Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

The final days of summer are just around the corner, but for motorcycle enthusiasts this is the best time of the year to ride. The array of fall colors and the warm temperatures during Indian summer draw many bikers to rural roadways and interstates, so motorists need to use caution in order to avoid a < a href="http://www.vanpoperinglaw.com/lawyer-attorney-1100501.html">car collision with a motorcycle in Illinois.

Several motorcycle accidents in Chicago and elsewhere have been in the news recently, which has our Illinois accident lawyers concerned about the dangers of riding as we close out the summer and enter into fall riding season.

The Chicago Tribune reports about one accident that killed a father and injured his 9-year-old daughter following a collision with a vehicle. The Lake Villa man and his daughter were riding his motorcycle on Illinois Route 59 when they crashed with a vehicle making a left hand turn onto Wilson Road. The father was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. The young girl remained in critical condition at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital after the accident.

A second fatal crash in the news recently involved a motorcycle rider from West Frankfort. According to the Benton Evening News, State Police officials reported that the 37-year-old male was pronounced dead at the scene after losing control of his bike in the bend of the road which caused a collision into a utility pole during a mid-afternoon ride on Route 149.

A third fatal motorcycle accident recently caused speculation of whether a police officer in pursuit caused the crash occurring on I-88 near the exit at Winfield Road, the Beacon-News reports. A group of riders from RPM Riders United Motorcycle Club were cruising along I-88 when one motorcycle swerved and caused a second motorcycle to try to avoid an accident.

Witnesses say the police car pulled out in front of the two bikers, causing them to crash and resulting in the death of a 29-year-old man from Aurora. Illinois State Police issued a statement saying that the police officer followed departmental policy in pursuit of three speeding motorcyclists. The in-car video from the police cruiser provided evidence of the motorcycles in front of the car. One clip shows a brake light from the motorcycle and one photo shows a rate of speed at registered at 92 mph. The accident is still under active investigation but preliminary reports indicate the officer didn't cause of the accident.

Motorcycles are less protected because they are not enclosed and there really is no help for the rider in a collision with another vehicle. In 2009, there were almost 4,500 fatalities nationwide from motorcycle-related crashes. Illinois reported 124 fatal crashes in 2009 resulting in 130 deaths. The ever-growing popularity of motorcycles will likely cause these numbers to grow in the future.

Weekends are considered the most dangerous for motorcycle riders with 59 percent of crashes occurring from Friday at 6 p.m. to Sunday at 11:59 p.m. in 2009. Motorists are advised to be alert and expect the unexpected during the final months of the motorcycle riding season.

Continue reading "Fall Riding Season Puts Motorists in Danger of a Collision with a Motorcycle in Chicago, Elsewhere" »

A recent motorcycle accident in Illinois has left a local firefighter brain dead, according to The Herald-News. The firefighter was riding his motorcycle on Interstate 80 through a work zone late one night. He was driving home from Tinley Park after he and his passenger attended a Kid Rock concert. The motorcyclists were thrown from the bike after passing over a large bump in the road. The bump was from construction work that was going on in the area. Both of the motorists were taken to Silver Cross Hospital.

“It was determined that he had a brain bleed. He was then flown to Loyola University Hospital and received brain surgery Saturday morning,” said Chief Joe Formhals.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys understand how dangerous it can be to navigate through a construction zone. For this reason, motorists are asked to pass through with extreme cautious and alertness. Many work zone car accidents can be avoided if motorists pay attention and pass through these areas at a cautious speed. These risks are even higher for motorcyclists. Their lack of protection makes them extremely vulnerable to serious injury in the event of an accident.

Once at the hospital, doctors made several attempts at relieving the firefighter's intercranial pressure, but they were unsuccessful as of last reports. The hospital's tests have concluded that the firefighter's brain is not responding. It is showing no signs of any activity.

The firefighter is a father to two young daughters. He has been a member of the fire department since 1998.

“He loved coming to work and always had a smile on his face. He was one of those guys who never thought about himself,” Capt. Ron Fox said.

The family has chosen to keep their firefighter on life support to allow his organs to be donated to the hospital.

Motorists are asked to follow these safety tips to help avoid a potentially fatal accident in a construction zone:

-Turn on your headlight when driving through these zones so that other motorists and construction workers are more likely to see you.

-When required to merge before a work zone, do so as soon as possible. Don't wait until the last minute and put yourself in a compromising situation.

-Try not to ride in the center of your lane. This is where oil builds and debris collects. It's easily for a motorcycle to fall over in these areas.

-Abide by all speed limits. Speed limits are there for a reason and help you to safely travel through these areas.

-Consider taking a motorcycle safety course. This type of course can help you to learn new driving skills or to reinforce your current ones.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there were more than 4,500 fatal traffic accidents that involved a motorcycle in 2009 in the United States. More than 84,000 people were injured in these incidents.

Continue reading "Firefighter Left Brain Dead after Motorcycle Accident through Construction Zone in Illinois" »

The National Safety Council (NSC) is predicting more than 400 traffic fatalities this Memorial Day weekend and another 39,400 injuries caused by car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere in the country.

The official holiday weekend begins Friday at 6 p.m. and ends Monday at 11:59 p.m.

"We are reminding Americans to buckle up before they hit the road for the long Memorial Day weekend," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Seat belts are a lifesaver, but too many people are failing to buckle their seat belts at night, and it’s costing lives."

Our Illinois car accident attorneys would like to remind residents to be safe this long holiday weekend. We would also like to remind you that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be enforcing its “Click It or Ticket” campaign from the last week in May until the first week in June. Residents are urged to wear their seat belts while traveling on our roadways this holiday weekend to not only prevent injury in a motor vehicle accident, but to avoid a traffic citation as well.

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign has proved to be the most successful safety belt enforcement campaign as it has contributed to the highest national safety belt usage rate – almost 90 percent. Law enforcement agencies will be enforcing zero-tolerance for violations of safety belt use across the country throughout the campaign.

The NSC estimates that more than 300 motorists will survive this Memorial Day holiday weekend because of seat belts. Additionally, it estimates another 103 lives could be saved if everyone were to wear their seat belts.

Motorists are less likely to buckle up late at night, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Last year in Illinois, statistics show that only two in 10 people who died in crashes from midnight to 3 a.m. were properly restrained by a seat belt.

Over the last six years, the Memorial Day holiday weekend saw an average of more than a 12 percent increase in traffic fatalities than averages on other similar non-holiday periods. Researchers believe this is probably because of the increase travel in the U.S.

To help you stay safe on our roadways this Memorial Day holiday weekend, the NSC recommends that drivers consider the following:

-Make sure that all vehicle occupants are wearing their seat belts and children are placed in the appropriate child safety seat.

-Halt distracted driving habits. Do not use your cell phone or text behind the wheel.

-Allow yourself plenty of time for travel. Allowing extra time will help you avoid frustrations or any acts of road rage.

-Plan out your trip before departure. A plan will help with smoother travel.

-Practice defensive driving habits and exercise caution, especially in congested roadways and in inclement weather.

-Get plenty of rest. Avoid driving while fatigued or drowsy.

-Do not get behind the wheel if you've consumed alcohol. Even the littlest of consumption impairs driver reaction time and judgment.

Continue reading ""Click It Or Ticket" in Full Force Memorial Day Weekend To Reduce Risk of Car Accidents in Illinois and Elsewhere" »

Jointly the Illinois Department of Transportation, State Police, Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) and A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) launched the Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign, which urges Illinois motorists to share the road with motorcycles and expect to see them soon on Illinois roadways.

Governor Quinn has declared May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and supports the group's efforts for motorcycle safety.

Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys understand the risk riders face especially in the spring time when motorist aren't use to seeing them and the chance for a Chicago motorcycle accidents peaks.

"Under the leadership and vision of Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois experienced an historic and record breaking two-year low in traffic fatalities in 2009 and 2010," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "IDOT continues to stress the importance of motorcycle safety and understands the need for proper attention, dedication and commitment by all motorists and motorcyclists in Illinois. Motorists share equal responsibility for motorcycle safety and are strongly encouraged to share the road and start seeing motorcycles."

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,290 riders were killed and 96,000 sustained injuries in motorcycle crashes. Riders accounted for 14 percent of total traffic deaths. Nearly 50 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved a collision with a motor vehicle and most of the time the motorcycle is hit in the front. Illinois had 121 riders killed in 2008.

"The Illinois State Police is committed to the safety of all motorists, and we are proud to partner with IDOT in an effort to raise awareness and reduce motorcycle related crashes," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. "Inclement weather, road conditions, traffic congestion, and limitations of protective gear, make motorcycle riders susceptible to serious or life threatening injuries, regardless of their experience or skill level. We can all help make this summer safe and enjoyable by practicing safe driving habits and staying focused on the road."

IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety target="_blank">"Start Seeing Motorcycles" campaign and Motorcycle Safety Program are focused on motorist awareness to reduce motorcycle fatalities. The key messages to the motoring public are: as the weather improves the number of motorcycles increases, be considerate of others on the roadways and most importantly "Share the Road". Yellow banners and yard signs have been strategically displayed throughout the community, spreading the message to "Start Seeing Motorcycles".

"When you ride, be aware of your surroundings, others may not see you. Whenever there is a motor vehicle versus a motorcycle accident, most of the time the operator’s comment is, ‘I did not see the bike" said Larry Kolling, GWRRA’s Illinois District Motorist Awareness Coordinator.

IDOT's "Gear Up" campaign is in full swing which focuses on the riders' responsibilities to: keep their bikes mechanically sound, increase their visibility, wear protective clothing, never ride impaired and make sure their license and insurance are current.

Continue reading "'Start Seeing Motorcycles' Campaign Launched in Illinois aimed at reducing Chicago motorcycle accidents" »

As the weather improves and the temperatures continue to rise, motorcycle enthusiasts are starting to get the itch to return to the roadways this spring. Illinois motorists are reminded to be prepared for motorcyclists who will begin traveling on roadways because there will be an increased risk for Chicago motorcycle accidents.

Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys have a growing concern in early spring each year knowing that over 50% of motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are the fault of the driver and not the rider.

Illinois Department of Transportation along with other motorcycle advocates like A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) and Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) are sending a message this spring with the launch of "Gear Up" Campaign.

"IDOT is dedicated to motorcycle safety in Illinois and has developed a proven and effective traffic safety program to positively impact motorcyclists and the general public as a whole," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable of highway users, and we want to work together to promote motorcycle safety and help protect all of the motoring public."

The "Gear Up" Campaign is meant to address the accidents that are caused by the rider by offering training and information on proper equipment to use while riding. Free training courses and educational material will be offered to motorcyclists with a registered license in Illinois in an effort to keep riders safer.

Though motorcycles account for less than 3% of vehicle registrations, almost 14% of all vehicle fatalities involve a motorcycle. Safety can be vastly improved with the use or proper equipment while riding, as well as proper training in handling the motorcycle.

"Our goals are to educate our members in proper riding techniques and safe operation and to improve public acceptance and awareness of motorcyclists while maintaining a friendly, fun atmosphere," said GWRRA Illinois District Director Dan Ribbing.

The "Gear Up" campaign offers the following safety tips from IDOT:

-Awareness of your abilities and experience are the key to a safer ride. Don't try advanced maneuvers before you gain the needed knowledge and experience.

-Never operate a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.

-Obeying traffic laws decreases the risk of an accident significantly.

-Motorcyclists should always maintain proper licensing. Approximately 20% of riders killed in motorcycle accidents are not properly licensed.

-Proper riding equipment like gloves, long pants, jackets, goggles, and DOT-approved helmets should be worn by all riders on motorcycles. Bright colors increase visibility to other motorists and can add further safety precautions.

-During the 2011 training season, IDOT will make 25,000 free training slots available to motorcycle riders. Gain as much access as possible to free training and safety programs.

To learn more about Illinois motorcycle safety courses or general information about safety while riding visit Start Seeing Motorcycles.

Continue reading "Spring a Dangerous Time for Chicago Motorcycle Accidents" »

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers encourage riders and other motorists to consider taking a course on what to do in the event of a serious car accident. In particular, a course being offered about dealing with injuries before rescue crews arrive could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a serious or fatal traffic accident.

During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, we published an article on our Illinois Injury Law Blog detailing some of the steps riders can take to help protect themselves from being involved in a Chicago motorcycle accident.

Now the Sun-Times reports that a trauma nurse is offering a class aimed at teaching riders and motorists about what they can do to assist before emergency crews arrive. The 40-year-old trauma nurse from Loyola Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine has seen it all in 10 years on the job, from bikers with scrapes and bruises to those dead on arrival. As an avid motorcycle rider herself, she was also involved in a motorcycle crash on I-55 in 2006, which dislocated her shoulder, fractured an ankle and left her with road rash. The accident was caused by a passing motorist, who threw a Gatorade bottle out the window.

She was with fellow riders who assisted her for 40 minutes until emergency crews could arrive. The experienced left her well aware of how ill-equipped most riders are for dealing with injuries until emergency personnel can arrive on the scene. Her class, called "A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist," is aimed at bikers, scooter riders, EMS specialists and nurses. Its aim is to educate those at a crash scene about what to do in the minutes following an Illinois motorcycle accident.

Tips on securing the scene, traffic control, when and how to move an injury victim, how to move a motorcycle, and how to properly provide a 911 dispatcher with life-saving information are all part of the course. Nearly half of all motorcycle riders are seriously injured and 98 percent of riders involved in an accident with another vehicle suffer some injuries. She also encourages all riders to take a CPR course and an accident management program. Basic and advanced courses are offered on the following Saturdays: July 24, Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Nov. 27 at Loyola University Health System in Maywood.

Fort more information visit www.accidentscene.org.

Continue reading "Chicago injury lawyers believe accident response course worthwhile for all motorists" »