Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog

Authorities are urging motorists to be prepared for snow, ice, and other poor driving conditions. Winter weather is a frequent cause of Chicago car accident, particularly at the start of the winter driving season.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 173 motorists were killed and more than 17,000 were injured in accidents on wet, icy or snowy roads last year.”Motorists should plan ahead and provide sufficient time to reach their destination, slow down, buckle-up and eliminate all potential distractions in their vehicle before driving.” IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig said. “Safety is the number one priority at IDOT and it is never compromised.”

The Illinois State Police also reminds motorists to use caution and to move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.

“During the winter months, motorists can help protect those who work to keep our roads safe, by yielding to emergency vehicles. The Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, or reduce speed and proceed with caution when approaching stationary emergency vehicles displaying flashing warning lights,” said Illinois State Police Acting Director Jonathon Monken. “Reducing speed, avoiding distractions, and practicing safe driving habits are crucial in the winter months. There is simply less room for error during inclement weather.”

The highway department reports that completed construction projects should provide some relief from congestion and better road conditions. But reminds drivers to be prepared for poor conditions and to watch out for snow-removal equipment.

“We still encourage drivers to be prepared for winter conditions, use caution and watch out for snow plows and other crews working to clear the way,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur.

Illinois Safe Driving Tips Include:

-Give plows plenty of space. Plow operators typically have a limited field of vision and may not see you.

-Beware of black ice. Take it easy at intersections, off-ramps, bridges and in other areas prone to ice buildup.

-Keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full.

-Avoid travel when possible.

-Carry an emergency car kit that includes jumper cables, reflectors or road flares, windshield washer fluid, ice scraper, sand or other traction material, blankets, food items and a first-aid kit.

-Always carry your cell phone.

-Wear your seat belt.

-Have your car serviced.

-Keep tires in good repair.
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An Illinois car crash on the near North Side of Chicago has resulted in injuries to three people when an SUV struck a wall, according to the Chicago Tribune. The accident happened early Monday morning around 3:50 AM in the area of the Merchandise Mart at the intersection of Kinsey and Franklin streets.

It is being reported that the SUV struck a support wall in an underground parking garage. Three male occupants in the vehicle were taken by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in serious to critical condition. They were traveling in an Infiniti SUV truck. The driver, who was in his late 20s, is reportedly in stable condition. One hurt passenger was in the front seat, the other in the rear.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. The Chicago Police Department is handling the accident investigation.

An Illinois auto accident lawyer at Abels & Annes has signed on to represent a Chicago woman that was injured in an October, 2010 collision. The Chicago car crash occurred on Interstate 294 at around 8 AM during the morning rush-hour.

Our client was northbound on the interstate and stopped in traffic when a driver slammed into her from the rear. Shortly after the accident she developed severe back, neck and left shoulder pain.

Since the date of the accident the plaintiff has undergone treatment with three different orthopedic physicians in the Chicago area, including doctors at Illinois Bone and Joint Institute. Due to the severity of her pain, she has now been referred for an MRI to determine if she sustained more serious injuries.

The Chicago injury attorneys and staff at Abels & Annes wish each of you a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend and remind you to practice the safe driving habits that will reduce your risk of being involved in a Chicago car accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 354 fatal accidents occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday last year.In Illinois, Thanksgiving’s 12 fatal accidents was second only to Memorial Day’s 17, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Last year, 12 motorists were killed and more than 800 were seriously injured in Illinois car accidents over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The Chicago Tribune reports that more than 2.1 million Illinois motorists are expected to hit the roads through the Holiday. By comparison, only 87,000 are expected to fly.

Overall, AAA expects travel to increase by 4.3 million travelers, or 11.4 percent nationwide.

“We do see this as a reflection on the modestly improving economy, but it should be noted that we’re not out of the woods yet,” AAA spokeswoman Beth Mosher told the Tribune. “The 4.3 million increase in total travelers over last year is less than half of the volume lost from 2007 through 2009.”

The following Illinois safe travel tips are adapted from information published by USA Today.

-Make sure your car is in good repair and has been properly serviced.

-Allow for plenty of time to reach your destination.

-Take a break every two hours to remain alert while driving.

-Hit the road by noon Wednesday to avoid gridlock. Expect heavier than normal traffic on Sunday.
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An Illinois car crash in Streator has left five students hurt, according to pantagraph.com. The accident happened on Saturday night and two teenagers remain hospitalized.

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is handling the crash investigation. They are reporting that the car the teenagers were traveling in was on a rural road when its driver lost control and overturned several times. The crash occurred in the area of the Twin Creek Golf Course.

One of the injured, a 15-year-old Woodland student, is in critical condition in Peoria at Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Another student, also age 15 from Ancona, is hospitalized in good condition.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports an increased emphasis on seat-belt enforcement and a crackdown on impaired drivers in an effort to reduce the risk of car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere as we head into the winter driving season.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys urge motorists to have their vehicles serviced, including a thorough inspection of brakes and tires, and to talk to family members about the importance of making good driving decisions as we head into the holidays.The state reports a significant difference in seat belt use between front and back seat passengers — back seat passengers killed in accidents were nearly twice as likely to be unbuckled, according to 2003 to 2009 crash data. Last year, 628 passenger car occupants (cars and light trucks) were killed in Illinois car accidents. Only 27 percent of those killed while riding in the back seat were properly restrained.

“Sadly, the holiday season, which for many is the happiest time of the year, can also be one of the deadliest and most tragic,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “Wearing a safety belt costs nothing, but not wearing it could cost you a ticket or worse…your life. The same applies when you have been drinking and choose to drive. We want all drivers and passengers to remember Click It or Ticket, day and night and You Drink & Drive. You Lose.”

Illinois drunk driving accidents are a significant safety threat through the holiday season. Nationwide, one-third of all fatal crashes involved alcohol in 2008, resulting in 11,773 deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Drunk driving accidents in Illinois resulted in the deaths of 404 motorists.

Through the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Illinois State Police and more than 150 local law enforcement agencies will be conducting roadside safety checks and impaired driver saturation patrols.

Illinois law does not currently require backseat adult passengers to wear seat belts.
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