A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that phone use by drivers, such as texting, browsing the internet, and selecting song choices, has risen dramatically over the past few years. In the four-year span from 2014 to 2018, the number of people observed using their phones while driving rose by a staggering 57%. 

Distracted driving can be especially dangerous in urban and suburban areas. In the greater Chicago area, texting while driving and other types of distractions can put everyone at risk. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident that was caused by distracted driving, you should work with an attorney to pursue compensation from the negligent driver. 

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

As smartphone capabilities increase and people use their devices more and more often, drivers become tempted to use their phones while on the road, and this has led to the dramatic increase in distracted driving collisions throughout the United States. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 390,000 Americans were severely injured in car accidents caused by distracted driving in 2015, and approximately 3,450 people were killed due to the reckless actions of distracted drivers in 2016. 

Biking can be a great workout and an environmentally sustainable way to commute to and from work. Unfortunately, thousands of cyclists are seriously injured in collisions involving motor vehicles every single year. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 800 bicyclists were fatally injured in motor vehicle collisions throughout 2015, and an additional 45,000 American bicyclists suffered serious non-fatal injuries that year. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is time to contact a legal professional and learn about your options for pursuing compensation. 

The Dutch Reach Law

The number of bicycle accidents throughout the U.S. increased by 12% in 2015. This rise in bicyclist injuries has prompted a number of states to enact laws that increase bicycle safety. In January of 2019, Illinois became one of two states to adopt the “Dutch reach” law. This law updates road safety manuals to instruct motor vehicle users to exit their car by opening the door with their far-reaching hand. By using the opposite hand to exit the vehicle, passengers and drivers alike are forced to turn their body and face behind them, which will allow them to see any bicyclists near the vehicle and avoid opening their door into the bike’s path. Studies show that the Dutch reach can significantly lower the number of “dooring” accidents in which bicyclists are injured by car doors. 

Other Forms of Bicycle Accident Prevention 

While the newly implemented Dutch reach law should make a substantial difference in bicyclist safety, there are a few other simple steps you can take to increase your safety while riding your bike: 

Every single year, as many as 2.3 million Americans are sent to the emergency room after suffering injuries in a motor vehicle collision. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents cost Americans approximately $44 billion every year in terms of both medical expenses and lost income. Those who have been injured in a motor vehicle collision should understand their legal options for recovering compensation from the negligent driver who caused their injuries. 

Common Forms of Negligent Driving

In the vast majority of motor vehicle accidents, the cause of the collision can be traced back to the reckless and negligent actions of a driver. Throughout the United States, various forms of negligent driving seem to be on the rise. The most common types of negligent driving include:

• Driving at Excessive Speeds: According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 9,717 Americans were killed in car accidents caused by speeding drivers in 2017. Speeding impacts a driver’s ability to brake, change directions, and react to changes in traffic flow. If you notice a driver traveling at excessive speeds, keep a safe distance away from them. 
• Drinking and Driving: Intoxicated driving is another common form of driver negligence. Despite increased traffic surveillance and substantial criminal punishment, thousands of Americans choose to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances. Common signs of a drunk driver include swerving, recklessly passing, and driving at sporadic speeds. Recognizing these signs and reporting them to local law enforcement can save lives. 
• Distracted Driving: The past several years have seen an incredible rise in cell phone use while driving. Throughout 2016, distracted driving claimed over 3,400 lives, and this form of negligence accounts for around 25% of all motor vehicle collisions throughout the United States. While mobile phone use is the most common form of distracted driving, other common distractions include eating or drinking while driving, having conversations with passengers, or any other action that takes one’s eyes off the road or hands off the wheel of the vehicle. 

Meet With a Plainfield Car Accident Lawyer

Car accident injuries can result in costly medical bills, expensive physical therapy, and loss of work hours during recovery. At Flaherty Law, LLC, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve after suffering car accident injuries. With years of legal experience, we are confident in our ability to aggressively represent you and help you receive the financial support you need and deserve. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a Will County personal injury attorney, call our office today at 815-577-7500. 

With the holiday season in full swing, thousands of people throughout the greater Chicago area are shopping and enjoying activities around the town. However, with the winter holidays comes winter weather conditions, and walking in and around establishments and other properties during this time of year can be a dangerous proposition. From broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, falls can result in expensive hospital trips, costly physical therapy, and chronic pain. If you suffer a fall injury, contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. 

Understanding Illinois Slip and Fall Laws

According to the Snow and Ice Removal Act, written within the Illinois Compiled Statutes, property owners are encouraged to remove natural accumulations of snow or ice from their property, but they are typically not responsible for injuries that occur when someone slips and falls on snow or ice. While some municipal ordinances may require a premises owner to clear walkways of snow or ice in certain situations, this does not establish legal liability. That said, if a premises owner elects to remove the snow or ice and does so in a negligent manner, they may be liable for injuries suffered. 

While property owners are not liable for natural accumulations, they may be liable for falls caused by unnatural accumulations of snow or ice. These cases may involve factors such as sloping surfaces, improper entryway design, and negligent maintenance, resulting in snow or ice accumulating in an unexpected manner and creating an increased risk for people who enter the property.

On December 1st, 2018, a 63-year-old Illinoisan was killed after being struck by a vehicle in the northern suburb of Waukegan. After the vehicle struck the pedestrian, the driver fled from the scene and has yet to be located by local law enforcement officials. The victim was rushed to a local hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead. The tragedy served as a sobering reminder of the risks that pedestrians face each and every day. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), approximately 6,000 American pedestrians were fatally injured throughout 2017 alone. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to contact an attorney immediately. 

Study Indicates Increased Collisions Involving Pedestrians 

Here in the state of Illinois, pedestrian injuries are alarmingly common. According to data reported by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 4,600 pedestrians were injured after being struck by motor vehicles in 2016, and 150 people died in these types of collisions. 

Accidents involving pedestrians are more common in urban areas, so it should come as no surprise that a large number of Illinois’ pedestrian fatalities occur within the city of Chicago. Just under 30% of all pedestrian fatalities throughout the state occurred in Chicago. Pedestrian fatalities throughout the city have risen by over 40% since 2013. Law enforcement officials believe that the increased number of pedestrian fatalities are due to increased traffic, drivers traveling over the speed limit, and a steady rise in distracted driving.