Recent Blog Posts
Distracted Drivers Often Cause Rear-End Accidents
Distracted driving is a prevalent and dangerous behavior on the roads, despite strict cell phone and driving laws in Illinois. One of the most common outcomes of this inattention is rear-end accidents. These accidents occur when a vehicle collides with the vehicle in front of it.
While many people underestimate rear-end crashes and consider them “fender benders,” these collisions can result in serious injuries and costly losses for victims.
Below are only some reasons why distracted drivers often cause such accidents. If you suffered injuries, speak with a Park Ridge car accident attorney today.
Lack of Attention to Traffic
When drivers are distracted, their focus is diverted away from the road ahead. This means they may not notice when the vehicle in front of them slows down or comes to a stop.
Aggressive Driving Can Cause Car Accidents on I-294
If you live in or near Cook County, Illinois, you are well aware of the problems with I-294. Just this past August, a semi-truck driver was killed on I-294, causing two northbound lanes to be shut down.
Accidents like this are all too common on I-294. Our Park Ridge car accident attorney, Patrick Quinn, is here to discuss how aggressive driving contributes to car accidents on I-294 and what measures you can take to keep yourself safe.
What is Considered Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving is more commonly referred to as road rage. Drivers who display road rage put themselves, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists’ lives in danger.
Examples of common road rage behavior may include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Running red lights, stop signs, or ignoring other traffic signals
Wrong Way Traffic Accidents
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports that wrong-way accidents cause between 300 and 400 traffic fatalities annually. Far too many motorists are injured or killed due to the negligence and carelessness of wrong-way drivers each year. Suppose you or someone you love became a victim in a wrong-way freeway accident. In that case, you need a Park Ridge car accident lawyer to help you seek a settlement or court award to compensate you for your damages.
What Causes Wrong-Way Freeway Accidents?
Wrong-way vehicle accidents are usually caused by some form of driver error, and a significant number occur because a driver mistakenly enters a freeway exit ramp. Some contributing factors to these mistakes can vary from one accident to the next, and your Park Ridge car accident lawyer can help determine the cause.
Slip and Fall Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
Most Americans have experienced a slip and fall before at some point in their lives. Most of the time, it is a minor event, and maybe it even happens on their own property. However, other slip and fall injuries are more serious and can occur on property that belongs to someone else. In the event that you have recently experienced a slip and fall resulting in injury, it is time to connect with an experienced Glenview slip and fall injury lawyer.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can result from many different circumstances. Illinois has its fair share of winter weather, which can often cause slip and fall accidents. However, property owners are still responsible for ensuring their property is reasonably safe for visitors and customers. They should shovel driveways and treat sidewalks to prevent ice, clean up water accumulation in entryways, and plow parking lots.
The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois
A very serious issue that deserves attention in the state of Illinois is pedestrian accidents. In 2021, there were over 10,000 pedestrian accidents, resulting in over 200 fatalities. It is important to understand the factors that cause these accidents. This helps increase safety and prevent more accidents from happening in the future.
Many factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Illinois. A good lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can represent you in a compensation claim.
Being Distracted Behind the Wheel
Drivers who are distracted by their phones, eating, or other activities are more likely to hit pedestrians. Distracted driving is a major cause of pedestrian accidents and continues to be a growing problem in Illinois. Even after Illinois’ anti-texting laws passed in 2012, nearly seven percent of all drivers are still found to use electronic devices while driving.
5 Types of Negligence in a Personal Injury Claim
Personal injury claims arise when individuals suffer harm or injuries due to the negligence of other people or parties. Negligence is a cornerstone concept in personal injury law, referring to the failure of a person or entity to act with reasonable care, leading to harm or injury to another party. There are five types of negligence commonly encountered in personal injury claims. It's crucial to contact a skilled Park Ridge personal injury lawyer if you believe you have suffered due to another person's negligence.
Ordinary Negligence
Ordinary negligence is the most common type of negligence in personal injury cases. It occurs when a person or entity fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person. This form of negligence can arise in various situations, such as slip and fall, car, or pedestrian accidents. To establish a claim of ordinary negligence, the injured party must demonstrate the following elements:
Can You Sue Uninsured Motorists After a Car Accident in Illinois?
Nearly 12% of drivers in Illinois are uninsured. If an uninsured motorist hits you, you can sue the at-fault driver for compensation. You could also pursue a settlement or take the case to the court, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. This article covers the basics of a car accident lawsuit and the options available to start a legal procedure.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After the imminent danger passes, you must call 911 for emergency support after a collision.
Upon arrival, the first responders will note the names, license numbers, and other personally identifiable information like insurance policy numbers. The officers will also interrogate you and bystanders to help them create an official police report. This document becomes valuable evidence for your personal injury claim.
What to Avoid When Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Illinois
When filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Illinois, proceed with caution and ensure you have the relevant evidence to support your claim. Seeking an attorney for car accident lawsuits can help you complete the paperwork correctly. You should also know that even small mistakes can weaken your case. Here are a few things to consider before filing a personal injury claim.
Do Not Delay Medical Attention
Many pedestrians ignore minor injuries sustained during an accident and choose not to seek treatment. Due to this, they may find it difficult to create a medical paper trail that links their injuries to the incident. Visiting an ER or medical care facility right after the accident allows you to create an official medical record of the injuries as soon as possible.
A doctor’s evaluation and treatment can be used in court to establish credibility and prove that your poor health condition and physical injuries are a direct outcome of the accident.
4 Steps to Take After You Are Involved in a Truck Accident in Illinois
Commercial trucking is a vital part of the economy of the state of Illinois. However, with the large number of commercial trucks on the roads, truck accidents occur frequently, and the consequences of these accidents can be devastating for victims. The injuries that may occur in a truck accident can lead to a great deal of pain and suffering, as well as financial problems related to medical expenses, lost income, and other factors. Those who have been injured in truck crashes will need to understand what they can do to protect their financial interests as they seek compensation from those who were responsible.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Here are some crucial steps ways that you can protect your rights after you are involved in a truck accident:
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Seek immediate medical care - Whether you need emergency medical attention for devastating injuries, or you do not believe you were seriously injured, it is important to get medical attention right after an accident. Even if you do not receive emergency treatment, you can visit a general practitioner or a physician to evaluate your injuries and determine the appropriate forms of treatment. This will provide documentation of your condition, which will play a role in determining the types of compensation that may be available.
Can I Get Monetary Damages For My Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries, lengthy recuperation periods, and exorbitant medical expenses. As per Illinois law, slip and fall victims can acquire compensation for their injuries if they can prove another party's negligence led to their condition.
Premises Liability Cases in Illinois
Slip and fall injury claims fall under the umbrella of premises liability. As per Illinois law, a valid premises liability claim has to meet specific criteria. This includes the following:
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The individual was injured because of an unsafe condition on the defendant’s property
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The injury was caused by the defendant’s failure to mantain a reasonable safe premises
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The injuries led to damages such as medical expenses or lost inome