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The Most Critical Evidence in Your Car Accident Claim
Being involved in a car accident is guaranteed to ruin your day. However, the adverse effects of a car accident can last much longer than a single day. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may be unable to return to work and make a living for weeks, months, or even years. Your injuries from the car accident could require ongoing medical treatment and could potentially even result in partial or total disability.
When another driver causes a car accident through his or her negligence, then that driver – or his or her insurance – should be responsible for your damages. In order to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement for your damages, it is essential that the evidence backs your version of the accident since proving fault is the bedrock of a solid car accident claim.
Evidence can come in various forms, including witness statements, medical records, police reports, videos, and other types of physical evidence. Having assistance in the form of a highly experienced legal advocate can make the process both faster and simpler. When you have a Joliet, IL personal injury lawyer, a positive resolution is more likely because your attorney knows what evidence is necessary to prove your damages.
Can Having Asthma Adversely Affect BAC Readings?
If you are facing an Illinois DUI, it is crucial that all your defense options be considered. For some people, an illness or disease – or the medications used for that illness or disease – can cause a spike in blood alcohol levels that has little to do with actual inebriation. While it might seem like a long shot to blame a high BAC reading on something other than alcohol consumption, it can be a valid defense.
Both the disease of asthma itself, as well as the medications used to treat asthma, can have an adverse effect on a breathalyzer test, causing higher readings. If you are facing DUI charges, discussing these issues with your Joliet, IL DUI lawyer is important. Your attorney could potentially have your DUI charges dropped or have the charges lowered to one with less serious consequences.
How New Illinois Drug Laws Could Impact Drug Charges
Almost every year, the state of Illinois updates and changes at least some areas of the criminal code. The changes are fairly minor in some years, while in other years, they can significantly impact how criminal offenses, including drug charges, are charged and punished. Some of these changes can significantly affect Illinois residents charged with specific drug crimes, both positively and negatively.
Criminal defense attorneys who handle drug charges keep up with the changes, so it is always beneficial to speak to a Joliet, IL drug crimes lawyer who can answer your questions, be a strong legal advocate in your corner, and defend your charges aggressively. Some of the drug crime laws that took effect in 2025 are detailed below.
More Defendants in 2025 Will Qualify for Diversionary Programs
The expansion of Second Chance Probation and amendments to 730 ILCS 5/5-6-3.4 will result in more defendants qualifying for diversionary programs like Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) and drug court under the Illinois Problem-Solving Courts framework. Diversionary and alternative programs are not automatic, nor are they guaranteed.
Can Workers’ Compensation Be Affected by a Positive Drug Test?
In 2020, the state of Illinois legalized the use of recreational marijuana under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Since that time, many questions have arisen regarding the legal implications of using marijuana in their daily lives, including in the workplace. One such issue revolves around how – or whether – a positive drug test can impact a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
If you are facing a situation in Illinois where your workers’ compensation claim for benefits is being denied because of a positive drug test, it is important that you speak to an experienced Joliet, IL workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner your attorney can begin building a positive defense on your behalf, the more likely you are to receive the benefits you need and deserve.
Who is Liable for Injuries and Deaths from a Mass Shooting?
Unfortunately, mass shootings have become so commonplace that they barely warrant a few days in the news cycle. Since 2013, the number of annual mass shootings across the nation has increased by 65 percent. The use of an assault weapon makes mass shootings four times more lethal.
If you are injured by a shooter at a public place, such as a music event, in a nightclub, restaurant, or any other type of public event, who bears liability for your injuries? The answer to this question can be complex and depends on the circumstances. If you are the victim of a mass shooting, it can be extremely beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Joliet, IL personal injury lawyer.
Businesses and Individuals That Could Be Targeted in a Personal Injury Claim
Which people or entities are responsible for the resulting injuries and deaths from a mass shooting will depend on the specific circumstances but may include:
Could the New Ohio "Liv’s Law" Influence Illinois DUI Laws?
Across the United States, state legislators are looking more seriously at impaired drivers. Ohio recently passed a new law, known as Liv’s Law, that significantly increases the penalties for repeat DUI offenders. While the law only applies to Ohio drivers, it is indicative of a larger nationwide move toward DUI policies that are designed to be harsh enough to prevent repeat DUI offenders. The new DUI policies in Ohio could potentially affect other states, including Illinois.
Liv’s Law was named after a 22-year-old Ohio woman killed in 2020 by a repeat DUI offender. Following the passage of this law, a first offense OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Ohio that results in the death of another person now has a mandatory prison sentence of two to eight years. When there are no injuries or deaths involved, a first-time OVI offender now faces a driver’s license suspension of five years, while a third-time offender will have his or her driver’s license revoked for life.
Organized Theft Charged as a Felony in Illinois
Over the past few years, cities in Illinois – particularly Chicago – have seen an increase in "crash-and-grab" and "smash-and-grab" burglaries and thefts. A crash-and-grab occurs when people in a vehicle crash into a store to gain access and then grab as much money and merchandise as possible. Smash-and-grab crimes occur when people smash a window or door to gain access to the business, grabbing all the merchandise and money they can.
Recently, the Chicago police investigated a "crash-and-grab burglary at a South Loop Game Stop store. Police said the suspects crashed a Jeep SUV into the store and began stealing merchandise, fleeing in the Jeep, an Acura SUV, and a Dodge vehicle. If you have been charged with one of these smash-and-grab or crash-and-grab burglaries, the best thing you can do is to speak to a knowledgeable Joliet, IL criminal defense lawyer.
Can I Collect Workers’ Comp for a Company Event Accident?
Illinois workers’ compensation pays worker benefits when a worker is injured while at work. The fault for an accident or illness is unimportant in workers’ compensation situations; if you were at work when a work accident caused you injury, if a repetitive motion at work resulted in an injury, or if you developed an illness as a result of your workplace, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Virtually all Illinois business owners are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have at least one part-time or full-time employee. There are certain employees who are excluded from state law, including corporate officers, limited liability company members, business partners, and sole proprietors (independent contractors). Part-time employees are not covered under workers’ compensation rules, and agricultural workers have specific requirements.
Construction Site Electrocution Injuries
Recently, a North Lawndale construction accident resulted in the death of one construction worker and injuries to another. The construction workers came into contact with an electrical current at a West Side construction site. ComEd crews worked to secure the area for more than seven hours after the incident occurred. It appears that the two workers were on a crane, working close to several power lines.
The site where the two construction workers were working at the time of the accident is a planned affordable housing development. The employer of the two workers was unknown at the time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of the 5,190 fatal work injuries that occurred in the U.S. in 2021 were in the construction industry.
There are four common construction injuries, known as the "fatal four," that are the leading causes of death. Falls, electrocutions, caught in or between equipment, and struck by an object make up the fatal four. Electrocution was responsible for about 8 percent of construction worker deaths in 2021, caused by lightning strikes, poorly maintained power tools and cords, contact with overhead power lines, and energized conductors or circuit parts.
4 Indirect Ways an Illinois DUI Conviction Can Damage Your Future
An Illinois DUI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, probation, and a suspended license, but those consequences are merely the beginning of the nightmare. There are indirect DUI effects that can damage your life for years. Fortunately, an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney can aggressively defend your rights and fight for the best case outcome.
Employment Opportunities Vanish
The first significant collateral effect of an Illinois DUI conviction is employment problems. Most employers perform criminal background checks. A DUI conviction will likely appear on your permanent record, which may lead to an employer being reluctant to hire you.
DUI stigma can be challenging if you work in commercial transportation or delivery services. In these industries, a DUI conviction can disqualify you. If you are already employed, an Illinois drunk driving conviction may violate your employment contract, especially if driving is part of your job duties. Additionally, licensed professionals, such as teachers, attorneys, or physicians, may be disciplined or suspended from critical regulatory bodies like the Illinois State Medical Board.
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