Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog

Three individuals were killed and two others were critically injured in a two-car accident on Monday night in Chicago’s Kelvyn Park neighborhood. The accident victims included a toddler. The Chicago car accident occurred at the intersection of North Cicero and West Parker avenues. According to reports, the victims were all occupants of a Honda that was struck by a Toyota. The driver of the Toyota was issued a citation for negligent driving. No other charges have been filed in the matter and police are continuing to question the driver as of this morning.

The victims of the tragic car accident were identified as 20 year-old Orlando Rodriguez and 13 month-old Joshua Molina of the 200 block of North Tripp Avenue. According to initial reports, the Toyota was travelling southbound on Cicero when it struck the Honda. The identity of the third fatality, identified as a 21 year-old man, has been withheld pending the notification of relatives. Early reports indicated that four individuals were taken to area hospitals in serious to critical condition. Molina was taken to Children’s Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11:39 p.m. Rodriguez was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where he died around 11:43 p.m. The other individuals involved in the Chicago car accident were transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital and Our Lady of Resurrection Medical Center respectively. Both of those individuals were initially listed in critical condition.

If you have any questions regarding Chicago car accidents or would otherwise like to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney, please click here.

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The police have one individual in custody following a Chicago area hit and run car accident that left a woman dead and her 6 year-old son in critical condition. The accident occurred on the 1400 block of West Greenleaf Ave in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. According to authorities, the woman, 48 year- old Maria Worthon of the 1400 block of West Touhy Ave., died at the scene of the accident when her and her 6 year-old son were struck by a vehicle around 9 p.m. The car, a Pontiac Grand Prix, was travelling south on North Greenview Avenue when it struck the victim. Chicago police officers arrived to find the victim unresponsive.

The young boy involved in the Chicago car accident was initially taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. He was subsequently transferred to Children’s Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The Grand Prix continued south on Greenview Ave. until it was stopped by police on the 6400 block of North Newguard Ave. Charges have yet to be filed against the driver and the police Major Accident Investigation Unit continues to investigate the Chicago car accident.

Pedestrian-car accidents are common in urban areas where there is a high volume of foot traffic. These types of accidents can often be very serious. If you have any questions about pedestrian-car accidents or would otherwise like to speak with an attorney, please click here.

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A Chicago cyclist was injured Monday in a bicycle-car accident that occurred on Chicago’s Northwest Side. According to Jefferson Park District Police Lt. John Lewison, the accident happened around 11:40 p.m. at the 4400 block of North Austin near the intersection of Austin and Montrose. Reports indicate that the bicycle-car accident occurred when a southbound 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo attempted to drive around a stopped vehicle at the intersection. The 21 year-old driver of the car involved in the accident was proceeding around the stopped vehicle, which reportedly had a green light, when the motorist hit the westbound bicyclist and ran him over. The driver did not see the bicyclist.

The victim of the accident is a 22 year-old resident of the Belmont-Craigin neighborhood. The victim was hospitalized at the Advocate Masonic Medical Center where the victim remained as of Monday night. The victim was listed in critical condition. The motorist involved in the car accident was issued a traffic citation for negligent driving. Police have not released the identity of the driver. The accident is still being investigated by the Major Accident Investigations Unit.

The driver in the accident may be liable for the injuries suffered by the bicycle victim. If you have any questions about bicycle-car accidents in Illinois or would like to speak with an experienced Chicago attorney, please click here.

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Car Accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths accounting for about 36% of all deaths in the age group according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The disturbing statistics reveal that over 5,000 teens between the ages of 16 and 20 die each year due to fatal injuries stemming from car accidents. In addition, nearly 400,000 teens in the same age group suffer serious injuries in vehicle accidents each year. The CDC reports that the risk of being involved in a car accident are the highest for drivers between the ages of 16-20. In fact, teenage drivers are about four times more likely than other drivers to crash for each mile driven. Male teen drivers are the most at-risk for fatal car crashes as 19.4 per 100,000 are killed in vehicle accidents each year.

Several causes have been linked to the elevated risk of teenage car accident fatalities. Studies of teenage driving habits have shown that drivers within the age group have the lowest rate of seatbelt use, are less able to recognize dangerous situations, tend to tailgate more often, and tend to speed more often than other demographics. In addition, approximately 24% of the drivers killed between the ages of 15 and 20 had been driving while intoxicated. Nearly 54% of teenage car accident deaths occur on the weekends.

If you are a parent you should make sure to educate your teenager regarding the risks of operating a motor vehicle. If you have any questions related to teenage car accidents or would otherwise like to speak with a lawyer, please click here.

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A Chicago Police chase ended tragically last Wednesday when the vehicle being pursued by police lost control and collided with concrete construction barrier in Chicago’s Illinois Medical District neighborhood. The chase occurred around 5:00 a.m. on October 28th when Harrison District police officers responded to a call of suspicious activity at the 1100 block of South Karlov Ave. in Chicago. Authorities were responding to a report of suspicious activity at the location involving alleged car thefts. When they arrived the police observed one individual peaking into parked vehicles while the others were in a nearby parked car. When the officers attempted to confront the men they fled in the parked vehicle.

The officers pursued the fleeing gray Chevy Lumina which quickly pulled onto the expressway. The police followed the car down the eastbound Eisenhower until it crashed at Paulina and Congress Parkway. According to Chicago Police, the vehicle lost control on wet pavement, collided with a concrete construction barrier and finally veered off the road hitting several trees. Keirre Roberts, a 23 year-old passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at 5:51 a.m. at Chicago’s Stroger Hospital. Two other men were also taken to Stroger where they were listed in serious to critical condition. One of the men in the car fled the scene of the crash and was apprehended shortly thereafter. The driver of the vehicle faces criminal charges and traffic citations.

Chicago area motor vehicle accidents can be deadly when they occur at high speeds. If you have any questions involving car accidents or would otherwise like to speak to an attorney, please click here.

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A Loyola, Chicago, student was killed last Wednesday in a bicycle accident in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Liza Whiteacre, a student that lieved at the 4900 block of N. Winthrop St., died when she fell from her bicycle and was crushed underneath a tuck. According to police, the tragic accident occurred when Whiteacre was trying to pass between a truck and a CTA bus outside Hamlin Park near the corner of Damen and Wellington. The truck driver was reportedly unaware that Whiteacre had fallen from her bicycle.

Whiteacre was rushed to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. She was employed as a retail and wholesale trainer at a coffee shop on Graville Ave. in Chicago. She attended High School at Fremd in Palatine. No citations were issued as a result of the deadly bicycle accident.

Chicago bicycle riders should always exercise caution when riding in the city and surrounding areas. While urban biking can be a fun and healthy alternative to driving, it carries certain risks. As bikers in the city are forbidden by ordinance from using the sidewalks for bicycling, cars and bicycles are forced to share the same roads. As such bicycle-car collisions are not uncommon. If you have any questions involving bicycle injuries or would like to speak with an attorney, please click here.

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A very serious Chicago car accident resulted in two severe injuries yesterday morning on Chicago’s Northwest side. The car crash occurred at the corner of North Devon Ave. and West Nagle Ave. around 5:30 a.m. According to Police News Affairs Officer Robert Perez, a white delivery truck which was registered to Michele Baking Co. was left upside down following the crash. Michele Baking Co. is located at 3140 Mannheim Rd. in Franklin Park, IL. Information related to other vehicles involved in the crash has not been released.

Fire Media Affairs spokesman Joe Roccasalva reports that two people were taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, in critical condition following the crash. One of the victims is reportedly a pregnant woman. The Chicago Police Major Accident Investigations Unit is investigating the Chicago car wreck.

Serious car accidents can be physically and financially devastating. If you have been involved in a Chicago car accident or would otherwise like to speak to an attorney, please click here.

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An alcohol related car accident claimed the life of a South Side woman early last Saturday morning on Chicago’s Stevenson Expressway. The two vehicle car crash occurred in the northbound lanes of the busy Chicago expressway near the Halsted street exit around 1:50 a.m. According to an Illinois State Police District Chicago trooper, the accident was caused by a wrong way driver travelling south in the northbound lanes. The head-on collision claimed the life of one woman and injured two others. The Chicago Fire Department was called out to the scene of the accident where they reportedly had to extricate the victim from a severly damaged car.

Reports indicate that the victim, Margaret Nwake of 6969 N. Ashland Ave., was a passenger in the vehicle when it collided with the wrong way driver. Nwake was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital around 2:49 a.m. by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. The driver of the wrong way vehicle that caused the accident remains in custody as of Saturday but has yet to be charged. The Illinois State Police are investigating the fatal accident.

Alcohol related car accidents often lead to very serious injuries and even death. If you have questions regarding alcohol related car accidents or would otherwise like to speak with an attorney, please click here.

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A deadly Chicago car accident left one dead and one seriously injured yesterday around 3:00 a.m. The fatal car crash occurred on Chicago’s Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) near South Kostner Avenue. According to Illinois State Police, the accident occurred when a 25 year old driver drove off the expressway and into a tree. The driver died in the crash while a 28 year old female passenger was taken to John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County. The female passenger reportedly suffered two broken legs as well as head injuries. Alcohol is suspected to have played a role in the car crash. The car accident is still under investigation.

If you have been involved in an alcohol related Chicago car accident, you should contact an experienced injury lawyer as soon as practicable to investigate the crash and protect your rights. If you have any questions regarding Chicago area motor vehicle accidents or would otherwise like to speak to an attorney please click here.

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A Chicago area car-bus accident injured three disabled children and one unidentified driver yesterday on Interstate 80. According to Illinois State Police, the accident occurred near the LaGrange road exit of the busy Chicago expressway. The bus, which was carrying three disabled children, was reportedly rear-ended by a westbound car. All three of the children, as well as the driver of the car, were taken to an area hospital following the car accident. State police are still investigating the Chicago area car crash.

Bus accidents can often be very serious as bus passengers rarely use seatbelts. Chicago expressway bus accidents are even more dangerous as they usually occur at high speeds in more dangerous conditions. If you have been injured in a Chicago area bus accident and would like to contact a lawyer to discuss your options please click here.

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A suburban Chicago car accident left one dead and three others injured last Sunday in Elburn, IL. The fatal car crash occurred at the corner of Route 38 and Anderson Road around 5:16 p.m. last Sunday night. According to reports, the accident occurred when a southbound Toyota Prius travelling on Anderson Road was broadsided by a westbound Ford Freestar van travelling on Route 38. The driver of the Prius, 74 year old Robert G. Schipp of Batavia, IL, subsequently died at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, IL, due to injuries he sustained in the car accident. Mary Schipp, a 68 year-old passenger in the Toyota, was listed in critical condition at Delnor Community Hospital. Both the driver of the van, 74 year-old John G. Steele of West Chicago, IL, and his passenger, 68 year-old Rita K. Steele of West Chicago, IL, were treated and released from Delnor. The accident remains under investigation according to Elburn Police Chief Steve Smith.

The Illinois car accident is the second in seven months at the intersection. Elburn Mayor Dave Anderson said that the village will consider potential changes to the intersection once the police investigation is finished. Another man was killed in a car accident at the intersection last December.

If you have been injured in a Chicago area car accident or would otherwise like to speak to an attorney regarding your rights or options following a car accident please click here.

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A Chicago construction worker was seriously injured this morning when he was struck by a drunk driver near Dolton, IL. The accident occurred around 4:15 a.m. on Chicago’s Bishop Ford Freeway/I-94. According to Illinois Police, a southbound 1998 Cadillac struck a construction worker in a protected work zone pinning him between his vehicle and a construction van. The injured worker was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL, with two broken legs. The driver of the vehicle, who remained at the scene while police and emergency vehicles responded to the accident, was taken to Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, IL. The driver reportedly suffered a head injury.

Illinois State Police Chicago Master Sgt. Todd Borisy reported that the incident occurred in a clearly visible work zone that was properly delineated with appropriate signage. The accident involved only one vehicle and the injured worker. There were no passengers in the drunk driver’s car. Charges have yet to be filed however the driver responsible for the Chicago car accident might still face criminal prosecution.

If you have been injured in a drunk driver car accident, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to investigate the accident and protect your rights. If you have any questions regarding Chicago drunk driver car accidents or would otherwise like to speak with an attorney, please click here.

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A Lincolnwood, IL, man was pronounced dead last Tuesday following a hit and run car accident on Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway. The victim, 58 year old William Nanz of 3924 Greenleaf Ave. in Lincolnwood, IL, was pronounced dead around 2:49 p.m. according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Chicago car accident occurred in the northbound lanes of Chicago’s Kennedy expressway near the North Kostner exit. According to Illinois State Police, Nanz was northbound on the busy Chicago expressway when his vehicle slowed due to building traffic. He was subsequently rear-ended causing his vehicle to strike a wall. The vehicle that struck Nanz allegedly slowed before the collision, but then fled the scene of the accident.

Nanz was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Nanz suffered a laceration to his leg and a heart attack following the Illinois car crash. It is unclear whether the heart attack occurred at the crash site, in the ambulance, or at the hospital. Witnesses to the deadly car crash reported observing a black SUV leaving the scene of the accident. Police are unsure as to whether that vehicle was involved in the accident. The driver that rear-ended the victim’s vehicle was not yet in custody as of Wednesday.

The family of the victim may have an uninsured motorist claim in this matter. Underinsured motorist claims are often available to victims of hit and run accidents. If you have any questions regarding hit and run accidents or would like to speak to an attorney, please click here.

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An early morning Chicago car accident has left one dead and three others injured in Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood. The fatal car accident occurred at the corner of Jackson St. and California Ave. around 3:30 a.m. this morning. According to reports, the collision left a maroon and gray southbound van flipped onto its roof. An unidentified sports utility vehicle was also left smoldering in the middle of the intersection following the car accident. The car was too damaged to be identified.

According to Chicago Fire Department Spokesman Larry Langford, the injured individuals were transported to Stroger Hospital and Mt. Sinai Hospital. The three injured victims were reportedly in serious to critical condition. The deceased individual, who was the driver of the SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the car crash are still under investigation.

If you have any questions related to a Chicago car accident or would otherwise like to speak to an attorney please click here.

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A fatal suburban Chicago DUI car accident claimed the life of a West Chicago teenager and injured two others last Sunday morning in St. Charles, IL. The single vehicle car accident occurred on the East Side of St. Charles in the 3100 block of Royal Fox Drive around 3:22 a.m. According to investigators from the St. Charles Police Department, a 2005 Ford Explorer was travelling south on Royal Fox Drive when it lost control and went off the road colliding with two trees. Accident responders had to use extrication tools to remove all four passengers from the vehicle. The accident claimed the life of 18 year-old Cameron Godee of West Chicago, IL, who was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the vehicle, 18 year old Onofrio Lorusso of the 4N000 block of Honey Hill Circle in Wayne, IL, was cited with driving under the influence, unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. He was taken to Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, IL, with undisclosed injuries. Criminal charges may still be levied against Lorusso.

The vehicle also carried two back seat passengers which were injured in the car accident. A 16 year old boy was taken to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL, and a 17 year-old girl was taken to Delnor and then to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. The extent of the two backseat passengers’ injuries remain undisclosed. The Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team is currently investigating the accident and has named alcohol use as a contributing factor.

Alcohol related car accidents often cause serious personal injuries. If you have any questions regarding an alcohol related car accident please click here.

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A tragic south side Chicago car accident left one dead and two others hurt early last Sunday. The Chicago car accident occurred on the 300 block of East 61st St. around 12:45 a.m. According to Chicago police, the victims were injured when the Pontiac that they were driving in struck a light pole. The car accident claimed the life of Ulysses Washup, a 28 year old resident of the 6300 block of South Maplewood Avenue. Washup, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was subsequently pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital. The driver and the second passenger were also taken to Stroger Hospital where they were reportedly listed in critical and stable condition respectively.

The 18 year old driver of the vehicle was issued traffic citations for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving without insurance, driving without a license, negligent driving and carrying a passenger in the vehicle without a seatbelt. It remains unclear whether Washup was the one who was not wearing a seat belt.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois car accident you should contact a Chicago personal injury attorney to investigate the accident. For more information on obtaining an Illinois car accident lawyer click here.

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A deadly rollover Illinois car accident resulted in one death and one injury yesterday morning on Chicago’s west side. The tragic car accident occurred at the 3900 block of West Division in the Humboldt Park area of Chicago around 7:30 a.m. According to Chicago Police Sgt. Antoinette Ursitti, a 2002 Nissan XTerra travelling eastbound on Division Street went through a red light at the intersection of Pulaski and Division. The car struck the rear of a 2005 Ford Taurus that was heading north on Pulaski. The driver of the Xterra lost control of his vehicle causing it to hit a pole and roll over.

According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Chicago car accident caused the death of Francisco Delgado of the 1800 block of West Erie Street. Delgado was pronounced dead at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center around 8:14 a.m. He was a passenger in the XTerra at the time of the car crash. The driver of that vehicle was taken to Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center in critical condition according to a Chicago Fire Department Spokesman. The female driver of the Taurus was treated for minor injuries at St. Mary’s Hospital. Police investigating the accident said that charges are pending against the driver of the XTerra. It is unclear whether or not drinking played a role in the Chicago car accident.

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A teenage driver involved in a 2007 Elgin car accident testified on Monday that she had a green light when her car was hit by a Chicago area nun. The car accident, which occurred around 12:00 a.m. on October 7, 2007, at the corner of Randall Road and Illinois Highway 27, resulted in the death of a 16 year-old boy. Sister Marie Marot, a French nun, now faces trial on charges of disobeying a traffic control device. Both Marot and 16 year-old Alexis Pena claim that they had a green signal at the intersection when the car crash occurred. The passenger in Pena’s car, 16 year-old Keith Forbes of Carpentersville, IL, was killed in the accident. According to reports, the van that Marot was driving struck the right rear of Pena’s Honda in the aforementioned intersection while she and three other passengers were heading west on Illinois Route 72.

Kane County Circuit Court Judge Ron Matekaitis has ruled that Marot could wear her habit to court despite the prosecution’s contention that the garb might influence the jury. The judge has also determined that that the jury will not hear testimony relating to the death of Forbes as such evidence could be overly prejudicial to Marot. Marot, a member of the Fraternite Notre Dame order, was on her way home to the Chicago convent after working at an Algonquin pastry shop operated by the nuns when the accident occurred. Marot was accompanied by about twenty other nuns to the first day of trial.

UPDATE: Sister Marie Myrot was found not guilty Tuesday of disobeying a traffic signal in the tragic Chicago car accident.

Continue reading "Nun Accused of Running Red Light in Illinois Car Accident that Caused Teen Death" »

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A Chicago man was charged with DUI after a Monday night car accident that left one dead. Tommie Taylor, a 24 year old resident of the 3600 block of South Lake Park Avenue, was charged with aggravated DUI, driving without a valid driver’s license, and driving without insurance according to Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Michelle Tufenkjian. The Illinois car accident occurred in the northbound lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway at the 79th Street exit around 10:40 p.m. last Monday night. According to reports Taylor, who was already driving on a suspended license from a previous DUI conviction, lost control of his Cadillac sedan and sideswiped a Ford Crown Victoria. The Crown Victoria then struck a barrier wall partially ejecting the driver of the vehicle. The Cadillac driven by Taylor came to a stop in the far right lane.

The driver of the Crown Victoria, 30 year old Justin Hopkins of the 300 block of West 68th Street, was killed as a result of the Chicago car accident. Hopkins was pronounced dead at 11:20 p.m. at Stroger Hospital. Neither Taylor nor the two passengers in his vehicle suffered injuries as a result of the car accident. Taylor’s blood alcohol level has not been released as the car accident remains under investigation.

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A tragic Chicago car accident left one dead and seven injured last night on Chicago’s South Side around 7:50 p.m. The three car crash occurred near the corner of 43rd St. and Western Avenue around 7:50 p.m. according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Joe Roccasalva. The accident occurred when a northbound 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by a 38 year-old man who is now in custody drove through the intersection while the traffic light was red and struck a 1993 Lexus. The Lexus was subsequently forced into a 2004 Toyota Corolla stopped at the southbound red light on Western Avenue. The driver of the Lexus, 45 year old Calvin Hatten of the 200 block of West 14th Place, was killed as a result of the collision according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Three others were listed in serious to critical condition while four were listed in fair to serious condition. Victims of the Chicago car accident were taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, St. Anthony Hospital and Stroger Hostpital. All other victims were listed in stable condition as of Monday.

The 27 year old driver of the Cavalier was taken into police custody and sent to Mt. Sinai Hospital where he is listed in stable condition. The driver was allegedly intoxicated when he disregarded the red light and drove through the intersection. Charges against the alleged drunk driver are pending. The Chicago Police Major Accident Unit is still investigating the fatal Chicago car accident.

Continue reading "South Side Chicago Drunk Driver Car Accident Leaves one dead, seven injured" »

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An off-duty Chicago Police detective killed two young men in a fiery car crash on Chicago’s Dan Ryan Expressway last night. Joseph Frugoli, a 41 year-old detective from the Bridgeport area, was heavily intoxicated when he allegedly plowed his black Lexus into the back of a disabled Dodge Intrepid near the 18th Street ramp around four in the morning. The fiery collision killed both of the passengers in the Intrepid. Frugoli was reportedly walking away from the crash scene when he was apprehended by police. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence, two counts of reckless homicide and one count of leaving the scene of the accident according to the Cook County State’s Attorney. Frugoli was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment where chemical testing showed his blood alcohol level to be three times the legal limit. He reportedly worked for the Wentworth area detective headquarters just off the Dan Ryan at 51st and Wentworth. The Police Department has released a statement reporting the Frugoli has been relieved of his police powers.

The victims of the crash were Andrew Cazares, a 23 year-old resident of the 7700 block of West 62nd Place, and Fausto Manzera, a 21 year-old Chicago resident. Cazares worked construction and was known as a talented artist and skateboarder. Manzera was also artistic and was a college student at DePaul University. The Chicago Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division has launched a probe following the tragic car accident.

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A Chicago traffic accident resulted in four injuries late Monday night in the West Side’s Lawndale neighborhood. The car crash occurred near the corner Douglas Boulevard and Kedzie Avenue around 11:45 p.m. According to reports, an eastbound 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix ran a red light and collided with a 1999 Jeep Cherokee that was southbound on Kedzie. The Pontiac carried a 35 year-old woman driver and two male passengers while the Jeep carried a 21 year-old male driver and an 18 year-old female passenger.

Chicago Fire Department Chief Joe Roccasalva reports that the victims of the crash were taken to two Chicago area hospitals. The woman driver of the Pontiac was taken to John Stroger Hospital where she was listed in critical condition. She received a citation for driving without insurance and driving without a valid driver’s license. The two male passengers of the Pontiac were taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago and were listed in guarded condition. The 18 year-old Jeep passenger was taken to John Stroger Hospital in stable condition. The driver of the Jeep refused medical attention.

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Four people suffered serious injuries this morning in a two vehicle car accident at the corner of Franklin and Madison Streets in downtown Chicago. According to the Chicago Fire Department, the crash occurred when a Chevrolet Ventura van carrying four women passengers collided with a Pontiac Sunfire also carrying four. The cause of the crash is still under investigation however the impact was such that the van was left overturned on the sidewalk at the northwest corner of the Chicago intersection. All four of the passengers in the Sunfire were critically injured in the crash. Two of the injured were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County and two were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The four women inside the van refused medical treatment. The identities of all the car accident victims have not yet been released.

Information related to how the crash occurred has not yet been made available as the accident remains under investigation. The Chicago car accident was fully secured by emergency personnel by 1:30 a.m. according to Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford.

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A South Side rapper was killed last weekend in a motorcycle accident near the corner of 95th Street and Forest Avenue. The fatal crash occurred when a westbound van making a left turn at Forest Avenue collided with a motorcycle being driven by 27 year-old Reginald “St. Nick” Coleman of the 400 block of West 95th Place. Coleman was pronounced dead around 9:00 p.m. at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. The driver of the van, 22 year-old Omari Dollison of the 6500 block of South Maryland Avenue in Chicago, received a ticket for failure to yield the right of way according to Chicago Police. Both Dollison and a van passenger were uninjured in the motorcycle accident.

While never realizing big label success, Coleman was very popular in the local club and bar music scene. He was a founding member of Chicago based White Chalk and was known for the unifying message of his music. According to the family, the tragic death of Coleman came just months after the passing of his wife leaving his three young children without parents. A memorial is planned for this week at Kingdom Church International in Park Forest where Coleman’s brother is a pastor. Coleman is survived by a mother and three sisters living in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Continue reading "Chicago Rapper Killed in Motorcycle Accident" »

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A fiery rollover car accident caused two deaths and one injury on Chicago’s West Side last Saturday. The deadly car crash occurred in the Garfield Park neighborhood around 2:50 a.m. The Chicago car accident occurred when a northbound vehicle traveling on S. Pulaski Road scraped the east curb. The vehicle then struck several parking meters and a light pole before it split in half and became engulfed in flames. The vehicle finally settled on its roof near the intersection of West Monroe Street.

The tragic Chicago car accident left two dead and one critically injured. Jermaine Becton, a 29 year-old resident of 6514 S. Kedzie Ave., was pronounced dead at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County around 4:50 a.m. according to the Cook County Medical Examiner. Fire Media Affairs spokesman Joe Roccasalva said that firefighters were able pull Becton and a yet unidentified woman from the vehicle. The ensuing fire prevented the firefighters from extricating a second unidentified woman from the car. The surviving woman was receiving treatment at Mount Sinai Hospital as of last Saturday. She is listed in critical condition. The accident is under investigation by the police Major Accident Investigation Unit. The police have yet to determine who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.

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A fatal Chicago car accident left one 18 year old dead on Chicago’s Edens Expressway late Wednesday night. The three car collision occurred in the northbound lanes just north of Peterson Avenue at about 11:12 p.m. According to Illinois State Police Sgt. Richard Decker, a wrong way Honda driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes struck a northbound 2004 Acura head-on and sideswiped a 2004 Subaru. The teenage Honda driver, later identified as Michael Adam of the 3700 block of North Park Avenue in Chicago, was reported dead on the scene by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. The driver of the Acura was taken to an unidentified hospital suffering a broken tailbone. The Subaru driver reportedly refused treatment following the accident. None of the vehicles involved in the collision carried passengers.

Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Todd Borisy reports that his office received several calls regarding a wrong way vehicle on the high volume Chicago expressway prior to the accident. Borisy said police are unsure as to the reason Adams was driving in the wrong lanes adding that alcohol is not considered a factor. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the death accidental. Northbound lanes were closed after the accident until about 1:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

Continue reading "Chicago Interstate Car Accident Results in Teen Death" »

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Two children were injured last Sunday morning in a two-car accident in the Chicago loop just outside the Chicago Art Institute. The accident occurred at Michigan Avenue and Jackson Boulevard around 11:20 a.m. according to the Chicago Central District Police Department. Police News Affair Officer John Mirabelli reports that the two-vehicle collision involved an SUV and an undisclosed vehicle. While the SUV driver did not suffer any injuries, two children passengers were taken to Children’s Memorial Hospital. The children were listed in critical condition according to Fire Media Affairs Assistant Director Eve Rodriguez. The driver of the SUV did not suffer any injuries in the crash. Information regarding the other vehicle involved in the crash has not been made available. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for children and adolescents ages 1 to 21 according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Proper use of child safety seats can play a significant role in reducing juvenile car accident injuries. Illinois parents should be aware of both recommended booster seat designs and child seating positions. For more information regarding child vehicular safety refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Continue reading "Chicago Loop Car Accident Injures Two Children" »

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A DuPage County strip club has lost its bid to be excluded from a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a deadly drunk driving accident. The State Appellate Court ruled last Wednesday that the owners of the West Chicago area Diamond’s Strip Club must remain as co-defendants in a wrongful death suit filed against John Homatas. Homatas, a 26 year-old Wayne resident, is currently serving a 12-year sentence following a jury trial in which he was convicted of reckless homicide and aggravated drunken driving. Homatas plead not guilty to those crimes in June 2007 following a head-on collision that killed two adults and one unborn child. The car accident occurred on January 4, 2006, on Illinois Highway 25 between Kenyon Rd. and U.S. Highway 20. After leaving the club, Homatas steered his northbound Jeep across the center line and struck a Chevy Tahoe driven by 27 year-old April Simmons of Yorkville, IL, killing her and her unborn child. John Chiarello, the passenger in Homatas’s car, was also killed in the collision.

The owners of Diamonds claimed that they had no part in the tragic DUI car accident because the strip club does not serve alcohol. The Appellate Court rejected this contention finding that the strip club owed a duty to the deceased plaintiffs when it ejected Homatas from the club and placed him in his vehicle knowing he was intoxicated. While the club does not serve alcohol, it does allow patrons to bring alcoholic beverages onto the premises for personal consumption. The wrongful death lawsuit claims that Diamonds employees started Homatas’s car and watched him drive away after ejecting him from the bar for vomiting in the bathroom. Police reports indicate that Homatas had alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine in his system at the time of the accident. Diamonds owner Ari Pomerantz has vowed to continue to fight the suit.

Continue reading "Illinois State Appellate Court: DuPage Strip Club Must Remain as Co-Defendant in Wrongful Death Case" »

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Two people were seriously injured in a four-vehicle car accident on Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway last Sunday around 9:00 a.m. The crash occurred on the outbound Kennedy Expressway/I-90 near the Addison Street exit. The victims suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries according to Illinois State Police. The crash was eventually moved to the side of the Kennedy around 10:10 a.m. causing delays on the major Chicago roadway.

The State Police are still investigating the crash which may have been weather related. Unconfirmed dispatch reports indicate the Chicago Fire Department initiated an EMS Plan 1 response automatically dispatching five ambulances to the scene. The scene of the accident was completely secured by 9:45 a.m. Emergency crews responded to several similar weather related crashes last Sunday according to the State Police.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) recommends that drivers take extra precautions in preparing for winter travel. First off, the agency urges Illinois drivers to install winter tires designed to handle high water, ice, and snow driving. IDOT also recommends that drivers carry a winter emergency kit that includes a flashlight, road flares, blankets, hand-warmers, food, and water. When coupled with defensive driving, proper weather-related driving preparation can help prevent Illinois car accidents this winter.

Continue reading "Chicago Expressway Accident Leaves Two Seriously Injured" »

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A deadly car accident left two teens dead and four more injured in South Suburban Worth, IL, on Monday night. The crash occurred on the 6600 block of West 107th Street around 9:30 p.m. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, the accident killed the driver, 18 year-old Arthur Cepulcha of 8326 Nashville Ave. in Burbank, IL, and 18 year-old Adam Skora of 5554 W. 85th in Burbank, IL. Four other teen passengers suffered critical injuries in the crash. The injured teen passengers were taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL, and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL. All six of the teens had to be extricated from the severely damaged white four-door vehicle. The extrication took about forty minutes.

Accident investigations have been undertaken by both the Worth Police Department and the Chicago Ridge Police Department. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the deadly automobile accident however published reports speculate that icy roads may have been the culprit. The white four-door car was found wrapped around a tree on its driver side. Regarding the damage, Worth Fire Chief Gary Swiercz reported, “There was not much of a car left.” It is unclear whether alcohol or excessive speed may have contributed to the accident. The accident serves as a sobering reminder of the potentially deadly effect of winter weather on Chicago roadways.

Continue reading "Worth, IL, Car Accident Kills Two Teens, Injures Four More" »

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Stephanie Buzek, a 27 year-old resident of Hoffman Estates, faces criminal charges following a fatal drunk driving accident on Chicago’s Northwest Side. The accident occurred at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Devon Avenue at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 14th. Buzek was allegedly speeding north on Milwaukee when her vehicle collided with the rear end of a stopped car. The victim, 35 year-old Sergio Correa of 3141 N. Hamlin Ave. in Chicago, had stopped for a red light at the intersection. The collision broke Correa’s neck despite the fact that he was wearing his seatbelt. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital pronounced Correa dead at 2:57 a.m. on Sunday according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Bond was set at $100,000 on Monday for Buzek, who remains hospitalized following the car accident. According to police News Affairs Officer John Henry, Buzek has been charged with driving under the influence, aggravated driving under the influence, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and negligent driving. The Cook County State’s Attorney Office alleges that Buzek and a friend had dinner and at least three beers on the night of the accident. Buzek remains hospitalized at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, having suffered a broken leg as a result of the collision. Her injuries are not believed to be serious. Buzek’s preliminary hearing for the criminal charges is scheduled for December 30th.

Continue reading "Hoffman Estates, IL, Woman Charged with DUI Following Deadly Chicago Car Accident" »

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Two Chicago women were killed and two more were injured in a motor vehicle accident Monday afternoon when their 2004 Toyota Camry collided with an International semi tractor-trailer. The car accident occurred at 2:20 p.m. on Peace Road just north of Fairway Drive in DeKalb. An investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office determined that the northbound semi crashed into the southbound Camry when the passenger vehicle lost control on a snow-covered road. The Camry began to slide sideways and crossed the center line forcing the semi driver to serve right. Unfortunately, the semi was unable to avoid a collision. Two of the passengers, Mary Heidkamp of Edgewater, and Sarah Conway of Edgewater, were killed in the collision. The two injured women, Joanne Steenveld of Skokie, and Kathleen O’Toole of Edgewater, remained hospitalized as of Tuesday. Anthony Medical Center officials have listed Steenvold in serious condition and O’Toole in critical condition. The driver of the semi was not injured.

The motor vehicle tragedy serves as a reminder that Chicago area drivers need to take extra care as winter weather begins. Mayor Daley echoed this sentiment last Monday urging drivers to slow down during winter weather events. The Mayor is forced to do more with less this winter season and he asks motorists to help by slowing down and yielding to plows. Daley revealed that last Monday’s snow, which brought only 2 ½ inches of snow to the north side of Chicago, cost taxpayers about $490,000. Heeding the Mayor’s advice this winter can help Chicagoans save both money and lives.

Continue reading "DeKalb, IL, Car Accident Kills Two Chicago Women: Injures Two Others" »

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The accident occurred Monday June 9th. The Joliet Camry driver was on Archer Ave just north of 127th street in Cook County Illinois. As the driver was slowing he was rear ended by A Dodge Durango that failed to slow down. The force of the crash pushed the Camry into the path of an oncoming semi-trailer truck. The Camry driver identified as Robert Bato, 66 was pronounced dead at Loyola Medical Center late Monday evening.

The driver of the Durango received a ticket for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for driving without a license.

The fact that the driver of the Durango may have not had a valid license may present issues as to whether he is also validly insured. As difficult as it may be the family of Mr. Bato should consult with a knowledgeable in jury attorney as soon as possible to investigate all avenues of liability and possible methods of recovery. This may even be a case where the semi truck should be impounded to determine if the driver of the semi tractor trailer truck was speeding. Most trucks contain a so called “black box” that records the speed and braking maneuvers just before a crash. If this information is not obtained immediately it will likely be lost forever and the family may not make a full economic recovery.

Continue reading "Chicago surburban car-truck accident results in the death of a Joliet man" »

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A bicyclist suffered serious head injuries on Lasalle Street in Chicago Monday night when the driver of a parked car opened the door in his path. The bicycle rider was thrown under an on coming car and suffered critical head injuries.

Four bicycle riders have been killed this year riding their bikes on the streets of Chicago.

Several years ago I represented the family of a man who died in a similar accident on Fullerton Avenue in Chicago. He was riding his bike to work when the driver of a parked car opened his door without looking back and pushed him under the wheels of a tractor trailer truck.

The jury held that the driver who opened the car door and the truck driver were each 50% at fault for the death of the bicyclist. The jury awarded a substantial 7 figure verdict which greatly helped the family of the bike rider. Without the jury award the family would have been impoverished. Because of the jury award the children were able to finish school in a good suburban school and the mom was able to be around to help keep them out of trouble. I recently ran into one of the boys and he told me that they are all doing great.

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Posted In: Bike Accidents , Brain Injury , Car Accidents

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Although some car collisions can be easily dealt with without the help of a car accident attorney, it is advisable that you consult with a personal injury lawyer when you have been in a car crash where you or someone you love has been seriously injured.

Chicago car accident law firm Joseph Klest, Attorney at Law, has successfully dealt with thousands of car accident cases that have taken places on Illinois's busy roads and freeways—particularly throughout the Chicago area. We will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence to prove your claim, get respected experts to serve as witnesses for you, and provide you with the names of medical specialists. Mr. Klest can also represent you in motor vehicle collision cases involving serious property damage.

What To Do After You Have Been in a Car Accident
Do NOT give a statement to the insurance company of the party that caused your accident until you speak with a personal injury lawyer first. Many insurance companies will try to get you to agree to a settlement amount right away without conducting a more thorough investigation.

An experienced car injury attorney can protect your rights, make sure that you do not damage or prejudice your injury claim by making the wrong kinds of statements, conduct a complete investigation on your behalf, and hire medical experts to examine your injuries to determine your immediate and long-term recovery care and expenses.

Medical treatment and rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, severed limbs, fractures, broken bones, and disfigurements are extremely costly. Chicago Injury Attorney Klest can make sure that these expenses are taken into consideration when working out a settlement with the liable party on your behalf.

Car Accident Claims
Automobile claims can be fairly complicated to prove, which is why you need to hire a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in successfully dealing with car crash cases. While the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois is two years, some kinds of kinds of car accidents have shorter deadlines for a plaintiff to file a case.

Your car accident case might also involve a products liability claim if the vehicle that caused your injury was defective—as is often the case with SUV rollovers, defective airbags, and seatback collapses that could have been prevented by the manufacturer. It is important to get a personal injury lawyer immediately involved in your case so that the evidence of the product defect is preserved and investigated.

There may be multiple and hidden liable parties, such as more than one negligent motor vehicle driver, that can be held liable for your injuries, pain, and suffering. If a negligent driver killed your son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, or father, filing a wrongful death lawsuit will allow you to demand financial recovery for your loss.

Joseph Klest, Attorney at Law is Ready to Help You
Although you won't always need to hire a personal injury attorney right away, you must get legal advice immediately. Mr. Klest offers a free initial consultation to all potential clients. He would be happy to give you advice about what he thinks you should do.

We have law offices in Chicago and Schaumburg, Illinois, and we represent injury victims from cities throughout Will County, Lake County, Cook County, and DuPage County, and the rest of Illinois. If it is more convenient for you that we meet closer to your home or hospital, we will travel.

Call Joseph Klest, Attorney at Law, at (312) 527-2779, (630) 529-7848 or (847) 969-9510 for your FREE consultation or contact us online.

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Posted In: Car Accidents

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