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Recent Blog Posts
Can Postal Carriers Seek Compensation After a Dog Bite Attack?
Dogs can be some of the most friendly, giving, and loving companions. They can be there by your side on your worst and best of days. However, there are times when dogs can be provoked or have continual behavior issues that cause them to be aggressive and lash out at whoever is around. In many cases, the individuals who are most prone to dog attacks are postal service carriers trying to deliver mail. Although this may seem like a cliche, it exists for a reason. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), over 5,800 postal carriers were victims of dog attacks in 2019. Under children and the elderly, they are third on the list of the highest number of dog attack victims. This makes delivering mail a potentially dangerous job due to the vast amount of houses they visit each day, many of which will have a pet. Dog bites can be serious, causing not only severe physical injuries but emotional and mental damages as well.
What Are Common Injuries Suffered in an Illinois Truck Accident?
Motor vehicle accidents occur regularly on our nation’s back roads and highways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 4,000 people died in large truck crashes in 2018. The majority of these fatalities in truck crashes were passenger car occupants. One of the main reasons for these statistics is the difference in size and therefore, the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. Trucks can weigh 20 times heavier than passenger cars and are much taller. However, truck drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists can also be injured. Even if someone is not injured fatally in a truck crash, the force of the impact can be devastating even when traveling at slow speeds. The injuries suffered could result in permanent disabilities. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to determine liability for the accident and hold those responsible for causing it accountable.
Can Disorderly Conduct Lead to Criminal Charges in Illinois?
There are many acts that can result in a criminal charge. For some offenses, physical harm or the threat of harm is involved, but that is not the case in other crimes. Many people have heard of the phrase “disorderly conduct,” but they may not know what exactly that entails. Some may think it is simply disturbing neighbors by playing loud music, yelling during a domestic argument, or revving a motorcycle or car engine.
Under Illinois law, disorderly conduct is a criminal charge that includes numerous actions or behaviors. The statute defines it as “an act in such unreasonable manner as to alarm or disturb another, to provoke a breach of the peace.” Disturbing the peace can result in criminal charges depending on the extent of the incident. It is important to know what actions constitute disorderly conduct in order to avoid an arrest and possible conviction.
What Are the Consequences of an Illinois DUI for Commercial Drivers?
It is impossible to understate the role of commercial and delivery drivers in the age of Amazon, especially during a time when online shopping has been encouraged to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Truckers who possess a CDL, or Commercial Driver’s License, are the backbone of a digital economy, but with the introduction of services such as Uber and Lyft, how has the CDL changed? And, perhaps even more importantly, how does a driving under influence (DUI) charge affect those who drive to make a living or to otherwise supplement their income?
Rideshare Drivers
Although you might think Uber or Lyft drivers would be required to obtain a CDL by the nature of their work—conducting business by driving to earn money—that is not the case. In Illinois, there are no state-wide requirements for these kinds of drivers. However, local municipal governments (town or city) may have requirements, licenses, or fees. While rideshare drivers may not require additional licensure depending on the county, both CDL and rideshare drivers can incur additional penalties if they are cited for DUI.
What Are the Penalties for a FOID Violation in Illinois?
The topic of gun rights is often the cause of heated debates. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms., but gun laws across the country vary depending on the state. Illinois residents who want to possess firearms or ammunition must have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, which is issued by the Illinois State Police to qualified applicants. There are certain qualifications that a person must meet to obtain a FOID card, and then he or she must follow the stipulations or face criminal charges for violating the terms of it.
Typical FOID Violations
There are several ways that someone can violate the terms of a FOID card. This includes unlawful use of a weapon (UUW). When this happens, the card may be revoked. If a person’s FOID is revoked, he or she must surrender it to police. In addition, the gun owner must surrender the card to law enforcement and disclose the make, model, and serial number of each firearm owned by the revoked cardholder.
Who Is at Fault for a Boating Accident in Illinois?
May is National Water Safety Month. This type of safety awareness can apply to boating, swimming, fishing, and any other type of water sport. Now that the weather is warming up in Illinois, boat owners are taking their boats out of storage and preparing them to hit the water. Similar to vehicles on the road, there are certain rules and regulations that anyone operating a watercraft must follow. Illinois boating laws are aimed to protect drivers, passengers, and others who are enjoying excursions on Lake Michigan or smaller inland lakes. Boat owners must complete a safety course before obtaining a boating license. However, even when all safety precautions are taken, a boating accident can occur due to various reasons. The injuries sustained from a boat crash can be minor to fatal. It is important to understand what actions or behaviors can lead to accidents on the water and who may be responsible for injuries.
What Are Common Traffic Violations Committed by Motorcyclists in Illinois?
May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month. Motorcycles share the road with much larger vehicles, and they can be more difficult to see due and also more vulnerable in a crash due to their smaller size and lack of protection. Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities, especially to the person operating the motorcycle. That is why it is important for all motorists to be aware of other vehicles when traveling, whether it is a rural or urban street. Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. This also means they must obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals just like other motorists. If you are a motorcycle rider, it is important to understand the traffic laws that pertain to you to avoid violating them as well as causing a collision. In some situations, a traffic violation can even lead to criminal charges.
Have Illinois Gun Laws Changed Since the COVID-19 Crisis?
Regulations regarding firearms and weapons are taken very seriously in the state of Illinois due to the possible risk that they can pose to citizens and the high number of shootings that occur in the United States every day. However, the debate continues — do people feel more or less safe with a gun in their hands? Many Americans argue that owning a gun and being able to defend themselves if necessary provides them with a high level of reassurance. Infringing on the Second Amendment is not something that all U.S. lawmakers necessarily wish to do, but keeping people safe is also one of their main priorities. For this reason, Illinois residents are able to possess a gun as long as they follow the rules and regulations that are in place. Coronavirus has resulted in many changes throughout the country, including gun regulations. COVID-19 has actually led to a spike in gun purchases and a loosening of these regulations to adhere to the societal changes resulting from this pandemic.
Can I Seek Damages if I Am Injured in an ATV Accident in Illinois?
With the month of May quickly approaching, the weather is finally starting to get warmer in Illinois. After a long and cold winter, many people like to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Once thought to be only for adrenaline junkies, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have increased in popularity the last few decades, especially the younger generation. Ideal for off-road recreational use, these vehicles can also be used for work purposes depending on the occupation. However, as with any motorized vehicle, they can be dangerous and a potential threat to riders if they are not used properly. Riders can suffer serious and even fatal injuries if they are involved in a collision.
Types of Off-Road Vehicles
An ATV is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, with a seat that the driver straddles, along with handlebars for steering control. It is designed to handle a variety of terrain, typically “off-road.”
A UTV, or utility task vehicle, is also intended for use over rough terrain, but two people can sit in the cab next to each other. For this reason, UTVs are often marketed as “side-by-sides.” ATV riders straddle the vehicle seat, while UTV riders sit on side by side on bench seats or bucket seats. Certain UTVs will fit in the definition of ATV as well, depending on weight and dimensions.
Under Illinois law, it is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV on any street, highway, or roadway. People typically use ATVs for recreation on farms, in mountainous areas, in addition to rural and coastal terrain.
What Are the Penalties for DUI With a Minor Passenger in Illinois?
There are many actions that can constitute a criminal offense in Illinois. The penalties can vary depending on the type of crime committed. Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is one of the most serious offenses a motorist can make. If a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher, he or she can be charged with DUI. The consequences for this type of traffic violation vary depending on the circumstances. In certain situations, a drunk driver may not be alone and have one or several passengers. When the occupant of the vehicle is a child, the charges can be elevated. DUI with a child passenger can result in years behind bars and fines, not to mention loss of driving privileges. That is why it is important to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney to represent you if you are facing these serious charges.
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