Illinois Truck Accident Lawyer Blog

Sleep Apnea Gets 11 Recommendations by the FMCSA

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:42:31 -0600

TodaysTrucking.com released a news article earlier today detailing eleven new recommendations that have been issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pertaining to large commercial vehicle drivers and sleep apnea. These recommendations come in light of a joint meeting that was conducted this past week involving the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and the Medical Review Board.

The eleven recommendations contain various provisions and requirements, such as requiring all commercial vehicle drivers’ license holders who maintain a body mass index measurement (BMI) of 35 or higher be tested for sleep apnea. Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that an acceptable method of treatment for sleep apnea in truck drivers is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

However, any further rulemaking or guidance based on the eleven recommendations for large commercial vehicle drivers with sleep apnea – the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will open up these issues for public comment. Overall, our accident attorneys in Chicago read that rulemaking on this issued will take numerous years to develop. Meanwhile, while the United States is deciding on potential legislation dealing with this severely controversial and discussed issue, the Canadian Trucking Alliance is preparing a sleep apnea testing pilot program that will be implemented in the spring.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute defines sleep apnea as a disorder in which an individual who suffers from the condition displays one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breathes during sleep. This condition ultimately results in poor sleep quality that makes the individual who suffers from sleep apnea to be extremely fatigued during the day. Sleep apnea continues to remain one of the primary leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness.

If a large commercial vehicle driver suffers from sleep apnea and does not receive treatment for the condition, the results can be extremely hazardous – both for the individual sufferer, as well as, other vehicles traveling on the roadway with the driver. A recent study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed that as least 28 percent of all commercial drivers’ license holders suffer from sleep apnea.

An additional study by the FMCSA showed that drivers who operated with untreated sleep apnea performed significantly worse on tests than healthy subjects who were alert but had a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the federal limit for operating a large commercial vehicle.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois trucking accident due to truck driver fatigue or sleep apnea, please contact an experienced Chicago accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Trucking Carrier Shut Down by FMCSA for Violations

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:23:11 -0600

Earlier today, a Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm learned that a trucking carrier has been shut down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shortly after being deemed an “imminent hazard” to the safety of the traveling public. After extensive review and subsequent investigation conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration it was revealed that the trucking company had violated several federal safety violations. These violations ranged from using drivers who did not maintain valid commercial large commercial vehicle driver’s licenses, as well as, using drivers who failed to meet the federal English-proficiency requirements.

The news report detailing the carrier’s shut down, found on Indianapolis Business Journal Online, further revealed that a number of the trucking carrier’s drivers may ultimately face civil penalties, as well as, driver disqualification for their numerous safety violations. Prior to the company’s shut down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, local authorities had conducted a total of 26 roadside inspections of the company’s large commercial vehicles between November 3 and January 27. Of those inspections, the trucking carrier’s drivers received citations 21 times for not being proficient in English, 12 times for not having a commercial vehicle driver’s license, 10 times for exceeding vehicle weight limits, in addition to, 8 times for exceeding tire-weight limits.

Overall, our Chicago trucking accident attorneys learned that trucking carrier continued to operate and violate the same regulations despite receiving numerous warnings. The carrier will ultimately face severe fines of up to $16,000 per day if they continue operate -- post the declaration of the company by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as an “imminent harm” to the general public. However, the company is allowed to resume business, if and only if, they correct the various issues at hand and develop a strict compliance plan with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Any Chicago truck accident attorney will tell you that semi truck rules and regulations are established by both the federal and state government to ensure the safety of our roadways. These rules are enacted to prevent the thousands of injuries and fatalities that ensue each year as a direct result of trucking accidents. These regulations require that large commercial vehicle drivers adhere to a minimum standard of care when operating their commercial vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a large commercial vehicle driver standard of care is defined as the prevention of accidents by anticipating hazardous situations and adjusting driving behavior to compensate. Any violation of this standard may be grounds for negligence if an accident ensues.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settled in 2010 Bus Accident

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:12:34 -0600

A wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a fatal 2010 bus accident that took the life of a 16 year-old boy has reached a settlement, according to a news report posted on Fox4KC.com. The bus accident in question transpired during the early morning hours of November 2010 when a 23 year-old bus driver geared up to drive her school bus on its designated route. It was particularly cold on that day and the bus’s windows were extremely icy. The driver failed to clear the windows before beginning travel – even opening the bus’s door in order to get a better look while driving. Subsequently, as a result of failure to maintain clear windows while driving the bus driver struck and killed a 16 year-old boy.

Ultimately, our Chicago truck accident lawyers learned that the lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of the 16 year-old boy by his mother, reached a $5 million settlement against one of the nation’s biggest transportation providers. In part of the wrongful death settlement, the boy’s mother will be allowed to speak at driver trainings for the company in order to address the various issues surrounding the wrongful operation of a 26,000 pound vehicle. The news report also reveals that the school board will review next Monday if they will continue their contract with the bus’s company.

Any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that large commercial vehicles, whether that is a school bus or a semi tractor-trailer, are considerably less maneuverable than other types of vehicles and must be operated with the highest care and expertise. Although large commercial vehicle drivers are required to undergo extensive training and obtain a specialized license in order to operate their vehicles, often times Illinois trucking accidents occur through driver error or negligence.

When a large commercial vehicle driver operates while fatigued, distracted (cell phone use or texting), or even under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substance and causes a motor vehicle collision with another vehicle, accident victims may have a cause of action against the commercial vehicle driver and his/her company for negligence.

If you have been injured in a passenger vehicle or truck accident or have lost a loved one due to the careless of negligent acts of a driver, please contact our experienced Illinois truck accident attorneys as soon as possible. Our knowledgeable attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights, representation and remedies may be available to you.

Driver Injured in Belleville Tractor-Trailer Accident

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:08:43 -0600

Belleville News-Democrat Online released a news report earlier today detailing an Illinois trucking accident that occurred on Illinois 15. The report states that a passenger vehicle was traveling westbound on Illinois 15 near the intersection of 11th Street in Belleville when the vehicle slammed into the rear ended of a semi tractor-trailer. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that the driver of the passenger vehicle required advanced medical attention for unknown injuries. The collision caused the right westbound lane of Illinois 15 to remain closed for several hours while local authorities investigated the accident.

According to a witness of the tractor-trailer impact, the accident transpired during severe traffic congestion. It is alleged that the driver of the passenger vehicle attempted to serve away from the truck prior to the collision. Fortunately, no other motor vehicles were involved in this collision and the driver of the tractor-trailer remained unharmed. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers learned that the accident still remains under thorough investigation by Illinois police and no citations have been issues as of press time.

Although our Illinois trucking accident blog frequently reports the devastating effects of semi truck accidents caused by commercial vehicle drivers, often times the unsafe acts of passenger vehicle drivers causes the occurrence of these life-altering accidents. Even though drivers of commercial vehicles are held to an advanced standard of care when operating large trucks, passenger vehicle drivers also have an obligation to operate in a safe and lawful manner.

According to a study recently completed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, every year over 40,000 people are killed in motor vehicle accidents – with over 5,000 of these fatalities resulting from collisions involving large commercial vehicles. Additional statistics reveal that large commercial vehicle drivers were held liable for these collisions about 44% of the time.

Every year, our accident lawyers in Chicago handle a variety of cases for clients who have had their lives turned upside down as the result of a motor vehicle collision. When the negligent driving of another vehicle results in severe injury or even death, civil litigation can often be sought. Accident victims may be able to obtain compensation for their damages that include but are not limited to: lost wages, medical expenses, physical and emotion pain and suffering, in addition to, punitive damages which aim to punish the negligent party’s wrongful behavior.

If you have been involved in an accident, please contact our experienced Chicago accident attorneys. Our lawyers will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Truck Accident Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of 14 Year-Old Pedestrian

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:31:18 -0600

Earlier today, a Chicago truck accident attorney at Levin & Perconti read a news report detailing a lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of a 14 year-old boy after he sustained severe personal injury in a devastating truck accident. LoHud.com reports that the injury-resulting accident transpired on May 5 when the middle school student was crossing the street outside of his school when he was struck by a large truck. The 14 year-old boy sustained a fracture to his skull, as well as, traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident. He spent over 13 days in the hospital before he was sent to rehabilitative care.

The lawsuit has been filed by the parents of the 14 year-old boy naming the truck driver, the school district, the county, as well as, the town as defendants in the truck accident lawsuit. Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that the family is asserting that with no crosswalk or crossing guard at the intersection where the tragic accident occurred, the intersection was not safe for children who walk to school. It is also alleged in the lawsuit that government officials in the town and county had a legal duty to provide safe routes to school and to install traffic-control devices and a crosswalk.

However, the news report points out that the family filed a notice of claim against the town past the 90-day deadline and have asked the court for permission to file a late notice. Our accident attorneys in Chicago learned that the town has opposed this motion, alleging that the roadway in question is owned by the county and they are not permitted to install traffic-control devices. The county, as well as, the school district have filed motions for summary judgment in order to get the case dismissed.

The county asserts that the truck accident lawsuit does not meet the legal standard for constituting negligence, in part due to the fact that the boy’s family was never notified the county of the dangerous roadway conditions along that particular road. On the other hand, the county asserts that the town did have the authority to install a crosswalk along the accident’s roadway.

When these types of devastating personal injury accidents transpire, it is important to obtain experienced legal aid in order to obtain the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident or have lost a loved one, please contact our knowledgeable attorneys to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Illinois Truck Driver Killed in Collision with Horse Trailer

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:04:21 -0600

A 50 year-old semi truck driver was killed earlier this morning in a collision with a horse trailer – according to a report posted on ChicagoTribune.com. Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys learned that earlier today an empty horse trailer came loose from an SUV on an interstate toll road and collided into a semi tractor-trailer. Although the horse trailer was empty, upon becoming dislodged from the SUV the trailer jumped the roadway’s median and traveled into the eastbound lanes of the roadway. The collision with the semi truck caused the truck’s driver to lose control of his large commercial vehicle and cross into the westbound lanes of the roadway.

The driver of the large commercial vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident after suffering an apparent blunt force trauma. According to local authorities, the driver of the SUV was not under the influence of alcohol or substances and did not appear to make any unsafe lane changes prior to the semi truck accident. The SUV driver has not received a citation or charged in connection with the fatal accident.

While a majority of semi truck accidents occur as a direct result of semi truck driver negligence, truck drivers are not always at fault, such as in this case. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers continue to strongly encourage and promote safe driving for drivers of all type of motor vehicles. Often times, these types of accident occur when driver deviate from Illinois driving laws. Failure to follow these laws may result in a strict fine, or even worse – a fatal Illinois trucking accident.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys have represented hundreds of victims of negligence and know first-hand the devastating and life-altering effects that motor vehicle accident can have on victims and their entire families. Many times, seriously injured victims and their families are faced with large medical expenses, lost income, long recoveries, and even life-long disability. Due to this, victims of these devastating accidents should seek legal relief in order to recover compensation if their accident was caused by the negligence of others.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of negligent driver, you may be able to seek compensation for damages incurred. Please contact our experienced and knowledgeable Chicago truck accident attorneys to see what legal rights, representation and relief may be available to you.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed after Fatal Fire Truck Accident

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:59:46 -0600

A Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm recently read a news report posted on SiLive.com detailing a wrongful death lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of a victim of a fire truck accident. The accident in question occurred in March 2011 when a fire truck was in route to respond to a vehicular fire on an interstate highway. The fire truck came to an intersection where the opposing way of travel had the green light. A passenger van carrying developmentally disabled adults was traveling through the intersection when the fire truck fatally struck the van. The accident caused the subsequent death of a 51 year-old passenger, critically injured two, in addition to, causing minor injuries to the remaining six van occupants, as well as, six fire fighters.

The wrongful death lawsuit names the City of New York, as well as, the passenger van’s driver and company as defendants in the suit. The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of monetary damages. This lawsuit marks the second lawsuit that has been filed as a result of this devastating accident. In December of last year, the family of a 61 year-old passenger filed a wrongful death lawsuit after the victim’s critical injuries ultimately proved fatal. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers learned that according to New York state law, the driver of an emergency vehicle may proceed past a steady or flashing red signal or stop sign “only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation.”

The driver may exceed the maximum speed limits as long as he/she does not endanger life or property. In an unfortunate turn of events, it was later revealed that the call the fire trucks were responding to turned out to be nothing more than an overheated passenger vehicle. The president of the passenger van’s company releases a statement which revealed that the company that a police investigation had cleared the company of any responsibility in the accident. Any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that given the sheer size, weight, and speed of travel at which fire trucks operates – the potential for a serious and life-threatening accident resulting in personal injury or wrongful death substantially increases.

Our Illinois trucking accident attorneys share firsthand knowledge when handling accidents involving any and all types of motor vehicles – including fire trucks. Recently, our attorneys obtained a $10 million settlement on behalf of a 5 year-old boy who sustained critical injury when he was run over by a City of Chicago Fire Department truck while playing in an open fire hydrant. The resulting injury included the loss of his leg, as well as, half of his pelvis. If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident or have lost a loved one, please contact our experienced accident lawyers to see what legal rights may be available to you.

10 Injured in Kane County Bus Accident

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:57:31 -0600

MyFoxChicago.com recently released a news report detailing a devastating Kane County school bus accident that resulted in the injury of nine special-needs schoolchildren, as well as, the driver of the school bus. Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that according to police reports, the accident transpired as the bus was traveling eastbound on Granart Road when it traveled off the roadway for an unknown reason. The bus driver attempted to adjust the vehicle’s path but was unable to before the school bus went into an off-roadway ditch. Subsequently, this caused the school bus to tipped over onto its side – but did not roll over. Fortunately, all of the school children were wearing safety belts which ultimately help prevent substantial severe injury.

At the time of the initial report, the bus accident remained under investigation with no citations being issued. However, earlier today our accident lawyers in Chicago read a follow up article to the unfortunate accident posted on DailyHerald.com. According to the news article, a number of students on the bus, which was operated by Illinois Central School Bus, assert that the accident occurred as a result of the bus driver falling asleep behind the wheel. Several witnesses have stepped forward alleging that the school bus driver has displayed a continued pattern of fatigued driving, beginning when the driver began the bus route in September.

Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys learned that many of the school-children began noticing a regular pattern of the bus driving nodding off and swerving erratically during travel. One of the students even alerted her mother about her concerns who subsequently called into Illinois Central numerous times to complain. However, the safety director of Illinois Central has released a statement asserting that his company never received complaints about the driver although the driver was monitored in October after a concerned call from the school district.

A camera was equipped into the driver’s bus for several days while he was being monitored. The driver’s company found no evidence of the driver falling asleep during transportation. Shortly thereafter, the bus company contacted the school district to let them know that the driver posed no safety concerns. According to the news report, the Kane County sheriff’s officials are still conducted a thorough investigation into the accident and officials are not planning to release the information pertaining to the accident until late next week. The driver’s toxicology results are still pending.

Lawsuit Filed in Fatal 2011 Bus-Truck Accident

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:27:39 -0600

Yesterday, our Illinois truck accident attorneys read a report detailing an accident lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of a 43-year old woman who sustained fatal injuries in a devastating bus-truck collision. According to the news report, published on NationalPost.com, the fatal accident occurred in August of 2011 when the charter bus the woman was traveling on collided into the rear end of a flatbed semi tractor-trailer. Since the fatal accident, which also injured thirteen other passengers, the family of the deceased woman has filed a $4.25 million lawsuit against the trucking company, as well as, the drivers of the vehicles involved in the accident.

Shortly thereafter the fatal accident, the bus driver was charged with criminal negligence causing death and possession of cannabis. The lawsuit asserts that the driver’s bus company acted negligently by allowing their driver to allegedly operate the bus while impaired, in addition to, in possession of marijuana. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that in the claim, the plaintiffs allege that the driver had been smoking marijuana and at the time of the fatal accident, his faculties of observation, perception, judgment, as well as, self control were impaired.

Additionally, given the driver’s physical and mental condition, he was incompetent to operate a charter bus with reasonable care and attention. The family of the deceased seeks claims of $250,000 in special damages, $3 million in general damages, in addition to, $1 million in punitive, exemplary and aggravated damages against the charter bus driver and his trucking carrier.

Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys continue to encourage trucking and bus companies to hold their large commercial vehicle drivers to strict and unparallel standards when operating such massive vehicles. Our attorneys know first-hand the tragic loss of life and/or serious injury that will almost always result from driver negligence. If the driver of any type of vehicle operates in a careless manner and causes an accident that results in a fatality, the driver may be held legally liable for the wrongful death of another.

Drivers have a duty to themselves, as well as, other to operate their vehicle safely and when this is breach and injuries are sustained, legal action can and should be sought. If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking 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 may be available to you.

House Bill for Heavier Trucks Under Review

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:15:54 -0600

Earlier today, Transport Topics Online published a news report which revealed the reauthorization of a House of Representatives bill that would allow states the option of allowing heavier trucks on the nation’s roadways. Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that the bill, which was unveiled the morning, would permit large commercial travel for vehicles that may weigh as much as 97,000 pounds despite significant opposition by numerous highway safety law enforcement and railroad groups. However, trucking carriers, as well as, shipping and manufactures show high support for longer, heavier commercial vehicles.

Under current federal law, all states must allow tractor-trailers to haul 28-foot double trailers along the National Highway System. Although, if the transportation bill passes, states will be mandated to permit double, 33-feet long tractor-trailers on the national network and on access highways. The $260 billion, five-year transportation bill is highly associated with another bill in the House of Representatives that would permit the expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling, including drilling throughout Alaska, in order to pay for transportation infrastructure.

Any accident attorney in Chicago will tell you that large commercial vehicles; which include semi trucks, tractor-trailers, as well as, heavy cargo vans account for a significant of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. According to SafeRoads.org, people in passenger vehicles are particularly vulnerable in the event of a collision with a large commercial vehicle given the significant weight difference between passenger vehicles and large trucks. SafeRoads.org also reveals that in two-vehicle crashes involving passenger vehicles and large commercial vehicles, 98 percent of fatalities were the occupants of the passenger vehicle.

Additionally, those large trucks who weigh well over the current federally mandated 80,000 pound weight limit carry a substantial hazard and risk on our roadways. Not only do these larger commercial vehicles take significantly longer to break, they are more prone to rollover accidents, as well as, provide considerable structural damage to bridges and roadways. According to statistics provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the number of large truck-related deaths and injuries each year carry an enormous personal and financial price tag – the cost of large truck accidents in a year exceed $19 billion.

Large truck accidents can be particularly devastating and may cause severe personal injury and even premature fatality. If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident – or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver, please contact an Illinois accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Drug Testing Operator Pleads Guilty for False Truck Driver Results

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:08:28 -0600

Earlier today, a Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm read a particularly heinous report which detailed how a drug testing operator for large commercial drivers has pleaded guilty for falsifying test results. The news report, posted on LandlineMag.com, further revealed that the drug testing operator pleaded guilty earlier this month in a United States District Court for making a false statement regarding the United States Department of Transportation’s mandated drug testing for large commercial vehicle drivers. It has been released that the operator previously claimed that it provided trucking carriers with random drug testing for their commercial vehicle drivers from 2008-2009.

However, our accident attorneys in Chicago learned that this way not the case. In actuality, the operator used his company’s address and violated Department of Transportation-regulated chain of custody requirements by directly receiving the drug testing reports from laboratories. Upon receiving the truck driver’s drug tests with results that tested positive for drugs, the operator falsely identified himself as a medical review officer. In turn, the operator would prepare false control and custody forms – misrepresenting the forms stating that the truck driver had tested negative. Although the report does not confirm what type of penalty the operator will receive, but given the severe nature of the infraction the penalty will undoubtedly be substantial.

Drug screening of large commercial vehicle drivers has continued to prove to play a vital role in maintaining the safety of our nation’s roadways. According to NortonMedical.com, federally regulated drug testing began in 1989 when the United States Department of Transportation began mandating drug and alcohol testing programs for its workers. In the early years of the testing program, over 18% of large commercial vehicle driers tested positive for cocaine, marijuana, or amphetamine use. Since the continued enforcement of mandatory drug and alcohol screenings, the rate of positive drug tests has decreased significantly.

Any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that if you have been involved in an Illinois trucking accident, the large commercial vehicle driver is required by federal law to undergo an administered drug screening, as well as, a blood alcohol test within three hours of the accident. If tested positive for drugs, the truck driver may be subjected to both criminal and civil penalties. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one at the hands of an intoxicated truck driver, please contact our accident attorneys to ensure that you are fully compensated for injuries sustained.

Bus Company Placed Out-of-Service for Multiple Violations

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:28:44 -0600

CNN.com reports that a federal judge has recently placed a commercial bus company out-of-service after the company continued to operate despite violating an order from the United States Department of Transportation. The initial violations occurred on December 23 when the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ordered the bus company to shut down after a thorough inspection revealed numerous infractions, such as failed vehicle maintenance and drug and alcohol testing discrepancies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety then issued an additional cease-and-deist order to the company on January 5 – ordering the company to completely shut down after investigators exposed the company’s continued operation.

Yet, our Chicago truck accident lawyers read that the bus company still continued to operate despite receiving both notices from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In light of this, a United States District Court has issued a temporary restraining order against the bus company, barring the company from continued interstate bus operation. The Department of Transportation’s secretary released a statement in reference to the restraining order he filed and revealed that this type of irresponsible behavior at the hands of bus companies will not be tolerated and safety will continue to remain the Department of Transportation’s highest priority.

Over the past five years, our Chicago trucking accident attorneys learned that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has significantly increased the number of bus inspections administered each and every year. Additionally, comprehensive safety reviews has been conducted on every of the nation’s estimated 4,000 passenger bus companies. The United States Department of Transportation continues to encourage consumers to review the Department of Transportation’s pre-trip safety checklist before purchasing a bus ticket or hiring a bus company. The checklist contains information pertaining to a bus company’s safety record, safety rating, as well as, the Department of Transportation’s operating authority.

Since 1992, our Chicago trucking accident attorneys have represented clients who have sustained severe injury or harm in all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving large commercial buses, as well as, Illinois trucking accidents. Operators of large commercial vehicles have an increased responsible to safely operate their vehicles – some of which often weigh up to 80,000 pounds – in order to prevent serious and debilitating accidents from occurring. When commercial vehicle operators act in a negligent way that causes an accident, they may be held legally liable for the damages sustained. If you or a loved one has been harmed as a result of a commercial vehicle accident, please contact our experienced accident attorneys to see what legal rights may be available to you.

IDOT Implements Interstate Safety Barriers

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:05:39 -0600

A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm read a news report earlier this week detailing new safety measures taken by the Illinois Department of Transportation to improve interstate highway travel. According to the news report, published on NewsTrib.com, the Illinois Department of Transportation plans to construct center-median cabling from Utica to the Fox River alongside Interstate 80.

The project, which should be completed this coming summer, is designed to prevent tragic motor vehicle – including Illinois trucking accidents – in which these vehicles cross the grassy median and collide into oncoming traffic. An additional design aspect of the cable medians is to slowly stop out of control large commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. The safety measure is currently in use along Interstate 80 from Marseilles to Seneca and has been proven highly effective.

The Illinois Department of Transportation spokesman released a statement in light of the future implementation, stating that cable median barriers are significantly reducing cross-median crash and overall saving lives in Illinois. Previous accident statistics provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation revealed that in 2009, over 55 motor vehicle accident occurred between the stretch of interstate from La Salle to Ottawa. In 2010, there were a reported 59 motor vehicle accidents and one documented fatality on the same stretch of highway.

Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers learned that the safety project intends to complete most of the construction work during the daylight hours this summer, while majority of the construction-truck traffic and paving work will be completed during the nighttime in an effort to eliminate traffic congestion and risk. The safety measure is a part of an overall 5-year plan constructed by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Our accident lawyers in Chicago are pleased to learn about such beneficial roadway safety measures being implemented on our busy Illinois roadways. Cross median traffic accidents have proven to be a significant source of fatalities each and every year. With recent accident statistics provided by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, there are approximately 366 fatal cross median head-on motor vehicle accident accidents each year on our nation’s roadways. Although this number seems relatively small compared to most other traffic accident statistics, cross median crashes tend to be extremely severe and life-threatening.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our experienced accident attorneys to see what legal rights and representation may be available to you.

Illinois Driver Ticketed for Collision Involving Semi

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:38:31 -0600

Earlier today, the Belleville News Democrat Online posted a report detailing a particularly devastating Illinois trucking accident that resulted in three individuals sustaining severe personal injury. According to the news report, the accident transpired when the 21 year-old driver of a passenger vehicle collided into the rear end of a large semi tractor-trailer while traveling southbound on Interstate 255 near Dupo, Illinois. The passenger vehicle driver, as well as, his two passengers all required advanced medical attention for the severe injuries they sustained in the crash that caused the vehicle to become smashed beneath the large commercial vehicle.

According to Illinois authorities, the driver of the semi truck informed police that he was on the right shoulder of Interstate 255 and was using the shoulder to gain speed to merge into traffic on the interstate highway when he was rear-ended by the passenger vehicle. In the passenger vehicle driver’s statement to authorities, he revealed that he was unable to remember if he was traveling in the center lane or right lane before he struck the commercial vehicle. The motor vehicle driver admitted that he looked down at the radio seconds before the tragic collision and did not recall seeing the truck before the crash.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys learned that a witness at the accident scene told police that he observed the 21 year-old driver pass his vehicle in the right lane when he witnessed the semi truck using the shoulder of the interstate to gain speed before merging with traffic. The witness revealed that the truck had merged into the right lane of the roadway for at least seven second before the passenger vehicle collided into the large commercial vehicle. Subsequently, as a result of the accident in which three individuals sustained substantial serious injuries, the driver of the motor vehicle has received a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

While our Illinois truck accident blog frequently discusses the tragic consequences that often result from semi truck collisions caused by truck driver error, many times drivers of passenger vehicles are found to be responsible for these devastating collisions involving large commercial vehicles that often weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys continue to urge readers to exercise safe driving habits each and every time a motor vehicle is operated in order to help reduce and eventually eliminate the injuries and fatalities associated with motor vehicle accidents.

Distracted Driving a Continued Hot Topic for Debate

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:51:55 -0600

Earlier this week, American.com released an opinion article which detailed the frequently discussed topic of distracted driving. In an area which affects both the truck industry, as well as, the general public, the subject of driving while talking or texting on a cellular phone has been subjected to various laws enacted by numerous states. In one of our previous posts, our Illinois truck accident blog discussed the recent announcement that was made by the National Traffic Safety Board which recommended that all states ban drivers from using a portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Despite this recommendation, there is no state that currently bans the use of hands-free telecommunication devices for drivers.

Although there is no outright ban of cellular telephone use for drivers, numerous states have enacted several pieces of legislation which regulates electronic communication use. According to the Governors Highway Traffic Association, 35 states currently ban texting while driving, all the while nine states forbid hand-held cell phone use by drivers of motor vehicles and 30 states prohibit all cellular communication for new drivers. When it comes to regulating such a substantial issue that affects nearly all drivers, any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that it is important to look at the numerous studies that have been conducted to determine the risks associated with cellular device use and driving.

In July 2009, a study was conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute which revealed that texting while driving increases the probability of a motor vehicle accident by 20 times while dialing a cellular telephone increases the risk of a collision by 2.8 times. Overall, the study concluded that the most consequential factor in determining the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident is whether or not the operator of the vehicle keeps their eyes on the road. Similar statistics were gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2010 where it was revealed that of the 32,800 motor vehicle fatalities reported that year, over 3,000 were attributed to driver distraction. The study labeled driver distraction as: driver cell phone use, texting while driving, eating, drinking, using in-vehicle technology, as well as, conversing with passengers.

Unfortunately, our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that although numerous states have enacted legislation which bans texting while driving, the issue of comparing cell phone use to texting as a primary source of driver distraction is limited given that there is no empirical evidence to support this claim. Currently, federal regulatory agencies lump the two categories together making it impossible to distinguish accident statistics between the two. The news article points out that the sooner nationwide legislation is enacted to prevent dangerous driving habits, the sooner our roads will become a much safer place to travel.