not be allowed to return to work until the probe is completed, the Breaking News Center reported.

The customer was suspected of shoplifting.

“We are investigating this unfortunate incident and are fully cooperating with police,” CVS spokesman Michael DeAngelis said. He refused to discuss company policy regarding the handling of customers suspected of shoplifting, according to the Tribune. The store manager declined to comment.

DUI and reckless homicide charges filed in deadly Chicago car crash that killed 1

May 10, 2010 | By Dave Abels

A driver has been accused of driving while intoxicated and reckless homicide after causing a fatal Illinois auto accident that killed a woman and injured 3 others, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. One of the injured was an 11 month old child.

The defendant, a 36 year old Chicago resident, reportedly ran several stop signs at a high rate of speed and rear-ended another car. When police arrived at the scene they had to use a Taser to take the driver into custody, and he is now hospitalized under police watch.

The accident occurred at 30th and Drake Street on the Southwest Side around 2 p.m. on Friday. Two of the injured were taken by ambulance to Stroger Hospital and two others were taken to Mount Sinai.

Fatal Chicago train accident kills driver, critically injures two passengers at South Side crossing

May 9, 2010 | By Dave Abels

One person was killed and two others seriously injured last Monday in a Chicago train accident on the South Side after a Metra Electric train struck a car, the Breaking News Center reported.

It is the latest in a series of high-profile train accidents plaguing Chicago. As we reported last month on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, malfunctioning gates are believed to be the cause of a fatal accident involving an Amtrak train. The train struck a vehicle at the crossing, killing a popular local dance instructor. In yet another incident, a train killed two Chicago pedestrians, including a small child.

In this case, the accident at 71st Street and Merrill Avenue occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Monday. A 30-year-old man was killed and two others were transported in serious-to-critical condition to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Charges upgraded against Chicago man held in death of construction worker in roadwork pedestrian accident

May 7, 2010 | By Dave Abels

An East Chicago man is facing four felony counts of drunk driving and leaving the scene, in the wake of a car accident in a construction zone that has claimed the life of an Indiana man.

A judge on Tuesday denied a request by the defendant to be released from jail to take a final exam, according to ABC 7.

As we reported earlier this week on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, the worker was flown by medical helicopter to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition with head and leg injuries. He died Sunday as a result of his injuries. Charges against the defendant have since been upgraded as a result of the worker’s death.

Officials to promote safe cycling in effort to reduce Chicago bicycle accidents

May 5, 2010 | By Dave Abels

If it has two wheels, watch out for it in May.

As state and federal officials gear up to promote May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, city officials are reminding motorists it is also National Bike Month and are urging motorists to do their part in reducing Chicago bike accidents.

Last month, we reported on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog that the city has been named one of the nation’s best for cycling. But Illinois bicycle accidents killed 27 riders in 2008 and seriously injured 3,385. BicycleSafe.com offers a number or rider safety tips to help cyclists enjoy the spring and summer riding season as safely as possible.On May 1, KMart stores in the Chicago area will be working in conjunction with Mayor Daley’s Safe Routes Ambassadors program to educate parents and children about safe riding skills. Each store will also be holding a sweepstakes for a chance to win a children’s bike.

Click here for more information and a list of participating stores.

Summer is prime riding season for kids. The Chicago Department of Transportation offers an online safety booklet for parents and children.

Safety tips for children include:

-Slow down and say “excuse me” or ring a bell or horn to avoid scaring or colliding with people you approach from behind while riding a bike.

-Ride one in front of the other when riding with friends.

-Take special care when approaching alleys and driveways. Look left, right, left. Slow down and stop if you can’t see whether anything is coming. Look left first and last because that is the direction of oncoming traffic.

-Make sure a driver sees you before proceeding into the path of a vehicle.

-Never cross a street in the middle of the block.

-Before entering the street, stop at the curb and make sure parked cars are not about to move. Look left, right, left for oncoming traffic and make eye contact with any drivers before proceeding.

-Always ride in the same direction cars are traveling.

-Ride three feet from parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening car door.

-Never ride against traffic; it’s the easiest way to get hit.

-Don’t ride in the street unless a parent has determined it is ok.

-Ride in a straight line, don’t zig-zag or move in an out of traffic or parked cars.

-The safest way to cross a busy street is to get off a bike and push it across in a marked crosswalk.

-Keep an eye on what’s behind you.

-Watch for potholes, sewer grates or other road hazards.

Parents are encouraged to review the entire manual with their young riders as spring and summer riding season begins.
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