Illinois Truck Accident Lawyer Blog

Interstate 80 was shut down near Atkinson last Thursday when a semi-truck tanker crashed and rolled over onto the side of the road. Whbf.com released details about the accident, stating that it occurred around 6am on the westbound lanes of the interstate at mile marker 29. Witnesses report the truck driver was traveling westbound in the left lane when he crossed into the right lane, continued through the right shoulder, and rolled the vehicle into a ditch just seconds later.

After emergency crews responded to the scene, the truck driver was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police say the tanker leaked fluid as a result of the crash. Hazardous Material teams arrived to clean up the small chemical spill, later stating there was no immediate health risk due to the spill. Traffic was diverted around the accident in both directions onto US 6, which caused major delays throughout the morning. The report states the truck driver has been charged with improper lane usage.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers know that according to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover accidents are the deadliest of all motor-vehicle types of accidents. Rollovers reportedly occur in only about 13% of heavy-truck fatal crash involvements, but they account for 50% of truck-occupant fatalities. Tanker trucks are most susceptible to rollovers because the weight distribution of bulk loads can shift suddenly during sharp turns or movements, causing a vehicle imbalance.

Additionally, in a study undertaken by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, almost half of truck rollovers were proven to have resulted from failing to adjust speed to curves in the road, poor brake conditions, and unsafe road surfaces. Other major crash contributors involved simply being inattentive, falling asleep, and distraction, all leading to situations where a sudden direction change resulted in a rollover. Finally, a large crash contributor involved over-steering to the point of rolling over.

The NHTSA states that adding advanced electronic stability control systems to larger vehicles could prevent up to 56% of rollover crashes each year and eliminate an estimated 4,400 injuries and up to 160 fatalities. The system uses various sensors to monitor vehicle movement and steering inputs, and then automatically applies the brakes individually to the wheels and controls vehicle under steer and over steer. This would ultimately prevent rollovers and other out-of-control problems. The department claims that the technology is a “major step forward to improving the safety of large commercial trucks, motor coaches, and other large buses,” as stated by the department secretary.

It is important for all truck drivers to drive safely behind the wheel on Illinois roadways. This includes driving attentively, following the rules of the road, and maintaining your vehicle properly at all times. Despite many drivers taking the necessary steps to drive safely, accidents such as rollover accidents unfortunately continue to occur.

If you have been involved in a rollover accident or have been in an accident due to a negligent motorist, please contact our law firm to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

An accident between a semi-trailer truck and a freight train took place in Eastern Illinois on Friday afternoon, according to Wandtv.com. Our train accident lawyers learned that the collision occurred in the small town of Caitlin, several miles southwest of Danville. The report states that the truck driver was traveling across the tracks at a moderate speed; the truck’s cab had just cleared the tracks when the train suddenly appeared and struck the semi’s empty trailer at close to 55mph.

The impact of the collision pushed the trailer about one hundred feet west of the crossing and left a large hole in its side. The driver of the semi-trailer thankfully walked away from the accident without serious injury. Illinois State Police and Norfolk Southern railroad officials are currently investigating the accident to determine if any other factors may have contributed to the collision.

In previous blogs, our law firm has discussed the number and severity of train accidents in Illinois, as almost all of these accidents include property damage, personal injury, medical expenses, or fatalities. Statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) show that railroad crossings in Illinois are more dangerous in terms of accident population. In 2010, Illinois was the second deadliest state in train crossing fatalities out of ten states. The FRA is currently making efforts to improve safety near railroads in Illinois and many other states with a high number of train crossing fatalities.

We would like to urge the public to always be cautious when traveling near railroad tracks. Railroad collisions have many causes, including improper installation of warning devices, improper sight lines that prevent drivers from seeing an oncoming train, failure to properly maintain crossing areas, or other types of negligence that may occur by either the train company or other vehicles involved. Surprisingly, nearly half of all collisions at railroad crossings occur when automatic warning devices such a flashing lights or gates are present and are functioning properly. Therefore, be aware of these warning devices and avoid train tracks when they are flashing. Be especially alert near train tracks that do not have these warning devices.

In addition, many people believe that if they ever crossed the train tracks at an inappropriate time, they would be able to avoid the train, or the train would be able to stop in time. However, most freight trains traveling at about 50 miles per hour take over a mile to stop. Therefore, if there is any possibility of a train coming nearby, avoid the train tracks and do not cross them until you are sure you can do so safely.

Although the above report does not confirm who was to blame in the accident, when motorists do suffer serious injuries as a result of a train accident, they have the right to take action. We understand that train accidents can result in life altering consequences. If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in a train accident due to a negligent driver, please contact us to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

State Police have recently reported the arrest of a truck driver who has been charged with multiple drunk driving charges after a traffic accident Monday night, according to Wgem.com. A Chicago truck accident attorney at our law firm learned that the driver of Roodhouse, Illinois was driving west on I-72 in Pike County just before 11pm when he drove his semi-trailer into a wooded area off of the road. After authorities arrived at the scene, the driver was taken to a nearby hospital, only having suffered minor injuries.

When later questioned regarding the accident, the driver stated he fell asleep behind the wheel. He was arrested for DUI, illegal transportation of an alcoholic beverage, improper lane usage, driving while fatigued, operation of a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence, and unlawful possession of alcohol in a commercial motor vehicle.

From the perspective of our lawyers, accidents involving semi trucks, trailer trucks, or other large commercial vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences for not only the drivers of these trucks, but potentially other motorists and pedestrians on the roadway. Though the accident described above was fortunately a single-vehicle accident, it could have easily been prevented. There were clearly two primary factors at play that caused the truck driver to drive off of the road: driving while fatigued and driving under the influence.

The above accident occurred at 11pm, a time when driver exhaustion and fatigue commonly become a cause of distracted driving. Driver fatigue is an extremely severe issue in Illinois and throughout the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. This results in an estimated 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and $12.5 billion in monetary losses. Truck drivers are particularly susceptible to driver fatigue because of the long hours they travel each day and into the late hours of the night. Drowsy driving can be compared to drinking and driving, as both drastically decrease driver awareness and increase behavior that can lead to accidents. Despite this already large risk for the truck driver, he was also irresponsibly drinking while driving, presumably leading to even more distraction.

If you feel drowsy before entering your vehicle, refrain from driving or allow another individual to drive for you. If any other circumstances arise that could potentially distract you from driving as attentively as possible, use good judgment in determining what actions you can take to remain safe behind the wheel. Truck drivers face many regulations before driving, such as ensuring they are well rested, all equipment is working properly, and they are not drinking and driving. For other motorists, it is important to follow similar guidelines before driving.

Every year, our law firm provides qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have been injured or killed as a result of careless or negligent motorists. Truck accident lawsuits can help compensate accident victims for potential personal injury, medical, and property damage expenses sustained as the result of a trucking accident.

Those involved in a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident caused by a truck driver’s reckless or negligent behavior may have legal recourse available to them. If you or someone you know has suffered as a result of a truck accident, please contact us for more information.

Many Illinois police officers have learned of the tremendous efforts of an out-of-state patrol cop who arrested 95 people on suspicion of driving under the influence in 2012, the most of any officer in his county. Mercurynews.com reports that the 55-year old officer says he became inspired to go after DUI suspects after hearing stories of people whose loved ones were killed by drunken drivers. “I needed to go out and do what I could to stop it,” he told reporters. Thus, in his last year as a full-time patrol cop, he decided to work night shifts exclusively, a crucial time to go after drunk drivers.

When the cop was not responding to calls while on patrol, he was looking for drivers displaying signs of being under the influence. He looked for vehicles that drove too fast or too slow, or had trouble staying in between their lines. Drivers stopping too far or too close from stop signs were also common indicators.

The patrol cop’s dedication certainly paid off; he was ultimately responsible for nearly 43% of the 222 DUI arrests made in his county last year. He was recognized last week during a banquet sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his efforts. This week, MADD will also recognize other officers who each made more than 100 DUI arrests last year. Although the patrol cop has recently retired, he plans on continuing to be a reserve officer and working DUI enforcement. Executive director of MADD states, “They have a sixth sense, some of these officers. It’s a gift, because they’re saving lives every time they get a drunk driver off the road.”

Though the patrol cop did not boast about his work, by completing the actions that he did, hundreds of accidents may have been prevented and many innocent lives were undoubtedly spared. Even so, the true solution to stopping driver negligence is found at the source of the problem: the driver. All motorists should aspire to drive in the safest manner possible every time they are behind the wheel. It is important that all drivers are well rested when driving, follow the rules of the road, drive attentively, never drink and drive, and are ultimately careful and responsible on the road.

Despite many drivers taking the necessary steps to drive safely, accidents unfortunately continue to happen as a result of negligent motorists, specifically involving those who drive under the influence. Our lawyers represent individuals who have suffered injury or wrongful death as the result of an accident caused by a careless driver. We understand that the consequences of these accidents can be life altering and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. Please contact us to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Kmov.com recently reported that a Greene County couple is dead after their motorcycle was rear-ended at a traffic light on Saturday night. A motorcycle accident attorney at our firm learned that according to authorities, a Harley Davison was stopped in traffic and was attempting to turn left onto Kane road when a pickup truck crashed into it from behind.

The 46-year old driver and the 42-year old passenger were both ejected from the motorcycle and were both pronounced dead at the scene. The 21-year old pickup truck driver was not injured and was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. After an accident reconstruction team was called to southbound US 67 at Kane road shortly after the accident, authorities were able to report that neither the driver of passenger of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

Our attorneys understand that more people in Illinois have begun to rely on motorcycles as a means of transportation, and fatal accidents involving motorcycles are greatly increasing as a result. A primary reason for the severity of these accidents has to do with helmet laws, or lack thereof, in the state of Illinois. Officially enacted in 1970, Illinois does not have any helmet laws in place for motorcycle drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2011, 83% of the people who died from motorcycle crashes in Illinois were not wearing a helmet. This is among the highest percent nationally. In the United States, Illinois ranks 47th for lives saved and economic costs saved due to helmet use. Shockingly, compared to the 36 lives saved in states with a Universal Helmet Law in place in 2010, only 4 were saved in Illinois. Additionally, states with a Universal Helmet Law saved about $73 million dollars, while Illinois only saved $9 million.

From the perspective of our law firm and many others throughout the state of Illinois, enacting a Universal Helmet Law should be considered. As most motorcyclists involved in serious accident die of head injuries, wearing a helmet at all times is vital. Many believe that helmets will reduce visibility or impair hearing while riding, however, these statements are both false. The risk of head injury would be reduced by 69%, and the risk of death would decrease by 37%. Thus, there is substantial evidence that increasing helmet use would not only save an enormous amount of money, but would save many lives and help to significantly avoid personal injury.

We want to urge the public to be more cautious when traveling on Illinois roadways this summer. Those involved in motorcycle accidents caused by another driver’s reckless or negligence behavior may have legal recourse available to them. If you or someone you know has suffered as a result of a motorcycle accident, contact us for more information. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action and determine what rights may be available to you.

As of recently, the Chicago Department of Transportation released a comprehensive plan to make the city’s streets safer for pedestrians, according to Wbez.org. Our attorneys learned that several official meetings throughout the last year have produced a large document detailing the city’s plans to improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the area. These plans include making improvements such as creating neighborhood traffic circles and increasing the number of safety zones near schools and parks. Some low-cost projects including the addition of crosswalk stripes and posting signs are already in progress at intersections with the highest accident rates. All plans will predominantly rely on federal funds in order to make the proper improvements necessary.

The Department of Transportation Commissioner states that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians all need to take responsibility to prevent accidents. "It's not just distracted drivers that we're worried about," the Commissioner said. "People on their cell phones are walking out into intersections getting hit by cars." Trucks are also a frequent cause of accidents and personal injury in that their large size and weight on small, crowded city roadways makes the truck difficult to maneuver. This fact, in addition to other distracted drivers and pedestrians nearby, creates a very unsafe and potentially dangerous combination.

The National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that approximately 3,000 traffic accidents injure pedestrians in Chicago each year. Shockingly, 4,280 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 70,000 were injured in traffic accidents in the United States in 2010, an increase of four percent from 2009. On average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every eight minutes in traffic accidents.

Our law firm believes that it is important to be aware of which circumstances generally produce the most pedestrian accidents and personal injury. Pedestrian fatalities most commonly occur in urban settings during the hours of 8pm and 12am, and surprisingly during normal weather conditions, as compared to rain, snow, and foggy conditions. Nearly one half of fatalities occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Alcohol involvement, either for the driver or the pedestrian, was reported in almost half of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities.

All pedestrians are advised be attentive at intersections, where drivers often fail to give them the right-of-way while turning. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks, in most situations. Pedestrians should be sure to cross the street at designated crosswalks whenever possible, always being sure to stop and look both ways before crossing the street. If anything is blocking your view, only cross when you are certain it is safe to do so. It is much safer to walk on a sidewalk, but if you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic. Finally, always attempt to increase your visibility at night by wearing reflective clothing to highlight body movements.

Our accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have represented numerous individuals and families who have been injured in a pedestrian accident due to a negligent motorist. For example, we settled a case for $1.25 million for a woman who was seriously injured when she was hit by a bus at a Chicago crosswalk. We apply this experience and our knowledge of the law to deliver the best results and fair compensation for every client we represent. If you have suffered personal injury or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, please contact us to learn about what legal options may be available to you.

Many motorists driving large vehicles such as semi trucks, tractor/trailers, or pick-up trucks travel on Illinois roadways each day, and much is expected of these motorists in order for them to reach their destinations quickly and safely. Large vehicles are not the easiest to maneuver and can potentially become dangerous for not only the truck driver, but also other motorists and pedestrians on the roadway. Therefore, it is critical that truck drivers travel attentively and responsibly, properly maintain their vehicles, follow regulations, and take all steps necessary to remain safe behind the wheel. Unfortunately, many drivers choose not to uphold their responsibilities and make decisions that lead to serious accidents and injury on the road. This was the case on Sunday when an Elgin man was charged with drunken driving after he allegedly ran a stop sign and struck an SUV carrying three individuals.

At about 2am, the driver, whose pick-up truck had open containers of beer inside, drove through a stop sign on Hastings Street in Elgin and struck an SUV approaching on Liberty Street, according to Chicagotribune.com. The pick-up truck T-boned the SUV with such force that the entire floor of the SUV fell from its framework. The pick-up truck continued traveling until it crashed into a nearby fence, while the SUV hit a parked car.

Our truck accident lawyers learned that authorities arrived to the scene shortly after the accident and transported the driver of the pick-up truck, as well as the driver and passengers of the SUV, to nearby hospitals. None of these individuals’ injuries were declared as life threatening. However, the driver of the pick-up truck was found to have had a blood alcohol level of 0.17, more than double the legal limit of 0.08, according to an Elgin Commander. As a result, he was charged with two felony counts of driving under the influence. Police say he is expected in bond court this week.

As many are aware, drinking and driving is a very serious, yet sadly common issue on roadways in Illinois and throughout the United States. The Illinois Department of Transportation states that about 310,000 people suffer injuries in alcohol-related traffic crashes each year, an average of one person injured approximately every 2 minutes, and about 300 fatalities also take place each year. In 2002, 51,649 people were arrested for DUI in Illinois. As stated above, trucks of any size can be difficult to maneuver; adding alcohol into the mix can cause severe truck accidents that cause more personal injury and fatalities than many other traffic accidents.

Our attorneys want to encourage truck drivers and all additional motorists to drive safely on Illinois roadways this year. Taking the appropriate steps such as refraining from driving under the influence, being sure not to drive while fatigued, and always driving attentively can prevent motor vehicle accidents, decrease personal injury, and ultimately save lives. In the case that you or a loved one has suffered as a result of an accident caused by a negligent motorist, please contact us for more information.

As we are approaching the summer season, more people in Illinois have begun to rely on motorcycles as a means of transportation, and as a result, fatal accidents involving motorcycles are greatly increasing as well. One of our motorcycle accident lawyers recently read a report by Journalstandard.com about a man killed in a motorcycle crash at the intersection of Stephenson Street and Galena Avenue in Freeport. Police say the 25-year-old resident of Freeport was driving his motorcycle southbound on Galena Avenue, while the 32-year old driver of a passenger vehicle was traveling northbound. The accident occurred when the vehicle turned west onto Stephenson Street in front of the motorcycle. Police say the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and was taken to a nearby hospital. He later died of injuries sustained in the accident, and the driver of the passenger vehicle was cited for failure to yield at an intersection.

The news report continues to list many motorcycle crash statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). In 2010, 343,924 motorcycles were registered in Illinois, representing a 73 percent increase compared to the 198,444 registered in 1999. Many believe the increases in registration may be due to the desire to save money on fuel. Also in 2010, a total of 132 fatal crashes involving motorcycles occurred, killing a total of 130 people, representing a 27 percent increase compared to the 103 motorcyclists killed in 1999, states IDOT.

Journalstandard.com states that recently, a significant amount of motorcycle accidents have occurred in Northwest Illinois. A spokesman from IDOT stated, “We have seen an increase in motorcycle registrations and motorcycle crashes over time, for a variety of reasons. That’s why we believe it’s vitally important for motorists and motorcyclists to pay special attention when they are on the road during the warmer months.”

Our law firm agrees that because of the increase in motorcycle drivers on the road, using caution while behind the wheel this summer is essential. Motorcyclists always need to be sure to drive defensively and remain cautious around other vehicles on the road. Proper attire should be worn to make the motorcyclist more visible, including bright clothing and helmets. They should also keep their motorcycle’s headlights on and stay out of other driver’s blind spots. Finally, drivers of trucks and passenger vehicles should exercise great caution while turning or merging in order to avoid colliding with motorcycles.

Those involved in accidents between motorists and motorcyclists may have legal recourse available to them. If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damages as a result of a motorcycle accident, we are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. Find out what rights may be available to you.

Reviewatlas.com recently reported on an accident that occurred between a car and a pickup truck on Monday night just north of Roseville. Illinois State Police say an unidentified passenger-vehicle driver was traveling on Business Route U.S. 67 at 6:50pm when it was struck by an oncoming extended cab pickup truck, driven by a 55-year old man of Roseville.

Our Chicago truck accident law firm learned that according to a statement made by authorities, the driver of the passenger vehicle was traveling in the right lane and attempted to pass another car “at a high rate of speed” when it approached the oncoming pickup truck. It then veered back into the right lane, but “spun out clockwise back across the centerline and in a collision course with the truck” (Review Atlas). Police say the front of the pickup then struck the vehicle’s passenger side.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup truck driver was transported to a nearby medical center and was treated for non-life threatening injuries; he was listed as in stable condition Monday night. Police say both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, but an investigation is ongoing to determine if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

From the perspective of our lawyers, all drivers generally pass other vehicles on Illinois roadways when necessary, the task being easier to complete on four-lane roads than two-lane roads. No matter where you are or who you are attempting to pass, there are many decisions that have to be made beforehand. These include whether or not there is enough time to get around the vehicle in front of you, if oncoming traffic is present, how fast you and the vehicles around you are traveling, and overall, if you would be able to pass another vehicle safely and without risking injury.

We believe it is beneficial for all drivers to learn about the steps that can be taken in order to make passing other vehicles effective and safe. This first begins with making sure it is legal to pass. On two-lane roads, it is forbidden to pass the vehicle in front of you if there is a double yellow line between lanes. Watching for signs that say “Do Not Pass” will also help you determine if passing is allowed. These signs are most commonly on roads that are near hills or curves.

If it legal to pass, make sure the lanes around you are clear. In relation to the above article, do not pass if there is an oncoming vehicle that is near you. If this vehicle is approaching you at a constant speed, this means it is most likely too close in order for you to pass safely. Proper passing techniques include using your turn signal to alert others of your intention to pass, increasing your speed up to ten to fifteen miles per hour faster that the vehicle you are passing in order to do so quickly, and after you have passed the vehicle, checking to make sure you have enough clear space to safely re-enter your lane.

Because passing another vehicle is often a hurried action, many drivers do not think the above steps through and accidents commonly take place as a result. Following the steps and suggestions provided will help to decrease the risk of an accident occurring and will ultimately keep you and other motorists safe behind the wheel.

In the case that you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent motorist, please contact us to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

Last month, an Illinois State Police trooper was killed when a semi truck collided with his squad car. According to Chicago.cbslocal.com, the 28-year old trooper was pulled over on the left shoulder of Interstate 294 near Willow Road in northwest suburban Northfield Township just after 11pm when he was hit behind by the semi. It was not clear why the trooper was stopped or if his vehicle’s emergency lights were on. Witnesses told investigators that they saw the semi, a United Van Lines truck, in the left lane before the crash.

After the impact of the collision, both vehicles burst into flames. Witnesses say it was hard to even make out the squad car among the tangled and burnt metal. A later autopsy determined the primary causes of the trooper’s death were thermal injuries from the fire, as well as inhalation injuries and minor head injuries. The truck driver walked away from the accident with nothing but a burnt hand.

As of a few weeks ago, the medial examiner’s office ruled the trooper’s death an accident and the semi truck driver was not charged with any crime or wrongdoing related to the accident. But now, our wrongful death lawyers have learned that after further investigation, recent reports obtained by Sun-times state the semi driver fell asleep behind the wheel before his vehicle veered out of its lane and struck the trooper. The trucker was initially issued a ticket for improper lane usage but it was dismissed soon after, according to a state police spokeswoman. Authorities are continuing to reconstruct the site of the crash to find out additional details relating to why the crash happened, and higher charges may result. Among the things that will be looked at are the trucker’s driving history, how many hours he had been behind the wheel without a break, and the results of drug and alcohol tests administered as required by state law after a fatal accident.

DWD, or Driving While Drowsy, is a large concern for many Illinois drivers. The Illinois Department of Transportation lists DWD as a cause of around 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths every year. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. This not only results in deaths and injuries, but also close to $12.5 billion in monetary losses. Truck drivers are particularly susceptible to driver fatigue because of the long hours they travel each day and into the late hours of the night. Drowsy driving can be compared to drinking and driving, as both drastically decrease driver awareness and increase behavior that can lead to accidents.

Truck drivers facing many regulations before driving, such as ensuring they are well rested, all equipment is working properly, and they are not drinking and driving. For other motorists, it is important to follow similar guidelines before driving. If you feel drowsy before entering your vehicle, refrain from driving or allow another individual to drive for you. If any other circumstances arise that could potentially distract you from driving as attentively as possible, use good judgment in determining what actions you can take to remain safe behind the wheel.

Despite many drivers taking the necessary steps to drive safely, accidents unfortunately continue to happen as a result of negligent motorists. We represent individuals who have suffered injury, medical expenses, or property damage as the result of a trucking accident caused by a negligent motorist. We understand that the consequences of a trucking accident can be life altering and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. Please contact us to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Charges have been filed against a driver who caused a fatal accident early Tuesday on the Dan Ryan Expressway in which alcohol was a factor, killing the 25-year old driver of a pickup truck. Chicago.cbslocal.com reports that the two-vehicle accident happened at about 12:30am in the southbound lanes of the interstate when a 52-year old crew cab truck driver of Chicago suddenly crossed from the far right lane to the far left lane of the five lane highway near 95th Street and struck the pickup truck. Witnesses told police that both trucks then hit the median wall, crossed traffic again, and hit the right wall of the interstate before finally coming to a rest.

Our truck accident attorneys learned that the driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at 1:05am Saturday, autopsies determining that he died of serious head injuries from the collision. Family reports that the man was heading home from his shift at work when the crash occurred. The driver of the crew cab truck, however, was uninjured in the accident and submitted to standard field sobriety tests administered by Illinois State Police troopers on the scene. His blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.109, more than the legal limit of 0.08, according to a police report. He was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol in the death of a man and was held in lieu of $350,000 bail in a midday hearing in Cook County Bond Court on Wednesday.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration lists that the number of drunk driving fatalities in Illinois in 2011 was 278, with the percentage of traffic deaths that were drunk driving related being 30%. This was a decrease from 2010 in which 292 fatalities took place and the percentage of drunk driving related deaths was 32%. Though this decrease is certainly positive, organizers such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Alliance Against Intoxicated Driving (AAID) say one accident is still too many. "It's a problem that's always going to be around because people drink and it's socially acceptable. It's totally unacceptable to get behind the wheel if you've been drinking," stated a member of AAID. "One in three families will be impacted by drunk drivers,” stated a member of MADD. “So if you're sitting in a row of three people, it's not the two of them. It's going to be you." Reports from Abclocal.com state that both organizations have launched awareness campaigns with the goal of keeping roads safer this summer.

As a result of the above accident, the pickup driver’s brother stated, “I knew that they had (the driver) in custody, which means he walked away from the crash and my brother didn’t. We just want justice to be served.” Our lawyers agree that in a case similar to the one above, we want justice to be served. The driver of the pickup was involved in an accident due to the negligence of another motorist, ultimately leading to his death. All drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road and drive responsibly at all times, which includes refraining from driving under the influence or driving while distracted. When motorists fail to drive responsibly and injure other motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians on the roadway, victims and their families often seek legal representation.

Our law firm has successfully handled hundreds of cases for individuals and families injured or killed due to another’s carelessness, including truck, car, and wrongful death cases. If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an accident due to a negligent driver, please contact us to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Poor weather conditions are reported to be the cause of a deadly accident that killed two teenagers last weekend in southern Illinois, according to Suntimes.com. Investigators say that two 18-year old girls were driving to class in Elkville during a thunderstorm and slid into an oncoming lane of traffic due to the rain-slicked roads. Their vehicle was then struck by the driver of a pick up truck and came to rest in a nearby creek. Eyewitnesses report that they tried to help the teens after the accident, but it was too late. Police say both girls died at the scene from the impact of the wreck. The driver of the truck was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released. No citations have been issued in the accident, which authorities and family members are declaring “tragic.”

From the perspective of our law firm, while negligent motorists are commonly the cause of accidents and personal injury on Illinois roadways, hundreds of accidents each year are due to the uncontrollable and often times unpredictable onset of rain and poor weather conditions. These conditions definitely do not make the physical aspect of driving any easier, and also affect the manner in which we drive, whether that is excessively timid or dangerously reckless. Therefore, we would like to offer all motorists some information about how rain can affect driving conditions and what steps you can take to remain safe behind the wheel in these conditions.

As we all know, rain makes roads slick and slippery. Rain can make it more difficult to stay on a roadway, to stop, or to avoid colliding with other vehicles. The National Weather Service states that this is especially true when it first begins to rain because roads are most slippery at the beginning of a storm. In addition, rain reduces visibility and makes it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and street signs. When rain is combined with dirty water kicked up from the road by other drivers, windshields can quickly become dirty and make it even more difficult to see.

In these conditions, it is important to drive at a safe speed. Though this tip may seem obvious, many timid drivers who travel at unreasonably low speeds in the rain may back up traffic and increase the risk of rear end accidents, and reckless drivers who disregard the dangers that come with rain drive at high speeds and can also cause collisions. Driving at a moderately safe speed and keeping a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you can help increase your reaction times and will allow you to brake sooner if needed to avoid collisions. In regards to braking, refrain from braking too quickly; because the roads will be slippery, stopping your wheels too quickly may cause them to lose traction with the road and lead to skidding. If your vehicle does skid, remain calm and steer straight until you feel your vehicle regain traction.

Because poor weather conditions are something that every motorist will eventually have to face while driving, keeping these safety tips in mind will decrease the likelihood of an accident occurring and therefore reduce personal injury. If you have unfortunately been in an accident and suffered injury, medical expenses, or property damage due to the weather, be sure to contact your insurance company right away. In the case that you are in an accident as a result of a negligent motorist, seeking qualified representation is also recommended.

Our personal injury lawyers represent individuals and families who have suffered injury or wrongful death because of the carelessness or negligence of a motorist. We have the proper experience needed to assist you in determining if legal recourse may be available to you, informing you of your rights, and ultimately offering you the resources you need to seek legal action. Please contact us for more information.