Chicago-Land Personal Injury Lawyer - Automobile Accidents

Walk Much? Chicago’s Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians Revealed

Nick Avgerinos — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:33:00 GMT

If you live and/or work in the city, chances are you’re doing a lot of walking. And with the price of gas nowadays, you’re probably doing extra walking. If so, you can probably relate to CBS’s analogy that crossing the street in Chicago is like playing the old videogame “Frogger.” In short, walk at your own risk.

The statistics put this real danger in perspective. On average, there are approximately 1000 serious pedestrian accidents each year in Chicago, resulting in over 900 serious injuries and 71 fatalities. Almost one-third of those accidents are hit-and-runs. And while pedestrians do contribute to some of the accidents, efforts at educating the public are focused on drivers since they are the ones operating heavy machinery.

As a recent AP article noted, part of the problem is our culture of entitlement. As drivers, we tend to feel like we own the roads. And with bumper-to-bumper traffic, it always feels like it should be our turn. As a result, motorists on a mission have a ‘get out of my way’ mentality that can prove dangerous to pedestrians just trying to get to the other side.

With the heavy pedestrian presence on Chicago’s streets, the city of the big shoulders needs to make some room for walkers. That’s why the city of Chicago is working on engineering, education, and enforcement to make our streets safer for pedestrians. To demonstrate the severity of the problem, in June, an undercover officer pretended to be a pedestrian using the crosswalk. In less than two hours, police issued warnings to 101 drivers who failed to yield.

Clearly, as drivers, we need to pay more attention to those on foot. But, as pedestrians, we also need to pay better attention to the motor vehicles around us. Most recently, many have expressed concern over our preoccupation with technological devices; keeping your eyes glued to your Blackberry, reading a new email, could be deadly if you’re simultaneously trying to cross the street. The same goes for zoning out with your earbuds in, listening to your iPod.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, there are also more mundane measures you can take to cut your risk, such as dressing such that you can be seen. Bright colors are better. Many operate under the false assumption that if you can see a car’s headlights, it can see you, too. Wrong! The Times suggests reflective colors for nighttime walking. Then again, if you stay focused on your surroundings and ignore the temptation to get lost in your gadgets, you should be fine regardless of attire. It’s all about keeping safety as your focus.

Here are the top 10 most dangerous intersections, ranked based upon total accident statistics from 2003 and 2005:

1. King Drive and 79th.....13

2. Ashland and 79th.....11

3. California and North.....10

4. Cicero and Madison.....9

5. Pulaski and Irving Park.....8

6. Kedzie and North.....8

7. Halsted and 95th.....8

8. Michigan and Monroe.....8

9. Clark and Washington.....7

10. Dearborn and Randolph.....7

Your schedule likely doesn’t allow you to avoid these intersections entirely, nor would that address the problem. CDOT is studying the most dangerous spots and brainstorming ways to improve their safety with better signs, pavement markings and signal timing. Regardless of what measures the city takes, however, there is plenty we can do, as both pedestrians and motorists, to improve the situation. So, before putting your foot on the gas or in front of the other (whichever the case may be), help keep our streets safe by looking both ways before you cross the street.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

Road Less Traveled: Self-imposed Safety Standards for Off-roading

Nick Avgerinos — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:09:00 GMT

With skyrocketing gas prices and crowded mass transit options, many of us are left wondering why we’re still stuck in a bumper-to-bumper commute. And while most of us resist being ‘that guy’--you know, the one who goes flying up the shoulder while you’re waiting (im)patiently in your lane--we still wish there was a better way to get from Point A to Point B.

What if you weren’t constrained by the lines of road? For many Americans, that’s no longer a dream but a reality. No, we haven’t invented the hover car...yet. Instead, I’m talking about the increasingly popular hobby of off-roading. I know people involved in the “sport” and it sounds like a lot of fun. But it can also be a very risky activity. As fellow IB attorney Chuck Boyk recently wrote, off-roading can give rise to serious personal injury claims. He specifically discussed the danger that ATVs pose, both in design and negligent operation. With increased use, accidents are also on the rise. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, ATV accidents resulting in death rose from 29 in 1982 to 470 in 2004.

But it’s not just ATVs riding in the field and on the dunes; many other vehicles, notably Jeeps, are often favored. Those of you living in and around Chicago might be asking, “Where exactly is this going on?” The answer: all around you. Not in the city, of course, but definitely in the sprawling countryside that makes up much of Illinois and most of neighboring Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. In fact, the sand dunes around Michigan are one of the favorite hotspots for riders.

And for those of you who think it’s just a few kids out joyriding, check out the many off-roading societies in and around Illinois. Some of these sites are just for exchanging information or planning trips, but others provide useful safety information. Some clubs, like Iron Horse, 4X4s, Inc. even developed a Safety Committee that performs safety checks on member vehicles at each club run or event. Its website also provides information to conduct your own safety check: a road travel checklist.

To further ensure safety measures are followed, the Two Rivers Jeep Club in Pittsfield, Illinios implemented the United Four Wheel Drive Association's Awareness Course as a required course for all board members and trail guides and helpers. The Northern Illinois Jeep Alliance also provides helpful information, including tips for staying safe once you’re on the trail:

· Know the limits of your vehicle.

· Tie your gear down. In the event of a roll-over your gear could become deadly missiles.

· Air down your tires. Airing down your tires makes for a softer ride and gives your vehicle more traction. You might start out at 15 psi, in deep sand I'll go as low as 8 psi. Whatever tire pressure you are running at, remember to check your tire pressure from time to time. As your tire gets warmer the air pressure in your tire will increase. While you are airing down, this is a good time to do a final inspection of your vehicle.

· Another trick to help out the suspension on your vehicle, is to disconnect your sway bar. This allows for better wheel travel.

· Now that you have everything tied down, your vehicle is ready to go, it's time for you and your passengers to climb aboard and strap in. Use your seat belts. Remember your roll bar or cage will not protect you if you are not in the vehicle.

No matter what vehicle you use or what route you follow, educate yourself before hitting the trails. Off-roading may allow you to roll pass traffic jams, but it doesn’t sidestep safety hazards.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

Small Town Savings: The Switch from Gas Guzzlers to Golf Carts

Nick Avgerinos — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:36:00 GMT

Gas prices keep climbing, and salaries are failing to follow suit. As a result, Americans everywhere are searching for ways to save. The newest idea in Illinois: golf carts. No, people aren’t hitting the links in an effort to distract themselves from their pain at the pump (well, maybe they are); people are trading in their cars and trucks for golf carts. This is a particularly plausible option for the elderly, many of whom only travel close to home. Others, who can afford the additional upfront expense, have added a golf cart to their fleet of traditional cars in an effort to curb consumption for local travel.

Let me back up for a moment; in both Illinois and Indiana, it is illegal to drive golf carts on a state road. Thanks to legislation passed just 10 years ago, though, Illinois towns are free to open their roads to golf carts. And with the gas crunch upon us, a trickle of small towns are responding with the appropriate legislation. Clearly, it’s not a bandwagon that the city of Chicago can jump on (we have enough worries about our bike riders), but it may be an amenable option for our downstate neighbors.

According to the recent Chicago Tribune article, three towns in Iroquois County have already passed ordinances allowing golf carts onto their streets, and two more towns south of Kankakee are poised to do the same. The gas saving benefit is so great—according to the Wheeling village manager, “the gas mileage on those [golf carts] makes the [Mini Cooper] look like a Hummer”—northern suburbs are also contemplating the switch.

The downside: safety. Densely populated places would obviously have a harder time with the switch. The existing ordinances promote safety by requiring that carts are outfitted with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a reflective sign. The ordinances further regulate that the carts do not drive down streets with speed limits higher than 35 m.p.h. Still, safety is a concern.

Like other creative commuting options, golf carts are simply not as safe as the other four-wheelers on the road. We have to keep in mind that they’ll be sharing the streets with traditional (much larger) vehicles. As fellow IB attorney Drew Dixon pointed out, golf cart related injuries are soaring. A study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that annual injury rates for golf carts increased 130% between 1990 and 2006. And 15% of those injuries occurred on the street; with more golf carts on the road, that number will likely continue to climb.

So what can you do to both save and be safe? Here are some helpful tips to stay safe while cruising in your golf cart:

Limit cart use to authorized employees who have a valid driver's license.
Never operate a cart under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Limit capacity of golf cart to specified design and restrictions (i.e., two passenger, four passenger, etc).
Operate cart from driver side only.
Keep hands and feet within cart at all times.
Remain seated at all times when driving the cart - and make sure passengers stay seated at all times.
Lock brake before exiting cart.
Ensure that cart is at a complete stop before getting in and out.
Operate carts in designated areas only.
Drive over steep or uneven terrain with caution.
Approach steep or uneven terrain vertically to avoid tipping over and sliding of cart.
Avoid driving over wet or muddy surfaces.
Slow down when approaching corners or speed bumps and on public roads.
Slow down when driving on hills.
Always turn to see behind cart while reversing and never try to go in reverse downhill.
Drive defensively! Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes on the path ahead of you.

Stay tuned to see just how common golf carts become in Illinois. Most likely, many municipalities will carefully consider the way the already-effective ordinances affect their respective towns and then decide whether to follow suit. Then again, if gas prices continue to rise, residents may press for faster adoption of such ordinances. Just remember that while golf cart drivers may not be yelling “fore” to alert you of their danger, please slow down for their safety and yours.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

It’s Not Easy Being Green: Bike Safety in the City

Nick Avgerinos — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:06:00 GMT

With $5 gas apparently on the horizon , we’re all looking for ways to cut down our consumption. So, for budgetary as well as eco-conscious concerns, many are filling up their bike tires and hitting the road. In the densely populated city of Chicago , with pedestrians tripping over one another on the sidewalks and cabbies riding each other’s bumpers on the street, it’s difficult for bicyclists to squeeze through on two wheels.

Sadly, this space crunch has resulted in serious injury and even death for many bike riders. According to NBC , there have already been five deaths this year from bicycle accidents. On Monday morning, one bicyclist was hit on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and George Street ; luckily, the cyclist was able to pedal away. Just a couple weeks ago, however, one young man was not so lucky when he was hit by the door of an SUV and then run over and killed by another car on North LaSalle Street .

This recent fatality is an example of something called ‘dooring’ and it is against Illinois law, pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-1407 . The Chicago Bicycle Safety Ordinance likewise outlaws dooring. Why the emphasis on this phenomenon? Well, there’s simply a space issue in the heart of the city and dooring is relatively easy to do. It only requires a second of inattention. It’s important to realize that any moment of disregard could have dire consequences for our neighbors on two wheels. The phrase ‘keep your eyes on the road’ is just as pertinent after you turn the motor off.

The sheer size and weight of motor vehicles makes the road dangerous for bicyclists. And the fact that many cyclists do not wear a helmet on a regular basis ---according to Injury Board member Megan Roth, a full 50%---makes things worse. Head injuries account for the most bicycle deaths each year! It’s important that bicyclists do their best to stay safe, including, as recently explained by attorney Kristin Labanauskas , following the rules of the road .

Many sites have sprung up to help keep Illinois cyclists stay safe. The Illinois State Police have assembled a bicycle safety command center that is particularly helpful; it provides list of laws applicable to cyclists and a summary of what they mean. There is also a list of safety tips , but some are hard to apply in the city; avoiding busy streets and always letting cars go first, for instance. (You might never get anywhere.) Still, it’s helpful to garner as many tips as possible and then use them to the best of your ability…and always, always wear a helmet. Remember: the price of gas is nothing next to the cost of losing your life.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

“Can You Hear Me Now?”

Nick Avgerinos — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:07:00 GMT

Listen. To what, you’re probably asking; and that’s the problem. We are an overwhelmingly chatty society. And with technology, with Ipods or a Bluetooth in our ear and email at our fingertips, it’s no wonder we eschew quiet time. And sometimes that’s okay.

But sometimes it’s dangerous. Case in point: your commute. No matter whether you’re making the trip from the suburbs to the city via train, plane, or automobile, you’re increasing your risk of injury by failing to keep your ears open. We are a society that prizes efficiency, and technology affords us that luxury. And while most of us know that this 24/7 accessibility is both burden and blessing, we should also know that it monopolizes much of our attention.

Just imagine a day without your Blackberry, laptop, or Ipod. It’s tough to do. And that explains why technological treasures are linked with so many accidents nowadays. According to Injury Board member Craig Kelly, several hundred thousand accidents are caused by cell phones alone! I wrote recently about the heightened concern about texting while driving; texting diverts not just our ears but our eyes as well from the road. I know we all want to have constant communication, but sometimes silence is imperative for safety.

We have had the misfortune of many local train accidents recently. We have lost neighbors in Western Springs, Edison Park, Des Plaines, and the Northwest Side of Chicago all in the past couple weeks. And while the details of these accidents are still forthcoming, we need to do what we can to avoid similar accidents in the future. I have blawgged about train safety before, and it all starts with stop, look, and listen. We look at that as hackneyed advice, but often fail to consider it.

What should it mean for us? For starters, turning down the radio or turning off your cell phone in the car. Likewise, taking out your earbuds and putting down your cell phone on while standing on the train platform. Just last year a Florida woman was struck by a train while listening to her Ipod. These seem like simple suggestions, but take a look around on your commute. We all assume these simple tips don’t apply to us. Newsflash: they do.

It’s time that we pay respect to those who have lost their lives in such tragic accidents during their commute by doing what we can to avoid future accidents. So, on your way home from work today, tune in to what’s going on around you, rather than tuning out with your gadgets.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

Rocky Road: Drunk Drivers Swerving Into Your Lane

Nick Avgerinos — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:30:00 GMT

A lot can happen in a half hour: lunch, an episode of your favorite sitcom, or your drive home from work (if you’re lucky). And perhaps that half hour will pass uneventfully. For too many people, however, it is interrupted by a tragic injury. Every 31 minutes, someone dies from an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash. Every 2 minutes, someone is non-fatally injured the same way. That’s right, by the time you’re done reading this blawg, another person has been hit by a drunk driver.

Given our substantial knowledge about the risks of driving under the influence, its prevalence is staggering. According to the Department of Justice, nearly 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2005 alone. The more surprising part: that’s less than 1% of the self-reported episodes of alcohol-impaired driving. We hear about DUIs and DWIs every day; just imagine the real frequency of such instances being about 100 times what you thought. That’s pretty scary stuff.

Unfortunately, though, it is a mistake that millions of Americans continue to make. The solution: defensive driving. You can’t control who is on the road, but you can control where you drive, when you drive, and with whom you drive. Here are some tips for staying safe:

Volunteer to be a designated driver.
Always use a safety seat belt.
Use four-lane highways whenever possible.
Avoid rural roads.
Avoid travel after midnight (especially on Fridays and Saturdays).
Choose vehicles with airbags.
Refer to safety ratings before selecting your next vehicle. See "Buying a Safer Car" (nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/NCAP). "Buying A Safer Car" includes safety ratings of cars, vans, and sport utility vehicles by year, make, and model.
Never use illegal drugs. Illicit drugs are involved in a large proportion of traffic fatalities.
Never drive when fatigued. The dangers posed when fatigued are similar to those when intoxicated. A drunk or fatigued driver has slowed reactions and impaired judgment. And a driver who nods off at the wheel has no reactions and no judgment! Drivers who drift off cause about 72,500 injuries and deaths each and every year.
Don't use a car phone, put on make-up, comb your hair, or eat while driving. Drivers using cellular phones are four times more likely to have an accident than other drivers.
Steer clear of aggressive drivers. Aggressive drivers may be responsible for more deaths than drunk drivers.

Keep in mind that drunk driving is an expensive mistake, both fiscally and humanely speaking. My guess is most individuals who make that mistake, and hurt others in the process, greatly underestimate the tab for drinks that night. We all know that you can’t be 100% safe 100% of the time, but you can better your odds. It’s simple math; when it comes to following safe driving tips, there’s no such thing as one too many.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

Road Rage: Tips for Keeping Your Cool Around Hot Tempers

Nick Avgerinos — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:32:00 GMT

We all know the feeling: a vehement and venomous passion directed toward the unidentified driver who just jilted our rightful place in the world of motor vehicles. It could be a seasoned cab driver or a new soccer mom. Either way, the road rage is the same. Bad drivers are lurking everywhere, from the streets of Chicago to suburban church parking lots: the Ford flying up the shoulder in a traffic jam; the Saturn sitting through an entire green arrow; the BMW riding your bumper for no apparent reason.

Just this past week, a taxicab driver was cited for negligent driving after his vehicle went in reverse, striking a light pole and at least two pedestrians during the morning rush outside Union Station. According to AP, the driver was getting out of his cab when he realized it was in reverse and accidentally hit the accelerator rather than the brake. Why the rush to get out? Witnesses say that there was an argument between two cabbies. And with the amount of road rage those guys must deal with daily, it’s no surprise.

While I can certainly sympathize with such frustration, maybe we should take a good look in the rearview mirror and consider how we can improve the situation. You may have heard the saying that anyone driving faster than you is a jerk and anyone driving slower is an idiot. Where does that leave you? The lone person on the road who is neither a jerk nor an idiot? To take a cue from the Magic 8 ball: signs point to no.

It’s important to censor yourself before someone gets hurt…or a lawsuit gets started. A few years back the National News Desk blawgged about a Florida man who was awarded $6 million in a road rage case. So, what can you do to keep calm? The website Roadragers.com provides some helpful tips for keeping your cool when tempers get hot:

Be a cautious and courteous driver. Avoid creating a situation that may provoke another motorist.
Don’t tailgate.
If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let the driver by.
Don't make inappropriate hand or facial gestures.
Use your horn sparingly. The horn is a communication device. Try not to use it to "punish" an aggressive driver because you only draw their attention to you.
If you do encounter an angry aggressive driver, don’t make matters worse by triggering a confrontation. Avoid eye contact and steer clear, giving angry drivers plenty of room.
It is a good idea to put as much distance between you and the aggressive driver as possible.

When in doubt, take a moment and collect yourself. Even if your knuckles are turning white from gripping the steering wheel, it’s best to take your mom’s advice here; if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

Multi Million Dollar Jury Verdict Affirmed

Tony Romanucci — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:44:46 GMT

A Cook County, Illinois Appellate Court decided that the trial court did not abuse its discretion when it denied the City of Chicago's motion for new trial after a jury awarded $17.7 Million to a Romanucci & Blandin client who was severely injured when a police vehicle struck him from rear. There was sufficient evidence for jury to conclude that the officer, who testified that she entered expressway in order to be able to provide assistance, if necessary, to officers in pursuit of fleeing suspect, was not engaged in the enforcement of any laws at the time that she struck plaintiffs vehicle; thereby defeating Citys defense of Tort Immunity Act.

Further, there was sufficient evidence for jury to find that officer, who apparently lost control of her vehicle when it jumped 4 lanes and spun 180 degrees, was guilty of willful and wanton negligence. The finding was supported by properly admitted testimony of reconstruction expert and illustrated by computer simulation. In addition, plaintiffs counsel, in closing argument could properly argue that evidence supported answer of no to special interrogatory asking whether officer was engaged in law enforcement; and issues instruction with regards to willful and wanton negligence was not misleading.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Tony Romanucci

DeKalb Teenager Killed in Car Accident

Chrissie Cole — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:46:43 GMT

A 17-year-old girl was killed and three others were injured (one critically) in a car accident on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Toll way in DeKalb, according to State Police.

They were traveling west on the Reagan Toll way when the driver lost control of the vehicle for reasons still unknown at 11 p.m., on Tuesday. The vehicle went through a center median and crossed into eastbound traffic before coming to rest in a ditch, according to an Illinois State Police Toll way District Manager.

Two of the four vehicle occupants were ejected from the car during impact - two men were walking around when officials arrived and two women were lying in the grass.

A 17-year-old girl was killed while the other female was airlifted to Kishwaukee Community Hospital in DeKalb where she is listed in critical condition.

The two males did not suffer serious injury in the accident. The cause of the accident is still unclear at this time while officials investigate.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole