News & Announcements

Chicago Experiences Two Serious Bicycle/Car Accidents Occur in Chicago During a 37 Hour Time Span

Between the late evening of December 13, 2009 and afternoon of December 15, 2009, there were two serious bicycle accidents in the City of Chicago. On Sunday, December 13th at about 11:35 p.m., a bicyclist was struck by a car and critically injured when he was struck by a car at the intersection of Montrose and Austin in Jefferson Park.

Less than thirty-seven hours later, a 32-year-old bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run accident which occurred in Logan Square. The cyclist was riding on Diversey Avenue on Tuesday December 15, at approximately 12:30 p.m., when he was struck by a van. It is believed the drivers of two vans had a dispute and one of the van drivers repeatedly rammed the other van. Ultimately, the van being rammed lost control, went off the road, and through a fence. The ramming van driver also lost control and spun out, colliding with the cyclist. The ramming driver then promptly fled the scene of the accident. Chicago police indicated that they have already questioned the person they believe was driving the van and is responsible for the accident and fatal injuries sustained by the innocent cyclist. By all known accounts, the cyclist was legally riding his bike and lost his life through no fault of his own.

 

LAW OUTLAWS TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING

Illinois has passed a law outlawing the use of “electronic communication devices” while driving, with a few practical exceptions.  The new law will take effect on January 1, 2010 and prohibits the use of a motor vehicle while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a message.  The law defines an electronic communication device as a wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer.  There are exceptions for emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and certain commercial vehicles.  GPS devices are also not subject to the law.

Given the fact some research shows drivers distracted by text messaging drive in manner comparable, or worse, than those impaired by alcohol, the passage of this law is a major victory for those concerned with safety and the prevention of automobile accidents.  This law will clearly contribute to a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians.

 

BRYAN WALDMAN OBTAINS A $1 MILLION VERDICT FOR CLIENT

After an 8 day trial, on October 5, 2009, a Cook County jury returned a verdict in the amount of $ 1 million to the estate of a nursing home resident who died after falling five stories from a window. The client was 54 years old, suffered from chronic paranoid schizophrenia and was blind. He resided at a nursing home and was placed in a secure unit which had alarmed doors, a keyed elevator and windows were restricted to open roughly 8 inches. On April, 21, 2004 he was left in his room, unsupervised, while the other residents were eating in the dining room. It was during this time that he exited the facility though his bedroom window and fell to his death. Prior to trial, the nursing home’s insurance carrier offered only $75,000 to settle the case.

 

BRYAN WALDMAN SELECTED TO APPEAR IN
2010 EDITION OF THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA

Bryan Waldman was recently selected to appear in the 2010 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Illinois Personal Injury Litigation. Lawyers are selected to appear in this publication through a peer review survey sent to other lawyers. Bryan previously appeared in the 2007, 2008, and 2009 editions of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Michigan Personal Injury Litigation.