Woman Runs Into Building With Car, Injures Baby

A woman in Skokie hit the gas instead of the brake and it caused her to run into the front of a building that houses a cleaners, according to local authorities. Fortunately no one was killed but a baby that was in the store was injured and needed medical attention. Two other people were also hurt.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Skokie. The cleaners is located in the 4000 block of Golf Road, just west of the intersection with Crawford Avenue. The cleaners is part of a strip mall with one row of parking out front. Authorities have not said if the driver was parked before the crash but they have stated that no charges have been filed related to this incident.

It appears that the woman drove into a section of the front of the store that contained a glass entry door and a large glass window. The building, which is made of brick, reportedly sustained some damage. At the time of the crash, several people were inside the cleaners, including the owner, the owner's father, the owner's stepmother, and a baby. The baby was being held by the owner's stepmother when the car came crashing in. The impact of the collision pushed the baby from the woman's arms and caused the baby to fall underneath the car. The father of the baby was not in the cleaners at the time but responded to the collision. He backed up the car to free the baby and it appeared that the child was not hit by any of the car's tires. The baby was, however, face down in the wreckage of what used to be the glass window and door. The baby was taken to an area hospital where doctors stated the baby suffered only minor injuries but would observe the baby for some time. Reports indicate that two other people suffered injuries. It is not clear whether one of those injured was the driver of the car.

It is not yet clear what caused the woman to press the gas pedal instead of the brake. Authorities have chosen not to release the age of the driver, allowing some in the area to speculate that she may be elderly. But accidents of this type are caused by drivers of all ages, not just the elderly. Being distracted while behind the wheel can increase the risk of accidentally traveling in an unintended direction as can simple negligence. Some of the biggest forms of distraction faced by Illinois drivers include cell phones, texting, eating or drinking, conversations with passengers, children and pets in the car, and even daydreaming. Whatever the cause, if a driver is not completely focused on the road, the driver is distracted and the chances of causing a collision increase significantly.

If you have been hurt in an accident where a driver was distracted or not paying attention, call the Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a no obligation telephone consultation. We can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (312) 924-7575 and the call is free. Let us help you get a recovery you deserve for your injuries.

Prior Blog Entries:

Pace Van Causes Crash in Roseland, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 30, 2013.

Actor Chris Brown Charged in Hit-And-Run Crash, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 29, 2013.

Resources:

Woman Crashes Into Skokie Cleaners, Injures Baby, CBS Chicago/Chicago Sun-Times, published June 26, 2013.

Photo Credit: TALUDA, stock.xchng.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Wrong Way Driver on Chicago Skyway Causes Crash that Injures 4

Home > Car Accident > Wrong Way Driver on Chicago Skyway Causes Crash that Injures 4

A serious collision occurred when a northbound Honda drove in the southbound lanes last week on the Chicago Skyway, according to police. The Honda struck a southbound pickup truck near 84th Street and caused a violent impact that pushed the pickup truck into a concrete barrier.

The driver of the pickup truck was injured and was treated at South Shore Hospital and later discharged. In addition to the driver, two passengers were in the Honda and all were injured and treated at various hospitals with the driver reportedly suffering a broken arm. A female passenger has been described as "gravely injured" and it is not clear whether she will survive.

It is not yet clear what caused the Honda driver to travel in the wrong direction but police say the driver will be issued citations.

Though it is not clear if alcohol was involved, alcohol is a common factor in many of the wrong-way collisions that occur in the United States every year. A driver under the influence is less aware of other motorists, including the direction they are traveling, and statistically pay less attention to road signs, making it easier to drive against traffic without realizing it.

Wrong-way collisions are often very violent and severe because each vehicle is traveling in the opposite direction, making the force of the impact large. This type of collision is also likely to produce injuries to the drivers and passengers of both vehicles.

Wrong-way collisions can often occur when a driver is inattentive or just not paying attention. Distraction may come from inside the car or out and can include things like phone conversations, texting, other passengers, children, arguments, the radio, checking email, and even a GPS system. When a driver is distracted, the driver is a danger to those on the road and is more likely to cause an accident than if he was focused and attentive on the road.

Whether they are caused by alcohol, distraction, or something else, wrong-way collisions are dangerous and often deadly, and the person injured or killed is often not the distracted driver. In addition to serious criminal charges, a distracted driver may also face civil claims for the injuries caused in a collision. Both people in another vehicle and passengers in the distracted driver's vehicle may be able to bring a claim if they are injured in a wrong-way crash.

If you have been injured as the result of a wrong-way collision, please contact the attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation. As Chicago car crash lawyers, we only represent victims in car accidents and we never represent insurance companies. We know how to fight for a recovery and we are ready to fight for you. Call us today at (312) 924-7575 to discuss your case. If you want to meet with us in person and you are too injured, we also offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations.

Prior Blog Entries:

Alcohol Believed to Be a Factor in Chicago Crash that Injured 4, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published May 22, 2013.

Semi Truck Crash Leaves 1 Dead in Chicago, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published May 21, 2013.

Resources:

4 hurt in wrong-way Skyway crash, Chicago Tribune, published May 23, 2013.

Female gravely injured in Skyway crash, Chicago Sun-Times, published May 23, 2013.

Photo Credit: Image ID: 1081557, code1name, stock.xchng.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

4 Vehicle Crash Injures 5 in Southwest Chicago Suburb

Three people were seriously injured, and two more were also taken to local hospitals for treatment, following a four car collision that occurred last week near Palos Hills. According to authorities, the four vehicles were all traveling northbound on LaGrange Road, and crashed into each other near 107th Street.

The cause of the crash has not been determined, but authorities described it as a "bumper-to-bumper" crash. The Cook County sheriff's police towed the vehicles away, and are currently conducting an investigation. The nearby surrounding area is a forest preserve.

Car crashes in and around the Chicago area are probably more common than you may think. According to statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation, based on data collected in 2011, there were:

281,788 crashes, which resulted in
918 deaths, and
84,172 injuries

A commonly reported statement used to ease the minds of anxious flyers, is the fact that you are more likely to die in a car accident than in a plane crash. In Illinois, and in many-- if not all-- states across the country, car accidents remain the leading killer of 15-24 year olds. Comparing the numbers against time, an average of one person dies every ten hours in a car accident within our state, and someone is injured in a vehicle accident approximately every six and a half minutes.

Obtaining help from a qualified and experienced car accident lawyer, especially when an injury has happened, is critical. If your injury causes you to delay too long, or if you fail to fully understand what you are entitled to, you may waive your rights. Also, in some cases, soft tissue damage may not fully manifest itself in full blown injuries until months later. This is especially true for neck and back injuries. If you settle too quickly, you may potentially forego receiving compensation for things like physical therapy reimbursements that may occur after the hasty settlement has been finalized.

Additionally, important evidence may be forgotten, damaged, or destroyed. Your attorney can bear the burden of handling the various components to a successful case, so that you can focus on healing. Hiring an attorney at the outset insures that nothing has been overlooked, allowing you the ability to not have to worry about the legal issues and deadlines related to your claim.

If you have been in a car accident and suffered an injury, or someone you love has been injured or killed in a vehicle accident, contact the Illinois car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes. With many years of experience in representing Chicago area car accident victims, we will work with you to make sure you understand your rights and potential remedies. We strive to help our clients obtain fair and complete compensation for the damages incurred and any injuries they have suffered. Call us today in order to schedule your initial complimentary consultation. You can reach us at (312) 924-7575 or through our website.

More Blog Posts:

Illinois Senate Votes to Increase Highway Speed Limit to 70, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published April 25, 2013

Rear-End Collision with Semi Leaves Chicagoan Dead, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published April 19, 2013

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Driver Runs Stop Sign, Injures 4 Before Fleeing the Scene

Early Saturday morning, a taxi cab driver and three passengers were injured when they became unwilling victims in a Chicago hit-and-run accident. The crash occurred at the intersection of Congress Parkway and Ogden Avenue at just after 2:00 a.m. and witnesses say a Ford pickup truck was to blame.

The truck was reportedly traveling east on Congress Avenue in the early morning hours as it approached Ogden Avenue. There is a stop sign controlling eastbound traffic but the truck allegedly failed to stop and entered the intersection, striking the rear passenger door of the taxi. After the collision, the driver of the truck fled the scene without stopping to check on the other car or without speaking to police, who responded to the crash. Ambulance crews transported the passengers of the taxi and the driver to area hospitals for treatment will all expected to survive.

Police officers are looking for the driver of the Ford pickup truck that caused the crash as part of their investigation.

If the facts stated so far prove to be true, the driver of the truck in this accident was a danger to himself and others. Not only did he fail to stop at a stop sign but he also fled the scene of an accident without checking on those in the other car. Both of these are serious crimes in Illinois and can carry a jail sentence, depending on all the factors involved, if a driver gets convicted.

No one knows why the driver in this accident fled the scene after causing a crash, and that is the case in most hit-and-run accidents. Experts believe that some of the most common reasons drivers flee are that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the driver did not have a valid driver's license or insurance, or running from police for another offense. Occasionally we see accidents where a driver did not even realize that he caused a crash or that the driver was not wearing necessary eye glasses and so was unable to see a car in his path. Regardless of the reason, any driver that causes a collision and then leaves the scene before being cleared by police is in violation of the law.

After a hit-and-run accident leaves an injured victim behind, it can be difficult to find help. When the driver cannot be located and you are hurt, it may feel like no one is on your side. That does not have to be the case because Illinois law provides options to victims of these crashes. If the driver is eventually apprehended, you may be able to bring a claim for your damages against that driver that can include claims for your medical bills and pain and suffering. Sometimes the police never locate the at-fault driver, though, and in those cases you still may have a claim. Many drivers have coverage for hit-and-run accidents through their own insurance polices. This is a special type of coverage known as uninsured/underinsured coverage and is designed to provide you with relief when you are involved in a crash due to another person's negligence.

At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are Chicago auto accident attorneys with decades worth of experience representing victims of hit-and-run crashes. We know how devastating these accidents can be and how they can affect and entire family. That is why we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day to take your call and provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we want to help you on your path to recovery, so please call us and let us help you today. You can reach us locally at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442.

Prior Blog Entries:

Crash Near Joliet Leaves 1 Man Dead, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published July 26, 2013.

Preteen Killed Crossing the Street in Harvey, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published July 24, 2013.

Resources:

Four Injured In Near West Side Hit-And-Run Crash, CBS Chicago/Chicago Sun-Times Media Wire, published July 27, 2013.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Firey Truck Crash Seriously Injures 4 in Illinois

A three vehicle crash on the Edens near Northbrook left four people injured on Sunday night, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Illinois State Police Department reported that a truck traveling northbound attempted to switch from the right lane to the center lane when it was not clear to do so, striking a vehicle in the center lane. The truck then veered hard to the right where it struck a second vehicle. After the second impact, the driver of the truck lost control, veered left across all lanes of traffic, and stuck a wall on the highway shoulder.

After the truck came to a rest, one of its gas tanks caught fire. Four people were injured in the collision and transported to local hospitals. A 10-year-old girl and a woman both suffered life-threatening injuries and their present conditions are not known.

Another woman and a man also were injured in the crash which caused traffic in both lanes to be diverted for a period of time.

Illinois State Police confirmed they cited the driver of the truck for improper lane usage, failure to have insurance, and failure to display a medical card and log book.

This collision is a reminder of just how serious crashes with semis can be. Semi trucks can be 20 times larger than a standard passenger car with a mass to match. This means that in a collision, a standard passenger vehicle is no match for a semi and often suffers extreme damage.

In 2011, there were 10,033 crashes involving semi trucks and 93 fatal crashes involving semis in Illinois. This number accounted for 3.6 percent of all crashes but 9.7 percent of fatalities. Of those fatalities, 74 were occupants in vehicles other than the semi and 4 were pedestrians, meaning that 15 of the deaths involved semi-truck drivers and occupants.

Semi truck collisions are also particularly deadly because semis often travel at high rates of speed. Truck drivers spend a large percent of their time on highways and freeways which allows the truckers to drive fast. Increased speeds means that the forces involved in any collision are significant and can lead to serious injuries.

Chicago 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

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

82-Year-Old Driver Injures Two Pedestrians - Are Your Parent's at Risk for a Car Accident in Chicago?

Six traffic violations were handed to an 82-year-old woman accused of causing a serious car vs. pedestrian accident in Chicago this past weekend. The woman was allegedly driving the wrong way on the Magnificent Mile and struck two pedestrians, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The woman was cited for driving over the median, negligent driving, disobeying a red light and for striking the pedestrians in a crosswalk, according to Chicago Police Officer John Mirabelli.

It's a part of life. One day we're all going experience a loss in eyesight, hearing and hand-eye coordination. Many of us will fight these aging symptoms. It is important to keep an eye on our parents, grandparents and other elderly loved ones to make sure that our friends and family members are not facing increased risks of being involved in a serious car accident. Our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage all residents to speak with their parents about aging and driving. It may be tough and you may not want to do it, but it's important.

Police have yet to determine why the woman was driving the wrong direction when the accident happened. The pedestrians were injured just after 5:00 p.m. Friday evening. Both were taken to the hospital, according to Huffpost Chicago.

Currently, elderly drivers account for about 20 percent of all motorists on U.S. roadways, according to the Government Accountability Office. That number isn't expected to shrink any time soon. Those who make up the first wave of the baby-boom generation celebrated their 65th birthdays this year.

"The number of older drivers on the road is definitely a concern, and their number can't help but increase in the years ahead, due to the aging of the population," said Lisa D'Ambrosio, a research scientist at the MIT AgeLab.

If you're worried about your parents driving abilities, you're not alone. The Hartford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's AgeLab, reports that nearly 1 out of every 10 adults are concerned about an older family member's driving.

An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study determined the following about drivers and intersection accidents:

-Nearly 60 percent of drivers 80-years-old and older neglect to yield at intersections.

-Nearly 40 precent of those age 70- to 79-years-old fail to yield at intersections.

-Only 26 percent of drivers that are age 35- to 54-year-old don't yield at stop signs.

"We know that having that first conversation with an older parent is going to be a difficult one, because driving is so intrinsic to our sense of independence and autonomy," said D'Ambrosio. "So many of us are dependent on driving, especially in regions where public transportation does not exist, or is inconvenient, or runs irregularly. There is also a concern about what the transportation alternatives might be if an older person has to stop driving."

Should you ask your parent turn in their keys for good. MSN recommends you ask yourself these question. Yes answers means you should talk with you parent:

-Have they suffered a stroke, heart attack or diminished eyesight?

-Have they experienced any difficulty negotiating sharp turns and intersections?

-Do they hesitate over right-of-way decisions?

-Are they oftentimes surprised by the sudden presence of other vehicles or pedestrians?

-Are they getting lost on familiar routes?

We understand that talking with your loved ones about when they need to stop driving may be hard on you, but it is important that you do this for their safety. If you avoid the conversation, you're only putting them at an increased risk for experiencing a car accident that could potentially end their life prematurely.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 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:

Pedestrian killed, 2 others injured in Chicago taxicab accident, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, July 6, 2011

Safe Driver Act of 2011 Could Increase Distracted Driving Laws in Illinois, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, July 1, 2011

Red-Light Cameras in Chicago - Saving Lives or Stealing Money?, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, July 8, 2011

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Riverside County Auto Accident Injures Eight People

Posted On: June 10, 2011 by Ross Jurewitz

Eight people suffered minor to moderate injuries in a Desert Hot Springs car crash that occurred on June 8, 2011, around 8:12 a.m. at Ocotillo Road and Mesquite Avenue. According to Riverside County Fire Department officials, three fire engines and four ambulances were immediately dispatched to the accident.

From the present information, it is unclear what caused this major car accident that injured eight people. It would be interesting for the investigating officers to determine whether any of the drivers were under the influence of alcohol or any other drug.

Though the investigation is in process, the victims should consult an experienced Riverside County car accident lawyer who would assure that they obtain timely and fair compensation to cover cost of hospitalization, medical expenses, loss of wages, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office sincerely hopes and prays that the injuries suffered by the victims do not prove fatal and heal soon.

Ross Jurewitz is a car accident attorney representing people seriously injured in Riverside County traffic 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 traffic accidents. Initial consultations are always free at our office. In addition, the Jurewitz Law Group offers a “No Fee Guarantee” which means that potential clients not only receive a free consultation but also will not be charged any attorneys’ fees unless our law office recovers money for the victim. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a car accident in Riverside County, please order your free copy of Mr. Jurewitz's California car accident book, The Ten Biggest Mistakes that can Destroy Your California Accident Case. 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

Illinois DUI accident injures 4 in northern suburbs of Chicago

Criminal charges have been filed against an driver that allegedly caused a Chicago area DUI car crash involving for vehicles, according to the Northbrook Star. The collision took place on Wednesday at 4:45 PM on the Edens spur ramp near Northbrook and left the at fault driver and three others injured.

There was a traffic backup on the expressway and the motorist, who was driving a red 1999 Honda Accord, was reportedly speeding and did not stop. He rear-ended the vehicle in front of him, causing a chain reaction crash involving four vehicles in total.

The occupants of the vehicle initially rear-ended were the most seriously injured. The driver sustained a spinal fracture and the passenger has a ruptured spleen. Both were taken by ambulance to Evanston Hospital.

The at fault driver was also seriously injured and taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Another driver involved was also injured and taken to Highland Park Hospital.

The defendant, a 24-year-old Chicago resident, has now been charged with DUI drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Seven ambulances went to the scene of the accident, and a flight for life helicopter was on standby but not used. Firefighters from Northbrook, Glenview, Northfield, Glencoe, Highland Park and Skokie all responded to the accident.

The Illinois State Police handled the accident investigation.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

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Car crash on North Shore of Chicago kills 1, critically injures another

Home Posted On: April 17, 2011 by Dave Abels

An Illinois auto accident in suburban Northfield has claimed the life of a 22-year-old Chicago woman, Winnetka Talk is reporting. Another person was seriously injured in the collision that occurred on Friday.

The accident occurred at 2220 Willow Road. Northfield police are stating that the woman was eastbound on Willow when she crossed the center line for unknown reasons and struck a westbound driver head-on.

The woman was taken by ambulance to Evanston Hospital and pronounced dead hours later. The driver of the other vehicle, a 63 year old Glenview man, was also taken to Evanston Hospital. He was in critical condition.

The Northfield Police Department is being assisted by the Major Crash Assistance Team, which is a joint operation run by several suburban departments. The collision is still under investigation and it has not yet been reported if drugs or alcohol played a role.

The Glenview Patch is reporting that the accident occurred around 8 pm and that Willow Road remained closed due to the accident late into the night.

Click here to read the story as reported by WGN tv.

Posted by Dave Abels

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Chicago area Tollway crash injures five

Next » Posted On: March 16, 2011 by Dave Abels

An Illinois auto accident has injured five people, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The crash happened during rush hour on Tuesday when a vehicle lost control, flipped over several times and then struck a fence and tree. The incident happened on the Tri-State Tollway.

It was a single vehicle accident that occurred around 5:25 PM in the southbound lanes of Interstate 294. Illinois state troopers responded to the accident which occurred about a mile north of the Willow Road exit in the area of Northbrook, Illinois.

It is being reported that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and lost control while attempting to change lanes, rolling over three times. The car took out approximately 40 feet of a fence when it left the roadway.

Five occupants in the vehicle were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver that loss control was ticketed, but the nature of the charge was not reported.

In a single car accident such as this one, the injured passengers typically will have a good claim against the at fault driver who lost control the vehicle. It has not been reported if an Illinois auto accident attorney is involved in the case yet.

Posted by Dave Abels

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Unhitched Trailer Accident Takes Dad’s Life and Catastrophically Injures Mom and Son

Next » Posted On: March 14, 2011 by Jeffrey M. Reiff Unhitched Trailer Accident Takes Dad’s Life and Catastrophically Injures Mom and Son

On February 13, 2011 Aaron Peru, Melanie Nichols, and her son Justin were involved in a horrific car accident when a trailer broke loose of its hitch and hit their vehicle head on. Tragically, Aaron’s wounds were fatal and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Melanie and Justin were helivaced to a medical center where Melanie suffers from severe head trauma, a broken leg, and numerous other fractures throughout her body, and Justin suffered major and minor lacerations but remains in stable condition. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

As an experienced Pennsylvania defective trailer accident lawyer since 1979, this tragic accident highlights a situation that our detached and defective trailer lawyers have been aggressively fighting for decades. Mainly, the fact that detached trailer accidents happen with much too much frequency due to limited minimal controls and regulations. NHTSA has admitted that no standards exist for trailer hitches. Unfortunately in most states, including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there is very little regulation addressed to trailers under 3,000 lbs. Many of these trailers are purposefully made to be under the gross weight of 3,000 lbs. so as not to be subject to regulations. Many state laws, including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are silent as to any design or construction specifications of these vehicles or trailers, as well as towing chains or hitches. In the many cases that we have investigated, we have found that the tow trailers have obvious safety violations relating to lighting, braking, security, and inspection requirements.

Several factors cause a trailer detachment:

1.They do not need to be inspected.

2.You can build one on your own and use it or sell it.

3.If they are under 3,000 lbs., they fall below federal guidelines and if trailers are
over 3,000 lbs. reflectors only need be placed at the extreme rear of the trailer.

Many times our trailer detachment law firm has investigated claims were rental companies rented trailers to individuals with little or no knowledge of how to pull a trailer, as well as pulling them when vehicles are not strong enough to pull their loads. In other situations, rental companies fail to properly hook up the trailer to a tow vehicle or instruct the renter in how to do so properly causing the unsecured trailer to come loose during towing and separately and striking innocent pedestrians and passersby. Such failures have lead to catastrophic accident such as this resulting in the deaths and catastrophic injuries to innocent victims.

For more information about defective trailers and their promenience on the roadways of America, please go to www.dangeroustrailers.org operated by consumer safety advocate Ron Melancon, a tireless advocate against the unsafe and unregulated use of defective and dangerous trailers.

View the Original article