Chicago Blackhawks Victory Parade May Pose Threat to Motorists

Downtown Chicago will celebrate the recent Blackhawks victory with a celebratory parade on Friday morning. The parade will begin near the United Center on Washington Street and Des Plaines Avenue and will travel east along Washington until it reaches Michigan Avenue, where the route will briefly jog north to Randolph and then south along Congress. The parade is set to being at 10:30 a.m. and will conclude near Grant Park with a rally scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Hutchinson Field.

The parade will remind many in the city of the same celebration that took place after the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010. But there will be some differences as police and city officials learned from that celebration and will make changes to make the 2013 parade even better. There will be barricades along the parade route and neither alcohol nor backpacks will be allowed in Grant Park. Access to Grant Park will be controlled and police will be searching bags of those who intend to participate in the rally. All of this is designed to keep the city safe, but there is only so much that the police can do to prevent incidents from occurring.

One thing to keep in mind is the possibility of vehicle-related accidents. With an expected 1.2 to 1.3 million participating in Friday's events, the city will be bustling with activity. Blockades on the streets will force drivers to take alternative routes that may be confusing or less familiar to them. These drivers may also be looking for elusive parking spaces so they can enjoy the parade and once these cars are parked, their occupants will become pedestrians traveling the streets and sidewalks of the city. With a large number of vehicles and a large number of pedestrians present, chances are good that an incident between the two groups will occur. When a pedestrian is struck by a car, injuries almost always result and often the pedestrian is killed.

City officials are encouraging the use of public transportation on Friday to reduce vehicular traffic as much as possible. In addition to the CTA buses and trains within the city, Metra trains are offering a special $5 pass for travel on Friday to encourage suburban commuters to use the train. Pedestrians and parade-watchers are being strongly encouraged to heed the directions of police officers and to mind all barriers along the streets. The City of Chicago has warned that those who cross over parade barriers will risk arrest by doing so.

In addition to the pedestrian and vehicular congestion that is expected in Chicago, history suggests that there may be a lot of alcohol consumed, adding to some of the dangers that are already present. While the risk of drinking and driving is often publicized, it is important to realize that drinking in public while walking downtown has risks of its own. Alcohol makes pedestrians less aware of their surroundings and less cautious when crossing a street which can lead to collisions.

If you plan to celebrate in Chicago on Friday, keep in mind that nothing ruins a good time like an accident. You should remain aware of your surroundings and watch out for any dangers, including drivers or others who have been drinking. Always follow the instructions of the Chicago Police Department and other officials and leave plenty of time for travel.

If you have been injured in an accident, call the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free telephone consultation. We can be reached 24 hours a day at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 and there is never an obligation when you call us. If you have been hurt, you may have a right to financial compensation. Call us today and let us help you.

Prior Blog Entries:

Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Settle Left Turn Case for $118,000, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 25, 2013.

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

Resources:

Parade route and rally, Chicago Tribune, published June 26, 2013.

2010 offered security lessons for Friday's Blackhawks rally, by David Heinzmann, Chicago Tribune, published June 27, 2013.

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

Nurse Struck and Killed After Helping Stranded Motorists in Illinois Car Accident

Last month a nurse was struck by a passing vehicle as she was helping a motorist who had driven into a ditch. This Illinois car accident happened along U.S. 51 in Jackson County, between Carbondale and DeSoto and killed the nurse.

Authorities are still investigating the scene, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys remind you of Scott's Law, or the Move Over Law as the summer travel season gets underway. Scott's Law is meant to protect stationary vehicles, especially emergency responders and other law enforcement with activated lights.

According to the Illinois State Police, Scott's Law requires drivers to approach these types of vehicles with extreme cautions, yield the right-of-way, move to the lane farthest from them and reduce your speed.

These requirements should be enforced to help those stranded motorists on the side of the road as well, whether they're stopped because their vehicle is broken down, they've been involved in a fender bender or they have a flat tire.

Violating Scott's Law can land you with a fine of up to $10,000 or license suspension.

This law is created to protect those that may be immobile on the side of the road. It is all too common that a motor vehicle accident leads to a secondary accident or injury. Those who stop to help troubled motorists oftentimes put themselves at an even greater risk for injury.

Motorists are urged to follow these roadside safety tips if you have to stop your car along the side of the road:

-Pull over and off the road as far as you can.

-Be sure to turn on your hazard lights to help ensure other motorists will see you pulled over.

-Call police to let them know you are pulled over on the side of the road and let them know the reason.

-Be sure to keep 2 reflectors in the trunk of your car. Place one in the front and one in the back on your vehicle. Be sure they're placed at least 50 feet away from your car.

-If it is the daytime, make sure that you and your occupants exit the vehicle. If you're pulled over in the evening hours it's safer for you to remain in your vehicle.

-Call a mechanic if your car has broken down. In these scenarios, it is better to call for the help of a professional than to attempt to fix it yourself.

-If you've stopped to help a stranded motorist, be sure to stay away from the vehicle, all safety precautions are being exercised and you've called for help.

Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

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

Kansas City Auto Accident Blog

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Rumble Strips Helping Protect Missouri Motorists from Serious Injury Accidents

Rumble strips have helped decrease fatal injury accidents on Missouri Highways according to MoDOT.

Every now and then we are delighted to bring you good news about auto accident fatalities in Missouri.  This time its’ coming from MoDot, whose officials are saying that the number of auto fatalities caused by drivers going off the road has dropped over the past few years thanks to rumble strips.  Rumble strips are uneven sections of pavement on the side of highways that will help a driver see and feel where the side of the road is at night and during bad weather.  When tires them, they vibrate and create a sound that hopefully jolts the driver back to focus to hopefully prevent Missouri motorists from driving off the road and crashing.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), nearly 250 people died in these types of accidents last year, which is a significant drop from the nearly 700 in 2005.  Overall, 818 people died in fatal car accidents on Missouri highways in 2010, which represents the lowest number of deaths in nearly 50 years.

We know that as long as people are driving and capable of human error then car accidents are always going to be a dangerous problem.  Our experienced Kansas City Auto Injury Attorneys are certainly encouraged by these numbers and hope transportation officials in both Kansas and Missouri look into adding these rumble strips to all major highways.  If they’re working, lets spread them around and really bring those fatality numbers down.  As we mentioned before, distracted driving and drowsy driving can lead to fatal crashes and these rumble strips can absolutely make a difference.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in an auto accident in Kansas or Missouri, call experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers James Roswold and Heather Lottman.  With over 15 years of experience in Auto Injury Accident Attorneys, we might be able to help you through a stressful 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, April 22, 2011 at 2:42 pm 
Filed under Aggressive Driving Incidents, Auto Accidents, distracted driving, Driving Dangers, Texting and Driving, Unsafe Roads · Tagged with auto injury accidents, distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, I-70, kansas city auto injury attorneys, kansas city personal injury lawyers, Missouri, missouri highways, MoDot, rumble strips, serious injury

Kansas City Auto Accident Blog

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