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Illinois Accident Lawyer Supports Chicago Police Clampdown on Unsafe Bicyclists
August 22, 2011 | 
Author Illinois Accident Lawyer Supports Chicago Police Clampdown on Unsafe Bicyclists
A recent sting operation scolding bicyclists for breaking road rules reinforces the need for bicycle and motor vehicle safety, says Illinois personal injury lawyer Michael P. Schostok.
Chicago police warned bicyclists to obey traffic laws in a recent sting operation at one of the city’s busiest downtown intersections, according to an article in the Chicago Tribune.
Michael P. Schostok, a Chicago personal injury attorney who represents clients hurt in motor vehicle and bicycle accidents, calls the campaign a step in the right direction.
“Whether you’re a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian, you must obey the rules of the road,” says Schostok, an equity partner in the Chicago personal injury law firm of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard. “Chicago is home to nearly 3 million people, and countless numbers of them commute every day. Hopefully, a ticket or warning will lead them to behave more responsibly.”
In just two hours, officers issued 240 warnings and one ticket to cyclists committing violations, such as running red lights and riding through pedestrian crosswalks, the Tribune reported. It’s part of a joint campaign between city police, the Department of Transportation and the City of Chicago’s Bicycling Ambassadors that encourages bicyclists to “Share the Road.”
Around 3,200 Illinois bicycle accidents occurred in 2009 — 20 of them fatal — according to the most recent statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“Sometimes, the accidents will result in a bump or a bruise and commuters will go on their way, but other times, there are catastrophic injuries that change the course of the victims’ lives forever,” says Schostok, who also handles wrongful death lawsuits.
For example, a crash could cause traumatic brain injuries or other wounds that permanently disable or disfigure accident victims.
“What may seems like a simple act of negligence, such as riding in a crosswalk, could have devastating consequences,” explains Schostok. “In an instant, a bicycle, car or pedestrian crash has the potential to rob victims of their livelihoods and cause irreversible physical and emotional pain.”
The Chicago accident lawyer said one helpful solution is for bicyclists to know the rules of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
“The code holds that every vehicle operator – and a bicycle counts as a vehicle – must follow the same traffic laws as drivers of any car or truck,” Schostok says. “Of course, that also means that drivers must respect cyclists as equals on the road.”
Violators or their insurance companies may be held liable for any injuries caused by negligence on the roads, he added.
When disaster strikes, it is important for victims and their families to learn about their legal options and file claims as soon as possible, Schostok advises.
“Contacting a lawyer who is experienced in bicycle and motor vehicle accidents can help determine whether you have a good case to make in court,” he explained. “And the stakes are high – a successful verdict or settlement can result in compensation that can help alleviate the burdens caused by medical expenses or time off work.”
About Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard is a leading Illinois personal injury law firm with offices in Chicago and Waukegan. In addition to representing clients in catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, aviation and product liability cases, the firm focuses on car and truck accidents, airplane and train accidents, construction injuries, birth injuries, brain injuries, unsafe properties and animal attacks. The firm has obtained more than 5 million on behalf of its clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including 160 multi-million dollar verdicts or settlements. For more information, call (312) 372-1227 or use the firm’s online contact form.
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chicago department of motor vehicles
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Increase Efforts to Make Roads Safer Results in Record Number of Impaired Driver Arrests in Minnesota
Increase Efforts to Make Roads Safer Results in Record Number of Impaired Driver Arrests in Minnesota
Minnesota Law Enforcement Officers Arrested 2,294 Impaired Drivers With An Average Alcohol Concentration Level of 0.15 â During Statewide DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Enforcement Sweep. Those charged with DWI offenses need strong and experienced legal representation to ensure the best possible defense.
Minnesota is on pace to hit an astonishing 40,000 DWI arrests this year, which would be record high. Last year, 36,870 drivers were arrested for driving impaired. At the time, the 2005 DWI tally represented the most arrests generated in the state since 1990.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) recently organized a statewide Safe and Sober program, which accompanied a nationwide enforcement campaign. During the recent 18-day enforcement sweep, 2,294 impaired drivers were arrested and the average alcohol concentration level was 0.15, which is almost double the legal limit.
With DWI arrests on the increase, those arrested need a competent Minnesota DWI lawyer with the experience and expertise necessary to provide the best possible defense. For over a decade, Mr. Douglas Kans has dedicated himself to solely defending individuals charged with crimes.
âIt is unfortunate that drinking and driving is still a prevalent issue in our society. However, we must remember that anyone charged with a crime deserves the best possible defense for the charges against them,â states Mr. Kans.
He continues: âDWI law can be very complex, so it is important that a defendant have an experienced Minnesota DWI lawyer who can navigate the complex law, understand the prosecutorâs position and ultimately successfully negotiate or litigate the best possible outcome.â
A former prosecutor himself, Mr. Kansâ has developed a reputation as a strong Minnesota DWI lawyer whose success is partly attributed to the quality relationships he maintains with his clients. Treating clients with integrity and respecting their needs, goals and objectives results in clients receiving intelligent representation by a lawyer who truly listens.
Minnesotaâs Toward Zero Deaths initiative is a partnership between the Stateâs departments of Public Safety, Transportation and Health, which publicly disclosed that seat belt use and impaired driving enforcement campaigns are in the works for this fall and winter.
If an individual finds themselves requiring a Minnesota DWI attorney as a result of these increased efforts, Mr. Kans has the reputation, respect and experience to fervently represent the interests of the accused.
ABOUT KANS LAWFIRM
For over a decade, Mr. Kans has dedicated himself solely to defending individuals charged with crimes. Over this period, he has earned the respect of fellow colleagues, prosecutors, and Judges throughout the State of Minnesota. Mr. Kans has successfully litigated and negotiated hundreds of criminal cases during his career. He has had many proud achievements, but none are as important as the personal satisfaction he receives from working hard and achieving wonderful results for his clients.
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