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Recent Blog Posts
What Are the Most Common Causes of a Rear-End Collision in Illinois?
Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are notorious for heavy traffic. I-294 and I-90 are some of the most traveled tollways because of their convenience for getting into and out of the city, as well as from the south suburbs to the north shore. However, the roads are not as congested these days due to the governor’s stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with fewer vehicles out and about, there is still the risk of car accidents with injuries. Recent reports have shown an increase in traffic violations, such as speeding. In some cases, drivers may not obey the traffic laws since the roads are emptier than normal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost one-third of all motor vehicle accidents are rear-end collisions.
Negligent Behavior
Many actions can cause a car accident. One of the most common reasons for a rear-end crash involves a driver following the car ahead of him or her too closely, which does not allow adequate time to stop before colliding. This is especially true in bad weather, such as snow or icy conditions. However, there are other behaviors that can increase the chances of a crash. Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol greatly impairs a motorist’s judgment and reduces his or her reflexes and reaction time.
Can I Pursue Compensation for a Boating Accident in Illinois?
May is National Water Safety Month. Now that the weather is finally getting warmer in Illinois, many people are getting their boats ready to hit the water. These types of watercraft may include fishing, speed, pontoon, sailboats and even yachts. The Illinois Boating Education Certificate is also referred to as the Illinois Boating License. This document is proof that a person has met the mandatory boat safety education requirements for the state. However, even when all safety precautions are taken, just like vehicle collisions, a boating accident can occur, resulting in minor to serious and even fatal injuries. According to a report by the U.S. Coast Guard, there were approximately 2,500 recreational boating injuries and 633 boating fatalities in the United States in 2018. In some cases, the reckless or negligent behavior of another boater may be to blame for a boating accident.
Factors the Lead to Danger on the Water
What Distracted Driving Behaviors Cause the Most Car Accidents?
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. National campaigns aimed at reducing the number of distracted driving incidents have recognized the seriousness of the issue. Distracted driving is defined as engaging in other activities that take the driver’s attention away from the road. This type of behavior behind the wheel has been shown to compromise the safety of the driver, passengers, pedestrians, as well as other motorists. According to the Illinois State Police, driver inattention is a factor in over one million car accidents in the United States each year.
Types of Distraction
There are three main types of distraction when it comes to driving:
- Visual: Driver takes his or her eyes off the road
- Manual: Driver takes his or her hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Driver takes his or her mind off of driving
Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that when traveling at 55 mph, reading or sending a text message takes your eyes off the road for approximately five seconds, which is long enough for a car to cover the length of a football field. In these situations, it greatly reduces the driver’s stopping distance in the event the driver in front suddenly slows down or comes to a complete stop.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Dog Bite Injury in Illinois?
Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” but as with any animal, they can be unpredictable and act aggressively in certain situations. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with 800,000 of those bites requiring medical treatment. Depending on the circumstances, such as the size or breed of dog, a dog bite can be minor, but in other instances, the injuries can be serious to life-threatening. According to the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog owner is liable for civil damages if the dog attacks an individual when that person is acting peacefully in a location where he or she is lawfully allowed to be. In other words, as long as a person is not trespassing or provoking a dog, the dog’s owner may be held responsible for injuries that the dog causes. In some scenarios, this may include physical and mental damage to a victim.
How Can Inadequate Security Lead to Injuries in Illinois?
When people visit a store or even their workplace or apartment building, they expect to be safe and free from dangers or hazards. In Illinois, the Premises Liability Act provides stipulations for business and property owners. The law states that owners are obligated to offer a safe and secure environment for their patrons who visit their establishments. When this responsibility is not taken seriously, accidents can occur. Injuries that occur as a result of negligent actions or poor maintenance may be grounds for a premises liability claim.
Examples of Improper Security Issues
There are various ways someone can get hurt on premises that are not properly maintained. Uneven pavement or slippery surfaces can cause a visitor to slip and fall. This type of accident can result in traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken bones, and even paralysis if a person lands wrong and damages his or her spinal cord. In other instances, defective electrical or plumbing systems can electrocute an unsuspecting guest.
What Are Common Causes of Construction Site Accident Injuries?
An employee who works in an office every day experiences a different work environment than a construction worker. Erecting or renovating buildings or homes requires physical labor and many hours outside in all kinds of weather conditions. It can also involve heavy and large machinery such as tractors or forklifts. This can pose significant risks to workers, even if proper safety precautions are taken. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), in 2018, one out of five worker deaths were in the construction industry. Even if a construction accident does not result in a fatality, it can cause serious injuries.
Safety Hazards
Due to the nature of the work, construction companies and contractors have a certain set of safety standards to follow. If an employer is negligent in following these rules, accidents can and do take place. There are four main incidents that are the leading cause of fatal construction worker injuries. These are referred to as the “Fatal Four.”
What Are Common Injuries Suffered in a Mass Transit Accident?
Many people use public transportation on a daily basis to get to and from school, work, church, and even the grocery store. Mass transit is prevalent in big cities or urban areas. This form of transportation can include buses, elevated trains, ferries, and subways. They provide a convenient and easy way to get around, especially if someone does not feel like driving. However, since these vehicles and trains are typically operating in traffic, they are often more likely to be involved in a collision with other automobiles or pedestrians. A mass transit accident can cause serious to fatal injuries due to the sheer size of the vehicles and the number of passengers in them. If you are the unfortunate victim of a mass transit crash, you may be able to seek compensation for your pain and suffering depending on the circumstances that caused it.
Causes of Crashes
There can be many reasons why a car, bus, or train accident occurs. In some cases, it can be due to the negligent actions or inactions of a motorist. For example, an inexperienced or a fatigued driver can lose control of his or her vehicle, causing it to collide with another automobile, a person, or even a building. In other situations, the manufacturer or repair technician may fail to adequately inspect a mass transit part or engine.
What Causes Accidents and Injuries at a Retail Store?
Making a quick trip to the grocery store or a favorite clothing retailer is something many people do on a weekly or even daily basis. Most shoppers do not expect to sustain an injury, but it happens more than one might think. There are various ways a customer can get hurt at a store, such as slipping and falling or having products fall on top of them. According to the Illinois Premises Liability Act, all property owners have a duty to provide a safe environment for their clients or customers. Premises liability is a legal term that involves personal injury cases that are caused by unsafe or defective conditions on another party’s property. If retail owners fail to take reasonable care, they may be held accountable for damages that occur in their establishment.
Unsafe Conditions
Under Illinois law, customers are considered “invitees” and therefore are entitled to a reasonable amount of care while on store property so they are not harmed. The areas where shoppers should be safe from undue harm include parking lots, restrooms, dressing rooms, and aisles/walkways. Retailers are responsible for routine maintenance and cleaning of their stores to make sure everything is in proper working order and free from debris or hazards.
Can I Seek Compensation if I Am Injured at an Illinois Restaurant?
Many people dine out every day in the United States. According to statistics, on average, Americans eat out between four and five times a week. In many cases, it can be out of convenience to save time while juggling work and child-rearing commitments. In addition, families often gather together at their favorite eatery to celebrate a birthday or a holiday. However, a nice evening out can sometimes turn into a nightmare. Restaurant accidents may cause a patron to suffer minor to severe injuries, depending on the circumstances. For example, if a person slips and falls, he or she can sustain serious damage to a body part. There are other mishaps that can cause injury to restaurant-goers, and they are often caused by the negligence of the property owner. That is why it is imperative that an injured party consults with an experienced personal attorney regarding a premises liability claim.
Should I Call the Police After an Illinois Car Accident?
Nobody expects to get into a car accident -- that is why they are called accidents. They happen at random times and can be unsettling for those who are involved in them. Some people may go into shock after a car accident, while others jump into action to accomplish what needs to be done. Most people would agree that the first thing you should do after a car accident is to try to assess the situation and determine if anyone has been hurt. Even if nobody seems to need immediate medical attention, you should still call 911. The dispatchers can send police out to the scene of your accident and if needed, an ambulance as well. Even if the accident does not seem that serious, here are a few reasons why you should call the police:
- You do not know the extent of the damage to your vehicle. Sometimes in life, there is more than meets the eye. This can be true when it comes to your vehicle after an accident. These days, cars have fair more sophisticated sensors and electronic components that can become damaged easily. Car repairs can become very expensive very quickly and it can be a headache trying to get your insurance company to cover the cost of these repairs if you cannot establish that the damage occurred because of the accident.
Quinn Law Group, LLC
847-232-7180
350 S. Northwest Highway, Suite 300, Park Ridge, IL 60068
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