Winter Comes to Chicago, and Brings Dangerous Driving Conditions

     For most people in the Chicago area, just taking a look outside will make it clear: winter is here. On Sunday, December 8, 2013, Chicago received its first snow of the season. Some predictions stated that Chicago was expected to receive between 1 and 3 inches of snow. Now while that may not seem like a large amount of snow, it can have a major impact on the roads, on travel conditions, and on the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike while traveling.

     It is important to recognize that driving can be hazardous even when the weather is ideal. As of December 8, 2013, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) states that there have been 835 reported fatal car crashes, resulting in 927 fatalities, which is higher than the number of fatalities to date last year (statistics can be found here). When adverse weather conditions, such as snow, sleet, black ice, and rain are added to the mix, the dangers of collisions resulting in injury or fatality increase because the distance required to bring a vehicle to a stop dramatically increase with such weather.

    To best prepare for winter driving conditions, it is important to winterize your car. It is advisable to schedule a maintenance check of your vehicle to check tire pressure, your tires' treads, the battery, belts, hoses, radiators, oil, brakes, etc. It is also advisable to:

          1. Increase the distance between your vehicle and vehicles or objects in front of you;
          2. Decrease the speed at which you are traveling;
          3. Be careful when driving over bridges and overpasses, as they freeze before the main road;
          4. Keep your lights on to increase your visibility;
          5. Keep your windshield and wipers clean:
          6. Use lower gears when driving to increase road traction;
          7. Whenever possible, brake gently as opposed to braking hard; and
          8. Keep supplies in your car in case of an emergency, such as a charged cell phone, blankets, road flares, or a first aid kit.

    Drive carefully this winter, and this holiday season.  Safe driving can help to guarantee more time with your loved ones this holiday season. And as always, if you or someone you know does have an accident, know your rights and find a licensed, competent attorney.

*This is attorney advertising, and is not intended to be taken as legal advice, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship. Any advice given in the preceding statement is given as general advice and is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice for any specific scenarios. For specific advice, or for answers to your questions, call Eckert & Smestad (312-789-4810) or call a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Eckert & Smestad Represents Injured Party in the Bartlett Metra/Semi Collision and Derailment of Oct. 21, 2013

     Late in the afternoon on Monday, October 21, 2013, a Metra communter train, Train Number 2242, was struck by a semi-truck carrying a load of cars as the train crossed the intersection near Western and Bartlett Roads in Bartlett, Illinois.  The collision derailed the train, and threw debris, including cars, a great distance from the point of impact. Witnesses stated that they heard a loud crash sound, followed by the sight of debris flying in the air near the intersection.

     Fortunately the truck driver was able to clear the cab of his truck from the tracks before the impact, and no fatalities were reported as of the present date. However, several injuries were reported by commuters riding on the train at the time of impact. A collision between two such large, heavy vehicles, such as a train and a semi-truck, is highly likely to result in injuries. For more details on the story, see article here.

*This is attorney advertising, and is not intended to be taken as legal advice, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship. Any advice given in the preceding statement is given as general advice and is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice for any specific scenarios. For specific advice, or for answers to your questions, call Eckert & Smestad (312-789-4810) or call a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Unfortunate Day in Chicago Results in 2 Hit-And-Runs in 2 hours

        Although many people work hard at taking care to keep themselves and others safe, we all know that sometimes the worst can happen, despite our best efforts.  This was the case on October 2, 2013 for two pedestrians in Chicago who were victims of two separate hit-and-run auto collisions on West Fullerton Avenue.  Both pedestrians suffered severe personal injuries.

        At approximately 6:05 p.m., a male in his 30s was struck by a red car near the intersection of West Fullerton and North Leclaire.  He survived the collision, and was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center for treatment for severe injuries suffered in the collision.  The driver of the red car turned himself in to authorities hours after the incident.

        Just over an hour later, at about 7:30 p.m., a 17 year old female pedestrian was struck by a black pickup truck as she crossed the street near West Fullerton and North Lawndale.  The victim also survived; however, she too suffered severe injuries and was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic for treatment.  As of the last report, the identity of the driver of the black pickup remains unknown, and no arrests have been made in connection with this incident. (SOURCE: CBS Local).

      In addition to any criminal charges these drivers may face, they both may face hefty civil suits for personal injuries suffered by the victims.  Illinois law is generally quite favorable to pedestrians involved in motor vehicle accidents.  As always, if you, or someone you know, has been struck by a vehicle or otherwise injured in an automobile accident, it is important to know your rights, and is always advisable to seek the advice of a competent, licensed attorney.

*This is attorney advertising, and is not intended to be taken as legal advice, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship. Any advice given in the preceding statement is given as general advice and is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice for any specific scenarios. For specific advice, or for answers to your questions, call Eckert & Smestad (312-789-4810) or call a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

What can you do if you're involved in an accident on a bus, a train, or other mass transit?

     In light of the news coming out of Chicago this morning, in which two of the Chicago Transit Authority's "el" trains collided, many questions may be raised relating to what you should do if you are ever involved in a similar situation. (see 33 Injured after 2 CTA trains crash)

     If you, or a loved one, is ever involved in such an incident, the first thing is to make sure you and/or your loved one is ok. Check for any injuries or pain, and if any injuries or pain are present, make sure to call an ambulance or seek immediate medical attention.

    Second, you should know your rights after being involved in such an incident. If you are injured in a collision on a bus, train, or any other mass transit system, you have the right to recover financial compensation for your injuries, the pain and suffering related to your injuries, any disfigurement and disabilities related to these injuries, and for the impact these injuries can have on your life. However, it is your job to assert your rights; no one will do it for you without action on your part.

    Mass transit operators, such as the Chicago Transit Authority, owe a duty to all their passengers to operate their vehicles and manage their systems in a reasonable manner for the safety of its passengers and other foreseeable parties who may be injured. It is always advisable to seek out the advise of an attorney experienced in these types of cases as soon as possible. Remember, there are laws that limit the amount of time you have to file a claim, and with mass transit systems owned or operated by government entities, that time limit may be shorter than you think.

*This is attorney advertising, and is not intended to be taken as legal advice, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship. Any advice given in the preceding statement is given as general advice and is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice for any specific scenarios. For specific advice, or for answers to your questions, call Eckert & Smestad (312-789-4810) or call a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.