Shannon Law Blog

A man who was struck by a Metra train on Friday is recovering from his injuries. The 46-year-old man was hit while walking along the tracks between two stations on the Rock Island Line. He sustained a cut on his head, but is listed in fair condition, according to Chicago police. Northbound train No. 510 from Joliet to Chicago was delayed because of the incident.

Train accidents involving pedestrians are often fatal because of the sheer size and weight of the train. Often, it is the train operator who was negligent in causing the accident. People who lose loved ones in train accidents should consult with an experienced attorney to discuss filing a lawsuit against the negligent parties. If your loved one has been killed or injured in a train accident, the Joliet train accident attorneys at Shannon Law Group can help you seek justice for your loss.

Free Consultation with an Experienced Joliet Train Accident Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured in a train accident, call the accident lawyers at (866) 881-9980 for a free initial consultation.  A Joliet train accident attorney at Shannon Law Group, P.C. can help you receive compensation in all types of accident injury cases, including automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and train accidents, in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago train accident attorney or fill out our free case review form.

A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that truck driver negligence is the critical cause of 87% of truck crashes in the United States. In a truck accident causation study involving 120,000 large truck crashes over a two-year period, 87% of the crashes were found to be caused by one of the following types of driver negligence:

• Non-Performance: The driver fell asleep, was disabled by a heart attack or seizure, or was physically impaired for another reason.
• Recognition: The driver was inattentive, was distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle, or failed to observe the situation adequately for some other reason.
• Decision: For example, the driver was driving too fast for conditions, misjudged the speed of other vehicles, or followed other vehicles too closely.
• Performance: For example, the driver panicked, overcompensated, or exercised poor directional control.

Free Consultation with an Aurora Truck Accident Attorney

If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident caused by the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, contact an experienced Aurora truck accident attorney today at (866) 881-9980 for a free initial consultation. The Shannon Law Group, P.C. can help you receive full compensation for your losses. Mr. Shannon is an Aurora truck accident attorney who handles all types of motor vehicle accident cases in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Aurora injury attorney or fill out our free case review form.

The family of a 4-year-old girl who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Lincoln Park filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Chicago. A settlement was reached this week in a case involving the wrongful death of Maya Hirsch, who was hit and killed while crossing the street near the Lincoln Park Zoo in 2006. The family and traffic safety advocates filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that necessary stop signs and other traffic signs were not in place, thereby contributing to the death. The details of the settlement have not been released.

Cases like this one are tragic, especially so when the death involves someone so young. If you have lost a loved one in any type of accident, you should seek the advice of an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer to discuss your legal options. Nothing can make up for the death of your loved one, but families often discover that bringing the parties responsible for the death to justice helps them find closure and ensure that the same accidents don’t happen again in the future.

Free Consultation with a Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer

The Chicago wrongful death lawyers at Shannon Law Group, P.C. handle all types of accident injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, auto accidents, and truck accidents in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer or fill out our free case review form. We offer a free consultation in all personal injury cases.

Chicago’s red light camera system is illegal, according to a class action lawsuit filed on Wednesday. The lawsuit was brought by two motorists who received tickets after their vehicle were photographed running red lights in Chicago. Because it is a class action suit, additional plaintiffs may later join the case. Chicago began its “Automated Red Light Camera Program” under a 2003 ordinance, but the state Legislature did not approve a red light camera enabling statute until 2006, according to court documents. Thus, the plaintiffs argue that the city did not have the authority to use the red light cameras for traffic enforcement.

Aggressive driving, such as red-light running, is the primary contributing factor in a large number of traffic crashes each year. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies, red light running is second only to drunk driving and failure to wear a seat belt as contributing factors causing fatal auto accidents in the U.S. Over 1,000 people die in these types of accidents each year, and tens of thousands more are injured. If you have suffered injuries because of a red light violation, an experienced Chicago accident lawyer can help you get compensation for your physical pain, medical bills, and lost wages.

Free Consultation with a Chicago Accident Lawyer

The Chicago accident lawyers at Shannon Law Group, P.C. handle all types of accident injury cases, including red light running accidents, auto accidents, and truck accidents in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago accident lawyer or fill out our free case review form. We offer a free consultation in all personal injury cases.

The family of a truck driver who crashed into a CTA station in 2008, killing two people, was awarded $1 million by a Federal jury this week. The accident happened in 2008, when a semi truck driven by Donald Wells crashed into the Chinatown Red Line station, killing two pedestrians waiting on the platform and injuring 21 others. Police held Wells at the scene for questioning instead of getting him medical attention for his injuries. He died a month later. A federal jury held the City of Chicago liable for Wells’ death, and awarded his’ family $1 million on Tuesday.

Cases like this one are tragic because the death could have been prevented if Wells had received immediate medical attention. If you have lost a loved one in any type of accident, you should seek the advice of an experienced Woodridge wrongful death lawyer to discuss your legal options. Nothing can make up for the death of a loved one, but holding the guilty parties responsible for their actions can often helps families seek justice for their loss.

Free Consultation with an Experienced Woodridge Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you have lost a loved one due to someone’s negligent, reckless or intentional conduct, call our Woodridge wrongful death lawyers at (866) 881-9980 for a free initial consultation. Our team of experienced wrongful death attorneys can help you receive full compensation for your loss. The Woodridge wrongful death attorneys at Shannon Law Group, P.C. handle all types of accident injury cases, including automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and wrongful death cases, in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago injury attorney or fill out our free case review form.

Many organizations use 15-passenger vans to transport adults and children, including school clubs, churches and nursing homes. But are they safe? Unfortunately, there have been many accidents in the news recently involving rollover accidents in 15-passenger vans, many of which have resulted in multiple deaths to occupants. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, 15-passenger vans are more likely than other passenger vehicles to roll over at high speeds. In fact, they are 50% more likely to be involved in a rollover crash when fully loaded than when empty. The NHTSA offers the following safety tips regarding 15-passenger vans:

• All occupants should wear their safety belts at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
• Operators should make an inspection of the tires and check tire pressure before each use.
• Drivers should be trained, experienced drivers who operate 15-passenger vehicles on a regular basis.
• Drivers should be well rested and refrain from using cell phones, having conversations with other passengers, and engaging in other distracting activities while operating the vehicle.
• Drivers should limit the time they are behind the wheel to eight hours in a 24-hour period.

Free Consultation with a Chicago Accident Lawyer

If someone you love was killed or injured in an accident involving a 15-passenger van, you should consult with an experienced Chicago injury attorney immediately. The Chicago accident lawyers at Shannon Law Group, P.C. handle all types of accident injury cases, including red light running accidents, auto accidents, and truck accidents in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago accident lawyer or fill out our free case review form. We offer a free consultation in all personal injury cases.

No one was injured when a semi was involved in a rollover accident on I-80 early Wednesday morning near south suburban Country Club Hills, according to news reports. The single-vehicle accident occurred when a truck tipped over on the ramp to northbound I-57 from eastbound I-80 at 6 a.m., causing traffic delays while emergency crews cleaned up the wreckage. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Fortunately, the driver was unharmed in the incident. However, large truck accidents such as this one often end in tragedy. Semi trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, giving rise to an extremely dangerous situation when they get into accidents with smaller passenger vehicles. Drivers and passengers of cars, light trucks, and motorcycles involved in large truck accidents often suffer serious injuries, such as paralysis, traumatic brain injury, and burn injuries. If the truck accident results from the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, a personal injury lawsuit may be appropriate.

Free Consultation with Experienced Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, call the Chicago truck accident lawyers at (866) 881-9980 for a free initial consultation. Our team of experienced accident attorneys can help you receive full compensation for your injuries. The Chicago truck accident lawyers at Shannon Law Group, P.C. handle all types of accident injury cases, including automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, rollover crashes, and truck accidents, in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer or fill out our free case review form.

A benefit will be held on Saturday for one of five teenagers involved in a devastating rollover crash last summer, according to news reports. The teen, Billy Rehfeld, lost his leg in the accident, and has accumulated astronomical medical bills as a result. Throughout the ordeal, the young man has remained positive, according to doctors, nurses and friends. Billy’s courage and strength in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. The benefit will help raise money to pay his medical bills. For more information on how you can help, visit http://www.bethereforbilly.com.

This crash is not as tragic as it could have been, because all of the teens were wearing their seatbelts and survived the crash. As a Chicago accident attorney, I know firsthand that wearing seat belts can save lives and help prevent personal injuries when auto accidents occur. In Illinois, every driver and passenger is required by law to buckle up. In addition, children under the age of 8 must be secured in a federally-approved child safety seat. Children over age 8 but under the age of 16 must be wearing a seat belt while riding in the front or back seat of the vehicle. Observing Illinois’ seat belt laws can help prevent tragedy in the event of a Chicago car accident.

Free Consultation with a Chicago Auto Accident Attorney

The Chicago accident attorneys at Shannon Law Group, P.C. handle all types of accident injury cases, including rollover accidents, auto accidents, and truck accidents in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago auto accident attorney or fill out our free case review form. We offer a free consultation in all personal injury cases.

A 52-year old man whose Jeep was pushed off the railroad tracks by a Union Pacific Railroad freight train at around 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, was able to exit the vehicle on his own, police said. The accident occurred in downtown Wheaton, and the man was rushed to Central DuPage Hospital for treatment of his injuries. His condition is unknown. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Railroad or train accidents, just like motorcycle or car accidents, can be devastating to victims, their families, and to witnesses who saw the incident first-hand. As in any accident, victims of railroad accidents endure excruciating physical pain and severe emotional trauma. They also suffer serious injuries such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, or even death. Victims and their families should seek the expertise of an experienced accident lawyer who can help them get compensation for their pain and suffering.

Free Consultation with a Wheaton Accident Attorney

The Wheaton accident attorneys at Shannon Law Group, P.C. handle all types of accident injury cases, including train accidents, pedestrian accidents, auto accidents, and truck accidents in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Wheaton train accident attorney or fill out our free case review form. We offer a free consultation in all personal injury cases.

Police took a person of interest in custody late last week in a hit-and-run that killed a Lake County, Indiana, sheriff’s deputy and injured three others. Deputy Britney Meux, 25, was running during a training exercise with three other officers in Crown Point, Indiana, when a dark-colored SUV struck the group. Meux was killed and the other three officers were injured in the incident. Police have not announced whether the person of interest is a suspect, but they say that the hit-and-run may have been intentional.

Pedestrian accidents such as this one are often tragic. Drivers of automobiles and SUVs often disregard the rights of pedestrians on the roadway, resulting in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, paraplegia, fractured bones, coma, psychological injuries, or even death. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, you should seek advice from an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer. Joseph Shannon can assist you in getting just compensation for your medical bills, injuries, pain, and suffering.

Free Consultation with a Chicago Auto Accident Attorney

The Chicago western suburbs personal injury attorneys at Shannon Law Group, P.C. handle all types of accident injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, auto accidents, and truck accidents in Bolingbrook, Joliet, Woodridge, Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton and throughout the Chicago western suburbs. Call (866) 881-9980 today to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago auto accident attorney or fill out our free case review form. We offer a free consultation in all personal injury cases.