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Elderly Woman Fatally Injured in Lincolnwood Car Accident
On Wednesday, September 28, 2018, a 78-year-old woman
was fatally injured when her vehicle crashed into a
building near the Lincolnwood Mall. According to the Cook
County Medical Examiner’s Office, the accident was caused
by a medical condition that led to the driver accelerating
into a parked car and ultimately colliding with the
building.
The accident was a reminder of the increased dangers that elderly drivers face every time they get behind the steering wheel. If you or your family members have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, finding competent legal representation can be key to you and your family’s recovery.
Why Elderly Drivers Face Increased Risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), elderly drivers are in greater danger of being injured in car accidents for a number of reasons. Older drivers may be affected by diminished vision, reduced reaction time, and symptoms of medication that can impact balance and cognition.
The Dangers of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Every day, as many as 153 Americans die due to injuries
involving trauma to the brain. According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
traumatic brain injuries
make up approximately 30% of all fatal injuries
nationwide. While the vast majority of traumatic brain
injuries are not fatal, even the most minor cases of brain
trauma can come with long-lasting symptoms and health
issues later in life. If you or a member of your family
suffer any type of head injury, it is important to receive
medical treatment as quickly as possible.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can come in a number of forms, but some of the most common injuries come from falls and motor vehicle collisions. Studies conducted by the CDC found that throughout 2013, falls accounted for just under half of all traumatic brain injuries across the United States. Fall injuries can be especially severe for elderly Americans. Approximately 80% of all traumatic brain injuries resulting in hospitalization, long-term symptoms, or death among elderly Americans are caused by falling.
Drunk Driving Accidents Continue to Cause Injuries and Fatalities
On the afternoon of Saturday, September 22nd, 2018, a
drunk driver was deemed responsible for a three-vehicle
collision on the Borman Expressway in Gary, Indiana. The
reckless driver was a 42-year-old man, and the accident
occurred when the inebriated driver began to drift onto
the outer shoulder of Interstate 80/94. The man ultimately
crashed into a car that was driven by a young, 23-year-old
driver, who then collided with another vehicle.
Although no drivers suffered serious injuries, the incident proved how significant the recklessness of one driver can be to everyone else on the road. If you or a member of your family are injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to seek legal guidance to determine how you can recover compensation for your damages.
Car Accident Injuries Can Come With Painful Ramifications
Every year, Americans spend more than one million days
recovering from injuries sustained in
car accidents. The consequences of a motor vehicle collision can vary
in severity, from minor injuries to fatalities. Regardless
of the initial impact of an injury, it is important to
recognize that car accidents can come with life-long
ramifications. The potential long-term impact of a car
accident may include permanent physical injury, costly
physical therapy, loss of work hours, and psychological
stress.
Common Severe Injuries in Motor Vehicle Collisions
Some of the most impactful car crash injuries may not seem very severe at the time of the accident, but they can have delayed symptoms of varying pain and medical concern. Below are some of the most common chronic injuries that result from car accidents:
Cyclist Fatality Serves as Reminder of the Dangers of Bike Accidents
Recently, a man was killed in Chicago’s West Humboldt
neighborhood in a hit and run accident. The man was found
fatally injured with his bicycle was lying next to him. A
witness to the accident said that she saw the 42-year-old
man riding his bike just minutes before the collision. The
accident reminded all Illinoisans of the reality that
bicyclists face increased risk of severe and even fatal
injuries in
collisions with motor vehicles.
Bicycle Accidents Statewide
The huge size and weight differential between bicycles and cars often results in serious harm to cyclists who are involved in a bicycle accident. In the state of Illinois, bicyclists face increased risk of injury due to inclement weather, as well as the urban nature of many of our roadways. In a study conducted in 2014 by the Governors Highway Safety Association, Illinois ranked fifth among all states in bicycle injuries. Since the study was conducted, not much has changed. In 2016 alone, over 3,000 Illinoisans were injured while riding their bicycles. Additionally, 20 bicyclists suffered fatal injuries throughout the state in 2016.
The Dangers of Semi-Truck Accidents
A recent tragedy in the Chicago area reminded us of the
constant dangers semi-truck drivers face every time they
start a shift. On Tuesday, September 11th, a semi-truck
crashed into a Lansing apartment building, injuring
themselves and one resident. The accident occurred prior
to 8:00 a.m. on Torrence Avenue, south of 184th Street.
While the truck driver was not fatally injured in the
accident, his injuries did require hospitalization.
The accident was the latest in a long line of semi-truck accidents. In 2016 alone, over 4,400 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal accidents throughout the United States. If you or a family member are involved in a motor vehicle collision, it is paramount to speak with a legal professional.
Increasing Your Safety While Traveling Via Motor Vehicle
According to the Association for Safe International Road
Travel (ASIRT), 1.3 million people die in motor vehicle
collisions each year. That staggering statistic consists
of an average of 3,287 deaths each day. Here in the United
States, an average of 2.35 million people are injured each
year in motor vehicle collisions.
Considering the incredible loss of life that occurs around the world due to motor vehicle collisions, it is easy to find yourself wondering what you can do to remain safe while traveling in a vehicle? Below are some simple tips that could help you and your family remain safe while driving this fall:
Remaining Safe in Your Vehicle
With a staggering amount of reckless drivers on American roadways, remaining safe while driving is not always in one's own control. Still, here are a few ways you can decrease the risk of injury that you and your family face every time you travel:
Why Are Traffic Fatalities on the Rise in Illinois?
Throughout the past few decades, a variety of
organizations have been working diligently to decrease the
number of traffic fatalities in the United States. From
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an organization
founded in 1980 to increase awareness of teenage driving
while under the influence of alcohol, to advertisement
campaigns like “Click It or Ticket,” which hopes to
incentivize drivers to buckle their seatbelts, these
organizations have made monumental strides in decreasing
deaths on American roadways.
Despite these efforts, traffic fatalities continue to rise here in the state of Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were over 1,000 car accident fatalities statewide in 2016 alone. Despite increased statewide initiatives to decrease drinking and driving, as well as other forms of dangerous or reckless driving, 2016 marked the deadliest year on Illinois’ roadways since 2008. Why the rise?
Protecting Yourself After a Car Accident Involving a Taxi
On Saturday, September 2nd, 2018, multiple pedestrians
were injured after a taxicab collided with a SUV
ride-share service vehicle near Navy Pier. The accident,
which occurred around 4:30 p.m., was the fault of both
drivers, as the ride-share driver was cited for running a
red light, and the taxicab driver was issued two
citations. In all, eight people suffered injuries that
required hospitalization. Fortunately, none of the
injuries proved fatal.
While this latest taxicab accident may come as a surprise to some, taxicab collisions are fairly common throughout the United States. Here in the state of Illinois, taxi accidents occur at an alarmingly high rate. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were approximately 5,271 taxicab accidents throughout the state of Illinois in 2015 alone. While only three people ultimately suffered fatal injuries in collisions involving taxicabs in 2015, more than 1,000 people (including over 150 pedestrians ) were injured to the extent that they required hospitalization. If you or a loved one is injured in a collision involving a taxi, it is critically important to find a trained legal team to represent your best interests.
Workers Face Risks of Serious and Fatal Construction Accidents
A recent on-the-job tragedy reminded workers across the
United States of the inherent dangers of working in the
construction industry. On August 23rd, 2018, a 27-year-old
construction worker was fatally injured while he and his
construction team were working on a private preparatory
school in northeast Maryland. The accident occurred as the
construction team was attempting to move a portable
building, and the worker was struck during the move. The
Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Department are
conducting an ongoing investigation in hopes of gaining
further insight into how the accident occurred.
In 2016 alone, 5,190 American workers were killed while at work. Over 20% of American workers that suffered fatal injuries in 2016 were involved in construction accidents. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has worked extensively to minimize workplace fatalities, work injuries continue to plague a number of American industries, none more so than the construction industry. If you or a member of your family suffer an injury while at work, a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney can help you receive the financial benefits you deserve.
Contact a Lake County Vehicle Accident Attorney Who is Ready to Help You
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our office. Call 847-662-3303 to set up a free initial consultation at one of our four convenient locations. There is no risk because we only collect fees if you collect compensation. With offices in Libertyville, Waukegan, Richmond, and Chicago, we represent clients in Lake County, Cook County, DuPage County, and McHenry County.
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