Posted on August 02,2023 in Car Accident

Car accidents tend to occur more often during the summer for a number of reasons. The combination of increased traffic, weather conditions, and human behaviors significantly contribute to this trend. The weather warms up and people tend to travel more frequently and participate in outdoor activities, which can lead to a higher number of accidents on the roads. The following are some of the factors that can contribute to summertime car accidents.

Higher Traffic Volume

Summer is the season for vacations, road trips, and outdoor events. This leads to a significant increase in the amount of traffic on the roads. This higher traffic volume means more drivers are sharing the road, which also increases the risk of crashes, especially in congested areas.

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 Posted on July 27,2023 in Personal Injury Attorney

Motorcyclists face unique challenges and risks on the road, especially since they lack the protection around them that other vehicle operators have. Not only do they face potential dangers from other vehicles, but there are also road hazards they may encounter that can pose significant risks to their safety. It is critical for anyone who rides a motorcycle to understand these hazards and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the risk of suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident.  

Potholes and Uneven Surfaces

Potholes and uneven roads can be problematic for motorcycle riders. Hitting a pothole or encountering uneven pavement can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their bikes, resulting in serious accidents. Motorcyclists should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, allowing them enough time to identify potential hazards and adjust their speed or position accordingly.

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 Posted on July 16,2023 in Car Accident

In today's fast-paced and technologically advanced world, it is not uncommon to witness the reckless act of texting while driving, despite all the data that shows just how dangerous this activity is. Some surveys have found that almost 40 percent of drivers admit to texting while driving, even though they are aware of the potential consequences, as well as the fact that it is illegal.

Just Seconds Can Result in Devastation

The need to stay connected and multitask has unfortunately become so ingrained in our society that drivers ignore the fact that texting while driving diverts attention from the road and greatly increases the risk of crashing. A split second of distraction can result in a catastrophic collision, causing irreversible injuries, fatalities, and property damage.

In one major study conducted by Virginia Tech, researchers found that out of all the distracted driving activities, texting kept the driver’s attention off the road for the longest – an average of 4.6 seconds. In order to understand the stark reality of those seconds, the study explained that a driver operating at 55 mph would travel the length of an entire football field in just 4.6 seconds.

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 Posted on June 27,2023 in Personal Injury Attorney

Being injured in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Not only do you have to go through the recovery process from your injuries, but there are often financial issues that you are suddenly forced to deal with, such as high medical bills and lost wages if you are unable to work while you recover.  Although you are not legally required to retain an attorney to pursue a car accident claim, statistics show that injured parties have a much better chance at obtaining the financial compensation they are entitled to if they have an attorney advocating for them.

The following are some of the key reasons why a car accident attorney can help you get the best possible outcome based on the circumstances of your case.

Legal Expertise and Knowledge

Car accident attorneys specialize in personal injury law and have in-depth knowledge of the legal intricacies involved in such cases. They understand the relevant laws, regulations, and insurance policies that apply to your situation. Their expertise allows them to navigate the complex legal system and advocate for your rights effectively.

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 Posted on June 16,2023 in Personal Injury

While every accident claim has the potential to be complex, those involving commercial trucks can be especially difficult to process due to the potential of multiple liable parties. Liability refers to legal responsibility for the accident and resulting damages. When a person sustains injuries in a truck accident caused by someone else, Illinois law allows them to pursue legal action against those who are deemed liable for the accident in order to recover financial compensation for the losses their injuries have caused them. The following are some of the most common at-fault parties in a truck accident.

Truck Driver

The truck driver is often the first party to be assessed for liability. Some of the more common behaviors or actions truck drivers engage in that result in crashes include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue, or violation of traffic laws.

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 Posted on June 07,2023 in Car Accident

 Disregarding traffic laws can have serious consequences, including vehicle accidents, injuries, and legal penalties. Unfortunately, some drivers frequently neglect certain traffic laws, increasing the risk for themselves and others on the road. The following are some of the most commonly disregarded traffic laws that result in many of the crashes that occur on Illinois roads.

Speeding

Speeding is a prevalent traffic violation that many drivers disregard. Exceeding the posted speed limit reduces the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the likelihood of accidents. Speeding also contributes to more severe injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Ignoring red lights and stop signs is a dangerous practice that can lead to severe accidents. Failing to stop at these traffic signals increases the risk of collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists who have the right of way. Intersection accidents resulting from running red lights or stop signs can cause significant injuries and property damage.

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 Posted on May 30,2023 in Car Accident

When it becomes clear that a defective auto part could lead to consumer harm, a manufacturer will usually recall the affected part on a voluntary basis. Although there are costs associated with a voluntary recall – and there are usually short-term public relations issues that stem from a recall announcement – the risk of harm-related liability is such that delaying recall efforts can leave a manufacturer particularly vulnerable to lawsuits and truly significant public relations issues if it does not act quickly to address a product-related concern that could lead to injuries or death.

Yet, some manufacturers choose to “roll the dice” and refuse to initiate recalls when reports of harm are brought to their attention. Usually, a manufacturer’s hope is that the cost of settling any harm-related legal action will be more cost-effective than initiating a recall. This is a truly dangerous approach, as – absent a formal recall – an untold number of consumers may remain unaware that a potentially injurious or deadly vehicle defect could be endangering their well-being.  

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 Posted on May 23,2023 in Car Accident

The issue of whether it may be time for an ill, injured, or aging driver to hang up their keys is an unquestionably emotional and consequential matter. American car culture and the ways in which most cities and towns have been designed have made it so that owning personal, vehicular transportation is often associated with both freedom and independence. Yet, it cannot be denied that sometimes, despite all the benefits that driving affords, it is a far safer approach for certain drivers to hang up their keys.

Hanging onto one’s keys too long could result in a far-higher risk of a motorist causing a crash. That motorist may end up harming themselves or others. Conversely, insisting that someone hang up their keys when they remain a safe-enough driver to warrant driving privileges can result in diminished dignity, independence, and autonomy due to fear, not logic. As a result, it is very important to exercise objective reasoning when assessing whether someone should continue driving or not.

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 Posted on May 08,2023 in Car Accident

On January 11, a final rule concerning rear underride guards for large commercial trucks went into effect. This rule was crafted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is the federal agency that is tasked with preventing motor vehicle accidents from occurring. Rear underride guards help to prevent specific kinds of truck accident scenarios from unfolding. Now, the NHTSA is questioning whether a similar rule should be instituted concerning side underride guards.

The Function of Underride Guards

Due to the difference in size between large commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, there is a significant risk that rear-ending a large commercial truck could cause a following vehicle to become trapped under the belly of the lead vehicle. These crashes tend to be devastating, as they can shear off the top half of a passenger vehicle, exposing the vehicle’s occupants to catastrophic or fatal injury risks.

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 Posted on April 25,2023 in Slip and Fall

It is well understood that falling from any significant height can result in injury. As a result, property owners, employers, and government agencies tend to take proactive steps to minimize the risk that individuals will suffer a fall from several inches to several feet off of the ground. Yet, less attention is paid to the kinds of injurious fall scenarios that occur with much greater frequency: same-level falls.

Same-level falls usually occur due to slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall risks. Challenges ranging from slippery substances on a retailer’s floor to uneven pavement in a parking lot can inspire bruising, broken bones, and even head trauma caused by same-level falls.

As a result of how common and how consequential same-level falls can be, it is generally a good idea for both residential and commercial property owners to fall-proof their property. Fall-proofing involves intentionally minimizing the risk of falls on one’s property. When property owners fail to engage in fall proofing, they could potentially be held liable for any harm that results if a visitor, a guest, or potentially even a trespasser slips or trips, falls, and is injured as a result of a preventable hazard.

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