Chicago Car Accident Attorney Blog

EDHS senior Chance Oster took a few minutes to chat before being killed in a car accident. "I mean it's a big thing," Oster said. "Acting this out, me being the dead one, it shows that me being dead might change some people's minds and make different choices."

A mock accident was preformed at the EDHS parking lot last Friday afternoon, one day before the school's prom.

It was the school's eighth performance of the mock accident since 1996, and it tends to turn some heads just one day before dolling up for prom. "We just look to impress upon young people what could happen if they make a poor choice and choose to drink and drive," said EDHS Principal Greg Herbst.

"We'd be naive if we didn't think it happened, and we'd be irresponsible if we didn't try and show them some of the negative things that can happen with those poor choices.

"It's a biannual event, we do it on even years, and this is my third one. It's quite a cooperative effort. East Dubuque Fire Department; Menominee-Dunleith Fire Department; East Dubuque Police Department; Paramount EMS; Galena EMS; we've had people from Rockford Hospital here; Bill Miller lets us use one of his caskets to make it as realistic as possible. If we can change the actions or decisions of just one student, than it's worth it."

Continue reading " Mock accidents makes impression on Illinois High School Seniors " »

Posted by Donald W. Fohrman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In:

Bookmark:

Judge Thomas Gainer ruled today that DUI evidence cannot be used in a trial against Chicago police officer John Ardelean.

Ardelean was charged with four counts of aggravated DUI and two counts of reckless homicide after the car he was driving hit a parked car killing both occupants of the car.

Killed in the accident was Erick Lagnuas and Miguel Flores.

Judge Gainer Jr. ruled that the evidence against Ardelean was illegally seized. Ardelean's attorneys challenged his arrest based on the fact the two other officers, a sergeant and a paramedic all testified that Ardelean did not appear drunk at the accident scene so they did not feel that a Breathalyzer was necessary at the time.

Additionally, Gainer ruled that Lt John Magruder wasn't a credible witness when he testified that Ardelean seemed like he was drunk. Magruder testified at a previous hearing that Ardelean had bloodshot eyes, smelled of booze and looked like "he was walking kind of funny with a limp or something."

Continue reading " DUI evidence against Chicago cop thrown out " »

Posted by Donald W. Fohrman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Community News

Bookmark:

In recent months 5 Chicago metropolitan area adults have gone above and beyond by donating kidneys to strangers.

Of the 5 donors 2 are young women are are in their early 20's. They are in good health and want to help other people. Another is a father who lost his teenage daughter in an auto accident. He wants to honor her memory by donating a kidney. An woman who works as a dental hygienist who's father was her inpsiration for donating a kidney and the 5th person is a woman who wants to repay her cousin for an act of kindness.

Continue reading " Chicago area strangers step up for organ donation " »

Posted by Donald W. Fohrman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Community News

Bookmark:

Is 65 mph not fast enough for Illinois drivers? Illinois law makers are considering an increase in the speed limit on Illinois roads to 70 mph. The increase would apply to interstates only and would allow all vehicles including large trucks, to travel at this speed.

Does a 5 mile an hour change make a difference. There are mixed opinions.

Some drivers believe that 70 mph is unnecessary and the a waste of gas. Some drivers also believe people will go faster than 70 mph.

Iowa's interstate roads went to 70 mph about five years ago. According to Doug Rick, an engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation, fewer people are speeding. "As far as the flow of traffic, it seems more vehicles are driving close to the same speed than before."

However, there is a downside. According to Rick, the faster a car is moving, should they lose control, and end up in a crash, the crashes are more severe.
Originally Iowa experienced an increase in serous and fatal accidents by 15% percent. However, authorities say that the numbers have since declined and that 2009 had the lowest number of car accident fatalities in decades.

Last year Governor Quinn increased the speed limit in Illinois to 65 mph on interstate roads.
The new increase, if approved by the Illinois Senate Executive Committee would allow vehicles to travel at 70 mph on interstates, except aournd Chicago and urban areas.

Posted by Donald W. Fohrman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Community News

Bookmark: