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Accidents With HAZMAT Trucks Pose Additional Risks for Victims

The size of a truck plays a part in the severity of a wreck, but what a truck is carrying can have an even bigger impact. Large tanker trucks and 18-wheelers are a regular sight on Illinois roadways, and some of them are marked with colorful, diamond-shaped placards that mean they are carrying potentially dangerous substances that pose a risk to health and safety. When these trucks get involved in accidents, the results can be especially tragic—and it can have a far-reaching impact on drivers, passengers, bystanders, and communities.

What Is HAZMAT?

HAZMAT is short for “hazardous materials,” and the term is used throughout the transportation industry to describe items or substances that are potentially harmful to people, plants, and animals. According to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Global Supply Standards, the types of substances classified as hazardous materials include:

Toxic substances
Cancer-causing substances
Irritants and corrosives
Combustible items or substances
Unstable or explosive materials
Chemicals that release dangerous dust or fumes when handled
Radioactive materials
Anything that is considered a physical or health hazard

Some specific examples of materials that might fall under one of these categories include:

Chemicals for commercial uses
Gases, whether compressed or liquid
Fuels and oils
Pest control agents
Paint, varnish, and similar items
Dyes
Cleaning and disinfecting products

Because of the additional threat to public health and safety, trucks that carry hazardous materials are held to higher standards and more regulations than trucks that don’t come with the same kinds of risks. For example, these more stringent regulations require trucks carrying these materials to inform certain authorities and label their trucks appropriately, among many other rules for safe transport. But what are the real risks of these large vehicles and their cargo?

Why Are Accidents With HAZMAT Trucks Potentially More Dangerous?

The Analysis Division of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released a report that showed that:

Four percent of large trucks involved in fatal accidents had hazardous material placards, and two percent of the trucks involved in non-fatal accidents had placards.
In 15 percent of the placarded trucks involved in accidents, the hazardous materials were released during the incident.
In fatal crashes, 48 percent of those releases were flammable liquids, such as fuel. For non-fatal crashes, 56 percent were flammable liquids.

While wrecks involving HAZMAT trucks may not be common, they can be very dangerous and negatively affect many lives. While a collision with an 18-wheeler is already a potentially tragic event, the addition of flammable fuels, possible explosions, and dangerous fumes can add to the injuries and death. In some cases, the hazardous cargo that is released during an accident may not even have an immediate effect on health, but could create risks—such as cancer or lung issues—for victims later in life.

What Causes HAZMAT Accidents?

HAZMAT accidents are caused by the same kinds of issues that cause other accidents, but the addition of hazardous materials can especially be a problem with:

Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks
Rollover accidents
Reckless driving and driver errors
Any collision that punctures a tanker truck or causes it to spill its load

Sometimes, there is no way to predict or prevent a serious accident. However, in other cases, accidents happen because a HAZMAT driver ignored the rules of the road or a company chose to overlook one of the numerous safety regulations in place for trucks transporting hazardous materials. The companies that use trucking fleets to move potentially dangerous materials from place to place have a duty to the public and the people they share the road with to make safety a priority. When they fail to do so, and a HAZMAT truck spills its load over an already serious accident scene, the victims of the accident may be able to launch a claim for financial compensation.

How Can I Get Help If I’ve Been Hurt in an Accident With a Vehicle Carrying Hazardous Materials?

Just like in any accident with a large truck, the trucking company often has the advantage over uninformed victims. While trucking companies may have experience defending themselves against claims from victims, victims don’t generally have experience holding trucking companies responsible for severe and disabling injuries.

If you have been involved in an accident with a tanker truck that spilled hazardous cargo, you have a limited time to get informed about your rights and how to protect them. Before you sign any documents or give a statement to the insurance company, consider talking directly with an attorney who is familiar with the laws and regulations involved. The team at Lane Brown has extensive experience helping seriously injured people across the state of Illinois recover compensation from large companies and transportation services after an accident. For more information and a free case review, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 312-332-1400.

Planning a Summer Road Trip? Follow These Summer Travel Safety Tips to Make Sure Your Vehicle is Ready for the Road.

You may be looking forward to your family’s summer road trip as a break from the usual duties and routines of daily life, but there are still a few things you should be doing to get prepared. Taking just a little bit of time out to make sure you have everything you need to travel safely can mean that your trip is more enjoyable and less likely to put your family at risk.

Tips for Safer Summer Road Trips

While you may be focused on your destination, you should also be taking the time to focus on what you can do to make sure you “get there in one piece.” Road trip safety doesn’t have to be complicated or take a long time—it really just takes a little planning and common-sense precaution. If you need some help getting started on a safety check before you hit the road, here’s a breakdown of some summer driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Ready for the Trip

Even if you’ve stayed on top of your vehicle maintenance routine, walk through a basic safety inspection before you pack up for your vacation. You or your mechanic should carefully check your battery, tires, brakes, windshield wipers, fluid levels, and service your air conditioning.

Check for any recalls you may have missed by using the NHTSA’s VIN Lookup Tool.

Have an Emergency Kit Ready

Breakdowns and accidents happen—are you prepared? Don’t forget to pack up some emergency supplies, just in case. You should think about taking:

A phone and charger for the car
A battery jumping cable for the car
A first-aid kit
A flashlight
Emergency flares
A tire pressure gauge
A jack
Heavy gloves and change of clothes
Water and extra food
Extra washer fluid
Paper maps as a backup for your GPS device
Blankets and towels

Be Prepared If You’re Traveling With Kids–Common Sense Rules!

If you plan to travel with young family members, you should be planning to keep them safe and happy for a long drive. Plan enough time to take frequent breaks outside the car, and bring favorite books or car-safe toys to keep them occupied. Remember that kids are more vulnerable to heatstroke, so they should never be left unattended in a vehicle. You may also want to get sunshades for the back seat and make sure everyone has sunglasses and sunblock. It’s also not a bad idea to talk to your kids about safety in and around the vehicle and develop a plan for sticking together at crowded destinations.

Traffic Laws Don’t Take Summer Vacations

The rules of the road always apply, whether you’re driving around town on a typical day or heading out for vacation. Summer driving also means sharing the road with more motorcycles, bikes, and pedestrians. Even if you’re making a long drive, remember to stay alert and be aware of traffic laws in the areas you are traveling through. Avoid common driving risks while on vacation like distracted driving, drinking or using drugs, speeding, or slipping out of your seatbelt.

Do you have your own tried-and-true tips for making road trips safer and more fun? Share them in the comments below or connect with Lane Brown on Facebook!

Find Out Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in the Chicago Area and How to Celebrate Safely in the Backyard

When it’s time to celebrate Independence Day, almost everyone—young and old alike—start thinking about fireworks lighting up the sky. If you’re ready to start celebrating for July Fourth weekend, here’s a rundown of some local fireworks displays and a little information about how to celebrate safely with your family.

Fourth of July Fireworks Events in the Chicago Area

The Fourth is a highly anticipated holiday here in Chicago, and you can expect local celebrations across the metro area. Here’s some information about just a few of the many festivals featuring fireworks displays this year:

Chicago. Whether you join the crowds on the dock or watch from a hotel or rooftop bar, find a spot to catch the display of fireworks and music at the Navy Pier, which will start at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
Deerfield. The Deerfield Family Days celebration promises live music, a pancake breakfast, a bike parade, a dog show, and so much more over Independence Day weekend. Enjoy the fireworks display scheduled for Friday, July 3, at 9:15 p.m., and then come back on Saturday to take part in more events.
Glenview. Start by watching the parade at 11:15 a.m. on July 4, which will proceed from Harlem Avenue to Central Road. After a day of fun, head down to Gallery Park at 7:00 p.m. to catch patriotic music from the North Shore Concert Band and the twilight fireworks display.
Lake Forest. Starting at 6:00 p.m., the Lake Forest Festival & Fireworks will feature live music and activities for the kids at Deerpath Park. The fireworks display is free and scheduled to begin around 9:40 p.m.
Oak Park. Celebrate the Fourth by watching the Independence Day Parade at 10:00 a.m. and the fireworks at dusk. The fireworks display will be held at the Oak Park and River Forest High School football stadium.

If you don’t see your local fireworks display listed here, there are tons of other options for celebrating the holiday. Most of the cities and towns in the surrounding area have displays and festivals scheduled for July Fourth weekend, so don’t forget to check your hometown’s website and newspaper for a schedule of events.

Enjoying Fireworks Safely at Backyard Displays and Family Gatherings

Do you prefer to avoid the crowds and celebrate with family in the backyard? Most fireworks are banned in Illinois, and some cities have additional laws that further limit the kinds of ignitable entertainment that are allowed. In some areas, it may even be illegal to light up a few sparklers. Before you make plans or purchase fireworks over the border in Indiana, be aware of federal, state, and local laws that apply to you.

However, if you’re traveling out of town to enjoy a backyard display with family and friends or just picking up some snake pellets and novelties for the kids to enjoy, here are some tips for avoiding tragedy from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

Children should always be supervised by an adult when watching or using fireworks and related novelties. Never allow young children to play with fireworks.
Never use any kind of fireworks indoors, and always follow safety instructions on the packaging.
Make sure the outdoor area you choose is away from people, pets, buildings, cars, and flammable materials.
Don’t keep fireworks in your pocket, shoot them off from your hand, or fire them into metal or glass containers.
Always keep a bucket of water nearby, and make sure you have access to a hose or fire extinguisher.
Light only one firework at a time, and move away quickly.
Don’t attempt to relight a “dud.” Keep an eye on it for 20 minutes, and then submerge it in water. You should also soak any spent fireworks before disposing of them in a metal trash can.
Don’t be tempted to light up fireworks when you’re intoxicated—and remember not to get behind the wheel on the way home if you plan to celebrate with alcohol.

How does your family stay safe while enjoying Fourth of July festivities? Leave us a comment below, or connect with Lane Brown on Facebook today to share your stories with our readers.

Fun and Interesting July and August Events in the Chicago Area

There are tons of events in the Chicago area over the summer, and it’s not too late to enjoy them—even if you’ve been too busy to make it to some of the early-season festivals for Memorial Day or the Fourth. There’s something going on to suit just about everyone, whether you’re heading out on your own or packing up the family on a sunny weekend.

Here are some highlights of the numerous opportunities for food, fun, music, and getting involved in July and August:

July

July 15–19, Kane County Fair. Ready to get started with some summer fun today? Enjoy an old-fashioned county fair with rides, exhibits, contests, vendors, and entertainment. The Kane County Fair takes place at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. Check out the event’s website for admission information.
July 17–19, Health and Fitness Expo. Take part in a free, two-day event that features health information, demonstrations, and more. Alongside the expo, the big attractions will be the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon, a 5K run, and a 10K run.
July 18, Disability Pride Parade. Participate in the march along Dearborn Street—or just watch and enjoy a free day of fun to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) at the Disability Pride Parade.
July 18, Kaleidoscope Family Day. The Ryan Education Center at the Art Institute of Chicago will be hosting its 25^th annual family day, which offers art-making activities and more for kids, teens, and parents. Admission is free, so stop by for an afternoon of creative fun!
July 19, Dearborn Garden Walk. Learn more about historic Dearborn Street this summer by indulging in a walking tour of beautiful rear gardens, some of which will feature live classical and jazz music. Get your tickets in advance now!
July 25–26, North Shore Festival of Art. This Art Festival in Skokie offers paintings, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, and other art from juried artists in an outdoor exhibition. You can expect to find food, music, and kids’ activities at the festival, and both admission and parking are free.

August

August 1–2, Edge Fest. Celebrate all things Edgewater on the neighborhood’s lakefront, and enjoy live music, karaoke, food, art, and more. Admission for the event is a suggested donation of five dollars, which benefits the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.
August 7–9, Chicago Hot Dog Fest. This year, the Hot Dog Fest will fill three days with the iconic American food, live music, and a kids’ activity area. The event is held at the park at Clark Street and W. LaSalle Drive, and it benefits the Chicago History Museum.
August 8–9, Kite Festival. Get together at the Chicago Botanical Gardens for kite performances set to music, kite-making workshops, and kids’ activities.
August 9, French Connection Day. Enjoy a day of French culture in Cantigny that will feature an open-air market, wine tasting, street performers, and activities for kids. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee of five dollars.
August 15, XPLORE Chicago. Join a team-based adventure that will challenge you to race around the city, find clues, and solve challenges. It’s a great way to get a workout, have an adventure, and participate in a scavenger hunt unlike any other! You can register now to run or just show up to watch.
August 15–16, Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival. Hear traditional Japanese instruments, listen to folktales, and enjoy a tea ceremony at the Chicago Botanic Garden. There will be plenty of family-friendly hands-on projects so your family can create while you learn in a beautiful environment.
August 29–30, Midnight Circus in the Parks. Bring the whole family to see the Midnight Circus kick off its 2015 season in Grand Crossing Park. Get tickets now so you don’t miss an exciting show with word-class circus performers. The program will run through October in different parks around Chicago, and it helps raise funds for local park improvements.
August 30, Transamerica Chicago Triathlon. This year, the Chicago Triathlon will feature five stand-alone triathlons, as well as an exciting Triple Challenge event. There’s something for professionals, amateurs, and even kids, so don’t miss out!

Stay Safe During Summer Fun

No matter what you choose to do, remember to stay safe. July and August are usually the hottest months of the year, and the city will be busy all summer long.

Make sure you’re prepared to stay hydrated in hot weather and protect yourself from the sun.
Drive carefully and pay attention, especially around bikes and foot traffic. Don’t forget to plan enough time to get there when traffic is likely to be extra heavy.
If you choose to drink at a summer event, make sure you have a designated driver or a plan for getting home at the end of the night. Never drink and drive!

All of us at Lane Brown, LLC hope you enjoy a safe and happy summer in Chicago! Want to learn more about us and what we do? Connect with us on Facebook for constantly updated news, tips, and information.

How Much Financial Compensation Is Available to Families After a Catastrophic Accident With an 18-Wheeler?

In a minor accident with a negligent driver, calculating the financial compensation you need for what happened to you might be as simple as looking at the total cost of your medical treatment and days off work. However, when someone is catastrophically injured or killed by a commercial truck, calculating the worth of a claim becomes much more difficult. In many cases, families are left trying to put a price tag on a life-altering injury or the permanent loss of a loved one’s support—and that task can seem impossible. This is why the best way to get answers about the worth of a serious injury claim is to talk to a personal injury attorney who has hands-on experience with truck accident victims and their families.

Understanding How Catastrophic Tractor-Trailer Accident Claims Are Valued

There is no sure-fire “formula” for calculating what your claim is worth, and there are no guarantees that your family will receive what you truly deserve for what happened in the wreck. However, by taking a look at the details and specifics with a highly experienced attorney, you can get a better idea of the kinds of financial compensation available to you and what it might take to fight for it from the trucking company’s insurance company. These kinds of claims are generally valued by adding up:

Past and current medical expenses
Predicted future medical expenses
Past, current, and future mental health care
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Emotional damages, pain, and suffering
Other losses directly related to a loved one’s injuries or death

A dollar amount may be clear for some expenses related to an accident, but putting a value on the experience and impact of a tragedy isn’t as clear. If a loved one died because of the accident or has been left permanently disabled, the course of your family’s future has changed—and the law recognizes this by allowing financial damages for the loss of the victim’s support, future earnings, companionship, and parenting. While compensation for emotional and future consequences of a catastrophic truck wreck may figure into your claim, you will need to understand how to support your claim and succeed. Unfortunately, the nature of the process does not make this easy on families.

How the Nature of the Insurance Industry Can Take Away From the Victims of Commercial Truck Accidents

Insurance companies and the companies that own and operate large trucks are prepared to defend against claims from victims, even when those victims have legitimate injuries caused by negligence. Most companies that have trucks on the road or handle truck insurance claims also have teams of attorneys and adjusters ready to respond to an accident and minimize the potential financial losses for their employers. Victims sometimes have to go through seemingly extreme measures—working with attorneys, economic experts, medical experts, and others—in order to “prove” that they deserve compensation for what happened and determine how much that should be in practical terms.

Although these companies are not specifically attempting to further victimize the victims of accidents, the nature of this process means that families have to be very careful about:

What they say
What they sign
What they accept or agree to

Even steps that seem minor can have a big impact on the final worth of your claim, so it’s important to get informed. If you’re unsure how to work with the insurance company, or if you or a loved one suffered extremely serious injuries in the accident, don’t make guesses about your claim. Contact an attorney of your own choosing as soon as possible, and start booking up on your rights and options for moving forward.

Getting Help Understanding How Much Your Family’s Injury Claim for a Truck Accident Might Be Worth

If you need answers and an honest evaluation of your family’s claim, contact our law office directly at 312-332-1400. Our attorneys have focused experience helping the victims of catastrophic accidents, and we offer a completely free and confidential case review for Illinois residents who have questions about their legal rights to compensation. This review will help you understand what your claim might be worth, what to expect from the legal process, what your rights really are, and how to protect yourself. Don’t wait any longer—real help and support are only a phone call away.

Three Crucial Steps for the Victims of Car Accidents Involving FedEx or UPS Trucks

FedEx and UPS handle millions of packages each day around the world; that workload translates into a constant bustle of their freight and delivery trucks on the road. Whether you’re on the highway or driving in town, it’s not unusual to see these package delivery vehicles everywhere you go. However, with so many trucks, vans, and drivers on the road, there are always risks for serious accidents. Here are some things you should know if you or a family member has recently been hit.

Get Medical Attention, Then Follow These Three Easy Steps

While the very first step should always be seeking medical attention for your injuries, there are some concerns even after you’re on the road to recovery. Huge international shipping companies like FedEx and UPS are experienced in defending against victims’ claims of injury in accidents with their trucks. As a result, victims can be starting from a disadvantage. But it doesn’t necessarily have to stay that way.

In order to protect your rights even before you understand them, you should carefully consider taking the following three steps:

Don’t give a recorded statement. You may be asked to give a statement over the phone or on video about the accident in which you were hurt. However, these kinds of recorded or formal statements may not be necessary. The package company may be interested in getting a statement before you fully understand your rights in hopes of collecting information that can be used to minimize any potential injury claim you file.
Don’t accept any money or sign any documents for the accident. It is possible that the package company or its insurance company will attempt to offer you compensation for your medical bills or ask you to sign documents shortly after you get hurt. However, if you don’t really understand what kind of care you might need or what your case is worth, you should wait to consider these options until you’ve spoken with an experienced attorney of your own choosing.
Do contact an experienced attorney for help. Unlike regular car accidents, wrecks that involve vehicles from a major corporation can quickly become overwhelming. If you are feeling confused or pressured to make decisions about your potential claim, it is extremely important that you at least take the time to speak with an attorney who has helped people in similar situations succeed with their cases.

Although they may seem fairly simple, these three steps can go a long way toward preserving your rights until you can get the information you need about a UPS or FedEx accident.

For more information about protecting yourself after a serious truck accident, request your free copy of our book, The 8 Steps to Follow After Your Illinois Car Accident, or contact our legal team directly at 312-332-1400.