Posted on June 19, 2020 in Car Accidents

Recent reports reveal some startling car accident fatality statistics in Illinois. It is worth understanding them to adjust your driving accordingly and drive defensively to avoid any accidents. Even with a skilled attorney and good car insurance, it is never worth risking minor to fatal injuries or permanent damage to your vehicle, and an extra nudge of awareness can go a long way in helping to prepare you for the next time you get behind the wheel. With all of that said, never hesitate to reach out to a respected car accident attorney in Illinois if you or a loved one ever suffer the unfortunate circumstance of being in a car accident.

First Quarter Illinois Car Accident Statistics

You do not typically see such drastic changes in automotive fatality rates from year to year, but 2020 is shaping up to be a year like none other. The National Safety Council recently released a surprising statistic, revealing an 11 percent increase in the number of people who have died from car accident fatalities in the first quarter of 2020. Even though most Americans began quarantining in March this year, a nationwide increase of 14 percent in car accident fatalities was reported.

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 Posted on May 27, 2020 in Car Accidents

It can be difficult to remain calm immediately after a car accident, but that time is crucial when trying to determine who is at fault. Without the proper information, you or a loved one could risk losing deserved compensation because you are unable to prove that the majority of the fault lay with the other driver. The statute of limitations on personal injury cases is two years in Illinois, making it critical for you to get in touch with a car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. While every accident is unique, it is important to heed the following guidelines when determining fault: 

Common Forms of Car Accidents and Who Is At Fault

Illinois is an “at fault” state, which means that both drivers in a car accident can try to make an argument that the other driver was more at fault. The court may then use percentages to determine where fault resides, and the party who is most at fault may be required to pay damages to the other party. If you were involving in any of the following types of accidents, you and your attorney can use a variety of forms of evidence to demonstrate that the other driver was at fault:

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 Posted on April 10, 2020 in Premises Liability

If you are injured in Illinois because of a hazard that was not immediately obvious, there is a good chance that you can recover compensation from the landowner who failed to fix the issue or warn you of any potential danger. However, merely suffering an injury is not enough to win a premises liability lawsuit. If you work with a seasoned personal injury lawyer, you will have a better chance of proving that the property owner was negligent — and a better chance of collecting your deserved compensation.

Premises Liability Act

Premises liability law in Illinois used to distinguish between invitees and licensees in determining what degree of care a property owner owes a visitor, but that is no longer the case. Licensees are anyone specifically invited to the property as guests, and invitees include everyone else: customers, audience members, etc. Illinois law dictates that property owners are equally responsible for both groups’ safety. According to the Premises Liability Act, property owners must reasonably care for the safety of their guests by keeping their property in good condition and communicating with guests about any dangerous conditions to be aware of. This law assumes that the visitors will not be able to immediately perceive any dangers on their own and is designed to help a victim if they could not reasonably avoid an injury caused by negligent care of the premises.

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 Posted on March 31, 2020 in Personal Injury

People of all ages walk as a form of exercise or to get to and from work or school. Although walking can be a fun and leisurely activity, it can also prove dangerous at times. In 2017, there were 5,977 pedestrians killed in traffic-related crashes in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There are various conditions that can increase the chances of a pedestrian accident, such as inclement weather, reckless driving, and other factors. Regardless of the causes, any collision involving a person on foot and a vehicle can have serious consequences, especially for the pedestrian. These types of accidents can result in severe injuries and even death. 

Factors That Can Lead to a Pedestrian Accident

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 Posted on February 14, 2020 in Personal Injury

As the weather warms up in Illinois, more and more people will begin walking to work, school, restaurants, or simply for fresh air and exercise. This is especially true in more urban areas, such as Chicago. Since many suburbanites take the train into the city and walk to their workplace from the station, it is important for both city residents and those living outside of the city to take precautions when walking downtown. Chicago does a good job of providing sidewalks and crosswalks for pedestrians to use, but there is still the potential of accidents with injuries if a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle. The streets are so busy that even those obeying the rules of the road could find themselves in a dangerous situation.

Watch Your Step

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 Posted on January 09, 2020 in Car Accidents

Just as it is dangerous for a person to drive while distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, falling asleep at the wheel can lead to car accidents, serious injuries, and wrongful deaths. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a reported 795 fatalities and 91,000 motor vehicle crashes linked to drowsy driving in 2017. There are a wide variety of factors that can contribute toward driver fatigue, and victims injured in an accident caused by a drowsy driver may be able to recover financial compensation for their pain and suffering, medical care, and property damage.

How Does Drowsiness Affect a Motorist?

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 Posted on December 16, 2019 in Car Accidents

For many people, the holidays are an opportunity to visit with friends, family, and loved ones. Ranging from dinner parties to work gatherings, the number of celebrations seem to be endless around this time of year. Depending on the occasion, alcoholic beverages may be served. For anyone who plans to drink, it is imperative to think ahead for a safe ride home. Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in Illinois, and it can lead to devastating consequences, including life-threatening injuries and wrongful death. If you have been the victim of a car accident involving an intoxicated motorist, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your pain and suffering. 

Holiday Drunk Driving Statistics

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 Posted on November 15, 2019 in Car Accidents

When a teenager receives his or her license, it is a momentous occasion in his or her life. Having the freedom to explore new places can lead to feelings of both excitement and nervousness. Although a teen driver may be eager to hit the road, it is important for him or her to remember proper driving etiquette. Driving fast or playing loud music on a car's radio may seem cool; however, the possible outcomes of these actions can be devastating. In 2016, there were 2,082 teen drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes. If your child has suffered a serious injury or wrongful death in a car accident, it is important to seek professional legal advice.

Teen Driving Statistics

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 Posted on October 11, 2019 in Car Accidents

Traffic violations, distracted driving, and drunk driving all contribute to the growing number of car accidents that occur throughout the United States. Not mentioned enough, however, is the topic of drugged driving. Every time a drugged motorist gets behind the wheel, society could be facing a potential disaster. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 16 percent of all motor vehicle crashes are caused by drivers under the influence of drugs. Victims of a car crash caused by a drugged driver could sustain life-changing injuries that can result in pain and suffering, extensive medical bills, and loss of freedom. If you or a loved one have suffered due to an impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case.  

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 Posted on September 06, 2019 in Car Accidents

Before getting behind the wheel of a car and hitting the road, it is important to remember that not everything is in your control. Car accidents can happen to any motorist at any time, regardless of whether the driver follows the rules of the road. In 2017, more than 6.45 million car accidents occurred throughout the United States. Actions taken after a collision can help determine whether medical attention is required, who is at fault, and if legal action needs to be taken. While planning for a vehicle collision is almost impossible, understanding the process of what to do after a crash can help you make sure you can recover compensation from those who were responsible.

The Type of Collision Can Affect the Outcome

Based on the location and force of impact at the time of the accident, outcomes can differ significantly. For example, the aftermath of a rear-end collision could be drastically different from a head-on collision. Being struck from behind can result in whiplash, but colliding with another vehicle in front or being hit on the side or “T-boned” at an intersection can prove fatal in some cases. 

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