Illinois Truck Accident Lawyer Blog

Semi Truck Driver Arrested For DUI and Driver Fatigue

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:23:31 -0600

State Police have recently reported the arrest of a truck driver who has been charged with multiple drunk driving charges after a traffic accident Monday night, according to Wgem.com. A Chicago truck accident attorney at our law firm learned that the driver of Roodhouse, Illinois was driving west on I-72 in Pike County just before 11pm when he drove his semi-trailer into a wooded area off of the road. After authorities arrived at the scene, the driver was taken to a nearby hospital, only having suffered minor injuries.

When later questioned regarding the accident, the driver stated he fell asleep behind the wheel. He was arrested for DUI, illegal transportation of an alcoholic beverage, improper lane usage, driving while fatigued, operation of a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence, and unlawful possession of alcohol in a commercial motor vehicle.

From the perspective of our lawyers, accidents involving semi trucks, trailer trucks, or other large commercial vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences for not only the drivers of these trucks, but potentially other motorists and pedestrians on the roadway. Though the accident described above was fortunately a single-vehicle accident, it could have easily been prevented. There were clearly two primary factors at play that caused the truck driver to drive off of the road: driving while fatigued and driving under the influence.

The above accident occurred at 11pm, a time when driver exhaustion and fatigue commonly become a cause of distracted driving. Driver fatigue is an extremely severe issue in Illinois and throughout the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. This results in an estimated 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and $12.5 billion in monetary losses. Truck drivers are particularly susceptible to driver fatigue because of the long hours they travel each day and into the late hours of the night. Drowsy driving can be compared to drinking and driving, as both drastically decrease driver awareness and increase behavior that can lead to accidents. Despite this already large risk for the truck driver, he was also irresponsibly drinking while driving, presumably leading to even more distraction.

If you feel drowsy before entering your vehicle, refrain from driving or allow another individual to drive for you. If any other circumstances arise that could potentially distract you from driving as attentively as possible, use good judgment in determining what actions you can take to remain safe behind the wheel. Truck drivers face many regulations before driving, such as ensuring they are well rested, all equipment is working properly, and they are not drinking and driving. For other motorists, it is important to follow similar guidelines before driving.

Every year, our law firm provides qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have been injured or killed as a result of careless or negligent motorists. Truck accident lawsuits can help compensate accident victims for potential personal injury, medical, and property damage expenses sustained as the result of a trucking accident.

Those involved in a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident caused by a truck driver’s reckless or negligent behavior may have legal recourse available to them. If you or someone you know has suffered as a result of a truck accident, please contact us for more information.

Patrol Cop Recognized For Large Number of DUI Arrests

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:16:16 -0600

Many Illinois police officers have learned of the tremendous efforts of an out-of-state patrol cop who arrested 95 people on suspicion of driving under the influence in 2012, the most of any officer in his county. Mercurynews.com reports that the 55-year old officer says he became inspired to go after DUI suspects after hearing stories of people whose loved ones were killed by drunken drivers. “I needed to go out and do what I could to stop it,” he told reporters. Thus, in his last year as a full-time patrol cop, he decided to work night shifts exclusively, a crucial time to go after drunk drivers.

When the cop was not responding to calls while on patrol, he was looking for drivers displaying signs of being under the influence. He looked for vehicles that drove too fast or too slow, or had trouble staying in between their lines. Drivers stopping too far or too close from stop signs were also common indicators.

The patrol cop’s dedication certainly paid off; he was ultimately responsible for nearly 43% of the 222 DUI arrests made in his county last year. He was recognized last week during a banquet sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his efforts. This week, MADD will also recognize other officers who each made more than 100 DUI arrests last year. Although the patrol cop has recently retired, he plans on continuing to be a reserve officer and working DUI enforcement. Executive director of MADD states, “They have a sixth sense, some of these officers. It’s a gift, because they’re saving lives every time they get a drunk driver off the road.”

Though the patrol cop did not boast about his work, by completing the actions that he did, hundreds of accidents may have been prevented and many innocent lives were undoubtedly spared. Even so, the true solution to stopping driver negligence is found at the source of the problem: the driver. All motorists should aspire to drive in the safest manner possible every time they are behind the wheel. It is important that all drivers are well rested when driving, follow the rules of the road, drive attentively, never drink and drive, and are ultimately careful and responsible on the road.

Despite many drivers taking the necessary steps to drive safely, accidents unfortunately continue to happen as a result of negligent motorists, specifically involving those who drive under the influence. Our lawyers represent individuals who have suffered injury or wrongful death as the result of an accident caused by a careless driver. We understand that the consequences of these accidents can be life altering and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. Please contact us to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Illinois Attorneys Address Helmet Laws After Greene County Motorcycle Accident

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:14:25 -0600

Kmov.com recently reported that a Greene County couple is dead after their motorcycle was rear-ended at a traffic light on Saturday night. A motorcycle accident attorney at our firm learned that according to authorities, a Harley Davison was stopped in traffic and was attempting to turn left onto Kane road when a pickup truck crashed into it from behind.

The 46-year old driver and the 42-year old passenger were both ejected from the motorcycle and were both pronounced dead at the scene. The 21-year old pickup truck driver was not injured and was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. After an accident reconstruction team was called to southbound US 67 at Kane road shortly after the accident, authorities were able to report that neither the driver of passenger of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

Our attorneys understand that more people in Illinois have begun to rely on motorcycles as a means of transportation, and fatal accidents involving motorcycles are greatly increasing as a result. A primary reason for the severity of these accidents has to do with helmet laws, or lack thereof, in the state of Illinois. Officially enacted in 1970, Illinois does not have any helmet laws in place for motorcycle drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2011, 83% of the people who died from motorcycle crashes in Illinois were not wearing a helmet. This is among the highest percent nationally. In the United States, Illinois ranks 47th for lives saved and economic costs saved due to helmet use. Shockingly, compared to the 36 lives saved in states with a Universal Helmet Law in place in 2010, only 4 were saved in Illinois. Additionally, states with a Universal Helmet Law saved about $73 million dollars, while Illinois only saved $9 million.

From the perspective of our law firm and many others throughout the state of Illinois, enacting a Universal Helmet Law should be considered. As most motorcyclists involved in serious accident die of head injuries, wearing a helmet at all times is vital. Many believe that helmets will reduce visibility or impair hearing while riding, however, these statements are both false. The risk of head injury would be reduced by 69%, and the risk of death would decrease by 37%. Thus, there is substantial evidence that increasing helmet use would not only save an enormous amount of money, but would save many lives and help to significantly avoid personal injury.

We want to urge the public to be more cautious when traveling on Illinois roadways this summer. Those involved in motorcycle accidents caused by another driver’s reckless or negligence behavior may have legal recourse available to them. If you or someone you know has suffered as a result of a motorcycle accident, contact us for more information. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action and determine what rights may be available to you.

Chicago Accident Lawyers Offer Driving Tips To Reduce Pedestrian Fatalities

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:05:35 -0600

As of recently, the Chicago Department of Transportation released a comprehensive plan to make the city’s streets safer for pedestrians, according to Wbez.org. Our attorneys learned that several official meetings throughout the last year have produced a large document detailing the city’s plans to improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the area. These plans include making improvements such as creating neighborhood traffic circles and increasing the number of safety zones near schools and parks. Some low-cost projects including the addition of crosswalk stripes and posting signs are already in progress at intersections with the highest accident rates. All plans will predominantly rely on federal funds in order to make the proper improvements necessary.

The Department of Transportation Commissioner states that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians all need to take responsibility to prevent accidents. "It's not just distracted drivers that we're worried about," the Commissioner said. "People on their cell phones are walking out into intersections getting hit by cars." Trucks are also a frequent cause of accidents and personal injury in that their large size and weight on small, crowded city roadways makes the truck difficult to maneuver. This fact, in addition to other distracted drivers and pedestrians nearby, creates a very unsafe and potentially dangerous combination.

The National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that approximately 3,000 traffic accidents injure pedestrians in Chicago each year. Shockingly, 4,280 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 70,000 were injured in traffic accidents in the United States in 2010, an increase of four percent from 2009. On average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every eight minutes in traffic accidents.

Our law firm believes that it is important to be aware of which circumstances generally produce the most pedestrian accidents and personal injury. Pedestrian fatalities most commonly occur in urban settings during the hours of 8pm and 12am, and surprisingly during normal weather conditions, as compared to rain, snow, and foggy conditions. Nearly one half of fatalities occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Alcohol involvement, either for the driver or the pedestrian, was reported in almost half of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities.

All pedestrians are advised be attentive at intersections, where drivers often fail to give them the right-of-way while turning. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks, in most situations. Pedestrians should be sure to cross the street at designated crosswalks whenever possible, always being sure to stop and look both ways before crossing the street. If anything is blocking your view, only cross when you are certain it is safe to do so. It is much safer to walk on a sidewalk, but if you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic. Finally, always attempt to increase your visibility at night by wearing reflective clothing to highlight body movements.

Our accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have represented numerous individuals and families who have been injured in a pedestrian accident due to a negligent motorist. For example, we settled a case for $1.25 million for a woman who was seriously injured when she was hit by a bus at a Chicago crosswalk. We apply this experience and our knowledge of the law to deliver the best results and fair compensation for every client we represent. If you have suffered personal injury or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, please contact us to learn about what legal options may be available to you.

Police Charge Pick-Up Truck Driver with Drunk Driving After Elgin Accident

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:59:08 -0600

Many motorists driving large vehicles such as semi trucks, tractor/trailers, or pick-up trucks travel on Illinois roadways each day, and much is expected of these motorists in order for them to reach their destinations quickly and safely. Large vehicles are not the easiest to maneuver and can potentially become dangerous for not only the truck driver, but also other motorists and pedestrians on the roadway. Therefore, it is critical that truck drivers travel attentively and responsibly, properly maintain their vehicles, follow regulations, and take all steps necessary to remain safe behind the wheel. Unfortunately, many drivers choose not to uphold their responsibilities and make decisions that lead to serious accidents and injury on the road. This was the case on Sunday when an Elgin man was charged with drunken driving after he allegedly ran a stop sign and struck an SUV carrying three individuals.

At about 2am, the driver, whose pick-up truck had open containers of beer inside, drove through a stop sign on Hastings Street in Elgin and struck an SUV approaching on Liberty Street, according to Chicagotribune.com. The pick-up truck T-boned the SUV with such force that the entire floor of the SUV fell from its framework. The pick-up truck continued traveling until it crashed into a nearby fence, while the SUV hit a parked car.

Our truck accident lawyers learned that authorities arrived to the scene shortly after the accident and transported the driver of the pick-up truck, as well as the driver and passengers of the SUV, to nearby hospitals. None of these individuals’ injuries were declared as life threatening. However, the driver of the pick-up truck was found to have had a blood alcohol level of 0.17, more than double the legal limit of 0.08, according to an Elgin Commander. As a result, he was charged with two felony counts of driving under the influence. Police say he is expected in bond court this week.

As many are aware, drinking and driving is a very serious, yet sadly common issue on roadways in Illinois and throughout the United States. The Illinois Department of Transportation states that about 310,000 people suffer injuries in alcohol-related traffic crashes each year, an average of one person injured approximately every 2 minutes, and about 300 fatalities also take place each year. In 2002, 51,649 people were arrested for DUI in Illinois. As stated above, trucks of any size can be difficult to maneuver; adding alcohol into the mix can cause severe truck accidents that cause more personal injury and fatalities than many other traffic accidents.

Our attorneys want to encourage truck drivers and all additional motorists to drive safely on Illinois roadways this year. Taking the appropriate steps such as refraining from driving under the influence, being sure not to drive while fatigued, and always driving attentively can prevent motor vehicle accidents, decrease personal injury, and ultimately save lives. In the case that you or a loved one has suffered as a result of an accident caused by a negligent motorist, please contact us for more information.

Report Finds Motorcycle Accidents on the Rise in Illinois

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:53:26 -0600

As we are approaching the summer season, more people in Illinois have begun to rely on motorcycles as a means of transportation, and as a result, fatal accidents involving motorcycles are greatly increasing as well. One of our motorcycle accident lawyers recently read a report by Journalstandard.com about a man killed in a motorcycle crash at the intersection of Stephenson Street and Galena Avenue in Freeport. Police say the 25-year-old resident of Freeport was driving his motorcycle southbound on Galena Avenue, while the 32-year old driver of a passenger vehicle was traveling northbound. The accident occurred when the vehicle turned west onto Stephenson Street in front of the motorcycle. Police say the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and was taken to a nearby hospital. He later died of injuries sustained in the accident, and the driver of the passenger vehicle was cited for failure to yield at an intersection.

The news report continues to list many motorcycle crash statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). In 2010, 343,924 motorcycles were registered in Illinois, representing a 73 percent increase compared to the 198,444 registered in 1999. Many believe the increases in registration may be due to the desire to save money on fuel. Also in 2010, a total of 132 fatal crashes involving motorcycles occurred, killing a total of 130 people, representing a 27 percent increase compared to the 103 motorcyclists killed in 1999, states IDOT.

Journalstandard.com states that recently, a significant amount of motorcycle accidents have occurred in Northwest Illinois. A spokesman from IDOT stated, “We have seen an increase in motorcycle registrations and motorcycle crashes over time, for a variety of reasons. That’s why we believe it’s vitally important for motorists and motorcyclists to pay special attention when they are on the road during the warmer months.”

Our law firm agrees that because of the increase in motorcycle drivers on the road, using caution while behind the wheel this summer is essential. Motorcyclists always need to be sure to drive defensively and remain cautious around other vehicles on the road. Proper attire should be worn to make the motorcyclist more visible, including bright clothing and helmets. They should also keep their motorcycle’s headlights on and stay out of other driver’s blind spots. Finally, drivers of trucks and passenger vehicles should exercise great caution while turning or merging in order to avoid colliding with motorcycles.

Those involved in accidents between motorists and motorcyclists may have legal recourse available to them. If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damages as a result of a motorcycle accident, we are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. Find out what rights may be available to you.

Car Struck By Oncoming Pickup Truck When Changing Lanes On Route U.S. 67

Wed, 01 May 2013 18:47:15 -0600

Reviewatlas.com recently reported on an accident that occurred between a car and a pickup truck on Monday night just north of Roseville. Illinois State Police say an unidentified passenger-vehicle driver was traveling on Business Route U.S. 67 at 6:50pm when it was struck by an oncoming extended cab pickup truck, driven by a 55-year old man of Roseville.

Our Chicago truck accident law firm learned that according to a statement made by authorities, the driver of the passenger vehicle was traveling in the right lane and attempted to pass another car “at a high rate of speed” when it approached the oncoming pickup truck. It then veered back into the right lane, but “spun out clockwise back across the centerline and in a collision course with the truck” (Review Atlas). Police say the front of the pickup then struck the vehicle’s passenger side.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup truck driver was transported to a nearby medical center and was treated for non-life threatening injuries; he was listed as in stable condition Monday night. Police say both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, but an investigation is ongoing to determine if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

From the perspective of our lawyers, all drivers generally pass other vehicles on Illinois roadways when necessary, the task being easier to complete on four-lane roads than two-lane roads. No matter where you are or who you are attempting to pass, there are many decisions that have to be made beforehand. These include whether or not there is enough time to get around the vehicle in front of you, if oncoming traffic is present, how fast you and the vehicles around you are traveling, and overall, if you would be able to pass another vehicle safely and without risking injury.

We believe it is beneficial for all drivers to learn about the steps that can be taken in order to make passing other vehicles effective and safe. This first begins with making sure it is legal to pass. On two-lane roads, it is forbidden to pass the vehicle in front of you if there is a double yellow line between lanes. Watching for signs that say “Do Not Pass” will also help you determine if passing is allowed. These signs are most commonly on roads that are near hills or curves.

If it legal to pass, make sure the lanes around you are clear. In relation to the above article, do not pass if there is an oncoming vehicle that is near you. If this vehicle is approaching you at a constant speed, this means it is most likely too close in order for you to pass safely. Proper passing techniques include using your turn signal to alert others of your intention to pass, increasing your speed up to ten to fifteen miles per hour faster that the vehicle you are passing in order to do so quickly, and after you have passed the vehicle, checking to make sure you have enough clear space to safely re-enter your lane.

Because passing another vehicle is often a hurried action, many drivers do not think the above steps through and accidents commonly take place as a result. Following the steps and suggestions provided will help to decrease the risk of an accident occurring and will ultimately keep you and other motorists safe behind the wheel.

In the case that you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent motorist, please contact us to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

Semi Truck Driver Deemed Negligent After Falling Asleep Behind Wheel and Killing Illinois State Trooper

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:49:10 -0600

Last month, an Illinois State Police trooper was killed when a semi truck collided with his squad car. According to Chicago.cbslocal.com, the 28-year old trooper was pulled over on the left shoulder of Interstate 294 near Willow Road in northwest suburban Northfield Township just after 11pm when he was hit behind by the semi. It was not clear why the trooper was stopped or if his vehicle’s emergency lights were on. Witnesses told investigators that they saw the semi, a United Van Lines truck, in the left lane before the crash.

After the impact of the collision, both vehicles burst into flames. Witnesses say it was hard to even make out the squad car among the tangled and burnt metal. A later autopsy determined the primary causes of the trooper’s death were thermal injuries from the fire, as well as inhalation injuries and minor head injuries. The truck driver walked away from the accident with nothing but a burnt hand.

As of a few weeks ago, the medial examiner’s office ruled the trooper’s death an accident and the semi truck driver was not charged with any crime or wrongdoing related to the accident. But now, our wrongful death lawyers have learned that after further investigation, recent reports obtained by Sun-times state the semi driver fell asleep behind the wheel before his vehicle veered out of its lane and struck the trooper. The trucker was initially issued a ticket for improper lane usage but it was dismissed soon after, according to a state police spokeswoman. Authorities are continuing to reconstruct the site of the crash to find out additional details relating to why the crash happened, and higher charges may result. Among the things that will be looked at are the trucker’s driving history, how many hours he had been behind the wheel without a break, and the results of drug and alcohol tests administered as required by state law after a fatal accident.

DWD, or Driving While Drowsy, is a large concern for many Illinois drivers. The Illinois Department of Transportation lists DWD as a cause of around 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths every year. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. This not only results in deaths and injuries, but also close to $12.5 billion in monetary losses. Truck drivers are particularly susceptible to driver fatigue because of the long hours they travel each day and into the late hours of the night. Drowsy driving can be compared to drinking and driving, as both drastically decrease driver awareness and increase behavior that can lead to accidents.

Truck drivers facing many regulations before driving, such as ensuring they are well rested, all equipment is working properly, and they are not drinking and driving. For other motorists, it is important to follow similar guidelines before driving. If you feel drowsy before entering your vehicle, refrain from driving or allow another individual to drive for you. If any other circumstances arise that could potentially distract you from driving as attentively as possible, use good judgment in determining what actions you can take to remain safe behind the wheel.

Despite many drivers taking the necessary steps to drive safely, accidents unfortunately continue to happen as a result of negligent motorists. We represent individuals who have suffered injury, medical expenses, or property damage as the result of a trucking accident caused by a negligent motorist. We understand that the consequences of a trucking accident can be life altering and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. Please contact us to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Drunk Motorist Kills Pickup Truck Driver on Dan Ryan Expressway

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:44:15 -0600

Charges have been filed against a driver who caused a fatal accident early Tuesday on the Dan Ryan Expressway in which alcohol was a factor, killing the 25-year old driver of a pickup truck. Chicago.cbslocal.com reports that the two-vehicle accident happened at about 12:30am in the southbound lanes of the interstate when a 52-year old crew cab truck driver of Chicago suddenly crossed from the far right lane to the far left lane of the five lane highway near 95th Street and struck the pickup truck. Witnesses told police that both trucks then hit the median wall, crossed traffic again, and hit the right wall of the interstate before finally coming to a rest.

Our truck accident attorneys learned that the driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at 1:05am Saturday, autopsies determining that he died of serious head injuries from the collision. Family reports that the man was heading home from his shift at work when the crash occurred. The driver of the crew cab truck, however, was uninjured in the accident and submitted to standard field sobriety tests administered by Illinois State Police troopers on the scene. His blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.109, more than the legal limit of 0.08, according to a police report. He was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol in the death of a man and was held in lieu of $350,000 bail in a midday hearing in Cook County Bond Court on Wednesday.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration lists that the number of drunk driving fatalities in Illinois in 2011 was 278, with the percentage of traffic deaths that were drunk driving related being 30%. This was a decrease from 2010 in which 292 fatalities took place and the percentage of drunk driving related deaths was 32%. Though this decrease is certainly positive, organizers such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Alliance Against Intoxicated Driving (AAID) say one accident is still too many. "It's a problem that's always going to be around because people drink and it's socially acceptable. It's totally unacceptable to get behind the wheel if you've been drinking," stated a member of AAID. "One in three families will be impacted by drunk drivers,” stated a member of MADD. “So if you're sitting in a row of three people, it's not the two of them. It's going to be you." Reports from Abclocal.com state that both organizations have launched awareness campaigns with the goal of keeping roads safer this summer.

As a result of the above accident, the pickup driver’s brother stated, “I knew that they had (the driver) in custody, which means he walked away from the crash and my brother didn’t. We just want justice to be served.” Our lawyers agree that in a case similar to the one above, we want justice to be served. The driver of the pickup was involved in an accident due to the negligence of another motorist, ultimately leading to his death. All drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road and drive responsibly at all times, which includes refraining from driving under the influence or driving while distracted. When motorists fail to drive responsibly and injure other motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians on the roadway, victims and their families often seek legal representation.

Our law firm has successfully handled hundreds of cases for individuals and families injured or killed due to another’s carelessness, including truck, car, and wrongful death cases. If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an accident due to a negligent driver, please contact us to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Illinois Attorneys Offer Safety Tips For Driving In Poor Weather Conditions

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:50 -0600

Poor weather conditions are reported to be the cause of a deadly accident that killed two teenagers last weekend in southern Illinois, according to Suntimes.com. Investigators say that two 18-year old girls were driving to class in Elkville during a thunderstorm and slid into an oncoming lane of traffic due to the rain-slicked roads. Their vehicle was then struck by the driver of a pick up truck and came to rest in a nearby creek. Eyewitnesses report that they tried to help the teens after the accident, but it was too late. Police say both girls died at the scene from the impact of the wreck. The driver of the truck was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released. No citations have been issued in the accident, which authorities and family members are declaring “tragic.”

From the perspective of our law firm, while negligent motorists are commonly the cause of accidents and personal injury on Illinois roadways, hundreds of accidents each year are due to the uncontrollable and often times unpredictable onset of rain and poor weather conditions. These conditions definitely do not make the physical aspect of driving any easier, and also affect the manner in which we drive, whether that is excessively timid or dangerously reckless. Therefore, we would like to offer all motorists some information about how rain can affect driving conditions and what steps you can take to remain safe behind the wheel in these conditions.

As we all know, rain makes roads slick and slippery. Rain can make it more difficult to stay on a roadway, to stop, or to avoid colliding with other vehicles. The National Weather Service states that this is especially true when it first begins to rain because roads are most slippery at the beginning of a storm. In addition, rain reduces visibility and makes it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and street signs. When rain is combined with dirty water kicked up from the road by other drivers, windshields can quickly become dirty and make it even more difficult to see.

In these conditions, it is important to drive at a safe speed. Though this tip may seem obvious, many timid drivers who travel at unreasonably low speeds in the rain may back up traffic and increase the risk of rear end accidents, and reckless drivers who disregard the dangers that come with rain drive at high speeds and can also cause collisions. Driving at a moderately safe speed and keeping a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you can help increase your reaction times and will allow you to brake sooner if needed to avoid collisions. In regards to braking, refrain from braking too quickly; because the roads will be slippery, stopping your wheels too quickly may cause them to lose traction with the road and lead to skidding. If your vehicle does skid, remain calm and steer straight until you feel your vehicle regain traction.

Because poor weather conditions are something that every motorist will eventually have to face while driving, keeping these safety tips in mind will decrease the likelihood of an accident occurring and therefore reduce personal injury. If you have unfortunately been in an accident and suffered injury, medical expenses, or property damage due to the weather, be sure to contact your insurance company right away. In the case that you are in an accident as a result of a negligent motorist, seeking qualified representation is also recommended.

Our personal injury lawyers represent individuals and families who have suffered injury or wrongful death because of the carelessness or negligence of a motorist. We have the proper experience needed to assist you in determining if legal recourse may be available to you, informing you of your rights, and ultimately offering you the resources you need to seek legal action. Please contact us for more information.

Authorities Report 1 Dead and 19 Injured After Driver Loses Control of Overcrowded Van

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:55:33 -0600

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers recently learned of an accident that occurred when an overcrowded van experienced tire problems and rolled over several times, killing the driver and injuring nineteen other people involved. Washingtonpost.com released that the crash took place at about 7:10pm on Saturday in a small Florida community about sixty miles southeast of Orlando. Highway Patrol officials reported that the rubber from at least one tire separated from the van’s wheel, causing it to roll over towards a center median of the road.

Investigators say the van was holding about fifteen people when it overturned, in addition to numerous pieces of luggage from the passengers. A forty-six year old woman was ejected from the van and was pronounced dead at the scene. Three people in the van had to be airlifted to nearby hospitals with moderate injuries. Many children were also injured, although the report does not specify if the children were passengers in the van or not.

Authorities say that in total, nineteen people were injured as a result of the accident. Troopers are currently trying to determine how many times the van rolled, as well as how many people were wearing seatbelts. A highway patrol spokeswoman describes it as “very fortunate” that only one person was ejected considering the large number of people inside.

Overloading vehicles like large vans, pick up trucks, or SUVs is not uncommon in Illinois and across the country. Often times, vehicles are filled with up with twice as many passengers as the vehicle is designed to safely hold in order for drivers to transport a large number of passengers to their destinations in one trip. From the perspective of our attorneys, driving a large amount of passengers inside of a single vehicle can be extremely dangerous. The drivers of these vehicles may have blocked sight lines and have trouble seeing other vehicles and pedestrians through his windows or mirrors. Even at low speeds, an accident with an overloaded vehicle can be deadly for those inside and those nearby.

We agree that the accident described in the above report would most likely have been less severe if there were not as many people riding in the van. We are aware of the seriousness of accidents with overloaded vehicles and understand that those involved can suffer life-altering consequences. If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of a negligent truck driver, please contact us for more information.

Four Chicago Teens Killed After Vehicle Overturned In Wilmington

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:42:50 -0600

Cbsnews.com reports that four Chicago-area teens from Wilmington High School were killed last Tuesday when their vehicle overturned and plunged into Forked Creek. An accident attorney at our firm learned that the victims, two boys and two girls ranging from fifteen to seventeen years old, left their homes on Monday evening and never returned. A bus driver near Ballou Road spotted their car and bodies around 7:30am Tuesday morning in Wilmington, about fifty miles southwest of Chicago. A tow truck was called to pull the car from the water, and officials worked to remove the bodies from the wreck. The cause of the accident is currently unknown, but police believe there may have been run-off water coming over the roadway from the creek and possible ice that contributed to the vehicle overturning.

The occurrence of this accident was especially significant for our lawyers because the teenagers were among fifteen who have been killed in three major accidents since last week. Five teens were killed in Texas when their vehicle ran a stop sign and collided with a fuel tanker truck. That same day, six Ohio teens were killed when their SUV sped off a stretch of roadway at eighty miles per hour and flipped into a pond.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that teen deaths from motor vehicle crashes have been declining in all parts of the country, dropping from 8,748 in 1975 to 3,115 in 2010. However, the risk of being in an accident is three times higher for teens than any other group of drivers. Accident injuries are the leading cause of death for individuals aging from thirteen to nineteen years old. Even more, Illinois ranks twelfth in the country for fatalities in crashes involving young drivers by state.

There are often many factors that contribute to teenagers being involved in accidents. First and foremost, most teens have not yet completely mastered basic driving skills that develop after years of experience behind the wheel. They take longer to detect hazards while driving and also tend to underestimate accident risk in hazardous situations while overestimating their ability to avoid those hazards. Teens also have a more difficult time driving at night than other age groups.

Furthermore, the fatality risk of teenagers is much higher when they are driving with passengers than when they are driving alone. Same-aged passengers are likely to distract the teen drivers and encourage them to take more risks. These risks include speeding, tailgating, making illegal turns, or running red lights. Teens are often overconfident in their driving abilities and therefore take these risks that often result in injury or death. This is especially the case when teenagers are not wearing their seatbelts, which they do less often than older drivers. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is also a common cause of serious teen accidents. Teenagers who drink and drive are at much greater risk of serious crashes than are older drivers with equal concentrations of alcohol in their blood.

We want to encourage all teens to exercise caution while driving in order to decrease the risk being involved in an accident. There are a large amount of teens who are cautious behind the wheel, but nevertheless, they do not have the years of experience that adults do and therefore are at a larger risk of being in an accident. We also want to encourage motorists in older age groups to be aware of teenagers that are driving near them in case the teens are exerting risky behavior behind the wheel and may be putting them in danger.

Please contact our law firm if you or someone you know has been in an accident caused by a negligent motorist. We have the proper experience needed to assist you in determining if legal recourse may be available to you, informing you of your rights, and ultimately offering you the resources you need to seek legal action.

NTSB Lists Most-Wanted Traffic Safety Improvements

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:57:37 -0600

Wandtv.com reports that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recently released a list of its most-wanted safety improvements. Our personal injury attorneys learned that these improvements cover a wide range of categories, many of them relating to vehicle collision prevention, transportation control, and reduction of driver negligence. The board hopes that many of these improvements will be made by the summertime.

The list begins with vehicle collision prevention, stating that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should require manufacturers to include new collision-prevention technologies as standard equipment on all new cars and trucks. These technologies include things like electronic stability control, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic braking. Continuing, the NTSB believes that operator distraction is in need of improvement, stating that operators of cars, trucks, buses, planes, and trains should be banned from nonessential use of cell phones and other distracting devices. This can be done through the creation of stricter policies or even technology that disables devices when they are within reach of operators.

Furthermore, a safety improvement considered to reduce substance-impaired driving is creating technology that will prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. This includes the addition of ignition interlocks and continuous alcohol-monitoring devices in cars and trucks. From the perspective of our law firm, these solutions may be critical in decreasing the number of accidents caused by driving under the influence.

Additional suggestions of safety improvements in the report include improving the safety of interstate bus operations by making sure drivers are qualified, ensuring sufficient inspector guidance for transportation infrastructure, installing train control systems to stop or slow trains that fail to obey signaling systems, and installing fire detection devices in all modes of transportation.

Though it is unknown when any of these safety improvements will be put in place, if at all, it is agreed that these improvements will certainly help to reduce driver negligence and the number of accidents on U.S. roadways. However, the true solution to preventing driver negligence is found at the root of the problem: the driver. All motorists can increase their safety behind the wheel by following the rules of the road, driving attentively, never drinking and driving, and ultimately being a careful and responsible driver.

Our Chicago accident lawyers represent individuals and families who have suffered personal injury or wrongful death because of the carelessness or negligence of a motorist. If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in a motor-vehicle accident due to a negligent driver, please contact our us to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

One Dead In Multi-Vehicle Accident with School Bus Near Wadsworth

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:45:16 -0600

A school bus with 34 students on board collided with two other vehicles last Friday near north suburban Wadsworth, resulting in one death. Chicago.cbslocal.com released information regarding the accident, stating that it occurred around 8am on Route 173 and Kilbourne. The bus had been traveling westbound on Route 173 to transport the students to Newport Elementary School when it suddenly collided with a jeep traveling south on Kilbourne. A second jeep was also involved in the accident, although it was not clear what direction it was traveling at the time of the crash.

Our Illinois bus accident attorneys learned that the bus overturned as a result of the collision. It was knocked over on the driver’s side about thirty yards west of the intersection. The front of the bus landed in a ditch and the windows busted out. Students immediately began filing out of the bus, and nearby drivers attempted to help.
Authorities said the children were already off the bus when emergency crews arrived. Thankfully, the students and the bus driver only suffered minor injuries. Officials said there were no seat belts on the school bus, but the high seat backs on the bus might have protected the children from more serious injuries. They were all taken to nearby hospitals and treated for non life-threatening bumps, bruises, and fractures. School counselors helped keep the students calm while they were being treated. Many panicked parents rushed to the hospital after being informed about the accident. Considering the bus had tipped over in the crash, many parents and members of the school district were thankful that all of the children were okay.

Sadly, the driver of the first jeep that collided with the bus, a 62-year old of Beach Park, was killed in the crash. His vehicle was demolished from the back seat forward. The female driver of the second jeep was reported to have suffered severe facial injuries and her passenger only suffered minor injuries.

A sheriff from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department said it was unclear what caused the accident. A preliminary investigation based on witness accounts indicated the school bus might have ran a red light, which caused it to collide with the jeeps. However, additional witnesses later disputed that and told the police the light was possibly not red when the bus entered the intersection. No tickets or criminal charges had been filed in the crash as of 2:30 p.m. Friday. Both Route 173 and Kilbourn were closed to traffic for more than nine hours after the crash to allow investigators to reconstruct the accident. Crews began towing away the vehicles to reopen the intersection shortly before 5:30 pm.

School bus accidents, including collisions between buses, trucks, or cars injure about 8,000 children every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Most accidents and collisions occur when school buses are making turns, entering intersections, or traveling too close to other motorists. The above report, however, does not specify who was to blame in this particular accident. If the bus driver actually did drive through the red light like many witnesses reported, he would be deemed negligent. Thus, the families of the children or passenger vehicle drivers would have the right to seek legal action for any pain and suffering caused by the accident.

Of course, nothing can make up for the injury or death of an individual due to the negligence of another driver. But it is important that these drivers are held accountable for their actions. It is also important that school districts are making every effort to hire appropriate drivers to transport students through ensuring they are qualified and are following all safety regulations in place.

If you or your child has been injured in a bus accident due to a negligent motoristseeking qualified legal representation to protect the rights of you and your child is highly recommended. Our lawyers have the proper experience needed to assist you in determining if legal recourse may be available to you, informing you of your rights, and ultimately offering you the resources you need to seek legal action. Please contact us for more information.

Truck Driver Charged With Death of Family In Multi-Vehicle Accident

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:46:59 -0600

Starherald.com recently released that the trial of a truck driver charged with killing an entire family in a multiple-vehicle accident has been scheduled for September. Our accident lawyers learned that the 36-year old driver’s arraignment hearing took place in January, in which a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf on four counts of manslaughter, four counts of motor vehicle homicide by willful reckless driving, and one count of motor vehicle homicide of an unborn child by driving recklessly.

The report states that the family consisted of a 30-year old man from Maryland, his 28-year old wife, and the couple’s two and three-year old children. The family had been among other drivers stopped on Interstate 80 as emergency crews were responding to a previous accident. The couple was driving separate vehicles at the time. Allegedly, the truck driver drove onto the scene, failing to notice the emergency lights or slow down for the stopped vehicles, and struck the husband’s vehicle. The force of this collision pushed his vehicle into his wife’s car, which was forced underneath a semi-tractor trailer. All family members were killed upon impact. The woman was pregnant at the time of the crash and her unborn child also died.

State police say that when the accident occurred, the truck driver had been driving for more than fifteen hours, violating commercial motor vehicle federal regulations. He also failed to observe radio traffic and other warnings that would have alerted him about the accidents on the interstate. He remains in a local jail on a $1 million bond, and a pre-trial conference is scheduled for late-May.

Our attorneys believe this accident directly sheds light on how critical it is for all truck drivers to follow the “14-hour rule,” which states that a commercial truck driver cannot work for more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period. Thus, each duty period must begin with at least 10 hours off-duty. The United States Department of Transportation regulates the number of hours a truck driver can driver per day, as well as the total number of driving hours per week. Following this rule is necessary not only to meet federal regulation guidelines, but to ensure that you are able to drive attentively behind the wheel and consequently help save lives.

Wrongful death cases, commonly filed by a family member of a victim, can be used to recover monetary damages such as medical expenses or funeral bills, or pain suffered by survivors of the victim. We have seen the devastation that reckless behavior behind the wheel can cause and have represented numerous families in various cases. In 2010, John Perconti obtained $6.5 million in a settlement for the family of a 32-year old woman who was killed in an accident with a semi-truck, including personal injuries suffered by her husband and child. The wrongful death portion of the settlement, $4.7 million, was the highest wrongful death settlement ever recorded in Kane County, Illinois.

If you have lost a loved one in a trucking accident due to the negligence or carelessness of the driver, please contact our law firm for more information. We have the experience necessary to help your family recuperate after the loss of a loved one, in addition to uncovering the act of negligence that caused the accident.