Abels & Annes, P.C. Settles Car Accident Case for $100,000

The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. recently settled a car accident case for the available policy limits of $100,000. Though liability appeared clear, the defendant's insurance company refused to make a reasonable offer for settlement for years, causing our attorneys to fight in court for our client's rights. In the end, we succeeded in securing every dollar of available insurance money for our client, who was injured in 2010.

This accident occurred when our defendant, a male, was driving his vehicle Arlington Heights and towing an empty trailer. The defendant, a female, was behind our client on the same road and in the same lane. As the light turned red, traffic came to a stop and our client stopped his car as well. The defendant admitted that she was not paying attention and admitted that she rear-ended our client. The defendant further admitted to following our client too closely while driving.

Our client was injured in the accident and needed medical treatment. Over time, doctors determined that he sustained a bulging disc in his neck and a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder. To repair his shoulder, our client underwent surgery and then followed up with rehabilitation, including physical therapy. He also underwent an epidural steroid injection in his neck to treat his pain and discomfort which radiated to his arm.

We knew our client was not at fault and sustained significant injuries so we spent every day fight for him and fighting for his rights. We filed a lawsuit in Cook County on behalf of our client that alleged the defendant was not paying attention while she was driving, failed to slow down or stop for traffic, and hit our client, causing his injuries. Due to our persistent fighting, the insurance company for the defendant eventually offered the full benefits available - a good victory for our client.

After an accident, it may seem clear and obvious who is at-fault and who was a victim. Even so, that does not mean that you will have an easy time making a recovery for your injuries. Insurance companies are businesses and some deny valid claims in an effort to keep profits high and expenses low. This is why any car accident victim who is not represented by a personal injury lawyer is at a disadvantage.

At Abels & Annes, P.C., we make it our business to do the right thing and to fight for those who are hurt through the negligence of another. We never represent insurance companies and we only represent victims.

We do not shy away from a case just because it is hard or difficult. When a person is injured, they deserve justice, and that is what we help provide, regardless of how challenging a case can be. We work hard for our clients and we keep working until a favorable result is reached.

If you have been hurt in an auto accident, call the Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free case consultation. We can be reached 24 hours a day at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442. We also offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations for clients who want to meet with us in person but are too injured to come to our offices. Call today and let us help you recover from your losses.

Prior Blog Entries:

Motorcyclist Killed in Lakeview Crash, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 21, 2013.

Barrington Hills Man Charged in Fatal DUI Accident, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 20, 2013.

Photo Credit: cremosonic, stock.xchng.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Settle Left Turn Case for $118,000

The car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. recently settled a case for $118,000. Our client in this case was a passenger in a car driven by a negligent driver.

This claim stems from a November accident where a driver was attempting to make a left turn. His view was obstructed by a large bus in front of him who was also attempting to make a left turn on a different road. Though the driver could not see oncoming traffic, he sped up and turned left anyway, seriously risking his safety as well as the safety of his passenger and other drivers on the road.

The driver turned into the path of an oncoming car and caused a collision. Our client was a passenger in the turning car at the time of the crash. The impact was so significant that our client's vehicle rolled over, causing the roof of the car to indent into the passenger compartment more than 12 inches.

When the police responded to the scene, the driver admitted that his view of oncoming traffic was obscured but that he chose to turn anyway. The driver received a traffic citation for failing to yield the right-of-way when turning left.

Our client was unconscious immediately following the accident. He was transported to Lutheran General's Emergency Department by ambulance where doctors examined him and performed tests. Our client was diagnosed with a concussion and a fractured leg. He remained in the hospital overnight so doctors could assess his cognitive function following his concussion.

After his discharge, our client sought follow up treatment for his injuries. While his leg healed, his ability to walk, drive, and work were affected as was his ability to think clearly. After some time, our client was deemed to have recovered from the accident and was discharged from treatment.

The lawyers at Abels & Annes were able to set up a claim against the left turning driver's insurance company for our client's injuries. As in cases like this, a passenger can recover for injuries sustained in an accident even if the passenger is in the same vehicle as the driver that causes a crash. This is because the driver alone, and not his passengers, are to blame for the accident so injured passengers are still entitled to a recovery.

At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand that each case is unique and each case deserves consideration on its own merits. That is why we work hard every day for our clients and we fight for each one separately. We were able to help this client after he was hurt, and we might be able to help you as well.

If you have been injured in an accident where a driver failed to yield the right-of-way, call the Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes today for a free telephone consultation. We have an attorney standing by 24 hours a day to take your call at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 so please do not hesitate. Let us help you recover for your accident-related injuries now.

Prior Blog Entries:

Abels & Annes, P.C. Settles Car Accident Case for $100,000, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 24, 2013.

Motorcyclist Killed in Lakeview Crash, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 21, 2013.

Photo Credit: mzacha, stock.xchng.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Barrington Hills Man Charged in Fatal DUI Accident

An 18-year-old Barrington Hills man has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence of intoxicants after a March car crash left one man dead and a woman seriously injured. Bond was set at $100,000 plus the requirement of relinquishing his passport and submitting to random drug tests.

The charges stem from a March crash on Illinois Highway 59 in Barrington Hills where the defendant allegedly was driving under the influence of Lorazepam, a prescription sedative that is highly addictive and known to be abused as a recreational drug. The defendant was driving an SUV northbound when he sideswiped a southbound car and then crashed head-on into a vehicle driven by a 61-year-old man. The 61-year-old man died from his injuries and his 44-year-old fiancee, who was a passenger in his car, suffered severe leg injuries. The defendant sustained minor injuries and received treatment at Good Samaritan Hospital. While there, a blood test revealed Lorazepam in his system.

The defendant has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence involving death and aggravated driving under the influence involving great bodily harm. These are felony charges with incarceration in prison as a sentence if the defendant is convicted on all charges.

The defendant in this case reportedly did not have a prescription for Lorazepam but even if he did, he could be guilty of driving under the influence if the drug affected his ability to drive. Lorazepam is known to cause drowsiness and sleepiness and for this reason, the National Institutes of Health state that no one should take the medication and drive until they know how the medicine affects the individual. It is not clear whether the defendant had previously taken Lorazepam before the collision but police did find a bottle of the drug in the defendant's car after the crash.

Car accidents are very common in Illinois. In fact, there were 281,788 automobile collisions in 2011 alone. Of those crashes, 835 proved fatal with 918 persons being killed. While the number of fatal crashes pales in comparison to the total number of accidents, there were still over 900 people killed in Illinois which is about 17 people every week.

When an innocent person loses their live to the negligence of another, there is nothing that can fully repair the damage and make the victim's family whole again. The best that we can do is seek a financial recovery for the losses suffered by the victim's family through a civil claim. This is allowed by the law to help cover some of the costs and losses experienced in accidents like this.

In a civil claim, and injured person or the surviving family of a deceased victim can bring a claim against a negligent driver for damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, disfigurement, lost wages, and lost companionship. A personal injury attorney can help assist with this civil claim and seek the compensation that is deserved based on the accident and the resulting injuries.

If you have been hurt in an accident or if a loved one has been killed, call the Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free, no obligation telephone consultation. At Abels & Annes, P.C., you will speak with a licensed lawyer who is skilled in your type of case and who will answer your questions. We can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 so please do not hesitate to call us and let us fight for you.

Prior Blog Entries:

13 Injured After 3 Vehicles Collide, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 18, 2013.

Hit-And-Run Driver Arrested after Accident Injures Child, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 17, 2013.

Resources:

Barrington Hills man charged in fatal March crash, by George Houde, Chicago Tribune, published June 19, 2013.

Photo Credit: CathyK, stock.xchng.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Taxi Cab Driver Killed, Passenger Injured in Mission Valley Accident

A 36-year-old taxi cab driver, not wearing a seat belt, was killed in a single vehicle crash that took place on December 15 around 6:04 a.m. at northbound state Route 163. According to California Highway Patrol Officers, the cab driver was speeding on the rain soaked curve when he lost control of the vehicle.

The cab went off the right side of the pathway and struck a concrete wall on its passenger side. The motorist suffered a vehicle ejection, suffered a fatal head injury, and was pronounced dead. We send our condolences to the deceased victim’s family members for such a devastating loss.

The 52-year-old male passenger in the taxi cab, who was wearing a seat belt, complained of only minor head pain. Our personal injury law office prays for a quick recovery of the injured passenger.

Around 35,000 people die in auto accidents every year and from these around 17,000 people could have been saved if they wore safety belts when the accident occurred. Looking at these statistics, it is clear that safety belts can reduce the number of injuries by 50% and fatalities by around 70%.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), seat belt usage saved around 12,000 precious lives in the year 2009. Approximately 96.6% of motorists in California now use seat belts and there has been an increase of 0.4% from the year 2010.

Choosing a professional attorney will help the injured passenger get his deserved settlement to cover medical expenses and other accident-related damages.

If you were unfortunately injured in a taxi cab accident and want to seek justice for pain, suffering, and medical expenses--contact our Mission Valley taxi cab accident attorneys at (888) 233-5020 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Bartlett Man Killed In Motorcycle Accident

A Wednesday morning motorcycle crash claimed the life of a 24-year-old Bartlett man, according to local authorities. The accident happened near the 600 block of West Lake Street in Bartlett shortly after 10:00 a.m. though it is not clear if any other vehicles were involved.

The driver survived the initial crash and was transported to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates for emergency medical treatment but unfortunately the man did not survive.

There are about 240,000 registered motorcycles in the state of Illinois which means a large number of Illinois residents own and likely use those motorcycles on a regular basis. With motorcycle use increasing in the state, drivers are likely to see more and more bikes on local roads and highways. With an increase in motorcycle ridership unfortunately has come an increase in motorcycle accidents, some of which result in serious injuries and others that end in death.

Nearly 4,000 motorcycle accidents occur in Illinois every year and the majority of those result in some type of injury. Unlike a car or other passenger vehicle, there is nothing surrounding the driver of a motorcycle meaning that a biker is likely to contact the ground, another car, or a fixed object directly with his or her body. The human body is not designed to sustain such impacts and as a result, injuries are common. Many bikers choose to wear protective gear, including leather and helmets, to reduce the chances of a fatal crash but a biker can only do so much. Whenever a motorcyclist rides the roads, their safety is in the hands of other drivers and one negligent act can lead to a catastrophe.

Distracted driving poses some of the greatest threats to motorcyclists on Illinois roads even though it is against Illinois to be distracted behind the wheel. The increasing prevalence of smart phones, tablets, in-car technology, and an increased pace of life leaves many drivers attempting to multitask while behind the wheel. While it might seem like no big deal to some drivers, sending a text message or checking an email is a common cause of car accidents across the nation and claims the lives of thousands every year.

After an accident involving a motorcycle, many drivers claim that they simply did not see the biker until it was too late. Yet this is never a valid excuse as every driver is charged with the duty to watch for traffic at all times, including motorcyclists. Anyone who causes an accident that results in injuries or even death may be financially liable for the damage they incur to the extent of and possibly in excess of any automobile insurance they carry.

After a motorcycle accident, it may seem like no one is working for your best interest and that the insurance companies are against you. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand that this can be frustrating and unfair to accident victims and that your should not have to deal with the hassles thrown your way. That is why we offer a free telephone consultation to anyone injured in a motorcycle accident in Illinois and also why we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.

If you have been a crash victim, call the Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442. If you prefer to meet with us in person but you are too injured to travel to our offices, we will provide you with a free in-home or in-hospital consultation as well. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we never charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf. There is no obligation with the initial phone call so please call us today and let us help you after your accident.

Prior Blog Entries:

School Bus Driver Arrested in West Chicago Suspected of Driving Drunk, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published September 17, 2013.

Chicago Hit-And-Run Crash Leaves 1 Dead, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published September 10, 2013.

Resources:

Man Dies After Bartlett Motorcycle Crash, Sun-Times Media Wire/CBS Chicago, published September 18, 2013.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Driver Distracted By Cell Phone Charging Cord Causes Fatal Accident

Authorities believe that a driver was distracted by a cell phone charger cord that was tangled around his steering wheel when he caused an accident on August 8, 2013.

The accident occurred in the 13900 block of South Cicero Avenue earlier this month. The at-fault driver reportedly was driving a Ford Taurus when he became distracted by his cell phone charger around 4:45 p.m. The Taurus turned into the rear passenger door of an SUV and caused a crash, leaving the family within the SUV injured. The occupants included a husband, wife, and their son. Both the husband and son survived with minor injuries and received treatment at Palos Community Hospital. The wife was initially transported to MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island but later was transferred to John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County for further treatment. According to her family, she survived for several days before succumbing to her injuries. Her family also indicated that the woman had a history of heart problems before the accident that may have been aggravated by the crash.

Police investigating the accident cited the driver of the Taurus for failing to reduce his speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage, and driving without insurance on his car. It is unclear whether the driver will face any additional charges stemming from the death of the woman in the other vehicle.

When driving, distractions can arise in hundreds of different forms. Commonly, drivers may be distracted by eating, the radio, conversations within the car, or a cell phone or even by things outside of a vehicle like an accident or a flashy billboard. Though it may be human nature to be curious about some things and to divert your attention from the road, it is each driver's job to stay focused on driving and to put the safety of other motorists first. When a driver allows distractions to divert his or her attention, accidents are much more likely to occur.

Many drivers believe that they are driving in a safe manner and that they are not distracted by anything while behind the wheel. Others believe that modern advances in technology mean that their use of technology makes them a safe driver. Despite these common beliefs, studies continue to show that a large number of drivers are distracted at some point throughout their daily drives and that technology may not reduce distraction rates significantly. Instead, these same studies show that drivers who use hands-free technology to make phone calls or text are still dangerous and are only moderately safer than those who do not use hands-free devices. The conclusion of decades worth of data indicates that it is the conversation itself and not the method of delivery that distracts thousands of drivers every day.

When a distracted driver causes an accident that results in injuries, the law may provide for a victim to make a financial recovery. This money can be used to pay for medical bills or to compensate a victim for lost income while the victim was injured. In many cases, there is insurance available to cover an accident, but often the insurance available is not enough to fully cover all losses. Illinois has low levels of mandatory insurance and as a result, in the case of a catastrophic injury or death, a victim may need to explore other avenues of recovery to obtain full and adequate payment.

If you have been the victim of an automobile accident, call the Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free consultation. We have a lawyer available 24 hours a day to take your call at (312) 924-7575 and there is never an obligation with the free consultation. If you have been hurt, let us help you understand your legal options today.

Prior Blog Entries:

Woman Killed After Man Leaves Car Running, Son Accidentally Puts it in Gear, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published August 19, 2013.

Unlicensed Driver Sentenced to 4 Years for Reckless Homicide, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published August 15, 2013.

Resources:

Phone Cord Tangled In Steering Wheel A Factor In Fatal Crestwood Wreck, CBS Chicago/Sun-Times Media Wire, published August 16, 2013.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Female Motorist Hurt in Rollover Accident in Clairemont

A female motorist suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle wreck that took place on January 15 around 3 p.m. in the 4400 block of Clairemont Drive.

The female motorist was driving south in her white-colored Toyota Matrix when a Dodge Charger entered into her lane and hit her. Due to the impact of the crash, the Matrix rolled over and landed in the middle of the street.

The female motorist sustained minor bruises and scratches and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. We all hope for a quick recovery of the injured motorist.

The driver of the other vehicle escaped unhurt in this car crash.

A rollover may occur after a side collision with another vehicle or any fixed object. Some other prominent reasons behind rollover auto accidents may also involve maneuvering over rough terrain, a quick turn, or a tire tread separation.

All auto accidents carry the danger of injuries; but, rollover accidents can often produce a more damaging effect for the vehicle and drivers involved.

According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSTA), more than 30,000 rollover accidents occur each year and from these accidents more than 10,000 lose their lives.

Due to the limited information on the circumstances leading up to the accident, we can speculate that speeding, distraction, or negligence of either motorist could have lead to this rollover accident.

As the investigation into this rollover accident continues, the injured victim should seek out her legal rights against the possible at-fault Dodge driver to obtain compensatory damages.

It is a relief that both parties walked away from this accident. It is greatly recommended to routinely check your tires, never carry too much stuff, and to watch your speed to avoid a rollover accident and to have a chance of walking away from one if it happens.

Did you walk away from a rollover accident? Tell us your story and what you think was the main factor that saved your life.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Rainy Weather Causes Fatal Car Accident on Friars Road

An unidentified motorist died in a fatal two-vehicle wreck that took place on January 6 around 8 a.m. on Friars Road. According to the San Diego Police, the motorist was exiting northbound Interstate 15 on road that was newly rained on when the vehicle spun out of control and hit a fuel delivery truck going east towards Friars Road.

The car driver died at the accident site. Our law office sends heartfelt condolences to the deceased victim’s family and friends for such a shocking loss.

Although authorities stated that wet road was the main reason why the car driver lost control of the car, other factors such as speed and/or distraction from either party may have also contributed to the accident as well. Further investigation is certainly required.

Rain can make driving on roads much more dangerous. Making a sudden stop or trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle can have negative repercussions on wet road compared to dry road. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), auto accidents tend to increase by more than 200% in rain and the main reason behind this is that motorists do not alter their normal day-to-day driving habits.

All drivers need to remember to drive slower and to change quick driving behavior during rainy weather and after the rain has stopped.

We advise the deceased victim’s family members to seek advice and counsel from an experienced San Diego car accident wrongful death lawyer who will determine their legal options.

Please remember to drive safely during winter months in San Diego, especially during or after poor weather. Let’s do our part in making our streets, wet or not, much safer.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Deadly Illinois Bus Accident Kills One, Injures 37

There was a terrible bus accident this morning in the north suburbs of Chicago. Early reports indicate that the driver of a school bus ran a red light and collided with two SUVs near Wadsworth. The driver of one of those SUVs was killed in the collision, according to the Chicago Tribune.

A Lake County Sheriff described the collision as nearly a t-bone with all vehicles suffering significant damage. The SUV of the person killed was destroyed from the rear seat forward and the bus fell over and landed on its side, shattering several windows.

The collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 173 and Kilbourne Road in Newport Township with the bus reportedly was on its way to Newport Elementary School to drop off students for the day.

Children from the bus were examined at the scene and placed either on another bus with paramedics or in ambulances to be transported to hospitals. Two passengers in an SUV and 35 students from the bus were injured and examined. The driver of the bus did not appear to sustain any serious injuries but was shaken and upset at the scene.

Most of the children, believed to be in grades kindergarten through fifth, appeared to suffer minor injuries including bumps and bruises. However there were fractured hands, head injuries, and other broken bones. Some of the students were distraught at the scene and crying for their parents.

At least one eye witness stated that the bus driver ran a red light. Area residents said the light was just installed last year and that its presence had made some of the neighbors feel safer.

Unfortunately school buses are often involved in collisions and cause injuries to thousands of children every year. In 2008, 123 school-aged children were injured in school bus collisions in Illinois alone with another 71 non school-aged passengers injured as well. Since most children do not wear seat belts on school buses, they have a high risk of serious injury, especially when a bus rolls over as it did in this case.

It can be particularly scary to have a child involved in a school bus accident because parents entrust the safety of their children to bus drivers. Most parents believe that a school bus and their drivers are safe and will put the safety of the children first. However that does not always happen.

Bus drivers, like any other driver, can be guilty of driving negligently. Bus drivers can run red lights, speed, follow too closely, and get distracted just like other negligent drivers. However the risks associated with negligence are much higher for bus drivers because they are often responsible the safety of dozens of children at any given time.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Single Vehicle Accident in Unincorporated Stickney Kills Pregnant Woman and Unborn Child

A single vehicle crash that occurred recently in unicorporated Stickney has left a 24-year-old woman and the unborn child she was carrying dead, it is being reported.

According to a spokesman for the Cook County Sheriff's department, the accident occurred on the 4900 block of South Central Avenue at approximately 7:40 in the evening, on March 22. The woman was travelling northbound on Central Avenue in her Pontiac G6 when she hit a mailbox on the northeast side of the street, which caused her vehicle to spin around and hit a metal pole located on the same corner.

The woman and her unborn child were pronounced dead at about 8:30 p.m. at Loyola University Medical Center, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Officials said that an accident reconstruction team is investigating the crash, and that no one else was in the vehicle.

Tragically, fatal one car accidents such as this one occur much too frequently within the greater Chicago area. The causes of these single vehicle collisions can include anything from a malfunctioning motor vehicle, unexpected obstructions in the roadway, inclement weather conditions, and even over-correcting one's vehicle in order to avoid another crash. Additionally, a distracted driver or otherwise impaired motorist can also be the cause of these types of accidents.

For example, in 2011 alone, across the State of Illinois, more than half of the 918 fatal traffic collisions involved only one motor vehicle. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that a large proportion of those one-car traffic accidents occur in larger urban areas like Chicago.

If you were injured in a car accident, you should contact a car accident lawyer in order to discuss your rights and remedies. You might be able to recover damages from the negligent motorist related to the cost of your medical care, which can include medical bills, physical therapy, and lost wages from work, as well as for any resulting disability. Additionally recoverable expenses can include things such as pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and more.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Simple and Old-Fashioned Tips to Prevent Injury in a Chicago Car Accident

There are a few simple steps that motorists can take on our roadways to help save lives in the event of a car accident in Chicago. Some of the simplest steps include wearing a seat belt and ensuring that all child passengers are properly buckled up as well.

According to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, some of the oldest safety precautions outweigh the benefits of new-car technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were more than 32,750 people killed because of traffic accidents in 2009 in the United States.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand that seat belts are one of the biggest lifesavers in the event of an accident. As a matter of fact, it's reported that more than 12,700 lives were saved in 2009 because of the use of seat belts. Estimates conclude that nearly 3,700 child lives over the age of four could have been saved if parent's would have properly buckled them in.

Seat belt usage is up a significantly from just 10 years ago. Many safe-driving advocates credit this increase to high-visibility enforcement efforts from law enforcement agencies and the increase in the number of states to enact primary seat belt laws. The national seat belt usage rate was about 85 percent in 2010.

Primary seat belt laws make it okay for officers to pull over a motorist simply for not wearing a seat belt. More than 30 states, including the District of Columbia currently have primary belt laws.

A parent can also help to save their child's life by properly buckling them up during all trips in the car. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently made some changes to its child safety seat recommendations, asking parents to keep their children in rear-facing car seats until they're 2-years-old or until they've reached the seat's height and weight limitations. Once a child has exceeded the limits for their rear-facing car seat, parents are urged to make the switch to the front-facing car seat.

Unfortunately, properly fastening these seats to the vehicle's seat is no easy task. As a matter of fact, more than 70 percent of parents misuse their child's car seat. CarSafety.org offers you a list of instructions on how to properly buckle in your safety seat. The website also provides you with reviews on popular car seats.

Once your child has outgrown their current front-facing car seat, it's time to advance them to a booster seat. Ideally, you want to place your child in a booster seat once they turn 13 or once they're 4 feet 9 inches.

“Any restraint is better than none, but to be most effective, it’s important that the restraint fits both the child and the vehicle,” says Institute senior vice president for research Anne McCartt.

Some of the best prevention measures rest in the hands of drivers. Motorists are urged to remain cautious and focused at the wheel at all times. Safe driving habits and proper restraints can help to keep you, your family and other motorists safe in the event if a car accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.

More Blog Entries:

Windy City Drivers Among the Nation's Worst -- Chicago Car Accidents Often Result, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, September 12, 2011

As the School Year Begins, Officials Focus on Preventing Teen Car Accidents in Illinois, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, August 31, 2011

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

San Jacinto Rear-End Car Accident Injures Four

Four people suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle, rear-end collision that occurred on September 19, 2011, around 10:43 a.m. at Sanderson Avenue and Ramona Boulevard in San Jacinto. According to Riverside County sheriff's officials, a 42-year-old man driving his 2008 Chevy Silverado pickup truck south along Sanderson Avenue rear ended a 2009 Chrysler 300 that was stopped in the left turn lane.

The 35-year-old Chrysler’s driver, a 29-year-old female passenger and a 3-year-old boy in the car complained of pain and were immediately transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical treatment. The pickup truck's driver also treated for hand injuries sustained when an air bag deployed.

From the available information, it is evident that negligent driving led to this serious crash. Investigating officers need to determine what made the pickup driver rear end the Chrysler. There are certain unanswered questions here, was the motorist speeding? Was he distracted? Or did any traffic violation occur? Answers to these questions will help determine what contributed to this serious car crash.

The injured victims should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Riverside County truck accident lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights and options and assure that the at-fault pickup driver is brought to justice. The injured persons can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to obtain a timely compensation to cover treatment, medical and hospital costs, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, and other accident-related damages.

Our personal injury law office sincere hopes that the injuries suffered by the victims heal soon.

Ross Jurewitz represents people killed or injured in Riverside County two-vehicle collisions and is the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California personal injury law firm dedicated to representing families of people injured or killed in a traffic collision in San Jacinto. If you or a loved one suffers from a serious auto wreck injury, please contact our personal injury office at 888-233-5020.

San Diego Accident Lawyer

Monroe, Michigan top 10 auto accident locations

My first trial was in Monroe when I was a first-year baby lawyer (technically, it wasn’t a trial, since the insurance company offered its full policy limits when we started picking a jury for my client). And I always think about that when I walk into the Monroe courthouse. I’ve spent hundreds of hours helping people in Monroe, Toledo, and surrounding areas who’ve been hurt in car and mostly truck accidents from I-75 in the past 20 years.

That’s why we created the Monroe Car Accident Lawyer Resource Center to provide residents with quick access to local information.

I write this with the June 2011 report by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), showing 34 percent of all traffic crashes and nearly one-third of all fatalities occurred at intersections.

SEMCOG has also recently rolled out 2010 data on high crash intersections — and this is something that every car accident lawyer with cases in Monroe, Michigan needs to be aware of. After the Supreme Court changed the law with road defect and governmental immunity claims, this may not lead to a cause of action, but Monroe car accident attorneys may want to consider how to advise their clients in the following areas.

If nothing else, I hope by listing the top 10 auto accident intersections, we can help keep Monroe area drivers safe and prevent car accidents (if people take a little more time and extra precautions).

1. Telegraph Road South and Front Street West, 32 auto accidents

2. Cole Road and Monroe Street North, 19 auto accidents

3. Lorain Street West and Telegraph Road North, 14 auto accidents

4. 7th Street West and Telegraph Road South, 14 auto accidents

5. Elm Ave. East and Monroe Street North, 13 auto accidents

6. Telegraph Road North and Fredericks Dr., 12 auto accidents

7.  Jones Ave. and Monroe Street South, 11 auto accidents

8. Elm Ave. West and Roessler Street North, 10 auto accidents

9. Elm Ave. East and Macomb Street North, 9 auto accidents

10. Monroe Street South and 3rd Street West, 9 auto accidents

1. Telegraph Road South and Front Street West, 27.4 auto accidents

2. Cole Road and Monroe Street North, 18.2 auto accidents

3. Elm Avenue East and Monroe Street North, 14.6 auto accidents

4. Telegraph Road North and Lorain Street West, 13.4 auto accidents

5. Telegraph Road North and Fredericks Dr., 12.6 auto accidents

6. Telegraph Road South and 7th Street West, 11.8 auto accidents

7. Telegraph Road North and Holiday Blvd., 10.8 auto accidents

8. Elm Ave. East and Macomb Street North, 10.2 auto accidents

9. Front St West and Roessler St South, 9.6 auto accidents

10. Dixie Hwy. North and Ternes Dr, 9.4 auto accidents

As you can see from the data above, the intersection of Telegraph and Front Street has the highest amount of accidents not only last year, but is on average, the most dangerous intersection in Monroe, Michigan for the past five years.  At a distant second is the area of Cole Road and Monroe Street, which leads into the downtown area.

These Monroe intersection statistics came from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning – 2010 Crash Facts. More details are available on the SEMCOG website.

The state of Michigan also released 2010 data for all counties, detailing the types of roads where
Auto accidents occur.  Monroe County saw a slight 3 percent increase in total traffic crashes in 2010 versus 2009, with about 53 percent of all crashes occurring on local roads.

Of the 3,797 crashes in Monroe County in 2010, Frenchtown Township had the highest number with 18 percent  of all car accidents, followed by the city of Monroe with 17 percent and Bedford Township with 12 percent.

For additional resources including how to file a police report in Monroe, you can visit our Monroe County accident statistics and local resources page.

Whether you’re driving into the Detroit metro area to shop for the holidays or vacation at one of our state’s many beautiful destinations, take a look at our Local Resources Guide for Michigan Car Accidents to obtain valuable accident tips for any major Michigan city or suburb.

I would be curious to hear from our Monroe drivers.  Why do you think these intersections have so many car accidents?  Are there other intersections in the Monroe area that you feel are especially unsafe? Feel free to give our lawyers feedback, and I’ll post your comment below.

And, as always, please stop speeding, avoid cell phone use and drive defensively.

- Steve Gursten - is a lawyer at Michigan Auto Law, and focuses on helping people injured in auto accidents.  He has received the top reported auto accident settlement in Monroe, Michigan in two of the past four years, according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

- Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by vedved82491

Related information to protect yourself:

Monroe car accident resources

Testimonialsfrom your Monroe lawyers

Recent car accident FAQs

Michigan Auto Law is the largest law firm exclusively handling car accident, truck accident and motorcycle accident cases throughout the entire state. We have offices in Farmington Hills, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Sterling Heights to better serve you. Call (800) 777-0028 for a free consultation with an auto accident attorney.

Michigan Auto Lawyers

Man Killed in Fatal Corona Auto Accident

An 18-year old Anaheim man was killed in a serious car wreck that occurred on September 24, 2011, around 2:40 a.m. on Highway 91 (US-91) in Corona. According to the Riverside County Coroner's office, the victim’s vehicle struck a guard rail, rolled over, and then struck the concrete pillar of an overpass.

The motorist was pronounced dead at the accident scene. The investigation is still being conducted on. Unfortunately, it is unclear from the facts of the story why the accident occurred. There is a possibility that the accident may have been the result of a mechanical defect or design issue. It could have also been the result of an uneven road surface.

As for now, the deceased’s family members should seek counsel from an experienced Riverside County car accident lawyer who can hire a trained private investigator to find out how the accident occurred and determine if there are any facts which would suggest that the accident was the cause of someone else’s negligence.

The victim’s family members can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party to obtain compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated earnings, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved the victim for such a heart rendering loss.

Ross Jurewitz represents people injured in Riverside County rollover car collisions and is the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California personal injury law firm dedicated to representing families of people injured or killed in car accidents. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a traffic collision in Corona, please order your free copy of the California car accident book. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.

San Diego Accident Lawyer

Michigan bike accident lawyer on anti-bicyclist bias by police

I was sent an interesting article that appeared in the New York Times last week titled, “A new breed of lawyers focuses on bicyclists’ rights.” The article focuses on a select few bicycle accident lawyers who are fighting back against the perceived police prejudice against cyclists.

The article dealt more with lawyers taking on tickets and citations against bicycle riders. But as a lawyer who has handled many Michigan bicycle accident cases involving serious injuries after bike riders were hit by cars, I can say I’ve seen this same bias in police in investigations.

Lawyers who handle cases for injured bicyclists need to be aware of two things that resonate from this article:

1. Police reports are often wrong and often erroneously blame the bicyclist. This stems in large part from the misunderstanding many police officers have about cyclist rights when investigating a bicycle accident.

2. In bike accident cases, there’s always a strong predisposition to blame the bicyclist.  Any injury lawyer that thinks otherwise should spend an afternoon focus grouping these cases as I have done, and hearing some of the things that  potential jurors say. Many of our jurors as motorists, feel that cyclists are “in the way” of traffic,” and should be able to avoid cars on the road.  Even when the car hits the biker, jurors tend to find fault with the cyclist just for being on a bike.

These are dangerous cases for lawyers who are inexperienced in handling bicycle accident injury cases. I’ve seen attorneys who aren’t familiar with bike accident liability arguments  get “no caused” on liability, even when they assumed negligence was very clear. Even when it’s undisputed that the car hits the bike, lawyers should never take negligence for granted in these cases.

Although the New York Times article spent a lot of time on police issuing tickets to cyclists for not keeping right, cyclists are also getting tickets for moving out of the designated bike lanes - even when they need to avoid obstacles such as cars or branches.

The bike accident cases I’ve worked on don’t really apply to tickets.  My cases involve injury  car-bicycle collisions, where I believe some police, and many people, tend to blame the cyclists.  The point to all this of course is that while cyclists have the same rights as everyone else on the road, many people harbor an unfounded bias against cyclists because these motorists, police officers, and others aren’t cyclists. And everyone has heard horror stories about how dangerous cycling on roads is, or knows someone who was seriously injured – even when it wasn’t their fault.

A lawyer representing an injured cyclist will have to voir dire extensively to make sure there is no predisposition to side with the motorist to the detriment of his or her injured cyclist client.

It’s nice to think about a Michigan one day, where most of the population cycles. But our current infrastructure makes that a pipe dream at the moment, and there are almost no bike lanes to allow people to safely bike to work.  While it’s nice to think about such a world, I wouldn’t recommend it in cities such as Detroit or Sterling Heights.

My advice to any bicycle rider who has been injured is to talk with an experienced Michigan bicycle accident lawyer who is familiar with and can work to undo the harmful effects of bias against bikers injured in accidents with cars.

Only through careful investigation of the accident scene, interviews with witnesses, accident reconstruction, deposition of the investigating police officers, extensive voir dire, focus groups and juror questionnaires on anti-bicyclist attitudes, can cyclists who were injured through no fault of their own recover their full measure of compensation after a serious bike accident.  In the meantime, keep safe!

Remember, you can visit Facebook.com/MichiganAutoLaw to enter to win a $1,032 check as part of our distracted driving awareness campaign.

- Steve Gursten is one of the nation’s top accident lawyers. He is head of Michigan Auto Law and has received the highest verdict in the state for a car accident or truck accident victim in 2008, 2009 and 2010, according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Gursten and the other accident lawyers at Michigan Auto Law regularly help injured bicycle accident victims.

- Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by Ed Yourdon

Related information to protect yourself:

The truth about delayed and missed traumatic brain injury diagnosis

Child safety tips - wear a bicycle helmet

Free book - How to Keep Your Children Safe

Michigan Auto Law is the largest law firm exclusively handling car accident, truck accident and motorcycle accident cases throughout the entire state. We have offices in Farmington Hills, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Sterling Heights to better serve you. Call (800) 777-0028 for a free consultation with one of our bicycle accident lawyers.

Michigan Auto Lawyers

Illinois personal injury lawyer settles auto accident case for insurance policy limits

Chicago car crash attorneys have reached a settlement on behalf of a Cook County resident that was injured by an inattentive driver who rear-ended him as he was preparing to turn into a shopping mall parking lot. The victim suffered injuries to his neck and back.

On September 24, 2009, our client was traveling southbound on 25th Avenue in Bellwood, Illinois when he turned his right turn signal on and began to slow down to an appropriate turning speed. Before he could attempt the turn, a 1994 Chevy Lumina failed to yield to the victim and rear-ended his 2006 Honda Ridgeline. The Bellwood Police Department responded to the scene and after a brief investigation, they placed the driver of the Honda at fault.

Immediately following the collision, the victim had an onset of back and neck pain that required him to be taken to Loyola University Medical Center by ambulance. The hospital performed a series of diagnostic tests and initially diagnosed him with a cervical strain and thoracic spine pain. He was placed in an aspen collar, prescribed pain medication, and instructed to seek follow up treatment with an orthopaedic doctor.

Six days after the accident occurred, ongoing and worsening pain in the victim’s neck, right arm, and left arm necessitated a trip back to the hospital emergency room. After more tests, doctors found that he had tenderness in the paraspinal musculature and instructed him to begin physical therapy and seek further treatment if necessary.

After an examination by an orthopedic physician in October, the doctor ordered an MRI as he believed the plaintiff may have sustained a herniated disc in the accident. The MRI results showed plaintiff sustained a disc bulge with at C3-4 level, peripheral right sided neural foraminal encroachment and impression upon the thecal sac, a right sided posterolateral disc herniation at the C4-5 level, encroachment of the exiting nerve root zone, and proximal right neural foramen, and a disc bulge at the C7-T1 level and peripheral neural foraminal encroachment bilaterally.

The doctor recommended that he receive a cervical spine epidural injection if his radicular symptoms continued. Our client completed fifteen sessions of physical therapy, but the pain of the injury continued, limiting his ability to conduct daily life activities.

Illinois injury attorneys at our office obtained the defendant's $20,000 insurance policy limits. The case against the at fault driver resolved without having to commit to a time-consuming and expensive lawsuit. That being said, attorneys at our office believe the value of his injuries are greater than $20,000, so we are now pursuing an underinsured motorist claim against the plaintiffs own auto insurance carrier to recover an additional amount.

You may be entitled to compensation for your auto accident injuries if they were caused by the fault of another. Contact the lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free, no obligation case evaluation and see what your options are. Call (866) 99-ABELS.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Moreno Valley Motorist Killed in Highway 60 Auto Accident

Posted On: August 23, 2011 by Ross Jurewitz

49-year-old Jose Guadalupe Torres died in a serious truck crash that occurred on August 21, 2011, around 12:46 a.m. on the eastbound 60 (US-60) just west of Day Street in Moreno Valley. According to Riverside County coroner, the motorist lost control of his pick up and veered off the road.

The man was immediately transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center for treatment, where he was later pronounced dead.

There are no details about the cause of the auto accident. If the loss of control was due to uneven road or a mechanical failure, Torres’s family may be entitled for compensation. These types of claims are factually specific and require an immediate and detailed investigation be performed by trained experts managed by a skilled personal injury lawyer. Any delay in the investigation may result in the loss of key pieces of evidence. However, regardless of whether the accident is the fault of anyone else, our prayers go out to his family for their loss.

Torres’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Riverside County truck accident lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights and help them obtain a fair and timely compensation.

Ross Jurewitz represents people injured in Riverside County car accidents and is the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California personal injury law firm dedicated to representing families of people injured or killed in auto accidents. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a truck wreck in Moreno Valley, please order your free copy of the California car accident book. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.

San Diego Accident Lawyer

Two Children Injured in a Three-Car Accident in Illinois

A recent three-car accident in Illinois seriously injured two children. The traffic accident took place at Illinois 15 and 74th Street. According to Police Capt. Don Sax, an 11-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy were transported to a St. Louis hospital and both were listed in serious condition, according to Belleville Daily News.

The accident happened when the driver of a van slammed into the back of the vehicle that the child passengers were in as the light changed to green and the family's vehicle started to pass through the intersection. Officials did not see any skid marks left from either of the vehicles, which indicates that the mini wan was traveling at full-speed, or at about 55 mph. The family's vehicle was pushed into an SUV that was in front of them.

We can expect to see an increased number of car accidents on our roadways throughout the rest of the month as August has been repeatedly proven to be the deadliest month on all U.S. roadways. According to MSN Money, more accidents have occurred in the month of August than during any other month since 1994. Our Chicago auto accident attorneys understand that one of the top contributors to this trend is the increase in traffic during August. This is one of the busiest months on our roadways and many residents are out taking summer trips, running errands and venturing out on vacations.

More specifically, August has a death rate of 1.09 per 100 million miles traveled. The second deadliest month is September with a death rate of 1.08. The safest month to be on our roadways is March as it has a death rate of 0.94.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there was an average of 93 people killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. every day in 2009. That equals one traffic fatality every 16 minutes. Through extensive research, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has concluded that 7 of the deadliest 25 days occur in the month of August.

Residents typically have more time for travel in August. For the same reason, we experience more traffic-accident fatalities on weekends rather than on weekdays. Weekends are also a time when we witness more drunk driving.

Saturdays are the deadliest of the weekend days. In 2009, Saturdays averaged about 123 deaths a day. Sundays averaged about 107 deaths a day, followed by 103 deaths on Fridays.

Here are the week's remaining average daily roadway fatalities for 2009:

-Mondays: 79 deaths.

-Wednesdays: 78 deaths.

-Thursdays: deaths 84.

"A large proportion of crashes happen in late afternoon and early evening in general, but especially in August," says Russ Rader, a spokesman for the institute. That's when the roads fill up both with commuters and vacationers.

The Institute reports that more than 33,800 people were killed in traffic accidents on U.S. roads in 2009:

-Those ages 13 to 15 accounted for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities.

-16 to 19: 9 percent.

-20 to 34: 31 percent.

-35 to 49, 23 percent.

-50 to 69, 22 percent.

-70 and up, 12 percent.

If you or a loved one has been injured in car accident, the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.

Additional Resources:

Two kids hurt in 3-car crash on Illinois 15, by Laura Girresch, Belleville Daily News

The deadliest month on the road, by Gina Roberts-Grey, MSN Money

More Blog Entries:

Expressways Experience Frequent Fatal Car Accidents in Chicago, Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog, August 12, 2011

Teen's Car Can Help Keep Them Safe in Event of a Chicago Car Accident, Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog, August 8, 2011

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Chicago bike accident lawyer files Cook County lawsuit on behalf of injured teen

Illinois bicycle crash attorneys at Abels & Annes have filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Chicago teenager that was injured by a negligent driver. This claim arises out of an automobile vs. bicyclist collision which took place on August 22, 2009 at approximately 2:50 p.m. There was plenty of light, the roads were straight and flat and visibility was good.

The plaintiff, a fifteen year old boy, was riding his bicycle westbound along the sidewalk that ran along the north side of 37th Street in Chicago, Illinois. The defendant was driving southbound, exiting an alley. As the motorist drove across the sidewalk, she hit the bicycle rider with the front end of her vehicle.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the accident. The defendant admitted to the investigating police officer that she struck our client with her vehicle as she was exiting the alley.

After being struck the bicyclist flew up onto the driver's hood, and when the car stopped the teen was thrown off the hood onto the pavement. After landing on the pavement the plaintiff had an immediate onset of pain and discomfort.

The bike rider had back pain, left hand pain, and right foot pain. He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital’s Emergency Room by his mother.

At Mount Sinai the teenager complained of back pain. A history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic testing was performed. He was given pain medication and instructed to seek follow up care after a few days.

Over the next couple of days the plaintiff's condition worsened and he sought follow up treatment at Mount Sinai’s Emergency Department two days later, on August 24, 2009. He continued to complain of severe low back pain. He was again examined and additional diagnostic tests were performed. A possible spinal fracture at L3 was discovered and a neurosurgeon was consulted. He was given more pain medication and muscle relaxants, was instructed to stay out of gym class and was instructed to seek follow up care. He was eventually allowed back into a modified gym class.

On August 25, 2009 our client followed up with a board certified neurologist. He continued to complain of severe low back pain. The doctor ordered a follow up x-ray. On August 27, 2009 he saw another physician and complained of severe back pain. At that time the doctor agreed with the neurologist’s plan of care. Teen was seen by the neuro again on August 31, 2009 at which time he continued to have complaints of back pain. The doctor ordered a CT scan and also recommended that the plaintiff stay home from school due to possible spinal fracture.

On September 8, 2009 a CT scan identified disc bulges at L4-5 and L5-S1 as well as a 3 mm bone island in the CT and a course of physical therapy was prescribed. Following the initial course of therapy he returned to the neurologist on October 5, 2009 with ongoing complaint of back pain radiating into his right thigh. The doctor extended the course of therapy and prescribed muscle relaxants.

Following the second course of therapy the teen returned to the doctor on November 2, 2009 with ongoing low back pain, especially in the morning. The physician explained that recurrence of back pain is a normal part of the healing process. The doctor discharged him as having reached maximum medical improvement.

Unfortunately on December 14, 2009 the plaintiff suffered a severe exacerbation of his back pain when he bent over to pick up a television remote. He went to Mount Sinai’s Emergency Department where he was given pain medications and muscle relaxants and instructed to seek follow up medical care.

On December 18, 2009 he followed up with on of his physicians. He continued to complain of severe low back pain radiating into his thigh. The doctor prescribed another course of physical therapy. Following this course of therapy he returned to the doctor with ongoing low back pain with numbness in his right leg. His doctor suspected a herniated disc at L4-5 and ordered an MRI.

The lumbar MRI performed on January 8, 2010 revealed a 2 mm disc bulge at L3-4, a 4-5 mm disc bulge at L4-5, and a 5 mm disc bulge at L5-S1. Based upon these findings the doctor referred our client to a pain specialist, board certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist.

The client first saw the specialist on January 28, 2010. He recommended lumbar epidural steroid injections. Due to his mother’s concern regarding this procedure they sought a second opinion from another neurologist with Mount Sinai Medical Group. The second doctor agreed with the first doctor's plan. The injections were performed on February 4, 2010. Following the initial injection the client had relief for two or three days and then the pain returned, although at a slightly lower level than prior to the injections.

Following the injections both doctors recommended that the continue with physical therapy. The plaintiff continued with therapy at Schwab Rehabilitation Center through the beginning of December, 2010.

Given the plaintiff's young age the treating physicians are very reluctant to perform any sort of invasive surgical procedure such as a spinal fusion. There are no real treatment options left other than to continue with the home exercise program provided through physical therapy, curtain his physical activities and learn to live with his pain and limitations.

Medical expenses incurred by our client so far total over $50,000.

Despite the treatment he has undergone, the teen continues to suffer from pain and discomfort in his low back. This pain has greatly affected his life. As a result of his injuries he has been unable to engage in many activities he enjoyed prior to the collision, and those activities he can engage in cause him pain and he cannot participate as he did prior to the collision.

It remains painful for him to sit, stand or walk for any length of time. It is painful for him to bend or twist. The teenager was an avid football player and softball player. He dreamed of playing college football. However, since the collision he has been unable to participate in football, softball or any other sports. He was taken out of gym class and when he was returned it was to a specialized gym class.

These restrictions would be traumatic for anyone, but they are especially burdensome for a teenager who should be in the most active and carefree portion of his life. The injuries caused by the negligence of the defendant will continue to trouble the plaintiff for the remainder of his life. He has even been told by his doctors that he will not be able to perform any physical labor which will significantly impact his career options and lifetime wages.

As often the case with auto insurance carriers, the adjuster evaluating the claim has no clue to what the case is worth, and offered the plaintiff a minimal amount to settle. A lawsuit was filed against the defendant to maximize the client's recovery.

The last time our office went to trial against this insurance carrier, our client was awarded an amount over 5 times greater that the pre-litigation settlement offer. Some insurance adjusters never learn, and this is why accident victims often need help from the injury attorneys at our office.

If you have received a low settlement offer from an insurance company on a bodily injury claim, or if you feel you are being treated unfairly, or if you just feel you are in over your head, contact the accident lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

Other recent blog posts:

Accident attorneys file lawsuit against DUI driver

Injury lawyers settle case for insurance policy limits

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Deadly Chicago area auto accident caused by wrong way driver

Two people have died in an Illinois car crash caused by a man who drove his red Porsche the wrong way down an Illinois tollway. The man had allegedly been arrested for DUI twice in the past, the Chicago Tribune is reporting. Police are still trying to figure out why the man was driving recklessly and why there was U.S. currency flying out of the care before the accident.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the collision occurred near Lisle, Illinois on I-88, in between I-355 and Route 53, during the early evening on Saturday. The 43 year-old driver of the Porsche was heading east when he used an emergency vehicle turnaround to enter the westbound lanes, and continued to head east. Soon after, the Porsche collided with a 2004 Toyota Corolla carrying three people, killing two and placing one in critical condition.

Illinois State Police identified the two victims as a 37 year-old woman and her 74 year-old father. A 42 year-old passenger is in critical condition. The family was on their way to a mosque when the crash occurred, and other family members headed to the same destination were close enough to hear the collision and make an attempt to pull the victims from the wreckage.

The Chicago Tribune later reported that witnesses saw money flying out of the Porsche as it was driving down the road. One witness said that when she passed by the driver, she saw the man grab a handful of cash from his passenger seat and throw it out the window. She also saw multiple cars pull off to the shoulder of the road in what she assumed was an effort to pick up the ejected money.

The man’s previous DUI arrests were drug, not alcohol related, the Tribune article stated, although he was convicted in 2010 for transporting open alcohol containers after police found three empty beer cans in his car. The man had been a practicing dentist in Naperville, Illinois, but had quit around a year ago because he said he was losing money. On July 28 of this year, his mortgage company filed foreclosure documents on his Naperville, Illinois home.

No matter how many precautions you may take while driving, there are always factors beyond your control that can cause serious injury or death, such as the wrong way motorist in this accident.

It has not been reported if a Chicago injury lawyer is involved in this case yet or if a civil lawsuit has been filed.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer