DuPage, Kane and Will County Personal Injury Law Blog

When the time changes in the spring, it results in more daylight hours, and it's a clear indication that summer is just around the corner. Many people in Illinois look forward to this, but they also know that this means they will lose an hour of sleep. By moving the clocks ahead, everyone gets one less hour of rest in a night. 

This lost hour doesn't just affect a person for that one night or the next morning. The time change can affect a person for weeks as he or she adjusts to new sleep patterns and driving in the mornings when it's darker. Because of these reasons, there is a spike in fatal car accidents following the week after the time change. 

Drivers who fail to allow sufficient space between their vehicles and others nearby might not always be fully prepared to react to certain scenarios. Motor vehicle accidents that take place when a vehicle crashes into the rear-end of another car can prompt a chain reaction of events that places the safety of those involved in jeopardy. One person has died following a recent rear-end collision that forced a vehicle to crash through a barrier and erupt into flames in Illinois.

Authorities say they responded to reports of the crash just after 2 a.m. on a recent Friday. According to reports, the incident occurred when for reasons unknown, the driver of a car suddenly crashed into the rear-end of a nearby vehicle on a local interstate. The impact of the crash forced the second vehicle to crash through concrete barriers and become engulfed in flames after crossing onto nearby railroad tracks.

With the average rate of speed at which most vehicles travel on the interstate, it can take little more than a moment for a potential hazard to turn into a disaster. Motor vehicle accidents that take place under similar circumstances can be catastrophic incidents that could leave those involved with life-altering or even fatal injuries. A recent collision that took place on an interstate in Illinois has left two individuals with severe injuries and claimed the life of a 62-year-old man.

Law enforcement agents say they responded to reports of the crash just after 10 a.m. on a recent Saturday. Initial investigations indicate the incident took place after the driver of a northbound vehicle suddenly lost control and veered across the median. The vehicle proceeded to enter the opposite lanes of traffic before colliding head-on with a southbound pickup truck.

A serious injury can change a person's life in many ways. From the medical bills to the physical impairment, it can have a far-reaching effect into multiple areas of a person's daily activities and financial security. This is particularly true for individuals who suffered a spinal cord injury.

Injuries to the spine can be particularly serious, often causing permanent damage. There are different types of injuries to the spine, but an Illinois victim can experience difficult circumstances emotionally, physically, financially and mentally as they seek to adjust to their new normal. If you or a loved one suffered an injury to this part of the body, it may be helpful to learn more about the potential impacts and what you can do as you try and put your life back together.