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These days, people in Chicago have numerous reasons for choosing to ride a bicycle around the city. Some opt for two-wheeled transportation because traffic and parking are so horrendous throughout downtown that cycling can save them a lot of headaches. Others realize that owning and insuring a car in the metro area is very costly and may not be worth the price if you only need to travel short distances. And yet others still see the benefits of cycling on the environment or on their physical health and opt to ride for those reasons.

The reasons behind why an individual rides a bicycle in Illinois do not matter. What matters is that these individuals are legally authorized to ride in the roadways except where expressly prohibited and by doing so, riders are protected by the rights and laws that apply to all forms of traffic.

Yet despite the legal status of cyclists here, far too many motorists ignore the rights of these bicyclists and instead act in a manner that poses a threat to public safety.

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En muchos casos, los accidentes de autobús pueden ser más complejos y legalmente complicados que las colisiones entre dos vehículos privados y puede haber más probabilidad de que ocurran lesiones. Las complejidades pueden provenir de la gran cantidad de personas involucradas, así como las compañías de seguros que pueden ser responsables de alguna pérdida y también pueden incluir el hecho de que los autobuses son una forma regulada de tránsito en el área metropolitana de Chicago. Las lesiones son más propensos cuando el número de personas involucradas en un accidente aumenta; así que si hay pasajeros a bordo de un bus y el número total de ocupantes es igual o más de lo que normalmente se encontraría en un carro de pasajeros, lesiones a uno o más de esos individuos pueden ocurrir cuando sucede un impacto.

En la mayoría de los casos, las víctimas de accidente de autobús en Chicago pueden tener poca o ninguna advertencia de que una colisión es inminente. A diferencia de los conductores, puede que no estén viendo el tráfico o no anticipen los peligros que pueden surgir en una carretera. Sin embargo, son igual de probable o tal vez más probables de ser heridos en un accidente y ellos pueden preguntarse adonde es que los pone desde una perspectiva legal. En Illinois, las víctimas de estas colisiones de autobús tienen derecho a ciertos derechos y posibles vías de alivio que pueden permitir a las víctimas de lesiones para obtener la ayuda que necesitan. Ya sea si sus pérdidas tomen la forma de gastos médicos, dolor y sufrimiento, o la pérdida de salarios, usted podría tener derecho a un arreglo financiero que le proveerá a usted la compensación que necesita para seguir adelante y más allá del impacto y para ayudarlo a recuperar como usted merece. Hablando con un abogado de lesiones personales puede ayudarlo a entender las posibles reclamaciones que pueda tener y si su caso le da derecho a pago si usted ha sido lesionado en un accidente de autobús.

Al menos cuatro vehículos, incluyendo un autobús de Pace, chocaron en Geneva el lunes por la noche y causo varias lesiones, según la policía local. El incidente ocurrió cerca de Fabyan Parkway y la Avenida Crissey alrededor de las 5:30 de la tarde y todavía sigue siendo revisada por hechos adicionales. En este momento, las autoridades han confirmado que cuatro vehículos chocaron y que uno de los vehículos, un autobús Pace, fue empujado fuera de la carretera por el accidente y empujado abajo a un área boscosa. Según se informa, el vehículo tuvo que ser retirado de la escena por un camión de remolque y puede que haiga sido muy dañado. La policía no ha lanzado la causa sospechosa de la colisión en este momento y no han indicado si algunos de los conductores involucrados pueden haber cometido un error o actuado de manera negligente en los momentos que procedieron el impacto inicial. Sin embargo, han confirmado que todos los hechos están siendo revisados y que, si es apropiado, los cargos pueden ser emitidos en espera del resultado de la investigación.

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Following a lengthy debate, a bill designed to allow illegal immigrants to a obtain motor vehicle operator’s license was passed by the Illinois House in early January. The same bill was approved in the state Senate in December. After the legislation passed the House by a vote of 65-46, Governor Pat Quinn stated he plans on signing the bill into law once it reaches his desk. A similar measure was reportedly defeated in 2007.

Proponents of the legislation argued that motorists throughout the state will enjoy increased safety by allowing an estimated 250,000 illegal immigrants now residing in Illinois to drive legally. Undocumented immigrants are reportedly driving anyway, often without any sort of regulation or liability insurance. According to Illinois Secretary of State Spokesperson Dave Druker, the legislation will expand the Temporary Visitor Driver’s License program that currently allows legal immigrants and other foreigners to operate a vehicle within the state. In order to obtain a license, an undocumented individual will purportedly be required to submit proof of Illinois residency for at least one year. The measure will not require an applicant to be fingerprinted and the temporary licenses may not be used as identification. In addition, the license will be renewable every three years.

Although some believe the measure may encourage immigrants to violate federal law, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel stated the legislation was a great accomplishment that would allow individuals to take their children to school and engage in other activities safely. Once the legislation is signed by the Governor, Illinois will join a number of other states in providing temporary licenses to undocumented immigrants.

Across the nation, unlicensed drivers are allegedly five times more likely to be involved in a fatal traffic wreck than motorists who possess a valid operator’s license. According to the Illinois Highway Safety Coalition, unlicensed and uninsured drivers are involved in nearly 80,000 car crashes throughout the state each year. In 2011, approximately 48,000 tickets were issued in Cook County alone to drivers who failed to possess a valid operator’s license.

Chicago residents often spend a great deal of time traveling in a motor vehicle. Sadly, traffic wrecks are bound to occur. Many factors such as driver inattention, inexperience, or impairment can result in a catastrophic or deadly collision. Although Illinois law prohibits unlicensed drivers from operating a vehicle on roadways in our state, many choose to drive anyway. If you were hurt in a crash that was caused by another driver, you may be eligible to recover compensation for any damages you incurred as a result. An experienced car accident attorney can help.
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Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes often work on auto accident claims. One case we are handling stems from a collision in North Riverside, Illinois that took place October 31, 2011 at approximately 9:22 p.m.

Our client was driving westbound on Cermak in her 2012 Mazda 3, approaching its intersection with 1st Avenue. The light at 1st Avenue was red, so she slowed down and brought her vehicle to a stop at the intersection. The at fault driver was traveling eastbound on Cermak in a 2010 Chevy HHR. He also had a red light but disregarded it, entered the intersection and struck a vehicle traveling northbound on 1st Avenue. The defendant then crossed into the westbound lanes of Cermak and struck our client’s vehicle. Her head hit the driver’s side window of her car and her body jerked from side-to-side. The force of the collision was so great that it pushed her vehicle into another car on westbound Cermak.

The North Riverside Police Department responded to the scene of the motor vehicle collision. After speaking with the parties involved, the responding officer determined the defendant caused the collision by disregarding traffic signals.

Our office is alleging to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier that he failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop and/or reduce his speed to avoid a collision, failed to stop at a red light, failed to yield the right-of-way, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area.

Following the collision, our client had an immediate onset of pain. Shortly thereafter she sought treatment at the MacNeal Hospital Emergency Department. Upon arrival at the ER, a history was taken, she was examined, and diagnostic tests were performed. She complained of a severe headache and pain on the left side of her body. She underwent a head CT scan and a physical examination. She was diagnosed with a contusion of her head, prescribed pain medication and muscle relaxants, and instructed to seek follow up treatment from a physician.

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Abels & Annes, has resolved an uninsured motorist claim on behalf of an Orland Park resident. This claim stems from an accident that occurred on January 11, 2010 at the intersection of 26 Street and King Drive in Chicago Illinois. At the time of the accident, our client was driving southbound on King Drive crossing 26th Street with a solid green light. At that same time an uninsured driver was moving westbound across the intersection, ran a red light, and struck the client’s vehicle.

After the collision, the accident was investigated by the Chicago Police Department. At that time the at fault driver admitted to the investigating officer that she ran a red light. An independent witness at the scene also stated that the uninsured driver failed to stop at the traffic light.

Immediately after the accident the plaintiff started having back and neck pain, and left knee pain. Due to his complaints, he was taken by a Chicago Fire Department Ambulance to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center.

At the emergency room, he was examined by physicians and X-rays were taken which were negative for fractures. He was given a prescription for diazepam and ibuprofen.

Due to ongoing knee pain, he returned to the ER the next evening. At that time further x-rays were taken of his left knee. They were also negative for fracture.

The knee pain became more severe over the next 48 hours. On January 14, 2010 he went for additional treatment at a doctor’s office. There he was examined by a physician who gave an assessment of sprains and strains of the knee and leg, low back pain, and knee pain. The doctor noted swelling of his left knee and ordered an MRI. He also referred the claimant for physical therapy and ordered hime off work until released from therapy.

An MRI without contrast of his left knee was taken on January 19, 2010. The scan showed a small joint effusion in the knee.

The plaintiff was next seen by his doctor on January 22. At that time he had prominent pain and cervical spine and lumbar spine. The pain was radiating to the next, upper arms, and legs. He reported that pain is being constant. He also again complained of left knee pain. The physician noted he had increased muscle spasm with pain upon palpitation. Physical therapy was again recommended.

The client treated again on February 4, 2010. In addition to his previous complaints, he was now suffering from headaches. He was ordered to continue physical therapy.

On March 16, 2010 he complained to the physician of low back pain was constant and moderate intensity, and also cause stiffness. Further, his knee pain was worse since his last visit. Associated symptoms included pain with stairs, and locking and popping. He was again ordered to continue with physical therapy.

On May 11, 2010, he was seen again. At that time his back pain was intermittent and mild in severity. He noted some pain relief with physical therapy.

On June 4, 2010 doctor notes revealed he was having constant and moderate low back pain. The physician described the pain is chronic but intermittent with acute exasperation.

The claimant went to 20 physical therapy appointments starting on January 27, 2010 and ending on April 27, 2010. The treatment consisted of electric stimulation, heat and cold treatment, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, neuromuscular reeducation and ultrasound therapy.

The plaintiff incurred just over $9,000 in medical bills due to the accident. The case settled for $45,000 and Motorist Mutual Insurance paid on the uninsured motorist claim.
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In light of the Department of Transportation Commissioner’s pronouncement in the Chicago Journal that he wants to make the city one of the most bike-friendly in the nation, a local blogger has requested he take a hard look at what he calls one of the most dangerous places for bicycle accidents in the city – the lakefront trail.

The Urban Cyclist, as he is known on his blog of the same name, said he was shocked to learn that the city’s $45 million Navy Pier Flyover plan would actually constrict the bike path at certain points, even though it is in desperate need of expansion. As a daily bicycle commuter, he has escaped serious injury in accidents with cars, cabs, and other cyclists, but an inattentive jogger on the lakefront trail left him with permanent scars on his hands.

He says the trail is basically an overcrowded highway for non-engine vehicles. Cyclists and bladers are intermingled with dog-walkers, their unpredictable pets, grandparents mindlessly walking grandkids, and various other outdoor enthusiasts who have no other option but to crowd together on the congested path.

Chicago auto accident attorneys at Abels & Annes are often butting heads with State Farm Insurance. We usually have multiple claims pending against them and we have had jury trials against them twice in the past six months.

That being said, when State Farm takes a step in the right direction, we should give them credit.

It is being reported by WGN news that State Farm announced on Friday it will start offering healthcare and other benefits to legally recognized same-sex partners of its employees. This action was taken due to the fact that Illinois will soon allow civil unions between gay and lesbian couples.

Illinois car crash lawyers at Abels & Annes are very aware of the issues and dangers involved with distracted driving. We are currently in the process of attempting to negotiate a settlement on behalf of a pedestrian that was injured by a distracted driver. The defendant’s cell phone rang, and as he tried to locate the device he lost control of his car and drove up onto a sidewalk, striking our client.

Now in an effort to reduce Chicago car crashes, a group of Aldermen are proposing new legislation that would require cell phones sold in the city be equipped with technology that would give parents the option to disable texting for their teen drivers. NBC News reported that Ald. Ed Burke (14th Ward) announced the proposed legislation on Wednesday. He says it is a tough new measure and he wants the law to come into effect for all cell phones bought after January 1, 2012.

Retailers that sell phones without the text blocking option would face fines up to $1000. Ald. Anthony Beal, Michelle Harris, Richard Mell and Ray Suarez are also supporting the proposal.

An Illinois motor vehicle collision that occurred in the central eastern part of the state has resulted in injuries and the hospitalization of two motorists, according to commercial-news.com. The collision took place last Wednesday in the area of Illinois Route 1 and Country Rd. 550, just North of a little town called Olivet.

The incident occurred around 8:38 PM as the two drivers were headed in opposite directions on Illinois Route 1. The driver of a Ford station wagon traveling northbound crossed the centerline and struck a southbound Dodge.

Both drivers had to be extricated from their respective vehicles, and both were wearing seatbelts.

Every once in a while a driver loses control and crashes into a local Chicago eatery. Over the last couple years alone, I can recall vehicles hitting a couple different Starbucks locations, Gold Coast Dogs, and Petterino’s. Illinois auto accident attorneys at our law office recently handled an injury claim for a patron that was injured at Gold Coast Dogs when an elderly man drove into the restaurant.

The city’s latest restaurant to become a car accident victim is Manny’s Deli on the near South Side. The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that a car struck a glass window and a brick wall at the deli, which is located at 1141 S. Jefferson St. It is believed the incident took place between 2:45 AM – 3:20 AM on Saturday morning. The vehicle, reportedly a white Chrysler, fled the scene of the accident.

The crash knocked a brick wall over, shattered the window, and left a hole in the restaurant measuring about 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The wall damaged was part of the deli’s private dining room, so the crash did not affect business in the main dining room.