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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cbsnews.com reports that four Chicago-area teens from Wilmington High School were killed last Tuesday when their vehicle overturned and plunged into Forked Creek. An accident attorney at our firm learned that the victims, two boys and two girls ranging from fifteen to seventeen years old, left their homes on Monday evening and never returned. A bus driver near Ballou Road spotted their car and bodies around 7:30am Tuesday morning in Wilmington, about fifty miles southwest of Chicago. A tow truck was called to pull the car from the water, and officials worked to remove the bodies from the wreck. The cause of the accident is currently unknown, but police believe there may have been run-off water coming over the roadway from the creek and possible ice that contributed to the vehicle overturning.

The occurrence of this accident was especially significant for our lawyers because the teenagers were among fifteen who have been killed in three major accidents since last week. Five teens were killed in Texas when their vehicle ran a stop sign and collided with a fuel tanker truck. That same day, six Ohio teens were killed when their SUV sped off a stretch of roadway at eighty miles per hour and flipped into a pond.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that teen deaths from motor vehicle crashes have been declining in all parts of the country, dropping from 8,748 in 1975 to 3,115 in 2010. However, the risk of being in an accident is three times higher for teens than any other group of drivers. Accident injuries are the leading cause of death for individuals aging from thirteen to nineteen years old. Even more, Illinois ranks twelfth in the country for fatalities in crashes involving young drivers by state.

There are often many factors that contribute to teenagers being involved in accidents. First and foremost, most teens have not yet completely mastered basic driving skills that develop after years of experience behind the wheel. They take longer to detect hazards while driving and also tend to underestimate accident risk in hazardous situations while overestimating their ability to avoid those hazards. Teens also have a more difficult time driving at night than other age groups.

Furthermore, the fatality risk of teenagers is much higher when they are driving with passengers than when they are driving alone. Same-aged passengers are likely to distract the teen drivers and encourage them to take more risks. These risks include speeding, tailgating, making illegal turns, or running red lights. Teens are often overconfident in their driving abilities and therefore take these risks that often result in injury or death. This is especially the case when teenagers are not wearing their seatbelts, which they do less often than older drivers. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is also a common cause of serious teen accidents. Teenagers who drink and drive are at much greater risk of serious crashes than are older drivers with equal concentrations of alcohol in their blood.

We want to encourage all teens to exercise caution while driving in order to decrease the risk being involved in an accident. There are a large amount of teens who are cautious behind the wheel, but nevertheless, they do not have the years of experience that adults do and therefore are at a larger risk of being in an accident. We also want to encourage motorists in older age groups to be aware of teenagers that are driving near them in case the teens are exerting risky behavior behind the wheel and may be putting them in danger.

Please contact our law firm if you or someone you know has been in an accident caused by a negligent 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.

Starherald.com recently released that the trial of a truck driver charged with killing an entire family in a multiple-vehicle accident has been scheduled for September. Our accident lawyers learned that the 36-year old driver’s arraignment hearing took place in January, in which a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf on four counts of manslaughter, four counts of motor vehicle homicide by willful reckless driving, and one count of motor vehicle homicide of an unborn child by driving recklessly.

The report states that the family consisted of a 30-year old man from Maryland, his 28-year old wife, and the couple’s two and three-year old children. The family had been among other drivers stopped on Interstate 80 as emergency crews were responding to a previous accident. The couple was driving separate vehicles at the time. Allegedly, the truck driver drove onto the scene, failing to notice the emergency lights or slow down for the stopped vehicles, and struck the husband’s vehicle. The force of this collision pushed his vehicle into his wife’s car, which was forced underneath a semi-tractor trailer. All family members were killed upon impact. The woman was pregnant at the time of the crash and her unborn child also died.

State police say that when the accident occurred, the truck driver had been driving for more than fifteen hours, violating commercial motor vehicle federal regulations. He also failed to observe radio traffic and other warnings that would have alerted him about the accidents on the interstate. He remains in a local jail on a $1 million bond, and a pre-trial conference is scheduled for late-May.

Our attorneys believe this accident directly sheds light on how critical it is for all truck drivers to follow the “14-hour rule,” which states that a commercial truck driver cannot work for more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period. Thus, each duty period must begin with at least 10 hours off-duty. The United States Department of Transportation regulates the number of hours a truck driver can driver per day, as well as the total number of driving hours per week. Following this rule is necessary not only to meet federal regulation guidelines, but to ensure that you are able to drive attentively behind the wheel and consequently help save lives.

Wrongful death cases, commonly filed by a family member of a victim, can be used to recover monetary damages such as medical expenses or funeral bills, or pain suffered by survivors of the victim. We have seen the devastation that reckless behavior behind the wheel can cause and have represented numerous families in various cases. In 2010, John Perconti obtained $6.5 million in a settlement for the family of a 32-year old woman who was killed in an accident with a semi-truck, including personal injuries suffered by her husband and child. The wrongful death portion of the settlement, $4.7 million, was the highest wrongful death settlement ever recorded in Kane County, Illinois.

If you have lost a loved one in a trucking accident due to the negligence or carelessness of the driver, please contact our law firm for more information. We have the experience necessary to help your family recuperate after the loss of a loved one, in addition to uncovering the act of negligence that caused the accident.

According to an online news report by Suntimes.com, two vehicles were involved in a fatal accident at 95th Street and LaGrange Road near Hickory Hills, Illinois this past weekend. One of our Chicago wrongful death lawyers read that a 51-year-old Crystal Lake woman was driving east on 95th street and had the green light when she entered the intersection. Her SUV was then hit by a pickup truck traveling south on LaGrange road. The 25-year-old Orland Park man ran a red light at the intersection and T-boned the woman’s car. A Cook Country sheriff’s police spokeswoman stated that preliminary investigations indicate the man may have been driving up to 70 miles per hour. The spokeswoman also said the man had made statements that he had been out drinking in Chicago since the evening before.

The woman, a dedicated wife and mother of three, had been traveling to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where she worked as a part time registered nurse when the accident took place. She was taken to Palos Community Hospital shortly after the accident and was later pronounced dead. The Orland Park driver, who was treated at the same hospital for minor injuries, is now in police custody and is being charged for driving under the influence. There were no other passengers in either vehicle, and no other vehicles were involved in the accident.

As our attorneys reading the above report noted, accidents caused by failing to obey traffic signals can be fatal. However, as of recently, legislation has been passed and signed into law authorizing the use of traffic safety cameras throughout the state of Illinois to decrease the number of these accidents. Specifically, local police departments are using red light cameras to hold drivers accountable for driving through red lights. As recently as February 2012, legislation was also passed to authorize the use of speed cameras in Chicago school and park zones. Governor Pat Quinn outlined his support for these cameras, stating “Reducing speed around schools and parks where children are present is a good policy for Illinois, and I’ve signed the legislation because I think it does have an impact on safety.”

Allowing traffic safety cameras on roadways has definitely had an impact on safety for drivers. The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that in 2010, there were 927 fatalities on Illinois roads after authorizing the use of traffic safety cameras, down from 1,254 in 2006. The addition of intersection safety cameras in Chicago led to a 32% reduction in fatal red light running accidents. The addition of the same cameras in Naperville led to a 65% reduction in red light violations and a 27% reduction in injury crashes at just one intersection. There was also a 35% reduction of red light violations in Westmont. Data across the state shows that the increased use of traffic safety cameras continues to change driver behavior, deter drivers from breaking the law, reduce serious car accidents, and most importantly, save lives.

While traffic safety cameras have gained much support in Illinois, based on the above report, accidents do continue to happen as a result of careless or negligent motorists. Our law firm is willing to assist you if you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of a car accident. To find out if legal recourse may be available to you, contact us for more information.

A truck accident lawyer at our firm recently read that the driver of a car that suddenly stopped on the Stevenson Expressway due to a previous collision was killed when a semi plowed into his car. Chicago.cbslocal.com states the accident occurred last Wednesday at about 1:30am near southwest suburban Plainfield. The chain of events leading to the accident started when the 26-year old driver allegedly lost control of his vehicle on southbound Interstate 55 and struck a center median wall. The vehicle then became disabled in the left lane, without its lights on, according to state police. After a few minutes, a second motorist saw the disabled vehicle and stopped to offer assistance. Before both vehicles could be moved from the roadway, a semi truck struck both vehicles near mile marker 260.

The report states the driver of the stopped vehicle was airlifted to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove where he died shortly after. No other injuries were reported. Travel on I-55 was stopped in both directions so the injured man could be airlifted from the scene. By about 3 a.m. both directions were open to travel again, state police said. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.

From the perspective of our lawyers, chain reaction collisions similar to the one described in the above report can cause serious injury to those involved. When these collisions include semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles, the likelihood of a serious injury greatly increases. While a stalled vehicle was the cause of this particular chain reaction, others usually occur due to tailgating and failing to maintain a safe distance from others on the roadway. Thus, it is important to always keep your eyes moving to remain aware of other motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and street signs.

It is advised to allow a distance of ten feet in between you and the vehicle in front of you for every ten miles per hour you are traveling. For example, if you are traveling at 50 miles per hour, this distance would be fifty feet. Heavier vehicles like semi trucks and trailers require longer distances, and distance should also be increased between all vehicles while driving in poor weather conditions. In general, remain attentive for all of the vehicles surrounding you while driving.

It is not confirmed why the driver of the passenger vehicle lost control of his car before colliding with the median and becoming stopped on the expressway. Most commonly, victims report that their vehicle had an empty fuel tank or a piece of equipment was not working properly. If there is a malfunction with your vehicle or you are involved in an accident, use your signals properly to move to the side of the road, or at least turn on your hazard lights to warn approaching vehicles. In the case that an equipment malfunction causes an accident due to the vehicle stalling in the middle of the road, the driver may not be held responsible for the accident. However, if either the passenger vehicle or semi truck driver were negligent in the above case, victims or their families may be able to claim for injuries or property damage sustained in the accident.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a negligent motorist, please contact our law firm for more information. Our attorneys provide quality legal representation to those who lives have been severely impacted by negligent motorists and are willing to assist you in determining what rights and compensation may be available to you.

MyFoxChicago.com released that a woman was killed on Tuesday night when a semi truck crossed the median of Interstate 88 and struck her SUV. Our wrongful death attorneys learned that the collision took place at 7:14PM on the toll road between Butterfield Road and Route 56 near west suburban Aurora. Illinois State Police say the semi was traveling east when it went through the grassy median and into the westbound lanes of traffic. Upon entering the westbound lanes, it struck the woman’s SUV head on. The semi stopped in a ditch on the right side of the westbound lanes and caught fire just seconds later, according to the State Police Tollway District Master Sergeant.

The driver of the SUV, a 46-year old woman of southern Illinois, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kane County Coroner’s office released that an autopsy Wednesday showed the preliminary cause of death was directly related to the accident. Toxicology samples were collected and sent to a forensics lab for evaluation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation; no citations have been issued yet.

Vehicles that cross the centerline are causing an increasing number of fatal accidents on Illinois highways and interstates. Often times, motorists deliberately attempt to cross the centerline with the intentions of changing directions on the interstate. Other times, motorists accidently cross the centerline due to factors like poor weather conditions, impaired driving, or being involved in a previous accident.

No matter what the cause, these accidents can have severe consequences to those nearby. On the smallest level, these accidents generally affect all lanes of traffic on the interstate. In the above crash, westbound lanes were closed for more than five hours following the collision until being reopened at 1am, state police said. More seriously, these accidents to cause life-altering consequences to those involved, including personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage.

Our attorneys understand that the above report does not specify why the semi truck crossed the median of the interstate or if he was the direct cause of the accident. It also does not confirm whether the woman’s family planned to seek legal action against the driver of the truck. When individuals do suffer serious injuries as a result of careless of negligent motorists, they have the right to seek legal representation to receive compensation for their sufferings. If the truck driver was negligent, the victim’s family may be able to file a claim in civil court against him.

Illinois Police objectives to reduce the number of these accidents currently include attempting to find ways to keep vehicles from traveling into the opposite lane, minimizing the likelihood of a car crashing into an oncoming vehicle, and ultimately reduce the severity of accidents that occur. However, our attorneys understand that not all accidents are preventable. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a negligent motorist, please contact us for more information. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action, as well as determine what rights and compensation may be available to you.

A serious accident between a pick-up truck and a motorcycle left one person dead and another with life threatening injures on Saturday evening. Our truck accident attorneys read a report by Dailyregister.com detailing the accident, which occurred at 3pm on North Randall Road at the intersection with Westfield Drive near Elgin. According to the Elgin Sheriff’s Office, the accident took place when a pick up truck traveling north on Randall Road failed to make a complete stop prior to entering Westfield Drive. The driver of the truck allegedly did not see a motorcycle traveling on Westfield Drive until just before impact. After the collision, the motorcycle left the road and overturned in a small ditch. Brake patterns on the road have led police to believe the driver of the motorcycle was attempting to swerve into the southbound lane of traffic while braking.

The report states that the driver and his wife who were both riding on the motorcycle were unresponsive at the scene. Both were taken to a nearby medical center and were later transported to other hospitals. The driver died shortly after, while his wife remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Our lawyers understand that collisions between truck drivers and other motorists remain one of the most devastating types of accidents on Illinois roadways, especially when these accidents involve motorcycles. Due to the larger size and weight of trucks in combination with the smaller size of motorcycles, the likelihood of a serious injury during a collision occurring greatly increases. With a large number of motorcyclists traveling on Illinois roadways, we want to urge the public to be more cautious when driving near them this spring.

Specifically, truck drivers should exercise great caution while turning or merging in order to avoid colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian. Because of the many blind spots that exist for truck drivers, maintaining a proper speed, following all road regulations, and driving attentively will help to avoid serious accidents and most importantly, increase the safety of everyone on the road. Furthermore, because of the vulnerability of motorcyclists, they need to be sure to drive defensively and be cautious around trucks and other vehicles on the road. Proper attire should be worn to make the motorcyclist more visible to others, as it is easy for trucks and cars to make turns or merges without noticing the motorcyclist nearby. As most motorcyclists die of head injuries, it is important that they wear helmets at all times. They should also keep their motorcycle’s headlights on, and stay out of other driver’s blind spots.

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 negligence behavior 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 truck accident, please 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.

Any typical driver in Illinois has experienced their share of construction on many roadways or highways in their lifetime, and has therefore driven past numerous tow trucks, signs with flashing lights, traffic cones, and emergency vehicle personnel assisting authorities at construction scenes. While many drivers cautiously and attentively drive past these construction scenes, others fail to do so and as a result cause a significant amount of damage and personal injury to vehicles or individuals working at the scene. This fact is something that our Illinois truck accident lawyers believe needs to be addressed and wants to inform all drivers of the current issues at hand.

Chicagotribune.com recently released a report detailing the death of a 20-year old tow truck driver who was killed by a passing motorist as he was assisting someone on an interstate. The driver that hit him allegedly failed to pay attention to the flashing lights and emergency vehicles on the side of the road and thus struck and killed the truck driver. After learning about this accident, an owner of a transportation service in Barrington, Illinois wanted to remind drivers to “move over and slow down” when they see a tow truck with flashing lights along the side of the road. The owner states that most people don’t recognize tow truck operators as emergency vehicles and fail to take the necessary precautions when they pass by them on roads or highways.

Illinois has had a law in place for ten years to protect emergency vehicles and personnel from reckless drivers. The legislation, details the report, was created after a Lieutenant of the Chicago Fire Department was struck and killed by a drunken driver while assisting at a traffic crash scene on the Dan Ryan Expressway in 2001. Scott’s Law, also known as the “Move Over Law,” was enacted in 2002 and requires Illinois motorists to reduce their speed and change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the roads, being sure to proceed with caution. These emergency vehicles include police, fire, ambulance, highway workers and tow truck drivers. The law also requires that motorists yield to any vehicle equipped with red, white, blue, and/or yellow warning lights.

“I want to make people aware of this law, no matter where they drive,” the service owner stated. “If they’re here in Illinois or in any other state, to move over and slow down for any vehicle they see with flashing lights at the side of the road…Tow truck drivers are on the highway more than anyone else, and no one wants to get a call that their loved one was killed when they were trying to help someone out,” he said.

Our law firm agrees it is crucial that this law is followed for the safety of tow truck drivers, emergency personnel, and even other motorists and pedestrians on Illinois roadways. Unfortunately, negligent drivers do exist, and a number of individuals are injured or somehow affected by accidents caused by these drivers every year. Our attorneys are very familiar with Illinois trucking laws and have represented many individuals and families in trucking accident lawsuits consisting of issues similar to those described above.

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage as the result of the trucking accident, we are willing 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. Contact us for more information.

A Chicago truck accident attorney at our law firm recently learned of an accident in Williamson County that was potentially caused by a driver blacking out behind the wheel. Kfvs12.com reports the accident took place approximately two weeks ago at 9pm on the exit ramp from Interstate 24 East to Interstate 57 South. According to Illinois State Police, a 75-year old driver of Florida was behind the wheel of a commercial motor vehicle when he allegedly blacked out and drove off of the left side of the roadway. His vehicle then overturned and came to rest on its left side, blocking both lanes of traffic on the interstate.

The report states that the driver had to be extricated from the vehicle and was transported to a Marion hospital for treatment of serious injuries. No other motorists were injured in the accident. The driver has been ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for violating the “14-hour rule,” which states that a commercial truck driver cannot work for more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period.

From the perspective of our attorneys, while road traffic accidents most commonly occur due to negligent motorists, distracted driving, or some form of driver error, other accidents may be caused by sudden illness of the driver. These unexpected medical conditions that are considered to be “sudden illness” behind the wheel most commonly include heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and epilepsy. In the above case, the driver suffered a sudden black out and was unable to drive his vehicle appropriately to avoid an accident.

There are many rules and laws in place that are worthwhile for every driver to know in the case that an unexpected medical condition arises while driving. If you are overcome by illness while driving and are in an accident, it is crucial to inform emergency services of your condition as soon as possible, as medical evidence will be critical in determining liability. Contact your insurance company who will explain your rights as the driver who suffered the sudden illness. Even if you are in the car with a driver who suffers from a medical condition, you may have the ability to claim.

Accidents caused by unexpected medical conditions while driving have the potential of becoming very complex as far as where legal liability truly falls. Determining who is liable for an accident depends on numerous factors, such as medical evidence, whether the driver’s medical condition was fatal or non-fatal, the driver’s history of medical conditions, who was injured in the accident, and whether the accident itself was the cause of a heart attack or other illness to the driver. There is a good chance that you will not be prosecuted for causing an accident, as you most likely had no control over the car at that stage. In the accident above, however, the truck driver had been on duty for more that 14 consecutive hours and was therefore ticketed for this violation. Our attorneys want to remind all semi-truck and commercial vehicle drivers that following this rule is essential for not only their health and safety, but the safety of other motorists and pedestrians on the roadway who may be injured if an accident takes place.

Every year, law firm provides qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have been injured or killed as a result of careless or negligent motorists. In the case of an accident caused by sudden illness to the driver, we can help you determine where liability falls, in addition to helping accident victims compensate for personal injury, medical, and property damage expenses sustained as the result of the accident.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a trucking accident, please contact us for more information. We are willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse is available to you, and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

A 32-year old man is currently facing charges of aggravated DUI and reckless driving from a June 2012 accident that killed a 63-year old motorcyclist. A Chicago wrongful death attorney at our law firm learned that the pick-up truck driver was traveling during rush-hour traffic when he claimed a young teenager cut him off on Ogden Avenue at River Road in Naperville. The driver then became enraged and attempted to chase down the teen. In the process, he turned in front of the victim, who police say had the right of way. “He bulldozed through the intersection, no matter who or what was in his way,” a witness told a DuPage County Judge.

Dailyherald.com released that the victim, of Lombard, was killed upon impact. After the accident, the report states that the erratic driver fled the scene and flagged down a police officer, leading him to a nearby strip mall where he attempted to blame the teen driver for causing the accident. Instead, police found marijuana in his car, in addition to his blood later testing positive for traces of both cannabis and cocaine, according to a forensics expert.

“His driving and his driving alone caused [the victim’s] injuries,” said an Assistant States Attorney. But police are still investigating the accident, as several eyewitnesses were said to have provided conflicting details about who and what the case really was. In the mean time, the driver remains jailed on $500,000 bail. His trial resumed last week and will continue for several weeks afterwards.

Aggressive driving and road rage is on the rise and is a large concern for many drivers today. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as "The operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property." At least 1,500 people are seriously injured or killed in traffic disputes every year. An important distinction is that aggressive driving is a traffic violation, while road rage, an extreme state of aggressive driving, is actually a criminal offense. Both may include following too closely behind other vehicles, driving at excessive speeds, running stop lights and signs, and weaving through traffic.

One of the leading causes of aggressive driving is traffic congestion. Many drivers have low tolerances for traffic delays and may become angry with anyone who slows them down on the road. Frequently changing lanes and tailgating is often the result. Drivers who are running late also tend to drive aggressively, commonly believing their actions can be justified by the fact that reaching their destination is most important.

In order to prevent aggressive driving accidents, our attorneys believe it is important to always obey speed limits and have regard towards the law and other motorists. Always be cautious of other drivers and travel in the right lane if you are a slow driver. If you are being chased by another motorist who appears to be in rage, do not change lanes or weave in and out of traffic. This could cause harm to yourself and other motorists. If you are cut off, do not make any gestures to the other motorists. Do not confront him, and attempt to refrain from making eye contact. Instead, continue driving with the flow of traffic. If necessary, call 911 with a description of the car and the license plate number. Continue driving to a safe location.

Our attorneys want to encourage you to continue driving safely on Illinois roadways. Doing so will not only help to keep you and your passengers safe, but will prevent accidents that may cause injury to other motorists or pedestrians nearby. Because aggressive driving is such a common problem for many Illinois drivers, it is nearly impossible to prevent every accident from occurring. But making an effort to drive patiently, within the speed limit, and following the rules of the road can certainly have an impact in keeping you and other motorists safe behind the wheel.

In the case that you or a loved one has been seriously injured by an aggressive driver, please contact our law firm for more information. We provide quality legal representation to those who lives have been severely impacted by negligent motorists and are willing to assist you in determining what rights and compensation may be available to you.

Two recent accidents involving vehicles crossing the centerline or median of a highway have caused Illinois Police to discuss appropriate measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of these accidents occurring. Nbcchicago.com released a report regarding one of these accidents, in which a driver was killed after a wrong-way driver struck his vehicle.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers learned that the accident occurred on Saturday on Interstate 80 near Seneca at approximately 12:05am. The report states that the wrong-way driver was heading west in the eastbound lanes of the interstate and struck the 66-year old driver’s vehicle at high impact. To make matters worse, a semi truck collided with the vehicle just minutes later, before the accident scene could be cleared. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other drivers were transported to Morris Hospital with serious injuries. Police are still investigating the accident and no charges have been filed.

Furthermore, two westbound lanes of Interstate 80 were closed last Thursday due to an accident involving two semi-tractor trucks. A Chicago man was seriously injured when his semi was clipped by another semi on the interstate just west of Briggs Street in Joliet, forcing his vehicle into the grassy median. Shorewood-il.patch.com released that at 1:15pm, the first semi was traveling in the right lane of westbound I-80, pulled into the left lane and then collided with the second semi already in that lane. Illinois State Police say both drivers were badly injured and were transported to local hospitals in critical condition, while both lanes of westbound I-80 were closed for more than five hours. The semi that traveled into the median of the road was said to have nearly caused three more accidents on the opposite side of the interstate.

Our law firm understands that accidents similar to both above are very common and often fatal on Illinois roadways, generally taking place when a vehicle either deliberately or accidently crosses a centerline or median, travels the wrong way in a traffic lane, and crashes into an approaching vehicle or causes obstruction in the middle of the road. Illinois Police objectives to reduce the number of these accidents currently include attempting to find ways to keep vehicles from traveling into the opposite lane, minimizing the likelihood of a car crashing into an oncoming vehicle, and ultimately reduce the severity of accidents that occur. However, our attorneys understand that not all accidents are preventable. Truck accidents caused by distracted or negligent drivers can cause life-altering consequences to those involved, including personal injury, medical expenses, or even property damage.

Our law firm provides qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have been in an accident as the result of negligent motorists. We are willing to assist you if you or someone you know has suffered injury or death as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Please contact our lawyers to find out if legal recourse may be available to you.

A Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm learned of the recent examination of an unexplained accident three months ago that claimed the lives of two drivers on Interstate 294. Dailyherald.com released that in early November, a driver on I-294 called the police after noticing a car stopped in the right southbound lane of the highway near Logan County around midnight. The report states that the vehicle, driven by a 32-year-old man of Glenview, was at a dead stop with no lights on and was causing a traffic hazard for other motorists.

Illinois state troopers later arrived to the scene and were shocked by what had occurred. A tractor-trailer had plowed into the back of the stopped vehicle at speeds over 70 miles per hour. It is reported that the truck was hauling a large load that caused his truck to stop so suddenly that the cabin was crushed forward. Police say the semi ran over most of the car and then went out of out control, traveled into the median of the road, and stopped in a creek bed. Both drivers were ejected from their vehicles and were pronounced dead at the scene.

The report states that as a result of the accident, a Logan County Coroner scheduled an inquest into the deaths this week. After being asked to describe the scene of the accident, the coroner stated, “It was really destroyed. The car was just a pile of rubble, and the semi wasn’t much better either. I’ve never seen a semi torn up like that. It’s just a sad thing, a really, really sad thing.” He said toxicology reports would be released soon, potentially yielding more information. The Illinois state trooper who investigated the incident is expected to testify. Family members of the victims hope to find out more about the unusual accident.

One important thing to note regarding the above report is that the accident occurred in the middle of the night. A huge concern for most truck drivers is driver exhaustion into the late hours of the night, which can result in distraction and failing to drive attentively on the roadway. Night driving frequently presents significant problems of determining how fast other vehicles are going on the road, in that many truck drivers don’t realize if other vehicles ahead are stopped until it is too late, as described in the above report.

Truck drivers face many regulations before driving to ensure they are well rested, all of their equipment is working properly, and they are not drinking and driving. Because of the great amount of energy and force associated with trucks, truck drivers need to be extremely cautious at all times, even at low speeds. Doing so will help to greatly reduce the number and severity of trucking accidents on highways and interstates.

Despite the many regulations truck drivers face before driving, accidents do continue to happen as a result of negligent drivers. If you have suffered personal injury, medical expenses, property damage, or have lost a loved one due to a negligent semi truck driver, please contact our law firm to learn about your rights and what compensation may be available to you.

Our Illinois motory recently read a report about a severe motorcycle accident that occurred last week in Algonquin. Stltoday.com states that at 9:20am, two motorcyclists were traveling west on U.S. Route 50 near Linden Grove when they decided to change lanes—going west in the eastbound lane—to pass a vehicle in front of them. As the motorcyclists changed lanes, a pick-up truck was coming toward them in the eastbound lane. Police say the motorcyclists did not have enough time to drive around the car they were passing before the truck came towards them. The driver of the truck swerved onto the shoulder of the road to avoid hitting the motorcyclists. One of the motorcycle drivers, a 35-year-old woman of Chicago, decreased her speed after seeing the vehicle swerve off of the road, while the other driver, a 42-year-old man of Naperville, did not. He followed too closely behind the woman’s motorcycle and as a result, collided with it. Both driver’s were then thrown from their motorcycles and are currently in serious condition.

The report states that the truck driver was wearing a seatbelt and was uninjured. Neither motorcyclist, however, was wearing a helmet, in addition to neither being properly licensed to operate a motorcycle. The Illinois State Police have cited both drivers for not having proper driver’s license classification, for improper overtaking of a vehicle, and for failing to have insurance.

Our attorneys understand that more people in Illinois have begun to rely on motorcycles as a means of transportation. As a result, fatal accidents involving motorcycles are greatly increasing. 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 2010, 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.

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.

Because of the increase of motorcycle drivers on the road, we want to urge the public to be more cautious when traveling on Illinois roadways. In addition to wearing a helmet, motorcyclists should be sure to drive defensively and take notice of all other vehicles on the road. Proper attire should be worn to make the motorcyclist more visible to others, as it is easy for trucks and cars to make turns or merges without noticing the motorcyclist nearby. They should also keep their motorcycle’s headlights on, and stay out of other driver’s blind spots.

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 serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damages 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.

Dailyherald.com recently released a report detailing the death of a woman from Carol Stream after she pulled over along an expressway and was then struck by an oncoming truck. A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm learned that the accident occurred around 5:45am on the eastbound side of the Eisenhower Expressway near Kostner Avenue. According to Illinois State police, the 29-year old woman was parked on the shoulder of the expressway and exited her car for unknown reasons. The driver of an oncoming truck failed to notice the woman and suddenly struck her and her car, killing her upon impact and injuring her passenger.

The truck driver and his passenger were transported to nearby hospitals, in addition to the woman’s passenger. State police described all three as being in serious but stable condition. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The accident and investigation caused eastbound traffic on the expressway to be rerouted for about three hours. Charges are currently pending against the truck driver, as alcohol was believed to be involved in the crash.

From the perspective of our lawyers, accidents caused by negligent drivers of large commercial vehicles are causing an increasing amount of personal injury and fatalities throughout the state of Illinois. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms that an increase in trucking accidents has occurred, not only in Illinois, but also throughout the country. In 2011, a total of 927 fatalities took place in Illinois from trucking accidents, as compared to the 911 fatalities in 2010. This represents an increase of 16 fatalities, or 1.8%. In relation to nation wide statistics, there was an 8.7% increase in the number of people killed in crashes involving large trucks throughout the United States. These fatalities increased in all categories—large truck occupants, occupants of other vehicles, and non-occupants.

Although the above report does not confirm whether the woman’s family planned to seek legal action against the driver of the truck, when individuals do suffer serious injuries as a result of careless or negligent motorists, they have the right to take action. If the truck driver was negligent, the victim’s family may be able to file a claim in civil court against him.

Our attorneys understand that accidents involving semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences. We have represented a number of families in wrongful death lawsuits against trucking companies, including a recent settlement for $6.5 million for a family involved in a rear-end accident with a tractor-trailer in Kane County. A father and his young son were seriously injured, and their wife and mother died as a result of the truck driver’s negligence. The driver was found to have marijuana in his system. If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident due to a negligent driver, please contact us to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

Many tractor-trailer accidents occur each year in the State of Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation compiles the data each year of traffic accidents in Illinois and releases this information to the public to help the public have a better sense of how many accidents are occurring and what factors are most common in these motor vehicle accidents.

In 2011, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported that there were 10,033 accidents in Illinois involving tractor-trailers. Tractor-trailer accidents accounted for about 3.6 percent of all vehicular accidents in Illinois in 2011. Ot these 10,033 accidents, 81 of them involved at least one fatality and 1,750 involved personal injuries to at least one person. 8,202 of these accidents involved damage to property.

Even though tractor-trailer crashes accounted for only about 3.6 percent of Illinois vehicle accidents, tractor-trailers were involved in about 9.7 of all fatal vehicle accidents in Illinois. This difference in numbers is likely due to the size of tractor-trailers and the severity of many accidents involving tractor-trailers. It is much more likely that the drivers or the passengers of passenger vehicles that get into an accident with a tractor-trailer are injured or killed than the driver of the large truck because of the difference in size of the vehicles. In 2011 in Illinois, there were 15 truck drivers killed in tractor-trailer accidents and 74 drivers or occupants of passenger vehicles killed. Four pedestrians were killed in connection with tractor-trailer accidents in 2011 in Illinois.

The number of large trucking accidents that occurred in Illinois was around four times higher in urban areas than in rural areas, with 8,054 of the 10,033 trucking accidents occurring in urban areas. It is likely that one of the main reasons the number of accidents in urban areas are so much higher is because urban areas are much more congested than rural areas and truck drivers encounter many more cars and pedestrians and distraction in urban areas.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers were happy to learn that the number of fatal trucking accidents in Illinois in 2011 was lower than the number in Illinois in 2010. Our attorneys hope that truck drivers and passenger car drivers are being more cautious and respectful of other vehicles on the road and that this is leading to fewer fatal accidents in the State of Illinois.

If you or a loved one was injured in a accident involving a large truck or tractor-trailer please contact our Illinois truck accident attorneys today to discuss what legal options may be available to you or your family.

An Illinois man has been charged in connection with a trucking accident that occurred in Quincy, Illinois. The accident occurred on February 16th at around 11pm and involved the truck the man charged was driving as well as two other vehicles. The pickup truck that the man was driving crossed over the center line of the street and crashed into two cars that were parked on the other side of the street. According to The Quincy Herald Whig, the driver of the pickup truck fled the scene of the accident. In addition to fleeing the scene of an accident in which property was damaged, the driver faces additional charges of suspicion of possession of a stolen car, aggravated driving under the influence and driving while his drivers's license was revoked. The police were able to locate the driver even though he fled from the scene of the accident and now he faces additional charges because he left the scene.

Many drivers in Illinois do not realize the severity of leaving the scene of an accident when the accident involved parked cars. While drivers may think they can get away without stopping and leaving their information or without calling the police, if anyone sees the accident and reports it to the police and the police are able to locate the driver, the driver will face severe penalties for leaving the scene of the car accident. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers ask all drivers to always report any type of accident you are involved in, no matter how severe the damage is. A driver that reports an accident will be in much better shape with the police and with respect to fines and charges if they contact the police immediately and do anything they can to help others that may have been injured in the motor vehicle accident.

The driver mentioned in the article above will likely face serious penalties because of the combination of what he is being charged with. In addition to fleeing the scene of the truck accident, he stole the vehicle he was driving and was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while his license was suspended. It is unclear at this time if the reason his license was previously suspended was because of prior incidents of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but if that is the case he is likely to face even more severe penalties because this would not be his first offense where he was operating a vehicle while under the influence.

Plese contact our Illinois personal injury attorneys if you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in which the person responsible was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time the accident occurred, to see what legal options may be available to you or your loved ones. Call today to make sure you do not miss your opportunity to be compensated for your injury and hold the person responsible for your injury liable for their actions.
 

An Illinois personal injury lawyer at our firm recently read a report detailing a rollover accident that occurred due to a driver making an illegal U-turn. RRstar.com released that the accident occurred at 7:30pm last Thursday on U.S 20, about a half-mile west of South Alpine Road. Illinois State Police say a pick-up truck was westbound in the left lane and suddenly slowed down to travel in reverse, attempting to make an illegal U-turn on the raised grassy median. A vehicle traveling behind it swerved off the roadway to avoid a collision, and though no serious injuries were reported, he had to be extricated from the vehicle after it rolled over. The report states that the truck driver immediately fled the scene but was later caught by police. He was cited for numerous offenses including proper backing and leaving the scene of a personal injury crash.

Our law firm believes there were two primary factors present that caused the above accident, the first being the motorist’s decision to travel in reverse on a busy roadway. Reversing a vehicle is a very dangerous maneuver, as it is sometimes difficult to see other motorists surrounding the vehicle. There are certain situations where it is simply unsafe to reverse, including highways, roadways with traffic, or areas with cyclists or pedestrians. Though reversing was necessary for the motorist to make the U-turn, it was not the appropriate place to do so and thus, the accident took place.

This leads to the second problem in the above report, making an illegal U-turn. A U-turn is considered illegal if a driver is either on a one-way street, crosses a curb, crosses double white lines or a median in the center of the road, or completes a U-turn if road markings or signs indicate “No U-turns.” It is important to remember that a driver’s decision to attempt an illegal U-turn affects all other motorists on the roadway; even carefully performing an illegal U-turn can cause serious injury to approaching vehicles. Thus, it is important that if a driver needs to complete a U-turn, they do so safely on a roadway where it is legal.

Though accidents continue to happen on Illinois roadways due to negligent motorists, simply following the rules of the road and using proper judgment while driving can decrease the number of these accidents and ultimately prevent serious injury to those involved. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of a negligent motorist, please contact us for more information. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action, as well as determine what rights and compensation may be available to you.

An Illinois man has been charged in connection with a trucking accident that killed a young Illinois woman on February 12th. The victim was killed when she fell out of the passenger side of the car that the man charged in connection with the accident was driving. Once the young woman fell out of the car, she was struck by both a car and a semi-truck which killed her right away. According to The St. Louis Post Dispatch, police are unsure at this time whether the passenger jumped out of the moving car she was riding in or whether she was pushed from the car. The car then crashed near an exit ramp on 1-94 and the driver attempted to flee the scene on foot. Police were able to later find the driver and apprehend him.

Regardless of why the victim fell out of the car, the driver has been charged because he immediately fled the scene following the fatal trucking accident. The driver has been charged with one count of aggravated driving under the influence that caused a death, one count of aggravated fleeing from the scene of an accident and one count of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

It is against the law in the state of Illinois to leave the scene of an accident that you were involved in, and the charges are even more severe if the accident involved a personal injury and most severe if the accident involves a fatality. Our Illinois truck accident attorneys realize that many people get worried when they are involved in an accident and are worried about what will happen to them if they stay at the scene, but our attorneys want to remind everyone how important it is to stay at the scene anytime any kind of accident occurs. Drivers may face severe charges if they leave the scene of an accident and are much better off staying at the scene and talking to the police when they arrive. This is important anytime there is an accident, no matter how small or how severe the accident is. If you hit a parked car or a piece of property it is important to stay at the scene as well and to call the police immediately and report the accident, or you may face charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving damage to property.

If you or a loved one were involved in a car or trucking accident and have questions about what legal options may be available to you and your family, please contact our personal injury attorneys today.

Police are currently investigating a three-vehicle accident that killed one and injured four on the Tri-State Tollway in Deerfield. A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm learned that the accident took place at about 8:30am last Sunday on Interstate 94 near Lake-Cook Road. Chicago.cbslocal.com states that the vehicles involved included a tow truck, a van and a passenger vehicle.

Illinois State Police Tollway District master sergeant told reporters that a 40 year-old man of Algonquin was on his way to work when he began to slow his vehicle to pass through an I-PASS collection lane. As he slowed, a pick up truck behind him continued at normal speed and collided with the back of the passenger vehicle. Just seconds later, a van collided with the back of the pick up truck.

After authorities arrived at the crash scene, four people with life-threatening injuries were taken to an area hospital for serious injuries. The driver from Algonquin was declared dead at the scene. The report states that his specific cause and manner of death was undetermined as of Sunday afternoon and an autopsy was scheduled for Monday. Police cannot disclose any additional details about the crash because their investigation is still active.

From the perspective of our attorneys, thousands of motorists drive through I-PASS lanes on Illinois tollways every day. The prepaid electronic toll collection system is thought to be convenient for essentially everyone in that it saves the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (IHTSA) and common motorists time and money on a regular basis. However, as proven by the above report, accidents may occur if motorists do not travel through I-PASS lanes properly.

It is encouraged that when approaching a toll collection system that either includes using an I-PASS or paying with coins or cash, motorists should choose the lanes that are the proper width and height for their vehicle. Tollway signs generally indicate which lanes trucks and passenger vehicles should drive through. It is encouraged that once motorists choose the lane they will pay in, they remain in that lane. Changing lanes at the last second may increase the risk of a collision occurring. Additionally, be sure to slow down fully to the speed limit indicated at the toll, even stopping if necessary. Speed limits usually range from 15-30mph. Always remain alert for other motorists around you and be sure to allow proper distances between their vehicles and yours; this is especially necessary at times when the tollway is more congested, such as during rush hour.

Driving through toll collection systems on Illinois tollways is a relatively easy and safe procedure if these steps are followed. Although the above report does not specify who was to blame for the accident, victims have the right to seek legal compensation for their injuries if any of the drivers were negligent. This negligence may be caused by a number of factors such as driving inattentively, driving under the influence, or texting while driving.

In the case that you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to a negligent motorist, contact our law firm to learn about what rights may be available to you. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

A semi-truck accident occurred on Interstate 55/70 at the intersection of Illinois Route 203 injuring three people. According to The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the accident occurred in the early evening on February 8th and while three people were injured, all of them were taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

The accident occurred when a semi truck was attempting to exit the Interstate and while on the exit ramp, tipped over on the ramp. When the truck tipped over, the entire load of coal that it was carrying spilled onto the roadway. The tip occurred on a bridge overpass section of the highway, so the spill not only covered the area around the truck but also debris fell onto the Interstate area below where the bridge was located. The falling debris caused a chain reaction of car accidents, with multiple people swerving or slamming on their breaks in reaction to the truck’s spilled load of debris. The section of Interstate 55/70 where the trucking accident occurred was closed for four hours following the accident so the area could be cleaned up.

Police believe that the truck driver driving too fast for the exit caused the truck accident, so the driver was charged with failing to reduce his speed in order to avoid an accident and for losing the truck load that he was carrying. Two of the other drivers involved in the chain reaction car accident were also charged with failing to reduce their speed in order to avoid an accident.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys remind both truck drivers and passenger car drivers of the importance of always maintaining a safe speed while driving, so you will be able to react in time if you need to stop suddenly to avoid an accident. Accidents like the one mentioned above are a perfect example of how sudden stops can pop up out of nowhere, and drivers have to react immediately. The drivers driving on the road behind the truck driver and the drivers driving under the bridge where the accident occurred both had to react very suddenly when the debris started spilling onto the road. If you are traveling too fast, it is very difficult to stop right away when the situation arises and it becomes very easy to get into a car accident. Please make sure to drive at or below the posted speed limit at all times you are on the road and always make sure to be alert and aware of what is going on around you on the roadway!

Our Illinois personal injury lawyers recently learned of a terrible multi-vehicle accident scene that caused an excess of injury and damage to those involved. Usatoday.com writes that around 9am, sudden wind gusts and snow showers blew across southbound Interstate 75 in Detroit. A transportation spokesman said that although road crews had pre-salted the expressway’s lanes in preparation for unexpected weather conditions, the show showers quickly turned to ice and caused total white-out conditions beginning on the I-75 bridge. Motorists slammed on their brakes when they realized how slick the roads were, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the eight to ten crashes that occurred within the accident scene.

State Police say that between 150 and 200 vehicles were either involved in crashes or were blocked by accidents. At least a dozen fire and emergency vehicles responded to the scene that stretched for more than a mile, and at least ten flatbed trucks came to assist as well. According to a first responder, one victim’s vehicle was shattered with the back of the vehicle folded up over the front of the vehicle. Many others were totaled, had run into embankments, or had suffered some type of damage. Authorities set up a mobile command post to coordinate how to remove crashed vehicles and handle hazardous material removal because several crash-related fuel spills were reported. Tow trucks remained on site waiting to use heavy machinery to push many vehicles from the road.

Despite the amount of property damage that occurred after the accident, emergency personnel were primarily focused on rescuing injured motorists. A local Police Lieutenant stated that two children, ages 7 and 9, were killed in one accident while their parents and 10-year old sister remained in critical condition. South of that accident, a 54-year old Illinois man died in another crash with a pick-up truck. A dozen additional victims were transported to area hospitals by ambulances and rapid response units with severe injuries. More than thirty people were also treated for injuries at the scene, many of them having suffered blunt trauma from the collisions.

“It’s extremely unfortunate,” a local responder told reporters. “So many families obviously will be devastated by this.”

This large multi-vehicle accident is evidence of the dangerousness of driving in extreme weather conditions. When visibility is reduced due to rain, fog or snow and roadways become slick, the risk of an accident occurring dramatically increases. If you are driving and are faced with unexpected severe weather conditions, the most effective defensive driving technique is to slow down. Always make sure you are able to see clearly by keeping your windows and windshield clear, turning on low-beam headlights and windshield wipers, and maintaining an appropriate distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Avoid fast turns and fast stops; if you begin to skid, turn your wheels in the direction of the skid and glide until you regain control of your vehicle. If weather conditions are extremely severe, it may be necessary to pull over and wait for conditions to subside. If this is the case, refrain from leaving your vehicle at any time.

Remembering these tips will help to prevent serious injury on Illinois roadways when poor weather conditions are present. If you or a loved one has suffered in an accident due to a negligent motorist, please contact our law firm to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

An Illinois woman was killed when she was struck by a pickup truck as she stood next to her car on the side of I-80/I-94 at the Central Avenue ramp shoulder. The woman’s husband was also struck by the pickup truck and he was thrown into the middle of the shoulder, but unlike his wife he survived being struck by the truck. The Illinois victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the trucking accident and the cause of death is listed as blunt force trauma, because according to Gary Community she was propelled over the barrier wall, which separates the highway from the exit ramp and onto the inner shoulder of the highway.

The Illinois couple was pulled over on the side of the highway because they had just been involved in a single car accident, caused by the husband losing control of the vehicle as he passed under the I-65 overpass. Their car spun around when the driver lost control and hit the barrier wall and stopped at an angle on the outer shoulder. The couple exited the car and was struck by the driver of the pickup truck shortly after they left their vehicle following their accident.

At this point in the investigation it is believed that the driver of the pickup truck also lost control of his vehicle while passing under the I-65 overpass, in a similar manner to the passenger car, causing him to strike the couple and not be able to avoid the fatal truck accident. According to police, the roadway was very wet and had scattered slick spots at the time that both drivers lost control of their vehicles.

Both the driver of the passenger car and the driver of the pickup truck were taken to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries but neither of the drivers suffered any serious personal injuries.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys remind all drivers of the dangers of driving on slick roads. Oftentimes, a wet road will not seem that slick or dangerous to be driving on and then the driver will encounter slick spots on the highway that cause a driver to lose control. This is what happened to the two drivers involved in this accident, and both drivers were unable to control their vehicles once they initially lost control. Whenever the roadway is wet it is important to take extra precautions and be very alert of the conditions on the road. Roads are the slickest right after it begins to rain, because the oil on the road surface rises to the surface at this time causing very slick conditions.

Illinois State Police recently responded to a serious three-vehicle accident that killed one and injured four others. Dailyherald.com released that the accident occurred early Sunday morning on Interstate 294 in Lake County. According to preliminary reports, a southbound driver of a passenger car initiated the accident by rear-ending a tow truck traveling in front of him. The driver of the tow truck reportedly exited his vehicle to speak to the driver of the car when an oncoming taxi struck the car and began to spin out. The taxi then hit the driver of the tow truck who was standing in the roadway.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys learned that the tow truck driver is currently recovering with a few broken bones. Sadly, the driver of the passenger car, a 39-year old of Prairie View, was pronounced dead after the crash by a Lake County coroner. Police say it was unclear whether the driver suffered from a medical issue, died upon impact from the first crash with the tow truck, or died after the second impact with the taxi.

Three other individuals involved in the accident were transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge with non life-threatening injuries. State Police and the Deerfield Fire Department responded to the scene and remained there until it was cleared. Because of the time of day and light traffic present when the accident occurred, there were no serious delays on the interstate. Police will continue to investigate the accident for the next few days.

An examination of the entirety of this accident has the potential to be quite difficult for authorities, considering it is difficult to assume who exactly was to blame. Police will most likely first attempt to determine what caused the passenger car to rear-end the tow truck on the interstate. Rear end accidents such as these often occur when the following car is tailgating, or if a leading vehicle decelerates at some point during travel. Police also need to determine the factors that caused the oncoming taxi to strike the car. Our attorneys often read about secondary accidents occurring soon after collisions because drivers exit their vehicles to assess the initial damage or injuries. These types of secondary accidents may occur because other drivers do not have time to stop their vehicles when approaching an accident, or may not see the accident or victims until it’s too late.

After authorities are able to answer these questions, it can then be concluded who or what was responsible for the accident and therefore, potentially responsible for the death or injuries of the other motorists involved. When an individual or family is seriously injured as the result of a negligent driver, it is advised they seek appropriate legal representation to learn about the compensation that may be available to them.

Our attorneys understand that accidents involving cars or trucks on Illinois interstates can result in life altering consequences. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries, medical expenses, or property damage in an accident due to a careless driver, please contact our law firm to learn about what rights may be available to you.

A two-vehicle accident occurred Monday at Illinois 173 and Caledonia road in Boone County. The accident involved one passenger vehicle and one semi-truck that collided and left the driver of the passenger vehicle dead at the scene. He suffered severe chest injuries that led to his death. According to The Rockford Register Star, the driver of the semi-truck only suffered minor injuries and was treated for his injuries at the scene of the accident and released.

At this time the Sheriff's department and the coroner are still investigating what could have led to the crash. Our Illinois truck accident attorneys remind all drivers that even though most people think of car accidents as being caused by one of the drivers speeding, losing control, not paying attention or a vehicle problem, accidents are also caused by problems with the driver's themselves. These types of problems can range from driver fatigue to a serious medical condition that interferes with a driver's ability to properly operate a vehicle.

If you have a medical condition that requires you take certain medication in order to be allowed to drive, please make sure that the medicine is always taken on time to protect yourself and others on the road. If you are driving and do not feel well or feel that you are no longer able to operate the vehicle you are driving, please make sure to pull over and seek medical attention or wait until you feel better to continue driving. Additionally, if you have a medical condition which makes it unsafe to drive or are taking a medication that should not be taken when operating a vehicle, please do not drive.

Because accidents can be caused by factors relating to the driver and not always vehicle or road related issues, the coroner is often also an important person in the investigation of a crash. If the cause of an accident is not clear, a coroner may be able to offer additional insight into what was going on with the driver. For example, if someone is driving and has a heart attack and gets into a car accident and ends up dying, the police may not be able to determine what caused the accident. In this case the coroner would be likely to figure out what had happened to cause the accident. In the above mentioned accident, it is not clear whether the coroner or Sheriff believe that the accident was caused by a medical condition or problem with the driver, and having both offices investigating what happened will hopefully lead to a quick discovery of what caused the accident.

If you or a loved one was involved in an accident and you believe the other driver was operating their vehicle while taking a medication that is not safe to drive on, contact our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to discuss what legal options may be available to you or your loved one.

A southern Illinois truck driver miraculously survived a head-on collision with a loaded trailer last week, according to Gasconade County Republican. The 53-year old driver of Coulterville, Illinois was traveling eastbound on U.S. 50 when a loaded trailer tore loose from a westbound tractor and slammed into his truck. The trailer was loaded with “distiller’s grain” that burst from the trailer, covering the interstate’s eastbound lanes for several hundred feet. Dozens of policeman and personnel were on the scene attempting to clean the grain that in some places was three to four inches deep. Many used roller sweepers and sprayed gallons of water to remove more of the substance.

A local police trooper stated that he looked in his rear-view mirror while driving and saw the trailer slide into the oncoming truck. The tractor had allegedly crossed over the centerline at the crest of a hill on the highway, which was on a curve. As it began its descent forward, the trailer then broke loose from the tractor.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers learned that the accident closed traffic to all motorists for hours. Local fireman rerouted eastbound and westbound traffic and eventually allowed tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles to pass through once the westbound lane was reopened.

The report states that the truck driver was taken to a local hospital by ambulance for treatment of moderate injuries. He had received facial and head lacerations but did not appear to have suffered any broken bones, according to his wife. A local dispatcher commented on the accident after having seen photographs of the scene. He told reporters, “I’m surprised. Thank God he came out alive. The truck can be replaced. He can’t. He’s a good driver.”

Authorities say there was no indication that either driver was in any way under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. However, the tractor will be examined for signs of possible equipment violations.

From the perspective of our attorneys, accidents with cargo involved have the potential of causing very serious injury to the driver and other motorists if the cargo is detached or spills at any point during travel. Cargo detachment may cause further accidents, or in some cases may be caused by a previous accident. Cargo can add thousands of pounds to a truck’s weight, making it difficult for the driver to stop or steer as easily as if the cargo were not there.

Whether a cargo spill, equipment malfunction, or a negligent motorists is responsible for injury to another individual on the road, our law firm is dedicated to holding those accountable for the damage they have caused, including personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, please contact us to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

An Illinois truck accident occurred this past Monday in Moline when a truck that was hauling hogs overturned at the intersection of Interstate 74 and Interstate 280. According to The Quad-City Times, the cause of the accident was the truck driver exiting from Interstate 74 to turn onto Interstate 280 too quickly. Because the truck driver was going too fast, he lost control of the truck and it rolled over. There were no other vehicles involved in the accident and the truck driver was not injured. Some of the hogs that he was transporting were injured and the truck could not be turned back over until all of the hogs were unloaded from the truck. The delay in being able to turn the truck back upright led to congestion on the exit ramp of Interstate 74 and the on-ramp of Interstate 280.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys remind truck drivers and trucking companies how important it is to drive at safe speeds in order to cut down on trucking accidents and injuries to truck drivers and other drivers on the road.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducted a study about causation in truck accidents involving large trucks. The study looked at a large sampling of truck accidents that involved trucks with a gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 pounds that had occurred in many different states. Of all of the crashes studied, traveling too fast for the given conditions accounted for 23 percent of the truck accidents.

According to Road Safe America, all trucks are legally allowed to travel at the same speed as passenger vehicles even though it takes a fully loaded commercial truck three times as long to stop as a passenger vehicle. Unfortunately, many truck drivers feel the pressure to drive fast because they are trying to get to their destination on time and are getting paid by the mile. Large trucks do come with a computer that can monitor speed, called “speed governors”, that keep the truck from going over a certain speed. While these are installed in all commercial trucks made in the United States since 1992, many trucking companies do not use these devices.

Road Safe America points out that many trucking companies that do use the speed governors have reported higher profits because the trucks save on fuel and the trucking equipment lasts longer because the trucks are being operated at the proper speed for ideal performance. Additionally, liability costs are often lower because the trucks are driving at safer speeds so less trucking accidents will occur.

Whether or not truckers and trucking companies choose to use speed governors on their trucks, it is important that all truckers remember the importance of driving at an appropriate speed given the size of their truck and load, the traffic conditions around their truck, the weather conditions and any other factors that could change what speed is safe for drivers to travel at any given time. Driving at an appropriate speed, which may be slower than would be safe for a passenger vehicle in the same conditions, could reduce the number of trucking accidents and keep people from suffering from avoidable personal injuries.

An Illinois wrongful death attorney at our firm recently learned that a woman has been sentenced to seven years in prison for causing a head-on collision that killed another driver in March 2009. Chicagotribune.com highlights the story, stating the 48-year old woman of Aurora pleaded guilty in Kane Court last Thursday to one count of aggravated DUI that killed the 54-year old man.

Specifically, the woman was driving her pickup truck south in the northbound lane of Illinois Route 47 near Sugar Grove when she struck the man’s vehicle. Accident reconstruction estimates show that she was traveling at 73 miles per hour at the time of the accident. Further tests reveal that the woman had cocaine in her system as well.

The report states that prior to the accident, police had received a number of reports from motorists reporting that the woman was “driving erratically, speeding and passing numerous vehicles.” She had been stopped and cited by police about fifteen minutes before the accident.

Am Illinois State’s Attorney spoke out after the accident, saying, “This crash was clearly preventable, the result of this defendant’s reckless and dangerous driving with cocaine in her system.” He called the man’s death “nothing short of tragic.”
The woman has been free on bond since she was indicted in 2010. She was ordered to begin serving her sentence today.

Our attorneys agree that this accident could have easily been prevented. When drivers of cars or trucks consume alcohol or drugs before driving, the results can be fatal. Not only is the driver affected, but other motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians may be at risk. The Illinois Department of Transportation states that each year, about 310,000 people suffer injuries in alcohol-related traffic crashes, an average of one person injured approximately every 2 minutes, and about 300 fatalities also take place. In 2002, 51,649 people were arrested for DUI in Illinois.

Our attorneys want to urge all motorists to drive safely on Illinois roadways this year. Taking the appropriate steps such as refraining from driving under the influence, while fatigued, and distractedly can prevent motor vehicle accidents, decrease personal injury, and ultimately save lives.

If a driver is over the legal limit of intoxication and injures you in an accident, you may have the ability to claim. 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. We have seen the devastation that reckless behavior behind the wheel can cause and have represented numerous families in cases similar to the one above.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a negligent driver, please contact us for more information.

Slick icy conditions on the road this past Sunday resulted in numerous accidents throughout the state of Illinois. According to the State Journal-Register, police believed that as many as fourteen of the accidents they saw in the Springfield area alone on Sunday were the result of the terribly icy conditions. When the roads are icy drivers are more likely to not be able to stop their vehicle from sliding into other vehicles, crossing the dividing lines, and crashing into walls, poles and dividers.

While driving on icy roads is difficult in any type of motor vehicle, our Illinois truck accident attorneys want to remind truck drivers in particular how much more difficult it can be to control a truck in rainy, icy or snowy conditions due to the size and difficulty in maneuvering large trucks. The United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that a quarter of all speed-related large trucking accidents occur when the weather conditions are adverse. Given the length of many trucks, what might be a small skid or slide in a smaller vehicle could be much more serious and lead to a severe trucking accident. These types of accidents are often very preventable just by knowing how to properly drive in certain conditions as well as recognizing when it is unsafe to be on the road at all.

Because of how hard it can be to control a vehicle on icy and slick roads, drivers must remember to reduce speed and drive extra carefully to allow time to react if you start to skid, as well as also leave extra space between you and other vehicles on the road. If you start to feel that you cannot control your vehicle or that the visibility is limited please make sure to pull off of the road until conditions are safer to drive.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers the following advice to all truck drivers to help reduce the number of accidents that occur during adverse weather:
• speed should be reduced by 1/3 on wet roads
• remember the road is most slick right after it begins to rain because the oil on the road has risen to the surface
• speed should be reduced by at least 1/2 on snow packed roads

Keeping in mind these few simple reminders can help truck drivers and other drivers stay safe when driving in rainy, icy or snowy conditions and will hopefully help prevent further accidents and injuries on days with bad weather conditions.

Chicago.cbslocal.com reports that two serious accidents occurred last Tuesday on Interstate 94 when a driver lost control of his vehicle due to black ice. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers learned that at approximately 12:01pm, a 51-year old driver was westbound on the interstate at the 39.5-mile marker in the middle lane when he began to lose control of his van. As a result, the van hit a guardrail and spun around, striking the guardrail three additional times. Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured. His 50-year-old passenger, however, was not wearing a seatbelt and was taken to a nearby hospital after the accident. The van is reported to have sustained a significant amount of damage.

To make matters worse, a local fire department responded to the scene to assist with removing both men from the van and was partially blocking the right lane. An oncoming semi truck hauling a rail container was in the middle lane when its driver, a 52-year old of Harwood Heights, Illinois, braked before moving into the left lane as he approached the crash scene. The semi lost control, jack-knifed, and the trailer’s right rear struck the center left side of the parked fire truck. The driver of the fire truck was seat belted and remained uninjured, while the fire truck sustained a small amount of damage.

From the perspective of our law firm, there are three primary factors that played a part in the above accident’s occurrence, the first being black ice. Illinois State Police would like to remind all motorists that with low temperatures, black ice can form on roadways when moisture from vehicles’ exhaust condenses on the road surface. This causes a thin coating of glazed ice on the road that can be almost transparent. Bridges and overpasses are said to be especially dangerous in these conditions. It is important to motorists to remain aware for these conditions and use extreme caution while driving.

A second factor that potentially contributed to the injuries sustained by the passenger of the van is the fact that he was not wearing a seatbelt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50%. It is the single most effective thing any motorists can do to protect themselves in a crash. Just last year, buckling up saved over 13,000 lives. Choosing to wear a seatbelt is such a small decision to make, but its consequences can be large.

Finally, the fire truck that responded to the scene led to a semi truck driver changing lanes and losing control of his vehicle. Chain reaction collisions similar to this can cause serious injury to those involved, especially if they include semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles. While the parked fire truck can be seen as an obvious cause for the semi driver to lose control, it also may be due to the truck driver tailgating or failing to maintain a safe distance from others on the interstate. Allowing a distance of ten feet in between you and the vehicle in front of you is advised for every ten miles per hour you are traveling. For example, if you are traveling at 60 miles per hour, this distance would be sixty feet. Heavier vehicles like semi trucks and trailers require longer distances, and distance should also be increased between all vehicles while driving in poor weather conditions. Rule of thumb, if you know you wouldn’t be able to stop your vehicle within the distance you are following another, then you are most likely driving way too close.

By addressing all of these factors that contributed to the above accident occurring, we hope that all motorists will be more aware of the steps that need to be taken to help reduce the risk of an accident occurring. There are unfortunately many accidents that are caused by negligent or careless drivers, causing potential injury and fatality to those involved.

Our law firm provides qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have been in an accident as the result of negligent motorists. Accident lawsuits help victims recover compensation for injuries or costs experienced as a result of an accident. If you or someone you know has suffered injury or death due to a negligent motorist, please contact us for more information.

An Illinois truck accident attorney at our firm recently learned that transportation fatalities in the United States declined in 2011 by approximately 2 percent. Ntsb.gov reports that preliminary figures released by the National Transportation Safety Board indicate this information. Specifically, transportation fatalities decreased from 35,043 in 2010 to 34,434 in 2011. The majority of these deaths involved passenger cars, light trucks, and vans. A decrease is also present in the number of train fatalities throughout the last year.

NTSB lists additional statistics in the report stating that in contrast to the decrease in fatalities that occurred on U.S. roadways, the total number of deaths actually increased through other means of transportation. The total number of deaths in aviation increased by 18 in 2011, with about 90 percent involving fatalities in general aviation and air taxies. Deaths on U.S. waterways also rose, in which recreational boating continuing to account for the majority of marine fatalities (U.S. Department of Homeland Security).

The chairman of NTSB states, “Transportation accidents remain one of the nation’s leading causes of death. We can do better, which is why the NTSB shines a light on key safety issues each year through the “Most Wanted List Of Transportation Safety Improvements.” Our attorneys want to inform readers about what exactly these safety issues are, in addition to highlighting the appropriate actions motorists can take to help reduce the risk of an accident occurring.

A primary safety issue that affects all motorists is regular infrastructure maintenance. Regular maintenance of highways, railroads, bridges, and waterways is required, and when necessary, repair or replacement of this infrastructure may take place. Enhanced safety technologies have also proven safety benefits as of recently.

Furthermore, buses remain to be a large part of U.S. transportation, carrying millions of passengers every year. Bus accidents can be disastrous in that they can potentially harm a large number of people at any given time. Three recurring safety issues that are reported to exist regarding buses are fatigued drivers, poor occupant protection, and marginal operators. Efforts are being made to ensure that all buses are functioning properly and all bus drivers are able to transport their passengers in the safest and most efficient manner possible.

Finally, approximately 10,000 people are killed every year due to impaired drivers. NTSB investigations have highlighted the danger of impaired and distracted drivers across all transportation modes, stating, “Distraction’s death toll is highest on the highways and is only going to grow as new hand-held devices are released each year and the automotive industry develops even more sophisticated infotainment systems.”

In general, motor vehicle accidents claim more than 30,000 lives each year, injuring tens of thousands more and costing millions of dollars in damage. Though it is somewhat comforting to learn of the two percent decrease in transportation fatalities last year, as the chairman of NTSB stated, we can do better. Improved maintenance, enhanced safety advances, and additional attempts to reduce accidents are certainly beneficial; but at the end of the day, it is the driver who needs to be responsible while behind the wheel. This includes refraining from drinking and driving at all times, never texting and driving, never driving while fatigued, following all roadway rules and regulations, and being aware of his or her own driving skills and surrounding vehicles on the road.

As it has been made clear, motor vehicle accidents exist through all modes of transportation on U.S. infrastructure and will unfortunately continue to exist. Through combined efforts from NTSB, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, additional transportation safety boards, and most importantly, all motorists on the roadway, we can hopefully continue to decrease the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities that occur on Illinois roadways.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident due to a negligent motorist, please contact our law firm to find out if legal recourse may be available to you.

An elderly Illinois couple was injured following an Illinois trucking accident in which their car struck a semi-truck on Route 116. According to PJStar.com, the accident occurred when the driver of the passenger car was unable to stop in time and rear-ended the semi-truck. Both the driver and the passenger in the car were taken to a hospital and are currently listed in good condition. The driver of the passenger car was ticketed for failing to reduce his speed in order to avoid an accident.

Given the size of semi-trucks, even a minor accident between a passenger car and semi-truck can cause serious damage to the passenger car and can lead to serious injuries for the passengers. While it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and make sure you are driving cautiously in any situation, given the size and difference in how large trucks operate, it is important to give yourself extra space and be extra cautious when driving behind a large truck.

The Illinois Department of Transportation offers some useful tips to remember when driving behind trucks. Trucks have large blind spots so passenger car drivers need to always be extra alert. The tips that the Illinois Department of Transportation suggests with respect to truck driver’s blind spots are:

• Remember that if you cannot see the truck in your side mirrors that the truck driver will not be able to see you
• Remember if you can’t see one of the truck drivers mirrors than the truck driver also will not be able to see you
• Do not enter the lane in front of a truck until you can see the entire front portion of the truck in your rear-view mirror
• Never enter the area between the truck and a shoulder or curb if the truck driver has the truck’s turn signal on.

Remembering these four tips should provide a safe distance between you and a truck and keep an accident from occurring.

These are just some of the ways that you can be proactive in insuring you drive safely around large semi trucks and that you are not injured in a trucking accident that may have been avoided by remembering that extra caution should be taken when driving around trucks.

In addition to drivers of passenger cars needing to take extra steps and caution when driving near large trucks, truck drivers must also be aware and cautious of cars driving around their trucks. If you were injured in an accident involving a large semi-truck and feel that the truck driver was at fault in causing the accident, please contact our truck accident attorneys today to talk about what legal options may be available to you.

Winter weather is commonly the cause of numerous accidents throughout the country due to dangerous driving conditions such as ice, snow, and fog. Besides the most common motor-vehicle accidents, such as those involving cars or trucks, an Illinois man was found dead on Monday night while traveling on another means of transportation: the snowmobile. Stltoday.com reports that the 31-year old died of injuries he sustained in a one-machine accident while out with a group of people on the Grand Mesa in Colorado. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital after the accident.

The amount of winter snowfall in Illinois barely compares to the amount of snowfall in Colorado, but snowmobile accidents still occur in many parts of the state. Chicagotribune.com recently released a report stating that two men suffered serious injuries after a snowmobile collision in southern Illinois a few weeks ago.

Our Illinois personal injury lawyers learned that the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is actively involved in a worldwide campaign to encourage snowmobile safety and safety training programs. However, laws governing snowmobile are said to vary widely among different states, and few restrictions and regulations for operation creates a potentially high risk for accidents to occur.

ISMA states that speeding is a contributing factor to most fatal snowmobile accidents, in addition to alcohol consumption before or during travel. Another large hazard that could have influenced the above accidents is driving at night; most snowmobile accidents occur between 8pm and 3am.

To prevent snowmobile accidents in Illinois or anywhere throughout the country, our attorneys encourage drivers to always wear a helmet and appropriate winter clothing. Never travel alone and plan your route properly before travel. Be sure to maintain your snowmobile in top condition and remember to be aware of the abilities of the vehicle and your own abilities as well. Stay alert, don’t drive when fatigued, and remain attentive for yourself, your vehicle, and others around you.

Driving and operating snowmobiles is no easy task. When poor weather conditions, mechanical defects, or even driver negligence comes into play, there is a very high chance that you or someone you know may be seriously injured in a snowmobile accident. It is important to always be aware of the above information and do what you can to prevent an accident from occurring.

In the case that you have been injured in a snowmobile accident due a negligent motorist, please contact us to determine if you may be eligible for compensation.

An Illinois truck accident lawyer at our firm recently read that a pedestrian who was killed by a garbage truck this week has been identified. Chicago.cbslocal.com states the 36-year old Chicago man was struck at approximately 9:45am in a small neighborhood near the west side of the city. Police reported that the pedestrian suffered multiple blunt traumas and was killed at the scene of the accident. Though the accident was not declared to be a hit and run, the driver of the garbage truck was issued numerous citations for the collision. Authorities are continuing to investigate the accident.

Because garbage trucks seem to be a normal part of daily life for most, it is easy to dismiss them as dangerous, many people often failing to be cautious while driving or walking near them. The truth is that these trucks have the capability to cause serious injury or fatality to anyone who comes too close. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), garbage trucks have the highest pedestrian killing rate on city roads. These vehicles’ large size, limited visibility, and proximity to sidewalks combine to create a pedestrian death rate that is nearly twice as high as what IDOT says is their next closest competitor, the bus.

Specifically, garbage trucks kill nearly 24 pedestrians per 100 million miles driven. This number is quite large as compared to buses, which kill 14 people per 100 million miles driven, automobiles, which kill 8, and taxis, which kill 6.

Though our attorneys generally discuss the dangers of larger motor vehicles such as semi trucks, tractor-trailers, and buses, it is highly encouraged to act appropriately around garbage trucks as well. Always give these trucks the space that they need on the roadway, while at the same time remaining aware of your surroundings and attempting to make yourself as visible as possible to the driver of the truck to further decrease your risk of being in an accident.

While many accidents are caused due to the general difficulty of operating and maneuvering such large vehicles, others are caused by driver negligence, whether that consists of distracted driving, driving while fatigued, or failing to follow the rules of the road. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident by a negligent motorist, seeking qualified legal representation is advised.

Our law firm is willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse may be available to you and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. Please contact us for more information.

Chicagotribune.com recently reported that federal workplace safety officials have launched an investigation of a trucking company in Bensenville, Illinois after a truck driver was killed last week. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys learned that the the driver, a 57-year old of South Normandy in Southwest Suburban Worth was killed after being pinned between his truck and a post. He was pronounced dead at approximately 8:19pm at a nearby hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

A few days later, the medical examiner’s office determined the driver died of multiple injuries after he became pinned between the open door of the cab and a fixed object in the loading area. The report states that he was conducting a safety check prior to leaving, and officials have ruled his death an accident.

Officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to see if any safety regulations were not followed. Representatives from the trucking company had no comment regarding the investigation.

While most of our blogs discuss numerous trucking accidents that take place on Illinois roadways, many serious injuries or fatalities can also occur in the common workplace. The workplace can be a potentially dangerous environment for individuals at large construction sites, industrial settings, and as seen in the above report, trucking companies.

There are a variety of reasons why the safety of workers may be in jeopardy at a trucking company. The Illinois Department of Transportation states that most truck accidents take place during the loading and unloading of materials. Others may occur due to defective machines or products, tracing back to lack of inspection and maintenance throughout the company. Careful inspections of trucking policies are necessary after any workplace accident to verify that all regulations are followed and all safety policies are strictly enforced. Information gathered from the above investigation has not yet been released, but if any internal policies and procedures were not followed, the company itself may be seen as responsible for the worker’s death.

Workplace accidents can result in devastating injury or even death to those involved. Seeking qualified legal representation after an accident is critical in determining your rights, obtaining available resources needed to file a claim, and learning about what benefits and compensation you may receive as a result of the accident.

In the case that you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a trucking workplace accident, please contact our law firm for more information. We have the proper experience needed to offer you all necessary resources to take legal action. Find out what rights may be available to you.

An Illinois truck accident lawyer at our firm recently read a report detailing a late-morning crash that left multiple lanes closed on Interstate 88. According to Dailyherald.com, the accident occurred last Friday at approximately 11:54am between Naperville Road and Yackley Road when the 48-year old driver of a tractor-trailer decided to change lanes. As he attempted to maneuver into the lane on his right, he struck a passenger vehicle. The result of this collision caused both the tractor-trailer and the passenger vehicle to turn out of control, eventually striking a flat bed tow truck nearby.

Illinois State Police reported that all three vehicles traveled off the right side of the road and into a ditch. Two of the drivers were transported to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment of injuries; it is not specified which vehicles these individuals were driving. The accident caused two lanes of eastbound I-88 to remain closed for more than three hours. All lanes were finally reopened just after 3pm. Investigators are continuing to work to determine what exactly triggered the accident.

From the perspective of our attorneys, a very large number of trucking accidents and collisions occur when truck drivers attempt to change lanes on Illinois highways and interstates. For semi trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles, changing lanes can be extremely difficult because these vehicles have very large blind spots, and drivers have difficulty seeing additional vehicles on the road around them. When driving near a semi truck, you will most likely know that the semi is near you, but the semi’s driver, however, may not be aware you are near. As displayed in the above report, accidents resulting from lane changes often involve more than two vehicles because the vehicles involved may spin out of control and into the path of others. This places many drivers on the road at serious risk of injury, even if they are not involved in the initial collision.

To minimize blind spots and decrease the risk of these accidents from occurring, all truck drivers should stay in the right lane as much as possible and avoid making unnecessary lane changes. If a lane change is necessary, signaling should be completed well in advance to inform surrounding motorists that the change is taking place. Other tips to increase visibility include keeping mirrors clean and properly adjusted or installing extension-mounted mirrors.

If you are a motorist driving near a truck, remember that trucks take longer to change lanes than any other vehicle. If you must travel next to a truck, travel in the faster lanes of the highway where trucks are not as likely to enter. Furthermore, always try to refrain from traveling next to a truck in the right hand lane; the likelihood of an accident occurring is greater in the right hand lane than if you traveled in the left hand lane, primarily because it is easier for the truck driver to see you on the left. And finally, always remember that as a rule of thumb, if you cannot see a truck driver in his mirrors, then he probably cannot see you.

Most truck drivers are careful while behind the wheel, but unfortunately, not all drivers follow the above recommendations, resulting in other motorists or pedestrians being serious injured or killed when a semi truck makes a sudden lane change. A lane change happens within a matter of seconds, but the consequences of a negligent lane change can be long lasting and severe.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as the result of a negligent truck driver, please contact our attorneys to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Bnd.com recently reported that a wrongful death suit was filed on Wednesday following the death of Illinois State Trooper after he was struck by a semi truck. Our Chicago wrongful death attorneys read that the 32-year old trooper and former Madison County Sheriff’s deputy was killed in late November while he was executing a traffic stop on Interstate 55 near Litchfield, Illinois. The suit has been filed on behalf of the trooper’s widow against the truck driver and the trucking company.

According to authorities, the driver was driving a semi-tractor trailer for DOT Foods when he hit the trooper on the shoulder of the highway, killing him upon impact. The driver reportedly suffered from an unknown medical condition that may have caused him to black out and lose control of his truck. The suit alleges DOT Foods acted improperly because it allowed the driver to operate his truck when he knew he was “medically unfit to do so” and was an “imminent danger to the public.”

The truck company’s corporate counsel could not be reached for comment regarding the accident. However, the victim’s family’s attorney stated that the trucking company is always looking for someone to drive their trucks. She asserts that trucking companies can't keep up with the demand for drivers and ensuring drivers are healthy would cost too much, leaving unsafe drivers in control of tractor-trailers.

There are many factors that come to play when a wrongful death suit similar to the one above is filed. A primary issue that needs to be addressed is if the trucking company knew the driver had the medical condition that he did. If so, the company had a responsibility to prevent him from driving. If not, the question of whether or not the driver’s condition could have been recognized by annual physicals or other trucking regulations enforced by the company needs to be asked. Finally, it is important to determine if the driver’s condition was the type that would prevent him from operating his vehicle properly.

In a case similar to the above, our law firm would perform a thorough and complete investigation into the fitness of the truck driver and whether the trucking company had knowledge of the driver’s physical well being. We would also determine whether the company complied with all state and federal regulations, and adhered to its own internal policies and procedures.

Wrongful death cases, commonly filed by a family member of a victim, can be used to recover monetary damages such as medical expenses or funeral bills, or pain suffered by survivors of the victim. We have seen the devastation that reckless behavior behind the wheel can cause and have represented numerous families in various cases. In 2010, John Perconti obtained $6.5 million in a settlement for the family of a 32-year old woman who was killed in an accident with a semi-truck, including personal injuries suffered by her husband and child. The wrongful death portion of the settlement,$4.7 million, was the highest wrongful death settlement ever recorded in Kane County, Illinois.

If you have lost a loved one in a trucking accident due to the negligence or carelessness of the driver, please contact our law firm for more information. We have the experience necessary to help your family recuperate after the loss of a loved one, in addition to uncovering the act of negligence that caused the accident. Find out what rights may be available to you.

Whbf.com recently reported that a semi-truck attempting to travel under a bridge spilled its oversized load onto the highway and lost control in the process. A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm learned that the incident occurred on Interstate 80 around 10am, authorities stating the road was not big enough for the truck to pass through. This, in combination with the truck carrying too much weight, caused it to veer left and right and stop abruptly in the middle of the interstate.

Additionally, a second semi truck driving behind the first slammed into a container that was dropped from the load. Traffic was at a standstill on the interstate while Illinois State Police attempted to clear the scene. CBS News spoke with a woman who was traveling with her mother and children when the incident forced her to stop. She thought about what could have happened if she was directly behind both trucks, and believes that trucks on the highway should be regulated so accidents like this do not happen. “They should stop and get checked, and I think it should be mandatory. There should be standards set for all truckers,” she told reporters. Other drivers also came forward and expressed their concerns regarding the issue.

Police say they are looking into the semi-truck driver and encourage all drivers to do their part to make sure roads are safe. "If people are traveling around over sized vehicles, increase your following distance. It makes a huge difference and if you don't have to pass them, if they are traveling the speed limit, keep your distance because if it hits something like this or if it loses control because of a slick spot or whatever, it's an awful big output traveling at a pretty good rate of speed to try to avoid," stated a local trooper.

After a few hours, I-80 was completely cleared off and drivers carried on as usual. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident.

Our attorneys understand that accidents involving semi trucks, trailer trucks, or other large commercial vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences for not only drivers, but also other motorists and pedestrians on the roadway. Though the accident described fortunately did not result in any injures, it could have easily been prevented. The primary reason for the accident was oversized load the driver was carrying in his truck. Accidents with cargo involved have the potential of causing very serious injury to the driver and other motorists if the cargo is detached or spills as a result of the accident.

All semi truck drivers do face a number of regulations before driving to ensure they are well rested, all of their equipment is working properly, and they are not drinking and driving. Because of the great amount of energy and force associated with trucks, truck drivers need to be extremely cautious at all times, even at low speeds. Doing so will help to greatly reduce the number and severity of trucking accidents on Illinois roadways.

Despite the many regulations truck drivers face before driving, accidents continue to happen as a result of negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, please contact our lawyers to find out what rights may be available to you. We are willing to assist you in determining in legal recourse is available to you, and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

A 16-year old driver sustained serious injuries after his pick up truck collided with a semi-truck in Kinsman, Illinois last week. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read about the accident on Morrisdailyherald.com. According to the report, the young driver was traveling north on Illinois 47 near DuPont Road when his pick up truck suddenly crossed over the centerline to oncoming traffic. Illinois State Police said there is no explanation for why the truck crossed the centerline.

As a result, the pickup truck was struck nearly head on by an oncoming semi-truck. The front of the semi collided with the passenger side of the pickup, causing the pickup to roll to a ditch on the westbound side of the road. Reports state that the pickup truck’s bed had been separated from the rest of the truck and was found in the middle of the road. Investigation teams found the 16-year old lying on the hood of the truck in the ditch. Supposedly, the driver had been ejected from the truck through the windshield.

The semi-truck stopped in the southbound lane after the accident, and the driver of the semi did not sustain any injuries. The 16-year old is currently being treated in Morris Hospital for the injuries he sustained. Authorities say his injuries are non-life threatening.

Our attorneys understand that accidents similar to the one above are very common and often fatal on Illinois roadways, generally taking place when a vehicle either deliberately or accidently crosses a centerline or median, travels the wrong way in a traffic lane, and crashes into an approaching vehicle. Similar accidents include a collision that occurred a few weeks ago when a vehicle traveling north in the southbound lane of Interstate-87 collided head on with another vehicle, resulting in two sets of injuries and two fatalities. Another serious accident occurred this summer when a 21-year old college student from Burr Ridge, Illinois was driving the wrong way on southbound Interstate-55 and collided head on with a semi truck, killing him upon impact.

Illinois Police objectives to reduce the number of head-on accidents currently include attempting to find ways to keep vehicles from traveling into the opposite lane, minimizing the likelihood of a car crashing into an oncoming vehicle, and ultimately reduce the severity of accidents that occur. However, our attorneys understand that not all accidents are preventable. Truck accidents caused by distracted or negligent drivers can cause life-altering consequences to those involved, including personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage.

Our law firm provides qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have been in an accident as the result of negligent motorists. We are willing to assist you if you or someone you know has suffered injury or death as the result of a trucking accident. Please contact us to find out if legal recourse may be available to you.

A report released on Nbcchicago.com details a hit-and run accident that occurred in Chicago over the weekend. An Illinois wrongful death lawyer at our firm read that the accident occurred at about 5:35am in the 3500 block of West Division Street. Two men were allegedly inside their vehicle when an approaching truck hit the vehicle and fled the scene. The truck continued onward until witnesses reported seeing the truck strike a pedestrian on the side of the road. The driver continued to flee the scene.

One of the victims in the vehicle, a 24-year old of West Haddon Avenue, was taken to a hospital in Cook County where he was declared dead just 40 minutes later, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. Autopsies confirmed he died from multiple injuries from the accident. Additionally, his 21-year old brother was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition. Family members are believed to be filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver. The pedestrian that was struck is reported to have suffered only minor injures.

Police are currently looking into more possible witnesses of the hit-and run accident. Officials have released photos of the truck, and anyone with any information regarding the accident is encouraged to contact authorities. The police Major Investigation Unit will continue investigating the accident.

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are common throughout Illinois due to negligent truck and passenger vehicle drivers and often result in fatalities. The American Automobile Association found that Illinois hit-and-run accidents have increased by 15% since 2000. From 1994 to 2003, a total of 14,914 people were killed in hit-and-run crashes in the United States, about 60% of these victims having been pedestrians. Surviving victims of these accidents report that they feel especially violated because they were not only struck by a vehicle, but the driver of the vehicle showed no remorse and failed to stop to see if the victims were okay.

Our law firm believes it is important for all drivers to know what to do if involved in a motor-vehicle accident. Illinois laws state that after any type of collision with an individual or another vehicle, the driver is legally required to stop, make a reasonable effort to contact the other party, and remain at the scene until authorities have been notified. If the driver fails to take these steps after the accident and flees the scene, prison time and fines may be issued as a result. Victims should make every attempt to identify the vehicle and/or driver if he does leave the scene in the case that a witness is needed to prove the driver was responsible for the accident.

Hit-and run accidents are not only serious because they are breaking the law, but they may be further harming an injured motorist or pedestrian by delaying them medical care. Victims of hit-and-run accidents have the right to seek legal action to cover personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of the crash.

Our attorneys have handled numerous wrongful death cases and represent individuals who were wrongfully killed or injured because of driver negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered in a hit-and run accident, contact us for more information.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers recently read that a school bus full of children collided with a two-axle box truck near Arlington Heights this past Wednesday. Arlingtonheights.patch.com states that a school bus on the Tristate Toll way, just north of Deerfield road, was carrying students from Palombi Middle School in Lake Villa when it collided with a truck. The bus was allegedly traveling with seven additional school buses around 10am when the collision took place, witnesses stating that the truck was the size of a moving van.

Illinois State Police released that twenty students sustained non-life threatening injuries as a result of the accident. “They (the children) are being treated and taken to local hospitals,” stated a spokesperson for the police department. At least five ambulances transported the students from the scene of the accident. The report states that southbound traffic on the toll way was backed up from Deerfield road to Highway 60 in Lake Forest as officials worked to assist the injured and clear the scene.

School bus accidents, including collisions between buses, trucks, or cars injure about 8,000 children every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Although the report does not specify who was responsible for the accident, our attorneys believe it is important to understand the risks and preventative measures that can be taken to avoid school bus related injuries. These measures include allowing proper distances between your vehicle and school buses on the roadway and being careful when making turns. Specifically, young children are most at risk when playing or congregating near bus stops, and when they are getting on or off the bus. It is important for all drivers to remember the following rules when sharing the road with school buses:

- Always obey school bus warning systems. Stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.

-When a school bus is traveling on a one-way roadway or a two-lane roadway and is stopped to pick up or drop off students, vehicles in all lanes of traffic must stop, preferably at about 20 feet beforehand.

-When a school bus is traveling on a four-lane roadway with at least two lanes of traffic traveling in opposite directions, only lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction of the school bus must stop.

Familiarizing ourselves with the safety issues and concerns surrounding school buses can help reduce the number of child bus-related accidents and injuries on Illinois roadways. A number of laws exist in regards to drivers sharing the road with school buses. Violation of these laws can lead to citations, fines, and loss of license.

If you or your child has been injured in a bus accident due to a negligent motorist, including the bus driver, please contact our law firm. 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.

U.S. 24 was closed for nearly eight hours last Thursday after a three-vehicle accident involving two tractor-trailer units and a three-axle straight truck, according to Whig.com. An Illinois truck accident attorney at our law firm learned that a 58-year old man of Granville, Illinois was driving east on the highway around 12:50pm when heavy winds blew his truck sideways. As a result, the truck collided with the front end of a second tractor-trailer, driven by a 50-year old man of Murrayville. After the collision, the second truck spun out of control and came to a sudden stop, blocking U.S. 24.

To make matters worse, the driver of an International three-axle straight truck was also driving east on the highway when he approached the above accident. He was unable to stop his vehicle in time and ran off the right side of the road, overturning his truck seconds later.

Illinois State Police say all three drivers were wearing seat belts. The first tractor-trailer driver was reported to have suffered serious injures, the second tractor-trailer driver reported no injures, and the three-axle straight truck driver sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. All three trucks were extremely damaged after the accident, and traffic on U.S. 24 was stopped for nearly eight hours as the trucks were removed and crews worked to clear the scene. Assisting at the site of the accident were the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Fire and Rescue Team, in addition to the Schuyler County Ambulance.

It is important to note that the primary cause of this accident was the heavy winds that led the first tractor-trailer truck to blow sideways and collide with the second tractor-trailer truck. High winds are one of the top causes of car and truck accidents, producing many collisions and overturning many vehicles on Illinois roadways each year. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, high winds are usually defined as sustained gusts of winds of at least 40mph and reaching up to 58mph. They cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and can even push them right off of the road. Unfortunately, wind is an overlooked danger to drivers, as most individuals fail to realize the potential dangers winds can have until it is too late.

In the case that heavy winds are present while driving, our attorneys believe an important step that can be taken to help prevent an accident from occurring is not driving over the speed limit, even decreasing speed if necessary. High speeds in combination with high winds can be especially dangerous. In addition, it is important to always keep your hands on the wheel, remain aware of your surroundings, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

Many times, high winds will be strong enough to cause a vehicle to lose control no matter what the circumstances, but following the above steps will help to greatly decrease the risk of an accident. In the case that you or someone you know has been injured in an accident due to a negligent motorist, please contact our law firm for more information.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers read that a driver from New Douglas, Illinois was recently charged with driving under the influence in a two-vehicle accident that killed one last month. Stltoday.com states that the accident occurred in an eastbound lane of Interstate 270 near Troy, Illinois when the 24-year old driver’s vehicle rear-ended a pickup truck. The truck driver, a 27-year old woman of Granite City was ejected from the truck after it flipped over in the middle of the road. Her passenger, her 62-year old mother, was killed upon impact. The man only suffered minor injuries.

Prosecutors say multiple tests found that the man’s blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit. Illinois State Police state that the driver was charged with aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol just last week. He was also ticketed for improper lane usage. The driver is now being held at the Madison County Jail in lieu of a $60,000 cash bail, according to the report.

Though the number of deadly drunk driving accidents has been steadily declining over the last few years, organizers such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Alliance Against Intoxicated Driving (AAID) say one accident is still too many, A recent report by Abclocal.go.com states that both organizations have launched an awareness campaign with the goal of keeping roads safer this holiday season.

Both organizations just held a vigil this Tuesday where dozens of people came together to share the pain of losing a loved one to drunk driving, including a 35-year old husband and father who was killed on Interstate 57 when a drunk driver rear-ended his vehicle. Organizers hope that similar events will help families cope with their losses, while also raising awareness.

"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."

Our accident lawyers don’t want it to be you this holiday season. We highly encourage all motorists to refrain from drinking and driving and continue to drive attentively and responsibly. With an increase of drivers on roadways for the holidays, in addition to the possibility of snow or inclement weather conditions, the risk of a deadly accident occurring is quite high. Adding alcohol into the mix not only puts you at danger, but also can potentially cause injury or fatality to other motorists and pedestrians on the road.

If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an accident due to a drunk driver, please contact our law firm to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Federal regulators have determined that a truck driver is not medically fit to drive commercially after he lost consciousness behind the wheel and his tractor-trailer struck and killed an Illinois state trooper. According to Therepublic.com, authorities say the 32-year old trooper was working at a traffic stop on Interstate 55 near Litchfield when he was struck and killed by the oncoming truck. After agency investigators later found serious concerns about the driver’s medical conditions and qualifications under his commercial driver’s license, he was placed out of service last Friday and is disqualified from further trucking. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) determined that the driver "failed to exercise an appropriate duty of care to the motoring public."

The report also states that the driver’s prescribed medications were found in his truck after the accident, investigators later determining he failed to disclose his medical situation to a medical examiner. Authorities stated the driver was in a “present state of unacceptable safety compliance.” The department did not detail the driver’s conditions, and the driver had no comment about the accident. Charges may be filed in the near future.

"This case sends a clear message that we will use every tool at our disposal to identify and remove from our roads unsafe operators," said the FMCSA’s chief. "Our agency is committed to raising the bar for commercial vehicle and driver safety.”

Accident reports similar to this emphasize the necessity of qualified commercial vehicle drivers on all roadways and interstates. All truck drivers are required to own a proper license, properly maintain their vehicle, and ensure they can operate their vehicle responsibly; failing to report medical conditions is a serious matter in that it not only jeopardizes driver safety behind the wheel, but can potentially injure or kill other individuals on the road.

Our attorneys want to encourage all motorists to drive attentively and responsibly on Illinois roadways. Though transportation agencies frequently attempt to remove irresponsible drivers from the road, many of these drivers unfortunately continue to exist. When an accident does occur due to a careless driver, victims have the right to seek compensation for any injuries they sustained as a result.

If you have or a loved one has experienced personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage due to a negligent motorist, contact our Illinois truck accident law firm at Levin & Perconti. 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.

Jacksonsun.com recently released a report detailing the death of a motorist after being hit by a truck on an Illinois highway as he attempted to help another motorist, who had also been hit by a vehicle just beforehand. Illinois State Police say that a 58-year old man from out of state was northbound on Interstate 57 when he lost a tire around 5:40pm. When his car broke down on the northbound shoulder, the driver tried to retrieve the tire from the median of the road, being fatally struck by an oncoming vehicle just seconds later. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

After witnessing the accident, an 80-year old motorist on his way to Chicago stopped and left his truck to help pull the man’s body out of the road. As he was crossing the highway, he was sadly hit by an oncoming truck. He was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois where he died shortly after. A newspaper report in a Kankakee, Illinois daily journal states the crash remains under investigation by state police and no citations have been issued.

Though it is not stated who was specifically the cause of either accident, an obvious factor that played a part in the death of both motorists was their decisions to attempt to walk across the interstate. While many may believe these decisions were senseless, pedestrian accidents on interstate highways are actually quite common. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than ten percent of pedestrian fatalities occur on highways. The most common reason for these individuals to be on the highway is when they find a need to walk across it; in the case of the above accidents, the first motorist walked across the interstate to retrieve his missing tire. Given the speed of other vehicles on the roadway, many drivers fail to see these individuals until it is too late.

Other causes of pedestrian fatalities on interstates involve pedestrians walking in the roadway at night, walking or standing on the road shoulder, attempting to fix mechanical problems with their vehicle, and finally, tending to a previous accident.
Pedestrians do need to use an appropriate level of care to protect themselves on highways; however, there are many instances in which pedestrians are injured or killed due to negligent motorists. These motorists include individuals who drive over the speed limit, drink and drive, use their cellular phones while driving, or drive while fatigued. In these instances, pedestrians or their families may be able to receive legal compensation for injuries sustained as the result of an accident.

If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an Illinois pedestrian accident due to a negligent driver, please contact our Chicago personal injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti to learn about what rights may be available to you.

Nbcchicago.com states that a Chicago police officer has been charged with striking and seriously injuring a bicyclist, not only fleeing the scene afterwards, but also filing a false report about the accident. Our law firm learned that the accident occurred in August when the 33-year old officer of almost ten years was driving his truck near California and Wabansia Streets and struck a woman riding her bicycle home from work at 3:45am. Officials say she was knocked unconscious with a head injury, and also suffered other bruises and fractures to the rest of her body. Her boyfriend, who was also riding his bicycle nearby, stated that he saw the pickup speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and running stop signs before he struck the woman.

The report states that the officer called 911 twice from his cell phone to report the accident and provide the location and condition of the victim, without identifying himself as a Chicago police officer. As ambulances approached the scene, the officer got back into his truck, drove around the victim and hit two parked cars as he fled the scene, his license plate falling off of his truck in the process. "To find out that he was a police officer and was not taking action at that point, that really surprises me," said the woman’s boyfriend.

Even more surprising, prosecutors say the officer filed a false report with police two days later. He ultimately tried to conceal his wrongdoing by blaming the bicyclist for the accident, stating the woman disregarded a stop sign and hit his truck, later fleeing the scene. Authorities who recovered paint samples from the truck, in addition to the truck’s missing license plate, determined the truck had hit the woman’s bicycle and both parked cars. Medical and forensic records also indicate the officer was to blame for the accident.

The state’s attorney’s office recently released that the officer was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries, a Class 1 felony, and disorderly conduct for filing a false police report, a Class 4 felony. He has been relieved of his police powers and was ordered held on a $25,000 bond.

From the perspective of our attorneys, the occurrence of accidents similar to this is truly unfortunate. While negligent motorists do exist, the negligence of drivers such as police officers, semi truck drivers, or bus drivers can cause accidents and serious injury that simply should not happen. These drivers are expected to follow all rules and regulation necessary to protect that safety of other individuals on the road, whether they are motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. Some of these rules include owning a proper license, properly maintaining their vehicle, operating their vehicle attentively and responsibly, and reacting appropriately if an accident does occur.

Because of the potential injury and life altering consequences that can come from a truck and bicycle accident, it is encouraged that all victims seek quality legal representation. Our Chicago accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti represent individuals and families who have suffered personal injury or wrongful death because of the carelessness or negligence of a motorist.

If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an accident due to a negligent truck driver, please contact our law firm to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Four people were injured in an accident involving an ambulance and a tractor-trailer a few weeks ago, according to Stltoday.com. The crash happened at about 7:50pm on Interstate 55 near Hamel, north of Edwardsville. Illinois State Police stated that an ambulance was in the right lane responding to a medical emergency at the I-55 rest area when it made a sudden turn and was then struck by a tractor-trailer following behind it. As a result, the ambulance overturned and both drivers of the vehicles suffered injuries, in addition to one passenger in each vehicle. All four people were taken to a nearby hospital and treated for their injuries. The report states that no charges were issued, and no further information is available.

Though it is not specified who was ultimately responsible for the accident, motor vehicle crashes involving ambulances have become an increasing source of public concern, posing a serious risk to drivers, passengers, and patients. In this post, our attorneys will list ambulance crash statistics, address ambulance crash characteristics, and project the magnitude and severity of risks involved, hoping to increase awareness in relation to these accidents and help all motorists remain safe while sharing the road with ambulances.

Ncbi.com states that throughout the last decade, 399 ambulance accidents caused 405 fatalities and 838 injuries in the U.S. Authorities believe that given there are close to 50,000 ambulances on the road on any particular day, it is likely there were even more collisions than those making headlines. In 2011, a total of 39 people suffered a range of injures in these accidents, many of these individuals actually being ambulance drivers and crew members themselves.

After analyzing all fatal ambulance accidents on U.S. public roadways throughout the last decade, data shows that these accidents occurred most often between 12-6pm, on straight and dry roads, and almost always at intersections (41%). Ambulances were commonly hit by other vehicles as they attempted to go through intersections and vice versa, sometimes happening when ambulances traveled against red lights to reach their destination. In these accidents, a greater amount of injuries fell upon those who were not in the ambulance.

Moreover, about 10% of ambulances collided with one another on roadways, or with other emergency response vehicles like fire trucks or police cruisers. Most crashes and fatalities also occurred during emergency use, when ambulance drivers simply lost control of their vehicle while traveling at excessive speeds. Finally, our attorneys were surprised to learn that last year, 16 accidents had some connection to the use of alcohol or drugs, most commonly by civilian motorists but also by ambulance crew members in some cases.

Authorities say emergency medical service directors are attempting to develop more ambulance operation and risk management policies. Many believe that crash and injury reduction programs should address improved intersection control, screening to identify high-risk drivers, appropriate restraint use, and design modifications to decrease the likelihood of ambulance damage in collisions.

As one can see, collisions with ambulances can occur under many conditions and have the potential to be life threatening. Our attorneys hope that by knowing the above information, drivers will stay alert for all emergency vehicles, react appropriately if an emergency vehicle is approaching, and drive responsibly to prevent the risk of an accident occurring. As always, it is encouraged to remain attentive, use good judgment, and follow the rules of the road.

Our Illinois truck accident law firm provides qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have been in an accident as the result of negligent motorists. We are willing to assist you if you or someone you know has suffered personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage as the result of an ambulance accident. Please contact our lawyers at Levin & Perconti to find out if legal recourse may be available to you.

Chicagotribune.com reports that a semi truck killed a teenage bicyclist in downtown Chicago last weekend and immediately fled the scene. Our lawyers learned that the teen was struck at approximately 3:30pm near the South Side and died upon impact. Though it is not specified exactly how the accident occurred, the fact that it is a hit-and run has left authorities and accident investigation units seeking the driver. Police are asking nearby residents to come forward if they have more information regarding the accident.

All semi truck accidents are recognizably serious in that they have the potential to cause injury to those involved. Bicyclists are extremely susceptible to injury in a semi truck accident due to the truck’s large weight, height, and number of blind spots present in combination with the vulnerability of the bicyclist. In addition, it is easy for drivers to fail to yield to bicyclists or fail to give bicyclists the space they need while riding on roadways. Bicyclists are considered as motorists and have every right to use the roadway like any other vehicle does; yet, they are commonly disregarded and as a result too commonly become victims in serious accidents and collisions.

Even more, in addition to the general likelihood of a bicyclist being struck by a large commercial vehicle, many serious bicycle accidents unfortunately involve inattentive or negligent motorists. Many drivers do not follow the rules of the road, or are simply distracted while driving. In the above report, the driver of the semi-truck couldn’t even stop to check the bicyclist after hitting the teen or report the accident, and instead fled the scene.

It is important that all truck drivers drive attentively and responsibly to ensure the safety of other motorists on Illinois roadways, especially bicyclists. Because of the potential injury and life altering consequences that can come from a truck and bicycle accident, it is encouraged that all victims seek quality legal representation.

If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident due to a negligent truck driver, you may be able to receive compensation. Our Illinois personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti 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.

News-gazette.com recently released a report detailing a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 57 that claimed the life of a 22-year old Chicago man last Friday afternoon. Our law firm learned that a semitrailer truck was decreasing in speed in the southbound lanes of the interstate at the 255-mile marker near Ludlow, Illinois due to an earlier accident. This accident consisted of a semi truck and a passenger vehicle collision around 1:10pm after the semi lost control, eventually rolling over in the southbound lanes. The semi’s tired crossed the center median into the northbound lanes where they struck an oncoming Jeep.

After slowing down for this accident, the semitrailer truck began a large chain reaction collision about five miles north of Rantoul. The 53-year old truck driver hit a passenger vehicle, pushing it into a rear of another truck tractor flatbed semi trailer, and also sideswiped a van.

Needless to say, these accidents caused an immense amount of damage, personal injuries, and one fatality. Some were taken to nearby hospitals with serious injuries; response teams unfortunately needed to cut the 22-year old man out of his destroyed car, with his injuries leading to his death just hours later. The southbound lanes between Paxton and Rantoul were closed and traffic was rerouted for several hours. Both lanes of traffic were reopened around 6 p.m.

Chain reaction accidents can happen in a matter of seconds. When these collisions include semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles, the likelihood individuals sustaining injuries greatly increases. Though many of these accidents are unavoidable, it is important that drivers do everything they can to prevent these accidents from occurring. This primarily includes maintaining a safe distance from others on the roadway at all times. If another motorist suddenly brakes or there is a stall in traffic, keeping a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you, as well as properly maintaining your own vehicle, helps to decrease the risk of an accident.

Note that heavier vehicles like semi trucks and trailers require longer distances, and distance should also be increased between all vehicles while driving in poor weather conditions. Rule of thumb, if you know you wouldn’t be able to stop your vehicle within the distance you are following another, then you are most likely driving way too close. In general, always keep your eyes moving to remain aware of other motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and street signs on the roadway.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti are willing to assist you if you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of a trucking accident. To find out if legal recourse may be available to you, please contact our law firm for more information.

Police have recently identified a man who was killed after being struck by a garbage truck last week, according to Chicagotribune.com. The pedestrian, identified by the Cook County medical examiner’s office, was struck at approximately 8:30am in the Pilsen neighborhood near the west side of Chicago. An officer reported that the pedestrian suffered multiple blunt traumas and was pronounced dead by medical examiners at 9am at a hospital in Cook County.

Though the accident was not declared to be a hit and run, the driver of the garbage truck was issued citations for the collision. The police Major Accidents Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate.

In many previous blogs, our attorneys have discussed the general dangers of large motor vehicles such as semi trucks, tractor-trailers, and buses. However, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), garbage trucks have the highest pedestrian killing rate on city roads. These vehicles’ large size, limited visibility, and proximity to sidewalks combine to create a pedestrian death rate that is nearly twice as high as what IDOT says is their next closest competitor, the bus.

Specifically, garbage trucks kill nearly 24 pedestrians per 100 million miles driven. This number is quite large as compared to buses, which kill 14 people per 100 million miles driven, automobiles, which kill 8, and taxis, which kill 6.

Because garbage trucks seem to be a normal part of daily life for most, it is easy to dismiss them as dangerous, many people often failing to be cautious while driving or walking near them. The truth is that these trucks have the capability to cause serious injury or fatality to anyone who comes too close. It is highly encouraged to give these trucks the space that they need on the roadway, while at the same time remaining aware of your surroundings and also attempting to make yourself as visible as possible to the driver of the truck. Doing so will decrease your risk of being in an accident and ultimately prevent serious injury.

While many accidents are caused due to the general difficulty of operating and maneuvering such large vehicles, others are caused by driver negligence, whether that consists of distracted driving, driving while fatigued, or failing to follow the rules of the road. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident by a negligent motorist, seeking qualified legal representation is advised.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers are willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse may be available to you and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. Please contact our lawyers at Levin & Perconti for more information.

An 87-year old pedestrian was severely injured in Chicago on Friday morning when a drunken truck driver struck him while he was attempting to cross the street. A report by Chicagotribune.com states that the pedestrian was crossing the street at approximately 7:05am in the 400 block of North Broadway. The driver, a 26 year old of Rogers Park, reportedly drove through a red light and hit the pedestrian in the process.

The victim of the accident was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition and remains there today, according to a Chicago Fire Department spokesman. Officers were able to arrest the driver soon after the accident. He was recently charged with felony DUI resulting in serious injury, and cited with striking a pedestrian, running a red light, and driving without insurance or a driver’s license. Police say he was expected to appear in Cook County Bond Court on Sunday.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one pedestrian is injured every 8 minutes in the United States. In relation to the above report, while the average pedestrian is 1.5 times more likely to get killed in a motor vehicle accident than the driver or occupants of the vehicle, statistics further show that elderly people account for 18 percent of all pedestrian accident fatalities (Illinois Department of Transportation). Reasons for this include the fact that elderly pedestrians oftentimes have more frail body structures and move at generally slower paces across roadways.

To prevent an accident from taking place, it is important for all pedestrians to always keep an eye out for motor vehicles, in addition to wearing bright clothing and always walking in available paths, sidewalks, and crosswalks in order for motorists to see them in return. It is also important to make sure that streets and intersections are crossed at appropriate times and there is plenty of time available to do so.

As for drivers, yielding to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks is required in most situations. Driving responsibly and attentively and following the general rules of the road is always expected. The number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities each year is at a fairly high level in Illinois and throughout the country; unfortunately, drivers similar the one in the above report increase this level through their negligent actions, including traveling through red lights, drinking while driving, etc.

Our law firm wants to encourage all pedestrians and motorists to avoid the risk of injuries or death in an accident by taking the necessary safety measures when on the road. In the case that a pedestrian, or any individual, is injured or killed as the result of a negligent motorist, legal recourse may be available to them or their families. It is advised that all victims seek quality representation after an accident. Our Illinois personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti are experienced in helping victims compensate for injury or medical expenses due to the negligence or recklessness of a driver. Please contact us for more information.

As the middle of November approaches, many Chicago and suburban area residents have only begun to enjoy the fall season’s brisk weather, the changing colors of the leaves, and the preparation of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. These residents, however, had a rude awakening on Monday night when the city’s first snow flurries arrived. Freezing temperatures, frost, and black ice near roadways and expressways surprised drivers in the West and Northwest suburbs. Also surprising is the number of motor-vehicle accidents that occurred in the Chicago area over night.

According to Chicagotribune.com, state police patrolling area toll roads responded to a total of 17 crashes between 9:45 and 10:45pm. A Master Sergeant stated that this number was extremely above the typical 1 or 2 crashes during that time period. In one accident that occurred, a 42-year-old man was fatally struck by a vehicle after leaving his own car following a collision on the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway, just west of Gary Avenue. Another accident occurred when a police cruiser was hit by a truck while an officer was responding to the scene of an accident. “Troopers were dodging cars coming at them,” authorities said.

In all, slick roads and black ice left vehicles damages, drivers injured, expressways closed overnight, and witnesses hoping the snow flurries would come to an end. Though the snow may be gone for now, it will certainly return soon, and our attorneys want all motorists to be prepared for poor weather conditions on Illinois roadways.

Though the best way to avoid an accident on a snowy road is to simply stay off the road until the poor weather passes, there are many simple steps that drivers can take to decrease the risk of an accident occurring. These steps include remaining aware of all current weather forecasts, traveling at slower speeds to maintain vehicle control on ice, always wearing a seatbelt, and being attentive for other drivers who may have lost control of their own vehicles. It is also important to refrain from stopping for accidents or stranded vehicles along an icy roadway because it increases the likelihood of a chain-reaction collision occurring, as seen in the above reports.

In all, our attorneys want all drivers to keep these safety tips in mind in order to be prepared for any unexpected snow or ice that the season brings. Understand that overconfidence in these conditions is what causes a greater number of personal injury and fatalities; always drive defensively, attentively, and responsibly.

In the case that you or a loved one is injured in an accident due to another’s negligence, please contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti for more information.

Nbcchicago.com recently released a report detailing an accident that occurred Saturday morning after a truck driver ran a red light and T-boned a police squad car, injuring two Chicago Police Officers as a result. Our law firm learned that the 18-year old truck driver of West 50th Street in downtown Chicago was approaching the intersection of 47th and La Salle Streets when she ran the red light, according to a police News Affairs Officer.

After striking the police squad car, the truck driver and one police officer were taken to Mercy Hospital with minor injuries, while the second officer was treated on the scene. The report states that the truck driver received a handful of traffic citations, ultimately being charged with running a red light, negligent driving, driving without insurance, and a municipal violation for damage to city property. The driver is scheduled to appear in Traffic Court later this year.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 100,000 accidents and 1,000 fatalities occur nationwide each year because of a driver failing to stop at a red light. These accidents are often considered “T-bone” accidents, where the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another. Our lawyers believe these accidents are especially damaging because the side of a vehicle is proven to be one of its weakest points; therefore, upon impact in this area, the likelihood of injury or death occurring is much greater than other types of accidents with similar force.

Running red lights is a common problem in Illinois, although incidents of red light running have begun to decrease because of the authorization and installation of red light cameras at various intersections and roadway locations. The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that in 2010, 927 fatalities took place on Illinois roads after authorizing the use of traffic safety cameras, a decrease from 1,254 in 2006. Specifically, the addition of intersection safety cameras in Chicago led to a 32% reduction in fatal red light running accidents. Additional data across the state shows that the increased use of traffic safety cameras continues to change driver behavior, deter drivers from breaking the law, reduce serious car accidents, and most importantly, save lives.

While traffic safety cameras have gained much support in Illinois, based on the above report, accidents do continue to happen as a result of careless or negligent motorists. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti are willing to assist you if you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of a car accident. To find out if legal recourse may be available to you, please contact us for more information.

Four people were injured in a collision between an ambulance and a semi truck earlier this week in Mazon, Illinois, according to Shelbyvilledailyunion.com. A Grundy County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy stated at about 7:30am, the sheriff's department received a report of an accident involving a semi and a Gardner Fire District ambulance in the northbound lane of Illinois 47, near the railroad crossing.

Allegedly, a train was crossing the tracks and the gate arms were down at the time of the accident. Thought the gate arms were down with lights flashing, a heavy fog sat in the air that significantly limited visibility. Witnesses report seeing a passenger vehicle having to stop abruptly to avoid striking another vehicle stopped at the crossing, then a semi behind the vehicle do the same. The ambulance, which was behind the semi truck, was unfortunately unable to stop in time to avoid a collision and struck the semi at full force.

The report states that four people were transported to Morris Hospital, including a patient who was in the ambulance at the time of the accident. Names and specific injuries of the victims have not yet been released. All ambulance service and travel times were uninterrupted.

From the perspective of our attorneys, a primary factor at play in the above report that led to the ambulance colliding into the back of the semi truck was the existence of poor weather conditions. Fog is a leading cause of automobile accidents in that it reduces drivers’ perception of speed, makes it difficult to distinguish between a moving object and a stationary one, and also makes it difficult to judge the distance a driver has between his or her vehicle and the vehicles nearby. Last year, approximately 38,000 crashes took place throughout the country because of fog, causing around 15,600 injuries and 600 fatalities. (U.S. Department of Transportation).

Maintaining a proper distance between yourself and other vehicles is recommended in any circumstance, but it is especially crucial in poor weather conditions. It is also important to take your time, use your fog lights, if possible, and drive with extreme caution. If you or a loved one has been in an accident due to a negligent motorist who has failed to drive attentively and responsibly at any time, please contact our Illinois truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti to find out if legal recourse may be available to you.

A large collision involving a pick up truck and a semi-truck in Macomb, Illinois on Friday has left roadways closed and two individuals seriously injured, according to Olneydailymail.com. Preliminary information from a McDonough County Sheriff states that the pick up truck appeared to have drifted over the centerline while heading eastbound on state Route 136, causing it to collide with a semi truck in a westbound oncoming lane.

The sheriff says that there were two occupants in the pickup truck, which was overturned, and one occupant in the semi. A man who lives close to the scene of the accident, which specifically occurred near the intersection of Route 136 and County Road 1800 East, said the collision “sounded like a sharp explosion.” Reports state that from his vantage point, he could only see the wheels of the over-turned pickup truck.

As a result of the accident, the passenger of the pickup and the driver of the semi were transported to McDonough District Hospital by ambulance. The driver of the pickup truck, who was trapped within the vehicle, was evacuated by helicopter. East and west bound lanes on state Route 136 of Macomb were also closed. Details regarding the nature of the accident and specific injuries remain unclear; the county sheriff was unable to provide any more information. The accident is currently under investigation by Illinois State Police.

Our law firm understands that accidents similar to the one above are very common and often fatal on Illinois roadways, generally taking place when a vehicle either deliberately or accidently crosses a centerline or median, travels the wrong way in a traffic lane, and crashes into an approaching vehicle. Illinois Police objectives to reduce the number of head-on accidents currently include attempting to find ways to keep vehicles from traveling into the opposite lane, minimizing the likelihood of a car crashing into an oncoming vehicle, and ultimately reduce the severity of accidents that occur. However, our attorneys understand that not all accidents are preventable. Truck accidents caused by distracted or negligent drivers can cause life-altering consequences to those involved, including personal injury, medical expenses, or even property damage.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys provide qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have been in an accident as the result of negligent motorists. We are willing to assist you if you or someone you know has suffered injury or death as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Please contact our lawyers at Levin & Perconti to find out if legal recourse may be available to you.

The collisions that take place between truck drivers and bicyclists are unfortunately common and have been discussed previously in many of our blogs. These accidents are once again in need of discussion, as our attorneys recently learned of the death of an 18 year-old student after a truck hit him while he was riding his bicycle in southern Illinois.

Kwqc.com released a report detailing the accident, which occurred near the village of Bonnie, Illinois. A coroner at the scene stated that the 18 year-old and another person were riding bicycles along opposite sides of Illinois Route 37 when a pick up truck suddenly pulled onto the roadway and failed to see the bicyclists until the very last second. The coroner said the truck driver attempted to avoid one cyclist, but hit the 18-year old.

Authorities say the student died at the scene and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the accident. They also stated that the accident happened in darkness and while the cyclists were wearing dark clothing, with no reflectors on their bikes.

Our attorneys have noted multiple times that both bicyclists and truck drivers need to take the appropriate steps needed to reduce the possibility of collisions on Illinois roadways. However, in this case, the bicyclists failed to make themselves visible on the roadway, likely contributing to the cause of the accident. It is always recommended for bicyclists to wear a helmet, wear bright and reflective clothing, and be sure they have reflectors on their bicycles, especially at night. By doing so, motorists will have a better chance of seeing them while riding on public roadways. Bicyclists should always stay alert and ride with the flow of traffic.

In addition, truck and passenger vehicle drivers should make every attempt to yield to bicyclists and give them the space they need while riding on or near roadways. Motorists should always be sure to pass bicyclists at a safe distance, be extra careful when driving through intersections, and to turn and yield properly. In general, it is important that all motorists and bicyclists follow the rules of the road and travel attentively and responsibly to prevent collisions.

While not every accident or injury can be prevented, remembering these safety tips will help to avoid accidents and prevent serious injury to both motorists and bicyclists. Because of the potential injury and life altering consequences that can come from a truck and bicycle accident, it is encouraged that all victims seek quality legal representation. Our Chicago accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti represent individuals and families who have suffered personal injury or wrongful death because of the carelessness or negligence of a motorist.

If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident due to a negligent truck driver, please contact our law firm to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Nwitimes.com recently released a report detailing the incredible job of a truck driver who has logged four million miles without a single accident over his 40-year career. Our attorneys learned that the man has driven for Ruan Transport in East Chicago for the past nine years and is currently responsible for making regional deliveries of cryogenic liquids. He has also driven for McKeown Transportation, The Linde Group, and Praxair Inc., and has traveled across 48 states. He travels between 50 and 400 miles each trip and has reportedly driven enough miles throughout his career to circle the globe 160 times.

The driver credits his safe driving record to being aware of changing road, weather, and traffic conditions. “My routine varies daily,” he stated. “The long hours are a drawback, but I like that the job varies and that I get to be alone.”

The report states that Ruan Transport recognized the driver with a luncheon and presentation of the 4 Million-Mile Award. “It was a real surprise,” he said of the recognition. “I was only doing what I’m supposed to do.” The driver stated that he plans to continue on the road and is not going to retire in the near future.

Though the truck driver did not boast about his work and barely seemed to show emotion, drivers similar to this man should definitely be commended for their efforts. By simply driving attentively, remaining aware of all roadway conditions, and being responsible about his job, hundreds of accidents may have been prevented and many innocent lives were undoubtedly spared.

All truck drivers should aspire to drive in the safest manner possible every time they are behind the wheel. It is important that truck drivers are well rested when driving, maintain their vehicle properly, and do not drive over the speed limit. They should distance themselves from other vehicles as best as they can and always drive attentively, especially at night.

Despite many drivers taking the necessary steps to drive safely, accidents unfortunately continue to happen as a result of negligent motorists. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti represent individuals who have suffered injury, medical expenses, or property damage as the result of a trucking accident caused by a careless driver. 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.

The dangers associated with large trucks, including semis, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles are immense. These trucks sometimes weigh up to 80,000 pounds and account for a great number of traffic injury and death each year. Could you image increasing the size and weight of these trucks? Neither could we. Our law firm recently read a report by Saferoads.org regarding the need to freeze the maximum size and weight of trucks in order to increase the safety of all individuals traveling on Illinois interstates and highways.

Freezing the size and weight of large trucks is necessary because in simple terms, bigger trucks compromise safety. The heavier a truck is, the more the chances of a truck accident occurring and resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that large trucks are involved in 11% of all crash fatalities. In 2009, nearly one-quarter of occupant fatalities in passenger vehicles that had multi-vehicle collisions were the result of accidents involving large trucks. In two-vehicle crashes involving passenger vehicles and large trucks, 98% of the fatalities were occupants of the passenger vehicle.

In addition to injuries and fatalities, the issue of cost is at hand. Truck related accidents cost up to $19 billion each year, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). Fatal truck accidents create the highest costs, with an average of $3 million spent per accident. These costs include medical bills, lost wages, road damage, and other projected costs. Specifically, road damage has become a serious issue in that one legal 80,000-pound tractor-trailer truck does as much damage to road pavement as 9,600 cars! By damaging roads, large trucks further degrade highway safety and continue to add to the costs caused by trucks. With even heavier trucks, interstate highways would simply be unable to accommodate them.

Despite the list of numerous concerns, trailer lengths have continued to grow over the past few decades, some states allowing vehicles of up to 59 feet on their roadways. The number of trucks on U.S. highways has also consistently grown, even after increases in both the sizes and weights of semis. According to the release above, by an 88% majority, the American public is opposed to allowing bigger and heavier trucks on highways. Our law firm agrees that this growth needs to be stopped in order to prevent accidents, reduce costs, and keep all motorists as safe as possible behind the wheel.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti understand that truck accidents can result in life altering consequences. If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in a truck accident due to a negligent driver, please contact us to learn about what rights and 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 19-year old girls were driving to class in Carbondale 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 be 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 on Illinois roadways. 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 Chicago accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti represent individuals and families who have suffered personal 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.

Chicagotribune.com released a report last Saturday regarding the death of a motorcyclist after he collided with a semi truck in Hillside, Illinois. Our attorneys learned that the accident happened at 4:51pm at Mannheim Road on the ramp of the eastbound Interstate 290 leading to the Eisenhower Expressway. The 20 year-old motorcyclist attempted to get onto the expressway at the same time as the semi but was pushed against a wall by the truck and was then run over by the trailer the semi was carrying, according to police. The Cook County medical examiner’s office pronounced the motorcyclist dead shortly after.

As all motorists are aware, many accidents occur on Illinois interstate highways each year; specifically, a large number of these accidents take place on freeway entrance and exit ramps in comparison to other segments of the highway. This is often due to congestion taking place on the ramps, trucks traveling near or directly next to passenger vehicles or motorcycles, and traveling over the speed limit at the same time as the ramp curves. The Illinois Department of Transportation states that additional common factors contributing to these accidents are bad weather, alcohol, and traveling at night.

In order to reduce the number of accidents on highway ramps, it is crucial to drive attentively, responsibly, and most importantly, defensively at all times. When entering a highway ramp, speed limit signs often changes to about 35mph; despite this, many drivers continue traveling at their current speed of up to 50 mph on the ramp. Be sure to slow down and look out for upcoming curves or turns on the ramp. If there are other vehicles on the ramp, allow a proper amount of distance in between yourself and these vehicles in order to prevent collisions. The motorcyclist and semi truck driver failed to do this in the above report and collided as a result.

Finally, remain cautious when entering onto a fast paced highway. Many motorists on the highway choose not to slow down for oncoming vehicles that are attempting to merge into the highway off of the ramp. Semi trucks can be especially dangerous in that the large size and weight of the truck may affect the driver’s ability to slow down and allow others to merge in.

By taking the appropriate steps necessary to remain safe while driving on highway ramps and interstates, the likelihood of an accident occurring decreases, and thus, the likelihood of personal injury taking place decreases as well. Negligent motorists do exist, however, and a significant number of accidents unfortunately continue to take place on Illinois roadways. In the case that you or a loved one have suffered in a motor vehicle accident due to a negligent driver, legal recourse may be available to you.

Our Illinois law firm at Levin & Perconti specializes in truck accident cases and represents individuals and families who have been wrongfully killed because of driver negligence. Please contact us to find the resources you need to seek legal action.

Gridchicago.com recently released a report detailing the death of a bicyclist last Friday after he was struck by a semi truck in Chicago. Our attorneys learned that the accident occurred around 9am on Wells Street, just north of Oak Street, when the bicyclist was in the southbound lane and turned suddenly to avoid a parked car’s open door. As a result, he was hit by a passing semi truck, falling underneath the front wheels of the truck’s flat-bed trailer. Police worked all morning at the scene to remove the body from under the truck.

The report states that an accident similar to the one above occurred in 2009 when a college graduate was bicycling north in LaSalle Street, was doored, thrown into another lane of traffic, and run over by an oncoming truck, killing him upon impact. According to statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation, 577 “doorings” have been reported from 2009 through September of this year, the majority on the North Side of the city. These accidents are said to most commonly occur on diagonal streets and intersections.

As a result of these accidents, individuals inside and outside the Chicago community are discussing how to best prevent them in the future. Some believe that an increase in protected bike lanes in the city would prevent doorings, while others aren't sure that a protected bike lane would make much of a difference, and that alertness on the part of bikers and drivers would do the most to prevent accidents. One community member stated, “This bike lane design is obsolete and deficient as it causes bicyclists to ride in highly unsafe situations.”

From the perspective of our law firm, bicyclists and other vehicles share Illinois roadways each day, and it is important that all motorists truly “share the road” in order to avoid serious accidents and personal injury. This means that truck and passenger vehicle drivers should make every attempt to yield to bicyclists and give them the space they need while riding on or near roadways. In relation to the accidents above, take caution while opening your vehicle’s door near bicycle lanes in the case that a bicyclist is approaching. In general, it is important that all motorists and bicyclists travel attentively and responsibly to prevent collisions.

Though bicyclists are considered as motorists and have every right to use the roadway like any other vehicle does, they are commonly disregarded and as a result too commonly become victims in serious accidents and collisions. Because of the potential injury and life altering consequences that can come from bicycle accidents, it is encouraged that all victims seek quality legal representation. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers are prepared inform you of your rights and ultimately offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident due to a negligent driver, please contact our law firm to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Last year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created new federal hours-of-service rules designed to limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate, and many trucking organizations were less than pleased. Our attorneys read a report released by World.einnews.com detailing the enforcement of these new rules, which as of last week, had led to litigation.

As our law firm has expressed throughout previous blogs, truck accidents have the potential to be extremely severe, causing many injuries and fatalities each year throughout Illinois and the country. The FMCSA states that Chicago drivers witness hundreds of trucks traveling the interstates in and around the Chicago-land area each day, given that the city is a major transportation crossroad. Thus, with such trucking activity, accidents are bound to happen.

The FMCSA continues to express that potential trucking accidents become even more likely with truckers driving long hours in order to meet deadlines. The report states that according to the administration, around 755 deaths and 19,705 injuries occur on U.S. roadways each year due to commercial drivers who are fatigued. Driver fatigue increases the risk of injury for truck drivers themselves and everyone else on the road.

As a result of these concerns, the FMCSA announced its new federal hours-of service rules late last year with the goal of creating a safer environment on roadways for all motorists. After the rules created an uprising by a number of trucking organizations, specifically the American Trucking Association, and the dispute ended up in federal court, the administration had to defend its new rules, stating, “The HOS rule reflects FMCSA's weighing of scientific evidence and its careful consideration of the potential impacts on health and safety, as well as the costs and the effects of the rule on the public and the regulated industry."

Our attorneys learned that opponents primarily disagree with three sections of the new hours-of-service rules, including the new 11-hour daily driving limit, 30-minute required breaks, and 34-hour restart provision. Opponents claim that these changes provide only small safety benefits while severely limiting a driver's ability to drive, in addition to adding large costs to the economy. There are a small number of groups, however, who oppose these rule changes only for the reason that the 11-hour daily driving limit should be dropped even lower to 10 hours.

Though the court has yet to officially resolve these issues, the FMCSA, in addition to our law firm, understands that trucking accidents will unfortunately continue to happen due to negligent or exhausted drivers. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti provide qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have been injured or killed as a result of negligent motorists. If you or a loved one was recently involved in a trucking accident, please contact us to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

Chaos erupted in California this Monday afternoon when an Amtrak train carrying about 169 passengers derailed in a collision with a semi truck. Suntimes.com released that the accident occurred when the driver of the semi tractor-trailer failed to yield and hit the train. The impact caused the train to travel about 600 additional feet before hitting a switchback and pushing two passenger cars and the locomotive off of the tracks, according to a local highway patrol officer. Officials have not determined how fast the train or the truck were traveling, but the average speed for Amtrak through the area is 70 to 80 mph, while the speed limit on the roadway where the truck was traveling is 55 mph.

After the accident, metal pieces from the truck could be seen inside the train, and passengers’ belongings were scattered around the area. "Right after it happened I see all these people with a terrified look on their faces, all trying to get to the front of the train," a passenger told authorities. “I tried as best I could to try and calm people down and help them get off that train.” The report states that at least twenty passengers suffered injuries ranging from bumps, bruises, scrapes, and broken bones. Thirteen of the injured passengers, in addition to the semi driver, were taken to nearby hospitals. Uninjured passengers were taken to an auditorium where they boarded another train and continued to their destinations or were picked up by family members.

Authorities stated that repair crews worked into Tuesday removing the derailed cars and locomotive and ultimately repairing the damaged railroad tracks. All train service throughout the area was stopped after the accident. BNSF Railroad Co., which operates the tracks, said the accident occurred at a crossing that was equipped with gates to stop traffic. Investigators will try to determine if the accident was caused by a malfunction of these gates, driver error, or something else.

In previous blogs, our attorneys have 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. We would again 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 60 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.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti understand that trucking 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.

A 22-year old Algonquin man was struck and killed early Monday morning in a McKenry County hit-and-run accident, according to Chicagotribune.com. Our attorneys learned that shorty before 3:30am, McHenry County’s sheriff officials responded to a call reporting that a man was injured in the middle of East Main Street, west of Newbold Road in unincorporated Algonquin Township. When police and paramedics arrived at the scene, they found the man lying in the road where he was later pronounced dead.

According to a news release from the sheriff's office, preliminary investigations revealed that an eastbound vehicle on the 600 block of East Main Street struck the pedestrian and then fled the scene. Pieces from the vehicle’s headlight area were reportedly left behind in the middle of the roadway. Police are now seeking help locating the hit-and-run vehicle or anyone who may have witnessed the accident.

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are common throughout Illinois due to negligent truck and passenger vehicle drivers and often result in fatalities. The American Automobile Association found that Illinois hit-and-run accidents have increased by 15% since 2000. From 1994 to 2003, a total of 14,914 people were killed in hit-and-run crashes in the United States, about 60% of these victims having been pedestrians. Surviving victims of these accidents report that they feel especially violated because they were not only struck by a vehicle, but the driver of the vehicle showed no remorse and failed to stop to see if the victims were okay.

Our law firm believes it is important for all drivers to know what to do if involved in a hit-and-run accident. Illinois laws state that after any type of collision with an individual or another vehicle, the driver is legally required to stop, make a reasonable effort to contact the other party, and remain at the scene until authorities have been notified. If the driver fails to take these steps after the accident and flees the scene, prison time and fines may be issued as a result. Victims should make every attempt to identify the vehicle and/or driver if he does leave the scene in the case that a witness is needed to prove the driver was responsible for the accident.

Victims of hit-and-run accidents have the right to seek legal action to cover personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of the crash. Our Chicago accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti have handled numerous wrongful death cases and represent individuals who were wrongfully killed or injured because of driver negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered in a motor vehicle accident, contact us for more information.

Wrjmdailynews.com recently released a report detailing a four-vehicle accident that occurred on I-57 last Monday night. Our attorneys learned that a 21-year old of Iroquois, Illinois was driving his passenger vehicle northbound on the interstate approaching milepost 187 while a 32 year-old of Chicago, Illinois was driving a semi-truck in the right lane. The driver of the passenger vehicle attempted to pass the semi but in the process, he sideswiped two utility vehicles parked on the side of the road. The semi truck then collided with the passenger vehicle and caused it to spin out of control, both eventually coming to rest in the median of the interstate.

After Illinois State Police responded to the scene, the semi-truck driver stated that he tried to avoid the impact with the passenger vehicle, but was unable to do so. He was transported to the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana and treated for minor injuries. The driver of the passenger vehicle was transported to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Care Center in Mattoon. He was cited for improper lane usage, and a 21-year- woman who was riding in the front seat of the vehicle was cited for failure to wear a seat belt. Both drivers’ injuries were cared for and they are currently in stable condition. The Coles County Sheriff's Office, Mattoon and Lakeland Police Departments, Mattoon Fire Department and the Illinois Department of Transportation all assisted in the accident.

Our attorneys understand that collisions between semi truck drivers and other motorists remain one of the most devastating types of accidents on Illinois roadways and can result in serious personal injury to those involved. While many accidents occur due to the negligence of semi truck drivers on the roadways, others commonly occur due to the careless ways in which passenger vehicles drive near and around these trucks, failing to realize the potential dangers that are associated with these actions. Therefore, we would like to offer all motorists some critical steps that can be taken to help you drive defensively and ultimately avoid being involved in a semi truck accident in the future.

Based on the above report, always place a significant amount of distance between you and a semi truck on highways or larger roadways. Understand that trucks are not like other ordinary vehicles; a truck’s size and weight can affect the driver’s ability to brake and change lanes safely. Thus, try to avoid driving next to a truck for an extended period of time, and if you must pass a truck, do so quickly. Also understand that semi trucks have many more blind spots than cars do, with limited visibility next to and behind the truck. Note that there are a greater amount of blind spots on the passenger side of the truck, so if you are passing it, try to do so on the left side whenever possible. Always try to stay in the truck’s visibility; if you cannot see the truck driver or his mirrors, odds are he is also unable to see you.

In addition, remain cautious when entering a highway from an entrance ramp onto a fast paced highway, where trucks may have trouble slowing down to allow you to merge in. If you ever need to stop on a highway, pull completely off of the road, as truck drivers may not realize that cars too close to the highway are stopped until it is too late. Finally, avoid road rage or becoming aggressive against trucks. If a truck driver is driving aggressively, do not retaliate. It is best to keep distance between you and the truck, in addition to other vehicles on the road that may be driving in an aggressive manner because of a truck.

From the perspective of our attorneys, it is essential that all motorists exercise great caution when driving near or around semi trucks. When motorists do suffer serious injuries as the result of a careless or negligent semi truck driver, they have the right to take action. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti are very familiar with Illinois trucking laws and have represented many individuals and families in trucking accident lawsuits consisting of issues similar to those described above.

If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident due to a negligent driver, please contact us to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

Many drivers 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 drivers 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 essential that truck drivers travel attentively and responsibly, properly maintain their vehicle, 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 last 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 1am, the driver, whose pick up truck had open containers of beer inside, drove through a stop sign on Hastings Street in Elgin, Illinois 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 attorneys learned that authorities arrived to the scene shortly after the accident and transported the driver of the pick-up truck to Sherman Hospital. The two passengers of the SUV, 20 and 25 years old, were also taken to Sherman Hospital, while the driver of the SUV was taken to Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin. None of these individual’s 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 Monday.

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 each year, about 310,000 people suffer injuries in alcohol-related traffic crashes, an average of one person injured approximately every 2 minutes. 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 urge truck drivers and all other motorists to drive safely on Illinois roadways this year. Taking the appropriate steps such as refraining from driving under the influence, while fatigued, and distractedly 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, contact our Illinois truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti to learn about what rights and compensation 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 in itself; 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 wants to urge all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to take the appropriate steps to remain safe on Illinois roadways. We believe 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 truck 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

An Illinois semi truck driver is currently facing severe consequences after his vehicle struck and killed four individuals due to driver fatigue. Suntelegraph.com released a report detailing the accident, which occurred when the 36-year old truck driver of River Grove, Illinois was westbound on I-80 last Thursday and slammed into the back of another car. The impact caused this car, driven by a 30-year old man, to crash into a nearby car, driven by his 28-year old pregnant wife and carrying his two young children in the backseat. This car was then propelled underneath a truck and trailer nearby on the roadway. All vehicles burst into flames, and all four family members in both cars were pronounced dead at the scene.

The semi driver currently remains in jail and will have a bond review hearing for $1 million. He is being charged with four felony counts of manslaughter and four more counts of vehicular homicide due to driver fatigue. The manslaughter charges carry penalties of twenty years imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000 on each count upon conviction, and the motor vehicle homicide counts carry a sentence of up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 on each charge upon conviction, according to the report.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys learned that the driver’s truck company, AKI Trucking Inc. of Romeoville, has been in operation since 2010. Online records from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) reveal that the company’s recent Driver Fatigued Scores are notably alarming. During the last two years, the company has received a composite Fatigued Driving Score of 80.9%; the threshold allowed before FMSCA intervention is 65%. These percentages come from compilations of out of service violations or poor inspections. During a recent inspection, an operator was cited for failure to retain his previous seven days' hours of service logs, as required by law. Incomplete logs often signal that a particular driver is operating his vehicle past the 14-hour service or 11-hour driving limit, per service day. The FMSCA will now possibly conduct an investigation of the company.

Our Chicago accident law firm agrees that driver fatigue is a severe issue on Illinois roadways and wants to urge motorists to drive attentively at all times. 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.

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. 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. Our Illinois personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti 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.

Any typical driver in Illinois has experienced their share of construction on many roadways or highways in their lifetime, and has therefore driven past numerous tow trucks, signs with flashing lights, traffic cones, and emergency vehicle personnel assisting authorities at construction scenes. While many drivers cautiously and attentively drive past these construction scenes, others fail to do so and as a result cause a significant amount of damage and personal injury to vehicles or individuals working at the scene. This fact is something that our Illinois truck accident law firm feels needs to be addressed and wants to inform all drivers of the current issues at hand.

Telegraph.com recently released a report detailing the death of an 18-year old Kansas City tow truck driver who was killed by a passing motorist as he was assisting someone on an interstate. The driver that hit him allegedly failed to pay attention to the flashing lights and emergency vehicles on the side of the road and thus struck and killed the truck driver. After learning about this accident, an owner of a transportation service in Woodstock, Illinois wanted to remind drivers to “move over and slow down” when they see a tow truck with flashing lights along the side of the road. The owner states that most people don’t recognize tow truck operators as emergency vehicles and fail to take the necessary precautions when they pass by them on roads or highways.

Illinois has had a law in place for 10 years to protect emergency vehicles and personnel from reckless drivers. The legislation, details the report, was created after a Lieutenant of the Chicago Fire Department was struck and killed by a drunken driver while assisting at a traffic crash scene on the Dan Ryan Expressway in 2001. Scott’s Law, also known as the “Move Over Law,” was enacted in 2002 and requires Illinois motorists to reduce their speed and change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the roads, being sure to proceed with caution. These emergency vehicles include police, fire, ambulance, highway workers and tow truck drivers. The law also requires that motorists yield to any vehicle equipped with red, white, blue, and/or yellow warning lights.

“I want to make people aware of this law, no matter where they drive,” the service owner stated. “If they’re here in Illinois or in any other state, to move over and slow down for any vehicle they see with flashing lights at the side of the road…Tow truck drivers are on the highway more than anyone else, and no one wants to get a call that their loved one was killed when they were trying to help someone out,” he said.

Our Chicago law firm agrees it is crucial that this law is followed for the safety of tow truck drivers, emergency personnel, and even other motorists and pedestrians on Illinois roadways. Unfortunately, negligent drivers do exist, and a number of individuals are injured or somehow affected by accidents caused by these drivers every year. Our attorneys are very familiar with Illinois trucking laws and have represented many individuals and families in trucking accident lawsuits consisting of issues similar to those described above.

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage as the result of the trucking accident, our Illinois truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti are willing 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. Contact us for more information.

Illinois State Police are continuing to investigate a three-vehicle accident that occurred on Route 126 earlier this week and resulted in one fatality, according to Plainfield.patch.com. A Plainfield Deputy chief states that a 63 year-old man of Yorkville, Illinois was driving east on Route 126 between County Line and Ridge Roads shortly before 6am on Monday when his vehicle crossed into the westbound lane and hit a box truck. The truck driver allegedly attempted to avoid the oncoming vehicle but couldn’t, and ended up striking an additional eastbound vehicle. The Yorkville driver was extricated from his vehicle and taken to Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora where he was later identified and pronounced dead. The remaining drivers were taken to Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in stable condition. Police say they are investigating what exactly caused the driver to swerve into the oncoming lane.

Police appear to be especially interested in this accident because it happens to be the third fatal accident this summer on a roughly three mile stretch of Illinois Route 126, an east-west state road that runs from Route 47 in Yorkville to Interstate 55 between Plainfield and Bolingbrook. On June 4th, three former District 202 students died when their vehicle crashed into a semi-truck at Route 126 and Sclapp Road near Oswego. Two of the students, both 19-years old, were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third 18 year-old student of Naperville was taken to Rush Copley Medical Center, where she was also pronounced dead.

Just over a month later, a motorcyclist was killed when an SUV struck a smaller vehicle at westbound 126 and County Line Road. The impact forced the car into the eastbound lane, where it struck the 57-year old motorcyclist and killed him upon impact. The remaining drivers and passengers were extricated from their vehicles and taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. A fourth, non-fatal accident occurred Tuesday just more than a mile from the site of Monday’s deadly crash. One person was injured in the crash involving a mail truck and two other vehicles near County Line and Renwick/Wheeler roads.

While many authorities believe that Route 126 is not particularly dangerous, others are continuing to investigate the recent accidents and determine if anything on the roadway can be done to prevent future accidents.

In the case that you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident due to a negligent driver, legal recourse may be available to you. Our Illinois truck accident law firm specializes in wrongful death cases and represents individuals and families who have been wrongfully killed because of driver negligence. Contact our law firm at Levin & Perconti to find the resources you need to seek legal action.

Two serious chain-reaction collisions that occurred this past week have caused numerous fatalities and personal injuries, and both scenes have continued to be investigated by emergency crews. The first accident occurred at approximately 10:33am in Posey County near Mount Vernon and consisted of a collision involving two pick-up trucks and a commercial vocational flatbed truck, according to Poseycountynews.com. Police investigations reveal that a 73-year old man of Norris City, Illinois was driving his pick up truck west on State Road 62, approaching the Sauerkraut Lane intersection. His vehicle then traveled left of the centerline on the two-lane highway and struck an eastbound flatbed trailer, pulled by a 55-year old man of Evansville. The pick-up then continued traveling further into the eastbound lane and struck another pick-up truck, whose 49-year old driver of Evansville was following immediately behind the trailer. Both pick-ups were then forced from the roadway as a result of the impact.

A Posey County Coroner pronounced the driver of the first pick up truck dead at the scene, while the second pick up truck driver was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville with non life-threatening injuries. The flatbed trailer driver was checked at the scene by emergency medical personnel and did not suffer substantial physical injuries. State Police and Fire Departments are currently assisting in investigation of the scene.

The second traffic pile-up, detailed by Theindependent.com, included a succession of crashes beginning at 4:30am near the Illinois and Iowa border. A 27-year old of Big Lake, Minnesota was killed when his semitrailer truck slammed into the back of another semi in the westbound lane of I-80, who’s 66-year old driver of Oak Park, Illinois had stopped because of mechanical problems.

While police investigated this accident, traffic backed up and a second fatal crash occurred. A 25-year old driver of River Grove, Illinois was driving a semi truck that crashed into a car, which struck another car, which was pushed under another truck. Both drivers of the cars and their passengers were killed on impact. The County Sheriff’s Office and the State Patrol closed a stretch of I-80 for most of Sunday and vehicles traveling west were rerouted on U.S Highway 30.

From the perspective of one of our Chicago truck accident attorneys, chain reaction collisions similar to those described in the above reports can happen in a matter of seconds and cause serious injury to those involved. When these collisions include semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles, the likelihood of a serious injury greatly increases. If another motorist suddenly brakes or there is a stall in traffic, keeping a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you, as well as properly maintaining your own vehicle, will not only help to keep you safe, but will help to prevent accidents and injury to others on the road.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of a trucking accident, contact our law firm at Levin & Perconti to find out if legal recourse may be available to you.

As many are aware, cell phone usage while driving remains a common cause of accidents and personal injury on Illinois roadways each year. This was especially the case during the recent Labor Day weekend, according to Chicago.cbslocal.com. A report states that over the busy weekend of traveling and celebration, at least three Chicago area accidents were blamed on drivers using their cell phones. These accidents are now serving as even more evidence of the dangers of using a cell phone while driving.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s office states that at 6:56pm last Sunday, a 21-year old of Maple Park told police he was trying to plug in his cell phone when he drove into a ditch near East County Liner and Barber Geren roads. He was later ticketed for failure to reduce speed and not having insurance. Furthermore, on 10:10am Monday, a driver in Aurora caused an accident while he was trying to grab his dropped cell phone at Long Meadow Drive and Route 34. His actions led him to smash into two parked cars nearby and overturn his own vehicle. Police say the driver received tickets for improper lane usage and driving on a suspended license.

Furthermore, the Aurora Beacon-News reports that on 10:33pm that same day, a woman who was texting while driving on Lincoln Avenue near Simms Street in Aurora dropped her phone, and slammed into a tree as she kept driving while trying to pick it up. The woman was later ticketed for having no insurance.

Though texting and driving is illegal in Illinois, drivers continue to use their cell phones while driving and put themselves and others at risk for serious injury. After learning about the above accidents, officers in Rockford stated that cell phone usage while driving increases your chances of getting into a car or truck accident by almost 25%. They also stated the dangers of texting while driving compare to those of drinking and driving, as each text takes your eyes off of the road for about five seconds. Many police officers throughout the state are opting for alternative methods to enforce cell phone laws and ultimately keep the roads safe from distracted drivers.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers want to urge the public to drive attentively, responsibly, and safely on Illinois roadways, without cell phone usage taking place. If a negligent car or truck driver has injured you or a loved one, please contact our law firm at Levin & Perconti. We are willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse is available to you, and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

Foxnews.com recently published a report detailing a massive freight train collision around 2am Sunday in southwest Chicago that caused the derailment of several rail cars, damage to a freight train on an adjacent track, and even power outages in the surrounding area. An Illinois train accident lawyer at our firm learned that one of the freight trains involved was traveling from Nashville, Tennessee to Chicago with two locomotives and thirteen freight cars; another from Albany, New York to Chicago had four locomotives and ninety-three freight cars, and a third train from Flint, Michigan had two locomotives and one hundred-thirty freight cars. Needless to say, a collision between these freight trains would cause a significant amount of damage to many of the individual locomotives and cars involved.

Authorities say the derailment sent eight full-sized cars off of the tracks and a ninth car slid down an embankment into a nearby backyard. Though the CSX rail spokesman has no specifics on which train hit the other and which was on the adjacent track, the report states that many authorities said the derailment occurred in an area of elevated tracks. Emergency crews initially called for a hazardous materials response as a precaution, but no hazardous materials were detected and no leaks were discovered in any of the freight trains.

Our Chicago train accident lawyers read that there were no immediate reports of any injuries following the derailment. However, local radio and press reports said power was knocked out to more than 2,500 people in the surrounding area; no energy providers answered calls seeking further details. "CSX is working with local first responders gathering additional information," the rail spokesman told AP, adding the derailment remains under investigation. He added that the primary focus remained on public safety.

From the perspective of our Chicago train accident attorneys, train accidents cause a significant amount of damage and personal injury throughout the state of Illinois each year. Though the above report did not specify if a driver was in any way responsible for the train derailment, in addition to stating that no one was injured after the collision, when individuals do suffer injury in a train accident due to a negligent driver, they have the right to take action.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a trucking accident, please contact our Illinois accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action, in addition to helping victims compensate for personal injury, medical, and property damage expenses sustained as the result of the accident.

A West Chicago man has recently been convicted for severely injuring a pedestrian in a DUI accident that occurred in 2010. Stcharles-il.patch.com released that the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office announced a jury convicted the 49-year old of one count of aggravated driving under the influence on Tuesday, a Class 4 felony.

The release states that around 2 a.m. on January 31st, 2010, the man was driving a pickup truck south on Route 31 in St. Charles, Illinois when he made a left turn to travel eastbound on Route 64. He then lost control of his truck and drove onto the sidewalk, striking a pedestrian. Authorities say investigation revealed his blood-alcohol concentration was .170, more than twice the legal limit of .08.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that the pedestrian from Geneva, Illinois suffered several severe injuries as a result of the accident, including bleeding on her brain, a torn ligament in her right knee a cracked sternum, and a broken finger. The victim testified during trial that she is still recovering from these injuries, stating she continues to experience short-term memory loss and limited mobility and now has to refrain from taking part in a number of activities such as running and skiing. An associate judge at the trial set the driver’s next court appearance for October 12th for post-trial motions and sentencing, which may include probation or between one and twelve years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The driver currently remains free on $3,000 bond and thus must refrain from possessing or consuming alcohol.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers understand that accidents involving semi trucks, trailers, pick up trucks, or other large vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences for not only drivers, but also other motorists and pedestrians on the roadway. The driver’s decision to consume alcohol in the above report affected himself and also an innocent pedestrian.

Those involved in a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident caused by a truck driver’s reckless or negligence behavior 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 truck accident, please contact our Chicago accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action and determine what rights may be available to you.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys recently read a report detailing a collision caused by the sudden black out of one of the drivers involved. Geneva.patch.com released that the accident occurred earlier this month around 3:34pm in the 1600 block of Kaneville Road in Geneva, Illinois. Police say a 61-year old driver from the area crashed into the rear of a large postal service truck, driven by a 51 year-old of Batvia, Illinois.

As a result, emergency crews rushed to the scene and took both drivers to Delnor Hospital. After speaking with the driver who caused the collision, authorities learned that he claimed he blacked out for a moment while driving, and when he regained full consciousness, he was too close to the back of the postal truck to stop. Police say no alcohol was involved, and the driver was later issued a warning notice for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

From the perspective of our Illinois truck accident attorneys, while road traffic accidents most commonly occur due to negligent motorists, distracted driving, or some form of driver error, other accidents may be caused by sudden illness of the driver. There are many rules and laws in place that are worthwhile for every driver to know in the case that an unexpected medical condition arises while driving. These unexpected medical conditions that are considered to be “sudden illness” behind the wheel most commonly include heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and epilepsy. In the above case, the driver suffered a sudden black out and was unable to drive his vehicle appropriately to avoid an accident.

If you are overcome by illness while driving and are in an accident, it is crucial to inform emergency services of your condition as soon as possible, as a primary issue in these types of accidents is liability. There is a good chance that you will not be prosecuted for causing an accident, as you most likely had no control over the car at that stage. However, medical evidence will be critical in determining liability. Contact your insurance company who will explain your rights as the driver who suffered the sudden illness. Even if you are in the car with a driver who suffers from a medical condition, you may have the ability to claim. Accidents caused by unexpected medical conditions while driving have the potential of becoming very complex as far as where legal liability truly falls. Determining who is liable for the accident depends on numerous factors, such as medical evidence, whether the driver’s medical condition was fatal or non-fatal, the driver’s history of medical conditions, who was injured in the accident, and whether the accident itself was the cause of a heart attack or other illness to the driver.

Every year, our Chicago truck accident lawyers provide qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have injured or killed as a result of careless or negligent motorists. In the case of an accident caused by sudden illness to the driver, we can help you determine where liability falls, in addition to helping accident victims compensate for personal injury, medical, and property damage expenses sustained as the result of the accident.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a trucking accident, please contact our Illinois accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti. We are willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse is available to you, and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm recently learned that an Elgin man who was involved in a car accident resulting in the death of a 66-year old woman has now been charged with causing a fatal accident while under the influence of drugs. Chicagotribune.com states that the accident occurred earlier in August in Streamwood, Illinois when the woman turned left in front of the 37-year-old man’s landscaping truck at the intersection of Lake and Park Streets. A witness estimated the truck was traveling at about 60 mph, killing the woman upon impact. Her 10-year-old grandson was in the backseat of the car at the time and suffered minor injuries.

The Assistant State’s Attorney reports that the man was arrested this week following an investigation of the accident and toxicology tests, which showed he had cannabis in his system at the time of the accident. She also reported that police found a pipe for smoking marijuana and a vial that contained two grams of a barbiturate in the truck. Authorities say the driver has an extensive history of traffic offenses, included five speeding tickets, driving without insurance, and driving on a suspended license.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys learned that the driver was charged in Cook County Circuit Court on Friday with causing a fatal accident while under the influence of drugs. Bond was set at $75,000 by the judge in Rolling Meadows branch court on charges of possession of a controlled substance and aggravated DUI causing death.

Our Illinois accident lawyers understand that when drivers of trucks or other large commercial vehicles consume alcohol or drugs before driving, the results can be fatal. Trucks can potentially weight up to 80,000 pounds, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when one collides with a much smaller passenger vehicle, 98% of fatalities occur to the people in the passenger vehicles. First offenses for truck drivers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs include disqualification from carrying a commercial driver’s license for one year, and up to three years if carrying hazardous materials. A second offense will result in a lifetime commercial driver’s license qualification. Penalties are generally not limited to being imposed on the truck driver, but also the carrier, the owner of the vehicle, and any individual associated with the operation of the truck.

If a truck driver is over the legal limit of intoxication and injures you in an accident, you may have the ability to claim. Every year, our Chicago truck accident attorneys provide qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have injured or killed as a result of careless or negligent motorists.

We have seen the devastation that reckless behavior behind the wheel can cause and have represented numerous families in cases similar to the one above. Our law firm handled a wrongful death lawsuit in January 2009 after a semi-truck driver killed a 32-year old woman while under the influence of drugs. John Perconti of Levin & Perconti reached a $6.5 million settlement for the lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Kane County, Illinois.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a trucking accident, please contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action, in addition to helping victims compensate for personal injury, medical, and property damage expenses sustained as the result of the accident.

Tragedy struck this weekend in Chicago, Illinois when a delivery truck killed a 3-year old girl while she was crossing the street with her family. Chicago.cbslocal.com released details about the accident, stating that it occurred around 11:25am Saturday at 103rd and State Streets in the Roseland neighborhoods. The little girl was attempting to cross State Street with her mother and brother when the delivery truck struck and killed her. Witnesses say the girl had broken free from her mother and ran under the truck’s back wheels.

A witness stated that he tried to help the family after the accident, trying to tell them to refrain from picking her up or moving her. But everyone soon realized that nothing could be done for the little girl and that the truck had simply crushed her. The driver of the truck and his passenger stopped immediately after they realized the truck had hit something; he was devastated to see it was a child. Neither he nor the witness had noticed the girl behind the truck until it was too late.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys learned that the girl was rushed to the nearest hospital, but police say it was just a formality; the girl was already dead when first responders arrived at the scene. Witnesses say her family was simply heartbroken, in disbelief, and almost hysterical at the scene, having just helplessly witnessed a vehicle so suddenly cut their 3-year old’s life short. Though it does not seem as though any charges will be filed in this case, the police Major Accident Unit is continuing to investigate the accident.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys, in addition to those who witnessed the accident, hope it will serve as a warning to other children and parents in the neighborhood about the danger of crossing busy streets. It also serves as an eye-opener about how fatal truck accidents can be. Whether driving next to a semi-truck on the highway, biking near a pick-up truck, or in this case, walking in the street near a delivery truck, accidents can and do happen involving truck drivers and other motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians each day. It is essential that individuals take the proper safety precautions necessary to avoid an accident with a truck driver, including remaining safe, remaining attentive, and ultimately following the rules of the road.

Although we cannot assume that the truck driver was to blame in this particular incident, when accidents do occur as a result of negligent motorists, they have the right to take action. Our Illinois accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti understand that accidents involving semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences.

If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident due to a negligent driver, please contact our team of Chicago truck accident lawyers to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

When it comes to semi trucks, trailers, or other large commercial vehicles, our Illinois truck accident attorneys can all agree that driving trucks attentively and responsibility is crucial for the safety of the driver and all motorists on roadways, and that negligent driving may result in serious injury or fatalities. However, many truck accidents are caused by issues with trucks themselves, such as weight, size, or potential equipment malfunctions. This was the case last week when a semi trailer struck an overpass due to its height in East Peoria, Illinois. Mortontimesnews.com released that a 37-year old driver was traveling eastbound on Interstate 74 at the Pinecrest overpass around 8pm. Police say he was driving a truck tractor semi-trailer transporting a number of sport utility vehicles. His cargo was over the legal height limit and as a result struck an overpass, causing extensive damage to three of the vehicles being transported on the truck.

The driver did not suffer serious injuries, but according to preliminary information from the Illinois State Police District 8, he was issued a citation for having a semi trailer/auto hauler that was over its legal height. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) inspected the bridge for structural damage after the accident and determined it was safe.

In addition to this accident, our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned about two fatal accidents that occurred when trucks that had their hydraulic lifts raised slammed into overpasses. According to IDOT, statistics show such accidents are on the rise. Although some states maintain a variety of standards governing bridge clearances and truck height, most accidents are the result of stacking cargo too high, improperly marking low clearance bridges, or raised hydraulic lifts. The frequency of these accidents is a cause for concern and many believe that examining truck safety requirements is necessary for Illinois drivers, as well as truck drivers throughout the country.

The American Society of Civil Engineers agrees that these accidents are increasing and have proposed a bridge bumper system to decrease the impact of such collisions. According to Tribtoday.com, they have indicated that investing in this system would compensate for the losses in bridge repair, road closure, property damage, and personal injury.

As far as equipment malfunctions go, our Illinois truck accident lawyers believe it is important that truck companies are doing what they can to help drivers remain safe behind the wheel. These safety precautions include alarms sounding when seatbelts aren’t fastened, tilt bed warning lights being used to warn truck drivers when their lift is not secured, and specifically relating to the above reports, having trucks automatically shut off after reaching certain speeds with their hydraulic arms deployed to avoid accidents caused by height problems.

Accidents caused by equipment malfunctions or safety hazards should not be increasing in Illinois; truck accidents caused by negligent motorists are already too common and can result in life altering consequences. Those who have been injured an accident due to a negligent truck driver have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers represent those who have suffered personal injury medical expenses, or property damage as the result of a trucking accident. We are prepared to inform you of your rights and ultimately offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury from an accident due to a negligent motorist, please contact our Illinois accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Tristate-media.com recently released a report detailing an accident that occurred after a semi-tanker truck over-turned on its side this Saturday. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers learned that at 9:15am, a 51-year old truck driver of Xenia, Illinois was westbound in the 200 block of W. 9th street in Mount Carmel when he was negotiating making a left hand turn onto Walnut Street at the 9th and Walnut streets’ intersections. According to police, the truck’s load shifted during this time period and thus caused the tractor tanker to overturn, coming to a rest on its side. The truck was reportedly hauling about 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel at the time.

Thankfully, no ruptures were reported in the tanker and no damage was caused by any of the fuel. However, the Hinder-liter Environmental Services of Evansville, Indiana did respond to the scene to assist in the off-loading of the diesel fuel into another tanker and assist additional emergency responders with any hazardous materials present. The accident occurred in front of the Mount Carmel Fire Department, whose members heard the truck overturn and immediately responded to the scene, in addition to the Wabash General Ambulance Service and Illinois Department of Transportation. The driver of the truck was then taken to Wabash General Hospital Emergency Room for treatment and was later released. He was issued a traffic citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. The 800 block of Walnut Street was closed for about six hours after the accident, and officials detoured large vehicle traffic down 3rd Street until the accident scene could be cleared.

From the perspective of an Illinois truck accident attorney, accidents involving semi trucks and trailers or other large commercial vehicles can be extremely dangerous for not only the truck driver, but also other motorists and pedestrians nearby. The size and weight of semi trucks are massive compared to other vehicles; therefore, it is essential that all motorists exercise great caution when driving near or around semi trucks. Passenger vehicles should always be cautious around trucks that are turning or merging. In the above report, the truck driver simply attempting to make a turn led to the truck turning over on its side. If any other vehicles were near the truck when this occurred, the results could have been fatal. Motorists should also be sure to observe trucks’ signals, pass trucks quickly and appropriately if needed, and drive defensively at all times.

In addition, it is important that all truck drivers are well rested when driving, maintain their vehicle properly, and do not drive over the speed limit. They should distance themselves from other vehicles as best as they can and drive attentively, especially at night. Unfortunately, despite the many regulations truck drivers face before driving, accidents do continue to happen as a result of negligent drivers. Because of the great amount of energy and force associated with trucks, truck drivers need to be extremely cautious at all times, even at low speeds. Doing so will help to greatly reduce the number and severity of trucking accidents on Illinois roadways.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, please contact our Chicago truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti to find out what rights may be available to you. We are willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse is available to you, and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

A Chicago police officer miraculously survived an accident on Sunday when her car was totaled by a train while chasing a suspect. Policeone.com reports that the officer was following her partner in pursuit of a suspect just before 4pm on Friday when she drove around a closed train gate at the Kedzie Brown Line CTA station, believing the tracks were clear. An inbound train had indeed cleared, but an outbound train was close behind, which slammed into the police car at high speed and left it completely destroyed. Authorities say the car was partially wrapped between two train cars partially leaning on the Kedzie station house, and crews had to work for hours to dislodge it from the train.

Our Chicago train accident lawyers learned that despite the wreckage, the police officer was able to free herself from the vehicle and sustained non life-threatening injuries. Paramedics took her to Advocate Masonic Medical Center where she was treated, and the CTA train operator was also hospitalized. The accident affected the train company’s service until 7:45pm, shutting off power in both directions between the Kimball and Western station while emergency crews helped clean up the scene. Thankfully, none of the 30 to 40 passengers aboard the train was injured and authorities say the riders were able to get on bus shuttles to travel to other stations.

Allegedly, nearby residents have reported they’ve seen similar accidents before, one stating he had seen at least a dozen accidents from drivers trying to go through the train gate. According to CTA, stop signs warned train operators to stop just before approaching the station in 2006, but after a Kedzie station renovation, those signs were moved with the addition of the gates and flashing lights. A chief of the CTA rail workers union told reporters that he may want to consider putting the stop sign back in light of all the accidents that occurred.

In a previous blog, our Illinois train accident lawyers have 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.

Our Illinois train accident law firm 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.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti 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 our team of Chicago accident attorneys to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

As of recently, a number of trucking companies have been attempting to find ways to prevent truck accidents from happening on Illinois roadways and throughout the country. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers read that these companies are specifically targeting speeding, a very common, yet preventable cause of semi truck and tractor-trailer accidents. To reduce speeding, truck companies have begun installing “speed limiters” on their commercial vehicles.

A speed limiter is used to prevent a vehicle from exceeding a predetermined maximum speed, usually about 65 miles per hour for trucks. While some are skeptical about the efficiency of the speed limiter, a recent study completed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows that the device really does work. The purpose of the study was to identify and assess the impacts of implementing speed limiters in large commercial vehicles. This was done through focusing on truck accidents that could have been avoided with an active speed limiter installed. The study’s sample consisted of data from 963 accidents that were collected across 24 site locations in 17 states. Results showed that trucks equipped with speed limiters were 50% less likely to be an accident than trucks that did not use the devices.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers learned that The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Trucking Association (ATA) both strongly support the use of speed limiters. This support, in addition to positive research and investigation results, has led many safety advocates to strengthen their calls for a nationwide speed limiter requirement. The NHTSA has recently stated that it would grant petitions from ATA and Road Safe America to require manufacturers to install devices that would limit heavy truck speeds to 68 miles per hour.

Though many truck drivers drive attentively and professionally on Illinois roadways, others, including those who speed, are considered negligent and are often held accountable for causing serious accidents and personal injury to those involved. Speed limiters may be proven to decrease the number of truck accidents on roadways; however, accidents do continue to happen as a result of truck driver negligence.

Those who have been injured an accident due to a negligent truck driver have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Our Illinois truck accident attorneys represent those who have suffered personal injury, medical expenses, or property damage as the result of a trucking accident. We are prepared to inform you of your rights and ultimately offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. If you or a loved one has suffered injury from an accident due to a negligent motorist, please contact our Illinois accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

Early last week, our Chicago truck accident attorneys read a report about a female bicyclist who was struck and killed by a semi-trailer truck in the Fuller Park neighborhood on the South Side. Chicagotribune.com reported that the semi was entering the Norfolk Southern facility in the 300 block of West 47th Street around 1:40pm on Monday when it struck the bicyclist. Authorities said the unidentified woman, believed to be in her 40’s, was dead at the scene. The Cook County medical examiner’s office was then notified.

After striking the bicyclist, the semi truck driver immediately fled the scene of the accident. Though officials were not available for comment, the semi truck driver is not in custody. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Major Accident Investigation Unit is handling the collision and is seeking the driver of this hit-and run-accident.

From the perspective of an Illinois truck accident lawyer, many serious bicycle accidents unfortunately involve inattentive or negligent motorists. Semi trucks or large commercial vehicles are commonly responsible for striking bicyclists due to the truck’s large weight, height, and number of blind spots present, in combination with extreme vulnerability of the bicyclist. Often times, drivers fail to yield to bicyclists, don’t give bicyclists the space they need while riding on roadways, do not follow the rules of the road, or are simply distracted while driving. In the above report, the driver of the semi-truck couldn’t even stop to check the bicyclist after hitting her or report the accident, and instead fled the scene. Bicyclists are considered as motorists and have every right to use the roadway like any other vehicle does; yet, they are commonly disregarded and as a result too commonly become victims in serious accidents and collisions.

It is important that all truck drivers drive attentively and responsibly to ensure the safety of other motorists on Illinois roadways, especially bicyclists. Because of the potential injury and life altering consequences that can come from a truck and bicycle accident, it is encouraged that all victims seek quality legal representation. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers are prepared to inform you of your rights and ultimately offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident due to a negligent truck driver, please contact our Illinois accident law firm to learn about what compensation may be available to you.

An Illinois truck accident attorney at our firm recently read a report about a collision involving a semi tractor-trailer and a Madison County Transit bus in Granite City on Tuesday evening. Kmov.com reported that the bus was stopped at a light going northbound on Route 3 at the intersection with Chain of Rocks Road, just south of Interstate 270. A semi truck then rear-ended the bus, sending it into a pick up truck in front of it. As a result, the bus skidded about seventy-five yards into a ditch, while the semi swerved to the right side of the rode and struck a set of overhead traffic lights. The cab of the truck then fell on its side into a ditch, while the trailer remained upright.

The report states that emergency crews quickly responded to the scene, including the Granite City Police and Fire Department, Illinois State police, the Madison County Sheriff, Alton, Edwardsville, Abbot, and Collinsville ambulances, and ARCH rescue helicopters. The driver of the semi truck was extricated from the cab of the truck and airlifted to an area hospital, later being transferred to St. Louis University Hospital. His status is not yet known. The driver of the pick up truck was taken to Alton Memorial Hand is in stable condition. The driver of the bus, in addition to five passengers on the bus, was transported to Gateway Regional Hospital, all six individuals in stable condition. Authorities closed the roadway following the accident and reopened it a few hours later.

In previous blogs, our Chicago truck accident lawyers have discussed the severity of accidents that occur between semi trucks or large commercial vehicles and smaller cars or motorcycles. The risk of individuals in smaller vehicles sustaining personal injury after an accident with a larger vehicle is very high, often due to the vulnerability of the smaller vehicle in combination with the much taller and heavier vehicle like a semi truck, tractor-trailer, or bus. Even more, accidents that occur between two or more of these large vehicles can be just as dangerous. Accidents with semi trucks can result in turnovers or large swerves onto other vehicles, truck cabs disconnecting from the trailer, or even trucks spilling their loads onto the roadway. Furthermore, accidents with buses can lead to not only damage to the bus and surrounding areas, but all passengers traveling on the bus are at risk of injury or death. It is important that all drivers of large commercial vehicles do everything they can to prevent accidents with other motorists in Illinois roadways, ultimately preventing injury to those involved.

Though the above report does not specify which driver was responsible for causing the accident, in addition to whether anyone planned to seek legal action, individuals who suffer serious injuries as a result of careless or negligent motorists may be able to file a claim in civil court against the drive. Our Chicago accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti understand that accidents involving semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences. If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident due to a negligent driver, please contact our team of Illinois truck accident lawyers to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

A serious accident between a pick-up truck and a motorcycle left one person dead and another with life threatening injures on Sunday evening. Our Illinois truck accident attorneys read a report by Dailyregister.com detailing the accident, which occurred at 5:12pm on Corinth Road at the intersection with Thompsonville Road near Williamson County. According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the accident took place when a pick up truck traveling south on Thompsonville Road failed to make a complete stop prior to entering Corinth Road. The driver of the truck allegedly did not see a motorcycle traveling westbound on Corinth Road until just before impact. After the collision, the motorcycle left the south side of the road and overturned in a small ditch. Brake patterns on the road have led police to believe the driver of the motorcycle was attempting to swerve into the eastbound lane of traffic while braking.

The report states that the driver and his wife who were both riding on the motorcycle were unresponsive at the scene. Both were taken to a nearby medical center and were later transported to other hospitals. The driver died shortly after, while his wife remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman. The driver was the Harrisburg Medical Center President and CEO, and many have released statements expressing remorse for he and his wife. The Chairman of the HMC Board stated in a press release that the man’s “vision, leadership, and determination have been vital in the success of HMC and to the delivery of quality healthcare for the people we serve. The Board remains confident that the Administration and staff of HMC will continue to deliver quality healthcare to the people of southeastern Illinois.”

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys understand that collisions between truck drivers and other motorists remain one of the most devastating types of accidents on Illinois roadways, especially when these accidents involve motorcycles. Due to the larger size and weight of trucks in combination with the smaller size of motorcycles, the likelihood of a serious injury during a collision occurring greatly increases. With a large number of motorcyclists traveling on Illinois roadways, our Illinois accident law firm wants to urge the public to be more cautious when driving this summer.

Because of the vulnerability of motorcyclists, they need to be sure to drive defensively and be cautious around trucks and other vehicles on the road. Proper attire should be worn to make the motorcyclist more visible to others, as it is easy for trucks and cars to make turns or merges without noticing the motorcyclist nearby. As most motorcyclists die of head injuries, it is important that they wear helmets at all times. They should also keep their motorcycle’s headlights on, and stay out of other driver’s blind spots.
In addition, truck drivers should exercise great caution while turning or merging in order to avoid colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian. Because of the many blind spots that exist for truck drivers, maintaining a proper speed, following all road regulations, and driving attentively will help to avoid serious accidents and most importantly, increase the safety of everyone on the road.

Every year, our Illinois truck accident attorneys provide 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 serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damages as a result of a truck accident, please contact our Chicago accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action and determine what rights may be available to you.

According to an online news report by Htrnews.com, five members of an Illinois family were injured when their car collided with a large farm tractor north of the state border on Monday. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that around 4:30pm, a tractor unit was attempting to turn east off of state Highway 42 onto county Highway VV when a car trying to pass the tractor struck it. The collision caused the tractor to spill a large amount of diesel on the roadway. In addition, authorities say the car struck and downed a utility pole, causing scattered power outages in the Two Rivers area. The car then stopped in a ditch on the side of the road and emergency crews rushed to the scene.

The Lieutenant of the Two Rivers Fire Department said the driver of the car was transported by ambulance to Aurora Medical Center. His wife, the front-seat passenger of the car, was airlifted by helicopter to Theda Clark Regional Medical Center. One of the three back seat passengers was transported to Aurora Baycare by ambulance, while the other two were taken to Holy Family Memorial in Aurora, also by ambulance. The extent of each passenger’s injuries was not immediately known, as well as if the driver of the tractor was injured. State patrol continue to investigate the accident, while Water and Light Department crews from Illinois and Wisconsin worked to clean up the fuel that spilled from the tractor.

From the perspective of our Illinois truck accident attorneys, accidents caused by negligent drivers of semi trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles are causing an increasing amount of personal injury and fatalities throughout the state of Illinois and surrounding areas. However, it cannot be assumed that the tractor driver was to blame in this particular incident, as the car involved was responsible for hitting the tractor while trying to pass it. Even so, due to the larger size and weight of tractors and trucks in combination with the smaller size and vulnerability of other vehicles, accidents become much more destructive and likelihood of serious injury occurring during a collision greatly increases.

Although the above report does not confirm whether anyone planned to seek legal action as a result of the accident, when individuals do suffer serious injuries as a result of careless or negligent motorists, they have the right to take action. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers understand that accidents involving semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles can result in life altering consequences. If you if you or someone you know has suffered injuries, medical expenses, or property damage in an Illinois trucking accident due to a negligent driver, please contact our team of Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

Commercial-news.com recently made a report by detailing a central Illinois trucking accident Thursday morning that left the driver dead at the scene. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read that a 2006 International truck was headed west on Interstate 74 at the 209-mile marker near Danville, Illinois when it exited the roadway to the right around 4:30am. The truck allegedly drove up an embankment and back, and came to rest on a grassy area north of the road. Illinois State Police confirmed that the driver, a 51 year-old man of Taylorville, Illinois was found unresponsive at the scene of the accident and was taken to the hospital’s emergency department.

Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department, in addition to Oakwood Ambulance, Kickapoo Fire, and the Tilton Police Department, arrived at the scene of the accident. Reports indicate the driver was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident and therefore was not ejected from the vehicle. He also was not extricated by any emergency crews on the scene. The report states that a Vermillion County Coroner indicated a preliminary autopsy pointed to a massive heart attack as the driver’s cause of death. Toxicology test results from the autopsy are still pending.

While road traffic accidents most commonly occur due to negligent motorists, distracted driving, or some form of driver error, other accidents may be caused by sudden illness of the driver. From the perspective of our Illinois truck accident attorneys, there are many rules and laws in place that are worthwhile for every driver to know in the case that an unexpected medical condition arises while driving.

Unexpected medical conditions that are considered to be “sudden illness” behind the wheel most commonly include heart attacks, strokes, and epilepsy. If you are involved in a road traffic accident due to sudden illness, you may be unable to act at the scene. It is important to stay calm and call for help if and when you are able to. If you are injured from the accident as well, continue to remain calm and let emergency services take control of the situation. Be sure to inform emergency services if you believe you’ve suffered a heart attack or stroke as soon as possible.

If you do suffer from sudden illness while driving, there is a good chance that you will not be prosecuted for causing an accident, as you most likely had no control over the car at that stage. However, medical evidence will be critical in determining liability. Contact your insurance company who will explain your rights as the driver who suffered the sudden illness. Even if you are in the car with a driver who suffers from a medical condition, you may have the ability to claim. Accidents caused by unexpected medical conditions while driving have the potential of becoming very complex as far as where legal liability truly falls. Determining who is liable for the accident depends on numerous factors, such as medical evidence, whether the driver’s medical condition was fatal or non-fatal, the driver’s history of medical conditions, who was injured in the accident, and whether the accident itself was the cause of a heart attack or other illness to the driver.

Every year, our Chicago truck accident lawyers provide qualified legal representation to individuals and families who have injured or killed as a result of careless or negligent motorists. In the case of an accident caused by sudden illness to the driver, we can help you determine where liability falls, in addition to helping accident victims compensate for personal injury, medical, and property damage expenses sustained as the result of the accident.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a trucking accident, please contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti. We are willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse is available to you, and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm recently read a news report by Morrisdailyherald.com detailing a four semi-truck accident that occurred last month in La Salle County. A semi truck driver was killed on Interstate 80 at milepost 102 after backup from one accident on the highway caused a second chain reaction accident with not only the driver’s semi, but three additional semi trucks.

At about 6:15am, Illinois State Police received a call about a three-vehicle accident between two passenger cars and a semitrailer in the eastbound lanes of the Interstate. In this accident, the semi driver sustained minor injuries, and the drivers of the passenger cars remained unharmed. But because of the backup from this accident, a second much more severe accident occurred about a mile behind.

According to a press release from state police, a 63 year-old semi driver of Evergreen, Illinois hit the already stopped semi from the first accident, which caused a chain reaction. His truck, consisting of double trailers, traveled into the next lane and hit a second semi truck, driven by a 46-year old of Chana, Illinois. That truck was then pushed into a third semi truck, which then hit a fourth semi truck, both driven by 45-year olds from out of state.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Seneca Fire and Ambulance teams rushed to the scene. The report states that the Evergreen driver was pronounced dead upon impact by the La Salle County Coroner’s office. The driver of the second semi truck was taken to Morris Hospital by ambulance, but was treated and released. The other two semi truck drivers did not report any injuries. According to state police, eastbound lanes of the I-80 were closed as a result of the accident, and were re-opened later in the afternoon after both accidents were cleared. The second accident was thoroughly investigated by state police and the La Salle County Coroner's office.

As our Illinois truck accident lawyers have discussed in previous blogs, chain reaction collisions can cause serious injury and life altering consequences to those involved. If these collisions include semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles similar to the accident reported above, the likelihood of a serious injury greatly increases. While a backup from a previous accident was the cause of this particular chain reaction, others usually occur due to tailgating and failing to maintain a safe distance from others on the roadway. Thus, it is important to always keep your eyes moving to remain aware of other motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and street signs. Allowing a proper distance in between you and the vehicle in front of you is crucial. Heavier vehicles like semi trucks and trailers require longer distances. Rule of thumb, if you know you wouldn’t be able to stop your vehicle within the distance you are following another, then you are most likely driving way too close.

Chain reaction accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and cause serious injuries to those involved, especially if they involve semi trucks. If another motorist suddenly brakes or there is a stall in traffic, keeping a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you, as well as properly maintaining your own vehicle, will not only help to keep you safe, but will help to prevent accidents and injury to others on the road. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti are willing to assist you if you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of a trucking accident. Pease contact our Illinois truck accident attorneys to find out what rights may be available to you. We are willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse is available to you, and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

According to an online news report by TheSouthern.com, a Franklin County truck driver was seriously injured last week after his truck ran off of the roadway and crashed. Our Illinois truck accident attorneys read that the accident occurred at 1:24am on Friday along Raleigh Road in Saline County. Illinois State Police say the 32 year-old driver was injured after the truck and trailer filled with coal he was hauling veered off the roadway, struck two utility polls, and rolled on its side. The trailer spilled its entire load of coal in the accident.

The driver was taken to Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado by ambulance, later transferring to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. Police say he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, but was cited for improper lane usage and texting while driving.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers understand that accidents involving semi trucks, trailer trucks, or other large commercial vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences for not only drivers, but also other motorists and pedestrians on the roadway. Though the accident described above was fortunately a single-vehicle accident, it could have easily been prevented. It is important to note that the accident occurred in the middle of the night, when driver exhaustion and fatigue commonly become a cause of distracted driving and failing to drive attentively on the roadway. Despite this already large risk for the driver, he was irresponsibly texting while driving, presumably becoming the cause of the accident by leading to even more distraction. Even worse, the driver was hauling an entire load of coal when the accident occurred. Accidents with cargo involved have the potential of causing very serious injury to the driver and other motorists if the cargo is detached or spills as a result of the accident.

Though truck drivers face many regulations before driving, such as ensuring they are well rested and all of their equipment is working properly, accidents do continue to happen as a result of negligent drivers. Because of the great amount of energy and force associated with trucks, truck drivers need to be extremely cautious at all times, even at low speeds. Doing so will help to greatly reduce the number and severity of trucking accidents on Illinois roadways. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, please contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti to find out what rights may be available to you. We are willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse is available to you, and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

Kens5.com recently released a report detailing a one-vehicle pick up truck accident southwest of Goliad, Texas that claimed the lives of fourteen individuals and seriously injured nine. Our Illinois truck accident attorneys read that a 2000 white Ford Super-Duty F-250 truck overloaded with passengers was heading north on U.S 59 in the rural community of Berclair on Sunday evening, about 100 miles southeast of San Antonio. Police say the truck suddenly veered off the right side of the highway and struck two large trees.

A spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety said twenty-three passengers were crammed inside the truck’s cab and bed, including at least two young children. Eleven people, including the driver of the truck, were killed at the scene. Six of those who died were still inside the mangled vehicle when emergency crews arrived at the scene, while five were found outside of the vehicle. Medical helicopters and ambulances took the twelve surviving victims to hospitals in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Victoria, several with life-threatening injuries. Early Monday, a Department of Public Safety dispatcher in San Antonio said three of those victims died at the hospitals, bringing the total number dead to fourteen. "This is the most people I've seen in any passenger vehicle, and I've been an officer for 38 years," stated the dispatcher. He said it was one of the state's most serious accidents in his time.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers learned that the victims included men, women, and two young children, all who have not been identified. Authorities say the truck was registered in Houston to someone other than the driver. Beginning Monday morning, investigators were trying to determine what exactly caused the accident that lead to the multiple fatalities. Authorities say it could be another week or two before it is concluded, in addition to whether anyone should be held criminally responsible for the accident.

The report states that Border Control was assisting in the investigation into the accident in Goliad County, about 150 miles northeast of the border with Mexico. It was not immediately clear if those involved were illegal immigrants, but it is possible. Thus, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents are working to confirm the identities of the victims to determine if this was a case of human smuggling. Such overloaded vehicles are not uncommon, as smugglers of illegal immigrants try to maximize profits through moving their loads north from the Texas-Mexico border. Records show that in April, nine Mexican immigrants died near the border when the teenage driver of their van crashed after fleeing Border Patrol. There were eighteen people in that minivan.

From the standpoint of a Chicago truck accident attorney, driving a large amount of passengers inside of a single vehicle can be extremely dangerous for not only the passengers, but also other motorists on the roadway. Cars and trucks are designed to hold a certain number of people safely, and if they are overcrowded, they put passengers at risk. The driver of the vehicle may have had blocked sight lines and had trouble seeing other vehicles and pedestrians through his windows or mirrors. Thus, the driver put everyone at risk when he allowed to many people to pack into the truck. There is no Illinois law at this time that specifically prohibits passengers from riding in the cargo bed of a pickup truck, however seat belt laws do restrict who can ride in the bed. The Child Passenger Safety act requires that passengers must be at least 16 years of age to ride in the bed of the pickup; if there are children under 16 in the bed of the pickup, the truck must never move faster than 25 miles per hour. If it does, all passengers under 16 must be fastened in a seat belt or child safety seat inside of the truck.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys agree that the accident described in the above report would not have been so severe if there were not as many people riding in the vehicle. Riding in the bed of a pick up truck is very dangerous; even at low speeds, a fall from a pick up bed can be deadly. We are aware of the severity of truck accidents and understand that those involved can suffer life-altering consequences. If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of a negligent truck driver, please contact one of our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti. We are willing to assist you in determining if legal recourse is available to you, and are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

Earlier this week, a Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm read a news report detailing a life threatening semi truck collision. A semi truck driver currently remains in critical condition after his flower delivery truck rear-ended another semi truck on the Borman Expressway at approximately 2:48am on Friday.

Police say the accident left the driver trapped in the cab of his truck for more than three hours on the eastbound I-80/94 near Cline Avenue. Doctors and nurses from the University of Chicago Air Medical Network arrived to the scene within minutes and were shocked by the severity of the accident. After seeing the driver trapped in the cab of his truck, a flight nurse stated, “The truck was basically crushed on top of him. The steering column and the entire dashboard was into his chest and both of his legs were trapped.”

The report states that independent sources told NBC Chicago that crews had to amputate one of the driver’s legs from the calf down in order to extricate him from the cab of the truck. Emergency doctors on the scene later confirmed the severity of the driver’s injuries, stating that he wouldn’t have had a chance to survive if the doctors did not arrive when they did. “If he remained in the cab in the condition that he was in, his chances of survival would have dropped precipitously,” one of the doctors reported.

The driver was transported to the level one trauma center at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition. All lanes of the Borman expressway were blocked for more than four hours following the crash and eastbound traffic was at a standstill from the state line. One westbound lane re-opened just after 6:30 a.m.

From the perspective of one of our Chicago truck accident attorneys, it is important to note that the accident occurred in the middle of the night. As discussed in previous posts, a huge concern for most truck drivers is driver fatigue into the late hours of the night, potentially resulting in distraction and failing to drive attentively on the roadway. Despite 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, accidents do continue to happen as a result of negligent motorists.

Every year, our Illinois truck accident attorneys provide 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. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a trucking accident, please contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti to find out what rights may be available to you. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

According to an online news report by McCraken.kfvs12.com, a vehicle that stalled out in the middle of the road caused a serious four-car accident last week. A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm read that the vehicle, driven by a 33 year-old man, stopped on the I-24 bridge in McCracken County around 4pm because of an empty fuel tank. A car traveling westbound, driven by a 41 year-old woman of Golconda, Illinois, spotted the stalled vehicle and swerved to avoid hitting it. After swerving, the woman’s car was hit from behind by a semi trailer, pushing it right into the stalled vehicle. To make matters worse, the 52-year-old driver of the semi trailer then swerved, and as a result struck another semi trailer.

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department was called and responded to the stalled vehicle, but did not reach the scene in time to prevent this accident. Police say the driver of the second semi trailer was the only person who suffered injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The road was closed for an hour and a half in order to properly investigate the accident.

From the perspective of one of our Chicago truck accident attorneys, chain reaction collisions are very serious and can cause life-threatening injuries to those involved. If these collisions include semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles, the likelihood of serious injury greatly increases. The primary cause of the chain reaction described above was a stalled vehicle due to an empty fuel tank. Many drivers often postpone filling up their gas tanks until it is too late, potentially causing danger to themselves and others on the roadway. It is suggested that drivers fill up their gas tanks when they are about halfway empty to prevent the level from getting too low before finding the time to fill them up. Be sure your vehicle and its accessories are always working correctly by routinely checking your tires, brakes, lights, windows, and windshields. If there is a malfunction with your vehicle or you are involved in an accident, use your signals properly to move to the side of the road, or at least turn on your hazard lights to warn approaching vehicles.

Other chain reactions more commonly occur due to tailgating and failing to maintain a safe distance from others on the roadway. Thus, it is important to always keep your eyes moving to remain aware of other motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and street signs. You should allow a distance of ten feet in between you and the vehicle in front of you for every ten miles per hour you are traveling. For example, if you are traveling at 60 miles per hour, this distance would be sixty feet. Heavier vehicles like semi trucks and trailers require longer distances, and distance should also be increased between all vehicles while driving in poor weather conditions. Rule of thumb, if you know you wouldn’t be able to stop your vehicle within the distance you are following another, then you are most likely driving way too close.

Chain reaction accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and cause serious injury, especially if they involve semi trucks. If another motorist suddenly brakes or there is a stall in traffic, keeping a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you, as well as properly maintaining your own vehicle, will not only help to keep you safe, but will help to prevent injury to others on the road. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti are willing to assist you if you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries, medical expenses, or property damage as a result of a trucking accident. To find out if legal recourse may be available to you, contact one of our Illinois truck accident lawyers. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action.

Herald-review.com recently released a report detailing the death of a motorcyclist after a semi truck collided with him last Thursday. A Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm read that the accident occurred at approximately 11am in the 2800 block of North Brush College Road in Decatur, Illinois. According to an initial investigation made by the Decatur Police Department’s fatal accident investigation team, a semi truck was engaging in a turnabout when the accident happened. The driver of the semi truck, a 48 year-old man of Fairview Heights, had just exited a private driveway and was beginning to enter a second private driveway, just north of the first one, when the northbound motorcyclist, a 58 year-old man of Shelby County, collided with the rear tires of the semi truck. A Macon County Coroner stated that the truck simply “passed over the motorcycle.” The coroner indicated the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:40pm, having suffered “massive destructive head trauma and trauma to his torso.” The driver of the semi truck was not injured. The report states that no arrests or citations have been issued yet, but the accident is still under investigation by Illinois State Police.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys understand that collisions between semi truck drivers and other motorists remain one of the most devastating types of accidents on Illinois roadways, especially when these accidents involve motorcycles. Due to the larger size and weight of semi trucks in combination with the smaller size and vulnerability of motorcycles, the likelihood of a serious injury during a collision occurring greatly increases. While many accidents occur due to the negligence of semi truck drivers on the roadways, others simply occur because of the difficulty and potential dangers that go along with driving a semi truck. Therefore, although many accidents are unavoidable, we would like to offer all motorists some critical steps that can be taken to help drive defensively and to avoid being involved in a semi truck accidents this summer.

Based on the above report, it is always important to be cautious around semi trucks that are turning. As a truck driver begins a turn, he will usually first swing in the opposite direction, sometimes into the next lane, to complete the turn. It is best to avoid the truck altogether when this is occurring. Always place a significant amount of distance between you and a semi truck on highways or larger roadways. Understand that trucks are not like other ordinary vehicles. A truck’s size and weight can affect the driver’s ability to brake and change lanes safely. Thus, try to avoid driving next to a truck for an extended period of time, and if you must pass a truck, do so quickly. Also understand that semi trucks have many more blind spots than cars do, with limited visibility next to and behind the truck. Note that there are a greater amount of blind spots on the passenger side of the truck, so if you are passing it, try to do so on the left side whenever possible. Always try to stay in the truck’s visibility; if you cannot see the truck driver or his mirrors, odds are he is also unable to see you.

As always, take extra care when driving in poor weather conditions, as this can greatly affect semi trucks in addition to all other vehicles on the road. Be cautious when entering a highway from an entrance ramp onto a fast paced highway, where trucks may have trouble slowing down to allow you to merge in. If you ever need to stop on a highway, pull completely off of the road, as truck drivers may not realize that cars too close to the highway are stopped until it is too late. Finally, avoid road rage or becoming aggressive against trucks. If a truck driver is driving aggressively, do not retaliate. It is best to keep distance between you and the truck, in addition to other vehicles on the road that may be driving in an aggressive manner because of a truck.

From the perspective of a Chicago truck accident lawyer, it is essential that all motorists exercise great caution when driving near or around semi trucks. When motorists do suffer serious injuries as the result of a careless or negligent semi truck driver, they have the right to take action. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti understand that accidents involving semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences. If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident due to a negligent driver, please contact our team of Chicago truck accident attorneys to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm recently read an online news report by Mokena.patch.com detailing the death of a 19-year-old girl from Mokena, Illinois after a Metra train struck her car. The accident occurred late last month on the train tracks near 191st Street and LaGrange Road. Initial findings indicate that the girl’s car was inside of the crossing gates as the train approached around 10pm. Witnesses say that the car came to rest inside of the gates, but clear of the tracks, before the gates were lowered. As the car began driving slowly onto the tracks, witnesses blared their car horns in attempt to warn the driver of the train coming towards her. A Metra spokeswoman stated that the train engineer, traveling inbound from Joliet at 70 miles per hour, spotted the car and threw the train engine into emergency mode to attempt to brake. Metra said the gates were down and warning lights were flashing. Sadly, the car was struck as it reached the second track and the girl was killed at the scene. The report states that on Thursday, the family of the victim filed a complaint in Will Country Court to sue Metra for negligence.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers are aware of the number and severity of train accidents throughout Illinois, as almost all of these accidents involve property damage, personal injury, medical expenses, and in many cases, death. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a person or a vehicle is hit by a train in the United State every two hours, totaling about 3,000 accidents each year. Surprisingly, railroad crossings in Illinois are statistically more dangerous in terms of accidents per population. In 2010, Illinois was the second deadliest state in train crossing fatalities out of ten states; there were a total of 27 fatalities in a 12.8 million population in Illinois. This is more than twice the number in much larger 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.

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. Our Illinois truck accident law firm would like to urge the public to be more cautious when traveling near railroad tracks this summer. 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. 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. 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; the above report stated that emergency brakes were used to try to stop the train, but this was a failed attempt. 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. In this case, the victim’s family was able to file a claim in civil court against the train company. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti 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 our team of Chicago truck accident attorneys to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

Sj-r.com recently released a report detailing the current examination of an unexplained accident two months ago that claimed the lives of two drivers on Interstate 55. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read that at 11pm on the night of May 8th, a driver on I-55 called the police after noticing a car stopped in the right southbound lane of the highway near Logan County. The report states that the vehicle, driven by a 21-year-old woman of Chicago, was at a dead stop with no lights on and was causing a traffic hazard for other motorists.

Illinois state troopers later arrived to the scene and were shocked by what had occurred. A tractor-trailer, driven by a 67-year old man, had plowed into the back of the stopped vehicle at about 65 miles per hour. It is reported that the truck was hauling a load of Caterpillar counterweights, causing his truck and his entire load to stop so suddenly that the cabin was crushed forward. Police say the semi ran over most of the car and then went out of out control, traveled into the median of the road, fell off of a bridge, and landed in a creek bed. Both drivers were ejected from their vehicles and were pronounced dead at the scene. In addition, the car the woman was driving had later been reported stolen.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers read that as a result of the accident, a Logan County Coroner scheduled an inquest into the deaths this week. After being asked to describe the scene of the accident, the coroner stated, “It was really destroyed. The car was just a pile of rubble, and the semi wasn’t much better either. I’ve never seen a semi torn up like that. It’s just a sad thing, a really, really sad thing.” He said toxicology reports will be released soon, potentially yielding more information. The Illinois state trooper who investigated the incident is expected to testify. Family members of the victims hope to find out more about the unusual accident.

One important thing to note regarding the above report is that the accident occurred in the middle of the night. A huge concern for most truck drivers is driver exhaustion into the late hours of the night, which can result in distraction and failing to drive attentively on the roadway. Night driving frequently presents significant problems of determining how fast other vehicles are going on the road, in that many truck drivers don’t realize if other vehicles ahead are stopped until it is too late, as described in the above report.

Truck drivers face many regulations before driving to ensure they are well rested, all of their equipment is working properly, and they are not drinking and driving. Because of the great amount of energy and force associated with trucks, truck drivers need to be extremely cautious at all times, even at low speeds. Doing so will help to greatly reduce the number and severity of trucking accidents on Illinois roadways.

Despite the many regulations truck drivers face before driving, accidents do continue to happen as a result of negligent drivers. If you have suffered personal injury, medical expenses, property damage, or have lost a loved one due to a negligent semi truck driver, please contact our Chicago truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti. We are prepared to offer you the resources you need to seek legal action. Find out what rights may be available to you.

According to an online news report posted by Chicagotribune.com, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a semi truck on the 83rd Street ramp of the Dan Ryan Expressway last week. A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm learned that the 40-year-old man was traveling northbound on I-94 and stopped along the right shoulder of the road near 83rd Street at about 9:40am. Authorities say he then exited his vehicle for unknown reasons.

A 1999 Volvo semi-trailer traveling in the right lane failed to notice the man and fatally struck him; he was later pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi truck was uninjured, and no charges have been filed as of recently. The report states that Illinois State police closed three northbound lanes of the expressway in order to properly investigate the accident.

Although we cannot assume that the truck driver was to blame in this particular incident, from the perspective of an Illinois truck accident lawyer, accidents caused by negligent drivers of large commercial vehicles are causing an increasing amount of personal injury and fatalities throughout the state of Illinois. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms that an increase in trucking accidents has occurred, not only in Illinois, but also throughout the country. Last year, a total of 927 fatalities took place in Illinois from trucking accidents, as compared to the 911 fatalities in 2010. This represents an increase of 16 fatalities, or 1.8%. In relation to nation wide statistics, there was an 8.7% increase in the number of people killed in crashes involving large trucks throughout the United States. These fatalities increased in all categories—large truck occupants, occupants of other vehicles, and non-occupants.

Although the above report does not confirm whether the pedestrian’s family planned to seek legal action against the driver of the semi truck, when pedestrians do suffer serious injuries as a result of careless or negligent motorists, they have the right to take action. If the semi truck driver was negligent, the victim’s family may be able to file a claim in civil court against the semi truck driver.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti understand that accidents involving semi trucks or other large commercial vehicles can result in personal injury and life altering consequences. If you have been seriously injured, or lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident due to a negligent driver, please contact our team of Chicago truck accident attorneys to learn about what rights and compensation may be available to you.

Earlier this week, a Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm read a news report posted on CantonDailyLedger.com detailing a tragic semi truck accident that has left one woman severely injured. The accident in question transpired along Illinois Route 116 at roughly 8:30 a.m. It is reported that the 30-year-old accident victim was traveling westbound when her vehicle drifted into the eastbound land and collided head-on with a semi tractor-trailer. As a result of the accident, the woman was air lifted to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria where she is currently listed in fair condition.

Additionally, our Chicago truck accident attorney learned that upon impact, a fuel tank located along side of the semi tractor-trailer was punctured – ultimately resulting is a severe fuel spill. The driver’s side of the semi truck also sustained major damage. However, the cab of the truck was not heavily impacted and the semi truck driver remained unharmed in the accident. It took roughly three hours for tow truck works and cleanup crew to contain the fuel spill and clear the wreckage from the destructive Illinois trucking accident. The 30-year-old woman has received a ticket for improper lane usage.

Although our Illinois trucking accident blog commonly reports on the dangers associated with unsafe travel of semi truck drivers, often times drivers of small passenger vehicles can be equally responsible for accidents involving large commercial vehicles. In order to help drivers protect themselves against the perils that often result from trucking accidents, our Chicago truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti continue to encourage drivers to:
- Always drive at a safe speed
- Adjust speed to accommodate adverse roadway conditions
- Always use your turn signals
- Avoid cutting of a semi truck at all costs – they take significantly longer to break
- Maintain a minimum four-second following distance from semi trucks

In the unfortunate case you have been involved in a trucking accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Recently, our attorneys obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of a Huntley, Illinois, family who sustained severe and fatal injuries in a tragic semi truck accident. Through our investigation, it was determined that the semi truck driver was operating under the influence of marijuana, as well as, a overload tractor-trailer.

Please contact an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney for a free consultation.

According to an online news report posted on Courier-News.com, a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a 29-year-old Streamwood school teacher who died this past year as a result of a devastating trucking accident. A Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm learned that the accident in question transpired on August 19, 2011, as the woman was on her way to the middle school she worked at.

The 29-year-old was traveling southbound on Route 59 when she slowed for traffic at Struckman Boulevard in Bartlett. A heavy-duty pickup truck, traveling behind the victim, failed to notice the woman’s reduction in speed and subsequently collided with the woman’s vehicle.

As a result, the 29-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries and died nearly three weeks after the accident. Our Chicago truck accident lawyer learned that the initial autopsy following her death was inconclusive; however, final autopsy results showed that the school teacher ultimately died from multiple injuries sustained in the accident, as well as, bronchial pneumonia.

Relatives of the woman have since filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the Cook County Circuit Court. According to court documents, the defendants named in the lawsuit include both the Equipment Depot of Illinois – the company that owns the truck involved, as well as, the employee who was operating the truck.

The wrongful death lawsuit, filed by the 29-year-old school teacher’s father, asserts vehicle negligence, wrongful death, as well as, survival action. The family seeks at least $2 million in damages based on the school teacher’s anticipated earnings in wages and pension benefits she would have received if she had lived. Additionally, our Chicago trucking accident attorney learned that the family seeks damages for medical and funeral expenses.

Every year, our Chicago truck accident attorneys provide qualified legal representation to those who have been harmed or killed as a result of a motor vehicle accident. When large trucks are operated in a careless or negligent manner, the results are almost always severe and life-altering.

Accident victims and their families may be able to seek legal action against negligent truck drivers and their employers. Truck accident litigation can help compensate accident victims for the various expenses incurred as a result of a trucking accident. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a truck accident, please contact our attorneys at Levin & Perconti for a free consultation.

Recently, a Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm read a news report detailing a lawsuit that has been filed after a devastating 2011 semi truck accident resulted in the fatality of a 40-year-old man. ThePeoplesTribune.com reports that the accident in question transpired on December 14, 2011, along Champ Clark Bridge when the accident victim’s SUV was struck by cargo that had broken loose from a semi truck along the 20-foot-wide two-lane bridge.

As a result of the accident, the 50-year-old Illinois truck driver was ticketed for improper lane usage. However, the truck driver, as well as, his trucking company will not be subject to civil litigation brought about by the accident victim’s family. The wrongful death lawsuit was originally filed in St. Charles County Circuit Court by the victim’s wife and their two sons, however, it is reported that the suit has now been filed in the eastern district federal court. Our Chicago truck accident lawyer learned that the family is seeking a jury trial, in addition to, an unspecified amount of damages.

Any Illinois truck accident attorney will tell you that proper securement of cargo is one of the most prominent, as well as, necessary regulation a semi truck driver must adhere to. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the government agency that regulates semi truck driver, requires that motor carriers operating in interstate commerce must comply with the following guidelines pertaining to securement of semi truck cargo:
-
Articles must be prevented from shifting on or within, or falling from commercial motor vehicles
- Increase the use of tie downs or cargo securement devices other than those currently in use
- All vehicle structures, systems, parts and components used to secure cargo must be in proper working order when used to perform that function with no damaged or weakened components that could adversely affect the truck’s performance.
- All rules are applicable to trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds

If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident or have lost a loved one in an accident caused by improperly secured cargo, please contact our experienced accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti as soon as possible to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys ensure that our clients are properly compensated for their devastating injuries and losses due to the negligence of others. We hold truck drivers, as well as, their companies liable for their failure to safety operate large commercial vehicles.

The State Journal-Register Online recently released a news report detailing a destructive bus-truck collision that sent two Illinois schoolchildren to the hospital. A Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm learned that the accident in question transpired just after 4:30 p.m. on Interstate 55 – roughly five miles north of Litchfield. The school bus – containing 33 sixth-graders, two teachers, five chaperones, as well as, the school bus driver – collided into the back of a tractor-trailer that had slowed in a construction zone.

As a result of the accident, nine students were taken to an area hospital for injuries sustained. As of press time, two of the school children remain hospitalized – both suffering from broken legs. Additionally, the 66-year-old driver of the school bus was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The bus driver has been cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident. However, the 54-year-old semi truck driver remained uninjured in the accident. The accident remains under investigation by Illinois State Police.

When devastating Illinois trucking accidents or Illinois bus accidents result in severe injury to minors and children – the results can be particularly tragic. Bus drivers have a duty of care that they must adhere to in order to ensure that they operate their vehicle with the utmost care in order to avoid any potential hazards – especially accidents. When this duty is deviated from and an accident ensues, the driver may be held both criminally and civil liable for any injuries or deaths that may ensue.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our accident attorneys in Chicago as soon as possible.
Our Chicago truck accident lawyers share comprehensive knowledge when handling any and all types of motor vehicle accidents – including those involving semi trucks and buses and will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights, relief, and representation may be available to you.

Recently, our Chicago truck accident attorneys obtained a $10 million settlement on behalf of a 5 year-old boy who sustained critical injury when he was run over by a City of Chicago Fire Department truck while playing in an open fire hydrant. The resulting injury included the loss of his leg, as well as, half of his pelvis. The settlement aiding in covering the young boy’s past and future medical expenses, as well as, special prosthetic devices he will need for the rest of his life.

Earlier today, STLToday.com reported a devastating Illinois trucking accident that occurred in Springfield, Illinois. The article reveals that a school bus transporting 33 sixth-grade students was traveling along Interstate 55 at around 4:30 p.m. – just five miles of Litchfield – when a semi truck traveling in front of the school bus began to slow down. The school bus driver failed to notice the semi truck driver’s reduced speed and subsequently collided into the back of the semi truck.

As a result of the collision, our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that more than a dozen students aboard the bus, as well as, the school bus driver sustained injury. It is reported that a 12-year-old student was airlifted to a nearby Illinois hospital where she has been treated for a broken femur. She is currently listed in fair condition and is expected to undergo surgery. Additionally, seven children were treated at a hospital in Litchfield – with two later discharged, three still requiring hospitalization, and two airlifted to a St. Louis hospital.

Several concerned parents also took their children to an area hospital where they were treated for minor injuries – such as bumps and bruises. Uninjured students returning from the field trip in Springfield, Illinois, were transported back to their school. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers read that due to the crash investigation, the southbound lanes of Interstate 55 from exit 60 to exit 52 in Litchfield remains closed as of press time.

Any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that motor vehicle accidents – including bus and semi truck accidents – continue to remain the leading cause of fatality among children. This notion is due to the fact that any injury sustained by a young child in a motor vehicle collision can lead to substantially devastating consequences than those injuries sustained by adults A recent analysis conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that children who suffer head injuries (such as traumatic brain injuries) as a result of a collision can experience lasting or late-appearing neuropsychological problems.

If you or your child has sustained injury in a motor vehicle collision, please contact our Chicago trucking accident attorneys as soon as possible. Our knowledgeable attorneys continue to provide qualified legal representation to those who have been injured as a result of another’s negligence. Recently, our attorneys obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of a Huntley family incurred debilitating injuries in a tragic semi truck accident. Through our investigation, it was revealed that the driver of the semi truck was operating under the influence of marijuana, in addition to, operating an overloaded semi truck at the time of the accident.

An Illinois trucking accident lawsuit has been filed as a result of a tragic fatal semi truck accident that transpired last year – ultimately resulting in the death of a Channahon woman. SunTimes.com reports that the wrongful death lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the 44-year-old Illinois woman’s family. The accident in question occurred when the accident victim was traveling west on U.S. 6 in Channahon on May 10, 2011, when a semi tractor-trailer struck her motor vehicle on Bell Road and forced it into a traffic pole.

A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm learned that the 44-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the crash scene. It was reported that two of the woman’s children were also traveling in the motor vehicle with her and also sustained injuries as a result of the accident. According to court papers, the wrongful death lawsuit names the truck driver, as well as, his employer as defendants.

Additionally, the truck accident lawsuit names the town of Channahon as a defendant because the pole that pinned the driver’s side of the accident victim’s vehicle did not collapse. It is noted that if the pole was collapsible – it would have lessened the force of the crash. According to Will County records, the defendant truck driver was not ticketed immediately after the accident. The wrongful death lawsuit seeks more than $1 million in damages.

Any Chicago truck accident attorney will tell you that accidents involving large commercial vehicle accidents tend to be substantially more severe in terms of damages and it is important to obtain experienced accident attorneys to help handle your claim. Since 1992, our attorneys at Levin & Perconti have expertly handled numerous wrongful death claims for victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents and ensure that our clients are properly compensated for their injuries and losses.

Recently, our lawyers obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of 32 year-old Huntley woman who was fatally injured when a semi tractor-trailer rear ended the passenger vehicle which was also transporting both her husband and young son. The settlement was also a $4.7 million record Kane County wrongful death settlement when it was revealed that the defendant truck driver was operating under the influence of marijuana, in addition to, an overloaded semi tractor-trailer.

If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact an accident lawyer in Chicago to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Earlier this weekend, a Chicago truck accident lawyer at our office read a news report confirming that two individuals have been injured in an Illinois bus accident on the Stevenson Expressway. According to the article, posted on SunTimes.com, the accident transpired Friday morning when one of three buses transporting inmates from Cook County Jail to Stateville Prison collided into the bus traveling in front of it. It was reported that the bus driver has not noticed the reduction of traffic speed when he collided into the other bus around 8 a.m. on the outbound Stevenson – just south of Pulaski.

As a result of the bus collision, our Chicago truck accident attorney learned those injured included one inmate, as well as, one law enforcement officer. Both individuals suffered minor injuries and were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital. It was revealed that the other 105 inmates were put back onto the buses and taken back to Cook County Jail where they were put under medical review to ensure that no other injuries were sustained. After being medically checked out, the inmates were transported back to Stateville Prison. Illinois State Police revealed that although the accident caused traffic to remain backed up for a short period of time after the accident, the buses were relocated off the interstate – allowing traffic flow to resume.

Given the substantial size and weight of large commercial vehicles, such as buses and semi trucks, any collisions in which these vehicles are involved in carries the significant risk of debilitating and life-altering injuries and in many unfortunate cases -- premature death. Statistics provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reveal that in 2009 alone, over 10,000 vehicles were involved in bus accidents across the United States. Of those 10,000 accidents, over 9,000 resulted in injury or death – ultimately causing over 20,000 individuals non-fatal injuries or fatality.

In the event of a bus accident, any Chicago trucking accident attorney will tell you that the consequences can be substantial for injured parties and their families. When negligence plays a role in these types of accidents, civil litigation can help families obtain the compensation they deserve as a result of another’s wrongful or negligent conduct. Some of the most common types of compensation accident victims can recover in a bus accident include:

- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Punitive damages aimed to punish the wrongdoer for their negligent conduct

A 41-year-old Aurora truck driver has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol stemming from an Illinois trucking accident on Interstate 355 earlier this week. According to a news report, posted on NewLenox.Patch.com, the tractor-trailer was traveling down a ramp from southbound Interstate 355 toll-way to eastbound Interstate 80 when the truck’s trailer subsequently tipped over at around 11 p.m. The large commercial vehicle, transporting a cargo of frozen food products, ultimately came to rest on its side – causing all lanes of traffic to remain closed until roughly around 8 a.m.

In a statement released by the Illinois State Police, it was revealed that the truck’s trailer was breached, so some of the product was dislodged. However, it was not ultimately lost from the trailer itself. A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm learned that the 41-year-old semi truck driver was ultimately charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving too fast for conditions, as well as, improper lane usage. It was reported that the truck driver has “no recollection of the accident.”

Any Chicago truck accident attorney will tell you that any time a large commercial vehicle driver operates an 80,000 pound truck under the influence of alcohol – the results are almost always significantly tragic and life-altering. Under current regulations provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large commercial vehicle drivers are not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages within four hours of his/her shift. Additionally, a trucking carrier is not permitted to allow a truck driver to driver if it appears that the driver has used alcohol within four hours of their shift.

If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a drunken semi truck driver, you may be able to obtain compensation for damages incurred as the result of the truck driver and his/her company’s negligence. Our attorneys at Levin & Perconti have expertly handled a number of personal injury and wrongful death claims – including Illinois trucking accidents – and ensure that our clients are properly compensated for their devastating injuries and losses. Accident victims may obtain compensation for various damages including: loss of wages, medical expenses, physical and emotional pain and suffering, in addition to, punitive damages that aim to punish the wrongdoer’s negligent behavior.

Please contact an experienced accident attorney in Chicago as soon as possible to help evaluate your case.

Earlier today, a Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm read a news report detailing an Illinois trucking accident lawsuit that has been filed after a hazardous trucking accident transpired late last year. According to the news report, posted on MadisonRecord.com, the accident in question transpired on December 14, 2011, when the accident victim was traveling east on Highway 50 near its intersection with Route 4 in Lebanon when the defendant truck driver ran a stop sign and struck the victim’s passenger vehicle.

The accident victim filed a lawsuit late last month in St. Clair County Circuit Court – naming both the truck driver, as well as, his trucking carrier as defendants in the lawsuit. Court papers reveal that as a result of the accident, the victim incurred medical expenses, great pain and mental anguish, in addition to, missing numerous working days as a result of the trucking collision.

The plaintiff asserts that the defendant caused the accident in negligently failing to keep his vehicle under proper control, failing to keep a proper lookout, driving too fast, failing to reduce speed to avoid a collision, running a stop sign, in addition to, other negligent acts. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that the plaintiff seeks a judgment of more than $100,000 – plus any additional court costs.

The experienced Illinois truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have effectively handled a variety of motor vehicle accidents, including Illinois trucking accidents. Due to the sheer size and weight of large commercial vehicles, any type of collision has the potential for devastating or life-altering consequences. Truck accident victims almost always sustain serious injuries including, but not limited to: broken bones, loss of limbs, in addition to, injuries to the brain and spinal cord.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe personal injury or a tragic loss as the direct result of an semi truck accident in Illinois, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for damages sustained. These damages may include compensatory damages which seek to provide the accident victim compensation for a particular loss or injury that was sustained as the direct result of the unlawful conduct of another. Additional damages may include punitive damages which seek to punish the wrongdoer for their negligent conduct.

Please contact our Chicago trucking accident lawyers as soon as possible for a free consultation to help determine what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Rockford Register Star Online recently released a news report detailing new traffic statistics that have been published revealing the decrease in fatalities on Illinois Roadways. Through information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Information, our accident lawyers in Chicago learned that traffic fatalities in the state of Illinois have declined 26 percent from 2006 to 2010. These statistics also report a 21 percent decline in fatalities pertaining to speeding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were approximately 927 traffic fatalities in 2010 – a noticeable decrease from the 1,254 deaths in 2006. Traffic Safety Coalition, a non-profit group, released a statement emphasizing that Illinois roads have become safer due to increased seatbelt use, better air bag technology, as well as, the installation of red light cameras.

Nationwide data reports that red light cameras have continued to show positive change in driver behavior and aids in deterring drivers from breaking traffic laws. Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that in February, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into legislation a law that permits the city of Chicago to use speed cameras to monitor drivers around parks and schools. The article reveals that this particular piece of legislation may ultimately extend to other cities in Illinois.

A 2007 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration addressed how these traffic tools operate, in addition to, further highlighting the benefits of speed cameras and red light camera programs worldwide. It is revealed that red light cameras are implemented to photograph vehicles entering intersections after traffic control signals have turned red. Detections of a traffic offense (such as running a red light) is made by sensors that have been installed into the roadway’s pavement and connected to a timing system.

If a vehicle enters the intersection illegally, a photograph of said vehicle and their license plate number is taken. The information is than reviewed by the program’s jurisdiction. Often as a result, a driver found in violation will receive a violation by the jurisdiction. Through these types of programs, the reported crash reductions have ranged between 9 and 51 percent. A Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm learned that a majority of these studies have typically found a decrease in right-angle motor vehicle accidents and an increase in rear-end collisions. However, the severity of the right-angle crashes outweighs that of rear-ended accidents.

NBCChicago.com recently released a news report detailing an Illinois trucking accident that resulted in one fatality. The report reveals that the devastating accident transpired early Friday morning in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80. Local authorities state that as a result of slowed traffic from a prior accident, a tractor-trailer traveling eastbound was unable to stop in time and “plowed” into the traffic ahead of him. The accident caused a chain reaction, striking a total of three additional semi tractor-trailers. The driver of the semi truck who caused the accident was pronounced dead at the scene.

Any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that large commercial vehicles, which weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds, carry a substantial risk on our roadways. Not only do these semi tractor-trailers take substantially longer to break, they are more prone to rollover accidents. Additionally these types of vehicles can cause considerable structural damage to bridges and roadways. According to statistics gathered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the number of truck-related deaths and injuries each year cause significant financial burdens – with the cost of large truck accidents exceeding $19 billion annually.

Since 1992, our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have represented clients who have sustained severe injury or harm as a result of any and all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving semi tractor-trailers. Operators of large commercial vehicles have an increased responsibility to safety operate their vehicle in order to prevent the occurrence of serious and debilitating accidents.

When large commercial vehicle drivers operate in a negligent way that causes an accident, they may be held legally liable in civil court for damages sustained. Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys will tell you that these damages include, but are not limited to: medical expenses, lost wages, physical and emotional pain and suffering, as well as, punitive damages that aim to punish he wrongdoer’s negligent behavior.

Large truck accidents can be particularly devastating and may cause severe personal injury and even premature fatality. If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident – or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver, please contact an Illinois truck accident attorney at Levin & Perconti to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois trucking accident blog reported an initiative that was being undertaken by the Lombard community in an effort to crack down on commercial vehicle law enforcement. In a follow-up article, posted on DailyHerald.com, an Illinois truck accident attorney at our firm learned that the Illinois Department of Transportation will be issuing additional funds to communities around the state of Illinois in order to compensate police officer overtime for commercial vehicle safety enforcement. The Illinois Department of Transportation has provided $135,815 to 10 suburban law enforcement agencies, including Addison, Algonquin, Bartlett, McHenry and Palatine police departments, in an effort to reduce commercial vehicle accidents and their subsequent injuries and fatalities.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyer read that the community of Palatine received over $18,600 so that the police agency can pay officers overtime and even hire back police officers to focus on speed, occupant restraint, as well as, vehicle safety violations involving large commercial vehicles. An additional aspect of the grant will allow officers to conduct speed surveys before and after the grant to gauge the increased enforcement’s effectiveness, in addition to, developing an educational campaign to bring commercial vehicle awareness to Illinois residents. The Illinois officers participating in this initiative will also be specially trained and certified in federal and state laws pertaining to commercial vehicle enforcement.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that these types of enforcement campaigns have received widespread success around the country and have helped decrease the devastating number of traffic fatalities. Our Chicago trucking accident attorney read that in other areas of the state, additional funding has aided in the decrease of accident fatalities to 911 in 2009 – down from 1,043 deaths in 2008. The most recent up-to-date traffic fatality statistics shows that traffic deaths decreased to roughly around 800 in 2010.

Any Chicago truck accident attorney will tell you that when additional funds are allocated to the state in order to strengthen the enforcement of large commercial vehicles, the results are uncompromisingly positive. As accident attorneys, we see the continued harmful effects of large commercial vehicle accidents – including those involving semi trucks and buses. With developments such as this one, the risk of severe injury and fatality from traffic accidents substantially decreases and the roadways become a safer place to travel.

However, in the unfortunate circumstance you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our experienced Chicago accident lawyers as soon as possible to help handle your claim and obtain compensation for damages incurred as the result of another’s careless or negligent conduct.

According to Rockford Register Star Online, an Illinois trucking accident transpired earlier this week when a large commercial vehicle struck a construction worker on Interstate 39. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read the article which detailed that the 55 year-old construction worker was performing repairs along the shoulder of Interstate 39 South when a semi tractor-trailer collided into the worker. Local authorities report that an Illinois Department of Transportation sign was directing traffic to merge into the left lane of the interstate highway, however, the 76 year-old large commercial vehicle driver was unable to merge in time. The accident remains under investigation and charges against the truck driver are pending.

Each Chicago truck accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti reads almost weekly reports of devastating semi truck accident involving roadway workers. Given the massive size and weight of large commercial vehicles, the consequences of these debilitating accidents almost always result in life-altering personal injury or even premature fatality. According to a recent study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 150 people are killed annually doe to large commercial vehicle accidents in roadway work zones. A separate study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed that 12% of all fatalities in semi truck accidents in the United States are non-motorists – including construction workers.

Although the news report does not confirm whether or not the accident victim’s family plans to seek legal action against the truck driver, through our experience as Chicago trucking accident lawyers, the victim’s family may be able file a claim of wrongful death in a civil court of law. Under current Illinois statute, a wrongful death claim is one where the death of an individual was a direct result of a negligent or unjust action. Additionally, wrongful death claims differentiate from personal injury claims in that the family of the victim files the lawsuit on behalf of the victim. In the case at hand, the semi truck driver’s failure to merge in a construction zone was the direct cause of the victim’s untimely death.

If you have been injured in an Illinois truck accident or have lost a loved one prematurely due to the careless or negligent conduct of a large commercial vehicle driver, please contact our Chicago accident attorneys as soon as possible. Our experienced accident lawyers will provide a free consultation to help determine what legal rights, representation and relief may be available to you.

Recently, our accident attorneys in Chicago read a news report posted on MadisonRecord.com detailing a negligence lawsuit that has been filed after a violent 2010 semi truck accident. The accident in question transpired in December 2010 when a passenger vehicle was traveling east on Interstate 270 in Chouteau. As the passenger vehicle crossed the Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge, the motor vehicle’s car stalled. The driver subsequently pulled off onto the right side of the roadway to take care of the disabled vehicle. According to court documents, a semi truck driver traveling behind the disabled vehicle crashed into the passenger vehicle while the driver and his passenger were still inside.

Shortly thereafter, local authorities cited the semi truck driver for improper lane usage for his role in the Illinois trucking accident. The negligence lawsuit contends that the truck driver failed to allow enough room between the commercial vehicle and the disabled vehicle to pass safely. The motor vehicle’s driver, as well as, his passenger names both the truck driver and his trucking carrier as defendants in the lawsuit. A jury trial is sought and the two seek an unspecified amount in damages for medical expenses, loss of income, as well as, court costs.

Each and every year, our Chicago truck accident attorneys handle a wide variety of cases involving motor vehicle accidents, including those involving large commercial vehicles. Due to the sheer size and 80,000 pound weight of semi tractor trailers, any accident in which they are involved have the increased possibility to be substantially devastating and tragic. With over 500,000 truck accidents occur each year – according to the United States Department of Transportation - victims of these types of accidents often sustain serious harm that may include, but is not limited to; broken bones, loss of limbs, traumatic brain injuries, as well as, injuries to the spinal cord.

When drivers of large commercial vehicles fail to heed proper safety precautions when operating their semi trucks and an accident ensues, the driver - as well as his/her trucking carrier - may be held liable for negligence or in accident involving fatality – wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident you believe was caused by driver negligence, please contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti. It is important to seek experienced legal guidance as soon as possible to help maximize your claim.

EffinghamDailyNews.com released a news report earlier today detailing a fatal Illinois trucking accident that took the life of a 51 year-old semi truck driver. The accident transpired around 2 a.m. Saturday morning in Brownstone when a semi truck experiencing equipment malfunctions pulled off Interstate 70 onto the right shoulder of the westbound lane. When attempting to travel back onto the interstate, the victim’s semi truck struck the merging commercial vehicle and subsequently ignited upon impact. The victim was trapped inside the fiery semi truck and was burned beyond recognition – ultimately resulting in his untimely death.

Our Chicago accident lawyers learned that the 43 year-old driver of the semi truck attempting to merge into traffic survived the tragic accident, but required advanced medical attention for severe injuries – his current conditions remains unknown. The crashed caused the interstate to remain closed for roughly 10 hours while local authorities and the fire departments extinguished the fire and cleaned up the wreckage. The crash currently remains under investigation and the 43 year-old semi truck driver has received a citation for failure to yield when merging with traffic.

Any accident attorney in Chicago will tell you that drivers of large commercial vehicles are mandated by federal law to adhere to a minimum standard of care when operating their trucks. One of the objectives of the standard of care rule, outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, states that commercial vehicle drivers must prevent accidents by trying to anticipate hazardous situations and adjusting driver behavior in order to compensate. When this standard is violated by an accident caused by a criminal violation such as failure to yield when merging with traffic, truck drivers and their trucking carriers may be held liable for negligence if an injury or death results.

When semi truck driver error plays a significant role in a fatal collision, accident victims and their families may be able to seek legal relief for damage incurred. Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits may be filed when significant harm has been sustained or death has ensued as a result of another’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois trucking accident caused by driver negligence, please contact a Chicago truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys will provide a free consultation to help determine what legal rights, representation, and relief may be available to you.

Earlier today, an Illinois trucking accident transpired on southbound Route 53 after a large commercial vehicle transported 36,000 pounds of pesticides overturned. According to the news report, posted on DailyHerald.com, the accident occurred around 10:45 a.m. when the semi tractor-trailer rolled over off the roadway’s ramp and into a ditch. The driver remained unharmed and refused advanced medical attention. The accident caused ramp to remain partially closed as roadway and hazardous material crew cleaned the roadway’s wreckage. Local authorities believe the accident was caused by the semi truck driver traveling too fast to negotiate the ramp’s curve or the tractor-trailers load shifted – subsequently causing the rollover. The accident remains under investigation and it has not been confirmed if the large commercial vehicle has received a ticket for the accident.

Any Chicago trucking accident attorney will tell you that given the sheer size and weight of large commercial vehicles, any motor vehicle accident in which these vehicles are involved has the potential for severe and life-altering injuries or death. This threat is only increased when the commercial vehicle accident involves a tractor-trailer transporting a cargo of hazardous materials. Hazardous material trucks (most commonly referred to as HAZMAT) involve those commercial vehicles who transport hazardous materials (such as flammable liquids) from one destination to another. Approximately 800,000 tractor-trailers of hazardous materials are transported every year in the United States – according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - resulting in approximately 200 fatal accidents.

In order to reduce the severe damage that often results from HAZMAT truck accidents, truck drivers and their trucking carriers are required by law to adhere to the Hazardous Material Transportation Act. The Act, published in 1975, was implemented in an effort to provide adequate protection against the common risks and dangers associated with the transportation of hazardous materials. The Hazardous Material Transportation Act designated materials or classes of materials that are hazardous and provides requirements for the safe transportation of such material.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois trucking accident involving a large commercial vehicle transporting hazardous material, you may be able to obtain compensation as a result of harm sustained as a result of the accident. Given the severe liability associated with HAZMAT carriers, truck drivers transporting said materials are required by federal and state law to exercise the utmost caution during transportation. Any violation caused by a driver’s failure to maintain a duty of care may constitute negligence in a civil court of law. Please contact an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer for a free consultation.

Recently, a Chicago truck accident attorney at our office read a news report detailing a state transportation grant that has been afforded to the community of Lombard, Illinois. According to the article, posted on DailyHerald.com, local Lombard authorities are permitted to start using $13,000 in state grant money towards the additional law enforcement of speed, as well as, moving violations committed by large commercial vehicles. The grant was issued by Illinois Department of Transportation and will compensation law enforcement for their overtime in an effort to crack down on truckers during the daytime hours between April 1 and June 30.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyer learned that Lombard was issued the $13,000 grant after recent application for the grant. In the application, the community cited recent Illinois trucking accident statistics from the area encompassing I-355 and I-88, as well as, several state highways that intersect the town. From 2007-2011, Lombard revealed that 212 accidents involved large commercial vehicles. Given the approximately 30-40 truck accidents that occur each year, local authorities hope that the extra enforcement will overall reduce the number of life-threatening accidents.

Each Chicago accident attorney at Levin & Perconti is pleased to learn that Lombard has implemented a policy to help reduce the ever-increasing rate of semi truck accidents. According to the most recent accident statistics provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation, in the past 5 years, large commercial vehicles have been involved in 8.6%-10.6% of fatal accidents. In 2005, Illinois saw the deadliest year for tractor-trailer accidents, with large commercial vehicles causing 208 – out of 1,999 – fatal accidents. In 2008 alone, there were 144 fatal trucking accidents.

Every year, our Chicago trucking accident attorneys provide quality legal representation to those whose lives have been negatively affected by all types of motor vehicle accidents – including those involving large commercial vehicles. Recently our accident attorneys obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of a Huntley family who sustained severe harm as the result of a negligent semi truck driver. Through our investigation, it was determined that the driver of the semi truck was operating under the influence of marijuana, in addition to, operating an overloaded tractor-trailer at the time of the collision. The accident caused severe person injury to the occupants of the vehicle and result in the fatality of the victim’s wife/mother.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our attorneys at Levin & Perconti for a free consultation.

A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm read a news report detailing an Illinois trucking accident that transpired on Interstate 80 earlier this week. According to BCRNews.com, the accident transpired when a semi tractor-trailer traveling westbound on I-80 struck the roadway’s center median, crossed the westbound lanes and subsequently overturned – coming to a rest on the driver’s side of the commercial vehicle. The truck driver remained trapped inside the vehicle and required extrication by local fire departments.

The truck driver sustained minor injuries in the accident and required advanced medical attention. Our Chicago truck accident attorney learned that is was later revealed that immediately prior to the destructive accident, the truck driver had started coughing and blacked out. Additionally, the accident caused the truck’s tanker – which contained a substantial amount of ethanol – to begin expelling a small amount of the liquid. Numerous crews, including a hazardous materials team, were called to the scene to help clear the wreckage. The driver has received a citation for improper lane usage.

Any Illinois truck accident lawyer will tell you that the United States Department of Transportation holds drivers of hazardous materials to strict regulations. These regulations are put in place to avoid the deadly accidents that often result from accidents involving these types of large commercial vehicles. The state of Illinois also provides regulations to the transportation of hazardous materials. Illinois has the ability to suspend or restrict a driver from transporting hazmat materials, as well as, impose a $10,000 fine to a driver or their employer if they are found in violation of federal or state regulations.

When drivers of large commercial vehicles cause motor vehicle accidents resulting in personal injury or even premature death through careless or negligent conduct, legal relief can often be sought by accident victims. Since 1992, our Chicago truck accident attorneys have provided skilled legal representation to those who have been harmed as the result of the wrongful or negligent conduct of others.

We hold truck drivers, as well as, their trucking companies liable for their failure to safety operate or maintain their large commercial vehicles. Victims of these types of accidents are often able to obtain compensation for various damages including: lost wages, physical and emotional pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages that aim to punish the wrongdoer’s negligent behavior.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a large commercial vehicle accident, please contact our accident attorneys to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

A large commercial vehicle transporting a trailer containing 30,000 pounds of scrap metal expelled onto the Stevenson Expressway earlier this week as a result of an Illinois trucking accident. According to the news report, posted on ChicagoTribune.com, the accident transpired around 3:15 a.m. Thursday at the bottom of the ramp leading from outbound Stevenson when the semi tractor-trailer fell onto its side in an attempt to merge onto the Expressway. As a subsequent result of the accident, the truck’s cargo of metal covered the entire roadway.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that the rollover took Illinois State Police, as well as, the Illinois Department of Transportation several hours to clear the scrap metal from the Expressway. State police were required to reroute traffic on the roadway in order to alleviate congestion. The semi truck driver and his passenger sustained no serious injuries as a result of the accident. The crash remains under investigation and as of press time, the driver has received no citations.

Any Illinois truck accident attorney will tell you that proper securement of cargo is a top priority for semi truck drivers, as well as, their trucking carriers. Current regulations for cargo securement provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration require that drivers adhere to the following rules and procedures:

- Articles must be prevented from shifting on or within, or falling from commercial motor vehicles
- All vehicle structures, systems, parts and components used to secure cargo must be in proper working order when used to perform that function with no damaged or weakened components that could adversely affect the truck’s performance.
- Increase the use of tie downs or cargo securement devices other than those currently in use
- All rules are applicable to trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds

The experienced Chicago accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have effectively handled a variety of motor vehicle accidents, including Illinois trucking accidents. Due to the sheer size and weight of large commercial vehicles, any type of collision has the potential for devastating or life-altering consequences. Accident victims almost always sustain serious injuries including, but not limited to: broken bones, loss of limbs, in addition to, injuries to the brain and spinal cord.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Illinois, please contact one of our experienced accident attorneys for a free consultation to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Earlier today, ABCLocal.com reported a devastating six-vehicle accident on the Dan Ryan that resulted in two fatalities. A Chicago accident lawyer at our office read the article which revealed that the fatal accident transpired last night at around 11:30 p.m. near 47th Street. The initial accident transpired when a Chicago tour bus driver collided into a semi tractor-trailer, ultimately causing the commercial vehicle to jackknife. However, the semi truck was able to straighten out its trailer and subsequently fled the scene.

In an attempt to avoid the initial collision, a passenger vehicle swerved out of the way and proceeded to collided into an additional semi truck. A minivan, traveling behind the accident, ultimately collided into the second semi truck as well. Unfortunately, two of the passengers in the minivan were killed in the Illinois trucking accident. An additional passenger in the minivan required advanced medical attention for injuries sustained in the accident.

According to Illinois State Police, the van’s driver will face charges for their role in the accident in which alcohol is believed to have played a role. Four other individuals involved in the six-vehicle accident sustained non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the initial accident remains unknown, however, weather conditions may have played a role given that the roads were wet from rain and sleet. Local authorities are still conducting a search in attempt to locate the first semi truck.

Any Chicago truck accident attorney will tell you that when driver negligence plays a role in any type of motor vehicle accident, accident victims may be able to seek compensation for injuries sustained as a result. Drivers of all types of vehicles have a duty to exercise reasonable care when operating their vehicle and when that duty is violated, criminal and/or civil penalties may result. Driver negligence can include the following factors:

- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Disregard for weather or traffic conditions
- Intentional or reckless operational conduct

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an Illinois motor vehicle accident, it is important to seek legal aid as soon as possible. These types of accidents, especially Illinois truck accidents, are particularly destructive and can cause severe personal injury and untimely death. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers ensure that our clients receive proper compensation for the ill effects of motor vehicle accidents and make certain that negligent drivers are held liable for their wrongful actions.

Earlier this morning, a 21 year-old Dekalb man was killed and two others were injured after their motor vehicle collided into the rear end of a semi tractor-trailer near the 500 block of West Lincoln Highway. According to the news report posted on ChicagoTribune.com, the large commercial vehicle was stopped at an intersection when the light changed green and he began to resume travel. Shortly thereafter, a small passenger vehicle, described as traveling at a “high rate of speed”, collided into the truck. In an unfortunately turn of events, the truck driver felt something but was unaware of the accident and continued to drive for several blocks.

A Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm learned that once the truck driver had pulled over to inspect his commercial vehicle, he discovered the small passenger vehicle wedged underneath the truck’s trailer. Although the driver of the passenger vehicle was wearing a safety belt, he was pronounced dead at the scene for injuries sustained in the accident. His two passengers, the driver’s 29 year-old brother and a 33 year-old relative, had to be extricated from the vehicle by firefighters – a process which took over twenty minutes. The two passengers were airlifted to a local Dekalb hospital and are currently listed in critical condition.

According to local authorities, an immediate crash investigation revealed numerous open containers of alcohol in the passenger vehicle. Illinois police believe that alcohol may have played a predominant role in the Illinois trucking accident. As of press time, no citations have been issued to the large commercial vehicle driver. The devastatingly fatal accident that occurred only a short distance away from the Northern Illinois University Campus currently remains under investigation.

While our truck accident blog frequently discusses the unfortunate consequences of semi truck accidents caused by error at the hands of large commercial vehicle drivers – such as driver fatigue, illegal substance use, or speeding – a 2006 study conducted by Virginia Tech for the United States Department of Transportation revealed that over 78 percent of trucking collisions were caused by passenger vehicle drivers. Even though passenger vehicle drivers are not held to strict operational regulations as large commercial vehicle driver’s license holders, motor vehicle drivers must exercise the utmost caution when traveling around 80,000 pound commercial vehicles.

Our Chicago accident lawyers continue to encourage safe operation by drivers of all types of motor vehicles. Not only will safe driving aide in the prevention of motor vehicle accidents, it may one day save the live or you or a loved one.

Belleville News-Democrat Online released a news report earlier today detailing an Illinois trucking accident that occurred on Illinois 15. The report states that a passenger vehicle was traveling westbound on Illinois 15 near the intersection of 11th Street in Belleville when the vehicle slammed into the rear ended of a semi tractor-trailer. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that the driver of the passenger vehicle required advanced medical attention for unknown injuries. The collision caused the right westbound lane of Illinois 15 to remain closed for several hours while local authorities investigated the accident.

According to a witness of the tractor-trailer impact, the accident transpired during severe traffic congestion. It is alleged that the driver of the passenger vehicle attempted to serve away from the truck prior to the collision. Fortunately, no other motor vehicles were involved in this collision and the driver of the tractor-trailer remained unharmed. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers learned that the accident still remains under thorough investigation by Illinois police and no citations have been issues as of press time.

Although our Illinois trucking accident blog frequently reports the devastating effects of semi truck accidents caused by commercial vehicle drivers, often times the unsafe acts of passenger vehicle drivers causes the occurrence of these life-altering accidents. Even though drivers of commercial vehicles are held to an advanced standard of care when operating large trucks, passenger vehicle drivers also have an obligation to operate in a safe and lawful manner.

According to a study recently completed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, every year over 40,000 people are killed in motor vehicle accidents – with over 5,000 of these fatalities resulting from collisions involving large commercial vehicles. Additional statistics reveal that large commercial vehicle drivers were held liable for these collisions about 44% of the time.

Every year, our accident lawyers in Chicago handle a variety of cases for clients who have had their lives turned upside down as the result of a motor vehicle collision. When the negligent driving of another vehicle results in severe injury or even death, civil litigation can often be sought. Accident victims may be able to obtain compensation for their damages that include but are not limited to: lost wages, medical expenses, physical and emotion pain and suffering, in addition to, punitive damages which aim to punish the negligent party’s wrongful behavior.

If you have been involved in an accident, please contact our experienced Chicago accident attorneys. Our lawyers will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm read a news report earlier this week detailing new safety measures taken by the Illinois Department of Transportation to improve interstate highway travel. According to the news report, published on NewsTrib.com, the Illinois Department of Transportation plans to construct center-median cabling from Utica to the Fox River alongside Interstate 80.

The project, which should be completed this coming summer, is designed to prevent tragic motor vehicle – including Illinois trucking accidents – in which these vehicles cross the grassy median and collide into oncoming traffic. An additional design aspect of the cable medians is to slowly stop out of control large commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. The safety measure is currently in use along Interstate 80 from Marseilles to Seneca and has been proven highly effective.

The Illinois Department of Transportation spokesman released a statement in light of the future implementation, stating that cable median barriers are significantly reducing cross-median crash and overall saving lives in Illinois. Previous accident statistics provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation revealed that in 2009, over 55 motor vehicle accident occurred between the stretch of interstate from La Salle to Ottawa. In 2010, there were a reported 59 motor vehicle accidents and one documented fatality on the same stretch of highway.

Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers learned that the safety project intends to complete most of the construction work during the daylight hours this summer, while majority of the construction-truck traffic and paving work will be completed during the nighttime in an effort to eliminate traffic congestion and risk. The safety measure is a part of an overall 5-year plan constructed by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Our accident lawyers in Chicago are pleased to learn about such beneficial roadway safety measures being implemented on our busy Illinois roadways. Cross median traffic accidents have proven to be a significant source of fatalities each and every year. With recent accident statistics provided by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, there are approximately 366 fatal cross median head-on motor vehicle accident accidents each year on our nation’s roadways. Although this number seems relatively small compared to most other traffic accident statistics, cross median crashes tend to be extremely severe and life-threatening.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our experienced accident attorneys to see what legal rights and representation may be available to you.

Earlier today, the Belleville News Democrat Online posted a report detailing a particularly devastating Illinois trucking accident that resulted in three individuals sustaining severe personal injury. According to the news report, the accident transpired when the 21 year-old driver of a passenger vehicle collided into the rear end of a large semi tractor-trailer while traveling southbound on Interstate 255 near Dupo, Illinois. The passenger vehicle driver, as well as, his two passengers all required advanced medical attention for the severe injuries they sustained in the crash that caused the vehicle to become smashed beneath the large commercial vehicle.

According to Illinois authorities, the driver of the semi truck informed police that he was on the right shoulder of Interstate 255 and was using the shoulder to gain speed to merge into traffic on the interstate highway when he was rear-ended by the passenger vehicle. In the passenger vehicle driver’s statement to authorities, he revealed that he was unable to remember if he was traveling in the center lane or right lane before he struck the commercial vehicle. The motor vehicle driver admitted that he looked down at the radio seconds before the tragic collision and did not recall seeing the truck before the crash.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys learned that a witness at the accident scene told police that he observed the 21 year-old driver pass his vehicle in the right lane when he witnessed the semi truck using the shoulder of the interstate to gain speed before merging with traffic. The witness revealed that the truck had merged into the right lane of the roadway for at least seven second before the passenger vehicle collided into the large commercial vehicle. Subsequently, as a result of the accident in which three individuals sustained substantial serious injuries, the driver of the motor vehicle has received a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

While our Illinois truck accident blog frequently discusses the tragic consequences that often result from semi truck collisions caused by truck driver error, many times drivers of passenger vehicles are found to be responsible for these devastating collisions involving large commercial vehicles that often weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys continue to urge readers to exercise safe driving habits each and every time a motor vehicle is operated in order to help reduce and eventually eliminate the injuries and fatalities associated with motor vehicle accidents.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys recently read a news report posted on STLToday.com containing an interview with a veteran truck driver who discussed the various aspects of the trucking industry, including the most problematic – sharing the road with passenger vehicles. The 51 year-old large commercial vehicle driver, who frequently transports cargos of gasoline, reveals many of the problems he faces each day on the road and shares what motorists can do in order to participate in safe travel on our nation’s roadways.

In a question and answer-type interview, the trucker discloses that the most dangerous thing a passenger vehicle driver can do while traveling around a large commercial vehicle is to cut off a semi truck. Given that commercial vehicles take considerably longer to brake, it is extremely hazardous to cut off a truck. The semi truck driver encourages motorists to learn the dangers associated with driving a large tractor-trailer and to avoid tailgating and cutting off the vehicle at all costs. Often times, these large trucks are traveling slower because they are transportation very large and very heavy cargos, in addition to, ensuring that safety is a top priority.

However, the tractor-trailer driver admits that in addition to questionable driving behavior of passenger vehicle drivers, truck drivers are often guilty to dangerous driving behavior. The trucker reveals that there are a number of semi truck drivers on our roadways who are not very good drivers and should not even be operating on the roads.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers learned that the semi truck driver recommends the following safety precautions for smaller passenger vehicles when traveling near or around large commercial vehicles:
- Stay out of a semi truck’s blind spot
- Refrain from staying around a truck – if you’re going to pass a truck, pass and go
- Never tailgate
- Always watch a truck’s signals to make sure of their intentions

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys continue to urge our readers to drive carefully around large commercial vehicles. Collisions involving large commercial vehicles, whether through the fault of the passenger vehicle driver or a semi truck driver, can cause substantial property damage, personal injury, or even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, including an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our experienced accident attorneys for a free consultation to determine what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Late Friday evening, a fatal Illinois trucking accident occurred on Interstate 64 in southern Illinois, resulting in one death and five injuries. According to the news report, the interstate highway was particularly icy yesterday evening, causing a substantial threat to the roadways. The three-car accident transpired when a semi tractor-trailer struck a passenger vehicle – subsequently killing a backseat passenger of the motor vehicle and sending the car’s driver and three other passengers to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. An additional passenger vehicle was also involved and injured in the trucking collision. The semi truck driver remained uninjured in the accident. Local authorities are attributing the crash to the severe weather and no citations have been issued as of press time.

Illinois winter weather often causes an increasing number of motor vehicle accidents, particularly Illinois trucking accidents. Under current trucking rules and regulations, semi truck drivers are required to change their driving habits in order to adapt with weather and roadway conditions. However, a number of drivers continue to operate in a careless manner, even on snowy and icy interstate highways. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck accidents have continued on the rise in the past few years. In 2010, there were over 500,000 trucking accidents that resulted in serious injury, while 5,000 resulted in fatality.

Each and every year, our experienced accident lawyers in Chicago provide legal representation to the victims of any and all types of motor vehicle accidents, including Illinois trucking accidents. Our attorneys recently obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of a Huntley, Illinois family who sustained a particularly devastating loss and substantial injuries as the direct result of a negligent semi truck driver. During the crash investigation, it was revealed that in addition to the semi truck driver’s excessive speed, the driver was also under the influence of marijuana and operating an overloaded trailer at the time of the fatal accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision involving a large commercial vehicle, it is extremely important to have knowledgeable legal professionals working on your case. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers will help evaluate your case and determine the best course of civil legal action. Personal injuries or wrongful death claims often cause substantial hardship and our Illinois truck accident attorneys ensure that our clients obtain the maximum compensation for damages incurred as the result of a semi truck collision, as well as, hold the wrongdoer accountable for their negligent conduct.

Yesterday, PJStar.com reported a fatal Illinois trucking accident that took the life of a 34 year-old Peoria man early Thursday morning. The news report reveals that the accident transpired when the accident victim was traveling west on Illinois Route 17 when his passenger vehicle spun sideways in the snowy roadway and collided into an oncoming semi tractor-trailer traveling eastbound. Subsequently, the accident caused both of the vehicles to travel off the roadway and enter an embankment on the south side of the highway. Although reports state that the passenger vehicle driver was wearing a seat-belt at the time of the accident, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The 51 year-old driver of the commercial vehicle required advanced medical attention for minor injuries sustained. The accident currently remains under investigation.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers also read an additional report posted on PJStar.com which detailed another fatal accident that transpired yesterday on Fulton Country Highway 2. According to the news article, a 56 year-old Ellisville man was pronounced dead at the scene of a single-vehicle accident along the county highway. The details of the accident, which transpired at around 6:30 in the morning, have not been made available as of press time. Authorities from the Peoria Police Department released collision alerts in response to the adverse roadway conditions, encouraging motorists to exchange personal information in the event of a non-injury resulting motor vehicle accident with minor damages.

There are approximately over 6 million motor vehicle crashes that transpire each year in the United States, of which twenty-four percent (or 1,511,000) are attributed to weather related conditions. According to the Federal Highway Administration, snow and/or sleet causes roughly 225,000 motor vehicle accidents each year. Of the 225,000 accidents, 70,900 result in personal injury while 870 cause premature fatality.

With all considered, motorists must protect themselves from the immense dangers that surround driving during harsh winter conditions. The Illinois State Police website recommends that drivers ensure that their motor vehicle is adequately prepared for winter related driving situations by checking the following vehicle parts:
- Fuel system
- Ignition system
- Brakes
- Exhaust system
- Wiper blades
- Tires/Tire Pressure
- Defrosters
- Battery Life

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an Illinois motor vehicle accident, please contact a Chicago truck accident attorney to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Illinois accident attorneys read a report on KSDK.com detailing a fatal Illinois trucking accident that took the life of a passenger vehicle driver. According to local Illinois authorities, a passenger vehicle was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 4 near Weber Road when the vehicle crossed the center line of the roadway and collided head-on into a semi truck. The collision resulted in the immediate fatality of the passenger vehicle driver, while the driver of the large commercial vehicle remained unharmed.

A subsequent accident resulted shortly thereafter involving an SUV and a pickup truck who were trying to avoid the first accident which the vehicles collided head-on. The drivers of both vehicles required advanced medical attention for non-life threatening injuries. Our Chicago accident lawyers read that authorities are continuing to remind drivers to driver with extreme caution due to the inclement weather conditions.

In order to avoid a recurrence of a devastating accident on our busy Illinois roadways, our accident lawyers in Chicago encourage readers to follow important and life saving tips for driving in the snow and ice provide by WeatherChannel.com:

Tips for Driving Safely on Icy Roads:
- Lower your speed and give yourself plenty of room in between vehicles in order to stop. Rule of thumb is to allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the vehicle in front of you
- Brake slowly in order to avoid skidding. If your wheels began to lock up, let off the brake
- Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility to others
- Keep your headlights and windshields clean
- Never pass snow plows or sanding trucks.
- Use low gears in order to keep traction, especially on hills
- Remain especially careful on bridges, overpasses, as well as infrequently traveled roads.
- Never assume that your motor vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter issues during winter weather

Given the upcoming months of severe weather and snow, every Illinois accident lawyer and Levin & Perconti continues to encourage safe driving habits for drivers of all types of motor vehicles. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our experienced Chicago truck accident lawyers to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Yesterday, an Illinois trucking accident briefly closed down a part of Interstate 57 during the early morning hours. According to a report posted on Daily-Journal.com, a semi truck hauling a cargo of produce was traveling along the interstate highway when the large commercial vehicle rolled over near Chebanse. Fortunately, the 62 year-old driver of the semi tractor-trailer remained unharmed and no other vehicles were involved in the rollover accident. The semi truck accident caused all northbound lanes of Interstate 57 to remain closed for several hours and traffic was required to be rerouted. The cause of this accident remains unknown and no citations have been issued to the semi truck driver as of press time.

In 2002, a study was conducted by the Carolina Transportation Program which thoroughly examined large truck rollover accidents and the severity of injury that often results from these types of devastating accidents. The study revealed that often times society pays a high cost for truck crashes by means of operational disruptions, injuries, as well as, loss of life. In terms of large truck rollover accidents, of the 700 commercial vehicle occupant fatalities that occur annually, approximately 400 involved large truck rollover accidents. More often than not, a number of contributing factors play a role in determining the cause of these accidents. These factors include truck driver behaviors, vehicle factors, in addition to, crash events.

Through the study, our Chicago trucking accident attorneys found that dangerous truck driver behaviors include the following:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- Fatigued driving

In recent years, fatigued driving is one of the most notable causes of semi truck accidents due to driver error. The study revealed that driver fatigue and long driving hours has been shown as primary risk factors in trucking accidents. The study found that almost three-fourths of the truck drivers who participated in the survey admitted to violating federal mandated hours of service rules. Drivers who violated the hours of service rule frequently attributed their violation due to economic factors, such as: tight delivery schedules and low payment rates, in addition to, driver, job, and vehicle characteristics.

Despite rationale for contributing factors that lead to the occurrence of semi truck accidents, any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that there is never any excuse for the careless operation of large commercial vehicles that often weigh up to 80,000 pounds. If you have been harmed in a semi truck accident, please contact an experienced accident lawyer in Chicago to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Rockford Register Star Online recently released a report detailing a new safety study that will be implemented by the Illinois Department of Transportation. According to the news article, the Illinois Department of Transportation will conduct a study which will evaluate whether or not safety upgrades are necessary for the notable dangerous intersection of U.S. 20 and Mill Road in Illinois. With the hazardous intersection accounting for well over 34 accidents within the past three years, those of which have ultimately resulted in six injuries and one fatality, the study aims at implementing new safety measures such as lower speed limits, as well as, additional types of traffic signals.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read that this study developed as a result of a written petition that was created by residents of Cherry Valley, Illinois. The petition was signed by more than 1,000 residents who pleaded with the Illinois Department of Transportation to implement the study. In the petition, the residents encouraged the agency to adopt a reduced speed limit of 50 mph, as well as, installing a large “Prepare to Stop When Flashing” sign with yellow lights right before the intersection at U.S. 20. Currently, the intersection is controlled by four-way stoplights and yellow strobes which alert eastbound and westbound traffic.

The news report reveals that the Illinois Department of Transportation had conducted a previous research a number of years ago in early 1990 as the result of a devastating school bus accident that transpired at the intersection. The bus accident injured several school-children and the subsequent safety study of the intersection resulted in major renovations of the intersection. Unfortunately, many Cherry Valley residents insist that despite previous renovations, additional renovations must be made to the intersections in order to make it even safer.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Illinois Highway Statistics Sheet that was completed in 2010, there are roughly over 8.80 million licensed drivers in the state of Illinois traveling approximately 57,995 million miles per year; it is easy to see how accidents can often easily transpire on our busy roadways. Current Illinois accident statistics reveal that as of December 31, 2011, there was an estimated 829 fatal traffic accidents which resulted in over 911 fatalities. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our Illinois truck accident attorneys to see what legal rights may be available to you.

The State Journal-Register Online reports that two men have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident involving three large commercial vehicles. According to the news article, the accident initially transpired when the first semi truck driver was traveling north on Interstate 55 near Clear Lake when he was “cut off” by a passenger vehicle. As a result, the semi truck driver veered his vehicle to the left – ultimately resulting in a collision into the roadway’s metal posts and cables that divide the highway. The second collision occurred when an additional semi truck that was traveling behind the first attempted to swerve to avoid the first truck that had pulled off to the right side shoulder of the highway.

After the subsequent second collision, the second semi truck became disabled in the left lane of traffic. A third large commercial vehicle was unable to see the disabled second semi truck and subsequently rear-ended the commercial vehicle. The drivers of the second and third semi trucks involved in the accident required additional medical attention for the injuries sustained as a result of the accident. Interstate 55 remained closed for approximately three hours following the trucking accidents. A Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm read that the accident currently remains under investigation and no citations have been issued.

Although our Illinois trucking accident blog frequently discusses the standard of care that must be exercised by large commercial vehicle drivers to ensure safe operation and avoid devastating collisions, it is also important to remember that a passenger vehicle driver also has a duty to operate safely, especially around semi trucks. Despite the number of statistics that commonly prove that semi truck accidents transpire as a result of semi truck driver error, it is also important to note that driver error on behalf of a passenger vehicle driver is another extremely common cause of semi truck accidents.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers continue to encourage safe driving habits, in addition to, defensive driving measures by drivers of all types of vehicles in order to avoid a potentially fatal accident, which include:
- Avoid a semi truck’s blind spot
- Adapt to roadway conditions and adverse weather
- Take extra caution at intersections
- Always wear a safety belt

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motor vehicle collision, please contact our accident attorneys in Chicago to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, a Chicago truck accident lawyer in our office read a report on MorrisDailyHerald.com detailing a collision between two large commercial vehicles that shut down Interstate 80 near Minooka, Illinois. According to the news report, the accident transpired when a semi tractor-trailer that had been previously disabled alongside of the roadway attempted to re-enter the interstate highway. Upon entering the roadway, the semi tractor-trailer struck another semi truck that was traveling on the roadway – ultimately pushing both vehicles into the interstate’s median.

The semi truck driver who caused the collision remained unharmed while the driver of the second commercial vehicle required advanced medical attention and has been treated for non life-threatening injuries. Both of the semi tractor-trailers sustained serious damage to the vehicles as a result of the accident and had to be towed. The accident caused eastbound Interstate 80 near mile marker 124 to remain closed for over an hour and a half while roadway crews cleaned the wreckage. The driver has been cited for improper parking on a roadway, as well as, failing to yield for merging traffic.

According to the Illinois vehicle code, an article found within the Illinois Compiled Statutes, commercial motor vehicle drivers are required to report any traffic violations to the Secretary of State. Any Chicago truck accident attorney will tell you that since the induction of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, each and every person who has been issued an Illinois non-resident Commercial Driver’s License or who is domiciled in the state of Illinois and drivers a commercial motor vehicle is found in violation of a law or local ordinance on any state relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking violations) is required to notify the Secretary of State. Drivers are required to notify the Secretary of State by means of form detailing the violation within 30 days after the date of conviction.

Illinois adopted the Uniform Commercial Driver’s License Act in order to implement the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. Both of these regulations aim to either reduce or prevent commercial motor vehicle accidents, fatalities, and injuries by:
- Permitting commercial vehicle drivers to hold only one driver’s license
- Disqualifying commercial drivers who have committed certain serious traffic violations or another specified offense
- Strengthening commercial driver licensing and testing standards

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our experienced accident attorneys in Chicago to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

BND.com recently published an article detailing new driving laws that will be enacted within the New Year. According to the article read by our Chicago truck accident attorneys, one of the new laws that will go into effect in 2012 is a new seat belt law known as Public Act 97-0016. This safety law requires that passengers in motor vehicle around the state of Illinois must wear a safety belt during vehicle operation. Previously, Illinois law only required that front seat passengers, as well as, individuals under the age of 19 wear safety belts. Many considerations were taken during the development and implementation of the law, especially the increasing rate of traffic accident injuries and fatalities.

Some of the most recent traffic accident statistics provide more insight into the severe epidemic of traffic fatalities. According to recent accident statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is estimated that an injury results from a traffic accident every 15 seconds nationwide, all the while, a fatality results every 13 minutes as a result of a traffic accident. Additional statistics reviewed by our Chicago truck accident lawyers found that preliminary data released by the state of Illinois indicates that over 821 fatalities have resulted in 2011. With all traffic accident statistics considers, the back seat passenger seat belt law will hopefully cause a significant drop in the amount of serious injuries and fatalities that have occurred from traffic accidents across the state.

Additional driving laws that will go into effect in the upcoming year include speed limits for drivers of large commercial vehicles. The new law increases a truck’s (with the gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds) speed limit from 55 mph - 65 mph on four-lane highways with medians outside of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.

Another Illinois driving law that will directly affect large commercial vehicle drivers will involve mobile device use. As part of the new regulation established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to limit the number of Illinois trucking accidents, Illinois troopers will be required to enforce that prohibited use of hand-held mobile device use by anyone driving a commercial vehicle.

Exceptions to this regulation will only be accepted under the following conditions: the driver is using a hands-free communication device, the driver has moved the commercial vehicle to the side of or off a roadway where the vehicle remains stationary, and/or the driver is involved in an emergency that would required services provided by the police or firemen.

After an Illinois trucking accident took the life of a 68 year-old woman earlier this month, a Rockton town board is appealing to the state of Illinois to improve roadway conditions to prevent a similar accident from ensuing in the future. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers read an article on RRStar.com detailing the proposed upgrades for the Illinois 2 intersection which was the site of the fatal accident when the accident victim attempted to turn east on Roscoe Road and was struck by a northbound semi tractor-trailer. According to town board members, the intersection has been a common cause of concern due to various line-of-sight issues and a hill that comes to a crest at the Roscoe Road intersection.

In a unanimous vote by the town board to upgrade the intersection at Roscoe Road and to eventually widen the roadway from two to four lanes within the next fiscal year, the town is pleading with the Illinois Department of Transportation to help make this goal possible. While the untimely fatality of the 68 year-old woman prompts roadway changes, local officials in Rockton have made several attempts over the years to expand the highway and improve the Roscoe Road intersection. In fact, only a few short months ago the Illinois Department of Transportation began a $21 million roadway improvement project that will ultimately expand Illinois 2 to four lanes from Elmwood Road to Latham Road – an approximate stretch of three miles.

Unfortunately, despite the significant number of traffic accidents that occur at this particular dangerous intersection, it may ultimately take several years before the improvements are complete. Any Chicago truck accident attorney will tell you that although many traffic accidents are caused by driver error, another common cause motor vehicle accidents is roadway conditions and/or failure to promptly improve roadways. In order to properly handle and repair these roadway conditions, state transportation agencies across the country should not worry about constructing new roadways, but instead focus on updating existing roadways to meet the current and future needs of that particular road.

When improvements to roadway safety are implemented, a substantial dent is made in the rate of traffic accidents that occur nationwide each year. Our accident lawyers in Chicago continue to encourage annual improvements to roadways, as well as, safe operation for drivers of any and all types of vehicles. With the holidays rapidly approaching, drivers must exercise the utmost care when operating their vehicles in order to prevent the recurrence of these types of devastating motor vehicle accidents.

Earlier today, PekinTimes.com posted a report detailing a destructive Illinois trucking accident that sent five individuals to the hospital after a semi tractor-trailer drove off an Interstate 474 bridge onto Illinois Route 29. According to initial reports, the accident transpired when the 25 year-old driver of a semi truck was attempted to pass another semi truck while traveling westbound on Interstate 474 in Creve Coeur. Due to an unknown reason, the semi truck driver lost control of his commercial vehicle and ran off the median side shoulder of the interstate highway and struck the overpass bridge at Illinois Route 29. Upon collision, the semi truck’s trailer separated from the vehicle and fell onto the overpass of Illinois Route 29 into the northbound lanes.

The separated trailer from the commercial vehicle resulted in subsequent collisions on Illinois Route 29 involving two passenger vehicles. As a result of the accident, the semi tractor-trailer began expelling diesel fuel causing a fire to ensue on both Route 29 and Interstate 474. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read that over 20 fire trucks and ambulances were called to the scene to handling the resulting blaze, which ultimately caused traffic to come to a complete halt in all directions. Illinois State Police at the scene revealed that the driver of the semi truck, both drivers of the passenger vehicles, as well as, two passengers of the vehicles required further medical assistance at area hospitals.

The devastating accident, which transpired at around 5 p.m. Friday evening, caused Illinois Route 29 to remain closed to traffic in both north and southbound lanes for well over four hours. Additionally, traffic was not permitted to enter the westbound and eastbound lanes of Interstate 474 until around 9:15 p.m. According to the news report, a source at the scene believes that the initial collision and lost vehicle control was caused by a blow to the semi tractor-trailers front tire. Illinois State Police are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the accident and no charges have been filed.

A tragic Illinois trucking accident, such as the one previously mentioned, transpires nearly every day on our busy and hectic roadways. Victims of these accidents often incur serious and debilitating injuries, as well as, subsequent medical expenses. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our experienced accident attorneys in Chicago to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

A 40 year-old man was fatally injured in a devastating Illinois trucking accident that transpired earlier this week. According to STLToday.com, the accident victim was traveling along Champ Clark Bridge – which connects Missouri into Illinois – when logging equipment being hauled by a semi tractor-trailer traveling in front of the vehicle became unfastened and collided with the 40 year-olds passenger vehicle head-on.

Illinois State Police at the scene released a statement disclosing that despite the logging equipment, which has been described to look similar to an over-sized forklift, being properly secured by safety chains to the truck’s trailer … the chains broke when the Illinois semi truck driver struck the guardrail on the bridge.

The tragic collision caused the bridge to be closed for over six hours while authorities conducted a proper investigation and provided temporary repairs on the damaged guardrail. The 50 year-old Illinois semi truck driver has received a citation for improper lane usage – given that he left his lane and subsequently struck the bridge’s guardrail.
According to the news report, our Chicago trucking accident lawyers read that the semi truck driver may face additional charges due to the fact that the tractor-trailer may have been too wide for the narrow two-lane Champ Clark Bridge.

Any Chicago truck accident attorney will tell you that when a large commercial vehicle travels with an unsecured load, the results can be potentially life-threatening and disastrous for drivers, passengers, as well as, their vehicles. A 2004 study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that well over 25,000 motor vehicle accidents occur each year as a direct result of a semi tractor-trailer’s unsecured cargo.

Despite information provided in the previously mentioned news report that the driver of the commercial vehicle did have his cargo properly secured before colliding into the bridge’s guardrail, all commercial vehicle license holders are held to elevated standard of care levels that mandate that reasonable care be exercised in order to avoid any and all types of collisions.

If you have been involved in a collision involving a commercial vehicle’s unsecured load or have lost a loved one in a tragic Illinois trucking accident, please contact a Chicago accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti. With the Statute of Limitations in Illinois requiring that motor vehicle accident claims be filed within a two year period after the accident, it is important to seek experienced legal guidance as soon as possible.

An Illinois trucking accident that transpired earlier today in Saline County has left one woman in critical condition, according to a report posted by WPSDLocal6.com. Illinois State Police revealed that the accident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Illinois Route 34 at Mt. Moriah Road when a 42 year-old driver of a semi tractor-trailer collided into the rear-end of a passenger vehicle that was traveling north on Route 34. The 44 year-old passenger vehicle driver sustained personal injury that required advanced medical attention when she was rear-ended attempting to slow down to turn west onto Mt. Moriah Road. The accident currently remains under investigation and the semi truck driver has received a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Any Chicago truck accident attorney will tell you that when any type of vehicle, particularly a semi tractor-trailer, fails to reduce speed in order to avoid an accident – the results are almost always disastrous and tragic. Under current Illinois Statute, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident is considered a petty offense, one that can only be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. Additional components of the Illinois Compiled Statutes governing Vehicle Codes provides further explanation on general speed restrictions for Illinois drivers:

“The fact that speed of a vehicle does not exceed the applicable maximum speed limit does not relieve the driver from the duty to decrease speed under the following conditions:
- When approaching and crossing an intersection
- Approaching and going around a curve
- When approaching a hill crest
- When traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway
- When special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reasons of weather or highway conditions”

Furthermore, as applicable to the previously mentioned Illinois trucking accident, speed must be decreased as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person or vehicle on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.

Legislation by governing authorities concerning motor vehicle travel is enacted in order to help prevent accidents causing injury and fatality, in addition to, holding those who violate these regulations accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, in many cases, even if a fine is imposed for negligent driving that leads to an accident – no compensation is provided for accident victims who have incurred various medical expenses, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.

If you have been injured Illinois auto accident, please contact our accident lawyers in Chicago to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

The SouthTown Star posted an online report earlier today detailing the untimely death of a 72 year-old Chicago Heights man as the result of an Illinois trucking accident. According to Illinois State Police, the accident transpired near U.S. Route 45/52 and 2900 North Road near West Frankfort, Illinois. The 72 year-old man was traveling east when the vehicle failed to stop at the roadway’s intersection. An oncoming semi tractor-trailer traveling south subsequently struck the vehicle as it entered the intersection. The driver of the passenger vehicle was ejected from his vehicle upon collision and was pronounced dead the scene. The driver of the semi truck and his two passengers were uninjured in the accident which still remains under investigation.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys know that despite frequent news reports each day about semi truck accidents resulting from truck driver negligence, often times the unsafe acts of passenger vehicle drivers causes these devastating accidents to transpire. Given that a majority of commercial vehicles are abundant in size (18-wheelers) as well as weight (80,000 pounds) any driver error can prove catastrophic. It is no surprise that when a collision occurs with a vehicle that weighs significantly more than an average automobile, the driver and the occupants of the passenger vehicle sustained the greatest personal injury and unfortunately in many situations, an untimely death.

In order to avoid another devastating Illinois trucking accident, our attorneys recommend that all passenger vehicle drivers adhere to the following safety guidelines when sharing the road with large commercial vehicles:

- Stay clear of truck’s blind sports:
- Keep an adequate following distance between your vehicle and the semi truck
- Always ensure there is sufficient space before passing a semi truck
- Avoid abruptly changing lanes in front of a commercial vehicle
- Always consider that a semi tractor-trailer requires significantly more time to come to a complete stop, given its size and weight

When proper steps are taken to avoid these potentially life-threatening accidents, the risk factors substantially decrease. Unfortunately, as we all know, motor vehicle accidents can occur unexpectedly -- even when a driver is operating safely. If you have been injured in an automobile accident, or have lost a loved one in a collision, please contact our attorneys at Levin & Perconti. Our experienced Chicago accident lawyers will provide a free initial consultation to see what legal rights, representation and relief may be available to you.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read a report posted yesterday on the MadisonRecord.com detailing a recently filed Illinois truck accident lawsuit on behalf of the accident victim’s parents. Filed in the Madison County Circuit Court, the lawsuit alleges that the defendant truck driver illegal traveled through an intersection – ultimately striking and killing their son.

The Illinois trucking accident transpired in December of 2009 when the accident victim was traveling east on Illinois Route 140 through the intersection at Fosterburg Road in Alton, Illinois. As the victim approached the intersection, the defendant truck driver attempted to make a left-hand turn from the westbound lane causing the subsequent collision.

According to the news report, the complaint alleges that the defendant truck driver saw the victim’s vehicle approaching the intersection in the eastbound lane but still initiated the left-hand turn through the intersection and across the eastbound lanes of Illinois Route 140 even though there was not a green traffic signal permitting his vehicle to make the ultimately fatal turn.

Additional components of the complaint assert that the truck driver negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to yield the right-of-way, failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision, failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to obey a traffic control device, in addition to, attempting to make a left-hand turn even though it was unsafe to do so.

As a result of their son’s death, the family seeks a judgment of more than $200,000 for loss of love, society, companionship, support, services and affection … plus additional costs and other relief the court deems just.

When an Illinois trucking accident takes the life of a loved result, the results can be catastrophic. During this time of mourning, families are often faced with severe and burdening medical and funeral expenses. Trucking accident litigation can provide beneficial aid to those whose lives have been turned upside down as a result of a negligent semi truck driver.

Every Chicago truck accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti maintains extensive experience handling any and all types of motor vehicle collisions, including those involving semi tractor-trailers. Recently, our attorneys obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of the family of a 32-year-old Illinois woman who was killed at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver. During our thorough investigation, it was revealed that the semi truck driver was operating under the influence of marijuana, in addition to, an overloaded tractor-trailer.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our Chicago accident attorneys to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Yesterday, Illinois Interstate 57 closed down for several hours after a destructive Illinois trucking accident. According to a news report posted on Daily-Journal.com, the accident occurred when a semi tractor-trailer hauling an 8,000 pound cargo of furniture rolled over near Bradley. The 36 year-old Chicago semi truck driver told Illinois police that the rollover resulted when he swerved his commercial vehicle in order to avoid a deer. An investigation into the accident revealed that the semi truck driver was driving too fast and lost control of his vehicle. The semi truck driver sustained mild injures that required additional medical attention. He has been cited for improper lane usage and a false log book.

Under regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, trucking carriers shall require all their employed commercial vehicle drivers to record his/her duty status for each 24 hour operational period. In order to comply with hours of service regulations, drivers are required to maintain a log book which tracks when the driver is off-duty, in the vehicle’s sleeper berth, driving, or on-duty and not driving. Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that truckers frequently update their logbooks and note any changes. In the event that the truck driver comes in contact with a law enforcement official, they are required to present their logbook on demand.

As you can see, truck drivers are held to strict regulations when it comes to hours of service and maintaining an up to date log book. Any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that when a large commercial vehicle driver violates hours of service regulations or falsifies their logbook, the driver may be subject to severe and harsh penalty. These penalties range from drivers being placed out of service, fines issued by state and local enforcement, civil penalties issues by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ranging from $1,000 - $11,000 per violation, or even federal criminal penalties brought against the trucker and their carrier.

Truck drivers and their carriers are held to these strict regulations in order to avoid the severity that results from an accident involving an 80,000 pound commercial vehicle. In the event that a truck driver operated in a negligent fashion and an accident ensues, the driver and his/her carrier may be held liable for negligence. If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident, consult a Chicago truck accident attorney to determine if the truck driver and their trucking company can be held liable for your accident injuries and expenses.

An Illinois trucking accident involving ten vehicles transpired in northwest suburban Palatine earlier this morning – according to a report posted on SunTimes.com. At around 4 a.m. this morning, nine cars and a semi truck collided on southbound Route 53 at Northwest Highway. Although the cause of the accident remains unknown, Illinois State Police believe slick roadway conditions was the leading contributing factor in the multi-vehicle collision. Two of the drivers involved in the accident sustained non life-threatening injuries that required medical attention. The collision closed down lanes for several hours while roadway crews cleaned up the wreckage which allegedly involved the semi truck hanging over the edge of the highway.

Although the report does not confirm which of the ten vehicles involved in the collision caused the initial impact, research continuously shows that large commercial vehicles are highly susceptible to accidents due to adverse road conditions. In 2007, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a Large Truck Crash Causation Study to examine the reasons for serious accidents involving large trucks. The study found environmental, as well as, driver factors plays a significant role in trucking accidents around the country. In 2007, over 32,000 truck accidents were attributed to truck drivers traveling too fast for roadway conditions and an additional 29,000 truck accidents were caused by environmental roadway problems.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers know that the past few weeks have brought on an overabundance of adverse roadway conditions that make it difficult for drivers to safely travel. Now more than ever safety habits during vehicle operation must be implemented in order to avoid a devastating motor vehicle accident resulting in injury or even death. This winter, our attorneys urge readers to always reduce speed to adapt to roadway conditions, avoid driving fatigued, always ensure vehicle’s tire inflation, as well as, always wearing a safety belt. In the event that roadway conditions become too difficult for travel, avoid driving at all costs. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to travel during the winter months.

In the event that you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, it is important to contact our experienced accident attorneys as soon as possible. Our accident lawyers in Chicago provide a free initial consultation to accident victims to help determine what legal rights and relief may be available.

Yesterday, the Herald News reported an Illinois truck accident on Interstate 57 in Oak Forest, Illinois. During rush hour at around four in the afternoon, a semi truck hauling a cargo of steel rolled over on Interstate 57, subsequently blocking I-80 westbound ramp. Multiple lanes were closed for several hours in an attempt to clean up the wreck caused by the rollover. Local authorities state that only the driver of the commercial vehicle sustained injury that required medical attention – his current condition remains unknown. An investigation into the cause of the disastrous accident remains underway.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers know that rollover accidents can be debilitating and life-threatening collisions that not only plague drivers of commercial vehicles, but a number of other types of passenger vehicles as well. Statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that there are more than 280,000 rollover accidents that occur each year, with over 10,000 fatalities resulting. In the last few years, progressively more commercial vehicles have been involved in rollover collisions. This is due to the fact that semi truck’s often carry heavy loads weighing up to 80,000 pounds that makes the vehicle significantly more top heavy – causing rollover accidents due to the off-balance center of gravity.

When these types of accidents transpire, it is important to look at a number of factors, such as the truck’s driver, the commercial vehicle, as well as, the roadway itself, to determine the cause of the rollover accident. Often times, the semi truck drivers handling of a commercial vehicle plays a significant role in the occurrence of a rollover accident. According to Triodyne.com, an engineering firm that specializes in the safety of mechanical devices, some of the most common contributing factors exhibited by semi truck drivers in a rollover collision include:

- Maneuvering a curve at an excessive speed
- Lack of awareness for commercial vehicle’s limitations
- Lack of anticipation for sharpness of curve
- Failure to adhere to posted speed limits
- Impairment by fatigue, alcohol, drugs, eye-sight or other
- Operated in a reckless, angry or other emotional way

Unfortunately, many times drivers of large commercial vehicles are unaware that the trailer they are hauling is about to rollover until it is too late. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers continue to urge drivers of all types of vehicles, especially heavy trucks, to exercise the utmost safety standards during vehicle operation in order to avoid the reoccurrence of these types of severely dangerous rollover accidents.

WTHITV.com recently reported a devastating Illinois truck accident that took the life of a 2-year-old girl. The fatal accident transpired near the intersection of Illinois Route 33 and Effingham County Road 1950 East when a tow truck traveling westbound crossed the roadway’s center line and collided into a passenger vehicle. The 2-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. The Illinois girl’s parents required additional medical attention for their injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. Local authorities state that the cause of this accident continues to remain under investigation. The 23-year-old driver of the tow truck has been ticketed for his role in the accident.

Harrowing statistics provide that younger children have become increasingly common victims in motor vehicle accidents resulting in injury or fatality. ConsumerReports.org recently revealed that roadway collisions kill approximately 260,000 children a year and injure about 10 million. Tragically, these motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among children ages 10-19 years old, in addition to, the leading cause of disability in children. Additional research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that children ages 0-14 years old are highly susceptible to injury or death in motor vehicle accidents around the country. Statistical figures from the NHTSA provided that of the 42,643 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2003, over 5% (2,136) were children ages 0-14 years old.

Any Chicago truck accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti will tell you that the only way to prevent the devastating injuries that may occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident is to ensure that your child is properly and safely restrained in a child safety seat. Failure to properly fasten a child in a safety seat or seat belt is a common contributive factor is more than half of motor vehicle accident resulting in child injury or death. In the event of a collision, failure for an individual of any age to wear a safety belt significantly increases the likelihood of sustained serious injury or death.

If you or your child has been injured in an Illinois truck accident, you may be able to obtain compensation for damages incurred. Common damages include compensation for: lost wages, medical bills, funeral expenses, in addition to, physical and emotional pain and suffering. Please contact our Chicago truck accident attorneys as soon as possible to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

According to BellevilleNewsDemocrat.com, a Wood River woman plead guilty yesterday to aggravated driving under the influence for her role in an Illinois semi truck accident that killed the passenger in her vehicle. Court records state that the accident transpired in October of 2010 when the woman crashed her passenger vehicle into the back of a semi tractor-trailer on Illinois 143. The semi truck had reduced speed to make a turn when the woman collided into the truck. Later investigations into the crash discovered that the Illinois woman’s blood alcohol content was .162 … well over Illinois’s legal limit of .08. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that not only can the driver receive up to 14 years in prison for her role in the devastating accident but this was her second offense resulting from driving under the influence.

When a motor vehicle is operated by an alcohol impaired driver, the risk for accidents resulting in injury or even death substantially increases. According to DUI.com, Illinois accounted for well over 4,000 DUI arrests in 2009 alone. Driving under the influence should never be tolerated, especially considering that every day, at least 30 fatalities result from motor vehicle accidents in the United States due to an alcohol impaired driver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2009 well over 10,800 individuals were killed in traffic accidents involving an alcohol impaired driver. Regrettably, drunk driving accidents account for nearly 1/3 of all traffic related fatalities in the United States each year.

Our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers continue to strongly urge our readers to avoid driving under the influence at all costs. Alcohol-related accidents can be severe and life-changing --- especially when a large commercial vehicle is involved. Semi trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, are capable of creating immense damage in a motor vehicle collision … whether through the fault of the semi truck driver or the passenger vehicle driver. Not only can an injury or fatality result from these destructive accidents, but as the previously mentioned article highlights, alcohol-impaired drivers may be subjected to criminal or civil charges.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident due to an alcohol impaired driver, please contact our Illinois personal injury attorneys. Our experienced accident attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights and representation may be available to you.

NBCChicago.com posted a report detailing an Illinois semi truck accident that transpired late light night on Interstate 94 near Cottage Grove Avenue. The accident occurred at around 11:15 p.m. when a passenger vehicle traveling in the southbound lane changed lanes and suddenly decreased speed in front of a semi tractor-trailer to avoid a motor vehicle accident. The semi truck was unable to slow down in time to avoid collision and ultimately struck the passenger vehicle. After striking the passenger vehicle, the semi truck attempted to swerve and subsequently overturned.

Drivers of both vehicles were taken to a nearby hospital for injuries that were deemed non-life threatening. It took well over 5 hours to roadway crews to clean up the destructive accident. Fortunately, our Chicago truck accident attorneys read, that none of the semi truck’s cargo of hazardous material was expelled onto the roadway as a result of the accident. According to Illinois State Police, citations for this accident are still pending as of this morning.

When a semi truck collision occurs with a commercial vehicle containing a shipment of hazardous materials, the results are often times extremely life-threatening. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are more than 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials in large commercial vehicles every day on our roadways. These hazardous materials mainly consist of flammable liquids, such as gasoline of other flammable gases. Of those 800,000 shipments, about 200 hazardous materials trucks are involved in fatal semi truck accidents, while 5,000 are involved in nonfatal accidents each year.

Although the number of injury-resulting or fatal crashes attributed to hazardous material carrying semi tractor-trailers is relatively small compared to the number of large commercial vehicles that are involved in fatal crashes annual, the potential for human injury, as well as, property damage in hazardous material crashes is significantly greater.

If you or a loved one have suffered personal injury or a tragic loss as a direct result of an Illinois semi truck accident, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for the damages sustained. These damages include, but are not limited to, compensatory damages which seek to provide the accident victim compensation for a particular loss or injury that was sustained as a direct result of the unlawful conduct of another. Additionally, in certain situations punitive damages, which intend to punish the wrongdoer for their negligent or careless conduct, may be awarded.

In the event of a motor vehicle accident, please contact our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers to see what legal rights and remedies may be available to you.

The ChicagoSunTimes.com recently reported an Illinois semi truck accident that took the life 62 year-old Lee County man. The man was traveling in his pickup truck at intersection of Galena and Jones roads in Little Rock Township when his vehicle crossed the yellow line. The pickup truck subsequently collided head-on with an oncoming semi truck. The pickup truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the commercial vehicle sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Kendall County law enforcement is currently conducting an extensive investigation into the accident.

Illinois semi truck accidents often results in serious, as well as, fatal consequences. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently conducted a nationwide study into accidents involving various types of commercial vehicles, such as semi trucks and tractor-trailers. It was determined that in 2010, over 500,000 large trucks and commercial vehicles were involved in motor vehicle accidents, with over 100,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths resulting from these devastating accidents. Given the fact that large commercial vehicles can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds, it is not surprising the tragic consequences often ensue when a semi truck collides with a passenger vehicle.

The Chicago semi truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti strongly urge passenger vehicle drivers to exercise extreme caution when traveling near large commercial vehicles. Although often times a semi truck accident occurs as a direct result of semi truck driver error, it is important to note that driver error on behalf of a passenger vehicle driver is also an extremely common cause of semi truck accidents. Safe driving habits, as well as, defensive driving measures should always be taken to avoid a potentially fatal accident. Drivers of all types of vehicles should always: take extra caution at intersections, avoid a semi truck’s blind spot, adapt to road conditions and adverse weather, as well as, always wear a safety belt.

Having represented hundreds of victims of negligence, our attorneys know firsthand the devastating effects that accidents have on victims and their entire families. In the event of a semi truck accident, it is important that the injured motorist of the family of an individual killed in a collision contact an experienced Illinois truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Our knowledgeable accident attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

According to a report published by DailyRegister.com, a Thompsonville man has sustained serious injuries after colliding with a commercial vehicle. The Illinois semi truck accident transpired when the 68-year-old driver of a passenger vehicle failed to yield at the intersection of Macedonia Road and State Route 34 causing a collision with an oncoming semi tractor-trailer.

The passenger vehicle driver was not wearing his safety belt at the time of the collision and sustained extensive injuries that required him to be airlifted to a nearby hospital. The 68-year-old has received a citation from local authorities for failure to yield at an intersection. The semi truck driver was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident and remained unharmed. Illinois 34 near Franklin County Road remained closed for over three hours while road crews cleaned up the wreckage.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers cannot stress enough the importance of wearing a safety belt each time a vehicle is operated. Even though seat belt use in on the rise nationwide, recent findings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that over 68% of drivers and passengers between the ages of 16 and 20 are killed in motor vehicle crashes each year due to failure to wear a safety belt. Unfortunately, the same statistics holds true from drivers up to the age of 44.

Despite common misconceptions about seat belt use, seat belts save over 11,000 lives each year. The purpose of a seat belt is to hold vehicle occupants (the driver and their passengers) in place in the event that the vehicle abruptly stops. Even though many drivers state that seat belt use is unnecessary when making a short trip, research conducted by the Louisiana State Police found that 85% of crashes occur within five miles of the driver’s residence.

Another common misconception is that seat belt use is pointless if a motor vehicle is equipped with air bags. Although almost every motor vehicle on our roadways nowadays is fully equipped with air bags, these safety devices are only provided as a supplemental restraint system. This means that in order to achieve maximum safety benefits from an air bag, one must also use a safety belt.

The Illinois semi truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti know that simple safe driving habits, such as regular seat belt use, obeying posted speed limits, adjusting to adverse road conditions, as well as, avoidance of distracted driving practices can help prevent the thousands of injuries and fatalities each year from Illinois semi truck accidents.

NewsTrib.com recently reported that a semi truck driver is currently listed in critical condition after an Illinois semi truck rollover in La Salle earlier this week. The 54-year-old commercial vehicle driver was traveling along Interstate 80 when his vehicle rolled over on the exit ramp at I-80 westbound and I-39 northbound.

Local authorities state that the semi truck driver failed to properly maneuver his vehicle on the curved ramp which ultimately caused his tractor-trailer to overturn on the driver’s side. Upon rolling over, the vehicle traveled across two northbound lanes, coming to a rest in the middle of the roadway. Fortunately, no other vehicles were affected as a result of the semi truck rollover.

Given the enormous size and weight of commercial vehicles, a serious safety threat is posed in the event of a rollover collision. Due to the increasing number of rollover accidents on our roadways each year, a substantial amount of attention has been garnered on this severely devastating type of accident. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recently conducted a study to evaluate heavy truck rollover accidents from 1994-2002 in order to determine the amount of injuries that occurred as the direct result of a rollover accident.

Though information obtained by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, research found that in 2002, 128 individuals were either incapacitated or fatally injured as a result of a semi truck rollover accident. Of those 128 individuals, only 37.5% were documented as using vehicle restraints, such as safety belts.

Our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys know that large semi tractor-trailers are considerably less maneuverable and must be operated with the utmost care. Although semi truck drivers are required to undergo extensive training and obtain a specialized license in order to operate an 80,000 pound vehicle, often times Illinois semi truck accidents occur through driver error or negligence.

When a commercial vehicle driver operates fatigued, under the influence of alcohol or illegal substance, or distracted (i.e. cell phone use) and causes a semi truck collision with another vehicle, the accident victim may have a cause of action against the truck driver and his trucking company for negligence.

If you or a loved one has sustained injury in a semi truck accident due to a careless or negligent semi truck driver, please contact our experienced truck accident attorneys in Chicago as soon as possible to see what legal remedies may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys read a report on Whig.com detailing a single-vehicle collision involving a semi truck on Illinois Interstate 72. Illinois State Police report that a semi truck was traveling westbound on the interstate when the truck’s driver fell asleep behind the wheel and drove his vehicle off the road. Upon exiting the interstate, the commercial vehicle struck a guardrail and proceeded to destroy over 200 feet of guardrail before colliding into a concrete bridge. The driver of the semi truck received a ticket from Illinois police for improper lane usage and operating a commercial vehicle while fatigued.

Driver fatigue has continued to be one of the leading causes of large commercial vehicle accidents nationwide. Not only does driver fatigue include a semi truck driver falling asleep behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound vehicle, it also slows driver reaction time, as well as, effects judgment and vision. According to research conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 750 fatalities and over 20,000 injuries result each year from fatigued commercial vehicle drivers. Unfortunately, driver fatigue not only plagues drivers of large commercial vehicle, but drivers of passenger vehicles as well.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there are more than 55,000 driver fatigued-related accidents that occur nationwide each year. Although driver fatigue can affect any and all types of drivers, SmartMotorist.com reports that there are five population groups that are at the highest risk based on reports of motor vehicle crashes and self-reports of sleep behavior and driving performance.
- Young People: individuals ages 16-29 with irregular sleep patterns and those who drive long distances late at night
- Shift Workers: individuals whose sleep schedule is disrupted by working at night or long/irregular hours
- Sleep Disorder Victims: individuals with untreated sleep apnea or narcolepsy
- Individuals taking Medications: many medications induce drowsiness
- Drunk Drivers: operated intoxicated additionally aides to drowsiness

In order to prevent the number of devastating injuries and fatalities that result each year from Illinois semi truck accidents, our Illinois truck accident lawyers recommend that drivers of all types of motor vehicles: get sufficient sleep, never driver intoxicated, pull over when drowsy and limit night driving. Drivers who operate fatigue not only put themselves and surrounding vehicles in danger, they may be subjected to harsh fines and other penalties associated with this dangerous offense. If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi truck collision, please contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer to see what legal rights may be available to you.

A preliminary hearing for the semi truck driver who caused the death of another driver in an Illinois semi truck accident earlier this month has received a felony charge of accident involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed to drive. In a report published by CentreDaily.com, the accident transpired when the semi truck driver rear-ended a dump driver on Interstate 80 in Marion Township. The collision caused the dump truck to driver off the road and caused a subsequent roll-over. Although the 24-year-old driver of the dump truck was wearing his seat belt at the time of the collision, he was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering substantial internal bleeding due to a lung laceration.

Yesterday, an Illinois district judge found a considerable amount of evidence to bind over the charges to trial, due to the fact that it would have had to take a significant impact to force the dump truck off the road. An accident reconstruction specialist, who testified at the preliminary hearing, stated that the semi’s tractor-trailer was overweight, in addition to, having brake issues at the time of the Illinois semi truck accident. Additional evidence, such as toxicology results of the semi truck driver are still pending. The semi truck driver is currently being held on a $150,000 straight bail.

The risk of a large commercial vehicle accident resulting in death and/or serious injury progressively increases with each extra ton of weight over the 80,000 pound federal legal limit the vehicle maintains. According to research conducted at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, even when a semi truck weighs the legal 80,000 pounds, it is more than twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a truck weighing about 50,000 pounds. Additionally, large commercial vehicles weighing the legal limit or over require a substantial amount of stopping time – subsequently often resulting in collisions due to inability to stop in time.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers share extensive knowledge and experience when handling devastating Illinois semi truck accidents such as this one. We continue to provide legal representation to those whose lives have been turned upside down as the result of a semi truck accident. Negligent semi truck drivers and their trucking companies need to be held responsible for the harm they have inflicted by means of compensatory and punitive damages. If you or someone you know has been severely injured or killed as a result of a trucking accident, please contact an Illinois semi truck accident attorney to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, Illinois State Police conducted a Commercial Vehicle Overweight Detail to investigate commercial vehicle violations in Gallatin County – according to a report published by Tristate-Media.com. The early morning investigation resulted in over fourteen commercial vehicles being weighed, of which two of the vehicles were issued citations for overweight violations while four vehicles received written warnings. Illinois State Police also issued additional citations and written warnings to commercial vehicle drivers for other discovered violations unrelated to excess weight.

The increase in law enforcement of commercial vehicles in Illinois District 19 is due in a large part to the 40 Illinois semi truck accidents that have transpired in 2011, of which five resulted in fatalities. The report states that Illinois law enforcement will continue to focus on commercial vehicle violations ranging from speeding, overweight, equipment, as well as, Commercial Driver’s License violations.

When the driver of a large commercial vehicle is found in violation of federal or state regulations, whether through an unsafe vehicle or questionable driving, a significant threat is posed to the safety of our roadways. Due to a large number of traffic deaths caused by commercial vehicles, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was established in 1986 to improve highway safety by ensuring that drivers of large trucks and buses are properly trained to operate such vehicles, in addition to, help remove unsafe and unqualified drivers from highway travel.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act also details major commercial vehicle violations that could result in the disqualification of a commercial vehicle driver. Some of the serious violations in the Act include:
- Speeding Excessively: any speed of 15 mph or more of the posted speed limits
- Driving Recklessly: in a manner that poses a threat to the safety of persons or property
- Making Improper or Erratic Lane Changes
- Driving a Commercial Vehicle Without Obtaining a Commercial Vehicle License
- Driving a Commercial Vehicle Without CVL in Driver’s Possession
- Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Controlled Substance

When any of the above mentioned violations plays a contributing factor in a semi truck accident, the driver of the commercial vehicle, as well as, his/her trucking company may be subject to civil trucking litigation for their role in an accident that resulted in injury or death. If you have been injured at the hands of a careless or negligent semi truck driver or have lost a loved one in a semi truck accident, please contact a Chicago semi truck accident lawyer. Our experienced Illinois accident attorneys will provide a free consultation to help determine what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Yesterday, our Chicago truck accident lawyers read a report on WGIL.com detailing an Illinois semi truck accident that sent two drivers to the hospital. According to the report, the 91-year-old driver of a passenger vehicle was traveling southbound on 300N in McDonough County when the driver failed to yield to an oncoming semi tractor-trailer carrying a cargo of corn at the intersection of 1800E. The semi truck collided into the passenger side of the motor vehicle causing both vehicles to travel off the roadway -- resulting in the semi truck’s rollover. Both drivers, as well as, their vehicles sustained severe damages. The driver of the passenger vehicle has received a citation for failure to yield at a stop intersection for his role in the accident.

With the gradual increase in large commercial vehicles traveling the roadways in the United States in recent years, the number of accidents has significantly increased. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois semi truck accidents have accounted for between 8.6% - 10.6% of all fatal traffic accidents in the past five years. Additionally, in the United States, it is estimated that over 500,000 accidents involving commercial vehicles take place each year – according to the United States of Department of Transportation. Of those accidents, nearly 5,000 resulted in fatality.

In order to prevent the serious injuries and fatalities that result each year from semi truck accidents, drivers of passenger vehicles must exercise the same standard of care as that is required by semi truck drivers when operating their vehicle. This means that passenger vehicle drivers must always travel carefully around large commercial vehicles. Given the sheer size and weight of semi trucks, it makes it increasingly difficult for these vehicles to steer or maneuver to avoid a collision. Simple safe driving practices, such as obeying speed limits and avoiding a semi truck’s blind spot, can help make our roadways a safer place to travel.

Our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys continue to urge readers to drive carefully around large commercial vehicles. Collisions involving semi trucks, whether through the fault of the passenger vehicle driver or the semi truck driver, can cause severe property damage, injury, or even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, please contact our experienced Illinois personal injury lawyers for a free consultation to determine what legal rights may be available to you.

The Northwest Herald recently reported the settlement of an Illinois semi truck accident lawsuit. After a four day trial, the estate of a woman who was killed as a result of a head on collision with a semi truck was awarded $1.275 million. The fatal semi truck accident occurred several years ago when the 27-year-old was heading north on an Illinois interstate when her vehicle was struck head on by a commercial vehicle. The driver of the semi truck was originally charged with reckless homicide when it was alleged that she fell asleep behind the wheel – but charges were later dismissed. The truck driver ultimately plead guilty to improper lane use, in addition to, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. She was sentenced to a year of conditional discharge and a $1,000 fine.

The victim’s family and friends spoke to the jury during the trial to determine the amount of damages to be awarded. After a two hour jury deliberation, the jury awarded the family over one million dollars for their devastating loss, grief, sorrow, and mental suffering due to the untimely death of their 27-year-old daughter. During the criminal proceedings, prosecutors were unable to prove that the truck driver acted recklessly at the time of the accident. Although evidence did not prove that the truck driver suffered from a medical condition or impairment that could cause this type of accident, expert witnesses suggested that given the truck driver’s failure to change vehicle direction or speed while drifting into the oncoming lane is highly consistent when a driver has fallen asleep.

Our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers know that when the operator of a large commercial vehicle becomes drowsy or fatigued, the accident rate substantially increases – putting the driver, as well as, surrounding passenger vehicles at high risk. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 750 fatalities and 20,000 injuries result each year from fatigued commercial vehicle drivers. In addition, each year truck driver fatigue has played a sole contributing factor in as many as 30-40% of semi truck accidents. This risk substantially increases when a semi truck driver is operating alone as opposed to being accompanied by a passenger.

The untimely death of a family member is a devastating loss and can cause substantial grief. When the negligent driving of another vehicle causes this type of accident, the victim’s family may be able to seek compensation for their loss. Please contact a Chicago truck accident accident attorney if you or a loved one has been critically injured or killed at the hands of a drowsy driver for a free consultation to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys recently read a report on WQAD.com detailing an area semi truck accident that ensued on Interstate 74 and Route 81. The accident transpired when a semi truck driver, transporting a cargo of cattle, fell asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle. The driver lost control of his vehicle causing the subsequent overturn of his tractor-trailer – expelling over 30 cattle onto the roadway. The overturned semi truck and loose cattle caused an additional two collisions with oncoming passenger vehicles. Fortunately, the drivers involved in this accident sustained minor injuries and the cattle remained unharmed. The accident currently remains under investigation and the driver of the commercial vehicle has received two citations for his role in the Illinois semi truck accident.

Our posts frequently discuss the devastating harm that results from the improper operation of large commercial vehicles. Driver fatigue has consistently proved to be one of the most common, as well as, one of the most dangerous driving errors committed by drivers of large tractor-trailers. According to the Large Truck Causation Study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to be fatigued at the time of their crashes. Fatigue is a common result of physical or mental exertion that can significantly impair a driver’s performance. A number of factors can lend to driver fatigue including: lack of quality sleep, increased work hours, as well as, demanding driving hours.

To prevent the hundreds of accidents that occur each year due to driver fatigue, the FMSCA recommends that commercial vehicle drivers always:
- Get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Take nap or rest when needed
- Avoid medication that induces drowsiness
- Recognize signals and dangers of drowsy driving

When any type of driver error plays a role in a semi truck collision, the harm sustained by accident victims is often life changing. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers recently obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of an Illinois family who sustained severe harm in a commercial vehicle accident caused by a negligent semi truck driver. The driver of the semi truck was found to be operating an overloaded trailer, as well as, under the influence of marijuana when he collided into a passenger vehicle killing a 32-year-old woman and severely injuring her husband and son.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois personal injury attorney for a free consultation to see what legal rights may be available to you.

In early August, our Illinois semi truck accident blog reported a fatal multi-vehicle collision in Buffalo Grove. The accident, which occurred south of Kirchoff Road on Route 53, ensued when the 23-year-old driver of a passenger vehicle struck a tractor-trailer and in turn collided with the driver of a disabled roadside pickup truck. An investigation into the accident concluded that the driver of the passenger vehicle was using her cell phone at the time of the collision that ultimately caused the death of the disabled vehicle driver. At the time, the woman faced charges of improper lane change, driving on the shoulder of the road, in addition to, using an electronic device while driving.

In an article recently published by the Daily Herald, it was reported that the Cook County State’s Attorney has decided to dismiss the charges against the 23-year-old to allow Illinois State Police to further investigate if more serious charges will be filed in this case. The woman admitted to authorities in the police report that she was scrolling down her cell phone contact list when she collided with the semi truck. The family of the deceased has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the 23-year-old and is seeking at least $50,000 in damages.

An Illinois wrongful death lawsuit can be filed on the basis that the wrongful or negligent conduct of an individual caused the premature death of another. In this case, the passenger vehicle driver may be held liable for wrongful death on the grounds that she operated her vehicle in a negligent way – through the use of her cell phone – which ultimately caused the fatal accident. Wrongful death lawsuits vary from personal injury claims due to the fact that the family of the deceased brings about the cause of action. In order to bring about this type of claim, a strict statute of limitations must be adhered to in order proceed with civil litigation. In the state of Illinois, depending on the type of accident, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is 2 years.

If you have been involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, it is important obtain legal guidance from an experienced Chicago accident attorney. Having represented hundreds of victims of negligence, our attorneys share comprehensive knowledge when handling these types of devastating, as well as, life-altering accidents. Please contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer to see what legal relief and representation may be available to you.

A semi truck accident involving two commercial vehicles transpired earlier this morning in Morton, Illinois – according to MortonTimesNews.com. According to Illinois State Police, at around 4:20 this morning a semi truck was traveling westbound along Interstate 74 when the 63-year-old commercial vehicle driver lost control of his vehicle. A second semi truck traveling behind the truck was unable to avoid the vehicle and caused a subsequent collision. The collision caused the first semi truck to overturn causing the truck’s cargo of frozen chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls to spill onto the interstate. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries. The Illinois semi truck accident caused traffic to be rerouted for several hours while road crews cleaned up the spilled cargo. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers know that semi truck accidents occur each day on our roadways due to a number of factors. Although drivers of large commercial vehicles are specially trained to operate 80,000 pound vehicles and transport them thousands of miles, one wrong move could prove fatal for the driver, as well as, surrounding vehicle drivers. Some of the most common factors contributing to a semi truck accident include:
- Unsafe Operation: General poor driving, excessive speed, cell phone use
- Driver Impairment: Operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Driver Fatigue: A sleepy driver is just as dangerous as a drunk driver
- Unsecured Loads: A truck’s cargo may come loose during travel and expel off vehicle
- Un-Maintained Vehicles: a defective vehicle or part poses an extreme roadway threat

When any of the above mentioned factors contributes to a semi truck collision, accident victims may seek legal relief for damages incurred. Given the fact that these types of accidents tend to be more severe and life-altering than most types of motor vehicle accidents, it is important to obtain an experienced Chicago semi truck accident attorney to help handle your claim. Our attorneys have expertly handled a number of personal injury and wrongful death claims and ensure that our clients are properly compensated for their devastating injuries and losses. Accident victims may obtain compensation for various damages including: loss of wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, in addition to, punitive damages that aim to punish the wrongdoer’s negligent behavior.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois personal injury attorney to help evaluate your case.

The State Police of District 16 in Illinois released earlier this week a summary of their September 2011 monthly statistics for law enforcement activity. In an article published by Journal Standard.com, it was reported that District 16, which serves Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson, and Jo Daviess counties, handled over 1,433 incidents during the month of September. Of those 1,433 incidents, over 1,355 involved troopers on field patrol. Overall, Illinois State Troopers issued 366 citations for drivers violating speed laws, 97 seat belt violations, as well as, 22 arrests made for driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, troopers inspected over 103 Illinois semi trucks to determine if federal compliance standards were being met in accordance with regulations mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. After a thorough investigation of large commercial vehicles, 31 were placed out of service due to driver or vehicle violations.

In 2010, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance released updated Out-of-Service Criteria for placing commercial vehicles out-of-service during roadside vehicle inspections. Serious violations are defined as those that render a commercial vehicle or commercial vehicle driver an immediate threat to the general public. A vehicle or driver will be placed out of service until the issues are remedied or repaired. The following contains several criteria which may render a vehicle or driver out-of-service:

Defective Breaks: a vehicle will be placed out of service if 20% or more of its service breaks has one of the following defects
- Any steering axle brake defect
- Won’t actuate effectively or friction material won’t contact drum/rotor.
- Audible air leak at chamber.
- Missing brake on any axle required to have brakes.
Brake smoke/fire
- Brake malfunction causing smoke or fire to emit from wheel end, not including overheating due to severe brake use.
Fuel Systems
- Dripping leak anywhere, including reefer/heater fuel system.
- Fuel tank loose due to broken or missing bolts and/or brackets.
Securement of Cargo
- Cargo that is likely to roll is not restrained by chocks, wedges, cradle or other equivalent means
- Articles secured by transverse tiedowns are not in direct contact with one another and are not prevented from shifting while in transit.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers commend the efforts of our state police department to help make our roadways a safer place to travel. Strict commercial vehicle regulations are enacted to help prevent the thousands of semi truck accidents that occur each year. It is important to not only have these regulations put in place, but to have law enforcement rigorously enforce these rules and regulations. When commercial vehicle violations are identified, it helps put the focus back on maintaining the utmost vehicle safety, as well as, saving lives.

Our Cook County truck accident lawyers read an article on KMOV.com earlier today detailing a fatal Illinois semi truck accident. At around 6:35 this morning, a semi tractor-trailer was entering the Connoco Phillips Refinery in Hartford, Illinois, when an oncoming pickup truck collided into the semi’s trailer. The driver of the pickup truck was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. As of press time, it is unknown if the driver of the commercial vehicle sustained any injuries. An investigation into the accident is currently underway and an autopsy, as well as, a toxicology test is scheduled on the pickup truck driver to determine the exact cause of death.

Unsafe driving habits exhibited by passenger vehicle drivers has become an increasing cause of semi truck accidents resulting in injury and/or death. Given that fact that large commercial vehicles operate in a completely different manner than smaller motor vehicles, many motorists are unawares of a semi truck’s performance capabilities. The performance capabilities of large commercial vehicles range from variability in acceleration, breaking, in addition to, visibility.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently compiled a report titled “The Unsafe Driving Acts of Motorists in the Vicinity of Large Trucks” with identifies many common unsafe driving acts exhibited by motorists that contribute to collisions with large commercial vehicles. Some of the most frequent crash factors exhibited by drivers of passenger vehicles which contributed directly to a fatal collision with a semi truck included:

- Running off the Road/Lane
- Failure to Yield Right of Way
- Unsafe Speed
- Driving Inattentively
- Failure to Obey Traffic Devices
- Erratic/Reckless Driving

To help inhibit the increasing epidemic that is resulting from passenger vehicle and semi truck collisions, the study recommends that motorists should be educated in driving behaviors that may ultimately lead to collisions with commercial vehicles. One suggestion made by the study is to begin educating drivers during driver training of safe way to share the roadways with semi trucks.

Any type of collision with a large commercial vehicle can have a devastating impact on the life of you or a loved one. With over 10,343 crashes involving tractor-trailers occurring in Illinois in 2010, safe driving habits must always be exercised in order to avoid the hundreds of injuries and fatalities that result from Illinois semi truck accidents each year. Our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys always recommend that drivers of all types of vehicles adhere to the following safety tips:

- Never Drive Impaired
- Adhere to Posted Speed Limits
- Avoid Distractions (Cell Phones, Texting)
- Never Drive Fatigued
- Always Wear Safety Belt
- Operate Vehicle Carefully During Adverse Weather
- Practice Defensive Driving
- Maintain Vehicle Maintenance

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer to see what legal rights and representation may be available to you.

An Illinois semi truck accident claimed the life of a 76-year-old McHenry County woman earlier this week. In a report published by the Courier-News, the accident resulted when the passenger vehicle the woman was driving drove into the path of an oncoming semi tractor-trailer. The accident occurred at the dangerous Hampshire intersection of Route 20 and Big Timber Road. The accident caused Route 20 to be closed for several hours while accident an reconstructionist and Illinois trucking officials conducted an investigation into the fatal accident. Local authorities and eye-witnesses at the scene stated that the truck driver never had a chance to stop in time to avoid collision and will not face charges.

The dangerous intersection of Route 20 and Big Timber Road has proven to be a recurring source of motor vehicle collisions within the past several years. Just three years ago a collision at the crossing resulted in injury of four teenagers. According to authorities, the last three accidents at the intersection all involved semi trucks. Illinois and Kane County officials have continued to express concern about the lack of visibility at the dangerous intersection due to the curve on Route 20. The Illinois Department of Transportation has recently recommended the concept of developing the intersection into a roundabout that would require drivers to substantially reduce speed.

Intersections have proven to be a consistent location of devastating accidents often resulting injuries and fatalities. 40% of all motor vehicle fatalities in the United States each year involve drivers who: fail to yield the right-of-way at an intersection, drive through a stop sign, or run a red light, according to the Driving Institute of America. To avoid dangerous intersection accidents, drivers of all types of vehicles should anticipate the hazards associated with crossings and know how to safely and properly avoid them. SafetyInfo.com provides helpful driving tips to avoid these potentially fatal collisions:

- Approach intersections with caution. Be alert that cross traffic may not adhere to traffic signals.
- When crossing an uncontrolled intersection, allow enough time to clear the entire roadway without interfering with oncoming traffic.
- Exercise extreme caution at uncontrolled intersections where large vehicles are traveling.

Our Illinois semi truck accident lawyers continue to encourage drivers to exercise safe driving habits each time a vehicle is operated. Many accidents can be avoided when drivers stay attentive and adhere to traffic safety laws. Unfortunately, countless accident result each day from drivers who operate in a careless and negligent manner. If your or a loved one has been injured as a result of driver negligence, please contact an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney to seek what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys recently read a report on the MadisonCountyRecord.com detailing a newly filed lawsuit against a semi truck driver for his role in a fatal semi truck accident that caused the death of a pedestrian. The accident occurred in late August when the victim was walking west on Chain of Rocks Road in Chouteau Township when she was struck by an oncoming commercial vehicle. As a result of the accident, the victim sustained severe internal bleeding and punctures to both of her lungs. The injuries the victim incurred unfortunately lead to her untimely death shortly after --leaving behind her two minor children.

A relative of the victim has filed a lawsuit against both the truck driver, as well as, his trucking company for their role in the fatal Illinois semi truck accident. The six count complaint filed on September 22 in the Madison County Circuit Court alleges that: the semi truck driver negligently failed to control and stop his truck to avoid the collision, failed to sound his horn to warn of his approach, failure to keep a proper lookout for pedestrians, in addition to, operating his vehicle at an excessive speed.

The complaint also includes the driver’s trucking company alleging that the company: failed to provide the defendant with adequate equipment, failure to equip the truck with adequate warning devices, failure to prevent the defendant from driving his vehicle too quickly, failure to install proper traffic signals to warn pedestrians of the truck’s approach, as well as, failure to install proper devices to control the defendant’s actions. Additionally, the suit alleges that the trucking company was negligent in hiring the defendant and failing to properly train employees to ensure the safety of others.

When a devastating collision, such as this one, occurs the results can be life-altering for the victim and their families. In this case, the victim endured severe pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical expenses, sustainment of a physical disability, as well as, loss of life enjoyment leading up to her premature death. When this type of severe harm is sustained, civil litigation can help victims and their families receive compensation, in addition to, punish the wrongdoer for their negligent behavior. If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois truck accident lawyers read a report in the Chicago Tribune detailing a recent Illinois semi truck accident that resulted in the death of an Illinois Department of Transportation employee. Authorities in Will County stated the accident occurred when the construction worker exited a piece of heavy equipment he was operating. The 28-year-old was subsequently struck by a semi tractor truck with a dump trailer that was backing up in the construction zone. State police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident and have issued a citation to the semi truck driver for improper backing.

Construction zones often provide some of the most dangerous breeding grounds for semi truck collisions. Although in this accident the driver of the commercial vehicle received a citation for the improper backing of his semi truck, a citation does not compensate for the devastating loss the victim’s family has sustained. While this news report does not confirm if the victim’s family wishes to seek civil legal action against the semi truck driver, through our experience as Chicago semi truck accident attorneys, that family may have a cause of action for a wrongful death lawsuit.

A wrongful death lawsuit contends that the victim died as a direct result of a negligent or unjust action. In this case, the semi truck driver’s improper handling of his commercial vehicle was a direct cause of the victim’s fatality. Under current Illinois statute, a number of factors must be proven into order to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- A fatality was directly caused by a wrongful act – negligent or through inaction
- The negligent or default act would have entitle the party injured to maintain a cause of action
- Monetary damages have resulted from premature death

A wrongful death lawsuit is substantially different than other types of personal injury claims due to the fact that the victim’s family brings the cause of action. It is important in these types of cases to obtain the legal guidance from an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer. Through civil litigation, our attorney help compensate accident victims and their families for the harm they have sustained as a result of motor vehicle accidents. If you have been involved in a Chicago semi truck accident, please contact our attorneys for a free consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently our Illinois truck accident lawyers read an article on ABCLocal.com detailing a severe semi truck accident that left one driver in serious condition. When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, an SUV was lodged beneath a semi tractor-trailer – resulting in the severe injury of the SUV driver. Local authorities have been unable to determine the cause of the accident, which occurred on Lee Street near Interstate 90 in Rosemont, Illinois. The semi truck driver was unharmed in the accident and issued a citation for failing to yield when making a left hand turn.

Regrettably, driver error in semi truck accidents results in deadly consequences for other drivers on our roadways. In the state of Illinois, there are roughly 5,500 non-fatal truck accidents that occur every year, while nearly 200 truck accidents resulted in fatalities – according to the Center for National Truck and Bus Statistics. Drivers of large commercial vehicles are legally responsible for the safe operation of their vehicle, as well as, exercising a reasonable level of care during their commute. The inability to adhere to these standard care practices often results in severe injury and death.

When the driver of a large commercial vehicle operates in a manner than deviates from the federal and state operation laws and an accident ensues – legal action can often be sought. Truck drivers can face both criminal and civil charges for the negligent operation of their vehicle. In civil truck litigation, accident victims and their families may be able to file suit against a negligent truck driver, in addition to, their trucking company for the personal injury or wrongful death that has resulted from a semi truck accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact a Chicago truck accident attorney. Having represented hundreds of victims of negligence, our attorneys know first hand the devastating effects that accidents have on victims and their entire families. Many times, seriously injured victims are faced with large medical bills, lost income, long recoveries, and even life-long disability. Due to this, victims of motor vehicle accidents should seek legal relief to receive compensation if their accident was caused by the negligence of others. Our truck accident attorneys in Chicago will provide a free consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois truck accident lawyers read a report on Commercial-News.com detailing an Illinois semi truck accident that resulted in the injury of the truck’s driver. The driver of the commercial vehicle was traveling along Interstate 74 east of Danville when he attempted to exit the busy roadway. The 55-year-old driver told Illinois police that upon exiting the interstate he became distracted by another driver causing his vehicle to run off the side of the road -- resulting in a subsequent rollover. Authorities state that the driver sustained only minor injuries and has received a citation for driving too fast for conditions.

Given the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles, it makes it increasingly difficult to control and maneuver these large vehicles – especially when operated at an increased speed. With the state of Illinois recently increasing the speed limit for commercial vehicles from 55 mph to 65 mph, we have continued to see an increasing trend of semi truck accidents due to unsafe speeds. Even though semi truck drivers are trained to operate such large vehicles, sometimes a minor driver error can have substantial consequences resulting in injury or even death. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently conducted a study in 2009 that found that over 12,500 deaths resulted in an increase in speed limits throughout the United States between 1995 and 2005.

Every year, our Chicago trucking accident attorneys provide legal representation to victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents – including semi truck accidents. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of an Illinois family who sustained severe damages as the result of a negligent semi truck driver. It was found that the driver of the semi truck was operating under the influence of marijuana, in addition to, operating an overloaded truck. The semi truck accident additionally caused the death of a wife/mother and resulted in a Kane County record $4.7 million wrongful death settlement.

Since 1992, our trucking accident lawyers in Chicago continue to fight for the legal rights of those who have been harmed by the negligent acts of drivers. Semi truck drivers are required to operate their vehicles safely to ensure the safety of surrounding vehicles. Often failure to maintain safety of a semi truck results in devastating consequences. If you or someone you knows life has been altered as the result of a negligent driver, you may be able to obtain compensation for damages incurred, in addition to, punishing the wrongdoer for their careless acts.

Earlier today, our Chicago truck accident attorneys read a report on ChicagoTribune.com detailing an early morning semi truck accident that occurred on the Dan Ryan. At around 1 a.m., inbound local lanes near 57th street had to be shut down as a result of the collision in which one truck jackknifed. Although the initial cause of the collision remains unknown, authorities state that the accident involved multiple semi tractor-trailers. Several injuries were sustained by those involved, but none were considered life-threatening. Illinois police anticipated lanes to remain closed for an extended time, but the crash scene was able to be cleaned faster than expected and all lanes are reopened.

Given the increasing number of vehicles operated on the roadways in the United States each day, driver safety must always be exercised – especially by drivers of large commercial vehicles. With semi truck drivers spending a majority of their year out on our nation’s roads, safety rules and regulations are implemented to prevent accidents resulting in injury – or even fatality. Unfortunately, unsafe semi truck driving habits plague our roadways and result in thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. In 2006, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducted a study which discovered that over 4,995 people are killed each year due to a large truck crash, while over 106,000 injuries resulted in these accidents.

Drivers of large commercial vehicles are required by federal and state laws to safely operate their vehicle, as well as, exercise a reasonable level of care on our roadways. More often than not, failure to safely operate a semi truck increases the likelihood of accidents involving injury or even death. These types of accidents include those involving drunk and/or hit-and-run drivers, uninsured or underinsured motorists, in addition to, accidents occurring from semi truck collisions and rollovers. In a civil court of law, drivers who carelessly operate their vehicle may be held legally liable for negligence if they caused an accident resulting in the harm of another.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers share comprehensive knowledge when handling any and all types of motor vehicle accidents. Victims of these types of accidents may be able to seek legal relief from the damages they have sustained as a result of another’s negligence. These damages include but are not limited to: cost of medical expenses, loss of wages, as well as, physical and emotional pain and suffering. Those who knowingly commit negligent acts should be held legally responsible for the harm inflicted. If you or someone you know has been involved in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact our experienced Chicago accident attorneys for a free consultation to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys read a report on TruckingInfo.com that designated a frequented Chicago highway intersection as the most congested in the United States. According to a new annual report conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute and the Federal Highway Administration, the intersection of I-290 at I-90/I-94 in Chicago is the most congested freight-significant highway interchange in the country. The study found that the average speed through the local intersection during peak congestion is 22.34 mph while at non-peak periods the average speed was 31.89 mph.

The research conducted by the ATRI is done to determine the level of truck-oriented congestion at 250 highway locations around the world. Encompassing a variety of tools and software, the ATRI is able to obtain data from trucking operations to determine the congestion ranking for each location. This continuous research is a part of an initiative titled “Freight Performance Measures” conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute. According to the report, the FPM initiative examines techniques to assess the levels at which truck-based freight was affected by traffic congestion in 2010.

Trucking carriers have commended the efforts of the ATRI to help pinpoint the areas of traffic congestion that affect their drivers and shipments everyday. The CEO of a large trucking carrier was quoted in the article stating that, “strengthening the efficiency of supply chains is becoming a critical component of U.S. economic growth … fortunately, the ATRI’s report goes far in using real-world data to tell us where the impediments lie.” Overall, this type of information is highly useful to private and public sector freight stakeholders that wish to better understand the severity of congestion and mobility constraints experienced along the highway transportation system.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers continue to encourage the development of new technology to help better maintain and navigate our roadways. With that in mind, even with great advances in technology -- our Illinois roadways will continue to remain congested and hazardous. It is always important to adhere to all traffic safety laws and avoid distractions during vehicle operation in order to prevent potentially life-threatening motor vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, please contact a Chicago semi truck accident lawyer. Our attorneys will provide a free consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read a report in the Daily Herald detailing a tragic Illinois semi truck accident that resulted in one fatality. The 38-year-old victim was currently employed as a contractor for the Illinois Department of Transportation in Elmhurst when the accident transpired. According to reports, the victim was standing three feet back on the street corner of York and Lake Streets when an oncoming semi truck turned the corner too sharply – ultimately striking the victim. The contractor was pronounced dead at the scene due to the massive internal injuries he sustained. Illinois State Police confirmed in the report that the semi truck’s turn caused the truck’s trailer to travel over the curb. The 32-year-old Chicago semi truck driver has been cited for improper turn.

Although the Chicago semi truck driver received a citation for the improper handling of his commercial vehicle, a citation does not compensate the victim’s family for their devastating loss. While the report does not confirm if whether the victim’s family wishes to seek civil legal action against the truck driver, from our experience as Illinois accident attorneys, the family may have a cause of action for a wrongful death lawsuit.

A wrongful death lawsuit asserts that the victim’s fatality was a direct result of negligence or another type of unjust action. This type of lawsuit is substantially different than other types of personal injury claims due to the fact that the victim’s family brings the cause of action.
Under current Illinois statute 740 ILCS 180, to file a suit for wrongful death one must be able to prove the following elements:
- A fatality was directly caused by a wrongful act – negligent or default
- The negligent or default act would have entitled the party injured to a maintain an action and recovered damages if death had not resulted
- Monetary damages have resulted from premature death.

Our Chicago accident attorneys continue to provide experienced legal representation to those who have sustained serious harm as the direct result of another’s negligence. Through civil litigation, our attorneys help compensate accident victims and their families for the harm they have sustained due to all types of motor vehicle accidents. If you have been involved in an Illinois motor vehicle accident, please contact an Illinois personal injury attorney to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys recently read a report in the Courier Press recounting a fatal Illinois semi truck accident. The 70-year-old semi truck driver was traveling through a construction zone along Interstate 57 in Southern Illinois when his vehicle collided into numerous roadside concrete barricades. The collision caused the commercial vehicle to overturn off the interstate – subsequently igniting in flames. The blaze caused the roadways to remain closed for a substantial period of time while emergency personnel attempted to put out the flames and remove the driver from the wreckage. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

With daily reports of fatal truck accidents, many seek to distinguish a common factor to explain the causes of these devastating accidents. We increasingly view news reports about crash rates in relation to advanced driver age. The University of Kentucky recently conducted a study to determine whether semi truck driver age affected the likelihood that a semi truck driver would be at fault in a collision with another vehicle. The final results of the study concluded that the age group that was the highest risk for at-fault semi truck collisions were truck drivers ages 65 and older. On the other hand, the study also found that the company of truck passengers had a positive effect on older drivers and lead to fewer accidents.

Presently, there are no maximum age restrictions on drivers of large commercial vehicles. Under current regulations provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial vehicle drivers are mandated to adhere to the following requirements:
- Driver needs to be at least 21-years-old
- Ability to speak and read English
- Must have a valid commercial motor vehicle operator’s license
- Completion of driver road test
- Must be physically qualified to drive – verified by a medical examiner’s certificate
Unfortunately, many medical certificates are hazardously being granted to medically unfit drivers or even forged. In 2006, the Associate Press revealed that violations of federal truck medical rules have been discovered in every state – including Illinois. One of the most frequent violations included failure to carry a valid medical certificate.

Our Illinois accident attorneys continue to provide experienced legal representation to those who have sustained severe harm or even death as the result of driver negligence. Our attorneys seek to hold unsafe carriers and unfit drivers responsible for their negligent conduct. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident, please contact a Chicago personal injury attorney to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read an article on WCFCourier.com that detailed recently dismissed criminal charges against a semi truck driver who caused a fatal Illinois semi truck accident. The accident, which occurred on June 17 in Nelson, Illinois, resulted in the death of three individuals. The semi truck driver was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 30 when he ran a stop sign and subsequently collided with the oncoming passenger vehicle

The collision resulted in the death of the 26-year-old male driver, his 51-year old mother, in addition to, the driver’s 16-month-old daughter. The driver’s fiance and another passenger also sustained critical injuries. A grand jury in Lee County found insufficient evidence to indict the semi truck driver on criminal charges. The Lee County prosecutor stated that it has not been determined if the semi truck driver will be cited for traffic violations.

The news report does not confirm whether or not the family of the deceased wish to seek civil legal action against the semi truck driver. Looking at this case, from our experiences as Chicago truck accident attorneys, they may be have a cause of action for a wrongful death suit. However, this can only be determined by an attorney after an in-depth investigation is made.

Wrongful death lawsuits stem from the wrongful or negligent conduct of another causing a premature death. Family members of the deceased may be able to seek legal relief for damages including: medical, funeral, as well as, burial expenses. The family may also be able to obtain punitive damages that are created to punish the wrongdoer’s negligent behavior.

Since 1992, our accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have extensively handled a variety of cases involving the devastating effects that result from motor vehicle accidents. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of the victims of an Illinois semi truck accident. Due to a negligent truck driver, a woman was tragically killed and her husband and son sustained serious injuries. After a thorough investigation, we discovered that the semi truck driver was operating an overloaded semi truck, in addition to, operating under the influence of marijuana.

If you or someone you know has sustained severe harm or even death as a result of a semi truck accident, please contact a Chicago accident attorney for a free consultation. Our attorneys will help evaluate your case and determine what legal rights may be able to you.

Our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys recently read a report in the Belleville News-Democrat detailing a fatal semi truck collision that took the life of a 48-year-old Collinsville woman. The female driver was traveling south on Illinois 111 near Pontoon Beach earlier this morning when her vehicle drifted across the center line into the northbound lanes. The woman’s vehicle was subsequently struck by an oncoming semi tractor-trailer. The 48-year-old driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the commercial vehicle was not injured in the accident. Local authorities state that they will be performing a toxicology test on the deceased driver to see if alcohol or drugs played a factor in the accident.

Seat belts are one of the most important safety features in motor vehicles. These devices help prevent further bodily harm or even death in case of an accident. James Madison University recently conducted a study to determine safety belt use statistics. The study found that each year approximately 35,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents. Of those 35,000 people, about 50% (17,000) of these individuals’ lives could have been saved if they wore safety belts. In addition, when safety belts are used properly, they reduce the number of serious traffic accident related injuries by 50% and fatalities by 60-70%.

The state of Illinois has recognized the increasing injuries and fatalities that result from the lack of safety belt use in motor vehicle accidents. Under current Illinois law, each driver and front seat passengers are required to wear seat belts that are properly adjusted and fastened. Additionally, each driver under the age of 18, as well as, driver passengers under the age of 19 is legally required to wear a safety belt. Any violation of Illinois seat belt laws may result in a $25 fine. Even though in 2009 over 130,000 Illinois residents were fined for a safety belt violation, overall seat belt usage rose to 90.1% the same year.

Our Chicago accident attorneys continue to encourage safe driving habits for all Illinois residents. Motor vehicle accidents, especially those involving large commercial vehicles, could prove fatal when safety belts are not worn or properly secured. With Illinois’s rigorous enforcement programs to mandate seat belt use, our Illinois injury attorneys hope that future accidents such as this one can be avoided at all costs. This simple device could one day save the life of you or a loved one.

Recently, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read a report in the Pantagraph detailing a fatal Illinois semi truck accident. The 21-year-old Odell woman died from the injuries she obtained as a result of a semi truck collision on Route 23. Local authorities state that the woman was turning left from Redwood Road onto Route 23 when she was hit by a semi tractor-trailer traveling northbound. The Peoria County Coroner stated that the woman died of multiple force injuries and toxicology tests are currently being conducted. The driver of the semi truck remained uninjured in the accident.

When a semi truck and a passenger vehicle collide, the results are always devastating. With the holiday weekend upon us, many types of vehicles will be sharing the roadways. It is extremely important that all drivers respectfully share the road to avoid the recurrences of these types of tragic fatal accidents. The American Trucking Association recently assembled a group of top professional semi truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles to provide safety advice to drivers. These tips include:

- Prepare motor vehicles for extended travel. Simple maintenance steps such as checking wiper blades and fluid can prevent many motorist problems.

- Plan highway travel route ahead. Many accidents occur as a result of unexpected lane changes to highway exits.

- Never cut in front of large trucks. These vehicles are significantly heavier and take substantially longer to stop.

- Be aware of commercial vehicle blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

- Always wear a safety belt.

- Avoid risks. Never driver when tired, upset, or physically ill.

A majority of semi truck accidents occur as a result of motor vehicles cutting in front of trucks, failure to use turn signals, in addition to, changing lanes too rapidly. Automobile drivers should always consider the fact that semi truck drivers are unable to brake as quickly as cars can. According to Illinois Crash Data Report, there were over 9,300 reported accidents that resulted from a collision with a tractor-trailer in 2009 alone. Out of the reported accidents, 1,600 resulted in injury while 62 were fatal.

Our Chicago accident attorneys continue to encourage safe driving practices for all drivers, especially over Labor Day Weekend. Injuries and fatalities can be easily avoided when drivers respect each other and share the road. Unfortunately, many times there are unforeseeable and unpredictable accidents that occur as the result of a negligent driver. Accident victims who sustain serious harm or even death at the hands of a negligent driver may be able to seek legal relief for damages incurred.

Earlier today, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read a report in the Chicago Sun Times detailing a semi truck collision that resulted in one fatality. Reports state that the driver of a passenger vehicle was using her cell phone while traveling along Illinois Route 53 when she collided with a semi truck. The women’s vehicle then proceeded to collide with a motor vehicle stopped in the left median of the northbound lane. The motorist of the stopped vehicle had pulled over to change a flat tire when he was struck by the woman’s car and subsequently pinned between vehicles. Although the accident occurred early last month, the motorist passed away today as a result of the injuries he sustained from the accident. The driver that caused the accident was cited for improper lane usage, driving on the shoulder, and texting while driving.

Cell phone use while driving has become an increasing epidemic that has caused a great number of motor vehicle accidents resulting in injuries and/or fatalities. The National Safety Council recently conducted a study reviewing accidents that occur as a direct result of cell phone use. The study found that over 28% of traffic accidents occur when drivers talk on their cell phone or send text messages. Of that percentage, 1.4 million accidents are attributed to cell phone conversations while 200,000 are blamed on text messaging. This type of distracted driving led to over 6,000 fatalities in 2008 alone.

Illinois has continued to provide a firm legislative stance against cell phone use during vehicle operation. Under current state law, driving in Illinois while using a cell phone is illegal for: learner’s permit holders, drivers younger than 19, school bus drivers, in addition to, all drivers operating in school or construction zones. Currently, Chicago is the only major city in the state of Illinois to outright ban cell phone use for motor vehicle drivers. In addition, the state also presently prohibits texting while driving for drivers of all ages.

Despite the legality in some areas to operate a cell phone while driving, our Chicago accident attorneys strongly encourage drivers to avoid cell phone use when operating their vehicles. By taking your eyes off the road for a few quick seconds could potentially result in tragic consequences for you or surrounding passenger vehicles. To prevent distracted driving accidents, drivers should always pull off the road and find a safe place to stop for any and all cell phone use.

Earlier today, our Illinois truck accident attorneys read a report in the Madison County Record detailing a recently filed lawsuit on behalf of a man who sustained serious injuries as the result of a dump truck accident. The lawsuit, filed in Madison County Circuit Court on August 22, charges seven counts against the dump truck driver, an Illinois waste company, in addition to, the company’s corporation. In the complaint, the victim alleges that he was traveling along Route 3 in Madison County when he came to a stop for a traffic signal. The defendant truck driver failed to adhere to the stopped traffic and collided into the rear of the plaintiff’s vehicle.

In the seven count lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges that the defendant negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove in such a manner that he collided with the victim’s vehicle, failed to control his vehicle, in addition to, driving in an inappropriate manner. As a direct result of the accident, the victim sustained serious injury including severe disability and disfigurement that has limited his ability to complete his usual duties. The suit seeks a judgment of $350,000 for medical costs and loss of wages, as well as, costs and other relief the court deems just.

A collision involving a dump truck or commercial vehicle is vastly different than those accidents involving solely passenger vehicles. Accidents involving large vehicles that collectively weight well over thousands of pounds can lead to devastating injuries, as well as, fatal effects. Commercial vehicles are held to strict rules and regulations for safe operation and dump trucks are no exception to these safety standards. With over 347 recorded fatality incidents involving dump trucks from 1991-2004, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, unsafe drivers and their companies need to be held legally liable for the substantial harm caused by these types of accidents.

Accident victims may be able entitled to monetary compensation for the damages they have sustained as the result of another’s negligent conduct. These damages include compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, in addition to, punitive damages which punish a wrongdoer’s negligent behavior. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a motor vehicle accident, please contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. Our experienced accident attorneys will review your potential case and determine what legal relief may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read a report in the SouthTown Star detailing a recently filed semi truck accident lawsuit. The lawsuit arises out of a July 5 semi truck accident in which the collision of two semi trucks in East Hazel Crest resulted in one fatality. The wife of the deceased truck driver has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the other semi truck driver, as well as, the driver’s two trucking companies – CN Transportation Limited Inc. and CN Worldwide Distribution Services Inc. The suit charges the other driver and his trucking company with eight counts including: failing to drive at a speed that would have prevent an accident, failure to maintain proper of the truck, in addition to, failure to keep a proper lookout. The wrongful death lawsuit seeks more than $600,000 in damages.

Wrongful death is legally defined as the wrongful conduct of a person or entity that results in the death of another person. In this case, the semi truck driver that who caused the collision is held liable for wrongful death on the grounds that he operated his vehicle in a negligent way that caused a fatal accident. Unlike personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits or claims are generally filed by family members of beneficiaries of the deceased. In addition, there is a strict statute of limitations that must be adhered to by family members in order to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In the state of Illinois, depending on the case, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim for truck accidents is usually about 2 years.

When a family member of the deceased brings a wrongful death claim they may be able to be compensated for a variety of damages. These damages include compensatory and/or punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to repay a victim’s family for the various expenses incurred as a result of an untimely death -- while punitive damages are intended to punish wrongdoers for their negligent behavior. Some common examples of damages include:

- Medical Expenses
- Funeral Expenses
- Lost Income
- Lost Benefits (such as insurance)
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Companionship

Each year, our experienced Chicago accident attorneys handle hundreds of wrongful death cases that arise from all types of motor vehicle accidents – especially semi truck accidents. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement (a record $4.7 million wrongful death settlement in Kane County) on behalf of the family of a 32 year old woman who was killed as a result of an Illinois semi truck accident.

If you or a loved one has sustained severe harm, or even death, as the result of a semi truck accident – you may be able to seek compensation for damages incurred. Please contact an Illinois accident attorney to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Chicago truck accident attorneys read a report on MyFoxChicago.com detailing a destructive semi truck accident that resulted in multiple injuries. The semi truck, hauling a cargo of locomotive parts, flipped on the Stevenson Expressway near Burr Ridge this morning around 7:45 a.m. While investigations are still being conducted to determine the cause of the accident, reports state that two passenger vehicles collided in an attempt to avoid the overturned semi truck. Four occupants of the vehicles were taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Authorities state that none of the semi truck’s contents were expelled onto the road and the driver is expected to be cited for the accident.

Fortunately, it appears as though this accident resulted in no serious injuries or fatalities. More often than not, when a semi truck rolls over it, causes devastating harm to the driver as well as everyone nearby. Given the large size and weight of truck, surrounding passenger vehicles are at extreme risk if they are near a semi truck that rolls over. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 60% of all heavy truck driver fatalities are associated with rollover accidents. Therefore, if a semi truck roll over collides with a passenger vehicle, there is usually a slim chance of survival. It is no surprise that in 2010 over 100,000 people sustained injuries in a semi truck accidents while 5,000 fatalities resulted.

Due to the increasing problem that results from semi truck rollover accidents, truck drivers and their companies must do more to address this issue. While safety rules and regulations provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are already in place, truck drivers should always follow these simple tips to avoid the recurrence of this type of accident:

Never enter a roadway curve at an excessive speed

Always be aware of the conditions of the semi truck

Never operate an overloaded semi truck

Always comply with posted speed limits

Avoid sudden driving maneuvers

Never drive drowsy or under the impairment of substances

Our Illinois accident attorneys encourage trucking companies to hold their drivers to strict standards when operating such large vehicles. Our attorneys know first-hand the tragic loss of life or serious injury that can result from driver negligence. If a driver of any type of vehicle operates carelessly and causes an accident that results in a fatality, they could be held liable for their negligence. Drivers have a duty to themselves and others to operate their vehicle safely and when that is breached and injuries occur, legal action can and should be sought. If you or a loved one has been a victim of an accident at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact an Illinois injury attorney to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read a report in the Pantagraph detailing a destructive Illinois semi truck accident that left eight people injured. The accident, which occurred on Interstate 74 in Peoria, ensued as a result of one semi truck’s failure to slow down due to traffic congestion. Illinois State Police arrived on the scene of an RV fire which caused the initial traffic congestion. A semi truck containing a cargo of meat failed to notice the slowed down traffic and collided with the semi truck in front of it.

Upon collision, the second semi trucking carrying a load of steel crashed into three passenger vehicles. The semi truck that caused the initial collision ignited as a result of the accident and the driver was trapped inside the cab. A state trooper was one of the eight people injured. The semi truck driver who caused the collision was cited by police for reckless driving, following too closely, as well as, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation – especially if committed by the operator of a semi truck. A 2011 analysis of semi truck driver violations conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides shocking information to just how prevalent truck violations are. It was found that in the United States, over 10,026 semi truck violations occurred as a result of a semi truck following too closely. It was also found that over 41,839 semi truck violations were for excessive speed.

Our Chicago accident attorneys have extensive experience handling semi truck accidents caused by negligent truck drivers. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of an Illinois family who sustained severe damages as the result of a negligent semi truck driver. It was found that the driver of the semi truck was operating under the influence of marijuana, in addition to, operating an overloaded vehicle. This devastating semi truck accident caused severe injuries to a father and a son and caused the death of their wife and mother. Like the example above, the semi in our client’s case collided with their vehicle while they were stopped in traffic.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys are proud to provide legal representation to those whose lives have been turned upside down as the result a semi truck accident. Semi truck drivers must heed to a standard of care by operating their vehicles safely. Any violation can constitute negligence if a death results from the accident. If you have been a victim in this type of accident, or have lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, you may be able to seek compensation as a result of your injuries or loss of a family member. Please contact us to discuss what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois trucking accident attorneys read an article in the Belleville News Democrat detailing a destructive five vehicle accident near Granite City that sent two individuals to the hospital. The accident transpired over a semi-truck driver’s failure to reduce speed – ultimately causing a domino-like effect accident. The initial semi-trailer rear ended the semi that was driving ahead of it, subsequently causing the truck to strike two other vehicles and another semi-truck. The driver of the semi-truck that caused the accident was taken to the hospital for severe injuries while the driver of one of the automobile was treated for injuries. Illinois State Police cited the semi driver for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

As mentioned in our previous blog, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed into effect Senate Bill 1913 which gave truckers in the state of Illinois a unified speed limit of 65 mph on all four lane highways outside of the Chicago area. Unfortunately, even though legislation has been enacted to help prevent these types of accidents – negligent truck drivers continue to fail to adhere to these regulations. Semi-trucks are granted a set speed limit; lower than the limits of passenger automobiles, due to their massive size and weight. Given a semi-trucks sheer size, it takes them substantially longer to brake. Trucking speed limits are put in place to decrease the severity and reoccurrence of trucking related accidents.

The article does not disclose if the victims of this accident are planning to seek legal action. From our experience as Illinois truck accident lawyers, it appears that driver error played a huge role in this accident. Further investigation into the truck driver’s logs could confirm if the driver had been continuously operating – therefore the cause of the crash may have been to drowsy driving. A number of other contributing factors to accidents such as this one may range from: driving while intoxicated, defective trucking equipment, as well as, poor weather or road conditions.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers share comprehensive knowledge when handling motor vehicle accidents of all types. Victims of these types of accidents may be able to seek legal relief from the damages they have incurred as a result of another’s negligence and carelessness. These damages may include: cost of medical expenses, loss of wages, in addition to, physical and emotional pain. Those who knowingly commit negligent acts should be held legally responsible for the various harms they inflict.

Earlier this morning, the Omaha World Herald reported a deadly truck accident that occurred on I-80 in Nebraska. As the result of a collision between a semi-truck and a mobile home, an Illinois man was killed, while numerous others were injured. While the initial cause of the accident is unknown, reports claim that the semi-truck rear-ended the motor home, causing the semi to jackknife and collide into a bridge rail. The collision set afire both the semi and the motor home.

The driver of the semi sustained severe personal injuries and was flown by helicopter to the nearest hospital. The semi’s passenger, who was riding in the rear “sleeping” portion of the trailer, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and the passengers of the motor home all sustained injuries as well and were taken to the hospital. The driver of the semi, as well as, the occupants of the motor home were all wearing safety belts.

A “jackknife” occurs when a semi-truck comes to a sudden stop. While the cab of the truck itself comes to a halt, the load the truck is carrying continues its forward momentum, ultimately causing the load to move horizontally across the highway. As you can see, the jackknife of a semi-truck is responsible for many highway accidents due to the fact that it causes the truck to take up all encompassing lanes on the highway. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 10% of semi-truck occupant fatalities are associated with a jackknife. In addition, the likelihood of a jackknife fatality substantially increases when: there is a speed limit of 55 and over, poor weather, and/or a curved road.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys send our deepest condolences to the family of the victim, as well as, those injured in the collision. The fatality rate of highway accidents due to semi-trucks has continued to be on the rise and proper safety precautions need to be taken in order to prevent future accidents such as this one. Victims and their families should seek legal relief if they have been harmed by the carelessness of a negligent driver.

Recently, a two vehicle collision left one driver moderately injured on U.S. 34, according to the Galesburg Register-Mail. The 21 year old driver of an automobile made a sharp left turn in front of a semi-truck, leaving the driver of the semi not enough time to stop. The collision sent the automobile into a ditch along the highway and the driver was taken to a nearby hospital. In the aftermath of the accident, it was discovered that the driver of the motor vehicle not only failed to wear his safety belt, but was under the influence of alcohol.

While an automobile accident of any type is truly misfortunate, driving under the influence should never be tolerated. According to DUI.com, in 2009 alone Illinois made a total of 4,341 DUI arrests which was surprisingly down from the year before. Illinois residents should never operate a vehicle intoxicated and always have a sober driver. In addition to abstaining from driving under the influence, drivers need to take proper precautions when sharing the road with semi-trucks. Drive-Safely.net provides many useful tips to avoid accidents such as this one. One tip the website stresses is the importance of giving semi-drivers a lot of room. Tire blow outs, as well as, shifts in the truck frequently occur and if a driver is not careful they may become a victim of a collision.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys frequently deal with accidents involving an array of vehicles. While many times a semi-truck/automobile accident is the result of a negligent semi driver, it is not always the case. It is important that all drivers respect each other, learn to share the road, and never operate a vehicle while intoxicated. With the summer months upon us and the increase in vehicles on the highway, driver safety should be the number one concern in order to prevent future accidents such as this one.

Local safety experts and law enforcement professionals are expressing concern about a proposed federal law that they say may increase the number of Illinois truck accidents. The Daily Herald published a story this morning that explained pending legislation out of Congress that would increase the weight limit for trucks traveling on the highway. The current maximum is 80,000 pounds. However, if the changes make it through Congress states would have the option of raising that ceiling to 97,000 pounds.

Local observers are concerned about the impact of the change. One local police chief explained his belief that “increased truck weights will be a detriment to roads and the safety of the driving public.” In particular, the chief notes that with heavier trucks comes an increased risk of rollover accidents, challenges to maneuverability, and increased difficulty in stopping.

Many others echo those concerns. An Illinois state senator (and former police chief) noted that “if you add another 17,000 it’s very dangerous…you are taking a risk.” He is a CDL license holder himself. The senator noted that more weight makes the consequences of non-calibrated brakes even more damaging. It will take the truck longer to stop and more collisions may result.

Advocates for the trucking industry believe that the change will necessitate fewer trips, leading to less traffic, less cost, and reduce fuel consumption. However, even some in the industry have reservations about the measure.

Continue reading "Federal Weight Changes May Impact Illinois Trucking Safety" »

The Chicago Tribune reported Friday on a devastating truck crash involving a semi-trailer that collided with an Amtrak train that began its journey in Chicago. According to the latest reports, the deadly collision between train and truck was a result of reckless conduct by the truck driver.

The National Transportation Safety Board explains that the gravel –filled truck driver was approaching the crossing on U.S. Route 95 near the town of Loevlock. He was leading a convoy of three tractor-trailers at the time. For reasons that are still unclear, the driver failed to timely notice that his machine was approaching the train crossing. Investigators believe that the signal lights and arms were working properly at the time. In fact, all data indicates that visibility at the time of the collision was excellent.

Yet, the driver hit his brakes only 320 feet before the rail crossing. He therefore did not have enough time to stop before barreling across the safety arms and into the side of the train. The devastation was severe. The truck was traveling at such a high speed at the time of the collision that the truck was embedded in the side of the train.

At least six people have already been confirmed dead, but emergency responders reportedly expect that number to increase as the search continues. The train conductor and truck driver were two of the victims. Dozens of others were injured. The rescue mission has been stalled by the fact that the burned out train cars were very unstable and unsafe for rescuers.

Continue reading "Six Killed in Train Crash Leaving Chicago" »

One basis upon which some victims file an Illinois truck accident lawsuit is when a trucker violates strict hours of service regulations aimed at increasing road safety. The rules are mandated by the United State Department of Transportation. These regulations place limits on when and for how long commercial motor vehicle drivers may be behind the wheel or in other ways “on duty.”

The Department explains how the specific requirements are determined based on comprehensive scientific review of human fatigue and safe driving practices to ensure that truckers get the necessary rest to drive safely. All hours of service rules were crafted in consultation with organizations like the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies and the National Institute for Occupational Safety.

Late last year proposed changes to these rules were made public. The Department of Transportation is now in the process of collecting feedback on the proposed changes with most of them likely to take effect soon. In general the changes slightly shorten the amount of time that drivers can be officially “on duty” and driving consecutively. For example, the current rules allow for between 14 hours of driving per day (or 16 hour for one day a week). The proposed changes would eliminate the option of driving 16 hours at all, and maximize the driving window to 13 hours.

Similar changes would alter the amount of “restarts” that each driver must have and when substitutes must be used. In addition there would be changes to the definition of “on duty.”

Continue reading "Hours of Service Regulations For Truckers Are Changing" »

The Journal-Gazette reported yesterday on a fatal truck accident involving an area driver. According to reports, the crash included two tractor-trailers that collided in Pierceton, Indiana. The crash struck yesterday afternoon and police are still investigating to determine the specific cause.

It has been confirmed that one driver was killed in the collision. The victim was a 65-year old truck driver who was traveling west on U.S. Route 30 and was approaching the Indiana 13 intersection. A second semi driven by a Chicago resident was in front of him. The Chicago driver eventually came to a stop at the intersection because he was facing a red light. For unknown reasons the second truck driver failed to notice that the truck ahead of him had stopped. As a result, he did not begin to brake until his rig was almost directly behind the stopped vehicle. It ultimately slammed into the back of the first truck.

The collision caused immense damage to the cab of the second truck. The driver was thrust forward in the crushed machine and suffered extensive head and internal injuries. He was brought to a local hospital but eventually passed away from his injuries.

This accident demonstrates an important consideration when it comes to trucking safety: trucks are not capable of braking as quickly as smaller vehicles. The size of tractor trailers makes it a more complex (and less speedy) process to accelerate and slow down. That means that truckers must account for these differences when traveling on the highway.

Continue reading "Failure to Brake In Time Kills Truck Driver" »

A unique Illinois truck crash involving a run-in which a car and a tractor-trailer injured a man and kept him stuck in a car for nearly an hour. According to reports by witnesses in the Utica Observer-Dispatch, the car was headed west on Commercial Drive in Whitestown, Illinois shortly after 2:30pm last week when it ran into the side of a large tractor-trailer that had just left a nearby frozen food plant.

Following the collision the hood of the car was driven through the vehicle’s windshield. The spare tire on the undercarriage of the truck was taken into the windshield by the car as well. The tire may have saved the man’s life, as his vehicle became wedged underneath the truck, with the tire separating his body from the metal rack that once held it.

Witnesses rushed to the accident following the crash to find the man stuck in the vehicle and in pain. Emergency workers were called, and it ultimately took them more than an hour to pry the victim from the car. Apparently the car was so strongly wedged underneath the truck that it nearly went all the way through to the other side. The extrication effort involved lifting the truck to pull the car out and then using specialized equipment to remove the doors of the car.

After further investigation of the event, authorities issued tickets to both the car driver and truck driver. The truck driver was cited for failure to yield right of way on a left turn—he had apparently turned in front of the car. Conversely, the car driver was cited for his failure to wear a safety belt and an unsafe lane change.

Continue reading "Driver Pinned in Car For Hour Following Illinois Truck Crash" »

The Herald-Review reported this weekend on a pair of deadly Illinois trucking accidents that took the lives of two local residents.

The first truck accident struck on Interstate 72, early in the morning around 3:45 a.m. According to reports, the 50-year old victim was standing in front of his large semitruck which was disabled on the side of the highway. The truck had hit a deer while traveling shortly before. A tow truck had just pulled up to offer assistance to the stalled truck. Without warning, a second semi-truck slammed into the rear of the disabled machine. The impact caused the stopped semi to slide directly into the driver. He was killed instantly.

Later investigations revealed that the trucker that caused the accident had fallen asleep at the wheel. He also tested positive for drugs and alcohol in his system.

A few hours later a second fatal Illinois truck crash occurred, this time on Illinois 48. A 49-year old car driver was traveling south on the highway, northeast of Blue Mound when his car began to drift. It eventually crossed the center line and veered into the northbound lane of traffic. As a result, the car slammed head-first into a semitruck.

The impact caused the truck to erupt into flames after the diesel fuel tank was ruptured. Fortunately, the truck driver was able to escape the vehicle in time and did not suffer injury. The car driver was less fortunate. He suffered massive internal chest injuries and had to be extricated from the car by emergency officials. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash

Continue reading "Fatal Illinois Truck Accident After Driver Falls Asleep At the Wheel" »

On Monday, the Pekin Times website reported that a 70-year-old woman died instantly in an Illinois trucking accident on Route 9 in Mackinaw. According to the coroner who investigated the scene, the victim died instantly when a westbound semi-truck collided with her vehicle. There was no word on what caused the collision, but accident reconstructionists were called to the scene.

According to the Truck Safety Coalition, a group dedicated to decreasing the number of trucking accident related injuries and deaths, from 2001 to 2008, there were 1,356 people killed in accidents involving large trucks. Obviously, the sheer size and weight of tractor trailer trucks increase the risk of serious personal injuries, or even death. Therefore it is crucial for drivers of passenger cars and truck drivers to practice safe and smart driving when sharing the road.

For drivers, it is important to remember that it is usually the occupants of the smaller vehicle who are injured in car-truck crashes. Therefore, you should operate your vehicle carefully and remember a few tips. First, our Chicago accident lawyers recommend that you wear your safety belt at all times, even when there aren’t larger vehicles on the road. Second, you should be careful to never try to cut off a truck or move suddenly into the truck’s lane. Trucks cannot stop as quickly as passenger vehicles, so you risk a rear-end collision. Always use your signal when passing a truck, and make sure you are far enough ahead of the truck before entering the lane. Also, do not drive in a truck’s blind spots. These danger areas lie in the back, sides and front of the truck. A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck’s operator, he or she cannot see you so move quickly to avoid a collision.

For truckers, it is important to avoid driving if you are extremely tired. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving because it slows down a driver’s reaction time considerably. Truckers should also maintain a lookout for smaller vehicles at all times, and allow enough space between vehicles to allow for safe stopping. Additionally, trucks should operate at safe speed levels.

Trucking accidents can have devastating effects on the lives of victims and their families. Therefore, it is important to practice safe driving techniques to reduce your risk for serious personal injury or death. As Illinois injury attorneys, we have unfortunately seen too many cases where clients have been seriously injured or killed because of preventable mistakes. We stand by the belief that wrongdoers should be held accountable when innocent victims die as a result of negligence, and vow to help victims achieve justice.

The Tribune-Star reported yesterday on a massive trucking accident that involved eight different trucks but fortunately did not result in any fatalities.

Police are recreating the sequence of events that lead to the multi-vehicle crash to better understand what happened and how it can be prevented in the future. The incident began in a construction zone on the eastbound lanes of I-70 after an unexpected slowing down of traffic. The vehicles initially causing the slow zone were unable to be identified.

All that is known is that the crash started when a tractor-trailer hauling scrap metal began braked for the slowed traffic in front of it. Behind that first vehicle was another truck loaded with dry goods. That second truck was unable to stop in time to account for the braking truck, ultimately slamming into the back of it. Following that first rear-end collision, a string of six other tractor-trailers crashed into one another in a chain reaction event. While many of the trucks were severely damaged, all drivers appear to have suffered only minor injuries.

Far too often construction zone accidents like this one end in tragedy. The slowed traffic in these areas often catches unaware drivers off-guard, resulting in collisions and chain-reaction crashes. The increased collision risk in these accidents is one reason why speed limits are dropped in these locations and citation penalties are increased. There is little room for error when it comes to construction zone driving.

To remain safe in construction zones this summer season be sure to practice common-sense safe driving practices. Avoid tailgating and ensure that your brakes are in proper working order to avoid rear-end collisions. Do not cut across lanes in front of other drivers and always abide by posted lane markers. Ensure that all distractions are kept to a minimum—including texting and talking on the phone while behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Eight Truck Highway Crash Imparts Many Lessons for Area Drivers" »

The Belleville News-Democrat reported last week on the details of an Illinois truck crash that took the life of a truck driver. According to police officers, the truck accident actually involved two different trucks including a dump truck that was traveling near Highland, Illinois last Wednesday

The 36-year old driver of a trash truck was traveling east on St. Rose Road at around 2 p.m. In front of his was a dump trump driven by a 62-year old Belleville man. The dump truck driver was apparently stopped on the road, waiting to turn left onto Baumann Road. Unfortunately the trash truck driver did not see the dump truck stopped in front of him. As a result, he slammed into the back of the turning machine.

The collision between the two large vehicles caused significant damages. The dump truck was pushed off the roadway, causing its driver to sustain serious injuries. The trash truck continued forward for a brief moment after the impact before sliding off to the left side of the road, flipping over, and bursting into flames. A passenger in the truck was ejected in the impact. The driver became stuck in the vehicle after it flipped over and was unable to escape the burning machine.

Police are still unclear what could have caused the trash truck driver to fail to see the stopped vehicle in front of him. Whether there was some obstruction or simple inattention to the road, the consequences of the brief driving mistake were severe.

Continue reading "Southern Illinois Truck Accident Kills Semi Driver" »

Recently, The News Gazette reported two Illinois truck accidents that took the lives of three individuals and injured seven. The accidents, which both involved semi-trailer tractors, happened on I-57 just south of Mattoon, Illinois.

The first accident, which resulted in one fatality, involved the collision of two semi-trailer tractors. One of the semis fatally struck another semi that had pulled off to the shoulder of the road as a result of a flat tire. The semi that caused the collision caught fire, subsequently causing the driver’s death. The driver of the parked semi was taken to the hospital for the injuries he sustained.

The other accident, which occurred only a few hours after the first, resulted in two deaths and six injuries. This accident transpired when a semi-trailer tractor collided with a van that had slowed down due to the traffic caused by the previously mentioned accident. After the semi collided with the van, it proceeded to strike another vehicle, as well as, another semi-trailer tractor. After the eight individuals involved, both drivers and passengers, were taken to nearby hospitals – two did not survive. Ultimately, both accidents caused traffic on I-57 to be re-routed for more than a few hours.

Although lives were lost and injuries were sustained, these unfortunate accidents are almost impossible to predict, let alone regulate. While the specifics of these accidents still remain unknown, the concept of semi-truck driver safety must be addressed. Large trucks account for the sizeable increase in highway deaths. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are many factors that contribute to trucking accidents. Those factors include the breaking capability of trucks (especially if they are carrying large cargo), in addition to, driver fatigue.

Our Illinois injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti cannot stress the importance of driver safety for vehicles of all sizes. The rules of the road must be followed by all drivers, especially those who are operating large trucks. The truth is smaller vehicles have a substantial vulnerability to larger ones that weigh 20-30 times more than an average passenger car. Due to this, lives should not be cut short because of carelessness or negligence.

News is still sketchy, but the Chicago Tribune reported recently on an Chicago bike accident involving a local bicyclist and a truck owned by the City of Chicago.

The collision occurred in the North Center neighborhood near the intersections of Cullom and Lincoln Avenues. According to the initial reports, a 20-year-old bicyclist was traveling east on Cullom Avenue when we she went past a stop sign and into the intersection. At that moment a city truck was also going through the intersection, heading north on Lincoln. The two collided, sending the bicyclist off the cycle and into the road.

As expected, the woman suffered severe injuries as a result of the run-in with the large truck. Following the accident she was rushed to the hospital in serious condition. The truck driver remained at the scene following the accident and no citations have yet been issued.

It seems that Illinois bike accidents have been popping up in local papers with increased frequency as of late. Though, many Chicagoans have long been aware of the prevalence of bike accidents on our city’s streets. Metropolises like ours include residents who use various modes of transportation. Semitrailers, city trucks, SUVs, small cars, bikes, mopeds, Segways, and pedestrians all used the city’s roadways each day. Consequently there remain many opportunities for deadly collisions to occur, especially when others fail to travel with appropriate care.

Continue reading "City of Chicago Truck Hits Bicyclist" »

When handling legal affairs following tragic accidents, our Illinois injury attorneys have witnessed many heartbreaking examples of families suffering unspeakable losses. In particular, the most gut-wrenching vehicle crashes involve young children. Severe injury or death to children is perhaps the most devastating possible consequence of these accidents.

The Republic reported earlier today on one of those tragic accidents, representing the worst form of truck crash. Authorities explained that a 2003 Chevy van with eight passengers was traveling in rural Coles County in Southern Illinois when the driver lost control of the machine. The errant vehicle was near the town of Loxa when the van went across the center line and struck a semi-trailer traveling in the opposite direction.

As a result of the impact seven of the eight people in the vehicle were ejected. The van flipped over in the wreck and landed in a ditch near the side of the road. When emergency rescue personnel arrived at the scene two young female passengers, a 12 year old and 15 year old, were pronounced dead. Six other people were injured.

Police reported that tickets were issued to the van’s driver for a variety of negligent conduct including improper lane usage, failure to wear a seatbelt, an invalid driver’s license, lack of insurance, and speeding. Highway accidents often involve the most severe injuries because of the speed and size of vehicles using the roadway.

Continue reading "Negligent Driving Results in Two Illinois Crash Deaths" »

The size of sixteen wheel tractor-trailers makes all truck accidents potentially deadly incidents. Another complication in these accidents often involves the damage does to surrounding areas from contamination when the contents of a truck are released. Blog readers are aware of various examples of crashes that caused substantial health concerns when parts of the community near an Illinois truck accident must be evacuated because of the substances released in the crash.

A recent trucking accident reported in the Merced Sun caused similar secondary risks to nearby areas. According to reports, the driver of a big rig was traveling on Highway 152 when for unknown reasons his truck began to drift. Witness report that the large vehicle slowly slipped onto the shoulder of the road before slamming into a dirt embankment. Upon hitting the embankment the truck overturned and then slid a bit back toward the road.

Unfortunately, as the vehicle was overturning it caught fire. A Good Samaritan who saw the entire event unfold rushed over to the scene to try to help the driver. The flames engulfed the cab quickly, however, and the would-be-rescuer was unable to get the driver out of the truck before the fire overcame the area. The driver was killed in the accident.

The fire from the accident also sparked a grass fire. The flames engulfed a 44 acre area before local forestry and fire protection professionals could contain the blaze. Several fire engines, a water tender, helicopter and various other equipment and personnel was needed to stop the spread and eliminate the risk.

Continue reading "Truck Driver Killed in Accident that Ignites Grass Fire" »

St. Louis Today reported this week on the conclusion of the criminal trial related to a particularly deadly Illinois trucking accident. We had previously reported on the civil lawsuit which was filed by a woman whose husband and infant son were killed when their stalled vehicle was hit by a truck driver.

The negligent truck driver was behind the wheel of a tow truck in November 2008. The man had been drinking before the accident. His truck came upon the stopped car of the two victims; their vehicle had run out of fuel and they were parked on the side of the road. The infant was fastened inside the vehicle while the father was outside inspecting the situation.

The truck driver did not properly take the stopped car into account and ultimately slammed into it. The car was pushed onto the father outside, crushing him. The infant inside suffered severe injuries in the impact and died shortly afterwards. The civil lawsuit was eventually settled by the parties shortly before a trial was set to begin.

The criminal trial related to that accident was recently concluded resulting in a guilty verdict on both charges of felony aggravated driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. He was given consecutive terms of eleven years and five years. Experts indicate that he will likely be required to actually serve about twelve of those years.

Continue reading "Man Sentencing to 16 Years in Prison Following Illinois DUI Truck Accident" »

Earlier this month we reported on the tragic death of a 24-year old Streeterville resident who was killed in a Chicago bus accident. According to reports, the woman was rightfully crossing the street at the corner of Illinois and Columbus Drive when a bus driver failed to see her and turned directly into her path. The woman was killed in the accident.

It was later discovered that the bus driver had cocaine in his system while behind the wheel. In addition, the driver had a variety of other troubling past driving conduct including a suspended license two years prior for speeding and driving without a license. In fact, in the twenty years before the accident the man had been ticketed for around 20 different driving infractions.

As the Chicago Tribune reports, following the deadly truck accident, the family of the victim has now filed a Chicago wrongful death lawsuit against the bus company which owned and operated the tour bus. The suit contends that the company was negligent in its hiring of the man with known driving problems. As a result of their careless choice of employee, an innocent pedestrian lost her life. It is unclear if the company conducted any background check on the man before hiring him.

Continue reading "Family of Bus Accident Victims Files Chicago Wrongful Death Lawsuit" »

The Journal Online reported last week on even more developments about the driver killed in the traumatic suburban train-truck crash. We have already explained the lengthy list of driving citations that the man had compiled over the past twenty years. However, it has now been revealed that the man was stopped by police mere days before his negligence led to the deadly Illinois truck crash.

The paper reports that the man was issued two tickets one week before his death for not having a valid safety test conducted on his truck and trailer. Following those citations, he was allowed to continue driving while paying a fine.

Trucks like the one the man was driving in this case are often required to undergo safety inspections. A sticker must be prominently displayed in the truck’s window to indicate that the check has been performed properly and timely. Police are well-trained in identifying the stickers even before stopping a vehicle. In this way they can monitor the safety of these machines in a more rigorous manner.

Those tickets were just the latest in a string of citations that the man has received over the last several years. He had previously been stopped for traveling the wrong way down a one-way street, following too closely to another vehicle, and a string of other problems.

Continue reading "Driver Involved in Chicago Truck-Train Crash Was Stopped By Police the Week Before" »

The Chicago Tribune reported today on a deadly area truck crash involving multiple vehicles that ultimately took the life of a Park Forest woman.

The Chicago semi accident took place on Interstate 80 at the location where the highway intersects with Interstate 355 near New Lennox. According to reports, the 60-year old female victim was driving a Toyota Corolla shortly after 2 p.m. last Wednesday when she hit the back of a stopped semi-truck on the highway.

Following that initial impact, a tractor-trailer that was traveling behind the car failed to stop in time to avoid hitting the back of the first accident. As a result, the second semi slammed into the back of the Corolla pinning the small car in between the two trucks. The second impact also caused the second semi to swing out and sideswipe a car headed in the opposite direction.

All told, four vehicles, including two trucks, were caught in the accident. The female Corolla driver was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after.

Unfortunately, when collisions occur on area highways, they often involve more than just one or two cars. With so many different vehicles traveling on the high-speed roadways at the same time, many other vehicles are often caught up in accidents following an initial collision.

Continue reading "Deadly Chicago Semi Crash Involves Two Trucks" »

A Chicagoland semi crash last week ultimately took the life of a female SUV driver and injured two young children who were in her vehicle. The Chicago Tribune reported on the crash, which is still under investigation by local authorities.

The Illinois truck crash struck in Channahon last Tuesday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. A female driver in a white SUV was stopped westbound on Eames Street at the Bell Road intersection. Witnesses report that the woman was attempting to make a left turn onto Bell Road. At the same time a semi-truck was traveling westbound on Eames. For reasons still being determined, the on-coming truck crashed into the passenger side of the SUV and eventually pinned it against a pole on the side of the road.

The SUV driver was stuck inside the vehicle for several hours and was pronounced dead at the scene. The two children in the back seat suffered severe injury but were able to be pulled from the car by the first passersby.

Authorities are investigating to determine if the traffic signals were activated and working properly. The circumstances suggest that the SUV driver either pulled out too far into the oncoming lane when attempting to make the turn or assumed that the truck driver would stop at the intersection. This could have occurred merely by an oversight, slight error, or potentially a malfunctioning traffic signal. The signal had only recently been installed at the intersection, mostly in response to safety concerns of parents at a nearby school.

Continue reading "Illinois Trucking Accident Kills Woman and Injures Two Children" »

A tragic Chicago truck accident involving a collision at a Metra railroad crossing struck on Friday morning. ABC Local News reported on the accident and what has since been uncovered about the truck driver whose mistake caused the deadly crash.

According to the initial reports, the accident occurred in Mount Prospect at a spot known as a “diagonal crossing” where three separate tracks intersect at the same point. The driver of a dump truck was at the intersection around 8:40 a.m. A train was approaching at the time and the crossing lights were activated. The gates were also down attempting to further warn travelers of the approaching train. A no-left turn sign was posted, because the maneuver is not allowed even when no trains are near.

Unfortunately, the truck driver ignored the warnings and attempted to make a left turn across the tracks. As he did, the speeding Metra train collided with the truck. The driver was killed in the accident and dozens of passengers received injuries. Several cars derailed and a fire broke out in one of the first train compartments.

It has since been discovered that the truck driver had a history of traffic violations. He was involved in an Illinois truck accident lawsuit in 1993 after being ticketed for hitting another car while driving a Mack truck. He received a DUI in 2000, a ticket for driving the wrong way down a one-way street in 2007, and another in 2008 for disobeying a traffic light.

Continue reading "Truck Driver Killed in Deadly Chicago Train Crash Had Past Driving Violations" »

Chicago residents usually countdown the days until warm weather arrives. Summertime offers a bevy of new activities for area residents to get outdoors and shake off the winter doldrums. Dinner on outdoor patios and lounging near Lake Michigan are all possible once the warm season arrives. With the temperature change, however, also comes the start of many road construction projects that were stalled in the winter.

While the construction will create many needed changes that will improve road safety in the long term, the fact remains that construction zones are often rife with Illinois truck accidents. It is important that all travelers be aware of the locations of these zones and prepare accordingly.

The Chicago Tribune recently published a report that summarizes many of the upcoming road construction projects that will begin on area roadways.

For example, Interstate 80 will be widened to three lanes in the stretch between Route 45 and Route 30. I-80 will also be filled with workers performing basic resurfacing work and checking bridges for safety. U.S. Route 30 will also be widened to three lanes in a section near Mokena and New Lennox south of the city. These are only two of a variety of road construction projects that will begin both within and between many local cities and towns.

The start of these construction projects means that traffic is going to build up in many different areas across our area. All construction zones usually lead to temporary lane closures and speed reductions. However those lane mergers and slow-down areas remain real risk spots for Chicago car accidents and truck accidents. It is important for all drivers to become accustomed to the change areas and remain on the lookout for other drivers who may not be so careful in the construction zones.

Continue reading "Watch Out for Illinois Trucking Accidents During Summer Construction Season " »

We have reported on many car accidents and Illinois truck crash lawsuits and each has somewhat different circumstances and causes. However, it does not take much comparison before many trends being to emerge. For example, many of these accidents are caused by cars and trucks that drift across the center lane on roads and highways.

Roadways remain dangerous for the very reason that only a few inches of painted line on the asphalt often separate cars traveling in different directions. That means that even minor drifts and lapses of focus can be enough to cause an accident. The consequences are highest when the roads allow high-speed traffic.

Various causes for the drifting exist, but distraction is often at the root of the problem. When a driver is on the phone (or worse, texting) than their eyes are often off the road and their minds are not on the