Recent Blog Posts
Common Driver Distractions That Lead to Injuries
The next time you are driving and you reach for your cell phone, rethink this decision. In 2021, 3,522 lives were taken due to distracted driving, many due to cell phone use.
Distracted driving accidents are 100% preventable, but drivers must eliminate these risky behaviors to keep America’s roads safe or be held accountable for the harm they cause.
If you have been in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our Joliet car accident lawyers are here to help.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving involves anything that takes your attention away from the road. Distracted driving comes in three forms:
What to Do and What Not to Do After a Car Accident
A car accident happens in a split second. In the chaos of the moment, you probably won’t know what steps should be taken.
Your actions following a car accident can support or hurt your chances of having a successful claim. If you have been involved in a car accident, regardless of fault, you need the experience of a Will County car accident lawyer.
What to Do
Fear can motivate us to flee when we sense danger. Here is a list of what to do and what not
to do following a car crash:
Report the accident
If a car accident causes bodily injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage, then you are legally required to call the police. If either driver does not have car insurance, then you are required to report an accident when there is at least $500 worth of damage.
Penalties for Multiple DUI Offenses in Illinois
Being charged with a DUI in the state of Illinois carries harsh penalties. While a driver’s age, blood alcohol content (BAC), and transporting minors will play a major part in determining punishment, prior convictions will result in more severe penalties.
Our Joliet DUi defense attorneys are here to offer representation for individuals who have been convicted of a felony charge or aggravated DUI.
Revocation of Driving Privileges
There are different penalties for those who test above the legal limit to drive (meaning your BAC is 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher) and for those who refuse chemical testing. As a licensed driver in Illinois, you automatically consent to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine to evaluate your blood alcohol level.
Common Examples of Truck Driver Negligence
Like all motorists, truck drivers have a duty to keep other road users safe. In too many instances, a truck driver’s negligence is the primary cause of an accident.
The numbers don’t lie. In a recent year, 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an increase of 49% in the past decade.
If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, you need dependable and accomplished counsel. Look no further than our Joliet truck accident attorney.
Establishing Liability
To hold a truck driver liable, the law requires you to prove the following to establish their negligence on the road:
Workers’ Compensation Claims for Hospital Workers
Hospital workers play a vital role in healthcare but face various occupational hazards that can result in injuries. Like any industry, on-the-job injuries and illnesses can happen and disrupt a healthcare worker’s job and life in general.
Illinois requires employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage to provide benefits to injured workers, and the healthcare industry is no different. However, large hospitals and their insurers can make it challenging to receive the benefits you deserve. Never hesitate to seek help from a Joliet, workers’ compensation lawyer if you need to pursue a claim.
Common Injuries to Hospital Staff on the Job
Some common work-related injuries to hospital workers include:
Can Motorcycle Injuries Result in High-Dollar Settlements?
While riding a motorcycle can be a fun activity for many, accidents remain an all too common reality for so many motorcycle riders. Sadly, because of the lack of protection provided by motorcycles, injuries involving these machines can be devastating and even result in death. Since motorcycle accidents so often feature catastrophic injuries or death, settlements involving motorcycle injuries can be especially high. While there is no guarantee when it comes to pursuing compensation, you will not know how much compensation may be obtained until you move forward with an injury claim. Contact a lawyer to begin this consequential process.
Injuries Involved in Motorcycle Injury Claims
Motorcycle accidents more frequently result in severe injuries than other types of accidents. The lack of structural protection and the vulnerability of motorcyclists on the road makes them more susceptible to serious injuries. Serious and catastrophic injuries may involve:
Is Child Endangerment a Criminal Offense in Illinois?
Protecting the well-being of children is of utmost importance. In Illinois, child endangerment is considered a criminal offense. As such, those charged with child endangerment will be aggressively prosecuted, as law enforcement and society do not take cases of alleged child endangerment lightly. If you are facing criminal charges related to child endangerment, contact a lawyer right away to ensure the process of building a robust defense can begin immediately.
Defining and Understanding Child Endangerment
According to Illinois law, child endangerment is defined as knowingly causing or permitting a child to be placed in circumstances that endanger their life and health. The Illinois criminal code outlines several acts that can constitute child endangerment, including physical abuse, neglect, exposure to illegal substances, and failure to provide necessary medical care or supervision. The law recognizes that child endangerment can result from intentional or reckless actions or omissions.
Is it Possible for a Seat Belt to Malfunction During an Accident?
Seat belts play a critical role in protecting occupants during car accidents, reducing the risk of severe injuries or fatalities. However, there have been instances where seat belts have malfunctioned during a crash, leading to serious injuries for those whose seat belts failed to work correctly. If you were injured in a car accident and believe a seat belt malfunction led to your injury, contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected as you seek compensation related to your injury. Do not wait to contact a lawyer and file your claim, as Illinois has a strict two-year statute of limitations in such cases.
Seat Belt Design and Manufacturing Defects
While seat belts are designed to withstand the forces of a collision, like any other mechanical device, they are not immune to defects. Manufacturing flaws can compromise the effectiveness of a seat belt during an accident. These defects may include faulty latches and more. A defect in the seat belt’s design or manufacturing process could result in the seat belt failing to properly restrain the passenger during a crash.
What is Financial Exploitation in Nursing Home Abuse Cases?
Financial exploitation is a distressing form of nursing home abuse that often accompanies other types of mistreatment in nursing homes. It occurs when an elderly individual’s funds or assets are improperly used or stolen through manipulation, coercion, or theft. If you believe a loved one is experiencing financial exploitation at a nursing home facility, contact a lawyer right away to ensure your loved one’s rights can be protected.
In the context of nursing home abuse, financial exploitation refers to the illegal exploitation of residents’ financial resources, which can include bank accounts, credit cards, property, or valuables. The involvement of a personal injury attorney can be instrumental in navigating the legal complexities involved in such cases.
The Most Serious DUI Charges in Illinois
A simple DUI is bad enough. Even a first-time DUI that does not involve any aggravating circumstances like bodily injury or carrying a child passenger can result in jail time. In most cases, a simple DUI is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to a year in jail. If this is not your first DUI, you are more likely to face harsh sentencing as courts are less forgiving of repeat mistakes. A felony DUI is far more serious. Some forms of felony DUI can lead to years of time in prison, and all are taken very seriously in Illinois. If you are facing a felony DUI, it is very important that you take the situation seriously and focus on your defense. Your freedom is in jeopardy and you could face a number of other legal and societal consequences if you are convicted. An attorney may be able to work towards reducing the seriousness of the charges in plea bargaining or may be able to identify another strong defense strategy.