Posted on February 09, 2024 in Car Accidents

In today’s technology-driven world, distracted driving has rapidly become a leading cause of car accidents. Proving that a distracted driver caused your accident is a crucial element in seeking compensation. If you believe distracted driving was to blame for your accident and subsequent injuries, contact a knowledgeable attorney in Illinois to give yourself the most favorable opportunity to pursue compensation related to your injuries. 

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is a cause of many personal injury cases in Illinois, and is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, or using in-car technologies like the radio or GPS. To prove that a distracted driver caused your accident, you must gather evidence demonstrating the driver’s negligence in engaging in such activities while driving. 

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 Posted on January 30, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering and bring many challenges with them well into the future. Suffering a catastrophic injury not only affects not the victim, but also their family and friends. So how does one cope with such an extremely challenging experience? In all injuries of this magnitude, you should seek the best help you can. Though your life may never be the same, you will need to look to preserve your future interests. An aggressive personal injury attorney can fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation necessary to carry on no matter the severity of the injury.

A Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury is an injury so severe that its effects are long-lasting, possibly permanent, and can affect not only the victim but their family and friends as well. Disfigurement is a strong possibility in a catastrophic injury where the more severe injuries result in paraplegia, quadriplegia, or death. A catastrophic injury can impact every aspect of your life and bring with it many challenges that can feel like an uphill battle.

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 Posted on January 15, 2024 in Wrongful Death

Losing a family member to the negligent act of another individual can send devastating ripples throughout your household. On top of the emotional turmoil, there is also the concern of financial matters. A wrongful death in Illinois can occur at any moment and understanding how to receive compensation for a loved one and for those left behind is critical during the healing process. An attorney with experience in wrongful death lawsuits can help you decipher the legalities and complexities that go into a wrongful death claim.

Illinois Survival Act

The Illinois Survival Act is meant to be a deceased person’s voice and actions after a wrongful death occurs. The act enables the surviving family of the deceased the option to file a claim and recover financial compensation through an estate on behalf of the deceased. It will cover the same damages as if the deceased individual had survived, which can include:

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 Posted on January 08, 2024 in Car Accidents

A multi-vehicle collision accident can be a scary experience for anyone. Attempting to unravel who is at fault for injuries sustained in the accident can be downright stressful. Multi-vehicle accidents are a complicated mess but, in Illinois courts, sorting out liability is done using the standard of modified comparative negligence. You will want to understand what this is, how to prove fault, and how to take action following an accident which makes it all the more important to secure an experienced attorney.

Modified Comparative Fault

Illinois uses modified comparative fault in injury lawsuit decisions for how damages are split. Instead of requiring proof of 100 percent at-fault negligence as is the case for contributory negligence, comparative negligence is left up to the court to decide the at-fault percentage of each party. So, using modified comparative fault in a three-car pileup, the court will look at how much negligence each party was responsible for. To receive compensation, the defendant would need to be 51 percent or more responsible, or the plaintiff would need to be 50 percent or less responsible, for the accident taking place.

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 Posted on December 22, 2023 in Personal Injury

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, and while severe injuries are often associated with high-speed collisions, it is important to recognize that even seemingly minor pedestrian accidents can result in injuries that may be worse than they initially appear. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident and are suffering from injuries, hire a lawyer in Illinois and review your options.

Three Factors That Contribute to Severe Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents 

1. Speed and impact – Although a minor pedestrian accident may involve a low-speed collision, the impact can still cause severe injuries. Factors such as the size and weight of the vehicle, the angle of impact, and the vulnerability of the pedestrian can all contribute to the severity of the injuries sustained. Even at low speeds, the force exerted on a pedestrian’s body can result in broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage.

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 Posted on December 14, 2023 in Personal Injury

In Illinois, like most states, the rules of the road prioritize pedestrians. However, there are circumstances where pedestrians can be held partially or entirely at-fault for accidents, especially those involving vehicles. If you live in Illinois and were involved in an accident involving a pedestrian and you suffered injuries, it may be worth pursuing an injury claim. You have rights that you may not be aware of. Your attorney will work with you today to examine your case's details while ensuring your rights are protected.

Legal Framework in Illinois

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that the involved parties can share fault in an accident. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections, but they must exercise reasonable care for their own safety. If a pedestrian fails to exercise reasonable care for their own safety, there may be a finding of comparative fault, reducing the amount of compensation a pedestrian can receive. 

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 Posted on December 05, 2023 in Car Accidents

In the aftermath of a car accident, emotions can run very high, making it tempting to apologize, even if you were not at fault. While this may seem like a natural reaction to the accident occurring, doing so can be terribly detrimental and expose you to a slew of unintended consequences. Remember, if you have been in an accident, you want to safeguard your rights as soon as possible. This begins with saying nothing to hurt your case at the accident scene and calling a lawyer in Illinois to represent you in an injury claim as soon as you are able to.

Admission of Liability

Apologizing at the accident scene can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt or liability. Even if you believe you were not at fault, a simple apology may be used against you in legal proceedings. Insurance companies and opposing parties may seize upon your apology as evidence of fault, potentially undermining your defense and jeopardizing your chances of receiving fair compensation. 

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 Posted on November 28, 2023 in Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases are often emotionally gut-wrenching affairs, as pursuing justice for your loved one in the wake of their death can be difficult, especially as you try to juggle the emotional aspect of things with the legal side of things. If a wrongful death has happened to someone close to you, you may be wondering whether you are eligible in Illinois to pursue a wrongful death case on their behalf. If this sounds like your situation, contact a lawyer to see whether pursuing a case is an option available to you.

Here is Who Can Pursue Wrongful Death Cases

• Surviving spouse or domestic partner – In Illinois, the surviving spouse or domestic partner of the deceased is the primary party entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The law recognizes the unique bond between spouses, thus allowing them to seek compensation for the loss of financial support and companionship resulting from their loved one’s death.

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 Posted on November 15, 2023 in Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident and are pursuing a personal injury case, it is natural to wonder about the likelihood of winning. While every case is unique and outcomes can never be guaranteed, providing insights into the factors that can influence the outcome of a car accident injury case is crucial for those injured in a car accident. If you are suffering from injuries sustained during a car collision, contact a lawyer in Illinois. You and your attorney will sit down, examine the case’s particulars, and formulate a plan to move forward with a strong injury case that may eventually compensate you for your injuries.

Factors Influencing the Outcome of a Car Accident Case

Several factors can influence the outcome of a car accident case. First and foremost, liability must be established. For example, if you and your lawyer can prove that the other party was negligent and their negligence directly caused your injuries, it will significantly strengthen your case. The strength of the evidence, including police reports, witness testimony, and medical records, also plays a crucial role. The severity of your injuries and their impact on your life, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, are significant factors in determining the potential compensation.

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 Posted on November 06, 2023 in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating motor vehicle accidents that can occur on our roads. The size and speed of a truck can utterly obliterate most things in its path, such as regular-sized cars and more, making trucks among the most dangerous vehicles on the road. When pursuing a truck accident case, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes that can risk your chances of receiving fair compensation. If you were injured in a truck accident, contact an aggressive lawyer in Illinois to ensure that you know and understand your rights as you move forward with your case.

Do Not Delay Medical Treatment and Documentation

One of the most critical mistakes to avoid is delaying medical treatment and failing to document your injuries. Seeking immediate medical attention after a truck accident is crucial for not only your physical well-being but the strength of your case as well. Delaying treatment may lead to doubts about the severity of your injuries or allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not caused by the truck accident. Furthermore, it is crucial to keep thorough records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and related expenses to demonstrate the negative impact the accident had on your physical and emotional health.

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