Anytime someone hits the open road in a vehicle, he or she runs the risk of being involved in an automobile crash. According to the website driverknowledge.com, approximately 3 million people are injured every year in car accidents. Here in Illinois, vehicle fatalities have been on the rise despite fewer cars on the road due to stay-at-home orders issued in response to COVID-19. Advanced technology, sometimes referred to as “driver assistance,” is aimed to prevent the number of vehicle collisions as well as subsequent injuries and fatalities. 

Alerting Drivers of Potential Dangers

In an effort to make vehicles safer, many auto manufacturers are requiring crash prevention technology to be on all their newer models. The majority of accidents that occur are due to human error. New technology within the car industry has completely changed the way cars operate. Some of these features offer modern luxuries but many provide enhanced safety systems. 

A few of the safety options on today’s newer vehicles include the following:

Some citizens may find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. In certain situations, they may even be accused of a criminal act. According to the Constitution, every American is innocent until proven guilty. When a person is suspected of committing a crime, the police will likely ask the alleged offender a series of questions. In some cases, the officer may also perform a search of their vehicle or home. If the suspect is arrested for an alleged criminal offense, they are typically taken into police custody. Part of the investigation may also include questioning or interrogation. Police must follow proper protocol during these procedures, but unfortunately this is not always the case. In certain situations, officers may use improper tactics that can harm an individual, which can be considered a civil rights violation. 

Police Brutality

During an arrest, police often justify using force if they claim a suspect is not complying with a request. Unfortunately, it is all too common for officers to perform improper actions after arresting a suspect. Law enforcement personnel may use different techniques to get an accused person to confess to a crime, even one they did not commit. Tactics may include torture during interrogations or coerced confessions. This illegal activity can be considered a form of police brutality. Using excessive force, conducting a strip search or body cavity search, or even sexually assaulting a suspect are also ways that police can intimidate a suspect. 

An individual can also suffer injuries if an interrogation becomes violent. In some situations, an officer may punch, slap, kick, or inflict other harm on a suspect in an effort to extract a confession. Depending on the circumstances, someone can suffer minor to serious injuries because of police brutality. Some injuries might even require surgery and can include, but are not limited to, the following:

On May 25, 2020, people across the United States reacted in shock at the death of George Floyd. During an arrest, police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota handcuffed Mr. Floyd and pinned him to the ground, and an officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes. After Mr. Floyd's death, this officer was charged with third-degree murder. Subsequently, Black Lives Matter protests have been held across the country, and these have resulted in many other accusations of police brutality involving the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, pepper spray, police batons, vehicles, and other weapons.

At The Law Offices of David A. Kadzai, we strongly condemn illegal behavior by police officers. It is important for everyone to respect the law, including those who are sworn to serve and protect the public. Police brutality in any form is wrong. If you have been injured by police officers, we are here to stand by your side and help protect your civil rights. Contact us at 312-229-0050 to learn more about how we can help.    

Now that spring has arrived, the weather is warming up in Illinois. After being required to stay at home over the past couple months, many motorcyclists are looking forward to hitting the open road, whether they will be commuting to and from work at an essential business or seeking a reprieve from being cooped up indoors. May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month, and advocates are working to make other motorists more aware of motorcycle riders and help reduce or prevent accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents in 2018. It is especially important for car and truck drivers to understand the safety challenges faced by motorcycle riders. Due to their lack of protection compared to vehicles, riders are more vulnerable to collisions and injuries. 

Illinois Motorcycle Laws 

There are certain laws that have been put in place to protect motorcyclists. In Illinois, a person must complete a required course and take a written and driving test before obtaining their motorcycle license. Additional requirements include traveling at the posted speed limit, wearing protective gear, and turning on headlights at all times, even during the daytime. Inclement weather such as rain, wind, and fog can reduce a cyclist’s visibility, so it is imperative that they take steps to ensure they are seen by other people on the road. 

Although Illinois does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, they have been proven to help protect riders’ heads in the event of a crash. The following are a few other ways that a motorcyclist can reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident: 

Chicago is the third largest city in the United States, and the latest census information puts its population at approximately 9.5 million people. The Chicago metropolitan area includes the city and its surrounding suburbs, and there are many public transit options for residents as well as tourists. Traffic in Chicago is known to be heavy, especially on weekdays during rush hour. That is why many city dwellers and suburbanites use mass transit to get to and from work. From Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Pace buses to “the L” (elevated trains), Metra trains, and water taxis, there are many ways to get all over the city without driving a vehicle. However, as with other forms of transportation, there is the potential for injuries in the event of a mass transit accident.    

Common Types of Injuries

Due to the immense size and weight of buses, trains, or ferries, being involved in a collision with them can have devastating consequences. These modes of transportation do not typically have seat belts for passengers, so people are less protected than they would be in other vehicles. In the event of a collision, the occupants can be ejected from the bus, train, or boat. An explosion and subsequent fire can also break out after trains hit each other head-on. In addition, if a pedestrian or bystander is struck by a train or bus, he or she can suffer debilitating or even fatal injuries depending on the speed at which the transit vehicle was traveling.

A few of the injuries most often sustained in a public transit accident include: