Illinois Injury Law Blog

A Chicago Police officer on his way to work landed in the hospital as a result of a traffic accident in the Washington Park neighborhood on the South Side.

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About 8:45 a.m. the unidentified officer, who was in his personal vehicle, was hit by another car, which caused the officer’s car into a “T-bone” crash. This crash occurred near the intersection of East 55th Street and South Wentworth Avenue, said Wentworth District police.

The male officer was hurt, but was reported to be in “decent” shape at the hospital. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

A fire department spokesman said that they transported one person in serious to critical condition to Northwestern Memorial Hospital at 9:09 a.m. He could not confirm if the injured person was a police officer.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Unfortunately, car accidents occur on a regular basis in our city and across the country. Sometimes it is because of negligence on the part of another person. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Chicago officer injured in car accident, SouthTownStar.com, June 5, 2009

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Service along the CTA’s Blue Line came back on schedule after an accident between a car and a train the early morning of June 11, 2009.

Photo by urbanFLORIDA

Police suspect that wet and slick conditions on the roads caused a 2008 Dodge Charger driven by Jose Rivera, 31, of Melrose Park, to rear-end another car, which then caused his vehicle to lurch over an embankment on the Eisenhower Expressway onto train tracks where it then became pinned under an oncoming train.

Train passenger, Dale Ellis, says, “Just going on normally. All of a sudden it felt like we got hit by something. There was a dragging and a lot of shaking. All the lights went off in the car and the doors popped open. Then the train finally came to a stop. Everybody was running around trying to see if everybody was ok."

Thirty people were on the train. No serious injuries were reported, but 9 people were treated at local hospitals for minor injuries.

James Purl, 13th Battalion Chief, Chicago Fire Dept. said, "There was a couple neck and back injuries, and then I know a foot injury and just probably people distraught from the accident."

About thirty minutes after the initial incident, another train arrived to take passengers away from the scene. The Blue Line was down for several hours.

Noelle Gaffney, CTA spokesperson, said, "There doesn't appear at this point to be significant damage. Obviously, we want to get the train moved so we can look at everything underneath, but the preliminary indications are that there wasn't significant damage."

A third car whose driver saw the crash struck a median.

Rivera was cited with improper lane usage and no insurance. Further citations are pending.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Unfortunately, car accidents occur on a regular basis in our city and across the country. Sometimes it is because of negligence on the part of another person. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Driver cited in I-290 car, train crash, ABClocal.go.com, June 11, 2009

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Emotions were high and tempers flared April 12, 2009 when the Chicago Police detective charged with killing two men in an accident while driving under the influence was given what several of the victims' friends and relatives thought was a low bail.

"This man should be in jail," Andrew Cazares' friend Kenny Dennison Jr. said after Cook County Judge Donald Panarese Jr. set a $500,000 bail for Joseph Frugoli.

"I feel sick to my stomach about this; $500,000 [bond] for two lives doesn't make sense."

Almost 70 relatives and friends for Cazares, 23, and Fausto Manzera, 21, sat waiting to hear the outcome in Panarese's packed courtroom on April 12.

Outside, a few friends and relatives of the victims loudly expressed their opinions, insisting that because Frugoli was able to post bond, it was all a police conspiracy.

Freed on bail, Frugoli walked out the facility's main entrance on California Avenue at about 2 p.m., said sheriff's spokesman Steve Patterson.

Cazares and Manzera died in a fiery crash on April 10, 2009 when an intoxicated Frugoli plowed into the back of their disabled car on the Dan Ryan Expy., prosecutors said.

Frugoli, 41, has been charged with two counts of reckless homicide, two counts of driving under the influence and one count of leaving the scene of an accident.

"My client and his family are heartbroken over the incident," said Frugoli's lawyer, Gregg L. Smith. "He did not set out that night to harm anyone."

Cook County sheriff's officers Sunday got the small crowd under control and took one man into custody for his own safety, but he was not charged and later released, sources said.

The victims' immediate relatives clung to each other as they left the courthouse. They were not involved in the outside disturbance.

"This is a very sad day for all of us," Cazares' cousin Erik Franco said. "But we respect the decision made here today."

Michael Rihani, Manzera's brother-in-law, said the magnitude of the loss is just beginning to sink in.

Frugoli, an 18-year police veteran, has been relieved of his police powers.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Unfortunately, car accidents occur on a regular basis in our city and across the country. Sometimes it is because of negligence on the part of another person. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

$500,000 bond for cop accused of DUI in double-fatal crash, Suntimes.com, April 12, 2009

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Two men were killed in a fiery three-car crash on the Far South Side in April in the South Chicago neighborhood have been identified.

Police say the driver of a BMW that burst into flame after hitting a barrier was a U.S Navy veteran. The spokesperson for the U.S. Navy was not available for comment.

The three-car crash happened at about 12:20 a.m. in the 3200 block of E. 106th St, said the police News Affairs Officer Laura Kubiak.

The eastbound BMW attempted to pass, but the driver lost control and struck two other vehicles before hitting the barrier of a bridge and catching on fire. Both occupants of the BMW were trapped inside.

The driver and U.S. Navy veteran was Alejandro Ortega, 29, of 10425 S. Ave. N, and the passenger, David Mendoza, in his 20s, of 10000 South Avenue L, were both killed in the wreck and pronounced dead at the scene.

Autopsy determined both men died of multiple injuries from an automobile accident and their deaths were ruled accidents, the medical examiner’s office said.

Police Major Accident Investigation Unit detective is investigating.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Unfortunately, car accidents occur on a regular basis in our city and across the country. Sometimes it is because of negligence on the part of another person. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Two killed in fiery South Side crash,WBBM780.com, April 12, 2009

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A Cook County jury has found in favor of the family of a BMW salesman in a wrongful death suit against a prospective car buyer who took a test drive and crashed the car killing the salesman.

The jury on Monday awarded Czapski's family $13.7 million, concluding that Maher was liable for Czapski's death in 2004 in South Barrington.

"We are gratified that the jury appreciated the significant loss that the Czapski family experienced," Tim Cavanagh, the family's lawyer said. "For four-and-a-half years, Christopher Maher denied that he was legally responsible for Roger's death."

On August 4, 2004, Christopher Maher took out a BMW 530i sedan with Roger Czapski, 22, in the front seat and two of Maher’s friends in the back seat.

At about 5:50 p.m. the BMW was traveling east on Algonquin Road when it struck the front end of a 2002 Saturn making a left turn onto Willow Creek Church Drive, and then swerved and hit a light pole. The front passenger side of the car—where Czapski sat—took the brunt of the impact, police said.

Maher was ejected from the car. He and his two friends suffered serious injuries but survived. Czapski was pronounced dead at a local hospital 90 minutes later.
Witnesses, including the two back-seat passengers and friends of Maher, testified at trial that the BMW was traveling about 95 miles per hour at impact, Cavanagh said.

Maher's attorneys posited that Czapski was at least partially to blame for his own death, telling the jurors that Czapski said to Maher, "Now it's your turn. Open it up." They also suggested that Czapski never told Maher he had to slow down.

One of Maher's lawyers, Tom Jacobson, said he plans to file motions stating that "some evidence was improperly excluded."

"It was a tragic accident," he said. "However, the verdict isn't in line with the evidence."

In October 2005, Maher pleaded guilty to aggravated speeding in connection with the crash. He was sentenced to one year of probation and 30 days of community service at the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Unfortunately, car accidents occur on a regular basis in our city and across the country. Sometimes it is because of negligence on the part of another person. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

$13.7M awarded in South Barrington crash lawsuit, ChicagoBreakingNews.com, April 21, 2009

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An ambulance stolen in Chicago caused a six-car accident as a result of being driven too fast and too carelessly in a north suburb of Evanston, Illinois on March 24, 2009.

The accident occurred around 3 p.m. at the intersection of Chicago and Dempster says Evanston police Commander Tom Guenther. Cmdr. Guenther also said there were several injuries, although he did not provide details. A witness said as many as eight people were injured.

The ambulance looks to have been stolen from a Chicago nursing home. The suspect then drove north on Chicago Avenue into Evanston, Guenther said. The van struck a parked vehicle at Chicago and Washington, but did not stop.

"He just kept going at a high rate of speed," Guenther said. "He was driving very erratically and it is possible the driver was impaired."

The vehicle, a private ambulance, continued north on Chicago until causing the pile-up at Dempster, Guenther said.

Witness Robert Skertich of Chicago was also driving north on Chicago when the ambulance passed him driving fast with its lights flashing. The stolen ambulance was not using sirens.

"He ran the red light and just plowed through three cars," said Skertich, a native of Chicago in Evanston to meet with a business client. "Two of those cars were totalled. It was just amazing that no pedestrians were hit."

The driver then got out of the ambulance, Skertich said. "There was blood all over this guy's face and he just started screaming, 'I hate God. I hate God.' then he starts running. Didn't even stop to see if everyone was OK."

Skertich reported that he and a friend who was in the car got out and chased the man, eventually keeping him contained until police arrived.

Skertich said the driver was a "small guy" who put up quite a fight when officers tried to arrest him. Cmdr. Guenther confirmed that the driver struggled with police officers before being taken into custody.

The suspect was among those injured in the accident, and received medical care, Guenther said. He is now in the custody of Evanston police awaiting the filing of charges.

Chicago police confirmed that a private medical ambulance was stolen from a nursing home in the 7400 block of North Clark at about 2:40 p.m. March 24, 2009. News Affairs Officer Joanne Taylor said there were no patients or staff inside the vehicle at the time.

"We understand the vehicle was recovered after causing property damage in Evanston, and the case may involve a DUI," Taylor said.

Guenther said the intersection of Dempster and Chicago remained close at 5:15 p.m., but police had it reopened by 6 p.m.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Unfortunately, accidents are a regular occurrence in our city and across the country. Sometimes it is because of negligence on the part of another person. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Stolen ambulance causes six-car crash in Evanston, SunTimes.com, March 24, 2009

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Four people were injured in a two-car pin-in crash in the South Loop the morning of March 9, 2009.

Photo by KCzarzasty

Four ambulances came in response to the pin-in crash at 18th and Canal Streets about 9 a.m., said Fire Media Affairs Cmdr. Will Knight.

A pin-in crash is an accident that results in car occupants being pinned inside a vehicle.

An SUV and a Dodge Stratus were involved in the crash, Fire Media spokesman Joe Roccasalva said. The SUV was flipped upside down.

Four people were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. They were reported to be in serious but stable condition.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Unfortunately, accidents do happen on a regular basis in our city and across this country. Sometimes it is because of negligence on the part of another person. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Four Injured In South Loop Pin-In Crash, WBBM780.com, March 9, 2009

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A Chicago Fire Department captain died March 9, 2009 after his car touched another vehicle and he lost control. His car then crashed into the rear of a parked semi-trailer truck on the Tri-State Tollway, police report.

Photo by On Scene Action Media

Kevin Gray, 55, was a member of the Fire Department for over 20 years, said Chicago Fire Department spokesman Quention Curtis. Gray was assigned to O’Hare International Airport and is survived by his wife and children.

The crash occurred about 6:40 a.m. near the Hinsdale Oasis exit on the southbound side of the highway, said police.

Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Mark Brzeczek said that two vehicles—a Ford Focus and a GMC Envoy—were “driving aggressively” and touched. The Focus went out of control and slammed into the semi-trailer, which was stopped on the side of the highway.

Police investigators are speaking with the driver of the Envoy, but no criminal charges have been filed.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Unfortunately, accidents do happen on a regular basis in our city and across this country. Sometimes it is because of negligence on the part of another person. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Chicago Fire Department captain killed in crash on Tri-State Tollway, Chicago Tribune.com, March 10, 2009

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Police have located and ticketed a Chicago woman for an early morning hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of an elderly man in front of his South Side home.

Veronica Rangel, 33, was cited for disregarding a traffic light, failure to report an accident, failure to reduce speed, reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle without insurance, police said.

Marcos Rocha, 71, was struck by Rangel’s vehicle outside his house and pronounced dead at Holy Cross Hospital at 2:30 a.m. An autopsy showed Rocha died of multiple injuries from an automobile striking a pedestrian. The death was ruled an accident, reported the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

Rangel was driving a white 2002 Ford pickup south on California when Rocha stepped out onto the street from between two parked cars and was struck. After being hit, Rocha landed on the hood of the truck before Rangel fled the scene.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Unfortunately, accidents do happen. However, if a driver of an automobile strikes a human being, it is against the law to leave the scene, frightened or not. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Hit-And-Run Driver Cited; Crash Killed Elderly Man, CBS2Chicago.com, November 30, 2008

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At least two people are dead after a car crashed into a building on the Southwest Side early Monday, February 2, 2009 at about 3:15 a.m.

According to police, three people were rushed to area hospitals and one was pronounced dead at Holy Cross Hospital. The other two victims were taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where one died. The third passenger is listed in critical condition.

Initially, two people were reported unconscious at the scene, said the Police Major Accident Investigation Unit. The crash site was located at the intersection of West 47th Street and Western Avenue.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Accidents happen everyday in our city and across this country. Sometimes it is because of negligence on the part of another person. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Two reportedly dead in SW Side crash, ABCLocal.com, February 2, 2009

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Train service has resumed after a train crash left one person dead in the Miller section of Gary, Indiana. The No. 104 train was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 6:39 a.m. early Monday morning on January 12, 2009, but a northbound van traveling on County Line Road drove around the crossing gates and into the South Shore commuter train about 5:30 a.m.

The driver of the van, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was ejected and killed. No one was was injured aboard the train, said Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District spokesman John Parsons.

The crash occurred on Lake/Port County Line Road located between the Portage/Ogden Dunes and Miller stations.

Train service was suspended until the Lake Country Coroner released the accident scene. Westbound train service was delayed, but was back in service by about 7:53 a.m. The eastbound trains No. 205 and No. 207 and westbound trains No. 212 and No. 214 were canceled Monday morning because of the crash.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Some accidents are caused by negligence on the part of another person, intentional or not. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Fatal Car Crash Halts South Shore Commuter Train, WBBM780.com, January 12, 2009

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A Chicago, Illinois woman disobeyed a stop sign at Tompkins and West streets and struck another vehicle on Thursday, January 8, 2009, and then left the scene. Sheryl A. Toliver, 34, of Chicago, exited the vehicle, made sure everyone at the scene was okay and then disappeared. The vehicle Tolliver struck was driven by Ashley A. Horton, 16, also of Chicago.

Witnesses report Toliver checking with Horton and Horton’s passengers to make sure everyone was okay and then leaving. A 15-year-old passenger in Horton’s vehicle was transported to OSF St. Mary Medical Center with a stiff neck.

Toliver’s car was later found at Main and Academy streets. She told police that she did stop at the stop sign, and when she spoke with the occupants of the other car, she requested that they not call authorities. Subsequently, Toliver was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, disobeying a stop sign and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Car Accidents in Chicago

Some accidents are caused by negligence on the part of another person, intentional or not. It is our mission to assist those who may have been injured or harmed due to the negligence of another driver. Whether your injuries consist of whiplash or burns to your head or neck, nerve damage or spinal chord injures, broken or dislocated a bones or limbs, or loss of life, our attorneys are specifically trained to assist you in your time of need.

Chicago woman arrested for leaving accident scene, The Register-Mail, January 9, 2009

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