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How Does Winter Weather Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents?
It is no secret that poor weather conditions contribute to car and truck accidents, but snowy conditions also affect pedestrian accidents. Illinois is famous for hard winters, so after the snow falls, everyone on the road and sidewalks should be more mindful. Pedestrian accidents continue to rise, and during the winter, conditions become more dangerous.
How Many Pedestrian Accidents Happen Year-Round?
Everyone is a pedestrian at some point, even if a car is their main form of transportation. A pedestrian is anyone outside of a vehicle that moves near traffic. In 2018, 6,283 people died in pedestrian accidents, which is the highest amount since 1990. The year prior it was estimated that a person died every 88 seconds as a result of traffic accidents.
In normal clear weather, pedestrians fall victim to distracted, drunk, or reckless drivers. With lowered vision and slippery streets, driver mistakes become that much more dangerous for pedestrians. A distracted driver will have less time to react to seeing a pedestrian in the street if the visibility is low. If they do see the pedestrian, they will also have a lower chance of stopping in time. A car can easily slip forward on slush or ice, even if the driver slams on the breaks. Drivers sometimes tend to operate their car as they normally would in safe conditions. Speeding and other reckless actions are even more dangerous in the snow. When conditions are poor, drivers should slow down and have their complete focus on the road.
Are Older Drivers at Risk for Causing a Car Accident?
Obtaining a driver’s license is a milestone in most people’s lives. In Illinois, a motorist must pass a written exam and a behind-the-wheel test before he or she can legally operate a vehicle. As drivers advance in years, they are required to renew their licenses. Depending on their age, this may require a vision screening to test their vision, as well as their capabilities behind the wheel. Although many elderly people still have a valid driver’s license, they may have a greater chance of being involved in or causing a car accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nearly 5,000 drivers aged 70 or older perished in car accidents in 2018. Even if a crash does not result in a fatality, it can still involve serious injuries.
Illinois Driving Laws
Just as traffic laws are put in place to keep the public safe, so are driving laws. The purpose of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) testing is to identify older drivers who may have become unsafe behind the wheel. In some cases, an aging motorist may simply need a stronger eyeglass prescription. In other instances, driving privileges could be rescinded if they are found to be a danger to themselves or others when operating a motor vehicle.
Can I Receive Compensation for PTSD After an Illinois Car Accident?
June is National PTSD Awareness Month. PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. According to Mayo Clinic, PTSD is defined as a mental health condition in which an individual has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Examples of incidents that can cause PTSD include pedestrian or vehicle accidents, assault and battery, death of a loved one, and more. Statistics show that roughly one in five survivors of traffic collisions suffered from PTSD in 2018. In some situations, the negligent actions of another motorist may cause a car accident with injuries. Occupants can sustain minor bumps and bruises, or they can suffer serious to fatal injuries depending on the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Typical Symptoms of PTSD
The signs and symptoms of PTSD may not surface until weeks or months after the accident. In many cases, certain things can trigger or enhance the anxiety a car crash victim is already feeling after the accident. The sound of screeching tires, emergency sirens, or horns blaring may cause a victim to have a panic attack. He or she may be afraid to travel in a car either as a passenger or a driver. The condition can be debilitating, to the point where it interferes with work or family duties.
Why Are Illinois Vehicle Fatality Rates Up During the Pandemic?
Coronavirus has changed our daily lives over the past several months. The global pandemic led to stay-at-home orders across the country, including Illinois. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding and reckless driving during the crisis have led to a higher number of car accidents and fatalities on U.S. roadways recently. Reports show that even though many Americans are driving less because of stay-at-home orders, the fatality rate per mile driven increased by 14 percent compared with March 2019. Motorists may be speeding since there are not as many cars on the road now. During the first few months of 2020, Illinois alone saw an increase of 11 percent in vehicle-related deaths.
Reasons for Reckless Driving Behaviors Amidst COVID-19
Chicago is typically known for bumper-to-bumper traffic, but with so many employees working from home now, the highways are much less congested, giving drivers a false sense of security and freedom. Some motorists figure police are busy dealing with COVID-related calls or enforcing public gathering limits that they are not as focused on speeders. In other cases, people may think that law enforcement is limiting direct contact with drivers so they are not pulling over motorists or issuing as many tickets for speeding or other traffic violations. However, speed limits are put in place for a reason, namely to prevent crashes. Traveling 20, or 30 mph over the posted speed limit can cause a driver to lose control and collide with other cars, trucks, pedestrians, or even crash into cement medians or buildings. The force of the impact when going that fast can lead to severe to life-threatening injuries, such as broken bones, internal bleeding, or burns to the skin if a vehicle explodes.
How Does Special Duty of Care Apply to an Illinois Car Accident?
When people hit the road for a vacation or to commute to their jobs, they typically do not expect to be involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, vehicle collisions can and do occur on a fairly regular basis throughout the United States. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there have been just over 500 vehicle fatalities on Illinois roadways as of this writing. In some cases, crashes can be caused by inclement weather. However, sometimes they are the result of the reckless behavior of a motorist.
Every driver has a duty of care to drive safely in an effort to protect himself or herself, as well as other motorists and passengers who are traveling on the road. Due to its size, the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs have many public modes of transportation. The drivers of these vehicles have a special duty of care to protect their customers from harm, including injuries sustained in a car accident.
What Are Common Causes of an Illinois Parking Lot Car Accident?
Whenever someone gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, there is a risk of being involved in a car accident. In many cases, they are caused by motorists engaging in reckless behavior by going over the posted speed limit on our nation’s highways. However, accident reports show that a large number of collisions actually occur in parking lots. Various factors can cause parking lot crashes, but the majority are due to driver error. Although most people may not think they could be that serious, a parking lot car accident can result in serious to life-threatening and even fatal injuries depending on the circumstances. If you or your loved one were hurt in an auto accident, regardless of where it occurred, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine who is at fault and hold the negligent party responsible.
Can I Pursue Damages After an Electric Scooter Accident in Illinois?
Electric scooters or “e-scooters” as they are commonly known are a popular mode of transportation these days. Ideal for sightseeing in big cities like Chicago, they can also be used for commuters who want a way to get to the office without the hassle of traffic. Chicago’s 2020 E-Scooter Share Pilot program is allowing three e-scooter companies to operate in the city: Bird, Lime, and Spin. The 2020 pilot program runs from August to December, and it has been updated based on recommendations from users of the 2019 program. New regulations aim to enhance the safety of riders as well as nearby pedestrians or bicyclists. However, as with any motorized vehicle, there is a chance of being involved in an accident. Even if you own an e-scooter and you suffer an injury while riding it, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you determine who is liable and hold them accountable so you can recover.
Are Child Passengers More Susceptible to Injuries in a Car Accident?
A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, and it can result in life-altering consequences. From vehicle damage to serious injuries, a collision may result in significant expenses. In some cases, a driver may not be the only person in the automobile at the time. He or she may have passengers, some of whom may be other adults or minors under the age of 18. Children who are involved in a car crash can sustain major damage, with some injuries even proving fatal in certain situations. Although Illinois has strict laws on seat belt use and car seat safety, younger occupants may be more likely to get hurt in an auto accident.
Child Occupant Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States. Sadly, many of these deaths can be prevented. A large percentage of the fatalities occur when a child is not properly restrained in a car seat or with a seat belt. However, injuries can still occur even when passengers are buckled. Airbags can cause bruising and fractures depending on the force of impact when they are deployed. Because children have a smaller body mass than adults, colliding with any object in the vehicle can cause significant injuries. In some situations, children can suffer broken bones or spinal cord damage. Shattered windows can send glass flying, resulting in lacerations and severe blood loss.
Are There More Car Accidents Over Thanksgiving Weekend in Illinois?
The holiday season is here, which also signals the end of a year that has been trying for everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an economic and health crisis throughout the world. Although many states, Illinois included, have closed non-essential businesses, some restaurants and bars are allowed to stay open but with reduced capacity, outdoor dining, or for takeout orders only. This Thanksgiving may look a little different, as many extended families are choosing not to get together and instead have a small gathering with their immediate household members. However, some individuals may opt to still go out and celebrate at friends’ houses or the local pub. Even if they decide to eat and drink at home, they may want to get out of the house and go for a drive after consuming one too many alcoholic beverages. Drunk driving can lead to devastating consequences, including vehicle crashes with serious injuries.
Men Infected with Legionnaire's Disease at Gym
Legionnaire’s disease is a bacterial infection that is not spread from person to person but rather through mist that is inhaled and contains bacteria. Common causes of the disease include cooling towers, showers and air conditioning units. Symptoms usually consist of chills, coughing, and a fever but can lead to a deadly form of pneumonia. The disease itself is so deadly that between five to thirty percent of those who contract the disease die. It is also a pretty rare disease with only 25 cases reported in DuPage County this year.
Two men from DuPage County were infected by the upper respiratory infection in October of this year. Luckily they are in stable condition at area hospitals. While it can be deadly, the recovery process can take up to four months. That is why health officials from the County Health Department have acted so quickly to determine the cause of this recent outbreak and stop it from causing more damage.
The officials were able to narrow down the possible causes of the outbreak to a hot tub at a gym in Naperville. At the LA Fitness on Freedom Drive, the hot tub has been closed for cleaning while the rest of the gym remains open. The other areas of the facility were all tested and found to be free of the deadly bacteria. While LA Fitness cooperated with the investigation, it seems like they didn't tell their members about the issue.
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9631 W. 153rd St., Suite 32, Orland Park, IL 60462
708-966-2408
