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How Much Compensation Can I Get if a Drunk Driver Hit Me?
Drunk driving continues to be a major problem in the Waukegan area and throughout Illinois, leading to thousands of injuries and deaths every year. Although it is against the law, drivers still get behind the wheel when they are too impaired to drive safely.
Many DUI offenders are arrested by police and subject to criminal penalties. However, even if a DUI offender is caught and formally charged, this does not address the harm they have caused to the victims of their reckless behavior.
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver or even from the establishment that sold them alcohol. The amount of damages you are eligible for depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the economic losses you have incurred due to medical bills and lost wages, and the effect your injuries had on your life.
What Are My Legal Rights if I Was Hit By a Car?
Whether you are in an urban center like Chicago or a rural area, pedestrian accidents are more common than many people realize. Even if a walker is able to spot an oncoming car and try to avoid it, they may not have enough time - making pedestrians especially vulnerable when crossing roads. Drivers must take reasonable precautions to ensure that people are protected as much as possible when traversing streets and sidewalks. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents still occur and the results are often devastating.
If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, he or she has the right to pursue compensation for damages. A pedestrian accident victim may be entitled to compensation covering medical bills, lost income from missed work, non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and more.
Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim
Pedestrians are vulnerable to careless drivers, who may mistakenly hit them while speeding, not paying attention to the road, or being distracted by a cell phone. If you have recently been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, the process of obtaining compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company can be complex and time-consuming. You will need convincing evidence that proves the driver’s negligence. You will also need evidence of the damages you suffered because of your injuries.
Exploring Liability for Snow and Ice-Related Fall Accidents in Illinois
It is that time of year again. Sidewalks are covered in snow and ice, floors are wet with melted snow, and the potential for a slip and fall accident is greater than ever. Winter weather can be extremely dangerous for a number of reasons, but fall accidents can be especially harmful to elderly people and those in poor health.
Slipping and falling can lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ injuries, back injuries, and other painful consequences. Although Illinois law generally allows slip and fall accident victims to pursue financial compensation for their injuries, there are special laws regarding injuries related to snow and ice.
Natural Accumulation of Snow and Ice Versus Unnatural Accumulation
Most people agree that shoveling the sidewalk and keeping your property free of ice is part of being a good neighbor or a responsible business owner. However, property owners are not always liable for snow and ice injuries on their property. If a fall accident is caused by a “natural accumulation” of snow or ice, the property owner is usually not liable. However, if a fall occurs because of an unnatural accumulation of snow or ice, the property owner may be liable for damages.
How is Liability for an Accident Determined When Both Drivers Deny Fault?
Car crashes can lead to expensive property damage as well as painful, potentially life-changing injuries. Severe motor vehicle accidents may be caused by anything from drunk driving to inattention.
To recover compensation for the vehicle damage, medical bills, lost income, and other damages caused in a crash, the injured individual will need to prove the other driver was at fault for causing the accident. In some cases, liability is relatively straightforward. For example, if an intoxicated driver ran a red light and collided with a driver who was following the letter of the law, the party who ran the red light will almost certainly be considered legally responsible for the crash. However, there are many situations in which liability is not immediately known.
If you are currently involved in a "he-said, she-said" situation in which both drivers blame each other for the crash, you need to know your rights and options under Illinois law.
Was Your Truck Crash Caused by the Trucking Company’s Failure to Maintain Vehicles?
If you or a loved one were recently injured in a commercial truck crash, you may be wondering what happened and who is at fault. Many accidents are caused by truck driver negligence such as distracted driving or speeding. However, in some cases, the trucking company's failure to maintain a commercial truck can result in an accident. Inadequate truck maintenance can have devastating consequences. Individuals who suffer injuries or lose a loved one in a commercial truck crash caused by inadequate maintenance may be entitled to monetary damages for their losses.
Maintenance Requirements for Commercial Trucks
Trucking companies are required by law to meet certain standards when it comes to maintaining their commercial trucks. These standards include inspecting each vehicle before it sets out on the road, repairing any malfunctions or damage that might occur during its use, and regularly checking the tires, brakes, lights, reflectors, and other components of the truck. Additionally, drivers must take responsibility for complete pre-trip inspections prior to beginning any journey.
5 Distracted Driving Behaviors That Do Not Involve a Cell Phone
For many, driving becomes so second nature that drivers forget just how powerful a motor vehicle actually is. Even at low speeds, a car, truck, van, or other vehicle can cause substantial damage in a collision. Injuries and deaths occur every day on roadways, often changing the lives of accident victims forever.
Paying attention to the road is essential for safe driving. To lower the risk of a crash, drivers must remain focused behind the wheel and avoid any type of distractions that pull their attention away from the task of driving. While cell phone use has become a major distraction for many drivers, there are other activities that can be just as dangerous.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a car crash caused by another driver's inattention, carelessness, or recklessness, consult an experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you to understand your rights and legal options for recovering compensation for your vehicle damage, medical costs, and other losses.
Illinois Amends Laws to Replace "Accident" With "Crash"
Auto collisions occur every day on Illinois roadways. Many of these collisions are minor, resulting in no injuries and minor property damage. Other collisions are more serious, resulting in significant property damage, personal injury, or even death. Regardless of the severity, many of these events have one thing in common: they are not "accidents."
The Illinois legislature has recently taken a step towards recognizing this distinction by passing a law that replaces the term "accident" with the word "crash" in statutes related to auto collisions. The new law goes into effect July 1, 2023.
Many Car Crashes Are Caused by Negligent Driving
Although it may seem like a minor change in language, the new law is an important step towards recognizing that many car crashes are not accidents at all. Irresponsible driving behaviors, like distracted driving or speeding, can cause serious collisions and often result from some form of negligence on the part of the driver. By using the word "crash" instead of "accident," authorities in Illinois are emphasizing the fact that many collisions are caused by careless behaviors, rather than being inevitable or unavoidable.
Lost Earning Capacity in Your Illinois Personal Injury Claim
Cuts and bruises heal, but many personal injuries lead to lifelong disability. Whether a catastrophic injury results from a car accident, slip and fall, work accident, or another incident, the injury victim will likely experience a reduced earnings capacity. Lost earning capacity is the reduction in the ability to earn money, either because you cannot make as much in your current job, or you are unable to work at all.
How is Lost Earning Capacity Calculated?
Lost earnings can be complex and difficult to calculate, since it takes into account many economic factors like inflation and the current job market. Most personal injury claims involve a claim for lost income. Lost income refers to the wages an injured person missed out on while they were injured and unable to work. In contrast, lost earning capacity refers to the reduction in a person's ability to earn income. Some people are still able to work after a serious accident, but they are forced to find a different position or occupation. For example, a construction worker who lost the ability to walk may be unable to continue his or her previous line of work, but he or she can take a desk job. Others lose the ability to work entirely.
What You Need to Know About Slip in Fall Accidents in Illinois
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of personal injury cases in Illinois, but they can be confusing to navigate. After all, if you slip and fall on someone else’s property, who is responsible? It is important to understand your rights with slip and fall accidents in Illinois so that you can pursue the compensation you deserve.
Liability for Slip and Fall Accidents in Illinois
In Illinois, property owners are obliged to reasonably maintain their premises so that visitors do not suffer injuries because of unsafe conditions. This includes making sure that any hazardous conditions are identified and repaired promptly. If someone is injured because the property owner failed to meet this duty, they may be held liable for any resulting damages. It is important to note that liability may also extend to tenants if they had knowledge of the dangerous condition prior to the accident occurring.
Navigating a Premises Liability Claim in Waukegan
If you or a loved one have been injured on someone else’s property, it may be in your best interest to seek legal help. A premises liability claim is used to pursue damages and losses caused by an injury sustained on someone else’s property. This type of claim may involve a slip and fall accident, dog bite, fire, or any other injury caused by a dangerous condition on a property. This blog will outline the basics of navigating a premises liability claim.
Step 1: Determine Who Is Responsible for Your Injury
The first step when navigating a premises liability claim is determining who is liable for your injury. Generally, the owner of the property can be held responsible if they knew about the hazard or should have known about the hazard. Any hazards should be fixed promptly or the owner must warn visitors of potential hazards. It’s important to identify who is responsible, however this is not always easy. The at-fault party may be the property owner, property manager, or another entity. A premises liability attorney can help identify who is legally responsible for the injury. You may be able to take legal action against them in order to receive compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
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.
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