Posted on July 02,2020 in Car Accident

We all know the basic dos and don’ts of proper driving etiquette to avoid car accidents, even if a good amount of time has passed since we last took a driver’s education class. Common sense when it comes to rules of the road tell us not to drive while distracted or drowsy, not to drive aggressively, and not to drive while under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. While these standards might seem obvious, there are other common traffic mishaps that we often fall victim to on a regular basis. Such poor driving habits can place us at significant risk for collisions and injuries, which makes the need for practicing defensive driving techniques critical each time we get behind the wheel in Illinois.

Poor Driving Behaviors to Watch for on the Roadway

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 Posted on June 30,2020 in Wrongful Death

There is no pain that can compare with losing a loved one forever. The death of a family member can leave some people uncertain of how to move forward. For those who lost loved ones to old age or a chronic illness, the pain is deep, but the underlying idea that this is part of the circle of life can act as a form of comfort to those who feel left behind. The loss of a family member or friend because of another person’s negligence can be nearly impossible to bear. You are likely wracked with anger and frustration, none of which can dull the immeasurable pain. In order to address such situations and hold people or companies accountable for their actions, Illinois law has recognized these tragedies and instilled legal consequences for those found guilty of wrongful death charges.

Holding Negligent Parties Responsible

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 Posted on June 23,2020 in Car Accident

With mandatory stay-at-home orders in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, Illinois roads have been emptier over the past few months than they have been in a long time. Fewer commuters going to work and hardly any restaurants open for indoor seating have compelled many people to stay at home and off the roads. Surprisingly, despite the fewer number of cars seen on the streets, motor vehicle fatality rates have actually increased in the past few months. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), Illinois is one of the states that has seen this increased fatality rate, leaving a number of Illinois residents incurring serious to fatal injuries because of a car accident.

Looking at the Numbers

The United States as a whole saw a 14 percent increase in fatality rates per mile driven in March. This is especially surprising since most stay-at-home orders were at their strictest during this time as the coronavirus became identified as a rampant issue throughout the country. Illinois itself had an 11 percent increase in roadway deaths within the first three months of the year. One would think that fewer drivers on the road would result in a lower number of vehicle collisions, but the NSC president notes that many see these open roads as invitations for reckless driving. With fewer cars on the road, safety concerns have been disregarded by many motorists, leading to these increased statistics. Speeding has increased since the start of the pandemic, with the idea that fewer drivers mean typical speed limits are no longer necessary for safety.

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 Posted on June 16,2020 in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are severely injured too frequently on Illinois roadways. While this typically occurs in a city setting, stay-at-home orders have made many people more inclined to escape the confines of their home, even for a little while, by going for a walk around the block. As Illinois moves into its fourth stage of reopening, there will be many more cars on the road, which can pose a greater risk to runners, walkers, and bikers. Restaurants and stores may be reopening, but many companies still have their employees working remotely to avoid further spread of COVID-19. With an increase in cars and a consistent stream of pedestrian traffic, it is important to stay vigilant while walking to avoid suffering from life-altering injuries as a result of a serious car accident. Even if you follow the below safety tips, a reckless driver may be responsible for your pedestrian accident. 

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 Posted on June 09,2020 in Medical Malpractice

Parents' most important job is to protect their children and this responsibility begins at the conception of their child. For pregnant mothers, this can include taking prenatal vitamins, attending required doctor appointments, and following the dietary guidelines given to them by their health provider to keep their baby healthy and safe, even before birth. As is true throughout the child’s life, there are some matters that are out of the parents’ hands—and this battle begins before the child is born. According to the Birth Injury Justice Center, seven out of every 1,000 children will suffer from a birth injury. Some of these injuries may be minor, while others can bring on a lifetime of medical bills, doctor visits, and various other struggles that the child must endure. Depending on the circumstances, medical malpractice may have caused your child’s birth injury. 

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 Posted on June 02,2020 in Car Accident

The issue of aggressive driving on our highways is certainly not a new issue, but as our nation experiences the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, aggressive driving of all kinds, especially speeding, has been reportedly on the rise from coast to coast. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding alone – a major hallmark of aggressive behavior – caused over 9,000 car accident fatalities in 2018, and it continues to be one of the most dangerous behaviors people engage in while behind the wheel. 

Other aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights or stop signs, are also dangerous, and they can pose a great risk for motorists and pedestrians alike. Even something as simple as failing to yield the right of way is considered an aggressive driving act, and it is often a significant hazard on the highway. While you may not be able to completely avoid reckless drivers when you are out on the road, you can practice certain defensive techniques to reduce the likelihood of a dangerous encounter.

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 Posted on May 29,2020 in Car Accident

When it comes to teenage car accidents and injuries, the state of Illinois reports some staggering statistics. Not only are car crashes the leading cause of death among young drivers between the ages of 15 and 20, but the fatality rate for teen drivers is also three to five times higher than other, older age groups. Studies show that some of the key reasons for this difference are teenagers’ lack of driving experience, paired with their increased tendency to take risks. As the parent of a teenager, you are likely already on edge about the arrival of the driving milestone in your teen’s life, and statistics such as these can only intensify the grave reminder that driving for young people is especially dangerous. However, there are thankfully a number of ways to motivate and help your teenager drive safely as he or she hits the road. 

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 Posted on May 26,2020 in Car Accident

Every driver knows that taking steps to decrease the chances of serious car accident injury starts the moment you get into your vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that you reduce your chances of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent when you choose to buckle up. You cut your risk of injury significantly when you wear your seat belt, but wearing the restraint properly is equally important. Proper seat belt usage has been proven so effective when it comes to safety that the practice is more than a mere suggestion – it is required by law in the state of Illinois. No matter where in the vehicle you and your passengers are positioned, everyone in the car is required to wear a belt that is properly adjusted and correctly fastened. The safety protection that seat belt use provides is a major motivator for following these laws. However, a crash caused by a negligent motorist can still cause injuries, even when your seat belt is buckled.

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 Posted on May 20,2020 in Personal Injury Attorney

As warmer temperatures arrive, and the summer season approaches, more opportunity for motorcycle riding can mean an increased risk of motorcycle accidents with injuries, especially during a time when the current pandemic crisis is affecting our roadways. Reckless driving, particularly speeding, has been on the rise, making Illinois roadways even more dangerous. However, there are a number of defensive driving techniques that can help you avoid potential accidents and injuries while out and about in the coming months. In many cases, the negligent actions of other drivers can cause a motorcycle crash.  

Driving Defensively as a Motorcyclist

While not every motorcycle collision can be prevented, driving defensively can at the very least be a valuable tool in lessening the impact and intensity of a collision, should you ever have the unfortunate experience of being involved in one. Next time you ride, practice the following tips to better protect yourself and others on the road:

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 Posted on May 18,2020 in Personal Injury

If you are among the many commuters biking more often due to this unprecedented time in our country, then it is important to stay up to date on your rights on the roadways, especially when it comes to protecting yourself from the likelihood of bicycle accidents and injuries. Whether you have just begun biking as a way to cope with stay-at-home orders, to increase your exercise, or simply to rely less on your vehicle during this time, there is some good news for you: Illinois law states that bicyclists have many of the same rights as drivers. 

What Rights Do Bicyclists Have on the Road?

Generally speaking, drivers are required to treat you, the biker, as they would treat other drivers. While it may be a relief to know that you are entitled to most of the same rights that regular motorists are, it is helpful to be aware that you are also accountable for the same responsibilities. For example, bikers should travel in the same direction as vehicles, and if you drive a low-speed or electric bike, you are required to follow all the same laws that are applicable to cyclists, just as drivers must obey all the same laws that apply to them. 

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