Pedestrian Accidents

Governor Pat Quinn signed a new bill this month that will allow the city of Chicago to install high speed cameras to monitor drivers and prevent pedestrian accidents in Illinois, according to the Associated Press. The bill will allow Chicago to use automatic speed enforcement cameras to monitor driver speeds around schools and parks in the city, and motorists in violation of the speed limits may receive tickets up to $100. Beginning in July, the speed cameras can operate on school days from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, and from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays. In addition, the cameras can operate near parks from an hour before to an hour after closing. IL motorists who are driving over the speed limit by six to 10 mph may receive a $50 fine, and a $100 fine may be issued for 11 mph and over.

The Governor says the goal of the high speed cameras is to improve safety for children and prevent dangerous child injury accidents. According to district officials, an estimated one-third of the 405,000 students who are enrolled in Chicago area public schools walk, prompting the Chicago Mayor to also say the new cameras will “ensure the safety of our kids” and that drivers simply need to adhere to the posted speed limit. Critics of the bill, however, feel these cameras will not increase safety but merely generate large revenues for the state government. City officials report that the red-light cameras already in use at various Chicago intersections generated $66 million in revenue in 2010.

Though the use of new speed cameras is controversial, pedestrian safety, especially for children, is extremely important and all Illinois drivers should be extra cautious in areas where children are known to be, such as school zones. Safety measures taken by the city and state cannot, however, prevent negligent drivers from causing dangerous accidents. If you or your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys with the Bradley Law Firm will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation needed to recover from any injuries. To see how our legal team can help you, call (312) 252-1488.

According to Dailytech.com, a new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center reveals the danger of wearing headphones while walking. The lead author of the study, Richard Lichenstein, M.D., determined that injuries to pedestrians who were wearing headphones have tripled over the last six years.

The research team conducted the study by examining cases where headphones were involved in serious pedestrian injuries and fatalities from car or train crashes from 2004-2011 reports from various organizations and databases, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPSC) and Google News Archives.

The study yielded some very interesting results. The following are a few highlights:

• Nearly three quarters of the headphone-related injuries were fatal.
• About 55 percent of the vehicles involved in the headphone-related accidents were trains.
• 29 percent of the vehicles involved used some type of audible warning system, such as a horn, to let pedestrians know they were there.

Lichenstein said the accidents examined in the research study were caused by pedestrians being distracted by their devices and blocking the sounds of warning systems with their headphones, which he calls sensory deprivation. Lichenstein feels that with more and more enticing devices, the risk of injury increases from both distraction and the blocking out of other sounds. He also asserts that the dangers of distracted driving have been well documented, but the dangers of teens walking while distracted with headphones and devices is an increasing problem that warrants attention.

This new study reveals the risks of wearing headphones while traveling on two feet, but pedestrians still face a variety of dangers on Illinois streets, such as distracted drivers. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Illinois, the pedestrian accident attorneys in Chicago with the Bradley Law Firm can help you seek full compensation for your injuries. For a free consultation with our legal team, please call (312) 252-1488.

The Digital Journal reports that new data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that pedestrian fatalities rose 4.2 percent in 2010 compared to the previous year. In addition, the number of pedestrians injured greatly increased from 59,000 to 79,000, which is a startling 19 percent increase. This unfortunate spike in pedestrian-related accidents comes after a 14 percent decline from 2000 to 2009, according to a yearly report issued by the national safety coalition Transportation for America. The article urges transportation experts to research and discover why the number of pedestrian accidents has increased in order to figure out what can be done to prevent this very dangerous type of accident.

Pedestrian accidents are very serious and can occur for a number of reasons, including motorists who drive recklessly and speed. Another contributing factor seen all too frequently is alcohol impairment, on the part of either the driver or pedestrian. Inattention, however, appears to be one of the top causes of pedestrian accidents, showing the need for everyone (whether on foot or in a motor vehicle) to pay attention and focus on road safety. Pedestrians who survive an accident can often sustain very serious damage, such as a brain injury, as they have nothing to protect them from the force of an oncoming vehicle.

To prevent a potentially dangerous IL pedestrian accident, cross the street only when clear and always look to both the left and the right. Also, cross at a corner or at an intersection, and walk (don’t run) into the street when it is safe. Most importantly, walk alertly; look for signs that a car is about to move, and pay attention to what’s going on around you to increase your safety and decrease your chances of being involved in an accident.

Following these simple safety tips can help Illinois residents avoid a dangerous pedestrian accident, but motorists who are not as cautious may endanger the lives of innocent pedestrians. The pedestrian accident attorneys in Chicago with the Bradley Law Firm can help you receive compensation for your injuries if you are involved in an accident caused by the negligence of another driver. For a no-cost consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, please call (312) 252-1488.

An 87-year-old Chicago man suffered critical injuries when he was struck in a pedestrian accident in northwest Chicago’s Belmont Gardens neighborhood, according to a recent article from My Fox Chicago.

The accident occurred on a weekend afternoon in the 4400 block of Fullerton near Kostner Avenue, according to police investigators. The man was struck by a vehicle, which then fled the scene. The vehicle, a dark green Jeep Cherokee SUV, drove for several blocks after the accident before its driver parked it at a local gas station and ran off on foot, according to eyewitnesses. Investigators say they are now looking for a man six feet or taller in height, who may have a dark complexion and is heavyset.

The man who was struck in the pedestrian accident in Chicago was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital by rescue workers. According to hospital workers, he remains in critical condition after the crash. Investigators have not yet released his name.

Pedestrian accidents can be a source of serious injury for pedestrians, who rarely have the protection they need to withstand being struck by a motor vehicle. Possible causes of pedestrian accidents include driver-related mistakes such as distraction, speeding, and failing to pay attention to road signs, signals, or crosswalks. Badly designed intersections that lack pedestrian warnings, crosswalks, or signals can also contribute to a car-pedestrian crash.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm. We will help you protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation you need after an injury. For a free and confidential consultation, call us today at 312-252-1488.

Living in an urban area has its perks. There are a great number of banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants, and almost everything you need is within walking distance. According to The Chicago Tribune, however, city crosswalks are not as safe for some people as they are for others. A recent study by Transportation for America points out that, though only 13 percent of the national population, senior citizens represented 22 percent of pedestrian accident deaths from 2000 through 2009. Chicago seems to follow this trend.

According to a pedestrian accident analysis conducted by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), senior citizens were more likely of being hit while in a crosswalk than other age groups. The review of pedestrian accidents between 2005 and 2009 also demonstrated an overrepresentation of senior citizens in serious injury or fatal accidents. In fact, in 2009, out of the 34 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents, seven were senior citizens.

The overall numbers of pedestrian accidents in Chicago have decreased, but CDOT officials still believe the numbers are too high. In an effort to decrease pedestrian fatality numbers even more, CDOT is developing a pedestrian program, which, among other goals, will scrutinize the timing of walking signals, and whether senior citizens have enough time to make it from one end of the crosswalk to the other, safely. Adding a few more seconds could make a big difference. Some intersections (40-50) already give pedestrians a few seconds extra as a head start before drivers are given the green light. CDOT officials may be implementing that system in more intersections.

Chicago is doing the right thing in assessing the potential dangers the city’s intersections pose to pedestrians. This is only one part of the puzzle, however. Drivers are also responsible for pedestrians’ safety. An inattentive or distracted driver may be held liable for injuries should their negligence cause a pedestrian injury accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Illinois, the skilled pedestrian accident lawyers in Chicago at The Bradley Law Firm can help you hold the negligent party responsible for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses and damages associated with your injury. Contact us today at 312-252-1488 to learn more about your legal rights and options.

A fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Chicago earlier this week claimed the life of a 49-year-old man, according to The Chicago Sun-Times. The driver, a West Side woman, fled the scene after the accident, but later turned herself in at the Harrison District police station. She was charged with driving without a license, failure to use care with a pedestrian in the roadway, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

According to the news report, the hit-and-run driver, in a black Chrysler 300, had been returning from a bridal shower when the accident occurred. The pedestrian was crossing the street in Garfield Park with a woman when he collided with the driver of the Chrysler, who was traveling 50 to 60 mph in a 30 mph zone. The force of the impact sent the pedestrian 120 feet into the air at the 3400 block of West Jackson Boulevard. He was immediately transported to Stroger Hospital but was pronounced dead within minutes. Witnesses attempted to follow the hit-and-run driver but did not succeed.

The driver of the Chrysler continued driving along Jackson Boulevard after the accident and ended up striking multiple construction barriers when she sped through a construction zone before arriving at her grandmother’s house. Her grandmother allegedly told her to go to the police, which she did, having reported to the police station close to an hour and a half later. The results of her alcohol and drug tests are still pending.

Losing a family member to a fatal accident in Illinois is very traumatic, especially when their death was caused by the negligence of another. The family of a fatal Illinois accident victim can hold the at-fault party liable for compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Such an action can result in receiving coverage for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost future income, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.

The compassionate Chicago wrongful death lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm can help you and your family understand the wrongful death claim process in Illinois and help you decide on what the right course of legal action is best for your family. To learn more and ask any questions you may have, contact us today at 312-252-1488 for a free confidential consultation.

Warmer weather plus the general trend of staying healthy and active has encouraged more Illinois residents to walk to their destinations. It is dangerous being a pedestrian in Chicago, however. In the event of an accident, a pedestrian has no protection against the impact of a multi-ton motor vehicle. To stay safe while walking this summer, pedestrians in Illinois should keep the following tips in mind:

• Always walk on the sidewalk, but if there isn’t one, walk as close as possible to the left side of the street, facing traffic.
• Cross at a designated crosswalk and only at intersections or street corners.
• Obey all traffic signals before crossing.
• Stop and look both ways, in the popular left-right-left pattern, before crossing the street.
• Make sure traffic has come to a complete stop before crossing at a traffic signal.
• Pay attention to turning traffic, especially on a red light.
• Wear colorful/high visibility clothing when walking at night.
• Stop and make sure no vehicles are entering or exiting before crossing a driveway.
• Listen, as well as look, for nearby cars.

As safe as a pedestrian may be, not every pedestrian accident in Illinois can be prevented. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of a driver, you may be able to hold them liable for the losses you’ve suffered. Contact the experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm at 312-252-1488 to speak to one of our attorneys about your accident. We look forward to answering all of your questions.

A 70-year-old man was fatally struck by a car after he had exited his vehicle after getting into a small fender bender in December 2010. The driver who struck the man has now been accused of updating her Facebook status on her mobile phone at the time the accident occurred, according to Chicago Breaking News.

Initially, the female motorist told investigators that her vision had been temporarily impaired by the sun, and she was ticketed for failing to avoid hitting a pedestrian. However, a new lawsuit filed by the deceased man’s daughter alleges that the woman’s Facebook account shows activity at the exact same time a 911 call was received after the fatal Chicago pedestrian accident occurred. Using an electronic device while driving was made illegal in Illinois in 2009.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2009, 5,474 people were killed due to distracted drivers with 18 percent of fatalities the result of an accident caused by a driver using a cell phone. Distracted driving is a huge problem across the nation and can lead to serious injury or even death. In addition to the fatalities, 448,000 more people were injured in distracted driving-related crashes in 2009.

All motorists share the responsibility of ensuring the safety of themselves and those around them by paying attention to the road instead of other distractions, such as a cell phone. However, when a text or a phone call takes precedence over driving and the safety of others, and someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of a driver’s distraction, the negligent party can be held legally accountable for all subsequent expenses that result from an accident.

If you have lost a loved one in a car or pedestrian accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you deserve to know your legal rights. Contact the qualified Chicago personal injury attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm. We will help you understand your rights and work diligently to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence. The sudden loss of a loved one can be difficult for a family, but is made even more so by knowing the accident could have been prevented. You don’t have to face this journey alone. Let the compassionate and dedicated attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm help you. Call 1-800-360-5072 for a free and confidential consultation.

An Illinois pedestrian accident occurred on Monday, January 24 when two women were struck by a 2003 Acura as they were walking in a crosswalk at Luther Lane and Dempster Street in Park Ridge. The Herald-Advocate reports that the 45-year-old driver “plowed” into the two women as she was making a left hand turn at the intersection. Both of the female pedestrians, a 71-year-old woman and a 43-year-old woman, suffered injuries and were taken to the nearby hospital for treatment. The 71-year old sustained a head injury and has no memory of the accident.

Sadly, Illinois pedestrian accidents occur more often than one might think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009, there were 59,000 reported pedestrian injuries nationwide, and 4,092 pedestrian fatalities in traffic accidents. However, many crashes involving a pedestrian go unreported, so the actual number of injuries could be much higher.

Pedestrians can suffer extensive, and often deadly, injuries when struck by a motor vehicle, as they have virtually no protection against the impact of a vehicle, unlike vehicle occupants. Even when a pedestrian adheres to all traffic laws that pertain to safety while crossing the street, they cannot stop the actions of a negligent motorist.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it would be highly beneficial to acquire the services of an experienced Illinois pedestrian accident injury attorney. At The Bradley Law Firm, our lawyers have the skill and knowledge to properly investigate the circumstances of your injury and hold all negligent parties accountable for their actions. Serious injuries can bare a heavy burden on a family not only physically, but mentally and financially as well. With medical expenses piling up, time taken off of work, rehabilitation, and other accident-related damages, financial stability can take a turn for the worst. We will fight hard to ensure that you are compensated fairly and justly for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation at The Bradley Law Firm, call 800-360-5072 today.

ABC 7 News reports that two students from Lane Tech High School in Chicago were struck by a car Wednesday morning, January 5 at about 11 a.m.

According to police, the students, ages 15 and 16, were crossing the intersection of Addison Street and Western Avenue to get lunch at a sandwich shop when they were struck by a car, which continued on to hit the shop.

The article states one of the teens is in serious condition, and the other is in fair condition as a result of the injuries sustained in the Chicago pedestrian accident. The driver of the car, an adult, is reported to be in serious condition.

In the United States in 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports there were 4,738 pedestrian fatalities in traffic accidents. Another 69,000 pedestrians were injured in these accidents. Overall, on average a pedestrian dies in a traffic accident every 2 hours, and approximately every eight minutes a pedestrian is injured in an accident.

While the details of this specific pedestrian accident have yet to be released, many factors can cause a pedestrian accident in Illinois. One of the most common causes of traffic accidents in the United States is distracted driving, which is when a driver’s attention is taken away from the road, such as using a cell phone or mp3 player. Almost 20 percent of traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2008 involved a distracted driver, which resulted in about 6,000 fatalities as well as half a million injuries, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Other causes for Illinois pedestrian accidents include drunk driving, excessive speeding, reckless driving, or driving while fatigued.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries, or even death. Unlike motorists or their passengers, pedestrians don’t have the protection a motor vehicle provides. Against the impact of a 3,000 pound vehicle, the human body has little defense. On impact, a pedestrian can be thrown several feet and sustain serious injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, internal bleeding, broken bones, paralysis, disfigurement, or death.

If you have been in a pedestrian accident in Illinois and believe that a driver’s negligence was a factor in the crash, you have legal rights to pursue compensation for your injuries. At The Bradley Law Firm, our Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys can provide legal assistance to you. We will work diligently to hold those responsible for the accident, your injuries, and any resulting medical expenses liable in a court of law. Call 800-360-5072 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.