Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

As you begin to plan your New Year's Eve celebration to welcome in the new year, don't forget to give a thought to how you will get home safely. You may have noticed more state and local law enforcement officers patrolling Illinois roadways recently as they are cracking down on drivers who are driving under the influence and putting other motorists at risk of a drunk driving accident in Chicago, or elsewhere throughout the holiday season. Taking the keys away from these violators is the only way to keep roadways free from alcohol-related accidents.

Illinois drunk driving accident lawyers know that most New Year's celebrations involve the consumption of alcohol. But it doesn't mean drivers have to make a bad choice to get behind the wheel after having had too much to drink. There are other options that can benefit all motorists. Unfortunately, too many are victimized by another driver who made bad choices. If you are seriously injured, get in touch with a drunk driving accident attorney who can guide you and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

One drunk driver in the news recently put several potential victims at risk while driving the wrong-way for almost 11 miles on the Edens Expressway. The Chicago Tribune reports a news anchor reporting to work was one of many motorists that had to maneuver quickly to avoid a drunk driving accident. She saw the vehicle coming straight at her so she attempted to move into another lane and saw the oncoming vehicle move in the same direction so at the last minute she veered the vehicle off onto the shoulder to avoid a head-on collision. The speeding drunk driver was finally pulled over by Illinois State Police after more than a dozen near misses with other drivers on the expressway. The drunk driver was charged with reckless driving, having an open container, improper lane usage, driving without insurance and driving under the influence.

DriveSoberIllinois.org reports that somewhere in the country, every two minutes someone is injured and every 30 minutes someone is killed by an impaired driver. In 2009, 319 of the 911 total traffic fatalities in Illinois were caused by someone driving under the influence. Everyone thinks it won't happen to them until it is too late. The simple fact is driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher impacts reaction time, judgment to make safe decisions and the ability to focus on the road. Having keen senses and abilities is what keeps motorists safe when a situation arises right in front of their eyes.

Illinois' Biggest Offenders offer these sobering tips to motorists as you celebrate the holiday season:

-Give your keys to a designated driver when you arrive at a party.
-Check out if your community offers a designated driver program.
-Use your seatbelt to help reduce the severity of an injury sustained in a crash.
-Don't let your friends leave if they have had too much to drink.

Continue reading " Drive Sober to Reduce the Risk of Drunk Driving Accidents in Chicago This Holiday Season " »

Illinois car accident attorneys are concerned about all motorists' safety while on the roadways during the holidays, but particularly teen drivers and elder adults because they are the two age groups most at risk of being involved in a car accident in Cook County or elsewhere.

While teen car accidents are often caused by distractions, elder drivers are typically involved in accidents because they don't react quickly enough or they have lost some important skills needed to be a safe driver. Though these two age groups appear to be on opposite ends of the spectrum in many different facets, it doesn't take away the one thing they have in common: the likelihood of being involved in a car accident.

Earlier this month, the American Occupational Therapy Association recognized Older Driver Safety Awareness Week in order to make more people aware that as adults get older their driving skills diminish. It is important to keep an eye on your parents and grandparents as they age in order to make sure they can handle stressful driving situations or make quick decisions that come about while operating a vehicle.

Also in the news recently is an article from the Journal-Standard reporting that Illinois state law enforcement officers are visiting several high schools to speak to teens about the dangers they face on roadways. According to the article, 27 percent of Illinois car crashes involve drivers between the ages of 16 to 24. Three out of four teen deaths are caused by car accidents. The message is being conveyed that there are typically four causes related to teen car crashes: speeding, distraction, underage drinking and not buckling up for safety. Illinois State Troopers are doing their best to convince teenagers throughout the state that it isn't safe to drive under the influence of alcohol, drive at high rates of speed nor is it cool to get distracted with texting while trying to drive. All these behaviors end in negative consequences whether it means getting a ticket or taking someone's life.

Though each of these age groups typically have different reasons for being involved in a car accident, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following safe driving tips this holiday season for teens and older adults, but can truly apply to any driver:

-Stay alert and focused each time you get behind the wheel. Keep the radio turned down and cell phones put away.

-Stay away from nighttime driving and driving during rush hour traffic.

-Never ride or drive without buckling in.

-Plan the route you want to take ahead of time.

-If stormy weather is in the forecast, have an experienced driver take you where you need to go.

Continue reading " Teens, Elders Particularly at Risk of Illinois Car Accidents During Holiday Season " »

Holiday travel season in Chicago and elsewhere can be difficult to manage, especially when you add nasty winter storms and dangerously icy roads. Of course winter storms are inevitable this time of year so our Illinois car accident lawyers want to remind motorists to drive safely to avoid crashes that could lead to injuries and death.

Of particular note is driving near and around snow plows, tractor-trailers and other large vehicles. These types of vehicles are difficult to see around, and sometimes their drivers can't maneuver quickly or stop quickly so driving behind them can be dangerous. Motorists either need to prepare to stay off roadways completely or plan to reduce their speed to help avoid a car accident in Cook County and throughout the state.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) offers fair warning by helping motorists with some winter driving tips.

First, ask yourself if the trip is really necessary. If the answer is yes, then check for updated weather conditions on the radio, television or online. Current road conditions during a storm are updated every two hours by calling 1-800-452-IDOT. Always alert a family member, friend or co-worker of your travel plans. This includes what time you are leaving, where you are going, what route you plan to travel and what time you expect to arrive. Motorists are also encouraged to travel during daylight hours, fill your fuel tank before you leave and always have forms of identification on you or in the vehicle.

Safe tips to use while driving in winter conditions include:

-In rainy or foggy conditions keep your headlights on dim. You can also use your fog lights during foggy driving conditions.

-Increase the distance you follow behind a vehicle.

-Reduce the speed in which you travel and never attempt to pass a vehicle at full speed.

-If you notice ice or snow accumulation on the road, start slowly and gently use your brakes to avoid slipping.

-Shady spots or below overpasses or bridges may be extra slippery so be careful in these areas.

-Fasten your seatbelt to help reduce the severity of injury in a crash.

-If you find yourself becoming stressed or heading toward panic mode, turn back and go home or pull over into a safe parking lot where someone can find you.

-Keep the defrost mechanism on high when driving in sleet or icy conditions.

-Allow snow plows plenty of room to maneuver and stay out of their blind spots.

The Illinois State Police suggests preparing a coffee can survival kit to leave in your vehicle during the winter. Contents of the can should include:

-60 inches of heavy string or twine cut in three equal lengths
-Three large safety pins
-2" diameter candle
-book of matches
-packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea bags or bouillon cubes
-small package of peanuts and fruit candy
-pocket knife
-pen light with batteries
-plastic leaf bag
-pair of heavy cotton socks and cotton gloves

Motorists are encouraged to prepare for the worst and always drive safely when inclement weather hits. Keeping safety in mind can help reduce the risk of injury to you or others.

Continue reading " Safe Winter Driving Can Help Reduce the Risk of Weather-Related Car Accidents in Chicago, Statewide " »

In 2002, Connecticut introduced the Yellow Dot Program, which helps first responders to gain needed information to care for car accident victims in the first few minutes following an accident. But other states throughout the country have been slow to adopt this program.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys are happy to learn of the recent announcement made by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) that the Yellow Dot Program will be coming to life in our state. We know that the first 60 minutes following a car accident in Illinois are the most critical, so allowing emergency responders to gain access to important information right away could potentially save a life.

IDOT is partnering with Illinois Department of Aging, the Department of Public Health and other county health departments to help raise awareness about the new life-saving program. It is voluntary but will be federally funded and offered to all Illinois residents.

Police, emergency medical personnel and firefighters will now be able to arrive on the scene and check for an envelope in the glove compartment as indicated by a yellow dot sticker on the lower corner of the rear-facing windshield behind the driver. If a victim is found unconscious but has pre-existing medical conditions it can make it difficult to treat them with the best possible care. This program is most advantageous for treating older adults or victims with disabilities who may not be able to communicate following an accident but have allergies or other conditions that need to be taken into account when receiving medical treatment. Giving emergency medical technicians and paramedics accurate information can help them to make the right decisions during the first hour following a crash.

The Got the Dot? program is simple. Drivers can find the nearest resource center to apply for the program by searching the IDOT website or clicking here to see the entire list of locations.

The medical identification envelope (printed on yellow stock paper) should be placed in the glove compartment of the vehicle. The medical card will contain important information that may be necessary in treatment. The following is information that can be found on the card:

-Name, date of birth and gender.
-Blood type and a list of up-to-date allergies.
-Information about notable conditions like diabetes, pacemakers or others.
-Dated information listing medical conditions, medications and prescribed doses.
-The name, group number and identification number of your medical insurance provider.
-Emergency contact information that includes name, address, home and cell phone number.
-Name of any and all physicians who treat you regularly, along with address and office phone number where they can be reached.
-Additional information like recent surgeries that may be needed to treat a victim accurately.
-An updated head shot is placed on the front of the medical card so first responders can identify the victim with the matching card.

Once you have taken care of all the information on the medical card, place the envelope in the glove compartment and adhere the yellow dot sticker to the window.

Illinois drivers are encouraged to take the few simple steps needed to become a participant of the Yellow Dot Program. It could actually save your life if you are in need of medical attention but can't communicate following a crash.

Continue reading " Illinois Adds Yellow Dot Program to Help First Responders Following a Car Accident in Chicago, Elsewhere " »