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

Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys understand that traffic accidents that involve these bikes often result in fatal injuries. Motorcyclists travel with much less protection than the occupants of passenger vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcyclists are often overlooked on our roadways. To prevent accident fatalities, it is a good idea for motorcyclists to wear the proper protective gear when hitting the road, even though it is not required by law. We also ask that all motorists be extra cautious during these summer months as we typically see more motorcyclists on our roadways because of the beautiful riding weather.The National Transportation Safety Board recently placed motorcyclists on their “most wanted” list. This list is part of an awareness campaign that aims to rally support for action for states to adopt safety steps that can help to prevent a number of accidents.

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

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

The National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association encourage riders to wear motorcycle helmets. These organizations do not oppose laws mandating such use by minors. The Scripps Survey Research Center at Ohio University concluded that, even of those riders who had previously ridden a motorcycle without a helmet, more than 60 percent favored state requirements for motorcycle helmet use.
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A Chicago-area Baptist minister has been convicted in a child sexual abuse case in Lake County, Illinois. He told the judge that God would punish those who bore “false witness” against him in a trial that resulted in him being sentenced to 18 years for aggravated criminal sexual abuse and predatory criminal sexual assault against an 11 year-old girl, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The minister had preached at Baptist churches in North Chicago and Zion. The victim testified that the minister had told her that whatever they did would stay between them and she did not come forward until 11 months later because she was scared and embarrassed. After the girl’s mother first confronted the minister about the assault, he swore on the bible that he didn’t abuse her.

The minister had signed a confession to the sexual assault at the Waukegan Police Department, but his defense attorney challenged the confession as the minister maintained his innocence. He never took the stand in his own defense, stating that he would rely on his faith to clear his name.

“I want this court to know when I am out, I will go back to trying to help people turn their life around,” the minister said before sentencing. “Whatever time is given to me, I will walk it upstandingly. I will walk it as God would have me.” He also prayed for mercy before the sentencing.

The assistant state’s attorney prosecuting the case noted that the defendant asked for mercy at at the time of sentencing, but at the same time he had taken no responsibility for his actions.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the minister had a criminal history from the late 60s and early 70s for charges related to being in possession of stolen checks. The charges were out of the State of California where he served 18 months.

The minister’s attorney plans to appeal the conviction, stating that since the time of his arrest he has been helping others and has been a good influence on other jail inmates in Lake County.

Sexual abuse of minors by religious figures is an all too common news story in Chicago. According to one study, the Tribune reports that more than half of Chicago’s Roman Catholic Parishes have been served by a priest credibly accused of sexually abusing a child. This abuse is not limited to any one denomination, however, and instances of abuse have spread across many faiths.

Illinois sex abuse lawyers at office currently represents several young men who were abused by a Catholic priest when they were minors.

Unfortunately, many of the abused never come forward and do not get the psychological help they need to properly deal with the traumatic event. Often victims suffer from depression, abuse drugs and alcohol, and they are more likely to attempt suicide. Nationally, almost half of all sex abuse victims are under the age of 18, and over 90% of minor victims know their abuser.
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Chicago reported nearly 4,500 DUI arrests in 2010, according to the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. Although this illustrates a 15 percent decrease from 2009, DUI’s and drunk driving car accidents in Chicago are still a big problem and take the lives of too many innocent people on our roadways.

Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIIDS) have been placed in the vehicle of every first-time DUI offender since January of 2009. Since the law was first put into effect, the number of “BAIIDS” in Illinois quadrupled to 12,000 a year, according to ABC 7. This program isn’t costing tax payers either, DUI offenders are required to pay for all of the costs to install and operate the BAIID devices. With this device, a convicted driver must blow into the car’s breathalyzer so that it can measure the blood alcohol content before the car can be started.This month, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has placed impaired drivers on its “Most Wanted” list. The most wanted list is part of an awareness campaign that aims to increase the public’s awareness of, and support for, actions that can help prevent these drunk driving car accidents. Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand that drunk driving accidents can be easily prevented. No one has to drink and drive. Stopping these drivers may come down to stricter punishments for those who have already been busted.

That’s exactly what the NTSB proposes. In an attempt to target these dangerous drivers, the NTSB encourages states to create comprehensive solutions for this problem. They recommend that states conduct sobriety checkpoints, especially during popular holiday periods. They also suggest that a state enact administrative license revocation if a driver fails or refuses a sobriety test. It is important for all states to limit plea bargaining. Currently, 16 states have laws that prohibit plea-bargaining DWI cases. Eight of those states limit the ban to specific conditions, such as when the DWI has caused an injury or fatality. The NTSB recommends that these convicted drivers be assessed and treated to prevent them from operating their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol in the future.

To reduce recidivism, the NTSB suggests the use of jail alternatives. These alternatives should include dedicated jail/treatment facilities, intensive supervision probation or home detention with electronic monitoring.

So you don’t think drunk driving is a serious enough offense to deserve these restrictions? Consider this. Every 48 minutes, someone is killed in a traffic accident that involves an alcohol-impaired driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 11,000 people were killed in these types of accidents. These alcohol-impaired-driving deaths accounted for more than 30 percent of the all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States that year. Even though we’ve seen a decrease in the number of highways deaths over the last few years, the number of DUI-related deaths has not decreased in the last 10 years.

Nearly 400 people were killed in Illinois from car accidents that involved an intoxicated driver in 2009. The NHTSA reports that a driver usually makes more than 85 impaired driving trips before finally being caught and arrested by authorities.
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A work zone car accident in Chicago left two Illinois Department of Transportation workers and another motorist injured earlier this week. According to officials, the accident happened in a work zone on I-290. The collision occurred shortly before 11:00 a.m. on the westbound lanes of the Eisenhower Expressway just west of Route 83 near Addison, according to the Chicago Tribune.We’ve recently reported, on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, the importance of safe driving habits around road workers and in road work zones. This is especially important in the summer months because this is typically a time when we see and increase in both road traffic and construction projects.

The motorist who allegedly caused the I-290 accident was driving his minivan when he drifted on to the should of the road. Once traveling on the shoulder, the van hit an IDOT truck that was parked on the side of the road. The minivan spun off the first truck and collided with another IDOT truck that was parked in front of the first one.

The driver of the minivan was extricated from the vehicle. He was taken by helicopter to Loyola Hospital in Maywood. He remains hospitalized in serious condition.

One of the state workers was taken to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village with non-life threatening injuries. The other worker was treated at the scene.

The accident closed all of the lanes. Police are still investigating and citations are pending against the driver of the minivan.

“Every day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency response personnel, and highway workers place their lives in jeopardy to protect the citizens of the state of Illinois.” said Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Larry G. Trent.

Road construction only increases during the summer months, providing another reason for motorists to practice extra cautious driving habits on our roadways. Construction is expected to increase soon as Governor Pat Quinn recently announced a $100 million capital investment to address local transportation needs. The $100 million funding will be distributed to local officials to repair municipal, township and county infrastructure, and improve public safety, reports the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“We are extremely proud to work with our communities so they can fix their roads and bridges and address other needed projects,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. “This local component of the Governor’s capital program will not only stimulate the economy and create jobs, but improve the quality of life of residents for years to come.”

To help keep these workers safe this summer and throughout the span of this project, motorists are asked to follow these safety tips:

-Slow down. Posted speed limits in work zones are not suggestions, but the law. They are there for the safety of everyone. The Illinois State Police have a zero tolerance policy against violations in work zones. In these areas, fines are doubled.

-Pay close attention. Since traffic patterns in these areas are always changing, sometimes many times a day, it is important to stay alert. Don’t take anything for granted in work zones and expect the unexpected.

-Follow all signs. Signs, flaggers and arrowboards and not there to slow traffic, but they’re there to make it flow more safely and efficiently. Always merge as soon as possible when approaching a work zone. Don’t keep driving in the merge lane until the very last moment.

-Don’t follow too closely. Crashes are likely to occur when a motorists follows another vehicle too closely. One of the most common types of accidents in these areas are rear-end collisions. Be sure there’s at least two seconds of time between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

-Turn on your lights. Workers and motorists in these zones need to see your vehicle. Turn on your headlights in work zones.

We also discussed, on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, the importance of putting down your cell phone and other distractions while navigating through a work zone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 40 percent of on-the-job fatalities are associated with motor vehicles. Drivers are asked to put down their cell phones while navigating through our state’s work zones not only to protect your safety and the safety of our road workers, but because it’s the law in Illinois.

Throughout the United States, there were nearly 700 fatalities resulting from car accidents in road construction zones in 2009. During that year, Illinois witnessed nearly 50 fatalities in work zones as a result of motor-vehicle accidents, according to The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse.

Under the direction of Governor Quinn, the Illinois Department of Transportation has already invested approximately $7 billion to repair or rebuild 4,800 miles of roads and more than 500 bridges in the last two years. This momentum is expected to continue with more than $2.5 billion in road construction projects already scheduled for 2011.
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Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law amending Illinois’s workers’ compensation law last Tuesday that he hopes will reduce employers’ insurance premiums and help Illinois retain and attract businesses concerned with the state’s insurance costs. Governor Quinn estimates that the changes will save employers at least $500 million on the estimated $3 billion in costs they pay each year the Chicago Tribune reports.

Illinois has some of the higher workers’ compensation premiums in the country. The new law aims to reduce these costs in order to attract new businesses and jobs to the state as well as retain those already here. “This overhaul is going to improve the strength of our state’s business climate and economy,” Governor Quinn said. “We’re going to be helping employers in Illinois, workers in Illinois, all of those who are committed to economic growth.”

However, much of these changes come at the expense of Illinois workers, and there is no guarantee that insurance companies will pass along these savings in the form of lower premiums.

One of the major changes is a 30% reduction in the current fee schedule for doctors and hospitals that treat employees under workers’ compensation. In theory, this change will make the cost of treating workers cheaper, and therefore lower business’s premiums. Nothing mandates the lowering of premiums, however, and the people of Illinois must trust insurance companies to pass these savings along as the quality of their healthcare potentially suffers. Good physicians are at a premium, and a 30% reduction in their fee may cause many of them to stop treating injured workers.

The fee reduction is in conjunction with the creation of employer PPO networks for injured workers. Currently, when a worker is injured, they are able to seek out two doctors of their choice. After the law goes into effect, employees of businesses who opt-in to the PPO plans will only be able to choose from two doctors within that network and seek a hearing to go out of network if they are not satisfied with their first two selections. Workers may also “opt-out” of the plan in writing, but they then only have one choice of doctor, according to the Beacon News. Under the old law, workers could choose two physicians. Once again, Illinois workers are being asked to sacrifice their quality of healthcare for the benefit of Illinois businesses in general.

Currently, when a worker is injured and forced to take a lower paying job because they cannot return to the old, the worker is entitled to two-thirds of the difference between the new and old wages for the rest of their life. After the changes go into effect, these wage differential cases will only pay workers this difference for 5 years after the incident or until they reach the age of 67, whichever is later. This is a significant disadvantage to older workers. Not all Illinois residents can retire on time or even at all in this economy.

The extent of permanent partial disabilities will now be judged according to the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Currently, the compensation is set by an arbitrator based on their own judgment, past precedent, and the testimony of the workers themselves. After September 1st, a physician will evaluate an injured worker based on the AMA’s guide to determine the measure of impairment and level of function lost due to the injury. This will then be submitted to the arbitrator. This policy is meant to increase the accuracy and fairness of disability assessments by moving to a more objective approach.

The arbitrators themselves will also change under the new law, according to the Illinois Government News Network. The current arbitrators’ terms end on July 1 and will be subject to strict evaluations in their consideration of re-appointment. Any new arbitrators must be licensed attorneys and all arbitrators will receive ongoing training in fraud, ethics, and medical practices.
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Earlier this week, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a law that will require that all Illinoisans buckle up in the back seat of a motor vehicle. Although Illinois has a 90.3 percent seat belt usage rate and is ranked 12th in the nation for responsible seat belt users, state government believes that we can improve our stats a little more.

Regardless of your viewpoints on government regulation on seat belt usage, you can’t deny that seat belts save lives. Yes, we have all heard the stories of someone surviving an accident because they were NOT wearing their seat belt. And motorists who where their seat belt are too often tragically killed in motor vehicle accidents. The fact remains though, that wearing your seat belt and not driving distracted are two things each motorist can do to help protect themselves from a fatal car accident in Chicago and elsewhere throughout Illinois.Our Chicago personal injury attorneys know motorists are the frequent victims of negligent drivers, whether or not they are wearing their seat belt. Drivers have a civic duty to be cautious behind the wheel. This mean obeying speed limits and traffic laws, exercising respect for other motorists and halting distractions while operating your vehicle.

Starting the first of the year, driver in Illinois can get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt in the back seat of a motor vehicle. The current law states that only motorists who are age 19 and over can ride without a seat belt in the back seat. After the first of the year, Illinois will become the 26th state to require that everyone buckles up in the back seat.

The bill was sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton. He says that the change could save as many as 25 lives a year.

“This is the most important thing we can do,” Cullerton said.

Not everyone agrees with the new law. Some argue that by requiring people to wear seat belts the government is intruding on personal freedom. Hinsdale Republican Sen. Kirk Dillard, was one of those who opposed. He has previously stated that he strongly supports the use of seat belts but had to vote against the plan because he believes that it shouldn’t be the government’s call.

Still, suburban motorists are some of the state’s most responsible seat belt users. According to a recent study, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties all had a 94.2 percent seat belt usage rate of drivers and front-seat passengers.

As of July 2008, our state officers can fine a motorist $55 for not wearing a seat belt.

Seat belts aren’t just an issue in Illinois either. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is urging all motorists around the nation to buckle up, too. He released data that concludes that states that strengthen seat belt laws and increase fines for unbuckled motorists tend to see a significant increase seat belt use.

“For the sake of your loved ones and everyone else on the road, please remember to buckle up and put away your cell phone every time you get behind the wheel,” said Secretary LaHood.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that upgrade
from a secondary to primary seat belt law show estimated seat belt use gains of 12 percent.

They’ve also concluded that states that increase fines for seat belt use violations show gains of nearly 5 percentage points in belt use.

“Seat belts are the single most protective safety device ever invented for use in vehicles, saving thousands of lives each year. Now our research proves that when states step up sanctions, they’re rewarded with huge improvements in belt use,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.
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As we recently reported on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, Chicago has started a new project to help improve bicycle safety on our city’s roadways. The first phase of this project started on Kinzie. The city chose to construct bicycle lanes here because bicyclists account for more than 20 percent of the traffic on that roadway. It was also chosen because it’s a very congested area and very hazardous to bicycle riders.”I promised the people of Chicago that we would create 100 miles of shared bike lanes in the city to ensure our transportation network supports diverse and affordable ways of getting around,” said Mayor Emanuel. “These bike lanes will help ensure that all Chicagoans can get to work and travel in their neighborhoods in the safest and most efficient fashion possible. It’s about making sure that every dollar we spend is focused on building a city that works for all of its residents.”

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys are happy to announce that the City of Chicago has almost completed the project. The project kicked off Monday, June 6th and is expected to be completed shortly. Kinzie Street is now home to the city’s first protected bike lane. This is the first 1/2-mile lane of Mayor Emanuel’s plan for 100 miles of protected lanes citywide.

During the summer months, bicyclists of all types hit the open road to get some exercise, enjoy the beautiful weather and to practice some earth friendly traveling habits. Now, bicyclists can do all three on a new protected bike lane that provides cyclists with exclusive space in the roadway by separating bicycle and motor-vehicle traffic.

“This is a major milestone for Chicago in terms of transportation,” said CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein. “No matter how someone wants to move around our city, they should be able to do so, and we are committed to finding every solution to advance the transportation system of the city of Chicago.”

More than 60 percent of the trips that Chicago travelers take are three miles or less. Chicago has been constructing eight additional miles of standard bike lanes each year, but has still continue to fall short of production in other major cities. These bike lanes are a part of a comprehensive effort to redefine the city’s bike and transportation plans.

The newly constructed bike lane sits adjacent to the curb. It is equipped with a lane width that varies between 5-1/2 to 7 feet wide. For safety reasons, the bike lane is separated from moving traffic by a 4-foot-wide buffer zone. This zone includes flexible posts that help delineate the lane.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 650 bicyclist fatalities resulting from motor-vehicle traffic accidents in the United States in 2009. There were an additional 51,000 bicyclists injured in these incidents. Bicyclist fatalities accounted for 2 percent of all traffic accident deaths for the entire year. Approximately 70 percent of all bicyclist fatalities occurred in rural areas. Illinois experienced approximately 20 bicyclist deaths in 2009 alone.
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Investigators are searching for answers in the aftermath of a deadly train accident between a tractor-trailer and a Chicago to California bound Amtrak that left 6 dead and many others injured.

According to the San Francisco Gate, the train vs. truck crash occurred at 11:30 a.m. on June 24th on a remote highway crossing 70 miles east of Reno, Nevada. The crossing gate and blinking safety lights were functioning and initiated 25 seconds before the train reached the crossing. Investigators are not sure why the truck driver failed to heed to the warnings in time even as other trucks in the convoy did.

The two other truck drivers and the train’s engineer looked on helplessly as the tractor trailer slammed into the double-decker Amtrak passenger train and burst into flames. The driver applied the brakes too late and skidded for the length of a football field before the collision. The resulting fire was intense enough to keep search teams from entering the wreckage until Saturday, after the two train cars burned out. Among the dead were the truck driver, the train’s conductor, and some of the estimated 195 passengers on board. An exact passenger estimate is difficult to ascertain as Amtrak does not record the amount of passengers that actually board the train.

The National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, is now investigating exactly what caused the seemingly avoidable crash. Investigators are focusing on the driver of the truck, including his medical and driving history, training, experience, toxicology report, and cell phone log. Investigators are currently baffled as to why the driver was unable to see the oncoming train on a clear day with functioning warnings. Reuters is reporting that the driver had received five traffic citations while driving commercial vehicles in the past three years. Three of those tickets were speeding citations received as he drove a school bus.

The driver worked for John Davis Trucking Co. in Battle Mountain, Nev., a family owned company that specializes in hauling ore from local mines. According to CNN, records indicate that the company has had 19 previous safety violations and had a fatal single-vehicle accident in May. One such citation was issued for operating a truck with tire treads so bare that it had to be taken off the road. Investigators are set to meet with representatives of the trucking company this week in an attempt to gain records on the driver and investigate the company itself.

Authorities are not entirely sure whether it was human error or a mechanical failure that caused the crash, and it may take the NTSB a year to pinpoint the probable cause. Lawyers are already investigating the incident to determine who is at fault so that they may seek compensation for the injured passengers and the devastated families who lost their loved ones in the tragic accident.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration‘s online database, an average of 163 accidents have occurred at Illinois rail crossings since 2001, with a total of 270 fatalities over that period. In 2009, there were 1,896 incidents at public highway-rail crossings in the United States that resulted in 247 deaths. The entire FRA database may be explored by going to their website.

It is important to note that Illinois has many busy railway crossings and their safety mechanisms can malfunction. Drivers must not let their familiarity with crossings lull them into a false sense of security. Never attempt to cross a rail after the warning has sounded, even if the gate has not come down yet, and always keep watch for unexpected trains. Human error is an ever-present danger that must be respected.
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Fewer motorists are expected to hit the roads this Fourth of July weekend than last, but it’s all relative; with AAA estimating 39 million Americans on the road you are still at greater risk for a Chicago car accident through the long travel weekend.

The Chicago Tribune reports higher gas prices and the shaky economy are to blame for the 1 million fewer drivers expected to travel at least 50 miles from home.AAA Chicago estimates 1.9 million drivers will hit the road in Illinois — 3.3 percent fewer than last year. While gas in the Chicago area has fallen by 29 cents in recent weeks — to an average of $3.93 a gallon — that’s still 37 cents more than the national average and nearly $1 a gallon higher than last year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 32 Illinois traffic fatalities over the 2009 Fourth of July holiday period.

While our Chicago personal injury lawyers wish each of you a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend, we also would like to remind you of risks away from the road.

Chicago fireworks injuries: Last year, 135 people were seriously injured in Illinois fireworks accidents, according to the State Fire Marshal Even those fireworks people often think of as harmless were responsible for serious injuries, including sparklers (13) and bottle rockets (16). Seventy-eight people suffered serious burns, 10 suffered loss of eyesight and six suffered dismemberment.

More than half of those injured in Illinois fireworks accidents were under the age of 21. Injuries to the hands, fingers and eyes were most common.Illinois Boating Accidents: Independence Day is the height of the summer boating season in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports a total of 102 boating accidents in 2009 — claiming 25 lives and injuring 70. Common causes are drinking and boating, lack of training and failure to wear life vests or follow other established safety procedures. If your weekend plans involve being out on the water, please stay safe and take responsibility for making sure those around you are safe as well.

Chicago swimming pool accidents: Family gatherings this time of year often occur at the home with the pool. As such, many are not familiar with pool safety. Children are at particularly high risk. An adult should always be assigned to watch children. Even those using small backyard portable pools. CNN recently reported that more than 244 submersion accidents involving small portable pools have been reported in the last decade. In 209 cases, the incident resulted in a fatality.
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An Illinois pedestrian injury attorney at Abels & Annes has reached a $95,000 settlement on behalf of one of our clients.

The claim arises out of a truck vs. pedestrian collision which took place in Chicago on June 18, 2009 at approximately 6:54 a.m. There was plenty of light, the road was straight and flat and visibility was good.

The defendant was driving his truck northbound on Monticello approaching Leland in Chicago, Illinois. This is a quiet residential neighborhood. The trucker had a stop sign for northbound Monticello at Leland and stopped. The was walking eastbound across Monticello in the marked pedestrian crosswalk. He had crossed almost the entire street and had crossed in front of most of the defendant’s truck when he suddenly accelerated and struck the pedestrian. The front end of the truck, on the passenger side, struck our client on his right side. The plaintiff was fully within the marked crosswalk when he was struck.

The force of the impact threw the pedestrian to the pavement. He had an immediate onset of back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. The truck driver was issued traffic tickets 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. The at fault driver later pleaded guilty to his tickets in traffic court.

The trucker failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to remain stopped until it was safe to proceed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including the Plaintiff.

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.

At the ER the plaintiff complained of back, neck and shoulder pain. A history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic testing was performed. X-rays showed some loss of disc height in the lumbar spine and straightening of the lordotic curve of the cervical spine. He was initially diagnosed with lumbar and cervical strain. He was instructed to stay off work for a couple of days, prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medication and instructed to seek follow up care after discharge.

Over the next couple days the plaintiff’s condition worsened and his back pain started radiating into his right leg. Due to his increasing pain and discomfort he saw follow-up treatment with an orthopedic physician on June 22, 2009. The doctor prescribed pain medication and recommended therapy.

Our client started therapy in June, 2009. Initially his main complaints were of low back pain radiating into his entire right leg and neck pain. The pain was exacerbated with movement. His pain was especially bad with sitting and activities such as putting his shoes and socks on. A course of therapy was prescribed to address his injuries. He continued to treat with the therapist over the next several months. Despite this ongoing treatment he did not experience any significant relief of his injuries.
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