Chicago Injury Lawyers Blog

According to the Chicago Sun Times, data collected in the last two years shows that Chicago motorcycle crashes are on the rise. The report attributes this increase to the economy and the number or automobile drivers turning to motorcycles as their main source of transportation because motorcycles are cheaper and are more fuel-efficient.

The Sun Times credits the combination of inexperienced riders and drivers who aren't used to seeing so many cycles on the road to the crash increase. Specifically, in Cook County, the number of motorcycle accidents in 2008 was up 26 percent from 2006. And according to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, the number of motorcycles registered in Cook County and seven surrounding counties was up 6 percent last year over 2006.

As a motorcyclist, what can you do to protect yourself? For one, make sure that you carry enough insurance to protect you if you are involved in an accident. Also, be cognizant of wearing the proper protective clothing and helmets. Finally, if you are in an accident, contact an experience personal injury attorney to discuss your rights. The Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys and Shea Law Group have handled hundreds of cases where motorcycles are involved. If you have been injured in an accident, contact us at 877-365-0040
or online for a free consultation.

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that a woman crossing the road during the Tour de France was killed Saturday when she was hit by a police motorcycle that was escorting cyclists. In addition, two other fans were injured when the motorcycle skidded into them after the initial impact. The accident happened during the 14th stage of the competition during the 124-mile route from Colmar to Besancon.

Organizers identified the victim as a 61-year-old woman and Tour de France medical teams treated her immediately before emergency staffers arrived. The other two spectators were only treated for minor injuries. According to the Tribune, deaths on the Tour are rare – the last death was during the 2002 race when a boy was hit by sponsors' vehicles.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accident kills one, injures two along Tour de France route" »

Three men were tragically killed Sunday night in separate crashes in the Chicago area—and Chicago Breaking News is reporting that two of the deaths involved motorcycles.

Victor Calderon, was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred in the 2100 block of West Fullerton Avenue. He was pronounced dead at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.

Henry Manso, was killed in a car crash two hours later at the intersection of Grand and Thatcher Avenues in River Grove. Within twenty minutes of that crash, Todd Filkins, was killed when his motorcycle crashed into another car at the corner of 26th Street and East End Avenue in Chicago Heights.

Continue reading "Three men killed on same night in Chicago car and motorcycle accidents" »

Chicago Daily Herald has a report on a Saturday car accident near Lake Zurich, where the a driver of a car struck and killed a motorcyclist who had stopped at a yellow light-- because the woman behind the wheel of the car was reportedly painting her nails at the time of the accident.

Recently we discussed the dangers of multi-tasking- i.e., texting and using cell phones--while driving, and this illustrates how important it is to drive without distraction. However, this story is an entirely different level of carelessness that not even the Illinois Legislature could anticipate having to create legislation to address. (See post here)

The Chicago Daily Herald makes a plea to motorists that we join: Pull over to talk, especially for a lengthy or involved phone call.

Continue reading "Motorcycle accident death caused by woman painting her fingernails" »

The Chicago Tribune reports that a 14-year-old suburban Chicago girl is in critical condition after the all terrain vehicle (ATV) she was driving collided with another ATV driven by her stepbrother.

The Lake County Sheriff's office says that Wadsworth girl and her 11-year –old brother were driving the ATVs Tuesday evening when the two vehicles crashed. Reports say the children were thrown to the pavement when the ATVs rolled over.

Police say the girl was airlifted to a hospital with head trauma and the boy had minor scratches. Both children were wearing helmets, but police are investigating whether they were strapped.

Continue reading "Girl in critical condition after Chicago ATV accident" »