Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Weekend Brought Multiple Fatal Accidents in Madison County

Tue, 15 May 2012 06:00:50 -0600

Earlier today, a Chicago car accident lawyer at our office read a news report posted on TheRepublic.com detailing several fatal accidents that transpired in Madison County over this past weekend.

One of the most prominent accidents occurred early Saturday morning when local authorities discovered an overturned car on the 2200 block of St. Clair Avenue in Granite City. The accident resulted in deaths of all three of the motor vehicle’s occupants. Another vehicle was located at the accident scene and was taken into custody because he was wanted on other charges. However, the driver has not been charged in connection with the fatal crash.

Our Chicago accident lawyer learned that an Illinois State Police accident reconstruction officer is currently in the process of determining how the crash initially occurred. According to a statement released by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, the driver will not face charges until it has been determined that he was involved in the devastating accident that resulted in three fatalities – given that evidence at this time does not support the charges against him and a further investigation is required.

The article reports that this crash was noted as one of the deadliest out of the numerous fatal motor vehicle accidents that transpired in Madison County over the weekend. Our Chicago auto accident attorney learned that the Madison County Coroner screened a total of 31 death reports over the weekend from the hours of 12:01 a.m. Friday all the way through 12:01 Monday. Of the weekend’s 31 deaths, 12 will require an additional investigation in order to determine identifications, establish a cause of death, in addition to, determining whether or not foul play or criminal activity was involved.

Additional accidents that transpired over the weekend include: a bicyclist who was struck and killed by a car in Pontoon Beach, a pedestrian that was struck and killed by a train in Venice, a 45-year-old woman was died after the minivan in which she was traveling in struck two parked cars in Alton early Sunday morning.

When these types of devastating motor vehicle or pedestrian accidents transpire, it is often crucial to obtain legal representation in order to ensure that increasing medical expenses are covered, any lost wages are recovered, in addition to, ensuring that your insurance company will pay for any future treatment for injury sustained as a result of a motor vehicle accident. If you have been injured in an accident or have lost a loved one, please contact our accident attorneys in Chicago for a free consultation.

Liability Issues Arise in Texting-Related Crash

Fri, 11 May 2012 22:16:32 -0600

NYDailyNews.com reports that a driver who caused a devastating 2009 collision may be held liable for the accident that left two individuals severely injured. Our Chicago car accident attorneys learned that the accident in question transpired in September of 2009 when the defendant driver was texting while driving and subsequently struck a couple riding on a motorcycle.

The couple both lost their left legs as a result of the accident. Ultimately, the driver pleaded guilty to three motor vehicle summonses from the accident; including: using a hand-held cell phone while driving, careless driving, and failure to maintain a lane. He was sentenced to $755 in fines and ordered to speak about the dangers of texting while driving at local high schools.

However, our Chicago accident attorneys that as a result of the horrific crash, the couple has launched a public campaign against texting while driving. Additionally, the couple has filed a lawsuit against the driver, as well as, the individual the driver was texting. Court documents assert that the woman the driver was texting knew her teenage friend was driving and continued to text him anyway despite the dangers posed by such practice.

The couple’s lawyer argues that even though the woman was not present in the vehicle at the time of the accident, she was “electronically present.” Additionally, her actions are comparable to an individual who enables someone to drive drunk. However, a Chicago accident attorney at our firm learned that a lawyer for the woman argues that as a text message sender, she maintains the right to assume that her text message would be read at a reasonable and safe time.

Up to date distracted driving statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration further reveal how devastating this epidemic has become. As of 2010, the percentage of drivers who use a cell phone (whether talking or texting) has increased by 0.9 percent. It has been revealed that the level of hand-held cell phone use was higher among female drivers than it was for male drivers, all the while, younger drivers ages 16 to 24 were found to be more likely to use a hand-held cell phone.

Additional statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that in 2010 there were approximately 3,092 fatalities as a result of distraction-related accidents – although the number is probably much greater. Moreover, every year, roughly 6,000 deaths and nearly 500,000 injuries are caused by distracted drivers. Our accident attorneys in Chicago continue to encourage drivers to refrain from dangerous distracted behavior while driving in order to ensure that our busy roadways are a safe place to travel.

AAA Study Shows Risks Associated with Teenage Driving

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:43:00 -0600

The Automobile Association of America’s Foundation for Traffic Safety released a study earlier this week highlighting a number of shocking risks associated with teenage drivers. According to the study, released on Tuesday and posted on WashingtonPost.com, teenagers who drive with their friends in their cars have been found to be far riskier than driving alone or with an adult. Based on government data that was collected on teen crashes from 2007 to 2010, a 16 or 17-year-old driver’s risk of death per mile driven increases 44 percent when carrying one passenger younger than 21 (and no older passengers) – when compared to driving with no passengers. The risk is doubled when carrying two passengers younger than 21, and quadruples when carrying three or more passengers under 21.

However, our Chicago accident attorneys learned that the risk of a teen driver dying in an accident when a passenger aged 35 or older is in the vehicle decreases 62 percent. In a statement released by the president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, it was revealed that “like cell phones, the presence of other teens can be extremely distracting to young drivers.” Additional statistics reveal that between 2000 and 2010, the number of 16 and 17-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes each year fell by more than half. Many attribute this dramatic decrease to graduated licensing laws – laws that place some restrictions on teen drivers, as well as, increased seat belt use, better safety equipment in motor vehicles, and anti-drunk driving campaigns.

Any Chicago car accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti will tell you that the state of Illinois has implemented a graduated driver license program that entails certain phases and restrictions teen drivers must adhere to:

Permit Phase – Age 15
- Restricted Night Driving: Sunday – Thursday, 10pm – 6am, and Friday-Saturday 11pm – 6 am
- Permit must be held for a minimum of 9 months
- Must practice driving a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours of nighttime driving with parental or adult supervision
- Cell phone use while driving is prohibited except in cases of emergency

Initial Licensing Phase – Age 16-17
- Must have completed a state-approved driver education course
- All occupants under age 19 must wear safety belts
- Maintain a conviction-free driving record for six months prior to turning age 18
- For the first year of licensing or until the driver is 18, the number of passengers is limited to one person under age 20 – unless the passenger is a sibling or child or the driver

Full Licensing Phase – Age 18-20
- Cell phone use while driving under the age of 19 is prohibited except in the case of an emergency
- Limit one court supervision for serious driving offenses
- Two moving violation convictions within a 24-month period results in a minimum one-month driver’s license suspension
- Suspended drivers are required to pay a $70 reinstatement fee

Additional information provided at CyberDriveIllinois.com

Chicago’s Most Dangerous Intersections

Mon, 07 May 2012 06:00:44 -0600

All Chicagoans have their own horror stories about the parts of the city and surrounding suburbs that are the worst to travel on. In various locations at various times, certain intersections are always filled with the confusion, veering, honking horns, and angry travelers. Each Chicago car accident lawyer at our firm knows that there are certain locations in the Chicagoland area that pose far higher risks for travelers. It is helpful to be aware of these particularly dangerous locations so that those who frequent the area can be extra cautions to ensure they don’t get caught in an accident.

Last week the Chicago Sun Times published a story that discussed new information from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The story includes a specific list of the twenty worst intersections based on the total number of accident that they have recorded in recent years.

Number One
According to the story, the most dangerous intersection is Stony Island Avenue at South Chicago Avenue. The location, beneath the Chicago Skyway was the site of 63 crashes in 2010—the most recent year for which data is available. Data shows that this particular location is crossed by about 70,000 cars and truck each and every day. It has been called “uninviting” and “challenging for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.”

Our Illinois car accident lawyers know that part of the problem in the past at this particular intersection is that travelers sometimes try to race through the red light. For example, cars traveling south on South Chicago have 11 seconds to cross Stony Island before the light changes. However, in the past many cars sped past the area, even when the light was red. Red-light cameras were installed in the summer of 2007. At that time an average of 34 drivers received a violation every day. That number was apparently down to only three violations a day by the summer of 2010. In that same period the red light cameras were likely responsible for lowering the total number of accidents by 8%. While that is encouraging, the intersection still ranks as the most dangerous in the area.

Part of the problem, say some transportation experts, is that there are many stimuli facing drivers at the same time—from the skyway overhead to the viaduct that causes lanes to shift. This all leads to driver confusion, which itself causes Chicago car accidents.

Number Two
The second most dangerous intersection in the area according to these crash statistics is the ramp from westbound I-80 to La Grange Road in Frankfort. This suburban location was the site of 56 crashes in 2010. One local police sergeant summarized the ramp crashes: “Those accidents are all the same. People stop, and there’s two turning lanes with a sign out there that says no turning out there that says no turn on red except right lane.” Upon seeing the sign the drivers in the right lane stop to look while making a turn. The sudden stopping causes them to be rear-ended.

Please check out the full story to read the complete list of the most dangerous intersections in the Chicagoland area.

See Our Related Blog Posts:

Macomb Man Injured in Two-Car Accident

Mayor Emanuel Plans for Speeding Cameras at 79 Intersections in Chicago

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

Sat, 05 May 2012 06:00:34 -0600

The statistics are sobering: Motorcyclists are 39 times more likely to be killed when in an accident than those in cars and trucks. Data from the National Highway Safety Administration repeatedly shows that, while the overall numbers of cars and motorcycle accidents have decreased in recent years, there is still a long way to go. That is particularly true when it comes to motorcycle safety. Our Chicago accident lawyers know that those on motorcycle riders are not only more likely to be injured when in an accident, but they are more likely to get into an accident in the first place.

The public still needs to focus more attention on motorcycle safety. That is why organizations across the country are honoring May as national Motorcycle Awareness Month. At a basic level, the awareness campaign is focused on getting all those on the road to look twice, check mirrors, and otherwise keep a better eye out for the motorcyclists who are sharing the road with them. Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers know that many local riders have been hurt (or even killed) when car drivers failed to see them when making basic maneuvers like lane changes and turns.

The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) explains that this month’s outreach program is an annual event in the motorcycle community that has been pushed through various gubernatorial and legislative promotions across the country.

May is the designated month because it represents a time when many parts of the country—including Chicago—will see riders emerge on the roadways from their cold weather slumber. Of course, this time of year is a boon for those who enjoy being on the road on their bikes. But it represents a danger, because car and truck drivers may be less familiar with the basic safety practices of sharing the road with motorcyclists.

The AMA CEO explained that “Many road users are not always mindful of those with whom they share the road, and an annual reminder is helpful for them to recognize the flow of motorcycles in traffic, and make extra efforts to watch for motorcycles.”

Each Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm knows that at the end of the day, so many motorcycle accidents are caused by one simple fact: car and truck drivers do not see motorcyclists. Much of this might be a basic awareness issue. For a variety of reasons, those in cars are more likely to keep a look-out for trucks and pedestrians, but there is less constant surveying for motorcyclists.

AMA officials explain that problems are particularly common at intersections. For example, looking twice at an intersection to ensure motorcycles are not coming or missed may save lives. In addition, it is important for other travelers not to follow too closely to those on bikes. All travelers need their space, and because bikes are smaller, there is a tendency to fail to provide the space needed to travel together safety.

We encourage all local travelers to use this month as another reminder to be on the lookout for motorcycles with which they are sharing the road.

See Our Related Blog Posts:

Naperville Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident

Illinois Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Filed in Madison County Court

“Click It or Ticket” Campaign Enforcement Continues Throughout May

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:19:03 -0600

MySuburbanLife.com reports that the Lemont Police Department is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation, as well as, more than 500 law enforcement agencies in supporting the “Click It or Ticket” safety belt campaign throughout the month of May.

In a statement released by the Lemont Police Sergeant, our Chicago car accident attorneys learned that as of January 1, everyone – no matter what age or seating position – is required to wear a safety belt during vehicle operation. The Lemont Police Department will be participating in the campaign from May 11 through May 28.

Harrowing statistics provided by the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that 130,854 passenger vehicle occupants were killed from 2006 – 2010 and over half of these occupants were unrestrained.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the “Click It or Ticket” program originated in the early 1990s in North Carolina where the state ultimately saw an increase in seat belt use by 20 percent in two years. From there, numerous state around the country – including Illinois – began enacting similar campaigns and programs.

NHTSA.gov reveals that the specific message behind “Click It or Ticket” is supported by strategic communications including paid advertising and earned media, ultimately helping produce substantial increase in seat belt use in a growing number of States.

Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that in the past five years, the seat belt use rate has remained at or above 80 percent with many attributing this to the likelihood that most non-seat belt users are people who fear the threat of punishment more than the prospect of death or injury. As a result, States and communities are encouraged to step up their seat belt enforcement efforts and keep delivering the ‘Click It or Ticket’ message to boost compliance with the law.

Any Chicago car accident attorney will tell you that Illinois began the “Click It or Ticket” campaign in 2000 and so far the safety belt usage rate has increased 22 percent – an estimated 4,335 lives have been saved over those ten years. According to BuckleUpIllinois.org, in 2010, the safety belt usage rate in Illinois for front seat occupants in 92.6 percent.

Additional aspects of the Illinois’ campaign include holding two “Click It or Ticket” campaigns each year. The first campaign takes place in the weeks leading up to Memorial Day weekend while the second one surrounds the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The minimum penalty for a seat belt violation in Illinois is $60. However, the price may be higher depending on the particular county you received the ticket in and their court costs.

Car Accident Lawsuit Reaches Settlement Against Ford

Tue, 01 May 2012 22:19:52 -0600

Recently, our Chicago accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti read a news report detailing the settlement of a car accident lawsuit stemming from a devastating 2003 crash. SeattleTimes.com reports that the car accident lawsuit came about as a result of a 2003 car accident in which it was alleged that Ford Motor Company maintained defects in tires on the Ford Bronco II. It was ultimately proven that the tire defects played a significant role in the crash which left the accident victim paralyzed and with cognitive impairment.

Although the report confirms that the terms of the settlement between Ford Motor Company and the accident victim have been sealed, our Chicago accident lawyers learned that a jury voted 11-1 that the defects in a Firestone tire were a factor in the 2003 crash. It was revealed that both Firestone and the use car dealer where the accident victim purchased the vehicle settled with the victim out of court. Additionally, it was unveiled that the accident victim alleged that the accident was one of several caused by tread belt separation on that particular type of Firestone tire, all the while, Ford Motor Company argued that the victim’s tire failed because it was 14 years old and had been damaged.

Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that when an individual is injured or killed in an automobile accident caused by a defect within the vehicle – the results can be tragic. Often times in these types of cases, the vehicle’s manufacture or dealer can be held liable if it is revealed that one or more of the motor vehicle’s parts are defective and contributed to a motor vehicle collision. Some of the most common vehicle defects include: faulty safety devices, such as defective seat belts or airbags; fuel system defects; steering defects; as well as, faulty tires.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision or have lost a loved at the hands of a negligent driver or defective vehicle, it is important to obtain legal representation from qualified accident attorneys. Each Chicago car accident attorney at Levin & Perconti understands the complexity of lawsuits stemming from devastating motor vehicle accidents that result in severe harm or even premature fatality. Recently, our accident lawyers obtained a $2.07 million verdict for a 23-year-old woman who sustained multiple leg fractures in an automobile collision.

Please contact a Chicago car accident lawyer for a free consultation to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Chicago Hit-and-Run Driver Charged for Fatal Collision

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:14:06 -0600

Last week, our Illinois car accident blog reported a devastatingly fatal car accident that occurred on the Dan Ryan Expressway. The accident transpired when a passenger vehicle traveling outbound on Interstate 94 near 47th Street struck the outside wall of the interstate’s local lanes for an unknown reason. Subsequently, the vehicle crossed traffic and climbed an embankment where it struck a traffic control box. It was reported that the driver of the motor vehicle fled the scene of the accident on foot, all the while, one of the driver’s passengers succumbed to fatal injury as the other remained in critical condition.

In a follow-up article to the tragic accident, ChicagoTribune.com reports that the driver of the motor vehicle who fled the scene of the accident has turned himself in to Illinois State Police. On Friday, the 25-year-old Chicago driver was ordered held in lieu of $400,000 bail on charges of reckless homicide in a motor vehicle accident and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injury – according to Cook County Jail records. Our Chicago car accident attorneys learned that the driver has been issued tickets for not having a valid driver’s license, driving on a suspended or revoked license at least five times since 2004.

The 25-year-old driver’s latest ticket – issued before the fatal accident on April 26, 2011 – was for driving on a suspended or revoked license. The driver is scheduled to appear in Cook County Traffic Court for that particular offense on May 14. Court records reveal that the driver owes more than $1,100 for traffic tickets accumulated in previous traffic cases. However, our Chicago car accident lawyers learned that the 25-year-old Chicago man is scheduled to appear in Cook County Violence Court on May 15 for his charge of reckless homicide.

Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that given the severe nature of this type of offense, the driver should be charged to the fullest extent of the law – both criminally and through civil litigation. Often times, criminal charges against a wrongdoer fails to provide relief – both financially and emotionally – to the family of the individual who succumbed to a premature fatality as a result of the driver’s negligence. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our experienced accident attorneys in Chicago to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

IDOT Launches Embrace the Orange Campaign

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:52:44 -0600

Earlier this week, a Chicago car accident lawyer at our firm read a news report detailing a campaign that has been launched by the Illinois Department of Transportation in an effort to reduce traffic related crashes, injuries, and fatalities in work zones. According to the news report, posted on AledoTimesRecord.com, the campaign is joined by other agencies including the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Illinois State Police, Local Laborers Union, as well as, the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, just in time for the 2012 construction season to begin.

According to a statement released by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Secretary, the Embrace the Orange Campaign is designed to encourage motorists of all types of vehicles and roadway workers to remain extremely cautious this year during travel. Additionally, it is encouraged that drivers take all necessary steps to remain aware and protect themselves in and around work zones. Our Chicago car accident attorney learned that last year alone, 21 fatal crashes transpired in work zones across the state of Illinois – including one of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s own employees.

It is reported that speed and driver inattentiveness have played major contributing factors to work zone related accidents. Given that notion that roadway construction creates conditions such as narrow or reduced lanes, edge drop offs, equipment next to moving lanes of traffic, as well as, lane closures, require drivers to significantly reduce their speed in order to safely travel through construction or work zones. In a statement released by the Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, it was recommended that drivers slow down, stay alert, and always remember that texting while driving in Illinois is illegal.

Under current Illinois laws concerning distracted driving, hand-held wireless telephone devices are prohibited while operating a vehicle in a school or construction zone for all drivers – regardless of age. Additionally, the use of electronic communication devices or any other electronic device used to text, e-mail, compose, read, or to send electronic message or access internet sites is strictly prohibited while operating a motor vehicle in the state of Illinois.

Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that under current Illinois laws concerning work zone related travel, work zone speed fines are $375 for first-time offenders and $1,000 for second-time offenders, with the loss of their driver’s license for up to 90 days. In the event that a motorist hits a construction worker, they may face a $10,000 fine and up to 14 years in prison.

Car Accident Victim Receives $4.55M Settlement

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:32:54 -0600

A 69-year-old woman has received a $4.55 million settlement stemming from a devastating car accident that resulted in debilitating personal injury in 2009 – according to a news report posted on GilroyDispatch.com. Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that the accident in question transpired on January 20, 2009, when the accident victim was traveling southbound on an interstate highway when another driver pulled out in front of her as she attempted to make a left hand turn. The woman was unable to stop and subsequently collided with the other passenger vehicle.

As a result of the accident, the 69-year-old woman suffered severe injuries that subsequently forced her to use a wheelchair for several years after the accident. Our Chicago car accident attorneys learned it is reported that the accident victim has begun to use a quad-cane instead of a wheelchair. At the time of the accident, the victim was also traveling with a passenger – who was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the collision. Although the driver of the other passenger vehicle did not sustain injury in the accident, he has since passed away from unrelated issues.

After subsequent litigation stemming from the devastating accident, the estate of the passenger vehicle that caused the accident has been ordered by the court to pay $610,000 for misjudging gaps in traffic – ultimately totaling up to a $3.75 million settlement from his estate. Additionally, the accident victim received compensation for the county where the accident transpired. It has been reported that the intersection of the accident was increasingly dangerous and the county ultimately agreed to a $190,000 settlement for their involvement in funding and controlling highway projects.

When debilitating and life-altering accidents such as the one previously mentioned transpire, car accident litigation is often helpful for accident victims and their families to obtain compensation for their personal injury or premature fatality. Some of the most common harms that result from car accidents include, but is not limited to: broken bones, whiplash, as well as, injuries to the brain and spinal cord. These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment, in addition to, other subsequent problems such as loss of wages.

Since 1992, our Chicago car accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti have provided qualified legal representation to those who have sustained life-altering injury and/or premature fatality in a wide variety of motor vehicle collisions. If you have been injured in an Illinois car accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our experienced accident attorneys to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Western Springs Begins Campaign for Railroad Safety

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:43:37 -0600

Recently, our Chicago auto accident lawyers read a news report detailing a railroad safety initiative that has been implemented by the Western Springs Police Department. According to the article, posted on WesternSprings.Patch.com, the campaign, entitled “Police on Board for Rail Safety” will begin its sixth year commencing May 1. The annual event involves a two-part initiative to promote railroad safety through accident and collision prevention, as well as, avoiding violations. The first part of the event will take place at the Western Springs Train Station where members will hand out train-safety information.

The second part of the initiative will transpire on May 8 when the Western Springs Police Department – along with other local law enforcement agencies – will be “aggressively enforcing” safety laws at the sites of Western Springs’ five vehicle and/or pedestrian crossings. In continuing with last year’s tradition, the Western Springs Police Department will not take punitive action during their enforcement. However, the police department will take the time to educate the local public on railway-safety.

According to the news report, the Western Springs Police Department released a study citing information obtained by the Illinois Commerce Commission in which it was revealed that the state of Illinois sees approximately 80 railroad-related fatalities each and every year. Of that number, our Chicago accident lawyers learned that roughly 50 percent of collisions between motor vehicles and trains occur at marked crossings with warning signals.

Additional statistics provided by the United States Department of Transportation further highlight the severity of collisions between trains and motor vehicles. It has been uncovered that there are approximately 5,800 vehicle-train collisions each year in the United States with a majority of the accidents transpiring at railroad crossings. These tragic accidents cause roughly 600 fatalities and result in approximately 2,300 injuries.

A study conducted by the United States Department of Transportation found that more than 50% of all fatal accidents transpire at railroad crossings that maintain inactive or insufficient safety devices. Supplementary research discovered that during the day time hours, roughly 75% of motor vehicle-train collisions involve the train striking the motor vehicle. All the while, during the night-time hours, approximately 50% of collisions transpire as a result of a car colliding into a train due to an inadequately marking railroad crossing.

With the continued number of deaths resulting from motor vehicle-train collisions, our Chicago car accident lawyers continue to urge drivers of all types of vehicles to operate in a safe and cautious manner to avoid any potential accident resulting in severe personal injury or even premature fatality.

Dan Ryan Expressway Collision Results in One Fatality

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:15:36 -0600

ChicagoTribune.com reported earlier today that a 26-year-old man has succumbed to fatal injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway. Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that the vehicle was traveling outbound on Interstate 94 near 47th Street at around 11:00 p.m. According to local authorities, the passenger vehicle was speeding when – for an unknown reason – the vehicle struck the outside wall of the local lanes. As a result, the vehicle crossed traffic and subsequently climbed the embankment at the 47th Street exit and hit a traffic control box – ultimately coming to a stop next to a bridge.

The driver of the motor vehicle fled the crash scene on foot and – as of press time – local authorities have been unable to locate him. One of the passengers in the vehicle died almost instantaneously, all the while, a second passenger in the vehicle required advanced medical attention at an area hospital where he is currently listed in serious-to-critical condition – according to the Chicago Fire Department. The accident caused traffic to remain closed for several hours until roughly around 5 a.m. when all southbound local lanes were re-opened.

Any Chicago car accident attorney will tell you that leaving the scene of the accident almost always results in harsh criminal penalties, as well as, future civil claims. Under current Illinois statute - 625 ILCS 5/11-401, the driver of any vehicle involved in a collision resulting in personal injury or death of any person is required to immediate stop the vehicle and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident. Any person found in non-compliance of this statute may ultimately be found guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that in the state of Illinois, a Class 4 felony may carry an incarceration term approximately between 1 and 3 years. Additionally, any driver who leaves the scene of the accident may receive a monetary fine of up to $25,000. However, a driver who flees the scene of an accident may also be subject to civil liability. An accident victim may receive compensation for damages incurred if it is proven that the driver acted in a negligent manner during the course of the hit-and-run accident.

Specializing in civil litigation, our experienced accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have continued to fight for the rights of those who have sustained harm or succumbed to premature fatalities in motor vehicle accidents since 1992. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident, please contact a Chicago car accident attorney to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Aggressive Driving Targeted by Legislation

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:45:35 -0600

Earlier today, a Chicago accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti read a news report posted on Philly.com detailing a piece of legislation that has been signed by the state of New Jersey in an effort to help curb aggressive driving. Under the new law, aggressive drivers who cause motor vehicle accidents resulting in injury will be subject to the same criminal penalties as drivers who cause injury-resulting accidents while driving drunk. If an aggressive driver causes an accident resulting in minor injuries – they may be subject to 18 months in prison, all the while, if the aggressor causes an accident resulting in serious harm – the penalty may carry a five year prison sentence.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys learned that this piece of legislation stems from efforts made a 16-year-old victim of aggressive driving. The young woman was traveling with a group of friends in a passenger vehicle when another motor vehicle cut them off. The driver she was traveling with became angry and attempted to chase down the other vehicle. However, the vehicle ultimately crashed into a telephone pole – resulting in the immediate paralysis of the young woman from the chest down.

As a direct result of the accident, the young woman has had to undergo over two dozen surgeries, all the while; the aggressive driver of the vehicle she was traveling in only received a four month jail sentence. Shortly thereafter, the young woman began consulting state lawmakers on harsher sentences for aggressive drivers. Although it took roughly five years to enact the legislation, the bill was ultimately passed unanimously in both houses of Congress.

Our Illinois accident attorneys learned that this aggressive driving legislation has been noted as one of the only aggressive driving law that deals with road rage through an assault-by-auto statute. Currently, only eleven states nationwide have separate aggressive-driving statutes. In a statement released by the Governor of New Jersey, it was revealed that road rage has continued to be a huge problem in their state – largely because it is a densely populated state where roadways are often crowded and residents are known for their aggressive attitudes.

Although the state of Illinois does not maintain a specific statute on aggressive driving, aggressive driving actions are charged under Illinois’ reckless driving statutes. Penalties resulting from violation of reckless driving statutes include, but are not limited to: monetary fines, prison time, mandated aggressive driving education, suspension of license, as well as, revocation of license.

Each Chicago car accident attorney at Levin & Perconti urges readers to operate their motor vehicles with the utmost safety. It is important to avoid any and all conflict on our busy Chicago streets and Illinois roadways in order to ensure the safety of you, your

Macomb Man Injured in Two-Car Accident

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:43:14 -0600

A 41-year-old Macomb man has sustained severe injury in a two-car motor vehicle accident that transpired earlier this week. According to a news report, posted on McDonoughVoice.com, the accident in question transpired Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of U.S. 67 and County Highway 25. At around 3:45 p.m. the victim was traveling northbound on U.S. 67 as he proceeded to turn west onto County Highway 25 – better known as the East Grant Street Extension.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers learned that as the 41-year-old attempted to make the left hand turn, a SUV driven by a 33-year-old Macomb man rear-ended the victim’s passenger vehicle. The accident caused substantial damage to the victim’s car and ultimately sent the vehicle into a ditch west of U.S. 67. Upon arrival of emergency personnel, it was discovered that the 41-year-old driver was entrapped in his vehicle.

In order to extricate the victim, multiple emergency workers – including fire personnel – worked together in order to remove the 41-year-old from his motor vehicle. Shortly thereafter, the victim was transported to an area hospital where he was subsequently treated and further transferred to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. As of press time, the victim has been listed in fair condition. The 33-year-old driver of the SUV remained unharmed in the accident and has been ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

When the driver of a motor vehicle operates in a negligent manner, for instance -- failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and a subsequent collision ensues resulting in personal injury or premature fatality – the driver may be held liable in a civil court of law. Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that the state of Illinois follows a modified comparative fault system when determining negligence.

Under this principle - 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, the courts determine the amount of blame to be placed on each party involved and adjust the damages awarded accordingly. Therefore, the injured party in a matter may recover damages only in the event is which he/she is less that 50% at fault of the injury or damages. However, the recovered amount of damages may be reduced by the court in proportion to the degree in which the injured party has been found to be at fault.

Given the complex nature of motor vehicle collisions, our Chicago car accident attorneys cannot stress the importance of seeking legal guidance as soon as possible after your accident. Please contact our experienced legal team at Levin & Perconti to help review

Aggressive Driver Charged for Fatal Accident

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:46:37 -0600

Earlier today, a Chicago accident lawyer at our office read a news report recounting a devastating aggressive driving accident that resulted in one fatality. According to the news report, posted on Tennessean.com, two men – ages 45 and 32 – have been charged with vehicular homicide, as well as, two counts of aggravated assault stemming from the March 23 death of one of the man’s wife and the injury or two others in a horrific motor vehicle accident.

The accident in question transpired around 5 p.m. on March 23, 2012, along an interstate highway where both of the party’s pick-up trucks were traveling. Our Chicago car accident attorney learned that witnesses as the scene revealed that one of the pickup trucks was traveling in front of another when the vehicle traveling ahead abruptly slammed on his breaks – in an apparent attempt to cause a rear-end collision. The second driver avoided collision and attempted to pass the other truck.

However, each pass attempt made by the second truck was blocked by the other truck. Ultimately, the two pick-up trucks collided – sending both motor vehicles into oncoming traffic. Both vehicles were subsequently crashed into by two oncoming passenger vehicles. As a result of the accident, all drivers involved in the crash were seriously injured and the wife of one of the pick-up truck drivers succumbed to her fatal injuries.

Our Chicago accident lawyer learned that local authorities revealed that alcohol or drug use did not play a factor in the fatal collision and that the two pick-up truck drivers did not appear to have known each other prior to the accident. Additionally, local authorities stated that in this situation – based on witnesses’ statements and the crash investigation – it appears that both of the drivers involved were “involved in some sort of aggressive driving.”

The news article reports that although it is very rare to have multiple defendants in a single vehicular homicide case, the reasoning behind charging both drivers is sound. Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that although the driver of one of the pick-up trucks did not intend to kill his own spouse – the behavior he exhibited contributed to her premature fatality and in the eyes of the law he shares responsibility.

Motor vehicle accidents caused by aggressive driving should never be tolerated. If you have been a victim of a motor vehicle accident due to an aggressive driver – you may be able to obtain compensation for injuries sustained. Please contact a Chicago car accident attorney at Levin & Perconti to see what legal rights may be available to you.