Tragic, Fatal Pedestrian Accident on South Lake Shore Drive on the South Side of Chicago

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Chicago Sun-Times reported that a woman died after a motor vehicle struck her recently. The woman was walking on South Lake Shore Drive on the South Side of Chicago when the tragic incident transpired. The woman who died lived in Lincoln Park. She was 24 years old when she died. Chicago Police investigated the incident and have not made an arrest not issued any citations for moving violations. The matter remains under scrutiny with the Chicago Police Department’s Major Accidents investigators who opened the case.

Chicago Police accident investigators reported the fatal pedestrian crash occurred around 9:48 in the evening. Officers said that witnesses told them the woman, who was walking in the 3700 block of South Lake Shore Drive. A woman was driving a 2018 Lexus sedan collided with the pedestrian. Accident investigators have not determined why the woman sprinted into traffic.

According to the Chicago Police and the Cook County Coroner’s Office representatives, the pedestrian was severely injured in the collision. Chicago EMS rushed her to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Physicians at Northwestern Memorial Hospital declared her deceased from her wounds.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office performed a post-mortem study on the pedestrian. The coroner’s office opined that the cause of death was blunt trauma inflicted over the woman’s body after she was struck by the Lexus. The Cook County coroner’s office declared that the woman’s official cause of death was an accident, rather than suicide, homicide, natural causes, or unknown causes.

No other motorist was hurt in the crash. The female operating the 2018 Lexus stayed in the area of the accident. Police have yet to state why the woman tried to cross South Lake Shore Drive at the moment she did. Unfortunately, they might never be able to find out.

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Personal Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at (312) 422-0506.

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Pedestrian Killed by Suspected Car Thief Fleeing from Police

CHICAGO, Ill. — A suspected car thief fleeing from Chicago police in a stolen vehicle struck and killed a 27-year-old man who was sitting in a Chicago Transit Authority bus shelter. The fleeing vehicle left the roadway, slammed into the CTA shelter, and killed the man sitting there waiting for the bus. Chicago police had issued a litany of criminal charges against the driver of the stolen car and the two passengers who were also in the car when it crashed according to CBS Chicago. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office accepted the case and performed an autopsy. WBBM reported that the medical examiner did not release any details related to the pedestrian’s cause of death. The matter is still under investigation with the Chicago police accident investigatory squad.

The deadly police chase began after officers followed up on a report of a stolen Jeep around 11:40 a.m. The victim of the car theft notified the investigating officers that they could locate the stolen Jeep near the intersection of 101StStreet and Crandon Avenue. Officers found the Jeep near where the victim reported that car and officers tried to pull the Jeep over. Rather than obeying the lawful commands of the officers, the driver of the stolen Jeep took off at a tremendous speed. The officers followed in a manner described as a “high-speed chase.” 

The chase continued until the vehicle flew off of the roadway near 9900 South Van Vlissingen Road in the Jeffrey Manor neighborhood of Chicago. The Jeep crushed the CTA bus shelter at that location. Chicago police told the media that a lone pedestrian was seated in the shelter at the time of the incident. Authorities pronounced that man deceased at the scene of the incident. Chicago PD arrested the driver and the two passengers of the stolen Jeep. The charges filed against the driver and two passengers are still pending. 

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Personal Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at (312) 422-0506.

Stein & Shulman, LLC
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Chicago, IL 60602
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Sources:https://wbbm780.radio.com/articles/person-bus-stop-killed-when-stolen-vehicle-strikes-shelter and https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/06/30/pedestrian-waiting-at-cta-bus-stop-killed-by-vehicle-fleeing-police/

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Illinois Allows School Bus Lighting System

School Bus Laws in Illinois

TOLEDO, Ohio — Illinois became the 22nd state to permit school buses to use a lighting system dubbed “Guardian Angel.” According to the School Transportation News, school districts and bus operators must obtain permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation before the district could install the Guardian Angel lighting system. The lights used as part of the Guardian Angel are higher off of the ground and cast a cone of light at 45-degree angles to the bus and therefore require approval from the Department of Transportation. Many people working in the educational system in Illinois believe that implementing the Guardian Angel system is a tremendous step toward ensuring students’ safety while crossing the street at the bus stop as well as preventing cars from passing unlawfully.

The Guardian Angel lighting system is electronically tied to the Stop Arm and red lights on the bus. The Guardian Angel comes on when the driver initiates the red lights of the bus. The 1,000-lumen light, which is a bright white LED flood light, shines down at a 45-degree from the sides of the bus. The light focuses its beam on students crossing the street to get to the bus. The light will shut off when the driver closes the door, even if the red lights stay on.

Experts say that utilization of the Guardian Angel lighting system will make bus stops safer for students by illuminating the route to the bus so that other motorists can see them in those darker mornings such as in winter or adverse weather. Additionally, the beam emitted from the Guardian Angel is so bright that drivers approaching the bus from both the front and rear will have no difficulty observing the light and should immediately understand that passing the bus at that moment — even though unlawful — would imperil students crossing to get to their school bus.

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Personal Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at (312) 422-0506.

Stein & Shulman, LLC
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Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 422-0506
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Source:https://stnonline.com/industry-releases/illinois-saw-the-light-22nd-state-to-allow-school-bus-lighting-system/

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Hit-and-Run Accident in St. Charles, Illinois

School Bus Laws in Illinois

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — Police cast a wide net to capture the suspect they believe ran away from a pedestrian accident that left a young girl clinging to life. According to NBC Chicago, the police found the person they think is responsible for nearly killing the seven-year-old girl. Police say the 42-year-old man whom police charged with the crime surrendered himself to Kane County law enforcement authorities on Monday, May 13, 2019. The man turned himself in to police around 12:15 p.m. on Monday afternoon. He now faces several criminal charges. *

Law enforcement investigators reported that a black Dodge pickup truck driving on Geneva Avenue in the unincorporated township of St. Charles located in Kane County struck the seven-year-old girl. The girl was riding a bicycle at the time of the collision. Medics airlifted the badly injured child to Lutheran General Hospital. Authorities said her injuries were possibly life-threatening. 

Sheriff’s deputies said that the driver of the truck involved in the crash drove from the scene. The driver stopped the truck and ran away on foot. Deputies said he jumped into a nearby river and ran through several backyards. Officers examined the truck and determined that it belonged to the person whom they charged. Investigators sought the public’s help apprehending the suspected hit-and-run driver. Accordingly, they released a mug shot of the suspect from 2017 to the media.

The 42-year-old driver of the pickup truck faces a slew of criminal charges including driving with a revoked license, driving an uninsured vehicle, failing to slow down to avoid a crash, fleeing the scene of an accident, and also refusing to report an accident that caused injuries. 

The latest information about the injured victim is that she is on the mend. According to NBC Chicago, a relative of the child posted an update on social media and said that the girl suffered a couple of broken bones but is otherwise expected to make a full recovery.

*Source:https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/brian-quartuccio-st-charles-township-hit-and-run-crash-person-of-interest-509846001.html

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Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago

Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago Can Happen in Many Ways

Pedestrians walking in Chicago experience danger coming from all directions. Without warning, pedestrians in Chicago can find themselves in perilous situations because of the action, or inaction, of a careless motorist. Some locations are more dangerous than others to be sure. However, any time pedestrians and motor vehicles must share the same space the situation can become deadly in an instant.

Although there are an unlimited potential ways a pedestrian could get hit by a vehicle, there are some categories of pedestrian accidents that frequently occur. For example, walking in a parking lot exposes pedestrians to the risk of getting hit by a car from inattentive drivers. It is no less dangerous because people tend to drive more slowly in a parking lot. The pedestrian who is hit by a car is exposed to severe injury, even in a low-speed collision.

When pedestrians walk along the roadside, they are exposing themselves to tremendous risk of death or injury, especially when walking in reduced lighting or the dark. Any pedestrian who walks on the side of the road should walk facing traffic and as far off to the side as possible. Walking on the left side of the road gives the pedestrian a chance to see cars coming head-on and hopefully make an evasive maneuver to avoid getting hit.

Crossing highways and busy streets are dangerous. Pedestrians must cross with the light and always in a crosswalk to make it safely across. Walking when the light permits and crossing in a crosswalk, or at an intersection if no crosswalks are available, will minimize the potential risk of being struck by a car.

Pedestrians must always be wary of turning vehicles. When trying to cross a street, pedestrians can sometimes unwittingly walk into the path of a turning car. Pedestrians must maintain a constant watch for turning cars and anticipate that cars will turn in their direction even if the driver failed to signal a turn. 

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Personal Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at (312) 422-0506.

Stein & Shulman, LLC
134 N LaSalle St, #820
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 422-0506

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Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago Can Happen in Many Ways

Pedestrians walking in Chicago experience danger coming from all directions. Without warning, pedestrians in Chicago can find themselves in perilous situations because of the action, or inaction, of a careless motorist. Some locations are more dangerous than others to be sure. However, any time pedestrians and motor vehicles must share the same space the situation can become deadly in an instant.

Although there are an unlimited potential ways a pedestrian could get hit by a vehicle, there are some categories of pedestrian accidents that frequently occur. For example, walking in a parking lot exposes pedestrians to the risk of getting hit by a car from inattentive drivers. It is no less dangerous because people tend to drive more slowly in a parking lot. The pedestrian who is hit by a car is exposed to severe injury, even in a low-speed collision.

When pedestrians walk along the roadside, they are exposing themselves to tremendous risk of death or injury, especially when walking in reduced lighting or the dark. Any pedestrian who walks on the side of the road should walk facing traffic and as far off to the side as possible. Walking on the left side of the road gives the pedestrian a chance to see cars coming head-on and hopefully make an evasive maneuver to avoid getting hit.

Crossing highways and busy streets are dangerous. Pedestrians must cross with the light and always in a crosswalk to make it safely across. Walking when the light permits and crossing in a crosswalk, or at an intersection if no crosswalks are available, will minimize the potential risk of being struck by a car.

Pedestrians must always be wary of turning vehicles. When trying to cross a street, pedestrians can sometimes unwittingly walk into the path of a turning car. Pedestrians must maintain a constant watch for turning cars and anticipate that cars will turn in their direction even if the driver failed to signal a turn. 

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Car Accident Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at (312) 422-0506.

Stein & Shulman, LLC
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Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 422-0506

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Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Cyclists in Chicago, Illinois

Call 312-422-0506 if injured in an accident.

Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Cyclists in Chicago

Now that the weather is finally warmer, people will emerge from their winter seclusion to enjoy the spring in Chicago. The warmer weather brings out many people who like to walk or job in the city, especially along the waterfront. Bicycle riders also emerge at this time. Bike riders occupy some of the same spaces that pedestrians occupy. Thus, collisions between pedestrians and bicycle riders are inevitable.

Crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians can be serious. Both pedestrians and bike riders can sustain severely, and sometimes fatal, injuries in these types of collisions. Bikes on bike paths can reach high speeds, especially considering the threat of a collision with a motor vehicle is greatly reduced. Experienced bike riders on surfaces in good repair can reach 25 miles per hour or more. Thus, any contact between a bicycle rider going 25 miles per hour and a person walking is likely to cause significant injuries.

The necessary question that follows is: who is to blame for the injuries caused by the crash? The answer, of course, is: it depends. Pedestrians and bike riders owe each other a duty to act safely. Thus, if a person stepped in front of a cyclist and the cyclist crashed causing serious injuries, the pedestrian could be liable. Conversely, the cyclist who carelessly rides on a bike path into a group of walkers and causes them injuries will be responsible under Illinois’ law of negligence.

In nearly every respect, there is a great similarity between an accident in which a pedestrian is hit by a car and a crash when the pedestrian was hit by a bike. The lone exception is the lack of insurance to cover the accident. Since no cars are involved, there is no auto insurance to fall back on. However, if the party responsible for the collision owns a home, other real property, or has other assets, then the accident victim could satisfy a judgment by attaching and forcing the sale of the property owned by the responsible party in limited circumstances.

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Car Accident Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at (312) 422-0506.

Stein & Shulman, LLC
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Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 422-0506

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Fatal Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Claim Lawyers in Illinois

What does a personal injury lawyer charge in legal fees?

The death of any loved one in an accident is devastating. The sudden and unexpected loss creates a void in the victim’s family’s lives. The news of the tragic event sparks powerful emotions and inexplicable grief. Once the grief slowly starts to subside, then the harsh reality strikes for many people. Questions arise like how will I survive financially without my loved one’s salary? How can I care for our children? What will my kids do now that one of their parents is gone? These questions may be asked of children who lost their parents, or parents who have lost their children in pedestrian accidents in Illinois. Accordingly, pursuing a wrongful death claim could help ease the financial burden you experienced from the death of your loved one.

Illinois law does not permit every family member to file a wrongful death claim. Only the next of kin of the person who died can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Illinois law determines who the next of kin should be if the answer is not obvious. The next of kin files suit in a representative capacity and might not be the individual who receives any financial award. 

Damages in Illinois pedestrian wrongful death cases are wide-ranging. Illinois law allows the estate of the person who died to collect for medical bills as well as pain and suffering the person who died experienced from the incident before expiring. Additionally, Illinois’ wrongful death statute permits recovery of damages to family members for certain types of losses. One of those losses is the future financial loss created by the pedestrian’s death. Another measure of damages is the emotional loss a spouse or a child will experience as a consequence of the pedestrian’s death. Importantly, Illinois law allows the family to recover funeral and burial costs in addition to any out-of-pocket expenses the family experienced from their family member’s tragic demise.

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Car Accident Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at (312) 422-0506.

Stein & Shulman, LLC
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Chicago, IL 60602
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Chicago Police Driver in Hit-and-Run

Chicago Police Searching for Hit-and-Run Driver

CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago police investigators from the Major Accident Investigation Unit have requested the public’s assistance in identifying the operator of a Dodge Journey sports utility vehicle that struck a pedestrian and took off from the scene of the crash. According to WGN 9 TV, the pedestrian who was hit is a 61-year-old woman. The victim sustained severe injuries and was listed in critical condition after the crash on Friday, April 5, 2019, in the 1200 South block area of Central Park Avenue.  Chicago PD has not made any arrests in the investigation. There is no update available concerning the current medical condition of the injured pedestrian. *

Chicago police investigators released a grainy still photograph pulled from a surveillance video. The photograph shows a red or maroon Dodge Journey SUV striking the female pedestrian. The contact between the vehicle and pedestrian occurs in a crosswalk and either the police or media have obscured the face of the victim. The crosswalk is located in the 1200 South block of Central Park Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. After the pedestrian and vehicle collided, the driver of the Dodge Journey drove away from the location of the accident without stopping. Police say that the vehicle drove south on Central Park Avenue after hitting the victim. The still photo shows that the weather was wet and rainy Friday afternoon. However, police have not said whether the rainy and slick conditions contributed to the crash. CBS 2 reported that the crash happened around 2:00 p.m. Friday.

The victim is reportedly a 61-year-old woman. The last information available indicated that the victim remains in critical condition at the hospital. Investigators with the Major Accident Investigation Unit asked people with information to contact the Chicago police department and speak with investigators. The incident remains under investigation. 

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Personal Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at (312) 422-0506.

Stein & Shulman, LLC
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Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 422-0506

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*Source:https://wgntv.com/2019/04/06/search-for-hit-and-run-driver/ and https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/04/06/police-release-photo-of-vehicle-wanted-in-hit-and-run-in-north-lawndale/

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Technology Causes Spike in Pedestrian Deaths

Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian deaths have reached their highest levels in thirty years and stakeholders, meaning states, cities, towns, and safety organizations are trying to figure out why. Many factors could play into the answer, but one element of society present today that was hardly a consideration a generation ago is the ubiquitous use of cellphones. Cellphone usage among drivers — and pedestrians as well — may be considered the most prominent factor in the increase in pedestrian accidents and fatalities from thirty years ago according to an article appearing in the Counsel and Heal magazine. The question that stakeholders should ask is whether technology may be able to turn the tide back to a time when roads in the U.S. are much safer for pedestrians than they are now.

Counsel and Heal recognize three factors that substantially contribute to the marked increase in pedestrian fatalities over the last three years. Cellphone use is the most significant factor. Distracted driving is a massive problem in the U.S., and there is no clear way to persuade people, motorists and pedestrians alike, to put down their phones. Many states have passed laws that seek to impose civil penalties for driving while using a cell phone or otherwise distracted by an electronic device. The attempt is noble but trying to legislate bad habits out of people is the proverbial finger in the dike.

Three complementary factors play a roll in the increased number of pedestrian crashes beyond distracted driving. One element is the increased population in the U.S. The number of motorist and pedestrians increases with the increase in population. Second, vehicles in the U.S. are overgrown, especially with the introduction of the sports utility vehicle into our stream of commerce. Third, crumbling infrastructure decreases safety on U.S. roads.

Technology might be the antidote for problems caused by technology. Inserting sensors in the road designed to send alerts when roads and bridges need repairs. Increasing the amount of autonomous braking and collision avoidance systems can hopefully counterbalance the peril in which pedestrians currently find themselves.

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Car Accident Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at (312) 422-0506.

Stein & Shulman, LLC
134 N LaSalle St, #820
Chicago, IL 60602
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Source:https://www.counselheal.com/articles/40081/20190401/why-pedestrian-road-deaths-surging.htm

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