Free Consultation 847-662-3303
Recent Blog Posts
Can I Sue a Teenage Driver Responsible for a Lake County Car Crash?
Most car crashes involve two adult drivers. But younger drivers are responsible for an outsized share of Illinois car crashes; their lack of experience and poor decision-making skills can combine to create dangerous and even fatal road collisions. Because minors are not legal adults, obtaining compensation after an accident caused by a driver under age 19 is different from a lawsuit involving another adult. If you have recently been involved in a car crash with a teenage driver, you may want the help of an experienced Illinois car crash attorney.
What Does Illinois Law Say about Teenage Drivers’ Legal Liability?
Teenagers can be held legally liable for the same negligent actions that contribute to a car crash as an adult can. If a teen was texting and driving and caused an accident, he or she will be just as responsible as a 45-year-old. However, the law makes parents responsible for many of the consequences of a teenage driver’s recklessness. This protects victims of teenage car accidents who otherwise could not recover damages because a teen has no income or insurance.
Can I Sue if I Was Grievously Injured in a Private Airplane Crash?
Just a few weeks ago, a small plane from Illinois crashed in Ohio, killing both men on board. While large airline crashes make international news, small airplane accidents are more common and usually kill and injure far more people every year than major plane crashes. Several hundred people die in private plane crashes in a typical year, and many thousands more are injured. If you or a loved one have been injured in a private or commercial plane crash, you may want to take legal action.
Why Do Private Planes Crash More Often?
Pilots of private planes require less training and flight time than commercial airline pilots, particularly when planes are flown by private owners who fly and maintain their aircraft as a hobby. While many small airplane owners enjoy taking their friends and family on local trips, a pilot’s lack of experience or an insufficiently rigorous safety routine can contribute to a fatal plane crash.
As Weather Warms in Illinois, Lake Michigan Boating Accidents Become More Likely
Lake Michigan offers unparalleled opportunities for freshwater sporting. People who live in Illinois often spend all winter waiting eagerly for the weather to warm up so they can get out onto the water and start using their boats, jet skis, and paddleboards again. While water sports and recreation are a wonderful part of living in Lake County, these activities are not without risks. In 2020 alone, 81 boating accidents were reported in Illinois, including 21 fatalities.
Even with the most careful operators, boat accidents can still happen. But when a boating accident happens because of recklessness or negligence, or because someone is operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol, people who are injured may want to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. For those who are killed in a boating accident, the victim’s loved ones may want to pursue compensation on their behalf.
Chicago Looks to Expand E-Scooter Program; Risk of Personal Injury Increases
As electric scooters, or e-scooters, become more popular in Chicago, they potentially present an environmentally friendly alternative to driving and a more sanity alternative to taking public transportation. However, one significant consequence of more e-scooters is the increase in dangerous e-scooter accidents.
Not only do e-scooter riders often speed down the street without taking appropriate caution in regard to vehicular traffic, they often also violate the rules and ride on the sidewalks with pedestrians. This can present dangerous hazards to pedestrians and even pets, who are caught by surprise when e-scooter riders go flying past at high speeds. Add this to the danger that e-scooter riders face when they get into car crashes, and you have a perfect storm of dangerous accidents waiting to happen. As summer approaches and the city of Chicago allows three companies to apply for permits to operate up to 6,000 electric scooters, those who have been injured in e-scooter accidents may wonder if they can take action.
Personal Injury Claims and Lost Income in Waukegan, Illinois
Illinois law gives injured people the right to seek financial compensation if another party’s actions or negligent inaction caused them harm. For example, someone struck by a drunk driver may be able to bring a claim against the driver and/or the driver’s auto insurance company. Someone who is injured by a defective product may bring a claim against the party that designed or manufactured the product. Premises liability accidents like slip and fall accidents may also lead to a personal injury claim.
Whatever the cause, a serious accident can have devastating long-term financial consequences for the injured person and their family. Lost income from missed work and lost earning capacity are often some of the largest financial burdens to overcome after an injurious accident.
Recovering Lost Income After a Serious Injury
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Bicycle Rider in Illinois
As the weather warms up, many people will be enjoying the weather on their bicycles. Riding a bicycle is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to travel around the Waukegan area. However, sharing the road with motor vehicles can also be dangerous. If you plan to enjoy Waukegan on a bike, it is important to know the laws. Contrary to popular belief, bicyclists are expected to follow many of the same traffic rules as the drivers of motor vehicles.
Bicyclists also have important rights. If you or a loved one were hurt in a collision while riding your bike, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Bicycle Laws in Waukegan, Illinois
As a bicyclist, it is important to follow the rules of the road for both your safety and the safety of those around you. If you plan to ride at night, you must equip your bike with a front and rear light. In Illinois, bicyclists are required to follow the same laws as motorists. This includes:
Fatal Car Accidents in Illinois: Legal Options for Surviving Family Members
Over 900 individuals lost their lives in fatal car accidents in Illinois in the year 2019 alone. When a loved one dies in a tragic accident, the surviving family is often left with more questions than answers. Many families wonder if there is anything they can do to take legal action against the party who caused the fatal accident. Read on to learn about civil claims under the Illinois wrongful death statute and survivor statute.
Seeking Justice for a Loved One’s Death
Drunk driving, speeding, texting and driving, and countless other issues can lead to a fatal car crash. Sometimes, the at-fault party is not an individual but instead an auto parts manufacturing company or other entity. When someone is killed by another party’s negligent, reckless, or illegal actions, the surviving family may be able to seek justice through the civil court system through a survivor or wrongful death action.
Top Myths and Misunderstandings About Personal Injury Claims
People who are injured by negligent motorists, defective consumer products, or hazardous property conditions may be able to bring a personal injury claim and recover damages. The injured person, or the family of a deceased person, may be able to recover reimbursement for property damage, medical bills, and lost income caused by the incident. Financial compensation for lost qualify of life, pain, and other non-financial consequences resulting from the injury may also be recoverable.
However, many people hesitate to seek compensation through an injury claim or lawsuit because they do not understand the personal injury process or how it works. Myths and misunderstandings about personal injury law also contribute to the confusion.
Myth: The Defendant Will Have to Pay Out of Pocket
Many people assume that personal injury damages will come out of the defendant’s pocket. This makes them hesitant to bring a claim if the at-fault party was a friend, family member, or neighbor. While it is possible that a defendant will have to pay out of pocket, the vast majority of personal injury damages are paid by the at-fault party’s insurer. Usually, an auto insurance company or homeowner’s company is responsible for paying personal injury claim payouts.
Can I Sue a Retail Store for an Injury in Illinois?
Most people visit grocery stores and other retail stores at least a couple of times a week. Many rely on stores to buy food, clothes, home goods, and more. The last thing most shoppers expect is to leave a retail store in an ambulance.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a retail store or other commercial business, you may wonder what your legal options are. In some cases, injured customers may be able to sue a retail store for damages. The injured person may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
Liability for Injuries in a Store or Other Business
The owners and managers of commercial properties have a legal obligation to ensure that their property is relatively safe for customers. Businesses cannot prevent every conceivable injury from occurring, however, businesses do need to take reasonable steps to prevent injuries. This includes keeping the store clean and free of dangerous hazards. If a business’s negligence leads a customer to be injured, the business may be liable for monetary damages.
School Bus Driver Facing Criminal Charges for Lake County School Bus Crash
Many parents rely on school buses to transport their children to and from school. While the vast majority of school bus trips are completed without incident, car crashes involving school buses can and do happen. Just recently, a school bus driver allegedly caused a crash while students were on board the bus. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt in the accident. The bus driver is now facing charges for drunk driving.
Bus Collision in Deer Park
The crash, which occurred on February 17, 2022, was caused by many different factors. Authorities say that the 61-year-old bus driver was driving north on Ela Road when he made a left turn onto Cuba Road and failed to yield to oncoming traffic. The slick, snow-covered roads made it difficult for other drivers to stop in time, and another vehicle plowed into the bus.
Police officers arrived at the scene of the accident and began investigating the circumstances of the crash. At this point, officers detected signs that the bus driver was intoxicated. Chemical blood alcohol content tests revealed that the bus driver’s BAC was over twice the legal limit. The driver now faces felony charges for aggravated driving under the influence (DUI).
Contact a Lake County Vehicle Accident Attorney Who is Ready to Help You
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our office. Call 847-662-3303 to set up a free initial consultation at one of our four convenient locations. There is no risk because we only collect fees if you collect compensation. With offices in Libertyville, Waukegan, Richmond, and Chicago, we represent clients in Lake County, Cook County, DuPage County, and McHenry County.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
