Martin J. Healy Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Main Causes for Road Accidents in Chicago

Friday, May 13, 2011 by Martin J. Healy

Road conditions and driver negligence contribute

In Chicago, a variety of reasons cause road accidents. They tend to fall into two categories: road conditions and driver negligence.

Road conditions

� Construction

� Traffic volume

� Ice

� Slick conditions

� Snow

� Obstructions (including animals)

Driver negligence

� Tailgating

� Speeding

� Drunk driving

� Unlicensed drivers

� Driver fatigue

� Careless lane changing

� Driver distraction

These factors only worsen with trucks on the state’s highways. The sheer weight of an 18-wheeler overwhelms that of a passenger car. But other accident characteristics become evident, such as improper training and inadequate maintenance.

If you have been injured on the road, you need to seek immediate medical attention. Then, you should consult an injury attorney in Chicago. Chicago personal injury lawyers are familiar with the local roads and their conditions and know the best ways to pursue a claim. When you have been harmed in a semi truck accident in Chicago, you need an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Chicago.

New laws to increase safety, effective January 1, 2010

On August 6, 2009, House Bill 71 and House Bill 72 became law in Illinois. The new laws ban drivers from sending text messages while driving in Illinois and make it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving through a highway construction zone or school zone. In addition, it is illegal to compose, send, or read text messages, instant messages, and e-mail on a cell phone or surf the Internet while driving. The ban includes personal digital assistants and portable or mobile computers, but does not include global positioning systems (GPS) or navigation systems.

Even with these new laws, many motorists ignore any potential consequences to themselves or others on the road, including pedestrians or bicyclists. Drive defensively and take care on Chicago’s roadways.

To talk to experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys, call The Healy Law Firm toll free at 877-767-4591 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.

Healy Law Firm
111 West Washington St. #1425
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 977-0100

Posted at 03:23 AM

Topic: Personal Injury