Auto Accident Lawyers Blog

Aurora Police Looking for Driver Who Fled the Scene of a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:28:58 -0600

Police are still searching for a driver involved in a fatal hit-and run-accident with a motorcyclist on May 11, 2012. Our experienced Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys understand how devastating these accidents can be for the families of hit-and-run victims. We recognize that they are often left with stacks of medical bills and severe grief, so they depend on the judicial system for recourse.

In this particular case, it is unclear whether or not the faulty driver saw the cyclist before the fatal crash. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that a white SUV pulled out in front of the motorcycle sometime around 1 p.m. The motorcyclist apparently did not have time to stop and struck the passenger side of the SUV.

Medical personnel airlifted the victim to the UIC Medical Center, where he tragically died from multiple injuries. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old cyclist was not wearing a helmet. This is a common theme in many fatal crashes, and reinforces the need for all motorcyclists to maintain proper safety precautions.

Police released an image from a nearby security camera in an attempt to identify the operator of the vehicle involved in the collision. A license plate is not available, but it appears that the vehicle was manufactured between 2009 and 2012. Crimestoppers will offer a $5,000 award for information that leads to an arrest.

Motorcyclists are one of the most at risk groups during summer months. According to the latest statistics, 93% of all cyclist fatalities occur under dry and clear road conditions. Of 130 fatalities in 2010, only one rider wore a helmet certified by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Although Illinois is one of only three states that does not require drivers to wear a helmet, IDOT still strongly recommends helmets for personal safety.

In an effort to promote safety among cyclists, IDOT kicked off its first ever "Gear Up " campaign. The goal is to encourage the use of protective gear and diligence on the roads. As part of the campaign, free training classes are available statewide from May 1st through September 1st for cyclists of all skill levels. The courses are designed to teach both novice and advanced riders about defensive driving techniques.

Our Chicago bike injury lawyers support these efforts to improve safety on the roadways. According to the 'Start Seeing Motorcycles' campaign, many motorcycle collisions could be prevented if the driver knew how to swerve or brake more carefully. To raise awareness for this cause, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn declared May Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Young Drivers and Passengers Face Serious Risks on the Roadways

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:25:04 -0600

Parents of teen drivers should take notice of new research that found accidents are more likely to happen when multiple young passengers are in a car. Our Chicago car accident lawyers urge parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of the road. These dangers are far too real according to the latest study, which indicates that the presence of just one passenger under the age of 21 increases the risk of an accident by about 40%. If three or more young people are in the car, the risk quadruples!

Some states are taking proactive steps to reduce the number of teen accidents. In 2008, Illinois implemented a graduated licensing system that allows the Department of Motor Vehicles additional time to monitor a young driver's roadway conduct before he or she receives a full-fledged license. Rather than getting a permit and then a license straightaway, teen drivers must pass through three stages of licensing with tiered privileges. The system establishes strict requirements for drivers during the instruction permit stage. Passengers under the age of 20 are also limited, unless the passenger is a sibling, child, or step-child of the driver. These restrictions are relaxed somewhat as drivers reach the ages of 16 and 18.

AAA found that graduated licensing schemes are a positive step towards increased road safety for teen drivers. According to a recent report, graduated systems may have reduced accidents among teens nationwide by nearly 10% since 1996. Driving data from young Illinois drivers supports the observation that graduated systems reduce fatalities among young drivers. In 2007, young drivers made up 22.6% of all Illinois traffic fatalities. This number dropped to 20% in 2008, and down to 16% in 2009.

Research also points out that young drivers often take cues from their parents' driving habits. A
Consumer Reports survey indicates that at least 45% of teen drivers have witnessed their parents use a cell phone while driving. In Illinois, cell phone use is strictly prohibited unless the driver is using a hands-free device. Young drivers in the initial stages of the licensing system are entirely prohibited from cell phone use while driving. Still, at least 50% of teen drivers admit that they talked on the phone while driving and 30% texted while driving in the last month. This is concerning to our Chicago car crash attorneys because automobile accidents are the number one cause of death for youths.

Tax Season Stress May Increase Fatal Car Wrecks

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:59:45 -0600

On tax day, the crash of your bank account might also lead to a crash on the roadways. A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association is reporting that fatal accidents increase on or around tax day each year. Researcher's suspect a link between increased stress from limbo-ing through the tax code and carelessness on the roads.

Aside from fatalities, major car crashes also produce bad injuries with long lasting repercussions. It is critical to contact an auto accident attorney to get help navigating the aftermath of an accident.

When drivers head off their normal routes to get a stamp and mail taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, they may be more likely to get into an accident. Additionally, more people frequent bars after the dreaded tax filing is complete. Forbes notes that many bars offer more drink specials on and around tax day to ease the woes of exhausted and dreary taxpayers.

Data from the brief study, done by Dr. Donald Redelmeier, shows an increase by roughly six-percent of fatal accidents during the 30-day window surrounding tax day. Although Redelmeier's study did not pinpoint the increase of fatal crashes to a particular distraction, such as alcohol consumption or loss of sleep, the study did find the increase was not mere coincidence. The trend of more fatalities on tax day comes from a study of statistics for a span from 1980 to 2009.

In general, Illinois roadways are more dangerous this year. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, at least 235 drivers died this year from a traffic-related injury. This is up from 194 last year. At least 58 of these accidents happened in Cook County.

Car accidents resulting in serious injury or death can involve many complicated legal issues. The law holds drivers accountable for injuring others on the road. To determine if liability exists, our experienced car accident lawyers will carefully examine the details surrounding the crash. Drivers who act recklessly or negligently may be held responsible for the injuries they cause.

Drivers may also be held liable for prohibited activities, such as talking on the phone or texting while driving. Illinois is one of about ten states nationwide cracking down on drivers who text or browse the web on a cell phone while driving. California recently took similar steps to limit driver distractions by banning texting and all hand-held phone use on the road. The benefits appear huge. California fatalities dropped 22% two years after the new laws went into effect, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Last year in Illinois there were 920 traffic fatalities. A 22% drop would mean potentially saving 202 lives. Dangerous driving results from a plethora of activities such as drinking and driving, texting, talking on the phone, sleeping at the wheel, or even driving far over the speed limit.

Railroad Company Agrees to $6 Million Settlement in Fatal Illinois Train Crash

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:44:25 -0600

The family of a 26-year-old Chicago dance instructor killed in a tragic Illinois train accident will receive $6 million in a wrongful death lawsuit brought against the Illinois Central Railroad Company. The lawsuit claimed that the railroad crossing signals and warning lights were not working properly at the time of the accident. After just one day of trial testimony, the railroad company admitted full liability and agreed to the settle the case.

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting the details of the railroad crash that happened at the University Park crossing in April 2010. The victim was driving to her Lincoln Park home after a dance competition when she was hit by a high-speed Amtrak train. Video from the crash obtained during the discovery process shows that the crossing lights, bells, and gates were not functioning when the deadly collision happened. A Federal Railroad Administration investigation found that a maintenance crew turned the warning signals off while making repairs to the crossing earlier in the day, then neglectfully failed to turn them back on once the work was completed.

This is the type of avoidable collision that our Chicago railroad accident lawyers work zealously to prevent. The Federal Railroad Administration estimates that at least 3,000 train accidents occur every year, and at least 1,000 of these accidents are deadly. Railroad collisions frequently result in serious injuries or death because of the significant weight of the carrier and the high rate of speed at which trains typically travel.

Railroad accidents involve many complex legal issues and it is important to contact an experienced train accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident in order to protect your legal rights. The law holds railroad companies to the highest standard of care and a claim can be brought against the train company whose negligence contributes to an accident involving another train or motor vehicle.

Generally, in order to hold potentially liable parties responsible in a wrongful death action, it must be proved that the defendants failed to comply with their duty of care and their negligence resulted in serious injuries or death. Railroad companies are regulated by federal and state laws, which require that they maintain properly functioning safety signals and warning lights. In a case of noncompliance involving a federal or state safety law, courts will often find the railroad company absolutely liable for the harm that results without requiring proof of fault. Compensation may be available for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and loss of income.

Indiana School Bus Driver Arrested for Driving Drunk While Transporting Students to a Field Trip

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:16:28 -0600

Our Illinois drunk driving lawyers are troubled by recent news reports of a Northwest Indiana school bus driver who was arrested for driving drunk while taking a group of fifth-graders on a field trip. We understand that parents place a great deal of trust in school bus drivers to safely transport their children to and from school and all related school events. This trust is violated in situations such as this one, where a school bus driver failed fourth breathalyzer tests within hours of driving students on her normal morning bus route.

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting further details on this unfortunate incident that happened on February 2, 2012. According to the report, Kolleen Lampa was arrested after driving drunk for approximately three miles while carrying a bus load of 44 students and two teachers from Myers Elementary School. When Lampa dropped the students off at Portage High School for their field trip, she began arguing with another bus driver in the parking lot. The driver detected a strong odor of alcohol on Lampa's breath and immediately notified her supervisor. The supervisor stopped Lampa from driving away and took her to St. Mary Medical Center, where she failed two breath tests.

In Indiana, drivers with a blood-alcohol level concentration of .08 or more are considered to be legally under the influence. That limit is lowered to .04 for drivers of commercial vehicles, such as school bus drivers. Reports show that Lampa's intoxication level at 10:30 a.m. - just one hour after pulling into the school parking lot- was .139. It dropped slightly to .129 at 10:54 a.m. At this point, the district supervisor took Lampa back to the transportation building and called police. After failing two more blood alcohol tests, Lampa admitted to the officers that she had been drinking the night before, but said that she limited her drinking to one glass of wine at dinner.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys have extensive experience handling drunk driving accidents. We know that immediately after a person finishes their first drink, their driving skills are diminished. Alcohol affects speed and distance judgments and coordination, making it significantly more likely that the driver will be involved in a car crash. Although the school bus driver in this case claims that she drank just one alcoholic beverage, research shows that an average female weighing about 137 pounds would have to consumer at least three drinks in a single hour just to reach a blood alcohol level of .08. Given that the school bus driver's blood alcohol level reached well beyond this limit, she seriously endangered the lives of the students and teachers on her bus while driving drunk.

Veteran Chicago Police Officer Found Guilty in Fatal DUI Crash Involving Local Teen

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:02:32 -0600

Our Chicago accident attorneys at the Pintas and Mullins Law Firm were shocked by recent reports of a drunk driving accident that took the life of a 13-year-old boy and led to the conviction of a long-time Chicago police officer. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents cause thousands of injuries a year, and many of them are fatal. Although a large number of these accidents result in tragic consequences, they are especially concerning when the offense is committed by a police officer who is supposed to preserve and uphold the integrity of the law.

As the Chicago Tribune reports, the accident happened in May of 2009, when off-duty Chicago police officer Richard Bolling hit a 13-year-old boy who was riding his bicycle on Chicago's South Side. The teen died at the scene, but Bolling kept driving his Dodge Charger until he was stopped just a few minutes later for driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Video recordings and court testimony reveal a series of controversial steps that soon followed, which indicate that the officer may have received preferential treatment. Bolling admitted to internal investigators that he was at a South Side bar for several hours prior to the accident and drank at least 5 alcoholic drinks. However, one of the arresting officers testified that she was ordered to delay his sobriety test for more than two hours after the accident. Bolling was allowed to wash up at a nearby gas station prior to the test, which is not the usual custom for potential DUI suspects. And although Bolling admittedly gave off a "moderate" odor of alcohol and had to use his hands for balance, it was not until one of the arresting officers watched a videotape of the field sobriety test in court that he finally admitted that Bolling flunked key parts of the test.

By the time Bolling was given a Breathalyzer, his blood alcohol level registered at .079, which is just below the .08 legal intoxication level. Given the amount of time that passed between the accident and the time that the test was administered, toxicologists estimate that Bolling's blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was anywhere from .124 to .169.

On January 18, 2012, a jury convicted Bolling of aggravated drunk driving and reckless homicide. They also found the 17-year police veteran guilty of leaving the scene of an accident. Bolling now faces up to 15 years in prison, although he could also receive probation.

Report Finds Fatal Bus Accidents are Dangerously Underreported

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:01:37 -0600

A USA Today report found that a large number of bus accidents involving fatalities are not being reported to government officials, creating a false impression that buses are safe. The size of buses and the lack of protective equipment such as seatbelts make them particularly dangerous for travelers, and the likelihood of deadly injuries is high.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for tracking bus accidents, but a review of news reports and government records shows that the agency has been undercounting fatal bus crashes since 1995. For more than a decade, it appears that inaccurate collision numbers have been reported to Congress and to the public.

Safety advocates say that underreporting is dangerous because it thwarts efforts to enact tougher regulations for the bus industry. Motor coach fatalities have risen dramatically in recent years, and stiff penalties need to be put in place in order to deter further harm. Our Illinois bus accident lawyers know that bus injuries are often catastrophic, because buses lack seat belts and strong roofs. Passengers are thrown around or even ejected from the bus, resulting in great bodily harm or death. Buses are also more prone to roll-overs due to their large size and high center of gravity.

One of the most disastrous bus crashes of the decade was a highly publicized accident in Tallulah, Louisiana in 2003. Eight senior citizen passengers died when their church bus driver fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended a tractor-trailer. This is just one of many fatal bus crashes that federal transportation safety officials failed to report. USA Today found that over 40 bus crash deaths went unreported from 1995 through 2009, which potentially led the public to underestimate the serious safety threat they face while riding on a bus.

The government has tried to promote bus safety by proposing a requirement of seat belts on motor coaches and doubling the number of surprise safety checks. Meanwhile, accidents continue to happen, even more frequently than some passengers may think.

New Research Shows a Significant Number of Illinois Pedestrians are Involved in Accidents Resulting in Serious Bodily Harm or Death

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:43:33 -0600

Recently the Chicago Tribune reported that an exceptionally high number of vehicle-pedestrian crashes occurred while the pedestrian was in the crosswalk. This study was one of the most detailed crash analyses ever conducted in our area, and it revealed that Illinois pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to serious accidents that could result in serious injuries or death.

Researchers found that over 18,000 Illinois pedestrians were hit by a motor vehicle from 2005 through 2009. Nearly 80 percent of all serious or fatal crashes happened at crosswalks within 125 feet from the midpoint of an intersection. Although Illinois law requires that drivers stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, it is obvious to our Illinois accident attorneys that this law is being ignored far too often, resulting in tragic consequences.

One of the most troubling aspects of crashes involving pedestrians is that pedestrians are more vulnerable to serious injuries because they are not protected by the shield of a car. Pedestrian-vehicle accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries and substantial medical expenses. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord paralysis are all common injuries arising from pedestrian accidents.

Some areas of the state appear to be more dangerous than others, and several Chicago neighborhoods are known to be particularly high risk. The report indicates that the highest number of pedestrian crashes occurred in an area extending from the Loop and near North Side to Austin Street, and most of them involved young pedestrian victims ranging from 15 to 18 years of age. One possible explanation for the high rate of teen pedestrian accidents is that young people are less likely to use crosswalks, making them even more vulnerable to dangerous and reckless drivers.

The study also found that the number of hit-and-run accidents happening on city streets is on the rise. On August 10, 2011, a hit-and-run accident left a 9-year-old Chicago girl with serious injuries. According to the Chicago Department of Transportation, on average, at least two hit-and-run crashes happen every day in Chicago. This is double the national average for hit-and-run accidents. Again, the consequences of these crashes are very serious. Approximately 41 percent of all hit-and-runs are fatal.

Although all Illinois drivers need to use caution on the roadways, taxi drivers need to be especially careful given the large number of pedestrians that they encounter on a day-to-day basis. Chicago cab drivers are responsible for about 28 percent of all pedestrian crashes. A recent taxi cab-pedestrian accident on August 7, 2011, left two children with injuries after they were hit by a cab driver while crossing North Michigan Avenue.

Nickelodean Actress and Singer Suffers Broken Bones in Illinois Bus Accident

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:08:15 -0600

Our Illinois bus accident attorneys know that serious collisions can happen to anyone traveling on our state's roadways, even one of the highest paid child stars on television. As the Chicago Sun-Times reports, iCarly actress Miranda Cosgrove was traveling on her tour bus along 1-70 near Vandalia, Illinois, when the bus slammed into an overturned truck. Miranda suffered a broken ankle and her bus driver was airlifted to a trauma center. Several others suffered non life-threatening injuries.

Miranda was on her way to Wichita, Kansas at the time of the crash, traveling for her summer tour. The tour is canceled until further notice while she recovers from her serious injury. The bus driver appears to be in stable condition.

Bus crashes like this one, involving serious and potentially life-threatening injuries, illustrate the severe consequences of a bus accident. The size and weight of a bus, along with the fact that buses are not typically equipped with seatbelts, make great bodily injury a serious threat. Internal bleeding, head trauma, and broken bones are all common bus accident injuries.

Unfortunately, bus accidents occur quite frequently in Illinois, where many commercial bus lines operate tour buses and other daily buses run throughout Chicago and the suburbs. The National highway Traffic Safety Commission estimates that at least 600 bus crashes happened in Illinois in 2007. Many of them involved severe injury and even death.
Bus collisions can occur for many reasons, and multiple parties may face liability.

Although it is not immediately clear who is at fault in the latest crash involving Miranda Cosgrove, victims injured in a bus accident can typically file a transportation negligence claim against bus drivers or bus companies that are negligent. Families of fatal bus accident victims can also file a wrongful death claim.

Under Illinois law and the law of most states, bus drivers typically have a duty to drive responsibly in order to ensure the safety of passengers. If a bus driver's negligent driving causes an accident and people are injured, the bus driver may be forced to pay damages for pain and suffering, loss of income, and medical expenses. Other negligent drivers on the road that cause an accident may also be held accountable.

Woman Dies in Chicago Bicycle Accident While Riding Home from Lollapalooza Music Festival

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:48:22 -0600

A tragic bicycle accident ended the life of a 25-year-old Chicago woman on August 5, 2011. As tens of thousands of concert-goers departed the popular Lollapalooza music festival, the bike accident victim suffered crushing injuries while leaving the concert grounds. This accident highlights the dangers of riding a bicycle on busy city streets, where serious injuries and death can happen in a matter of seconds.

The victim was at the intersection of Wacker and Wabash when the deadly crash happened, according to reports by the Chicago Tribune. She was riding her bicycle between a car and a dump truck that were stopped at the red light when she suddenly lost her balance and fell under the rear wheels of the truck. The truck driver failed to see her and drove away as soon as the light turned green, fatally crushing the bike accident victim.

Illinois accident attorneys at Pintas and Mullins have extensive experience working with downtown bicycle accident victims and their families, and we know that accidents can happen to even the most experienced riders. Friends describe the latest Chicago bike accident victim as an avid cyclist and spinning instructor. It is still not clear why she lost her balance, but we know that riding in the city is always dangerous. This danger is especially heightened in the late evening hours when large crowds are swarming the streets.

The statistics are troubling. Every year in Illinois, more than 3,500 crashes involve bicyclists and motor vehicles. The law requires drivers of a motor vehicle to keep a safe distance of at least three feet when passing a bicyclist. Unfortunately, this law is frequently violated, resulting in great bodily harm and even death. Bicycle injuries are often serious, because riders have little to protect them. Traumatic brain injuries are common, as well as debilitating back and neck injuries, and multiple broken bones.

Multiple Deaths and Serious Injuries in Chicago Car Crash Involving Minor Children

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:41:39 -0600

A horrific car crash at a dangerous Northwest Chicago intersection sent six people to the hospital, including at least three children. Our Chicago car accident lawyers were especially troubled to hear that neighbors complained about this particular intersection several times in the past, and even took their complaints to government officials. Unfortunately, the problem was ignored, resulting in this tragic crash.

As the Chicago Tribune is reporting, the accident happened during the morning hours of August 9, 2011. The details are still under investigation as discrepancies remain regarding the number of minor victims involved. However, officials from the Chicago Fire Department were able to confirm that six victims were taken to the hospital in serious to critical condition, and two of them suffered fatal injuries. As many as five of those victims were believed to be children.

The fatal two-car collision occurred when one of the cars crashed into a light pole at the corner of Austin and Sunnyside in Jefferson Park. Witnesses were unsuccessful in attempts to pry open the car doors. The driver and passenger were unresponsive, and two children were crying in the backseat. According to news reports, firefighters cut a man out of the second car.

People who live in the area say the intersection is dangerous because there are no stop signs for drivers traveling north or south. Although there are stop signs on Sunnyside, many drivers apparently treat those stop signs as a yield and roll through them.

Illinois car accident attorneys at Pintas and Mullins know that reckless drivers who violate traffic laws or ignore stop signs are held accountable for the injuries that they cause. In this case, more investigative work is needed to determine who is at fault for the deadly accident. In fatal car crashes like this one, multiple parties may be responsible for careless or reckless driving.

The consequences of a deadly collision are life-changing. We have worked with seriously injured victims of similar accidents who faced expensive medical treatments, numerous surgeries, and costly hospital bills. People whose loved ones are killed in a car crash also have to account for significant funeral and medical costs.

Parents Face Liability with Teen Driving Accidents on the Rise

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:14:47 -0600

Our car accident attorneys know that accidents happen....especially to teen drivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 5,500 teenagers die in car crashes each year, making motor vehicle crashes the leading cause of death for teens. With so many teen driving accidents happening every day, parents are facing increased liability for the damages their children cause. Although the laws vary state-to-state, many parents can be held legally responsible for the negligent actions of their teen drivers.

Studies show that at least eight teens, ranging in age from 16 to 19, die every year in a car crash. The risk of crashing is even higher when teen passengers are in the car. There are many reasons why teen driving accidents occur, with speeding and alcohol use accounting for most fatal crashes. Teens are also more likely to be distracted drivers, and when a driver's eyes are averted from the road for even a few seconds, tragedies can occur. A 2011 study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine attributes more than 300,000 traffic crashes each year to cell phone distractions. Cell phones interfere with a driver's ability to concentrate and process information, making crashes more likely to happen. Many teens also use their phones to text, despite laws in 34 states banning texting while driving.

Teens are also less likely to use seat belts, making injuries more likely to occur when accidents happen. Some companies such as Ford have introduced technologies to give parents more control over their teen's driving habits, such as a programmable key to mute the radio until the occupants of the car put on their seatbelts. But this technology is not yet in widespread use and many parents face growing safety concerns over their teen drivers.

Our Chicago auto accident attorneys know that parents have a reason to be concerned. In Illinois, parents may be liable for their teens negligent driving under an agency theory. If the teen driver is on a family errand when a crash happens, such as going to the store for groceries, his or her parents may be held responsible for any accident that results. Additionally, even if parents have insurance, many insurers exclude certain acts from coverage, such as refusing to cover illegal activities like drunk driving.

In some states, the laws place even more accountability on parents. Florida law holds vehicle owners responsible under a legal theory known as the "dangerous instrumentality doctrine," making parents liable whenever their teen driver negligently operates a car in either parent's name. Financial pressures are increased by the fact that a damage cap will not help parents who know the child is conducting illegal activities, such as underage drinking, but allow the teen to drive anyways.

Illinois Toddler Dies in Swimming Pool Accident at an Unlicensed Home Day Care Facility

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 09:46:03 -0600

A tragic swimming pool accident recently took the life of a 2-year-old girl from Aurora, who was under the care of an unlicensed day care provider when she drowned. Approximately 20 to 25 Illinois children suffer fatal drowning deaths each year, and the latest swimming pool tragedy is a reminder of the serious risk that pools present for small children who are not properly supervised.

As the Chicago Tribune is reporting, the toddler fell into a backyard swimming pool at an at-home day care center on August 2, 2011. The above-ground pool was surrounded by a fenced-in deck and several stairs. The homeowner who runs the daycare facility noticed the child missing, then she noticed two open interior doors that led to the garage and backyard. She went outside and discovered the gate was unlatched and the child was in the water. After pulling the child out, she administered CPR and told her teenage son to call 911. Paramedics rushed the child to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are investigating neglect charges, because the daycare provider was watching seven small children at the time of the drowning, including three of her own biological children. Under Illinois law, daycare providers are allowed to watch up to eight unrelated children in their home, but they are required to have a license. Reports show that the women applied for a license back in June, but her application was still pending. Anyone who applies for a license is not permitted to operate until the application has been completely processed. Charges have yet to be filed, but DCFS took the daycare provider's biological children into protective custody, placing them with a relative.

It appears to our Illinois swimming pool accident attorneys that the unlicensed daycare provider was clearly negligent in failing to exercise due care under these circumstances. Instead of properly supervising the 2-year-old who was under her care, she allowed the small child to wander into the backyard swimming pool and drown. . Children should not swim without supervision, and gates must be at least four feet tall. Additionally, rescue equipment should be easily available and an alarm system should be installed that detects movement around the pool. It is inexcusable for babysitters to be distracted by multiple children and negligently put one of those children's lives in jeopardy.

Illinois Motorcycle Crash a Reminder of the Serious Risk Motorcyclists and Their Passengers Face

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:09:35 -0600

A recent motorcycle crash in southwest Illinois resulting in two fatalities highlights the dangerous nature of motorcycles. Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys at Pintas and Mullins know that the small size and quick speed of motorcycles make them attractive to many travelers, but these features also contribute to a significant number of accidents often resulting in serious injury or death.

The Chicago Tribune is reporting the deadly motorcycle accident that occurred on July 31, 2011 in Collinsville, where a motorcycle driver ran into a utility pole and lost control of his bike. Both the motorcyclist and his passenger were pronounced dead at the scene.

Just one day earlier, a motorcycle collision in Montgomery County also killed a 21-year old passenger. The driver of the motorcycle, who suffered serious injuries, attempted to make a U-turn and was hit by another motorcycle. No one was wearing a helmet.

These fatal crashes illustrate the safety threat motorcycles pose. Nearly 4,000 people are involved in motorcycle accidents every year, and at least 100 of those accidents result in death. There are many reasons riders are injured, such as distracted driving. Motorcycles are more difficult to see in traffic than cars, and their maneuverability is often overestimated. Lack of experience or training also account for a significant number of accidents involving serious injuries, along with unpaved or slippery road conditions.

Determining who is liable for a motorcycle crash depends on the unique circumstances of the accident, including the time, day, number of people involved, and driving conditions. In many cases, an accident reconstructionist is essential to conducting a comprehensive investigation. More than one party may be responsible, or parties may have jointly contributed to the crash. Anyone involved in the accident that violated traffic laws and demonstrated recklessness or negligence may face liability. If the driver of a car or truck did not see the motorcycle or failed to take adequate precautions to avoid an accident, they may be held accountable if serious injury or death occurs. Product defects also contribute to motorcycle crashes, in which case motorcycle accident liability falls on the manufacturer of motorcycle designer.

Hotel Pool Owners May Face Liability for Deadly Father and Son Drowning Accident

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:29:25 -0600

A recent tragedy at a popular resort in the Lake of the Ozarks highlights the serious safety threat posed by hotel swimming pools, particularly those that are not properly supervised. Sadly, thousands of people are seriously or fatally injured in swimming pool accidents each year. The Chicago Tribune is reporting the latest swimming pool accident, resulting in the double drowning death of an East Chicago man and his son.

According to the report, 21-year-old Ali Shaltaf went for a late-night swim on July 24, 2011, at the Lodge of the Four Seasons pool in Branson. Unfortunately, he did not know how to swim and immediately began struggling as he entered the 8-foot deep section of the pool. The boy's father, Khalid Shaltaf, jumped in to help, but he was not a very strong swimmer either. Neither of the men ever resurfaced.

One of the most concerning factors of this double drowning is the fact that no lifeguards were on duty. When a swimming pool accident happens, the first few minutes are critical to avoid complications resulting from oxygen deprivation, brain injuries, or death. In this case, nearly twenty minutes passed before hotel workers finally passed by and noticed the men submerged underwater. By that time, it was too late to save either of them. Ali was pronounced dead at the scene, and Khalid died in the hospital the next morning.

Our premise liability lawyers know that hotel swimming pool owners have a legal duty to provide their guests a safe swimming environment. If the carelessness of a hotel employee results in injuries or death, victims and their families may have the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit and be reimbursed for pain and suffering, lost wages, or medical bills. A civil lawsuit is also an effective way to hold negligent parties accountable so that future accidents will be avoided.

This double drowning should serve as a reminder of the inherently dangerous nature of swimming pools, especially those that are not properly maintained or supervised. Even if a drowning death does not occur, swimming pool accidents can result in serious complications, including loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, brain damage, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries.