Recent Blog Posts
The Dangers of Serious Injuries in Bus Accidents
On Tuesday, July 3rd, a startling bus crash in downtown Chicago reminded all Chicagoans that bus accidents, while seemingly unlikely, can occur. The accident occurred early Tuesday afternoon when a car crashed into a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus. After colliding with the bus, which was traveling in the Gage Park area, the driver of the car was fatally injured. On the bus, four passengers and the bus driver suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization. While all the bus occupants are now stable, the accident was a stirring reminder of the fact that CTA bus accidents, when they do occur, can be very dangerous.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), more than 1,000 motor coach accidents occur each year nationwide. In 2016 alone, 227 passengers lost their lives in bus accidents. If you or a loved one are injured in a bus accident, it is critically important to find the quality personal injury attorney that your family deserves.
Avoiding Car Accidents from Distracted Driving This Summer
Heading into the middle of July, the vast majority of Americans are out and about enjoying the heat of summer. Adults and teenagers alike are making plans with friends, cranking up the music, and setting out to enjoy the seemingly endless outdoor recreation possibilities. But as you and your family go out to enjoy summer plans, make sure you remain focused while behind the wheel. In 2016 alone, 3,540 Americans lost their lives in distracted driving accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is described as any activity that diverts one’s eyes, hands, or overall awareness from the road. Throughout 2015, over 300,000 people nationwide suffered injuries that required hospitalization due to distracted driving. If you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle accident this summer, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney can help you and your family get the help you deserve.
Protecting Children’s Safety and Avoiding Injuries in Motor Vehicles
With the Fourth of July behind us and summer in full bloom, parents around the country are enjoying quality time with their children. But for those with young children, ensuring motor vehicle safety is a huge concern. Throughout the United States, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 600 American children under the age of 12 were fatally injured in automobile accidents throughout 2015. If you or a member of your family are injured in an auto accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation for your damages.
Ensuring Child Safety
While every occupant faces inherent risk every time they ride in a motor vehicle, protecting children is a top priority for any parent. Listed below are some simple tips that could help you ensure that your child is safe in your vehicle:
What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation
In 2016 alone, insurance companies billed out over $45,000,000 in workers’ compensation claims throughout the United States. While the financial numbers for workers’ compensation nationwide only increased by 0.6%, there has been a massive uptick in workers’ compensation claims since 2010. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that in the span between 2010 and 2016, insurance claims for workers’ compensation have increased by over 30%.
At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., our personal injury attorneys assist with filing workers' compensation claims and addressing the denial of benefits. We put our decades of experience to work to help clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Workers’ Compensation Statistics
While workplace injuries can occur in any and all occupations, the vast majority of workers’ compensation cases originate from physically intensive occupational fields. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the fields with the most injuries and illnesses throughout 2016 include non-construction laborers, truck drivers, maintenance workers, and construction workers.
Avoiding Serious Dog Bite Injuries This Summer
With the sunshine finally becoming a mainstay in the greater Chicago area forecast, more and more Chicagoans are choosing to spend time outdoors. Many people view summer as the perfect time to be outside with their dogs. While a large number of furry friends on the city’s streets can be a welcome sight for any dog lover, the influx of animals does come with risk. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), roughly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Even more concerning is the fact that 20% of all dog bites nationwide result in dangerous infection to the victim.
Just weeks ago, a couple were attacked by three dogs in Cook County’s Elgin Forest Preserve. After being startled by the stray dogs, the Gurnee couple attempted to fight off the animals. Still, one member of the couple suffered multiple puncture wounds in her leg, ultimately resulting in stitches, ongoing testing for infection, and potentially lifelong emotional trauma. If you or a loved one suffer a dog bite injury this summer, it is important to understand your options for pursuing compensation from any liable parties.
Fireworks Injuries Are Common During the Summer Months
With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, many Illinoisans are preparing to celebrate with fireworks. But with the fun and excitement of fireworks comes inherent danger. If used irresponsibly, fireworks can seriously harm users, bystanders, or the surrounding environment.
Earlier this month, a man in Cedar Rapids, Iowa lost multiple fingers in a fireworks accident. The 19-year-old man was seriously injured when a firework went off while he was holding it in his hand. Unfortunately, these types of injuries occur far more often than most would assume. If you or a loved one suffer a fireworks injury this summer, you should be sure to understand your options for pursuing compensation from any liable parties.
Fireworks Injuries Nationwide
In 2014 alone, emergency rooms throughout the United States treated 10,500 people for fireworks injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over sixty percent of these injuries occurred in June and July.
Bus and Truck Accidents Are Tragically Common Across the United States
A recent tragic accident between a school bus and dump truck in New Jersey reminded Americans nationwide of the inherent dangers of driving large commercial vehicles. In all, 43 students suffered injuries in the accident, while two bus occupants were killed. The accident occurred when the bus was struck by the dump truck while attempting a U-turn through a cut-through on New Jersey’s Interstate 80. Both drivers are under investigation for reckless and negligent driving.
Due to the overall size of both school buses and commercial trucks, when accidents involving these vehicles occur, they come with increased severity. If a member of your family has been injured in an automobile accident involving large commercial vehicles, it is important to understand your options for pursuing compensation from the negligent party or parties.
Staying Safe As a Summer Cyclist in Chicago and Northern Illinois
As the weather throughout the greater Chicago area continues to rise in temperature, more and more Chicagoans are electing to ride their bikes as a means of transportation and recreation. Commuting via bike has become a prominent alternative to driving throughout the United States. With zero carbon output and a number of health benefits, it is no surprise that more Americans are riding their bicycles than ever. Still, bicycling comes with risk.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 835 American bicyclists were fatally injured in collisions involving motor vehicles throughout 2016. The high fatality rate represented an increase from 2015 and was the highest nationwide cyclist death count since 1991. The next time you or your family enjoy a bike ride, practice extreme caution. In the event of a bicycle accident, it is important to understand how to obtain compensation that will address your damages and help you recover from your injuries.
Safety Tips for Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents This Summer
Throughout the United States, a pedestrian is killed every one and a half hours. In total, 5,987 pedestrians were fatally injured in motor vehicle collisions throughout 2016 alone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this represented a nine percent increase in total pedestrian fatalities in comparison to 2015.
With an increased number of Chicagoans out to enjoy the summer months, this time of year represents an increased risk of pedestrian accidents. If you or a member of your family are injured in a motor vehicle accident this summer, you should be sure to understand your options for pursuing compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Practicing Pedestrian Safety
While many pedestrian fatalities are unavoidable due to driver recklessness, people on foot can take steps to stay as safe as possible when using the roads. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when traveling as a pedestrian:
Boating Accidents and Injuries More Common Than Most Assume
With the summer months in full bloom here in the greater Chicago area, many Chicagoans are hauling their boats out to Illinois’ impressive number of boating attractions. From Lake Michigan to Rock River, Illinois offers boating enthusiasts a wide array of recreational opportunities. However, with the fun and excitement of boating comes risk.
According to the United States Coast Guard, 4,291 boating accidents occurred throughout the United States in 2017 alone. In all, 2,629 Americans suffered injuries during boating accidents throughout the year, 658 of which proved to be fatal. If your family is planning to enjoy Illinois’ waterways this summer, it is important to know how to keep your family safe. If a member of your family suffers an injury while boating, it is critically important to quickly obtain the medical and legal support you need.
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.