Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog

Stop at a crosswalk to yield for a pedestrian? Yes, that's what Chicago drivers are required to do under the pedestrian law. Drivers are required to stop at crosswalks even when there are no traffic control devices or stop signs.

Pedestrians have the right of way when they are crossing the street at an intersection. Despite this law pedestrians and bicycle riders even when crossing at a designated crosswalk as instructed are being hit by motor vehicles and injured. Many motorists are busy while driving and fail to look for pedestrians or bikers. They usually look for approaching car traffic. When this occurs, that's when, crosswalk accidents occur and can lead to injuries. These injuries can be serious or fatal.

Results from a recent study concluded that 80 percent of vehicle-pedestrian crashes in Chicago happen at intersections. The majority of these accidents involve pedestrians crossing the street with the green walk signal. What is happening on the streets of Chicago?

This is an alarmingly high statistic for pedestrians being hit at crosswalks. They are predominantly being hit by turning vehicles. Many pedestrians assume that they are in a safe haven of crosswalks. This result surprised researchers. Results from this Chicago based study concluded that over 75 percent of all accidents and over 80 percent of fatal and serious accidents crashes occurred within 120 feet of the midpoint of an intersection crosswalk or nearby. The No. 1 cause of pedestrian accidents in the US was drivers failing to yield to pedestrian in a crosswalk. This study results were published in the Chicago Tribune and was the city's most detailed analysis of crashes to date.
The study revealed that the number of hit-and-run accidents increased over a five-year period. There were 17,487 crashes all involving pedestrians. In Chicago motor vehicle-pedestrian crashes are at a rate of approximately 3,000 a year. The statistic that caught my eye was that approximately two hit-and-run pedestrian accidents result in death daily in Chicago. Hit-and-runs account for 33 percent of vehicle-pedestrian collisions. Alarmingly, 41 percent of those hit and run accidents are fatal. That is double the national average for fatal hit and run accidents.

As a Chicago injury lawyer, some of the statistics were alarming. The study statistics revealed that Chicago had 5,534 hit-and-runs over the five-year period. These accidents resulted in 3,683 deaths and injuries. Taxi or cab drivers were involved in 28 percent of pedestrian crashes. Over 34 percent of pedestrian accidents occur in downtown Chicago. A 2010 state law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. The previous law required drivers to yield and stop when necessary for pedestrian traffic. Illinois become the 12th state in the country, to enforce a law requiring a complete stop at pedestrian crosswalks. These are crosswalks that do not have traffic control devices or stop signs.

Source:
City study: Chicago pedestrians in crosswalks

Are dogs really man's best friend? Thousands of Americans are bitten or attacked by dogs every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 2% of American citizens, or approximately 5 million people, are attack by dogs each year. Dog bite attacks result in over 15 fatalities annually.

A dog bite is one personal injury that can result in extreme suffering. Dog attack and dog bite victims suffer unnecessary pain because someone else was negligent in maintaining adequate control of their dog. Injuries that can be caused by dog bites are:

• Scarring, lacerations and Disfigurement
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones
• Infections

As a Chicago injury lawyer, I found the results of the Insurance Information Institute report of interest. It was reported that there has been a significant rise in dog-bite insurance claims over the past ten years. This brought several questions to my mind. Is the increased number of dog attacks due to the increased number of pet owners? Or is it due to the negligent behavior by pet owners? One has to wonder?

The Insurance Information Institute reported in 2009, the number of dog bite insurance claims totaled an amount in excess of 400 million dollars. The average dog bite claim cost the insurance company over $24,000. Dog bite liability claims account for over a third of all home owner's liability insurance claims. This represents a 30% increase in the last six years. The majority of dog bite attacks are a result of an animal known to the victim. They are often pets of a family member or friend.

As a Chicago injury lawyer, I know that it is difficult for victims to file a legal claim against a friend or family member. Many are troubled about suing a friend or family member. What they don't realize is that when you file a dog bite legal claim you will file the claim against the pet owner's insurance company not the actual pet owner. The legal claim is against the insurance company that provides renters or homeowner's coverage to the pet or dog owner.

According to attorney Nemeroff, pet owners are responsible when dog attacks or bites or dog attacks occur. Pet owners are expected to maintain adequate and appropriate control of their pet or animal at all times. Pet owners are held responsible when a pet behavior results in an injury to another person. According to Illinois law, when a dog or animal attacks and injures another person, it is not necessary to show proof that the animal has acted aggressively or attacked before.

Dog bite attacks represent some of the most horrific personal injuries that are suffered. Children are among one of the groups with the most dog bite injuries per year according to the Institute Report. This is due to a child's lack of judgment about how to behave around a dog. It never amazes me, when I see a child run up to a strange dog? They immediately touch the dog, without knowing what the animal's reaction will be.

Parents can follow a few key safety tips that can reduce the probability of a child in your care from being bitten or injured by a dog:

• Refrain from approaching an unfamiliar dog.
• Relax and remain calm when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• Never disturb a dog that is sleeping or resting.
• Always ask for permission from the pet owner to approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Seek prompt medical care for any serious dog bite. Report all dog attacks

If you or a family member has suffered a dog bite attack, it is important that you obtain medical care. Always report the attack immediately. Call your local animal control agency or if you are not sure of the agency, call your humane society or 311, and they should be able to advise you on whom to call.

Picture this you are on a busy highway and look in the rear view mirror. You notice an 80,000 lbs. commercial truck speeding up behind you. This can be a frightening event even for the most experienced driver. Hopefully, nothing occurs from this situation except a case of shaken nerves. Unfortunately, the result from a commercial truck crash can be devastating.

It has been proven, over and over that it takes a loaded heavy commercial truck additional distance to stop than a passenger car. More often than not these large rigs are traveling at very high rates of speed. Traveling at a high rate of speed is considered normal for many truckers. Typically they are paid by the mile or the load. The faster that a load can be delivered the more money the truck company makes. Speed, then is a competitive advantage.

Acccording to Illinois truck accident lawyer David Nemeroff, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, submitted a petition to mandate speed limiting devices on all commercial trucks to be set at 68 mph. This petition was filed on January 3, 2011.

Truck drivers, who drive at high rates of speed, endanger the safety of motorists and pedestrians. The dangers of traveling at high rates of speed are:

• Traveling with an increased momentum can increase the force of the impact

• Traveling at a high rate of speed can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
• Traveling at a high rate of speed can limit or decrease the reaction time of the driver to changing road conditions.

• Traveling at high rate of speed triples the stopping distance. It also makes it difficult to safely stop a large object.

Regardless of the reason the results from an accident can be catastrophic. Significant injuries including death can results. As a Chicago injury lawyer, I have seen the devastation from truck related injuries. They can significant injuries such as head trauma and brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. These injuries can completely change the lifestyle of the truck accident victim. Some injuries can adversely affect a truck accident victim for the remainder of their lives. Even minor injuries can go undetected for many years before the symptoms manifest into serious health conditions.

If you have sustained an injury due to a truck accident in Chicago or in the state of Illinois it is in your best interest to consult with a qualified truck accident lawyer.
An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer will promptly investigate the details of your truck accident. This includes a site visit to the accident scene. It will be necessary to take photographs of the truck accident scene. Along with interview all witnesses to the event. It will be necessary to obtain the police report and the truck driver's log book. This is all necessary to determine the cause of the truck accident and who is liable for damages. The liable parties will then be pursued for the damages.

At Nemeroff law offices, we handle all types of truck accident cases. We have obtained millions of dollars in settlements and awards for our injured clients. The truck laws that are signed today have the goal of ensuring that safety of all drivers and pedestrians on the roads. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of truck related fatalities and catastrophic injuries on our roads.

Today while one of one of our Illinois truck accidents lawyers was reading the news online, he brought to my attention another article regarding a fatal truck accident. It made me think about what happens when a passenger car slides into the path of an oncoming 18-wheeler. The results are not pretty. It's more likely than not that collisions with these big trucks are likely to be fatal or cause catastrophic injuries.

The size and weight disparity between an 18 wheeler (big rig) and a typical passenger car means that car drivers face considerably higher risks of serious injury or death upon impact. As an Illinois truck accident attorney, I recognize that in addition to the massive size of an 18-wheeler, several other contributing factors cause and lead big rig accidents including:

• Driver fatigue is the leading cause of many truck accidents. Drivers just by the nature of their profession are on the road for very long hours. They need to combat fatigue to make time and meet very tight delivery schedules. The typical truck driver is usually paid by the mile. The federal government implemented the Hour of Service rule to limit the amount of hours that a truck driver can spend on the road. The HOS regulation is in place which is a state and federal safety law limiting the amount of road time. Many drivers tend to not report or log all their driving records to circumvent state and federal safety laws limiting their road time. Excessive hours of driving can increase the chance of driver fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel. Excessive fatigue can also decrease a driver's reaction time on the road.

• Poor and negligent truck maintenance can lead to semi truck accidents. Commercial rigs and Semi-tractor trailers require experienced and knowledgeable mechanics. These mechanics need to be specialized for routine maintenance, repairs and inspections. Due to the amount of time many drivers spend on the road these inspections get delayed or neglected.

• Truck driver training is an important continuing aspect of this industry. These drivers of this heavy machinery require Intensive training. They also have requirements for special licensing. Drug testing is mandatory for every driver before a driver is qualified to be licensed to operate an 18-wheeler.

As a Chicago truck accident and injury attorney, I understand that the results of these big rig crashes can be catastrophic. Catastrophic injuries often involve injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, severe burns and extensive bone fractures. Injuries suffered from a catastrophic accident routinely require adaptations and modifications to the victim's lifestyle. Many victims suffer changes and alterations that impact the quality of their life. These could include changes in the victims housing and mode of transportation. Many victims require constant medical care. All these changes can add up to large sums of money.

Taking care of a catastrophic injury victim is a lifelong commitment for all involved. To be adequately compensated for these costs and future costs it is important to retain an experienced Illinois truck accident lawyer.

That's what the car manufactures are claiming. When contacted by car owners regarding this issue, dealers and manufacturers are saying the increasing numbers of spontaneous deployment of airbags are caused by driver error? I ask myself, how this can be.

Airbags and seat belts have been the symbol of safety for many Americans. It has been reported over and over, that since frontal air bags have been installed in passenger cars as a safety feature thousands of lives have been saved. In 1998, the federal government mandated that this safety feature be required on all passenger vehicles. Automobile airbags were designed with safety in mind. Now hundreds of drivers are reporting just the opposite. Aairbags are exploding without warning and injuring car occupants. Dealers are claiming that drivers possibly hit a pot hole or debris on the road. In order for an airbag to prevent an injury, it must inflate quickly after the car crash. The airbag needs to be fully inflated by the time the passenger reaches the tip of its outer surface. If the airbag deploys too slow, this increases the risk of injury to the passenger.

The airbag was designed to deploy in frontal impact car collisions. The test rates for airbag deployment are at a greater threshold than actual accident conditions. Air bags are tested for frontal and some side impact. As we know the everyday car accident can happen from any angle. Long story short, the typical car crash does not distribute even crash force among the front of the vehicle. One can ask, how does an airbag sensors work? They measure vehicle deceleration. Experts argue that this in fact is not an accurate predictor of whether an airbag should have deployed. Airbags deploy due to a variety of causes. They can deploy when the car's undercarriage hits a low object protruding from the roadway. Hitting potholes is a common cause of airbag deployment.

Car manufacturers have developed triggering algorithms aimed at preventing false deployments of airbags. These algorithms are aimed to reduce unnecessary deployments of airbags. They are also striving to adapt the deployment speed to the crash conditions. Besides the use of algorithms, advanced technologies are being implemented that will tailor airbag deployment to different causative factors. Those factors can include the severity of the car crash, the size and posture of the vehicle passenger, proper seat belt usage, and the distance the occupant is to the airbag.

Even though they are designed as a safety feature, an airbags can seriously injure and kill vehicle passengers. Airbags were designed as an adjunct safety feature for the seatbelt. In order for an airbag to provide additional crash protection for passengers not wearing seat belts, they were designed to deploy with greater force than airbags. It was reported by the U S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the use of both frontal airbags and lap/shoulder belts reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury or head injury and spinal cord injury in an auto accident by over 80 percent.

The first car crash fatality attributed to an airbag was reported in 1990. By 2005, deaths related to airbags had declined, with no adult deaths and two child death rates over the next decade deaths related to airbags declined dramatically. Injuries can result from unconscious drivers slumping over the steering wheel, improper use of seat belts or no seat belt use, or drivers sitting too close to the steering wheel.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported over 170 deaths or fatalities caused by air bags from 1990 to 2000. Over 100 of the fatalities were children. As a Chicago injury lawyer, I know that studies show that children are safer in the back seat, with or without an airbag. When frontal airbags deploy they do so with great force. That tremendous force usually at a speed of up to 100 mph can cause serious or fatal injuries to children. Remember that sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard should be avoided by all car occupants.

According to the NHTSA you should follow the recommendations below:

• Always wear a seat belt, shoulder harness and lap belts This is the number one safety devise for automobiles.

• Children should always ride in the back seat. Children should be secured in a child safety seat that is approved for their age and size. NHTSA recommends the safest position for a child safety seat is in the middle of the back seat.

• Sit at least 10 inches from the driver's breastbone to the middle or center of the steering wheel.

Some of these simple safety measures may save your life!

It's not uncommon to find yourself on the road or highway with a large commercial truck speeding up behind you? Looking in your rear view mirror and seeing a large rig coming closer and closer, can frighten even the most experienced driver. As a Chicago truck accident lawyer, I know that some of these trucks can weigh over 80,000 pounds. Imagine the damage when you combine speed and weight. Unfortunately, the result from a semitruck crash could be catastrophic. Many motorists wonder, why? What's the rush?

The majority of truck drivers are paid by the mile or by the load. The truth is the faster they can deliver the load, the more money they can make. Having these massive pieces of machinery traveling at high rates of speed puts everyone on the road at risk. We have all seen these great big rigs barreling down the highway. Imagine if one had to stop suddenly? Even the most experienced truck drivers will have some challenges trying to safely maneuver a truck to a stop at a high rate of speed. As a Chicago truck injury lawyer, it amazes me that The United States is the only 'First World' country that does not have mandated speed governors or limiter settings on heavy commercial vehicles. If we can enforce rules that reduce the speed of big rigs, we can save lives.
Many trucking companies utilize the pay-by-the-mile formula. This is an inducement drive fast and long distances.

Many feel that the mandate of electronic speed governors may stop this practice. Speed governors have been standard equipment on all tractor trailer trucks manufactured since 1992. They key is that not all have been activated. According to companies that use the speed governors, they feel that trucks are safer and more profitable. Traveling at slower speeds they can reduce fuel cost. Tires, brakes and other equipment can last longer, due to less wear and tear. The trucking companies can reduce their overall liability costs. Imagine trying to stop a fully loaded commercial truck in a split second? Studies have shown that a fully loaded semi truck takes at least three times the distance to stop than a light loaded truck. The speed of the truck is also a contributing factor. Studies have shown that it takes a fully loaded commercial 18 wheeler three times longer to stop.

Many trucking companies utilize the pay-by-the-mile formula. This is an inducement drive fast and long distances. The mandate of Electronic on-board speed governors may stop this practice. Since 1992, these devises have been standard equipment on all tractor trailer trucks. They key is that not all have been activated. According to Chicago truck accident lawyer David Nemeroff, truck drivers traveling at high rates of speed can be dangerous because due to a variety of factors. Increased momentum can increase the force of the impact between the truck and another vehicle, causing serious injuries. The speed can also cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. Traveling at high rates of speed many limit the driver's reaction time. One of the most significant, being the inability to safely come to a stop.

Regardless of the reason why the driver sped, an accident with a speeding commercial truck can be catastrophic. A number of serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, organ damage and paralysis can rely alter one's life.

Let's work together, toward the goal of having safer drivers in safer vehicles on safer roads, thus reducing the number of tragic deaths and catastrophic injuries on our highways.

As a Chicago personal injury and accident lawyer, when I read about new tasks forces developed such as The Safe Driver Advisory Council, this makes me smile. As a victim of a drunk driver over 25 years ago, I know that the roads can be a dangerous place for everyone. One negligent or careless driver can change an individual's life forever. This happened to me, it can happen to you.

Just this week the Illinois State Senate passed a resolution proposed by Jesse White the Illinois Secretary of State to make our roads a safer place for all. The Safe Driver Advisory Council will soon be a task force in the state of Illinois. This council's main mission will be to reduce the number of car accidents and fatalities on Illinois roadways. The council will be composed of ten members. All will bring different job experience and life experience to the Council. Jesse White has spent many years working on initiatives in the State of Illinois to do just that. Make Illinois roads a safer place for all motorists and pedestrians. Many of the initiatives implemented by White have saved thousands of lives.

As a Chicago car accident and injury lawyer, I know that the roads are a dangerous place for both motorists and pedestrians. One of the riskiest activities that a Chicago resident can do is getting behind the wheel of the car. Thousands of individuals are killed on the US roads daily. Many of these fatalities could have been prevented. Let's take a closer look at some of the initiatives that have been implemented in the State of Illinois. All these have been done with the intention of making the roads a safer place.

The issue of distracted driving is a hot button for many. Every day when I am in my car I see other motorists talking and texting while on the road. Thinking to myself, what could be so urgent? We have become a society of instant gratification. We cannot even drive in the car without resisting the mobile devise. Bans have been implemented across the country to stop the use of any mobile devise while driving. Statistics have shown that fatalities from distracted driving are coming close to those of drunk drivers. What's happening to our society? Many drivers would never entertain the thought of drinking and driving. Despite this, many of these same individuals will talk, text and review e-mails while driving. Initiatives across the country are working to implement laws that will reduce the number of injuries and fatalities from distracted drivers.

Other Illinois programs that have made the roads safer for drivers include the GDL and the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) program. The GDL program also known as the graduated driver licensing program. This program was aimed at improving our teens driving skills. Making our teens, better and more aware drivers. The program was implemented in 2008 by the Secretary of State. Since 2008, teen driving fatalities have been reduced by 50%. These task forces can reduce the number of car accidents and car accident fatalities.

Many Chicago residents are scratching their heads at this one. Will the installation of additional red light cameras at Chicago intersections to ticket speeding motorist reduce the number of speeding violations. Therefore making the city safer for pedestrians and other motorists? Or will it produce additional revenue for the City of Chicago.

Red light cameras have been used in the past to issue tickets for vehicles that travel through the intersections at inappropriate times. Now they will be used to issue tickets for speeding violations. A bill to do just that was passed by the Illinois Senate. The Senate approved the use of speed cameras at red light intersections. According to city officials there will be 79 red-light camera intersections. The direction is to have the cameras positioned within one-eighth of a mile from parks and schools. The cameras would be operational from the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. It is believed that over 65% of intersections within the City of Chicago could be affected by this new law.

The fines would range from $100 to higher. It will be a graduated fee, depending on speed of the vehicle. The violations will be sent in the mail to the legal license plate holder. Vehicles will be fined for traveling in the excess of five miles or greater the posted speed limit. According to Chicago Mayor Emanuel, the red light speed camera plan is intended to be preventing speeding and serve as a safety measure. Its intent is not to be a money maker for the city. Many Chicago area residents are skeptical. It is believed that the revenue generated by fines would be used for future safety projects.
The bottom line is that intersections are dangerous.

Thousands of pedestrians and motorists are injured in intersections. As a Chicago injury and car accident lawyer, I have handled thousands of cases involving accidents that have occurred as a result of speeding. The speed of a vehicle at impact can greatly determine the extent of the damages. Car accidents come in many shapes and forms. I have heard from many motorists, that these red light camera intersections cause a dilemma to even the safest driver. A plethora of thoughts race through a motorists mind as they are approaching these intersections.

Do I stop suddenly? Is the car behind me going to stop? Will I get rear ended? Many motorists go through the intersection for fear of being in a rear end collision. Let's look at what happens when you are involved in a rear end accident. Rear-end car accidents happen all day on Chicago roads. The driver of the rear-ending car is under most circumstances at fault for the rear-end collisions. The driver of the rear-ending car will be held liable for the damage caused in the collision. There are some exceptions and they are in States that have the No-Fault State Exception. Currently there are 12 no-fault states in the US.

Next time you are entering or traveling on a Chicago road, beware of the red light camera. Will they prevent Chicago car accidents and pedestrian accidents? That is
question?

Group B strep is a form of bacteria found normally in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and rectal region in 15%-45% of women. The majority of women with a Group B strep infection or GBS have no signs or symptoms. It typically has no complications for the carrier. If it is not detected an untreated in a pregnant woman the result could be catastrophic. It can be deadly or cause catastrophic injuries if passed to an infant during delivery. That is why routine screening for Group B Strep is recommended in pregnant woman. A Group B test should be administered prior to delivery. The diagnosis of GBS infection is can be made by a simple prenatal test at your physician's office. The treatment is a course of antibiotic therapy. If untreated and an infant contracts the infection they could suffer sepsis, pneumonia, brain injuries or death.

A federal judge in Chicago recently upheld a medical malpractice verdict to award the family of an 8-year-old quadriplegic $29 million. The court ruled that Christian Arroyo's cerebral palsy could have easily been prevented. It occurred as a result of doctors' negligence to identify a "B Strep" infection after birth. Christian was delivered at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and was cared for by doctors from Chicago's Erie Family Health Center. Due to the physician's negligence in failure to detect the infection, Christian suffered severe and permanent brain injuries. It he had been diagnosed and treated as per the standard of care, it is likely that the brain injuries suffered would have been reduced.

GBS, typically poses no threat to its carrier, but can put unborn children at severe risk for serious infection (especially those born prematurely). "B Strep" is usually passed on while a baby is in the birth canal, and is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns. Christian, who was born nearly a month premature exhibited many of the symptoms of having a GBS infection. Signs and symptoms of Group B Strep can include fever, respiratory problems, feeding difficulties and lethargy. According to Christian's lawyer, the boy had many signs and symptoms of the GBS infection.

This child's brain injuries were caused by a failure to diagnosis and treat a simple GBS infection. The mother could have been tested and treated. Or the infant's symptoms could have been identified by a health care provider at the hospital and treated. Either way a simple course of antibiotic therapy could have saved this child a life time of permanent injury.

As a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer, we have handled many cases that have involved both medical malpractice and personal injury claims for children. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for victims. If your child or someone you know has suffered a birth injury it is important that the family contact an experienced personal injury attorney. You should choose an attorney that has experience and knowledge handling injuries to children.

As we head into the month of November and Thanksgiving fast approaching this story caught my eye. A truck driver driving on 1-75 flew into the path of a turkey. The turkey did not survive, the truck driver suffered minor injuries. This brings to mind, the unexpected dangers that drivers can encounter on rural roads. Just last week, a deer caused a fatal crash involving a van and a semi trucker. Those passengers were not so lucky. At least six members of a Chicago family died from the catastrophic injuries they suffered as a result of the fatal encounter with a deer.

This may be a good time to remind drivers of some simple safety precautions to take while driving on rural roads. Many families will be heading to the roads to travel for Thanksgiving. According to State Farm Insurance the incidence of car and deer crashes is highest in the month of November. More fatal car accidents occur during the fall. This made me think. Deer tend to be most active during dawn and dusk hours. You are most likely to see a deer at these times of day. During the deer breeding season which is October until late December, deer are on the move and active. Deer-car collisions are the highest during these months. Deer rarely travel alone. If you see one, another may not be far away.

How can we as drivers prevent an accident with a deer or turkey that has suddenly come across our path? Think fast, what you do in this split second many save your life. Beware of areas that have a large deer population. Look for the deer crossing sign's, these can alert you to these areas of dense deer population. When entering this area, be alert and reduce your speed. This will give you a greater reaction time, should you encounter an animal. As with any car travel, buckle up. Seat belts have been proven to be the most effective safety precaution a driver can take. If possible, use your high beams to increase your area of visibility. If you encounter a deer stopped on the road. Slow down and flash your lights. Or you can honk your horn. Both of these techniques have been shown to cause the deer to move, if frozen in the road.

If you do have a collision with a deer, remain calm. Call for emergency services, if anyone is injured. As a Chicago injury and accident lawyer, I know that this can be a frightening experience. Remaining calm and thinking fast will improve your odds of avoiding a collision. Always, remember the number one safety device that saves lives, is the seatbelt. As with any collision whether it's with another automobile or an animal on the road, your injuries could be severe. If you are involved in this type of collision and have suffered an injury it is best to consult with an experienced injury attorney.

Buckle up, it has been proven to save lives.

Source:
http://www.kypost.com/dpps/news/local_news/turkey-flies-into-path-of-semi-on-i-75_6889387#ixzz1csasSY3v

Over the past month, I have written two blogs regarding Pedestrian Cross walk safety and uninsured motorists. Just last week, a 6-year-old girl was struck and killed by a car. What was tragic was that she was walking in a crosswalk. Diamond Robinson died from the injuries she suffered as a result of this fatal car accident. Her companion a 16-year-old girl suffered a fractured arm. Designated crosswalks are supposed to be an area of safety for pedestrians. Why are more and more accidents occurring in crosswalk? Are drivers more distracted?

As a Chicago car accident and injury lawyer, I have handled multiple pedestrian crosswalk accident claims. Why does it seem that motorists fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks? Are drivers more distracted? The driver of the car that struck and killed Diamond Robinson was driving on Loomis St when the accident occurred. The driver was ticketed for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk which resulted in death and personal injury. He was also cited for excessive speed for conditions and driving without insurance.
Let's take a moment to discuss pedestrian safety in a crosswalk.

Just last week, several mannequins were placed along Wacker Dr to represent those pedestrians killed in pedestrian related car accidents last year in Chicago. There were 33 pedestrian related fatalities in Chicago last year. Most of us assume that if we cross the streets in a designated crosswalk we are safe. Not the case anymore. More and more accidents are occurring in these designated areas. As a result, the City of City will be placing heightened law enforcement surveillance of these areas. As pedestrians we can take some safety steps to better protect ourselves when in and entering a pedestrian crosswalk. Always, enter when the traffic control devise advises pedestrian traffic. Do not try to beat the warning device when is signaling against pedestrian traffic. Be alert, when crossing traffic. This means, stay off your mobile devise. Whether its texting or talking, this leads to distraction. Stay safe and keep of the mobile devise.

Another issue in this car accident is the driver is uninsured. Why would someone choose to drive an automobile without proper insurance? It is required by law that all Illinois law motor vehicles registered and operated in Illinois to be covered by liability insurance. Liability insurance covers property damage and injuries that may happen as a result of an accident. An individual driver is in compliance with the Illinois law if you they have liability insurance in the following minimum amounts:

• $20,000 coverage for death or injury of a person an individual person in an
accident.
• $40,000 coverage for death or injury of more than one individual person in an accident.
• $15,000 for cover for damage to property of individual person.

Let's look at what can happen if you are convicted of driving without insurance in Illinois. Failure to adhere to this law is enforced two different methods. If the driver is found guilty and convicted of operating an uninsured vehicle, the conviction is then submitted to the Secretary of State for processing. A license plate suspension will be instated and a three-month driver's license suspension will occur as a result of the conviction. The second method is a random selection by the Secretary of States computer for proof of insurance. The computer selects a random license. You will receive insurance
Verification form from the Secretary of State. The computer will ask for verification of proof of insurance and the driver's liability coverage will be verified with the insurance company. If you are uninsured on the date of the form or if you fail to return the form, a license plate suspension will occur. Many ask, what are the penalties that can happen for operating an uninsured? In the State of Illinois the minimum fine is $500 for driving an uninsured vehicle. The fine for driving a vehicle while the registration is suspended for no insurance is a $1,000 fine.