DUI Category Archives — Page 12 of 13 — Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog Published by Chicago, Illinois Injury & Accident Attorneys

Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes wish everyone a safe Fourth of July

July 4, 2009 | By Dave Abels

Fourth of July holiday weekends claim an average of 500 to 700 lives in traffic fatalities and almost half are alcohol related, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2006 was the deadliest this decade with 659 fatalities, compared to the 200 that were recorded in 2007 when Fourth of July fell on a Wednesday.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is urging motorists to buckle up, stay sober, comply with posted speed limits and use extra caution in construction zones.

“While we want everyone to enjoy their holiday weekend, we must put safety first and remind motorists to not drink and drive and to be conscious of work zones,” said IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig. “We will limit lane closures where possible to provide some relief to those travelling over the holiday weekend, but some areas will still have workers present, so please obey the posted speed limits and drive cautiously.”

Illinois State Police will be conducting a DUI crackdown.

“The sad reality is that numerous lives are impacted every day in Illinois because of an impaired driver,” Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken said. “Even with the raised awareness about the consequences of drinking and driving, there are still those who choose to drive while impaired. That’s why the ISP will increase our enforcement efforts by working closely with our local partners during the July 4th holiday.”

The You Drink & Drive. You Lose crackdown began June 19 and runs through July 5. It is being supported by nearly $1 million in federal safety funds being made available by IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety.

For more information about the impaired driving in Illinois, please visit www.drivesoberillinois.org.IDOT will suspend construction-related lane closures starting at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2 to midnight, Sunday, July 5.

Wherever a road is closed, a detour will be posted. In some areas, there will be lane restrictions.

Due to the nature of some projects, there will be a number of work zones that will continue to have lane closures. Motorists are advised to slow down and be alert in those work zones, and are reminded that work zone speed limits are still in effect.

For more information about ongoing construction projects, motorists can check IDOT’s traveler Web site http://www.gettingaroundillinois.com. Interstate road information is also available at 1-800-452 IDOT (4368).

The NHTSA tracks traffic fatalities for New Year’s, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes urge motorists to maintain proper car insurance

July 2, 2009 | By Dave Abels

The tough economy is forcing people to reduce their automobile insurance, increase their deductibles, shop for cheaper coverage and, in some cases, even cancel their insurance.

The Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes urge motorists to carry as much uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage as they can afford. Reducing expenses by reducing auto insurance is shortsighted at best — the cost is minimal compared to the expense of being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

The Insurance Research Council reports that a recent survey found 15 percent of those surveyed said they had increased their deductibles or reduced their coverage in order to reduce their premium costs.

Nine percent of those surveyed said they canceled or did not renew vehicle coverage in response to the economic downturn.

Encouragingly, the survey found most homeowners and drivers have continued their insurance coverage, even if they shopped for a lower rate.

“These findings confirm that most Americans recognize the importance of maintaining essential insurance coverage on their homes and cars,” said Elizabeth A. Sprinkel, senior vice president of the IRC. “But they also show that Americans are willing to shop and reevaluate their insurance needs in order to reduce insurance costs.”

And a proposal awaits the signature of Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn that would make failure to carry auto insurance a criminal offense, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Current law allows for a fine of up to $1,000 and license suspension of up to 6 months.

Chicago car accident attorney Dave Abels was recently interviewed about the new law and blogged about the inadequacy of the state’s mandatory minimum insurance of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

The new law is tougher, but still not tough enough.

Here is the big problem with the insurance law in Illinois. The minimum coverage is still $20,000 per person, and $40,000 per occurrence. No amount of money is going to bring a loved one back or make a family whole again, but $20,000 is a slap in the face. (I have handled car accident death cases where the victim incurred over $500,000 in medical bills before passing away).

Summer Safe Driving series brought to you by the Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes

June 8, 2009 | By Dave Abels

The Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes are launching a summer safe-driving series featuring more than a dozen blogs aimed at reducing serious injury and wrongful deaths resulting from summer car accidents.

Chicago ranked fifth in the nation in the number of motor-vehicle-related deaths (192) in 2007, the most recent year of data released by the federal government. And the city was third in the nation in the number of pedestrians killed at 50.

In Illinois, the number of fatalities remained virtually the same between 2006 and 2007, dropping by five deaths, from 1,254 to 1,249. The state ranks ninth-highest in traffic fatalities, after California, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Nationwide, 41,059 people were killed and 2.5 million injured, causing $230 billion in economic damage, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Make no mistake about it: Driving a car is the most dangerous activity each of us engage in on a daily basis. Yet, as you climbed behind the wheel of that 4,000 pound hunk of steel to begin the work week, do you even remember the last time you made a conscious effort to review the safe driving habits and practices that could save your life?

In the coming weeks, we will be reviewing some of the most common causes of serious or fatal accidents, including:
-Aggressive Driving
-Speeding
-Distracted Driving
-Drowsy Driving
-Impaired Driving
-Accidents with motorcycles
-Accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians
-Red lights and intersections
-Driving in inclement weather
-Teen driving
-Driving and seniors
-And driving in parking lots
Continue reading

DUI Driver Causes Deadly Chicago Area Car Crash

May 29, 2009 | By Dave Abels

An auto accident in the northern suburbs of Chicago has resulted in the death of a Northbrook resident and felony charges against a Gurnee resident, according to the Northbrook Star. The accident occurred on May 22nd in the 100 block of LeBaron Street in Waukegan when a 22 year old driver left the roadway in a Chevrolet Silverado and hit a parked semi-trailer.

His passenger, Andrew Galo, age 22, was pronounced dead at the scene from head injuries. The driver was taken to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge for medical treatment. His injuries were reportedly not serious.

The driver has since been charged with reckless homicide, DUI and speeding. Bond has been set at $100,000. The Waukegan Police Department handled the crash investigation.

Chicago DUI Driver Causes Deadly Auto Accident

May 11, 2009 | By Dave Abels

In Chicago, Illinois an alleged drunk driver has caused a car accident that left one dead and 7 others injured on the South Side, according to chicagobreakingnews.com. The car crash happened Sunday night just before 8 p.m. at 43rd Street and Western Avenue.

The collision involved three vehicles and was reportedly caused by an intoxicated driver who ran a red light. The DUI driver, a 38 year old male, was northbound on Western in a 1999 Chevy Cavelier when he struck a westbound Lexus on 43rd. The Lexus driver, a Chicago Heights resident, was killed. After the initial impact, the Lexus struck a Toyota that was stopped at the light.

Seven others involved in the car accident were injured and taken by ambulance to Mt. Sinai Hospital, St. Anthony Hospital and Stroger Hospital. The alleged DUI driver was arrested and additional charges are reportedly pending.

Chicago DUI Driver Crashes – Passenger Killed – Bond Set At $200,000

April 30, 2009 | By Dave Abels

In Chicago, Illinois a Lynwood woman, who was allegedly intoxicated, lost control of her car and crashed nearly two months ago, according to NWI.com. The accident resulted in the death of her passenger, a Chicago resident. Earlier this week in criminal court at 26th and California, bond was set at $200,000.

The bond is a “D Bond”, which means the defendant must post 10 percent of the bond to be released. Her next court date is set for May 18th for a preliminary hearing.

The car accident took place back on February 28, 2009 just before 3 am. (Statistically, 12 am – 3am is the most dangerous time to be on the road). The defendant was driving southbound on the Bishop Ford Expressway near 111th Street when she lost control of her car, drove into the left median, flipped over, and hit a tree.

Chicago Rollover Car Accident Involving 2 Vehicles – 1 Killed

April 21, 2009 | By Dave Abels

In Chicago, Illinois a two vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 57 last Friday night resulted in the death of a 53 year old man, and criminal charges against one of the drivers involved, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The auto accident took place around 11:00 p.m. in the southbound lanes near Halsted Street.

One person died at the scene and two others were transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn with serious injuries. The victim, a South Side resident, was pronounced dead at Christ Medical Center less than an hour after the crash. An autopsy the next day determined that the he died from cervical injuries.

The Illinois State Police are handling the crash investigation. One of the drivers has been charged with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence, both felony charges.

Chicago Police Officers Hit And Injured By DUI Driver

March 14, 2009 | By Dave Abels

Two Chicago Police Officers that were responding to a battery call on the Northwest Side early this morning were struck by a drunk driver, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The driver, a Chicago resident, was charged with DUI, negligent driving, making an improper left turn, and no proof of insurance.

The police officers were moving eastbound on Irving Park Road in the area of North New England Ave. when the defendant pulled off of a side street. The at fault driver was in a Ford Taurus and the police car was traveling with emergency lights and siren activated.

Both officers were injured and taken to local hospitals. One officer suffered a shoulder injury and the other sustained neck and back injuries. The officers were treated at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge and Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center. They are both said to be in good condition.

Family of Chicago DUI Victim Asks for Felony Charges

January 11, 2009 | By Dave Abels

The family of a woman killed in a 2007 drunk-driving accident is pushing for felony DUI charges against the two motorists involved in the accident. According to CBS 7 Chicago, the woman was a passenger on a motorcycle operated by Eugene Bikulcius when a car driven by Carol Miller made an illegal left turn into their path. The two on the motorcycle were coming from a bar, and the pattern of the accident suggested that they were traveling at a high speed. Miller was arrested the night of the accident for misdemeanor DUI, but Bikulcius was not.

The victim’s family suggests that Bikulcius wasn’t charged because he was an off-duty Chicago police officer. In fact, according to the report, Bikulcius wasn’t charged with any crime or breath-tested the night of the accident. It was only after several months of intervention by the victim’s family that the state’s attorney in the case found a hospital blood test showing a blood-alcohol concentration of three times the legal limit, and charged him with misdemeanor DUI. The family believes a felony DUI charge would be more appropriate, since felony charges are usually filed in a DUI case involving a death. But the state’s attorney told the station that an inadequate investigation left them without the evidence they needed for the more serious charge.

Regardless of whether this officer — who is now on paid leave and relieved of duty — is truly the beneficiary of police interference, drinking and driving is always a bad idea. As a Chicago car accident lawyer, I am generally sympathetic to motorcyclists in this type of accident. A car turning left in front of a motorcycle is one of the most common car-motorcycle crash patterns, and it’s often caused by the driver’s failure to look carefully for traffic. However, a BAC reading of 0.24 (three times the 0.08 limit in Illinois) makes a DUI charge appropriate in this case.

Chicago Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Fatal Hit-and-Run

January 1, 2009 | By Dave Abels

A man who hit a college student with his car and kept on going was sentenced to eight years in prison on Dec. 3, according to CBS2 Chicago. The defendant pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI in the March incident. The victim and a friend had just stopped two men from attacking a woman outside the bar. When they were approached by the men’s friends, the victim and his friend moved toward their car to escape. But before the pedestrian finished crossing the street, the driver ran a stop sign and hit him. The motorist later crashed into a utility pole and abandoned the car. He later told police that he’d had five drinks and smoked marijuana before heading home.

In this case, the driver was charged criminally for the DUI and its results. But when criminal charges aren’t filed, or when they’re not enough, victims may also choose to file a Chicago car accident lawsuit. A lawsuit over a wrongful death — any death caused by someone else’s careless or illegal actions — is always a sensitive matter, because no lawsuit can bring back a lost loved one. But a legal claim can help victims deal with the practical effects of a death that came too soon, including medical and funeral bills, loss of an income and other financial costs caused by the death. It can also help compensate victims for their intangible but very real emotional losses.

And perhaps most importantly, it can hold wrongdoers responsible for their actions in cases where charges aren’t filed, or where they just don’t seem like enough. If you have lost someone to drunk driving accident or another fatal crash caused by someone else’s carelessness, you have the right to pursue a Chicago auto accident lawsuit. Contact us at Abels & Annes today for a free consultation on your case.