On January 26, 2005, Elkins, who was suffering from flu-like symptoms, went to the Dreyer Medical Center in Batavia. While she was there, the medical staff intravenously administered Phenergan to her. One of the side effects of this medication is drowsiness.
On her way home, Elkins drove her 2002 Kia Rio across the center line of Route 30 and crashed her vehicle head-on into a semi-trailer. She died at the Illinois semi-truck crash site. Her daughter Jazmine, who was in a car seat in the back of the car, was pronounced dead at a Dekalb hospital.
DeKalb County Coroner Dennis Miller says that a doctor who treated Elkins said during the coroner’s inquest that he did not realize that Elkins was planning on driving herself. Elkins’ mother, Molly Farrell, says her daughter would not have crashed her car if the doctor had told her not to drive. Following the accident, the clinic began requiring medical staff to tell patients when it is too dangerous to drive after taking certain medications.
Car Accident and Medications
Most medicines have side effects, some of which can impair a driver’s ability to drive safely. Certain medications can make a person drowsy, groggy, dizzy, confused, blur vision, and/or unable to react quickly. All of these reactions can make it hard for a motorist to pay attention, think clearly, and deal with emergency situations. Physicians can be sued for medical malpractice if they prescribed a drug that caused a Chicago car crash because they did not notify the patient of side effects. Another possible liable party is a pharmaceutical company that did not provide adequate warnings of risks involved with taking the drug.
Local family waiting on 'justice' from 2005 car accident, Daily Chronicle, April 2, 2011
Prescription Drugs May Impact Driving Performance, EMaxHealth
Related Web Resources:
Amanda and Jazmine Blog
The dead tree fell on Miller’s car after gusts of wind over 50 mph caused it to snap. Although she was fortunate because none of her vital organs were hit when she was impaled, Miller had to be placed into a medically induced coma and she sustained serious and permanent injuries.
Car Crashes Involving Falling Trees
A property owner can be held liable for a Chicago car collision if there was a hazard on a premise that caused the accident to occur. Auto crashes caused by falling trees/tree branches are not as uncommon as you would think. Over the years there have been numerous vehicle crashes that have occurred because the owner of a property failed to properly maintain a tree, which ended up falling on a vehicle or a pedestrian. Fatalities have been known to occur as a result.
In February, a 41-year-old man died when a tree collapsed and fell on the pickup truck he was riding. Three other people who were with him were also hurt. In 2008, a woman died from injuries she sustained when a tree fell on her car. Her daughter was in the vehicle with her when the deadly accident happened. The year before, a 49-year-old man was killed when a tree fell on his van. His family sued for wrongful death and claimed the city did not make sure that the tree roots were cut properly.
Woman impaled by tree branch sues medical center, Chicago Tribune, April 20, 2011
Woman Impaled by Tree Branch Sues, NBC Chicago, April 21, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Car Accidents, Nolo
Car Accidents, Justia
More Blog Posts:
Chicago Injury Lawsuit Involving Boy with Brain Damage After He was Struck by Tree Branch is Settled for $1.55M, Chicago Injury Attorney Blog, February 7, 2011
Chicago Car Accident Risks Rise When There is Snow and Ice on the Road, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, December 21, 2010
Getting “doored” involves a moving bicyclist getting hit by a car door that suddenly opens. Usually the car is one that is parked and the door that opens is the one on the driver’s side.
Dooring accidents can cause serious injuries. One rider, 22-year-old Clinton Micelli, died in a Chicago bicycle accident in 2008 after he was struck by an SUV door whose driver opened it while on North LaSalle Street. Micelli fell off his bike and was run over by another vehicle.
Considering that, per Illinois Department of Transportation statistics, about 3,500 Illinois bicycle crashes happen a year, causing over 3,300 injuries and at least 18 fatalities, it is important that safety officials do their part to help decrease the number of cycling collisions.
Bicyclists are so vulnerable to serious injuries and death during a Chicago car crash. Not only can some injuries be debilitating, disabling, and life-altering, but also, the costs of medical care and recovery can be very high.
Unfortunately, some people don’t even realize that they may be entitled to personal injury compensation or that they do have just cause to file a claim. Don’t jump to conclusions. Contact our Chicago car accident law firm and ask for your free case evaluation.
Bikers call for state to count 'dooring' accidents, Chicago Tribune, March 20, 2011
Why do Drivers Hate Cyclists, ChicagoMag, March 22, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Active Transportation Alliance
Illinois Department of Transportation
More Blog Posts:
Chicago Bicycle Accident Leaves Rider with Critical Injuries, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, September 30, 2010
Dolton Car Accident Kills Teen and Now Parents are Suing Village and Cook County for Fatal Police Pursuit, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, August 19, 2010
Preventing Illinois Bicycle Accidents: Governor Pat Quinn Signs New Safety Bills in Chicago, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, July 5, 2010
According to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office Drug Prosecution Division, Maish’s blood alcohol was .142 at the time of the Antioch, Illinois pedestrian accident. He also had the painkiller hydrocodone in his system.
Drunk driving and texting while driving are activities that when done separately can prove deadly. Place a cell phone in the hands of a driver who is drunk and operating a motor vehicle at the same time and the chances of involvement in a car crash causing serious injuries and fatalities goes up.
It doesn’t matter whether or not a motorist who was negligent intended to harm anyone. What matters is that they did and that it caused great harm and suffering.
If this has happened to someone you love, you should speak with an experienced Antioch, Illinois car accident lawyer immediately.
Recently, the estate of Louis Johnson filed an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit against Ranada Ridenhour. Johnson, 71, was killed in a traffic crash last November when her car hit his car, which was then hit by a truck. The complaint contends that Ridenhour was texting while driving and under the influence of drugs.
Spring Grove man faces reckless homicide charge, Northwest Herald, April 8, 2011
Fatal southwestern Ill. crash prompts lawsuit, Chicago Tribune, April 7, 2011
Officials: Antioch man texting, intoxicated when he struck pedestrian, Triblocal, April 8, 2011
Fatal Crash Prompts Lawsuit, CBS, April 7, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Distracted Driving, US DOT
More Blog Posts:
Should Illinois Texting While Driving Ban Also Prohibit Internet, Facebook, and Twitter Use?, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, March 11, 2011
Illinois Court of Claims Awards $8M to Family of Uhl Sisters Killed in 2007 Car Crash Caused by State Trooper Accused of Speeding, Texting, and Cell Phone Driving, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, January 20, 2011
Cook County Cell Phone Accident Causes Serious Injuries to Berwyn Pedestrian, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, September 24, 2010
]]> Our Chicago car accident law firm applauds efforts by lawmakers and safety advocates to increase awareness about the dangers of texting while driving. Unfortunately, as with other forms of negligent driving, there are still those who continue to engage in irresponsible and dangerous driving habits. ]]>Campos and four other people in the SUV sustained injuries. Police have since charged Campos with aggravated DUI causing accidental death.
If someone you love was killed in a Cook County car accident, you may be able to sue them for Chicago wrongful death. Filing a civil lawsuit won’t bring your loved one back and it can't make up for your loss. It can, however, allow you to recover damages for the liable party. Your Chicago personal injury case would be separate from any criminal charges filed against the negligent driver.
Unfortunately, people continue to drive drunk despite knowing that this type of negligent driving behavior can cause death and injury. Today, Lynwood village clerk Roel "Roy" Valle pleaded not guilty to one charge of reckless homicide and six counts of aggravated driving under the influence.
Valle was allegedly drunk when, after driving home from a political fundraiser and stopping at a bar in a village-issued car, he struck two cars while driving the wrong way up Illinois Highway 394. Police say that at the time, his BAC was 0.135%.
Mlikah Little, a 32-year-old Marquette Park mom of four, died in that Chicago car accident. Records show that Little’s family is suing the Village of Lynwood and Valle for her Chicago wrongful death.
Lynwood clerk pleads not guilty in DUI crash death, Chicago Tribune, March 29, 2011
Valle pleads not guilty in fatal crash, NWTimes, March 29, 2011
Family sues over crash that killed teen, Chicago Tribune, March 15, 2011
Teen Dead, 5 Hurt In Rogers Park Crash, CBS Chicago, January 22, 2011
Related Web Resources:
NHTSA
More Blog Posts:
Fatal Hit-and-Run Chicago Car Accident on I-55 Involved Alleged Drunk Driver, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, March 24, 2011
17-Year-Old Dies in Chicago Car Crash that Leaves Five Others with Injuries, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, January 26, 2011
Chicago Car Accident Injures Two Teenagers, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, January 10, 2011
]]>According to one witness, the driver of the pickup cross the solid white “fog line” and hit Lopez. The pickup truck was discovered soon after in the 5400 block of South Ellis Avenue, where Almaraz is a resident.
The officers who apprehended him say that they smelled alcohol on his breath and there was an open can of alcohol in the car. They also said that his speech was slurred and his eyes were glassy and bloodshot. Per the police report, Almaraz failed all field sobriety tests and was taken into custody. His blood-alcohol content was reportedly twice the legal limit, and he admitted to drinking before the Chicago pedestrian accident happened.
Autopsy results indicate that Lopez died of multiple injuries from being hit by a car.
Drunk Driving
Every year, lives are lost and families are destroyed because there were people who drove drunk. Although drunk people usually are not fully in control of their faculties and are known to make poor decisions, this does not exempt them from responsibility or liability for their actions—especially if serious Chicago injuries or wrongful death result. Also, filing a Chicago car accident case or wrongful death lawsuit can allow you to recover the costs incurred from medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other damages suffered.
Prosecutors: Driver in fatal Stevenson crash was drunk, Chicago Tribune, March 19, 2011
Motorist charged with DUI in fatal hit-and-run, Sun-Times, March 19, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Stop Impaired Driving, NHTSA
More Blog Posts:
Mother of Chicago Car Accident Victim Killed Last Thanksgiving Files Cook County Wrongful Death Lawsuit, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, November 24, 2010
Bolingbrook, Illinois Car Accident Kills Sleeping Chicago Woman as SUV Crashes into Her Bedroom, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, November 16, 2010
Drunk Drivers Can Cause Catastrophic Chicago Car Accident Injuries, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, August 27, 2010
You don’t pay us out of pocket. Any legal fees will come from your recovery. Contact the Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates, PC today and ask for your free consultation.
]]>At the time of the Cook County car accident, the van was going up the first floor parking garage ramp when it hit Zentefis, who was in a pedestrian crosswalk. Paramedics and hospital staffers treated the elderly pedestrian, while others worked to free her from under the van. She was pronounced dead in the hospital emergency room. Police are investigating the incident.
Parking Lot Accidents
Our Chicago car accident lawyers are sorry to have to report that parking lots can be a dangerous place for pedestrians. Common causes of parking lot pedestrian accidents:
• Speeding
• Failure to watch out for pedestrians
• Backover accidents
• Distracted driving
• Texting or talking on the phone while driving
• Failure to obey traffic signs
• Failure to yield
• Aggressive driving, such as when drivers race each other to grab the empty spot
• Inadequately designed walkways
• Wheel stops
• Poor lighting
• Potholes
• Uneven surfaces
• Improperly marked handicap zone
• Blind spots
Pedestrian Safety
Just because you are in a parking lot doesn’t mean you aren't at risk of become the victim of a Chicago pedestrian accident. Watch out for cars, cross in designated areas, and don’t assume that a driver backing out of a parking lot has seen you.
Ramona A. Zentefis Killed by Minivan in Crosswalk at Hospital Parking Garage, The Cardinal, March 16, 2011
Woman struck, killed in hospital lot, Trib Local, March 16, 2011
Related Web Resources:
America Walks
Pedestrian Statistics, Cyber Drive Illinois
Related Web Resources:
Aurora, Illinois Car Accident Injures One Pedestrian While Killing Another, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, October 29, 2010
Cook County Cell Phone Accident Causes Serious Injuries to Berwyn Pedestrian, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, September 24, 2010
Champaign, Illinois Teenager Was Texting When He Fatally Struck Chicago Pedestrian with His Car, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, July 26, 2010
]]> Do not hesitate to contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your case. ]]>While our Chicago cell phone accident firm would like to hope that that people would deduce that if texting while driving is dangerous, then surely posting a Tweet, reading CNN.com in moving traffic, or sending a Facebook friend request is no less safe, State Farm says that over 19% of respondents admitted to going online on a cell phone while driving.
Granted, this figure is much lower than the 74% of respondents who said that they talk on the cell phone while driving at least once a week or the 35% who admitted to texting and driving, it is disturbing to know that there are so many drivers out there who are endangering themselves and others because they are on the Internet.
It was just last month that we reported on a Chicago wrongful death lawsuit against a driver accused of updating her Facebook page while driving. A pedestrian was killed in that Illinois distracted driving crash.
Currently, in Illinois, all drivers are barred from texting while driving. Ban of handheld cell phone use, however, is at the discretion of each locality. Chicago is one of those localities that has banned the use of handheld cell phone ban while driving.
If you believe that a smart phone played a role in causing your injuries, our Chicago cell phone accidents law firm wants to talk to you.
19 Percent Of Drivers Say They Use The Internet While Driving, State Farm, March 4, 2011
Many admit using Web while driving, Sun-Times, March 4, 2011
Distracted Driving: Chicago Car Crash Occurred Because Driver was Updating Facebook Page, Claims Wrongful Death Lawsuit, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys, February 15, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Cellphone Laws, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Distracted Driving, CyberDrive Illinois
More Blog Posts:
Illinois Court of Claims Awards $8M to Family of Uhl Sisters Killed in 2007 Car Crash Caused by State Trooper Accused of Speeding, Texting, and Cell Phone Driving, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers, January 20, 2011
Cook County Cell Phone Accident Causes Serious Injuries to Berwyn Pedestrian, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers, September 24, 2010
Champaign, Illinois Teenager Was Texting When He Fatally Struck Chicago Pedestrian with His Car, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers, July 26, 2010
Przybylowski, an 87-year-old Streamwood resident, died in May 2010 when his Toyota Corolla suddenly accelerated in a South Elgin strip mall, causing it to hit a parked auto and a wall. His family filed an Illinois wrongful death complaint in November—one of 400 auto products liability lawsuits against Toyota blaming defective electronics.
Now, however, the NHTSA’s study, which was put together with the help of NASA engineers, has found that instead of electronic flaws, mechanical and human errors may have been responsible. Przybylowski’s family they are not convinced. His Toyota Corolla was one of the vehicles that were recalled for faulty engine control modules. At the time, Toyota said the safety issue might cause engine failure or harsh shifting.
Last week, Toyota Motor Corp. recalled another 2.17 million autos because of floor mat and accelerator pedal entrapment issues—two other causes of sudden unintended acceleration accidents that were previously cited. A Toyota or Lexus with this safety issue might accelerate out of control suddenly if the accelerator were to get stuck in the floor mat. Meantime, NHTSA says it is closing its probe into the matter of pedal entrapment and it is satisfied with how Toyota has handled this problem.
Family undeterred by report on Toyota issues, Chicago Tribune, February 23, 2011
Toyota Corolla Driver's Alleged Unintended Acceleration Accident Caught on Security Camera, MYFoxChicago, November 10, 2010
Related Web Resources:
NHTSA-NASA Study of Unintended Acceleration in Toyota Vehicles, NHTSA
Toyota recalls 2.1 million vehicles in U.S. over acceleration, Washington Post, February 24, 2011
More Blog Posts:
Following Toyota Recall of 2.3 Million Vehicles Over Gas Pedal Defect, Automaker Places Temporary Stop on Sale of Eight Car Models, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, January 26, 2010
Toyota Sudden Acceleration Blamed for Over 100 Traffic Deaths, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, March 26, 2010
Toyota Has Known About Deadly Floor Mats for Two Years, Reports New York Times, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, October 1, 2009
]]>The Aurora man was riding in a 1999 Lexus SUV driven by David Solis, also 28, when the latter rear-ended a 2009 International 4400 box truck that was stopped in traffic. Following the Illinois truck crash, Solis drove his SUV into a gas station parking lot and fled the scene. Hernandez, who sustained major head trauma, remained in the front passenger seat.
45 minutes after the Aurora car accident, Solis returned to the crash site. He was charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, driver under the influence of drugs, driving without insurance, and driving on a suspended license. Currently behind bars over these charges, more are likely pending now that Hernandez has died.
Chicago Car Crash Injuries
Sustaining a serious injury during a Chicago car crash can be tough physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. Recovery can take months or, in some severe cases, a victim is left permanently disabled. The bills for hospital stays, 24-hour care, rehabilitation services, doctor visits, medications, surgeries, tests, as well as the loss of income, benefits, and future earnings can take a toll.
Man dies year after DUI crash, charges upgraded, ABC Local, February 22, 2011
Aurora crash victim dies 16 months later, Daily Herald, February 21, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Head Trauma, eMedicine
Treatments and drugs, MayoClinic
More Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog Posts:
Nursing Home Worker Dies from Injuries Sustained in Chicago Car Crash Involving Hit-and-Run Driver, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, February 11, 2011
Toddlers Seriously Injured in Fatal Lake County Car Crash Upgraded to Stable Condition, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, December 14, 2010
11-Year-Old Girl Dragged in Hit-and-Run Chicago Car Accident Dies, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, June 25, 2010
]]> Our Chicago car accident law firm has a doctor on staff who works with our clients to determine the seriousness of injuries and the medical care and services likely required so that when we pursue financial recovery from the liable parties, we can make sure we are seeking all damages owed.Veloz had just gotten out of his car to trade information with the driver of another vehicle he had just been involved in a Chicago traffic crash with when he was hit by another auto driven by Araceli Beas. Veloz’s right leg was partially severed during the collision, and his daughter alleges that this caused him to bleed to death.
In her Chicago wrongful death lawsuit against Beas, Regina Cabrales claims that the driver was using her cell phone to update her Facebook page when she struck Veloz. Beas, who was cited for failing to avoid striking a pedestrian, has said that her ability to see the road was impeded by the sun. Cabrales, however, claims that Beas was negligent in driving her car, failed to keep a proper lookout, used an electronic communication device while driving, and did not slow down to avoid an accident. Cabrales is seeking unspecified damages from Beas.
Chicago Cell Phone Accidents
It’s already been established that talking or texting on a cell phone can distract a driver enough to cause a Chicago car crash. Is it any surprise then that updating one’s Facebook status or publishing a Twitter post can prove catastrophic when done while operating a motor vehicle?
Any time a driver stops paying full attention to the task at hand, he/she increases the chances of becoming involved in an auto collision. Multitasking does not work when one is driving especially because a part of the brain that should be focused on driving is now also doing something else.
If you believe that a driver caused a Chicago car crash because he/she was cell phone driving, your injury attorney can help access phone and data records and other evidence to prove your case.
Suit: Woman in fatal crash was updating Facebook, Chicago Breaking News, February 15, 2011
Driver Was Updating Facebook Page When She Ran Over, Killed Elderly Man: Lawsuit, MyFoxChicago, February 14, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Distracted Driving
Related Web Resources:
Illinois Court of Claims Awards $8M to Family of Uhl Sisters Killed in 2007 Car Crash Caused by State Trooper Accused of Speeding, Texting, and Cell Phone Driving, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, January 20, 2011
Cook County Cell Phone Accident Causes Serious Injuries to Berwyn Pedestrian, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, September 24, 2010
Nearly 90% of Teen Drivers Engage in Distracted Driving, Say AAA & Seventeen Magazine Survey, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, August 2, 2010
]]> Our Chicago car collision law firm can help you explore your legal options.]]>According to Hughes' relatives, it was another half hour before someone reported the Chicago car accident. He died yesterday following surgery for his injuries. Police are trying to locate the hit-and-run driver.
Chicago Car Accidents Involving Hit-and-Drivers
Just because you were struck in a hit-and-run crash doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t explore your legal options. Over the years, our Chicago injury lawyers have successfully represented many clients injured in hit-and-run collisions and in other accidents involving drivers who were uninsured or underinsured. Ideally, police will eventually locate the responsible driver. But even if they don’t, you may still be able to pursue a successful claim against your insurer. There also may be other parties who should be held liable.
Just this Tuesday, two women suffered critical injuries in a Chicago pedestrian accident also involving a hit-and-run driver on a Loop street. The Cook County, Illinois traffic crash occurred at around 7pm on South State Street. The victims, both in their 50’s, were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Last Friday, a man was killed in another hit-and run accident. The victim, who was found unresponsive on the road following the Humboldt Park car accident was pronounced dead at the scene.
Some reasons why drivers hit and run:
• Fear of the consequences
• Drunk or drugged driving
• He/she already has a criminal record
• Panic
Hit-and-run victim dies after surgery, ABC7 News, February 11, 2011
Man killed in apparent hit-and-run near Humboldt Park, Chicago Sun-TImes, February 5, 2011
Two Critically Injured During Loop Hit-And-Run, CBS Local, February 8, 2011
Related Web Resources:
CyberDrive Illinois
Illinois Department of Transportation
Related Blog Posts:
Woman Pedestrian Loses Her Leg in Chicago Car Crash, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, January 31, 2011
17-Year-Old Dies in Chicago Car Crash that Leaves Five Others with Injuries, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, January 26, 2011
Chicago Car Accident Injures Two Teenagers, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, January 10, 2011
Police arrested the Buick’s driver, 21-year-old Tyreesha Fraley, on Friday. She had fled from her vehicle at the crash site and is now charged with a number of offenses, including failure to render aid to the injured, driving without a license, and failure to report an accident involving injury.
Chicago Car Accident Cases
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a traffic crash that was caused by someone else, our Chicago car accident lawyers would like to urge you to explore your legal options right away. With injuries that are severe, it is important that your Chicago injury lawsuit is handled professionally to increase the chances of you receiving the maximum financial recovery possible.
Your Chicago auto crash lawyer can help you understand the nature of your case, gather the necessary documents, facts, and evidence to build your case, talk to witnesses, assess your injuries and expected medical and recovery expenses, determine how much income you will lose because of time you’ll have to take from work, assess your current health insurance coverage, deal with the other party’s insurer and attorneys, prepare your case, and determine whether settling or going to court is best for your claim or lawsuit.
Hit-run crash cost victim her leg, prosecutors say, Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2011
Police: Residents help ID bus stop hit-and-run suspect, ABC Local, January 31, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
According to police, Campos crashed his 2003 Ford Explorer SUV while speeding when it failed to yield the right of way at an intersection and struck a 1997 Nissan Maxima. The SUV then proceeded to hit two parked autos before jumping a curb and hitting a tree. Echmail, who sustained cervicospinal injuries, was one of the passengers in Campos’s vehicle. Campos and four other teenagers sustained injuries during the Cook County auto crash.
Chicago Car Accidents
There are Chicago motor vehicle cases involving people who were riding in the same car, with the driver as the defendant and the passenger as the plaintiff. Even if you are friends with the driver, it is important that if you are considering pursuing a claim that you don’t speak with the other party’s insurer or attorney until you explore you legal options and find out whether you have a case on your hands.
Common grounds for this type of Chicago car accident lawsuit:
• Driver error
• Drunk driving
• Drugged driving
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Failure to obey traffic signs
• Cell phone driving or texting
In Illinois, the state of limitations for filing a Chicago car accident claim seeking injury damages is two years from the date of the accident. For minors, the statute starts running on his/her 18th birthday.
Man charged in crash that killed girl, 17, ABC Local, January 24, 2011
Related Web Resources:
CyberDrive Illinois
Mitchell, claims that he lost control of his auto because another vehicle that cut him off was headed to the scene of an accident when the Illinois auto crash happened. However, there is evidence indicating that he was speeding at 126 miles per hour, talking on his cell phone to his girlfriend, and sending emails on his in-dash computer. Mitchell pleaded guilty in criminal court to reckless driving and reckless homicide. He was given 30 months probation.
The civil case went to the Court of Claims and not an Illinois wrongful death jury because the state has sovereign immunity from lawsuits. This is important to note, because many injury victims might balk at filing a claim against the state for fear that they are wasting their time. It is important that you explore your legal options because there still may be a way for you to obtain your financial recovery.
Court of Claims Judge Peter J. Birnbaum concluded that Mitchell caused the girls’ deaths, breached his duty of reasonable care, and drove his police vehicle in a way that endangered others. Out of the $8 million award, the girls’ mom, Kimberly Schlau will receive $3.5 million for the loss of her daughters. Their father, Brian Uhl, will also receive $3.5 million. Their half siblings, Madelyn Dorsey and Anthony Uhl will each get $500,000. The award must pass through the Senate and House before the governor can sign it and send to the state comptroller.
Chicago Car Accidents Involving Police Vehicles
Even when a police officer is heading to an accident or crime scene, he/she must still drive safely and responsibly so as to not cause a Chicago car accident. Distracted driving, speeding, texting while driving, talking on the cell phone, drugged driving, and drunken driving are some of the careless acts that can cause tragic auto collisions.
Mitchell, who is no longer with the Illinois State Police, has filed a workers’ compensation claim for the injuries he sustained in the traffic crash that killed the Uhl sisters.
Family Gets $8 Million in Fatal Trooper Crash, CBS St. Louis Local, January 19, 2011
Family of Collinsville sisters killed in crash receives $8 million from state, BND, January 19, 2011
Ex-State Trooper Convicted of Motor Vehicle Deaths of Uhl Sisters Seeks Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits for His Injuries from the Crash, Chicago Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog, September 22, 2010
Illinois Car Accident Lawsuit: Uhl Family Seeks $46 Million for Wrongful Death of Daughters From Police Pursuit, Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Blog, May 7, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Illinois Court of Claims, CyberDriveIllinois