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Recent Blog Posts

When Are Illinois Traffic Violations Serious?

 Posted on February 23, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Will County, IL traffic ticket defense lawyerTraffic tickets and violations are a common occurrence, and receiving a ticket for speeding or failing to stop at a stop sign may seem like no big deal. However, letting traffic tickets and violations add up or committing more serious traffic violations in Illinois can lead to serious consequences, such as costly fines, loss of a driver’s license,and even jail time. An Illinois traffic violation defense attorney can help you fight your tickets and reduce penalties when possible.

What Are the Penalties for Illinois Traffic Violations?

The penalties for Illinois traffic violations vary depending on the type of violation committed and certain factors surrounding the traffic violation, such as being in a school zone when the violation occurred or driving recklessly.

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Are First-Time DUI Convictions Serious?

 Posted on February 12, 2024 in DUI

Blog ImageDUI convictions in Illinois can be serious, even if you are encountering a DUI conviction for the first time. These convictions can go on your criminal record and make it difficult to find housing, employment, and even certain types of loans, in addition to making it difficult to pass background checks. Any DUI conviction should be taken seriously, even first-time convictions, and an experienced Illinois DUI defense lawyer can help you navigate this conviction in court.

What Can I Expect for a First-Time DUI Conviction?

Under Illinois law, a first-time DUI conviction is typically categorized as a Class A misdemeanor. This is the most severe type of misdemeanor, and this type of conviction comes with certain consequences, such as:

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Can I Be Arrested for Drowsy Driving?

 Posted on February 06, 2024 in Personal Injury

Blog ImageMany people may do it, but drowsy driving is a dangerous way to operate a motor vehicle. Drowsy driving can count as distracted driving, and you may earn tickets or citations for driving while drowsy. Additionally, drowsy driving may lead to car accidents that injure you or those in other vehicles. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver, you should speak with an experienced Illinois car accident attorney right away.

Is Drowsy Driving Dangerous?

Drowsy driving might not seem like the most dangerous thing, but driving while fatigued is actually a very bad idea. Drowsy driving is often classified as distracted driving, as driving when you are tired prevents you from being able to react quickly, focus on the road, and be fully aware when you drive. You may even experience ‘micro-sleep’ where you fall asleep at the wheel for short periods of time.

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Establishing Negligence in a Personal Injury Case

 Posted on January 27, 2024 in Personal Injury

IL injury lawyerNegligence plays a pivotal role in personal injury cases. You could say it is the cornerstone on which personal injury cases are built. The role negligence plays will vary from case to case but is almost always involved in some form or another. From car accidents to wrongful death, knowing how to properly establish a defendant’s negligence is one step closer to receiving compensation for any damages you have incurred. An attorney can discuss with you the finer details of negligence and its importance to your specific case.

Defining Negligence

Negligence occurs when someone fails to provide a reasonable level of care that they normally would have otherwise in a given situation. Neglecting to perform duties or actions that a reasonable person would have performed that resulted in harm or injury to another individual.

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As An Injured Passenger, Can I Sue For Damages in Illinois?

 Posted on January 21, 2024 in Car Accidents

IL injury lawyerPassengers injured in a car accident can sue the driver for damages. In fact, a passenger can sue both drivers involved if both drivers were negligent in the crash. If a passenger is fatally wounded in a car crash, surviving family members can sue for damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Of course, in either case, the injured party or family of the deceased would have to prove both liability and damage. An experienced attorney can help acquire the evidence needed to prove negligence in your claim.

What You Should Do After Suffering Injuries in a Crash as a Passenger

Seeking medical attention is your first priority for both you and any other injured parties. Once you are safe and law enforcement has arrived to take control of the scene, you can begin to gather much-needed evidence to support your future claim.

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Can I Sue My Neighbor If Their Cat Attacked My Child?

 Posted on January 14, 2024 in Personal Injury

IL injury lawyerIt is normally dog bites that are the subject of conversation when it comes to personal injury lawsuits involving animal attacks. However, cats can be equally as terrifying and deal some serious damage should they attack an adult, let alone a minor child. So what can you do if a cat decides to sink its teeth or claws into one of your children? Well, that depends on the circumstances surrounding the attack.

When suffering any injuries due to the negligence of another person, it is a good idea to involve an attorney before attempting a lawsuit on your own. An attorney will be able to provide direction and advice regarding your lawsuit while gathering evidence of negligence on your behalf.

The “Dog Bite” Statute

In Illinois, there is no legal duty of care for pet owners to keep their cats indoors. This is in large part due to cats being naturally roaming creatures that will not often attack unless provoked. At one point in time, Illinois used the scienter rule, often referred to as the “one-bite” rule that allowed a pet to be exempt from liability if it was their first time attacking unprovoked.

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Injured My Back On The Job. What Can I Do?

 Posted on January 05, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

IL injury lawyerMost employers are required by Illinois law to have workers’ compensation in place in case of any on-the-job injury, illness, or accident. Employees may be eligible to receive medical benefits, disability benefits, and death benefits depending on the severity of the at-work injury. Employing an attorney can better help you navigate the legality of workers’ compensation for your unique case.

Injuries Covered By Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation only covers injuries inflicted while on the job. So any injuries incurred while at an employee recreational event are not covered by workers’ compensation unless event attendance is mandatory.

Injuries that are covered by workers’ compensation include:

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Tips to Avoid Accidents on Road Trips

 Posted on December 27, 2023 in Car Accidents

IL accident lawyerDuring the holidays, many of us travel to see loved ones. While road trips can be fun, there are potential hazards while traveling long distances without frequent breaks.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, drivers may be more focused on plans with family than traffic conditions. Even a momentary distraction can result in injuries and deaths, with most car crash fatalities being caused by human error

Below, our Joliet car accident lawyers go over some accident statistics and tips for you to avoid an accident on family road trips this holiday season.

Holiday Accident Statistics

The holidays bring us immense joy, but with this cheer comes a significant increase in accidents

2023 estimated figures reveal the following:

  • 507 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
  • 345 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the Christmas Day holiday period

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Penalties for Theft in Illinois

 Posted on December 23, 2023 in Criminal Defense

IL defense lawyerIn 2021, Will County was home to 1,545 reports of theft. Even though you may think sneaking a necklace out of a jewelry shop is no big deal, think again

Illinois law imposes serious punishments for offenders, and the court system is not afraid to convict someone when sufficient evidence is presented.

If you are convicted of theft, you will likely be paying steep fines, serving time, and have a criminal record for the rest of your life. If you are facing theft allegations in Illinois, you need a Joliet theft and burglary defense lawyer who can defend your good name

Theft Laws in Illinois

Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/16-1 states that a person commits theft when the individual knowingly: 

Workers’ Compensation for Delivery Drivers After a Truck Accident

 Posted on December 16, 2023 in Workers' Compensation

IL workers comp lawyerAbout 1.7 million people work as delivery truck drivers in the United States, and such a high number of jobs creates the likelihood of increased truck accidents. A truck driver who suffers injuries in an accident may be unable to work for a prolonged period. For the average person, not having a steady source of income is simply not feasible.

After a truck driver is involved in an accident, he or she may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages. Workers’ compensation is employer-provided insurance that comes at no cost to the employee. Moreover, the employee does not need to prove that the employer’s negligence led to his or her injuries.

If you are a delivery driver who has been involved in a truck accident, our Joliet workers’ compensation lawyers would like to assist you during this confusing time.  

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