Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog

Victim Dies Weeks after Chicago Taxi Cab Accident

September 22, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Numerous taxi cab companies operate within the city limits of Chicago, transporting passengers from one end to another, from home to work, or from school to home. Though the cab companies may vary in some respects, in many respects they are required to comply with standards applicable to all taxi companies, including fare structures, maximum occupancy, and certain insurance requirements. The City of Chicago also has other means to control the cabs that travel their streets, thus restricting the overall number of vehicles and trying to keep the market from becoming flooded. One of the methods to control cabs is through the issuance and requirement that cabs operate under medallions, a basic licensing requirement for those who wish to run a taxi in the city.

The regulations imposed on taxi cabs are designed to control the actions of cab drivers as well as increasing the safety for passengers, motorists, and pedestrians in the area. Yet the taxi specific regulations are not the only ones facing cab drivers; additionally, all traffic rules and regulations must be followed, and failure to abide by the law may lead to traffic or criminal charges. Often, the severity of any punishments levied increase when a collision results and one or more people involved sustain injuries. In addition to charges brought by local or state officials, though, cab companies and cab drivers who cause accidents may be held financially liable for the injuries that result if a victim chooses to bring a civil claim for a monetary recovery. A personal injury lawyer who handles Chicago taxi accidents on behalf of victims may be able to provide you information regarding your rights if you have been hurt in a collision.

A collision between a taxi cab and a pedestrian in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago back in August turned fatal when the victim died on Friday morning. According to witnesses, the crash took place in the 1400 block of North LaSalle around 2:00 a.m. on August 30, 2014 . A cab traveling in the same area as a pedestrian came upon the pedestrian, a 26-year-old female, and struck her, leading to serious injuries that required extensive medical care.

Police responded to the scene of the collision and spoke with witnesses and reportedly the driver of the cab. Thus far, the driver has been cited for failing to reduce the speed of the vehicle to avoid a crash with a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care. It is possible that additional charges will be issued following Friday’s passing of the victim though there has been no official word from local authorities on that point at this time.
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Four Car Collision in Schaumburg Injures 6

September 17, 2014 | By Dave Abels

The laws in Chicago and Illinois are designed to hold those who act in a negligent manner as responsible for all the damages that result. This often comes into play in the context of a car accident, hundreds of thousands of which occur within the state every year. The laws enable the victims of car accidents to seek financial relief through the use of a civil claim for damages, a legal option that is separate and distinct from any traffic tickets or criminal allegations made by local authorities.

The right to seek relief belongs to the victims of car crashes so an at-fault driver cannot block or prevent these claims from occurring. Speaking with a lawyer in the Chicago area who has experience helping injury victims, including those who have been involved in car collisions, may help you understand the laws as they apply to your case, including whether you have a valid claim for relief.

A significant collision occurred in northern Schaumburg yesterday morning at the intersection of Higgins Road and Martingale Road. According to witnesses, one vehicle was stopped at the intersection, waiting for a red light to turn to green. Three other vehicles were in the area when a crash occurred, involving all four vehicles and leaving six people with injuries.

Police and ambulances responded to the scene and evaluated all those involved. The six victims needed additional medical treatment and were transported to area hospitals where their conditions are not known, though all victims were expected to survive. The nature of their injuries have not been disclosed.

Police are still reviewing information related to the collision and are in the process of determining what caused the four-car crash. As the investigation unfolds, it is possible that one or more of the drivers involved will be issued a traffic ticket.
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Illinois Had 3rd Most Train-Related Deaths in 2013

September 15, 2014 | By Dave Abels

For much of the 20th Century, Illinois was widely acknowledged as a central hub of train transportation throughout the nation. That designation carries through to the present as freight, goods, and people travel by train within Chicago, the suburbs, and across the rest of the state. Trains serve a vital function in the city and they are a daily presence in the lives of many.

Even if you do not travel by train, chances are that you cross the path of a train or train tracks on a regular basis. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclist, and those who drive personal cars have a hard time moving from one spot in Chicago to another without potentially seeing a train or tracks. This can lead to a train accident and potentially to serious injuries. Victims of these collisions may be entitled to seek financial compensation through the use of a civil claim for damages, a type of relief that can provide monetary relief to cover damages like medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.

In an effort to increase awareness of the dangers presented by trains, Illinois is recognizing this week as Rail Safety Week. It is a national program that is being recognized in the state for the first time because in 2013, Illinois had the third most deaths by train in the nation. These instances involved 21 people who were killed by a train while in a vehicle and another 25 people were killed in train accidents as pedestrians. In addition to those who were killed, 67 people were hurt by trains in Illinois.

The reasons for train injuries and deaths are varied but include the heavy train traffic that is experienced across the state. As Chicago has a high concentration of both people and trains, many of the accidents take place within the city’s limits. Some are the fault of motorists who attempt to drive around warning gates or try to race a train so they will not have to wait at a crossing. Other collisions are due to speeding trains, improperly working machinery, failure of safety devices, or even a mistake by the operator of a train. At least one incident in Illinois last year is believed to have occurred by a teen who was intentionally trying to get as close to a passing train as possible.
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7 Injured After CTA Bus Hits 2 Parked Cars

September 11, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Buses are a common sight in Chicago with nearly every main street playing host to at least one bus on a regular basis. When considering travel by bus, those in Chicago have options to ride on the CTA, on a charter bus, on a private bus providing transit or simply tours, or even Greyhound buses, to name a few. Leaving the city and heading for the suburbs adds the addition of Pace buses while traveling out of town or out of state may include a ride on a Megabus. Regardless of the type of bus, though, a passenger trusts his or her safety to the driver once that passenger boards and takes a seat.

Often, buses provide safe passage through Chicago and its surrounding suburbs but for some unlucky riders, a bus accident may occur and may potentially cause injuries. Head and neck injuries, fractures or broken bones, and cuts and bruises are some of the most common injuries sustained in a bus incident though nearly any time of injury is possible. When a collision occurs, it can be difficult to understand who bears the legal responsibility for a crash and whether a victim may be entitled to relief. In some cases, it may be the bus driver and the bus company while in others, it may be a motorist who collided with the bus. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago may help you sort through the legally relevant facts in your accident if you have been hurt as well as helping you understand your options to obtain monetary relief.

An early morning bus accident left seven people injured in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, according to local authorities. Early reports indicate that a CTA bus was traveling in the 3700 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue when the bus collided with two parked cars. The incident happened at approximately 3:00 a.m. and may have first involved the CTA bus crossing the center line before striking the cars, though that has not been confirmed at this time. It is unclear exactly how many passengers were on the bus but officials have confirmed that six of them were injured and needed medical addition. Additionally, the driver of the bus was also hurt, leading to emergency crews transporting the seven victims to area hospitals.

Local police have not released their early findings into the incident including the cause of the crash or whether any citations are expected to be issued. However, the investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. No victim was believed to be facing life-threatening injuries.
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Driver Facing Charges after Fatal Crash on Dan Ryan

September 10, 2014 | By Dave Abels

In Chicago and across the state of Illinois, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A motorist will be presumed under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher but that is not the only time a driver can be guilty of a crime. Rather, if there is any alcohol in a motorist’s system that causes that motorist to be impaired, even if a small amount, that driver can be guilty of operating while intoxicated.

While drinking and driving receives much attention, driving under the influence of other drugs, both prescription and street drugs, is just as dangerous and also a crime in Illinois. Chicago drivers who are impaired due to drugs are violating the law and can face similar punishments to those who drive drunk, including the loss or suspension of a driver’s license, fines and fees, and incarceration. In addition to any charges brought by state officials, impaired drivers who cause accidents may be held liable for the financial damages that result to victims, including any medical bills that may be incurred. The right to seek this relief belongs to victims and can be available regardless of the outcome of any criminal case or charges stemming from the accident. A personal injury lawyer may help you understand your legal options if you have been hurt in a collision.

Local authorities have charged a 35-year-old man with driving under the influence and reckless homicide following a Sunday evening collision on the Dan Ryan Expressway that left one woman dead. The incident occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m. near 87th Street in the northbound lanes and involved two vehicles, a BMW and a Jeep. Officials believe the 35-year-old driver of the BMW collided with the Jeep and forced the Jeep off the roadway where it began to roll. The 44-year-old female driver of the Jeep was seriously injured in the incident and was transported by EMS officials to an area hospital for emergency treatment. Though doctors tended to her, the woman’s injuries were too severe and she died later that evening.

Police responded to the scene and spoke with the driver of the BMW who reportedly sustained minor injuries and is expected to recover. According to an officer, the driver admitted to consuming several alcohol beverages earlier in the day, prompting officials to charge the man with driving under the influence. Authorities are still investigating the incident to determine whether any charges in addition to the two already filed should be brought and in an attempt to determine what caused the initial impact between the two vehicles.
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Rider Hurt in Chicago Motorcycle Accident

July 16, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Summertime riding in Chicago is a popular activity as motorcyclists take to the streets. Bike are a fuel efficient means of transit that many people enjoy; in fact, there are more than 240,000 registered motorcycles in Illinois alone.

Motorcycles are treated like any other vehicle under the rules of the law, allowing bikers to ride the streets as any other car would drive. Motorcycles are guaranteed the same protection as other vehicles and must abide by the same rules. Though they are authorized to ride, bikers often do not receive the respect they deserve, leading to dangerous situations were a collision might occur.

Motorcycle accidents in Chicago result in injuries and even deaths every year. When a crash is due to the negligence of a driver involved, whether it is another biker or the operator of a car, an injured motorcyclist may be entitled to financial relief under the law. These claims are the right of all injury victims to bring and are often available regardless of whether an at-fault driver received a citation in the collision. Further, in the event that a hit-and-run driver caused the accident, a victim may still be able to obtain relief through a claim against his or her own insurance company. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing motorcycle accident victims may help you understand your legal options and whether you have a valid claim.

A motorcycle accident occurred in Gresham on Tuesday, shortly before midnight, according to local authorities. The incident, which occurred in the area of the 7900 block of South Bishop Street, involved a car that reportedly failed to yield to the biker, causing a collision that left the biker with serious injuries including a broken arm and pelvis. The victim was transported from the scene by emergency medical personnel and taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center where he received treatment for his injuries. His current condition is not known.

The driver of the other vehicle received a traffic citation. It is not clear whether that driver was injured in the accident.
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Ford Announces New Vehicle Recall

July 9, 2014 | By Dave Abels

In 2014, auto makers have recalled more vehicles than in any previous year. On Tuesday, the record grew a little larger as Ford announced a recall of about 100,000 vehicles.

The recall involves two separate issues with the larger of the two being an axle problem that may prevent a car from starting. In other cases, the faulty axle can cause a running vehicle to shift from drive into neutral. Parked vehicles can begin to roll if the parking break is not engaged. The 92,000 affected vehicles include model years 2012, 2013, and 2014 of the Ford Taurus, Flex, Edge, and Interceptor. About 200 Ford Fiestas from model year 2014 were recalled for a gas tank problem that could result in a potential leak, posing a threat to safety and a fire hazard.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be informed by Ford officials about the recall procedures including the steps to take to have the problems addressed and repaired.

Consumers have been faced with recalls totaling in excess of 32 million vehicles. Of those, General Motors has recalled 25.7 million and Ford approximately 3 million. So many vehicles have been recalled this year that a new annual record was set in June, just six months into the 2014 year. The prior record of 30.8 million recalled cars was set in 2004.

Defects in the design of cars that lead to safety threats have been responsible for thousands of accidents over the years. Some of these car crashes are minor and fortunately resulted in no injures, but in many cases, the drivers and passengers involved have been hurt or even killed.

When faulty design is responsible for injuries, the laws in Illinois may enable the victims of the crashes to seek relief. Speaking with a lawyer who represents car accident victims may help you understand your legal options, including whether you have a valid claim. Relief may entitled you to compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills among any other damages you received. In the event that your loved one was killed, the right to seek a recovery may belong to the victim’s surviving family members.
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Chicago Car Accident Leaves 1 Dead

July 7, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Car accidents are the number one cause of unintentional death among teens ages 15 through 19 across the nation. Unfortunately, Chicago experiences a number of these deaths every year. But teens and other inexperienced drivers are far from the only ones at risk of death or serious injury in a car accident. In fact, any driver or passenger in Chicago can be involved in a crash, even if that driver is operating in a safe manner. The actions of others on the road can determine whether or not a collision occurs and whether or not injuries result.

There are hundreds of reasons why collisions occur, including speeding, driving while intoxicated, a mechanical failure, poor weather conditions, and poor road design. In some cases, it can be difficult to determine the facts that led up to and eventually caused an accident.

When negligence or a mistake by one or more individuals involved causes a collision to occur, anyone injured in the crash may be entitled to seek relief for the injuries sustained. This can include any medical expenses incurred or likely to be incurred in the future, nursing and rehabilitative care, pain and suffering, and even lost wages for time missed from work. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who handles car accident claims may help you understand whether you are entitled to relief if you have been hurt in an accident.

In the worst instances, one or more people involved lose their lives in a car crash. Though no amount of compensation can ever adequately compensate for these loses, the victim’s surviving family members may have a right to seek a recovery to help ease the financial burden left after their loved one’s passing.

Police in Chicago have reported a tragic accident that occurred on Saturday morning along Lake Shore Drive. According to officials, a car with at least three occupants was traveling along the busy street around 4:30 in the morning when the driver lost control and crashed into a pole. Officials are not sure what caused the driver to lose control at this time and are still investigating the incident to determine whether negligence was involved.

The incident happened just south of the I-55 ramp and claimed the life of a 29-year-old man who had been in the car at the time of the impact. Two other individuals, both believed to be in their 20s, were in the vehicle as well. They survived and were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical conditions.
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Chicago Hit-And-Run Leaves Motorcyclist Injured

June 23, 2014 | By Dave Abels

It is June and summer has finally arrived in Chicago. With the warm weather and mostly dry conditions, motorist in the city likely have noticed an increase in the number of motorcycles riding on the roads. Motorcycles are a popular means of transportation in Illinois and often are a cost-effective way to get from one location to another. In fact, in recent decades, the number of registered motorcycles in the state has increased significantly, further indicating what many see on a regular basis: motorcycles are becoming more and more popular in Chicago as time passes.

Motorcycles are legally authorized to ride in the streets and have all the same rights as other forms of transportation, like cars and trucks. Riders must obey the same rules of the road as others but bikers are afforded the same protections provided by the laws. This means that bikers are authorized to ride and that other motorists must respect the rights of bikers by operating in a safe and reasonable manner.

Too often, drivers fail to look for or notice motorcycles in an area, leading to a crash that often leaves a biker hurt. When this happens, the laws in Chicago may entitled the victims of these crashes to financial relief for their injuries, a claim that is separate and distinct from any charges brought by local or state officials. These claims are even available in many accidents where an at-fault driver does not receive a ticket for his or her negligent actions. Speaking with a lawyer who has experience representing the victims of motorcycle accidents may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a crash.

A Saturday morning accident in Bucktown left a motorcyclist injured, according to local police. At this time, officials believe that a 28-year-old motorcyclist was riding shortly after 1:00 am in the area of Western Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue when the biker was hit by an unidentified car. The driver of the car reportedly fled the scene of the crash without reporting the accident or even stopping to see if the biker was injured. Officials believe that a dark truck attempted to turn in front of the motorcycle but failed to do so when traffic was clear, leading to a crash that left the 28-year-old man injured.

Emergency medical crews responded to the crash and transported the man to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center for treatment. His current condition remains unclear.

Authorities have not yet identified the driver of the truck believed to have been involved in the crash though their investigation continues at this time.
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Car in Chicago Hits Building in West Pullman

June 18, 2014 | By Dave Abels

Drivers in Chicago may be surprised to know that every year, vehicles in the city leave the surface of a road and collide with a fixed structure like a building or a house, often leaving those inside the vehicle injured and in some cases, harming those in the structure itself. The causes of these collisions vary from impaired drivers to poorly designed roads and even distractions like texting behind the wheel. Regardless of the underlying cause, though, negligence is often to blame.

When negligence or a mistake on the part of someone involved in a car crash is responsible for a collision that leaves a victim injured, the victim or victims may be entitled to seek relief under the laws of Chicago. This relief can be sought through a civil claim for damages, a type of claim that is separate and distinct from any traffic or criminal charges brought by local authorities. In fact, even if an at-fault driver is not ticketed in a collision, a victim of that crash may still be able to recover for his or her injuries. Speaking with a lawyer who represents personal injury victims may help you understand whether you are entitled to relief and, if so, what claim or claims may be available to you.

Police in Chicago were called to the scene of a collision involving one car in the West Pullman neighborhood around 5:15 am. At the scene, officials were able to determine that a car left the roadway near West 119th Street and South Eggleston Avenue, colliding with a corner of a building and coming to a stop inside the structure. The building is believed to have had a glass storefront that broke upon impact with the car.

Three people, including the driver, were inside the vehicle at the time of the incident and all were seriously injured. Paramedics responded to the crash and assessed all three before transporting them to Advocate Christ Medical Center. As of this morning, their conditions were all serious-to-critical; the current state of the victims is not known.

Officials are still trying to determine what caused the collision and whether reckless or negligent conduct played a role. The building was damaged in the crash but fortunately no one inside the building was hurt.
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