Posted on June 02, 2020 in Car Accident

The issue of aggressive driving on our highways is certainly not a new issue, but as our nation experiences the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, aggressive driving of all kinds, especially speeding, has been reportedly on the rise from coast to coast. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding alone – a major hallmark of aggressive behavior – caused over 9,000 car accident fatalities in 2018, and it continues to be one of the most dangerous behaviors people engage in while behind the wheel. 

Other aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights or stop signs, are also dangerous, and they can pose a great risk for motorists and pedestrians alike. Even something as simple as failing to yield the right of way is considered an aggressive driving act, and it is often a significant hazard on the highway. While you may not be able to completely avoid reckless drivers when you are out on the road, you can practice certain defensive techniques to reduce the likelihood of a dangerous encounter.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 29, 2020 in Car Accident

When it comes to teenage car accidents and injuries, the state of Illinois reports some staggering statistics. Not only are car crashes the leading cause of death among young drivers between the ages of 15 and 20, but the fatality rate for teen drivers is also three to five times higher than other, older age groups. Studies show that some of the key reasons for this difference are teenagers’ lack of driving experience, paired with their increased tendency to take risks. As the parent of a teenager, you are likely already on edge about the arrival of the driving milestone in your teen’s life, and statistics such as these can only intensify the grave reminder that driving for young people is especially dangerous. However, there are thankfully a number of ways to motivate and help your teenager drive safely as he or she hits the road. 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 26, 2020 in Car Accident

Every driver knows that taking steps to decrease the chances of serious car accident injury starts the moment you get into your vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that you reduce your chances of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent when you choose to buckle up. You cut your risk of injury significantly when you wear your seat belt, but wearing the restraint properly is equally important. Proper seat belt usage has been proven so effective when it comes to safety that the practice is more than a mere suggestion – it is required by law in the state of Illinois. No matter where in the vehicle you and your passengers are positioned, everyone in the car is required to wear a belt that is properly adjusted and correctly fastened. The safety protection that seat belt use provides is a major motivator for following these laws. However, a crash caused by a negligent motorist can still cause injuries, even when your seat belt is buckled.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 20, 2020 in Personal Injury Attorney

As warmer temperatures arrive, and the summer season approaches, more opportunity for motorcycle riding can mean an increased risk of motorcycle accidents with injuries, especially during a time when the current pandemic crisis is affecting our roadways. Reckless driving, particularly speeding, has been on the rise, making Illinois roadways even more dangerous. However, there are a number of defensive driving techniques that can help you avoid potential accidents and injuries while out and about in the coming months. In many cases, the negligent actions of other drivers can cause a motorcycle crash.  

Driving Defensively as a Motorcyclist

While not every motorcycle collision can be prevented, driving defensively can at the very least be a valuable tool in lessening the impact and intensity of a collision, should you ever have the unfortunate experience of being involved in one. Next time you ride, practice the following tips to better protect yourself and others on the road:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 18, 2020 in Personal Injury

If you are among the many commuters biking more often due to this unprecedented time in our country, then it is important to stay up to date on your rights on the roadways, especially when it comes to protecting yourself from the likelihood of bicycle accidents and injuries. Whether you have just begun biking as a way to cope with stay-at-home orders, to increase your exercise, or simply to rely less on your vehicle during this time, there is some good news for you: Illinois law states that bicyclists have many of the same rights as drivers. 

What Rights Do Bicyclists Have on the Road?

Generally speaking, drivers are required to treat you, the biker, as they would treat other drivers. While it may be a relief to know that you are entitled to most of the same rights that regular motorists are, it is helpful to be aware that you are also accountable for the same responsibilities. For example, bikers should travel in the same direction as vehicles, and if you drive a low-speed or electric bike, you are required to follow all the same laws that are applicable to cyclists, just as drivers must obey all the same laws that apply to them. 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 12, 2020 in Car Accident

While it is true our roadways may be less congested lately due to the pandemic situation that has swept across our nation, less congestion does not necessarily mean we are at reduced risk for car accidents or injuries. In fact, recent studies show that reckless driving has been on the rise since the COVID-19 crisis has emerged, and it is important to remember to obey state driving laws now more than ever. In order to protect other drivers and to account for the increase in pedestrian activity occurring in our communities due to the stay-at-home orders that have been in effect, continuing to drive defensively is critical. 

The Aftermath of a Collision

Despite your safe driving measures, you may still find yourself a victim of a reckless driving incident due to the actions of other motorists. It is important to know how to respond immediately following the collision. A recent, updated list of guidelines released by the state of Illinois offers specific instructions to drivers to inform them of what to do or not to do at the scene of a crash. Here are three things you should never do after a car accident:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 05, 2020 in Pedestrian Accidents

Despite the many stay-at-home orders that have been enforced throughout the country and the noticeable decrease in traffic flow in recent weeks, there are still many drivers out and about on the roadways. This can lead to incidents of car accidents with injuries, regardless of the changes in our day-to-day routines. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable right now, especially as more and more people are choosing to walk outdoors to cope with the effects of isolation from being indoors more than usual. With open, less congested roadways, many drivers who are venturing out are taking liberties they may not normally take, such as pushing the speed limit or ignoring other rules of the road. Reckless driving behavior can lead to dangerous pedestrian accidents with debilitating consequences for the victim. The following safety precautions can help decrease the chances of an injury on foot, but a pedestrian who is hurt should always seek the guidance of a personal injury attorney when pursuing compensation for any damages.   

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 30, 2020 in Car Accident

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding killed over 9,000 people in 2018, ranking it as a top contender among the major causes responsible for car accidents and injuries. Along with other risky driving behaviors, such as distracted driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding is one of the most dangerous types of aggressive action behind the wheel. It has the potential to escalate a bad situation into something much worse very quickly. If you are involved in a vehicle collision caused by a reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages you suffer as a result. 

Reaction Is Key When Encountering a Reckless Driver

People drive aggressively for a number of different reasons. When you see another motorist who is speeding, tailgating, swerving from lane to lane, cutting people off, or otherwise driving dangerously, you may make automatic assumptions about the driver and go on the defensive, and their actions may even feel like a personal attack. Whatever is behind someone else’s reckless driving behavior, it is important to stay focused on a fast reaction instead of getting caught up in an emotional response. This will enable you to better protect yourself and everyone around you on the highway. 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 27, 2020 in Car Accident

According to studies by the National Safety Council (NSC), despite the fact that nighttime driving represents only a quarter of all driving activity, 50 percent of all traffic fatalities occur at night, and safety behind the wheel during the twilight hours should be a crucial priority for all drivers. The chances of being involved in car accidents with injuries at night are significantly higher than at other times of day. This can be due to a number of factors, such as fatigued or intoxicated drivers. If you have been involved in a collision that was caused by another driver's negligent driving at night, you should work with a personal injury attorney to determine your options for recovering financial compensation for your damages.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 22, 2020 in Car Accident

Whether you have a teen of your own who recently started driving, or you know a parent with a new teen driver in the family, encouraging roadway safety for teenagers among our community as a whole helps protect everyone on the highway from car accidents and injuries. In today’s technology-centric world, many parents, teachers, and friends assume that the number-one risk for teens behind the wheel is distracted driving, such as texting and cell phone use. While it is true that distracted driving is responsible for 25-50 percent of all accidents according to AAA, it is important to be aware that texting and talking on the phone only accounts for a fraction of risky driving behaviors. Many other forms of reckless driving exist, and these other factors often contribute to the teen-related car accident statistics we hear about.

Continue Reading ››