Firey Illinois Crash Was Caused by Drunk Driver

Home > DUI > Firey Illinois Crash Was Caused by Drunk Driver

A crash early Wednesday morning on the Eisenhower Expressway was not merely an accident, according to local police. The driver of the vehicle was legally drunk and under the influence of alcohol when she crashed her car in Elk Grove Village in the early morning hours, backing up traffic and causing delays for several hours.

It now appears that the woman was driving a minivan northbound on I-290 near Biesterfield Road when she lost control. The van veered across all lanes of traffic before striking a poll and coming to a stop where the car caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and engulfed the entire vehicle within minutes in a hot and intense burn.

Another driver saw the crash and stopped to help because he believed it to be the appropriate thing to do. Ironically, this Good Samaritan had just seen the movie Fast & Furious 6, a theatrical release known for its car racing, crashes, and action stunts. As the Good Samaritan approached the car, he noticed the driver was still inside and that she was obviously injured. Her face was cut and bleeding and she seemed to be searching for something within her vehicle. After confirming that there were no other people inside the minivan, the Good Samaritan told the female driver that her vehicle was on fire and that she needed to get out, immediately, because he feared the fire spreading or the vehicle exploding.

The injured driver exited her vehicle and emergency reponders provided her with transportation to a local hospital where she was treated for her injuries. Authorities stayed at the scene to put out the fire and investigate the crash, including why it occurred, and in combination with other information, they came to the conclusion that the woman was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. She was arrested and cited with driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a crime in the state of Illinois.

Drunk driving is dangerous and often deadly to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists in Illinois and along the Illinois roadways. A drunk driver is more likely to ignore hazards in the road than a sober driver, weave in and out of lanes of traffic, and drive at erratic speeds, all of which can lead to an accident that causes injuries.

There are tough traffic and criminal penalties for drivers under the influence but what some people do not realize is that in many instances, there may also be a civil case against a drunk driver who causes injuries. In a civil case, a person may bring a financial claim for injuries and damages they sustained as the result of the drunk driver, including medical bills and lost wages.

Each case is different and each set of facts are unique so if you have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you should contact an attorney to see if you have a claim. The drunk driving injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. offer a free telephone consultation with no obligation to anyone injured in a drunk driving collision. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day to take your call and answer your question at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 so please call us now.

Prior Blog Entries:

Minimum Auto Liability Rates Set to Increase in Illinois, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published May 29, 2013.

Wrong Way Driver on Chicago Skyway Causes Crash That Injures 4, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published May 27, 2013.

Resources:

Woman escapes burning minivan on I-290; Good Samaritan stops to help, by Karen Jordan and Jessica D'Onofrio, ABC Chicago, published May 29, 2013.

Photo Credit: Image ID: 1391671, Krappweis, stock.xchng.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

School Bus Driver Arrested in West Chicago Suspected of Driving Drunk

A 42-year-old South Elgin woman was arrested Friday for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. What made this incident particularly distressing to many parents was that the woman was a school bus driver and was driving her assigned route at the time she was arrested.

It is unclear at this time whether any children were on the bus but authorities have stated that the woman was pulled over after a school employee reported that the employee smelled alcohol on the school bus driver's breath. The driver was pulled over in West Chicago where police officers performed a field sobriety test, leading to her removal from the bus and arrest by the officers.

At this time, the school bus driver has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and bond has been set at $100,000. If the woman is convicted, she could face up to three years incarcerated in prison as well as being labeled a convicted felon.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is very dangerous and puts the lives of all other drivers at risk. For this reason, Illinois makes it illegal to drive a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol and it presumes that drivers are drunk when their blood alcohol levels are 0.08 or higher. However, merely having a BAC below 0.08 does not mean that a motorist is not under the influence; in fact, any driver who is affected by alcohol can be cited for driving intoxicated, regardless of what his or her BAC is at the time of arrest.

School bus drivers are held to a different, and higher, standard than average drivers on Illinois roads. There is no leniency when it comes to school bus drivers and alcohol. Illinois law forbids any school bus driver to operate a bus while there is any alcohol in his or her system, and a violation of this prohibition is breaking the law. The rules are much stricter when it comes to school bus operators because of the nature of their jobs and those who ride as passengers. A fully loaded school bus can easily carry in excess of 50 students, all of whom place their safety and security in the hands of the driver. With so many people on board, it would be easy for an accident to turn catastrophic in a moment. Decreasing the risks faced by these children decrease the odds of a school bus accident and increase the chances that all children will remain safe while traveling to and from school.

On average, there are over four school bus accidents every day in Illinois, many of which result in injuries to the children on board. As a child is not driving the bus and is otherwise not in control of the bus's movement, the children hurt in these accidents tend to be innocent victims. After a crash, a parent might face expensive medical bills for treatment of their child as well as the devastation that an accident can cause.

If your child has been the victim of an accident, call the Chicago school bus lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free, no obligation telephone consultation. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day to take your call because we understand that you might want answers at any hour. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we have a history of representing school bus accident victims and their families and we are ready to represent you. Call us today at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 now and let us help you understand your legal options.

Prior Blog Entries:

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

Fatal Crash in Long Grove Leaves 1 Dead, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published September 6, 2013.

Resources:

School Bus Driver Charged With DUI, Associated Press/CBS Chicago, published September 14, 2013.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

1 Dead, 4 Injured When Drunk Driver Crashes Into Chicago Police Car

A tragic accident occurred late Friday night in the South Austin neighborhood of Chicago, leaving one young man dead, and four others were injured.

According to a police spokesperson, the accident happened at around 11:20 p.m. in the 5200 block of West Harrison Street. Reportedly, a car carrying three passengers struck a squad car near the intersection of West Harrison Street and South Laramie Avenue.

One witness's account stated that, “That [car] had to be traveling at least 80. “He had a red light. He came across the red light. He hit the police vehicle, and after that he spun and hit the parked vehicle, and continued to hit a couple more people before he hit the pole.”

According to reports, a passenger was ejected from the car and hit a pole, killing him. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office pronounced the 18 year old dead just before 3 a.m.

The two officers involved in the crash did not sustain serious injuries, and were transported to Stroger Hospital. The two remaining individuals involved in the crash were brought to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

Later reports of the accident stated that the driver was intoxicated when he drove head on into the police car, and then hit a light pole. The driver has since been charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI involving death and aggravated DUI involving bodily harm. Police stated that he was also cited for driving while his license was suspended and not having insurance.

DUI fatality statistics are startling. According to the Illinois Secretary of State, the average DUI offender is:
male (80 percent arrested are men);
34 years old (61 percent are under age 35);
arrested between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. on a weekend; and
are caught driving with a BAC of .16, approximately twice the illegal limit

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated one in every seven, or 14.28% of nighttime weekend drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, someone dies every 51 minutes in America as a result of the thoughtless and senseless act of someone climbing behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Local Celebs Participate in Demonstration to Raise Awareness of Drunk Driving Accidents in Illinois

We can now say goodbye to the summer season. Unfortunately the risks of drunk driving car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere will not diminish as we head into football season and the year-end holidays. With the holiday season approaching, more and more drivers head out to local hot spots to celebrate good times with friends and family, according to KTTC.

To help reduce the risks of these drunk driving accidents, Pete McMurray, the morning show host for Chicago's 97.9 The Loop and NBC Chicago's "24/7" television show, uses his time on the air to raise awareness in drivers of the effects of driving while intoxicated. He uses his shows to educate his listeners about the dangers and the consequences that motorists face when sharing the roadways with an irresponsible and intoxicated drivers.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys understand that a large number of motorists are injured and killed by intoxicated drivers every year. To help combat this number, the Illinois State Police recently conducted a "Wet Lab Experiment." As we recently discussed on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, a wet lab experiment requires participants to consume an amount of alcohol that would place them at a legally drunk level (.08 blood alcohol concentration). They are then asked to complete a number of tasks that a normal drunk driver would if they were stopped by an officer, including a DUI arrest and Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). McMurray was also a part of the demonstration.

McMurray participated in a wet lab experiment live during The Pete McMurray Show on 97.9 The Loop. The experiment took place late last month.

"It is important for people to know what effect even a single drink can have on your abilities and judgment. Even at 6am when we're starting the show and certain third shift socialites are just hitting their favorite pub," said McMurray.

Jane Monzures, the host of "Living Healthy Chicago" of WGN, also joined McMurray for the drunk driving awareness demonstration.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 300 people that were killed because of traffic accidents that involved an intoxicated driver in 2009 in Illinois. Our state reports that about 50,000 people are arrested every single year for driving while intoxicated.

After the experiment, members from the Chicago, Police Department, The National Transportation Safety Administration, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the media personalities and a number of other state officials participated in a press conference to discuss the findings of the wet lab.

It's no surprise that drinking and driving is a dangerous habit, yet far too many motorists continue to endanger innocent motorists on our roadways. With increased enforcement efforts and more conscious driving habits, we can all contribute our efforts to help make our roadways safer during the upcoming holiday season and year round.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving 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:

Officers Crackdown on Intoxicated Drivers to Prevent Fatal Car Accidents over the Labor Day Weekend, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, September 2, 2011

Chicago injury lawyer settles DUI accident lawsuit for $100,000 policy limits, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, July 24, 2011

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accidents Set off Chain Reaction and Cause Serious Injury and Death to Motorists and Pedestrians

You are here: Home / Aggressive Driving Incidents / Drunk Driving Accidents Set off Chain Reaction and Cause Serious Injury and Death to Motorists and Pedestrians

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we work tirelessly to protect Kansas and Missouri pedestrians and motorists after they’ve become the victim of a serious injury accident with a drunk driver.  Believe us, you never know when a dangerous drunk driver can become a threat.  In New York last week,  a three vehicle accident that caused by a drunk driver who slammed into two vehicles including a MTA bus.  The force of the collision crashed the bus  into the side wall of a McDonald’s Restaurant.   There were no passengers aboard the bus at the time of the crash and no one inside the McDonald’s was injured.

However, the driver of the bus, a 51 year-old man; and the 27 year-old driver of the second vehicle were hospitalized with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

As experienced Kansas City Drunk Driving Injury Lawyers, we unfortunately see these types of accidents quite often.  Motorists aren’t the only ones in danger of a drunk driver because there are no rules stating where a drunk driver is likely to lose control.  This is a major reason why drunk driving is such a dangerous problem in Kansas and Missouri.

If you’re planning on going out for a drink and plan on driving, remember this– the penalties against drunk drivers in the state of Kansas is about to get a lot tougher.  A new law is expected to pass that would require ALL drivers charged with DUI, beginning with a first offense– to get an interlock device on their car.  Hopefully that alone is enough to get you to think twice before you drink an drive.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in an accident in Kansas or Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation.  Call experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney James Roswold.  With over 15 years of experience in Auto Injury Accidents, including Drunk Driving Injury cases, we may be able to help you and your family get through this difficult, emotional and stressful time.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to set up a free consultation.  You can get started today by downloading our free book, “10 Essential Steps to Protecting Your Injury Claim“.  We want you to know your rights.

Posted by author on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 2:04 pm 
Filed under Aggressive Driving Incidents, Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Related Auto Accidents, Driving Dangers, Drowsy Driving, drunk driving · Tagged with bus crashed into McDonald's, driving under the influence, drunk driving accident, DUI, james roswold, Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, kansas city drunk driving, kansas city drunk driving injury attorneys, multi-vehicle crash, serious injury

Kansas City Auto Accident Blog

Kansas City Drunk Driver Crashes Vehicle into the Roof of a House

A drunk driver was arrested on Wednesday August 24 2011 after he crashed his Chevy Blazer into the roof of a house at the intersection of Kensington and 43rd street.  The SUV caused the roof to sink into the first floor.   The driver was a 20-year-old man from the city of Grandview and he has a male and female passenger in the vehicle.  He was speeding through the intersection without a seatbelt when he ran off the road and into the victim’s yard.  His car was launched off the yard and into the roof.   None of the eight occupants of the house were reported injured, but the driver was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.  The house is believed to be beyond repair.

It was extremely lucky that no one was seriously injured, but all too often drunk driving leads to serious injuries or death.  It is important to recognize the increasing dangers that drunk or drugged driving present.  While laws are in place that hinder a person from driving drunk, there is always a possibility that a drunk driver will be on the road.

If you or someone you know is planning on drinking and driving remember there are plenty of other options in the Kansas City area.  You can assign a designated driver, call a cab, ride the bus, or even contact a family member or friend to pick you up at the end of the night.  You may think you are sober enough to drive, but being wrong could cost you or someone else a life.  Is that really a gamble you’re willing to take?

If you or a family member has been injured by a drunk driver you may be entitled to compensation.  It is important to contact Kansas City drunk driving and accident attorneys to see if they can help you file a claim against a drunk driver.  Please contact the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys and talk to one of our experienced attorneys by calling (888) 348-2616 for a FREE consultation.  You can learn more about your rights by downloading our free book “10 Essential Steps to Protecting Your Injury Claim.”

Posted by cory on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 10:17 am 
Filed under Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Related Auto Accidents, Auto Accidents, drunk driving · Tagged with auto accident, crash, drinking and driving, driving under the influence, drunk driving, DUI, Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas City auto accident attorneys, Missouri

Kansas City Auto Accident Blog

Law Enforcement Steps Up Efforts to Reduce Risks of Drunk Driving Accidents in Illinois this Holiday Weekend

Drunk drivers are the target of a new campaign headed by a number of local police departments and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” will include a two-week enforcement effort consisting of roughly 350 sheriff's offices and police departments across the state. The enforcement efforts will continue through the first week of September in an attempt to bust drunk drivers before they cause a potentially fatal car accident in Illinois.

“Impaired driving is a serious crime plaguing our society, and affecting the lives of innocent, law abiding motorists on a regular basis,” said Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider.

Our Chicago drunk driving accident attorneys understand how dangerous these drivers are and how important it is to set up tough efforts to stop them. Through this new campaign, enforcement agencies throughout the state are prepared to take on these careless and reckless drivers.

Officials are also looking to crackdown on drivers that are not wearing a seat belt.

Through the enforcement period, the state of Illinois will conduct more than 200 roadside safe driving checkpoints. There will be hundreds of seat belt and intoxicated driving saturation patrols.

According to IDOT, both impaired driving and drivers not wearing a seat belt are a big problem that officials witness mainly during the evening hours. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drivers are at the most risk for a car accident during 12:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. in the state of Illinois. This time period also reports the lowest seat belt usage and the highest percentage of drunk drivers.

“Violating these laws can result in fines and possible jail time and will be treated as criminal acts by the police and court system,” said ISP Director Hiram Grau.

Illinois accident statistics conclude that there are more than 300 fatalities each year that result from traffic accidents that involve an impaired driver. Hundreds more are injured in the incidents.

During the 2010 Labor Day weekend, which is calculated from 6:00 p.m. from the Friday before the holiday to 11:59 p.m. of Labor Day, more than 10 people were killed in traffic accidents. One of these deaths involved an intoxicated driver. Nearly 800 people were injured on our roadways during the 2010 holiday weekend. There have been roughly 70 deaths from traffic accidents from 2006 to 2010 on holiday weekends. Nearly 40 percent of the fatalities were caused by car accidents that involved an impaired driver.

Local police ask that you help with the efforts by doing the following if you suspect that a driver is drunk:

-Take note of the make, model and color of the vehicle that the alleged intoxicated driver is operating.

-Call local authorities with the information. Include the location of the vehicle and the direction it's traveling. If possible, give them the license plate number but don't get too close to the vehicle to get it. If you can see the driver, provide officials with that information, too.

-Back off. Don't try to stop the driver. Doing so can put you and your vehicle's occupants in a compromising situation. Leave the rest of the job in the hands of officers.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, 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:

Two Children Injured in a Three-Car Accident in Illinois, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, August 16, 2011

Proposed Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Legislation Aims to Reduce Car Accidents in Chicago and Elsewhere, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, August 4, 2011

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving car accidents and deaths in Macomb County, Michigan

I’ve been writing about the latest Michigan drunk driving statistics. I’ve been focusing on this topic because drunk driving fatalities occur the most during Michigan summers, especially in the month of July.

These statistics come from a list of drunk driving car accidents and fatalities by county in Michigan for 2009, provided by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. The list ranks Michigan counties by population and number of drunken driving auto accidents and fatalities per capita.

Of all the counties in Michigan, Macomb County had the third most auto accidents involving drunk driving.

Michigan Auto Law has one of our five law firm offices is in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This provides a convenient location to meet with people who have been injured in car accidents in Sterling Heights, Shelby Township and Warren.  It serves as a convenient base camp when we are in trial in Macomb County Circuit Court (such as when we received the top-reported car accident verdict, when a Sterling Heights resident was seriously injured).

Because of the more concentrated population in Macomb County, the ranking according to number of fatal car crashes per capita is actually not as high in there as it was in many other Michigan counties. These statistics go by a Macomb County population estimate of 831,427 residents and 20,797 estimated car accidents.

Drinking and driving accidents in Macomb County – Macomb County had the third-most drinking and driving accidents, with 795 crashes involving drivers who had been drinking.

Drinking and driving fatalities in Macomb County – There were 15 drinking and driving fatalities in Oakland County, the third highest amount of drinking and driving fatalities in all of the Michigan counties.

Macomb County’s fatal crash rate - The Macomb County rating for fatal car accidents involving drunk drivers was .0180, and it ranked 54 out of 64 total Michigan counties.

Please, promise to never drink and drive. You can always call a friend, family member or a cab instead.

- Source – Michigan State Police Michigan Traffic Facts

- Steven M. Gursten, partner of Michigan Auto Law, is recognized as one of the nation’s top auto attorneys. He frequently blogs about safe driving and is available for comment.

More resources to protect yourself:

Michigan drunk driving and fatal car accident statistics

New Michigan drunk driving law targets “drunker” drivers

Preventing car accidents - Michigan safe driving tips

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 one of our auto attorneys.

Kansas City Auto Accident Blog

Pair of fatal auto accidents in the Chicago area highlights dangers of drunk driving

Two women have been killed in separate Chicago area car crashes this month, with alleged DUI drivers being responsible for both accidents.

On July 3, a 39-year old Carol Stream man was driving in the early hours of the morning with a 30-year old woman when he failed to stop at a train crossing in Itasca, Illinois, drove through the lowered gate, and struck the engine of a passing train. According to the Chicago Tribune, the man had a blood-alcohol content of .183, more than twice the legal limit of .08. His passenger died of her injuries soon after the crash.

The man has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, and is being held on $500,000 bail.

A week later, a 43-year old woman returning home from her job as a 911 dispatcher when a 16-year old driver, who was drunk and high on drugs, plowed into her car. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the young driver, who was an honors student and two-sport athlete at his high school, was being pursued by police at the time of the accident.

The youth had just left a party near Old Town, where he got “drunk and high,” when he saw a man leave his SUV idling on North Michigan Avenue while he went to pay for parking. The youth stole the car and fled police after they attempted to pull him over after he ran a red light. During the pursuit, the youth ran a stop sign at the intersection of Armitage and Hoyne Avenues in Bucktown and hit the 911 dispatcher, causing her to careen into a fire hydrant. The youth escaped on foot, but was soon apprehended. Police say the teen had a blood-alcohol content of .186 and was also high on marijuana and ecstasy at the time of the crash.

The youth has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder, felony burglary, misdemeanor DUI, and two traffic citations. His bond is set at $1 million.

Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. Each year, thousands of innocent people are killed in alcohol-related crashes. A brief look government statistics from 2009 illustrate this grim reality:

• Out of the 33,808 driving fatalities nationwide, 10,839 of them were alcohol-impaired driving fatalities (32%) – That is roughly 1 every 48 minutes

• 1,077 teens died drunk driving crashes

• 70% of drivers involved in fatal drunk driving crashes had blood-alcohol levels above .15, and the median level was .17

• 44% of the drivers involved in fatal crashes had at least 1 prior DWI conviction

• 1.4 million people were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Out of the 911 driving fatalities in Illinois, 319 of them were alcohol-impaired driving fatalities (35%)

Sources:
- 2009 NHTSA Traffic Report
- NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
- 2009 Century Counsel Report- Drunk Driving Fatalities in America
- CDC Stat sheet

Drunk driving is not something that only affects those who engage in it. Innocent people who abstain from drinking and driving are killed every day. If you are injured by a drunk driver, you are entitled to be compensated and can seek the help of an Illinois injury lawyer. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to an attorney now.

Recent DUI blogs:

Memorial Day crash caused by drunk driver

Mayor calls for stricter rules after intoxicated city employee causes pedestrian accident

This blog was co-authored Shane Nichols, a 2013 Juris Doctor candidate from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving car accidents and deaths in Macomb County, Michigan

I’ve been writing about the latest Michigan drunk driving statistics. I’ve been focusing on this topic because drunk driving fatalities occur the most during Michigan summers, especially in the month of July.

These statistics come from a list of drunk driving car accidents and fatalities by county in Michigan for 2009, provided by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. The list ranks Michigan counties by population and number of drunken driving auto accidents and fatalities per capita.

Of all the counties in Michigan, Macomb County had the third most auto accidents involving drunk driving.

Michigan Auto Law has one of our five law firm offices is in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This provides a convenient location to meet with people who have been injured in car accidents in Sterling Heights, Shelby Township and Warren.  It serves as a convenient base camp when we are in trial in Macomb County Circuit Court (such as when we received the top-reported car accident verdict, when a Sterling Heights resident was seriously injured).

Because of the more concentrated population in Macomb County, the ranking according to number of fatal car crashes per capita is actually not as high in there as it was in many other Michigan counties. These statistics go by a Macomb County population estimate of 831,427 residents and 20,797 estimated car accidents.

Drinking and driving accidents in Macomb County – Macomb County had the third-most drinking and driving accidents, with 795 crashes involving drivers who had been drinking.

Drinking and driving fatalities in Macomb County – There were 15 drinking and driving fatalities in Oakland County, the third highest amount of drinking and driving fatalities in all of the Michigan counties.

Macomb County’s fatal crash rate - The Macomb County rating for fatal car accidents involving drunk drivers was .0180, and it ranked 54 out of 64 total Michigan counties.

Please, promise to never drink and drive. You can always call a friend, family member or a cab instead.

- Source – Michigan State Police Michigan Traffic Facts

- Steven M. Gursten, partner of Michigan Auto Law, is recognized as one of the nation’s top auto attorneys. He frequently blogs about safe driving and is available for comment.

More resources to protect yourself:

Michigan drunk driving and fatal car accident statistics

New Michigan drunk driving law targets “drunker” drivers

Preventing car accidents - Michigan safe driving tips

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 one of our auto attorneys.

Michigan Auto Lawyers

Fatal Pedestrian Injury Caused by Drunk Bus Driver; Are You Safe on a Kansas City Bus?

You are here: Home / drunk driving / Fatal Pedestrian Injury Caused by Drunk Bus Driver; Are You Safe on a Kansas City Bus?

No one will ever say driving a bus is easy, but drinking and driving any vehicle is dangerous.  Already you have more blind spots in a bus and if the driver has been drinking, it just makes it worse–

A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a bus in midtown Manhattan and apprently the driver of the bus, 57-year old Steve Drappel, 57, of West Palm Beach, Florida, was drinking vodka at the time of the accident.  Reports from the scene of the fatal pedestrian injury accident say the acciedent was caused when the bus took a turn onto Ninth Ave. at W. 47th St., and struck the 29 year-old pedestrian.

The pedestrian was caught in the rear wheels and dragged for nearly thirty feet before other drivers managed to flag down the bus.  He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died of massive injuries.  The bus driver failed a breathalyzer test after the accient, blowing a BAC of .08 – twice the legal limit for commercial drivers. He has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI.

Our experienced Kansas City Pedestrian Injury Lawyers want to remind all motorists about the importance of watching out for pedestrians and bicyclists in Kansas and Missouri.  We encourage all drivers to slow down and pay attention, especially when driving through neighborhoods or on streets with pedestrian crossing and bus stops.  If you are approaching a pedestrian crossing, slow down and be prepared to stop to allow the pedestrian or bicyclist the right of way.  When you come across a bus stopped on the side of the road, whether it be a public transportation bus or a school bus, always be on the look out.  A pedestrian has no protection in the event of a collision with an automobile and these accidents often lead to serious injuries, including head injuries and in some cases, death.   Be safe and pay attention– and above all, look out for pedestrians.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in an auto accident as a pedestrian in Kansas or Missouri, you  may be entitled to compensation for your losses.  Call experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney James Roswold.  With over 15 years of experience in Auto Injury Accidents, including Pedestrian Injury cases, we may be able to assist you and your family through this difficult time.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to set up a free consultation to discuss your personal injury claim.  You can get started today by downloading our free book, “10 Essential Steps to Protecting Your Injury Claim“.  We want you to know your rights.

Posted by author on Friday, June 10, 2011 at 10:49 am 
Filed under drunk driving, Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Injuries · Tagged with fatal pedestrian accident, Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, kansas city bus accident, kansas city pedestrian injury attorneys, kansas city personal injury lawyers, pedestrian accident, pedestrian bus accident, serious injuries

Kansas City Auto Accident Blog

Two Killed in Chicago Accident; Kansas City Motorists Beware of Drunk Driving Dangers

You are here: Home / Driving Dangers / Two Killed in Chicago Accident; Kansas City Motorists Beware of Drunk Driving Dangers

Kansas City needs a wake up call and sometimes it takes something bad to happen in order to put things into perspective.  As Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we work hard to protect victims of drunk driving injury accidents but would much rather see these accidents become a thing of the past.  But until that is the case, we are going to continue to bring you examples of tragic crashes, hoping we can get through to all motorists on just how dangerous drinking and driving is.

Take the case of a fatal drunk driving accident in Chicago, Illinois, where two people were killed and eight others were seriously injured in a drunk driving injury crash.  According to police, the fatal drunk driving accident happened on Saturday around 3:00 a.m. at the 1200 block of South Kostner.  The crash was caused when a 39 year-old woman, who had been drinking, lost control of her SUV and hit another vehicle.  Two people were killed– one at the scene and one at the hospital– while eight others were severely injured, including two, who’s injuries are considered life threatening.

Our Kansas City Drunk Driving and Accident Attorneys we think anything that gets the message across is a positive, even if it is a humbling reminder of a tragedy.  There is no denying that drinking and driving is a very serious problem and sometimes it takes slap in the face wake up call to get the point across.  While we know its going to take more than simply posting signs make people understand, it certainly is a start.

Remember there is nothing wrong with a night out with friends and having a drink– but remember, if you are planning on drinking and driving, please select a designated driver or find another ride home.  You may think you are okay to drive, but one fatal mistake on the road could mean the loss of your life or someone else if you are involved in an accident.  Plan ahead.  Think smart and arrive alive.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of serious injury in a car accident involving a drunk driver you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.  Don’t delay, call experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer James Roswold.  With over 15 years of experience in Auto Injury Accidents and Drinking and Driving Injury Accident cases, we may be able to help you and your family determine the best way to proceed with your personal injury claim.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to set up a free consultation.  You can get started today by downloading our free book, “10 Essential Steps to Protecting Your Injury Claim“.  We want you to know your rights.

Posted by author on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 10:31 am 
Filed under Driving Dangers, drunk driving · Tagged with charged with DUI, chicago, drinking and driving, drunk driving, Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, kansas city drunk driving injury accident lawyers, kansas city personal injury lawyers, serious injury, suv collision

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Dangers of teen drunk driving - fictional tales of death and tragedy

As a Michigan auto accident attorney, I’ve seen first-hand the devastating, tragic consequences of how drunk driving can shatter lives. And I believe we should be doing whatever it takes to deter drivers, especially teenage drivers, from drinking and driving.

That’s why I think the high school program to deter drunk driving featured on the Today Show is worth sharing.

The real problem with teenage drunk driving, of course, is that teenagers believe they are immortal and indestructible.  To drive home the reality of drunk driving, the program designates a high school student to portray a fictional drunk driver who causes a fatal car accident. And instead of just preaching, the high school program also designates random high school students to portray the fictional accident victims.

To amp up the drama , the program arranges for a police officer dressed in a grim reaper costume to summon the “victims” of drunk driving from their classrooms. Thereafter, the victims’ obituaries are read.

Students from Brighton High School hosted a mock accident like this just last week. Here’s an article about the event - Mock crash kills prom dreams in Brighton.

In 2009, 5,100 teenagers were injured or killed in alcohol-related car accidents. That’s 5,100 too many. We can never completely stop people from drinking and driving and killing and injuring others, but we can educate and get this message out in as many ways as possible.

Let’s learn from the “scared straight” lesson reported on the Today Show story and continue find  new ways to protect our youth from preventable car accidents.

- Steven Gursten is recognized as one of the nation’s top attorneys handling serious car and truck accident lawsuits and automobile insurance No-Fault litigation. He routinely writes about safe driving and the auto laws in Michigan, and is available for comment.

Related information:

New Michigan law targets drunker drivers

Michigan’s new teen driving law

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 one of our auto accident attorneys.

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Olathe High School Students Get Experienced Advice on Drunk Driving Dangers

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Operation Prom Night, an Olathe South High School program that started out as a means to talking to kids about drunk driving before prom, has expanded to include the dangers of teen driving and auto accidents.  The event this year and included a special guest speaker, Olathe Fire Captain John Myers.  As a fire captain, Myers has plenty of experience to share with the students, but the reason he was there this year was to share his experience as a father who lost a teen son in a tragic crash in December.

Since its inception, Operation Prom Night now includes lots of information about the dangers of teen driving as well as the don’t drink and drive message.  The facts are staggering.   The leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds is car accidents, and teens are involved in fatal crashes three times more than all other drivers.

In Myers’ case high speed and a one-lane road due to construction was the cause of the crash.   As Capt. Myers started his talk his voice broke and he cried, but he told the students his experience as a father being called to the hospital following the deadly crash.  He shared that nothing prepared him for walking into the hospital and seeing his injured son, bloody, with tubes sticking out of him.  In the crash Myers’ son was sitting in the backseat of the vehicle, wearing his seat belt.  The crash occurred when the driver, who was driving at a speed twice the legal limit, hit another car head-on.  All three teens in the car had backpacks filled with books, and Myers’ son was hit in the head with one or more of these backpacks, causing massive head injuries.   He died the following day.

As Kansas City Auto Accident Lawyers, we applaud Capt. Myers for his courage in sharing his story with the Olathe South students.  Capt. Myers may never know the impact he has made, but if he has prevented even one accidental teen death he can be congratulated.   At Roswold Law Group we would like to remind all Kansas City metro area high school students and their parents of the importance of discussing prom night and the inherent dangers of drinking and driving.  Let’s keep our Kansas and Missouri teens safe!

If you have suffered a serious injury in an accident in Kansas or Missouri, you are probably facing a lengthy battle with insurance companies. Call the experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers of Roswold Law Group. With over 15 years of experience in Auto Injury Accident cases, we may be able to help you and your family get through this difficult time.

Contact Roswold Law Group to set up a free consultation to discuss your personal injury claim. You can get started today by downloading our free book, “10 Essential Steps to Protecting Your Injury Claim“. We want you to know your rights.

Posted by author on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 12:37 pm 
Filed under Aggressive Driving Incidents, Auto Accidents, Driving Dangers, drunk driving, Seat Belts, Teen Drivers · Tagged with Auto Accidents, dangers of teen driving, deadly crash, drinking and driving, drunk driving, head-on, Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas City Auto Accident Lawyers, massive head injuries, Missouri, Olathe, Olathe South High School, Operation Prom Night, Roswold Law Group, seat belt

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Fatal Catawba, North Carolina County Car Accident Caused by Allegedly Drunk Driver

Next » Posted On: February 9, 2011 by Michael A. DeMayo

Sandra Campbell, 50, died on Tuesday in a Catawba County car accident involving her vehicle and a pickup truck accident on Slanting Bridge Road. The impact of the crash was so severe that pieces of the vehicle littered the road. The driver of the pickup truck, Brian Hieb, is charged with DWI. This is the 43-year-old’s second DWI charge in six months.

It goes without saying that driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is reckless and dangerous and dramatically increases the chances of lives being lost. Our Catawba County car crash law firm has worked with many families who have lost loved ones because a motorist was drunk or drugged. The outcome is never pretty for anyone involved

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Drunk Driving Car Accident Claims Life of Lauderdale County Resident

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The car wreck happened on Highway 72 near Rogersville, Alabama. According to a report, James Thomas Campbell was tragically killed when his Chevrolet pickup truck was struck by a car being driven by Richard Ray Russell of Tuscumbia. Larree Campbell a passenger in James Campbell's truck was also injured in the wreck and taken to Huntsville Hospital. Richard Ray was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

As Alabama drunk driving accident attorneys we are sadden anytime someone is injured or killed by a drunk driver. In 2008, there were 5,420 drivers in Alabama who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and involved in a car accident. These are senseless preventable accidents.

In this instance, the family of Mr. Campbell has a wrongful death claim against Mr. Ray as well as an uninsured motorist claim for any uninsured motorist benefits that may cover Mr. Campbell and his vehicle(s). Further, there could be a dram shop claim against any vendor, store, bar, or restaurant that sold alcohol to Mr. Ray. In instances such as this, an experienced Alabama car accident attorney should be hired to fully investigate all the possible avenues of recovery.

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Phoenix woman arrested after drunk driving crash

February 23rd, 2011 by admin Leave a reply »

A Phoenix woman was arrested for alleged DUI after crashing her vehicle when driving her children home.

The 34-year-old woman crashed her vehicle near 45th Street and she left her youngest child, an 8-year-old boy, at the scene. The boy suffered non-life threatening injuries in the accident.

The police department found the woman hiding under a staircase at an apartment complex on multiple charges including, aggravated DUI, aggravated DUI with child passenger, endangerment and failure to stay at the scene. The woman admitted to drinking four beers before getting behind the wheel of the car with her two children.

Previous Entry: Deputies find guns, body armor and 200 pounds of pot in vehicle Next Entry: Survey shows 19% of drivers use internet while driving Posted in Phoenix drunk driving accident, Phoenix drunk driving news

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A mother was killed in a drunk driver car wreck

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On Thanksgiving day, tragedy struck a mom who was killed by a driver accused of being drunk, reported a New York Car Accident Lawyer. A wrongful death suit against the drive has been filed.

A Chicago man was going to fast in the area of 6500 block of Cicero Avenue, early in the morning when he hit this mother of an Oak Lawn man, believes a New York Injury Lawyer. This man who was hit was trying to move his broke down car out of the road according to Cook County Circuit Court. A total of 5 people got hurt but 1 man died later in the Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. This major accident had 5 ambulances respond.

According to a New York Car Accident Lawyer, the drunk driver fled the scene of the accident and was charged with felony aggravated drunken driving. This man was also charged because he was not able to control his speed and slow down in time to avoid an accident. This was a horrible accident that involved a lot of people.

There are 8 different witnesses and a lot of stories that were reported at the scene of the accident. This has been a lot for law enforcement to sort out. Even the bar the drunk driver was at before the accident is now involved in the suit, according to a New York Injury Attorney. The club is located at 4829 W. 77th St., Burbank. The club has multiple owners that are all named in this suit.

If you are ever in a situation like this then you will need a New York Car Accident Attorney. Don’t go to court with an appointed lawyer. Hire a New York Car Accident Attorney.

Stephen Bilkis & Associates with its New York Car Accident Lawyers has convenient locations throughout the NY area including Bay Ridge, NY. Our attorneys can give you advice about personal injury caused by another's negligence. Without a NY Car Accident Lawyer you will not be cognizant of all your rights and could be at a great disadvantage.

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Senate Bill calls for impounding cars of drunk drivers

Next » Posted On: March 4, 2011 by The Farber Law Group

Washington state Senate Bill 5000, which mandates impounding the car or truck of drivers who have been arrested for driving under the influence, just passed the senate by unanimous vote. The bill states that vehicles of suspected DUI drivers be impounded for a 12-hour period after the driver's arrest.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island. Haugen said:
"This addresses a serious threat to public safety. Under our existing laws, it's possible for someone to be cited for drunken driving, return to their car while still intoxicated, and resume driving. It happens, and it's a danger to other drivers."

The bill does allow for another title holder on the vehicle to pick up the vehicle before the 12 impound hold ends.

See the full bill here.

Drunken driving is a serious threat to law abiding citizens. Every year, approximately 315 people are killed in Washington state due to drunken drivers and many more are injured. In Washington state the legal standard for blood alcohol content is 0.08 percent.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent the victims of drunken drivers and their family. With our help, you may recover compensation for your damages.

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