Articles Posted in Car Accident

If you live in or work in Chicago, chances are that you are painfully aware of the blizzard that hit the city over the weekend. Now that the storm system has moved east, officials are able to confirm that the storm was the fifth largest multi-day blizzard to hit the city in recorded history.

The snow began to fall on Saturday evening and continued without a break until approximately 7:30 a.m. Monday though some areas felt the storm’s impact beyond that time frame. O’Hare Airport recorded 19.3 inches of snow over the multi-day storm while Midway Airport reported 18.4 inches as of Sunday night. In addition to the amount of snow that fell, conditions were worsened by a significant wind in the area that caused blowing and blustery conditions, burying some areas of roads that had been previously cleared by emergency crews and making some areas impassable.

Commuters across Chicago awoke this morning to varying conditions on the local roads and expressways. At this time, no serious car accidents have been reported coming into the city but several minor incidents have occurred and many vehicles can be seen off the roads’ surfaces, stranded in ditches or along medians. Officials are encouraging all commuters to take their time making it to work today and to be prepared for slow, congested conditions throughout the city as many areas still need to be plowed.

The commute may be long for those who choose to take public transportation as well. While both the CTA and Metra were optimistic about their ability to run on-schedule today, both agencies have reported spotty delays that are affecting mostly the inbound commutes. The CTA’s Yellow Line has been slowed due to a mechanical issue on one of the trains and Metra’s busiest line, the BNSF, was experiencing inbound delays of nearly an hour in some situations. At least one train was cancelled and another was being stopped due to the poor weather conditions.

Chicago Public Schools are closed today as are many private and charter schools in the area which means that many children will be at home today with parents or other guardians. Those who are looking to get their kids out of the house for an activity may find the roads challenging until the late afternoon today or possibly after the evening rush hour so the risk of an accident will persist for some time.

Winter weather is an unavoidable phenomenon in Chicago and across Illinois but that does not mean that car accidents must happen as a result. The weather rarely is the sole cause of a collision but most often combines with actions taken or not taken by a driver to create a dangerous situation that may lead to an impact. Whether a motorist is following too closely, driving too fast for conditions, or fails to appreciate how treacherous the roads are, car accidents may happen today and may leave victims injured.
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The inherent dangers associated with a car accident in Chicago or in Illinois cannot be overstated. From physical damage to a vehicle to the injuries that may result and even the emotional harm caused by a crash, the toll enacted when cars collide is significant and can affect not only those involved but also their family members and loved ones.

This harm can happen even in a single-vehicle collision. While many car accidents happen because two or more cars collide, others occur and involve only one vehicle for a number of reasons. A mechanical failure, a blown tire, poor weather conditions, or distracted driving are some of the common factors cited when a single car crash happens but they are far from the only ones. These accidents can harm the drivers involved, the passengers in their car, or even those outside of the vehicle including pedestrians or others who happen to be in the area. When a crash happens and injuries result, the laws in Illinois may enable victim to obtain financial payment for their injuries if those victims seek help with a legal claim. Speaking with an attorney who handles personal injury cases can help you understand what relief may be possible and if you have a valid claim if a collision has impacted your life.

Chicago police are still reviewing the facts surrounding a single car accident early Friday morning on the city’s Far South Side. Officials have stated that the accident happened when a car traveling in the 800 block of West 107th Avenue lost control, left the road’s surface, and struck a nearby home. The incident happened around 1:00 a.m. and the cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.

The crash may have involved high speeds and caused significant damage both to the vehicle involved and the home that was hit. Five people were inside the home and were sleeping when they heard the crash and noticed things inside the house falling to the ground, but none of those in the home were injured. Emergency medical crews responded to the area and assessed the driver of the car who sustained significant, but undisclosed, injuries in the incident and was taken by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Police started an investigation into this incident when they arrived on scene shortly after 1:00 a.m. and their review of all relevant facts is ongoing at this time. The outcome of their investigation may determine whether the driver erred prior to the crash or whether that driver will face any traffic or criminal charges for the collision that knocked several bricks free from the house but left the house standing.
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In most instances, rollover accidents begin with an initial impact between a rolling car and another object – called a “tripped” collision – whether that object is a second vehicle, a curb, or a fixed object near the roadway. In other instances, a rollover happens without an initial impact and is an untripped rollover. These may happen if a vehicle takes a corner at a speed too high to be safe or if a tire blows and causes a driver to lose control.

Rollover accidents are some of the most deadly forms of collisions that plague the streets of Chicago. Unlike a crash that leaves a vehicle standing upright, a rollover collision involves multiple impacts at multiple points on the vehicle. Damage to a front end, rear end, side, roof, and floor are all possible when a vehicle rolls and the odds of damage increase as the number of rollovers compound. Importantly, safety advances that have made collisions much more survivable have had little effect on rollovers in recent decades as the new addition of these features rarely focuses on the roof of a vehicle.

Though rollover collisions are serious and may cause injuries, the victims of these crashes should know that relief may be available and may be able to provide these victims with the compensation they deserve. Claims for relief are separate and distinct from any traffic or criminal charges that may be sought by the State of Illinois and may include a claim for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages among any other damages that result from a crash. The facts of an accident can determine what relief may be possible and whether payment is possible so if you have been injured or if your loved one has been hurt, speaking to a lawyer in Chicago may help you understand your legal options following an accident.

On Sunday morning, a car traveling in the 3600 block of West Foster Avenue sideswiped a second vehicle in the area before colliding with a bus stop. The force of the impact then led the vehicle to roll over and left one passenger with significant injuries. Police and emergency crews responded to the scene and evaluated three people inside the car; reportedly, a 22-year-old male driver and another male passenger were uninjured while a 23-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to an area hospital.

Fortunately, officials have confirmed that no pedestrians were in the area of the bus stop at the time of the 1:00 a.m. crash and that those inside the first car were the only ones hurt.

At this time, the 22-year-old driver is facing charges for failing to stay within a lane of traffic and failing to reduce speed to avoid a collision. The investigation is ongoing at this time, though, so it is possible that additional charges may be issued.
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Los estimados de seguros indican que un conductor típico Americano estará involucrado en tres o cuatro accidentes de carro sobre el curso de su vida. Si usted conduce más que el promedio o si a menudo es un pasajero en un vehículo, la probabilidad de estar involucrado en colisiones adicionales aumenta con el tiempo dentro de un automóvil, camión o camioneta.

La buena noticia es que muchos de estos accidentes que se producen se consideran pequeños y, aunque pueden causar daños a los vehículos, no resultan en lesiones a los involucrados. Sin embargo, aunque muchos de ellos son pequeños, muchos otros son graves y pueden dejar a las víctimas alteradas permanentemente después de un accidente con lesiones, daños y sufrimiento emocional que pueden durar días a un curso de la vida. En las peores colisiones, una víctima puede perder su vida y los familiares de las víctimas nunca podrán recuperarse de esa pérdida.

La mayoría de los accidentes de tráfico que se producen en el área metropolitana de Chicago no son en realidad accidentes, sino más bien se debe a un error, o conducta negligente por parte de alguien involucrado. Cuando estas instancias conducen a lesiones, las leyes del estado reconocen que es injusto esperar que las víctimas inocentes paguen por sus propios daños, y por lo tanto las leyes permiten que estas víctimas busquen compensación financiera después de un accidente. Alivio puede ser disponible para cubrir cosas como gastos médicos, dolor y sufrimiento, y la pérdida de salario, pero le corresponde a la víctima tomar las medidas necesarias para obtener esta ayuda si lo quieren. Si un accidente de tráfico ha afectado su vida o herido a su ser querido, puede obtener las respuestas que necesita al hablar con un abogado de lesiones personales en Chicago que se encarga de estos tipos de reclamos.

Poco antes de las 6:00 am del jueves, la Policía del Estado de Illinois fueron alertados de un accidente de tráfico de un solo vehículo en la I-55 cerca de la avenida Western incitando una respuesta en la escena. Las autoridades evaluaron el carro y determinaron que dos personas adentro resultaron heridas en el accidente y estaban en necesidad de tratamiento médico así que esas víctimas fueron transportadas a hospitales en el área. Mientras que los oficiales han confirmado estas lesiones, no han indicado la naturaleza del el daño sostenido aparte de decir que se espera que las dos víctimas vivan.

La policía está haciendo una investigación sobre este incidente para determinar las causas del accidente y si el conductor implicado fue culpable por la colisión. Las autoridades creen que el conductor perdió el control del carro por razones desconocidas, causando que el vehículo choque con una mediana de cemento mientras viajaba, y causando un accidente que dejó por lo menos dos carriles del I-55 cerrado por una hora. Durante la hora punta esta mañana, las autoridades fueron capaces de retirar el vehículo y volver a abrir todos los carriles de tráfico para los otros viajeros.
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A typical idea of a car accident may conjure an image of two vehicles colliding, resulting in some minor damage to the vehicles and causing some anger and frustration among the drivers involved. In fact, car accidents in Chicago can involve any number of vehicles from one to dozens and may only cause property damage or may cause much greater devastation. In 2012, there were 274,111 traffic related collisions in the State of Illinois and more than 60,000 of those caused injuries to at least one person involved. Nearly 900 collisions proved fatal.

With a greater number of vehicles involved in a crash comes a greater potential for victims to result. This is particularly true when a high capacity vehicle is involved, like a van, bus, or other transit vehicle because these vehicles tend to have a large number of passengers who may be hurt. The fallout from these crashes can become complicated and can turn into a “he said, she said” situation as the drivers of the cars blame one another. Police and local officials may attempt to sort out the actions from a criminal standpoint but this can leave victims wondering whether anyone will help them or be on their side. Fortunately, car accident victims in Chicago have express rights that cannot be taken away by a negligent driver. But these victims must affirmatively seek the help they deserve by bringing a civil claim, a type of action that is unique and separate from any traffic or criminal charges brought against a driver and these claims can be brought with the help of a personal injury lawyer.

As rush hour began Thursday morning, three cars were involved in a collision on the Stevenson Expressway in the northbound lanes. At this early state, state troopers who responded to the scene have not yet revealed a suspected cause of the crash or whether any of the drivers involved were at-fault. It is also not clear whether any traffic tickets have been or will be issued as a result of this incident.

Emergency crews were on the scene near Harlem Avenue and they assessed multiple people who were involved. Several victims suffered injuries and had to be transported via ambulance to area hospitals but it is not known what their injuries were or whether anyone was facing life-threatening injuries.
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The typical image of a car accident might conjure two cars getting into a fender bender and the frustrated drivers that are left behind. In reality, there are thousands of ways that a car crash may occur and they may involve anywhere from one to dozens of vehicles. In Chicago, many people are killed every year in single vehicle car accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 561 fatalities from single vehicle traffic accidents in 2013 alone. In addition to those victims who lost their lives, many more were injured and the effects of these crashes extend to the families, friends, and loved ones of those involved. When a single car accident takes place, many Chicago victims do not realize that they are still entitled to relief and to help for their damages even if the driver of their vehicle was responsible for the crash. The laws that apply depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding an individual crash so those who have been hurt may want to speak with an injury lawyer to learn about their options.

Early Sunday morning, an SUV in Chicago left the road’s surface and struck a pole near the street, causing the vehicle to catch fire and injuring those inside. The incident occurred in the 1200 block of South Clinton Street shortly before 3:00 a.m. and is still under investigation.

Police believe that a male was operating the SUV but there has been no word on what caused the collision. Three males were inside the vehicle and two, a 25-year-old man and a 42-year-old man, were killed in the accident. A third male, aged 26, survived the accident but was critically injured. Emergency crews took that man to an area hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries and his current status is not clear.

The SUV was on fire when police arrived at the scene and firefighters were able to extinguish the flame after a short battle.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 18 percent of all fatal pedestrian traffic accidents involve a hit-and-run driver, or nearly one if five fatal crashes. In Illinois, including Chicago, it is illegal to leave the scene of a crash without being authorized to do so by police except in limited situations, but drivers continue to do so every year regardless of the consequences. Hit-and-run accidents often leave behind victims who are too hurt to call for help, meaning that a fleeing driver is the only chance these victims have of getting the help they need. Fleeing drivers deny victims the ability to get help and for that reason, the laws of the state assess harsh penalties against hit-and-run drivers who are apprehended. Doing so can be a felony and if a victim dies in the accident, the fleeing motorist may face between three and 14 years in prison for his or her actions.

Whether a fleeing driver is caught or not, the victims of these accidents and their family members may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries, including the medical bills they incur. If a driver is later identified, it is possible that multiple claims may exist and may enable that victim to obtain all the relief he or she deserves. Speaking with a personal injury attorney in Chicago may help you understand your options if a fleeing driver left you hurt or if you suffered.

A collision between a speeding SUV and a pedestrian in Waukeegan on Sunday night initially left the victim critically injured. Now, authorities have confirmed that the victim lost his life due to the injuries he sustained.

The incident happened shortly before midnight near Butrick Street and Tamera Court. A group of pedestrians were walking in the area when witnesses say that a speeding SUV approached the group and struck a 21-year-old man, leaving him critically injured. The victim was taken to Vista Medical Center East for emergency treatment following the accident. Though doctors were able to improve the man’s condition, his injuries proved too severe and he died three days after the crash.

The driver of the SUV involved in the accident fled the scene northbound and has not yet been identified or apprehended. Waukeegan police are asking for help from the public and encouraging anyone with information to come forward and report what they know. if the driver is identified, it is possible that the motorist will face multiple charges for the role he or she played in the collision.
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What kind of vehicle do you drive, if you choose to drive in Chicago? Is it an older model with limited features but a reliable ride to get you from one place to another? Or is it a newer model with every conceivable safety feature from additional airbags to exterior sensors that detect traffic and adjust the vehicle in response? Regardless of the car you drive, you are still at a risk for being involved in a car accident if you drive in Chicago or anywhere else in the nation. Car accidents take place every day and many of them lead to injuries to the drivers and passengers involved.

Rear-end accidents are more common than many other types of collisions, and fortunately, some of these crashes result only in damage to the cars involved. While it can be distressing to have a damaged car, it is nothing compared to the damage that comes when someone is hurt. Injuries from a collision often range from bruising and soft tissue damage to broken bones to head and neck injuries. In some cases, paralysis may occur or a victim may lose his or her life.

When a car accident happens, numerous officials may be involved in an investigation. Police officers and prosecuting attorneys may review the actions of the drivers involved to determine if a traffic ticket or a criminal charge should be issued. But these officials often work with an at-fault driver and attempt to seek relief for the State of Illinois; rarely do they represent the interests of victims. Instead, Illinois law and the laws of Chicago entitle victims to seek relief outside of any charges that may be issued and this help can be sought through the use of a civil claim for damages. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help you understand your legal options if you have been hurt, including whether you have a valid claim for relief.

Around 2:00 a.m. today, a single-car accident occurred in East Side and left a driver dead, according to local authorities. Officials responded near the 11900 block of South Avenue O and determined that a female driver lost control of her vehicle and left the road’s surface, causing the car to strike a fence and then break through the fence. The impact forced the car to roll over and led to the driver’s death.

While no conclusions have been made, officials do not believe that any other vehicles were involved at this time and they do not think that any passengers were inside the car prior to the impact.

There has been no word on what caused the driver to lose control or whether any outside forces factored into this collision, prompting officials to investigate multiple scenarios into the crash.
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If you drive in Chicago, you are required by law to observe and follow all rules of the road and traffic laws. This holds true elsewhere in Illinois and across the country, though the specific laws may vary. Failing to obey traffic rules can lead to a citation or even a crash in some cases and can lead to civil charges.

Car accidents may lead victims to sustain injuries ranging from minor to severe; in the worst cases, a victim may lose his or her life due to the result of a crash, causing damages that can never be repaired fully. Illinois law recognizes that car accidents are a serious threat to public safety and to victims, so in an effort to minimize the suffering of the innocent, the laws enable victims to seek relief through the use of a civil claim. Speaking to a personal injury lawyer in the greater Chicago area may help you understand your rights and your options if a collision has affected your life or injured your loved one.

Before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, two vehicles collided in Wilmington near Old Chicago Road and Wilmington-Peotone Road, and officials suspect that one of the cars may have failed to yield the right-of-way. The vehicles were traveling westbound and northbound and collided in the intersection and a 23-year-old driver lost her life as a result. The driver of the second vehicle, a 42-year-old woman, was injured in the accident but is expected to survive.

Local officials responded to the accident and began an investigation. They have reported that one of the cars involved had a stop sign at the intersection and that the vehicle may have failed to yield but they have not confirmed which victim was operating that car. Authorities have stated that their investigation remains open and that it may take some time before an official cause of the collision is determined.
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Every year, Illinois takes steps to make the roads safer and to increase precautionary measures to decrease the number of car accidents that occur annually. Despite all these changes, though, collisions continue to occur and more than 250,000 collisions occurred in 2011 alone. Many of those crashes resulted in injuries to the drivers and passengers involved while others left pedestrians, bicyclists, or even motorcyclists hurt.

Most car accidents take place because one or more drivers involved make an error or fail to act safely. Under the law, this conduct may be considered negligent and may lead to legal implications for an at-fault driver. In addition to a traffic ticket or other charge, a responsible driver may be forced to bear the financial responsibility for all damages that result. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other losses, depending on the specific facts of a crash. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago may help you understand your options for relief if you have been injured or if your loved one has been hurt in a crash.

Police in Chicago were alerted to a collision involving two cars near the West Ohio Street Ramp that leads to the Kennedy Expressway around 2:00 a.m. this morning. Police have not confirmed the number of people inside those two vehicles but they have reported that emergency crews on the scene evaluated three individuals and transported them to area hospitals for treatment. Though they are all expected to survive, the current conditions and the nature of the injuries sustained have not been disclosed at this time.

The ramp at issue leads to the southbound Kennedy Expressway and the collision caused some temporary traffic problems in the area. All lanes are reportedly clear at this time.

While it has been confirmed that two vehicles collided, police have not disclosed what caused the crash pending the outcome of their own investigation. That outcome may determine whether any traffic citations will be issued or whether any motorist involved will face criminal charges for this collision.
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