Posted on

Conditions That Contribute To Motorcycle Accidents

motorcycle accidents

Motorcyclists deal with many hazards when on the roads in the Schaumburg region and throughout Chicagoland. Because motorcycles have a much smaller profile than cars, you have a much higher chance of being in an accident because of the conditions and factors outlined below. If you were in an accident recently with injuries, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Schaumburg at SJ Injury Law can help.

Bad Weather

Bad weather in Illinois can be a problem for all drivers, but even worse for motorcyclists. You should use extra caution when operating your bike in bad weather and slow down accordingly. Other drivers could lose control in wet weather, so always drive defensively on your motorcycle and pay attention to other drivers’ actions.

Failure To See The Motorcycle

The most significant reason motorcycle accidents happen is other drivers simply fail to see the motorcycle. The best advice to motorcyclists is to assume other drivers cannot see them and behave accordingly. Unfortunately, about 70% of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections because other drivers do not see the biker. This is also a frequent occurrence on the highway when people change lanes or just stop in traffic. You can make yourself more visible on the road by wearing bright-colored clothing, using your headlight and turn signals, and never sitting in another driver’s blind spot.

Uneven Roads

Car drivers may barely notice when a road is uneven, covered in gravel, or even railroad tracks. But motorcyclists need to be on alert for these road hazards because it is easy to lose control. If you are hurt because of a road hazard, your Schaumburg motorcycle accident lawyer can see if the state or local government that maintains the road can be liable.

Cars Making Left Turns

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is drivers making left turns. It is much harder to see an oncoming motorcycle than a car, so some drivers turn into the motorcyclist’s path. Cars that make left turns can easily hit a motorcyclist on a straight road or in an intersection. These accidents often happen because of driver distraction, poor visibility, and speeding.

You can help to avoid these accidents by using caution when seeing an oncoming vehicle slowing down to make a turn. Be prepared to stop suddenly if the other driver does not see you. Also, ensure that your headlight is always illuminated.

Head-On Accidents

Almost 60% of motorcycle accidents happen because of head-on crashes. These tragedies can occur when either driver is going too fast and cannot slow down or avoid the crash. Many of these incidents happen because the other driver does not see the motorcyclist, so wear bright colors and always use your headlight.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is one of the most common conditions that leads to motorcycle accidents. If another driver was reckless in one of the following ways and caused an accident, you could receive compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Even if you were partially at fault, Illinois’ comparative negligence law means you can still collect compensation if you were less than 51% at fault:

  • Speeding: All motorcycle crashes’ severity is greater when someone is speeding.
  • Alcohol or drug use: If another driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, accidents are more likely, and if you were on your motorcycle at the time, you could have severe injuries.
  • Not wearing a helmet: You are not required to wear a helmet on your motorcycle in Illinois, but you should. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that helmets are 37% effective in avoiding motorcycle rider fatalities in accidents.

Taking Curves Too Fast

This is a common issue that new motorcyclists have: taking curves too fast. Slowing the motorcycle enough so you can safely navigate turns is critical. If you take the turn too quickly, you can lose control, leave the road, or even drift into oncoming traffic.

Lane Sharing

Some motorcyclists like to share lanes, but it is hazardous without staggering the riders. There is a high risk of a crash involving more than one biker if one has to swerve to avoid a road obstacle. Also, riding side by side increases the chances of hitting each other. Providing more staggered space when lane sharing reduces the chances of serious accidents.

Faulty Equipment

Every motorcyclist is responsible for ensuring their bike is in good mechanical condition. However, some motorcyclists let their brakes or tires wear too much, leading to a higher chance of accidents. That said, sometimes motorcycle accidents happen because of a part failure, which could be the basis of a product liability lawsuit or claim against a mechanical shop.

What To Do If You Are Hurt In A Motorcycle Accident

You can always be cautious on your motorcycle, but sometimes motorcycle accidents are unavoidable. After such an incident, the first thing to do is to check yourself and others for injuries. Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe but could be unnoticeable at first, so it is always wise to call 911 and get medical attention.

If another driver was liable for the accident, there are several things you should do to ensure you get the most compensation:

  • Take photos and videos of the vehicles, damages, positions, and injuries.
  • Get a copy of the police report when you can get it.
  • Obtain witness statements immediately, as well as their contact information.
  • Obtain insurance information for all involved drivers.
  • Finally, have a doctor look you over immediately and note your accident injuries and get the medical treatment you deserve.

What Do Motorcycle Accident Cases Settle For?

Every motorcycle accident in Illinois is different; one settlement can be more than another. However, there are common factors your motorcycle accident attorney will review to determine the potential settlement value. They will look at your financial, physical, and emotional damages from the crash to understand what it could settle for. Major factors that influence the settlement value are:

  • Your motorcycle insurance policy.
  • The at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
  • The extent of the damage to your motorcycle.
  • How much your medical bills and future medical costs are. If you have serious injuries that require months of recovery, the settlement will be higher.
  • What your level of pain and suffering is. Serious injuries involve considerable pain and suffering, and that is worth more.

The best way to estimate a case’s value is to have a motorcycle accident attorney review it at no charge. If you use an online accident settlement calculator, it could seriously underestimate what the case is worth. Each case has too many variables for an online calculator to offer a fair estimate.

How Long Will It Take To Settle My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The timeline to settle an accident claim varies widely. Your attorney will need to collect a lot of evidence to prove the other party was liable, and that takes time. Also, if you have serious injuries, it may take months for you to reach maximum medical recovery. Therefore, recovering as much as possible before starting settlement negotiations is always best.

If you settle with the insurance company too soon, you risk getting too little money for your injuries and future medical expenses. Most motorcycle accident cases end in settlement, but your attorney will take the case to court if necessary to get the best result.

Who Can You Sue After A Motorcycle Accident?

After the accident, your attorney will determine who was at fault. All drivers on the road owe a duty of care to other drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. This means they must drive as a reasonable person would to ensure others on the road are safe. If a driver breaches their duty of care and hits you, they are liable for your damages. Potentially liable parties in motorcycle accidents include:

  • You: If you rode your bike in a way that caused or contributed to the accident, you can be held partially or entirely liable. However, it is possible to receive compensation in some accidents even if you were partly responsible.
  • The other driver: If another driver drove negligently, they can be held responsible.
  • The bike manufacturer: If there was a fault in the bike or part that contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
  • Government agency: Sometimes accidents are caused by government employees or because of poor road conditions, lack of signs, and improper road design. Suing a government entity has unique requirements and necessitates the help of a personal injury attorney.

What About Suing The Other Driver?

In most motorcycle accident cases, the matter is closed once the liable driver’s insurance company offers a settlement amount you agree with. After you sign the settlement agreement, there is no turning back, so make sure you are happy with the amount you receive in the agreement. If you want more money, you should file a lawsuit. They will inform you if there is a chance to take the case to litigation and get more money.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Schaumburg

Were you hit by a car on your motorcycle? You could have serious injuries and be out of work for months, so talk to an attorney to find out if you have a case. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Schaumburg at SJ Injury Law can review your case, so call (847) 434-3555.

Posted on

How To Help Your Attorney Win Your Slip And Fall Case

slip and fall

Slip and fall accidents happen often, especially when the weather is wet or icy in Schaumburg and the greater Chicago area. When you go on errands or to work, slipping and falling is not at the top of your mind, but it can happen, and sometimes it is not your fault.

If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, it is not enough to say that the property owner caused it. Instead, you must prove that the property owner did not act reasonably and that failure led to your injuries. Learn more about how to win a slip and fall case in this post, then speak to our Schaumburg slip and fall lawyer at SJ Injury Law to file a claim.

Illinois Premises Liability Act

The Illinois Premises Liability Act describes property owners’ legal duties to invitees and licensees. Under this law, the property owner can be liable for a slippery surface and similar dangerous conditions on their property if they knew or should have known of the hazardous condition.

Also, the property owners are liable if they should have known the unsafe condition presented a risk of harm. Further, the property owners could be sued for damages if they did not exercise reasonable care to protect invitees from the condition.

For instance, suppose a grocery store customer knocks over a bottle of olive oil onto the floor. The grocery store has a legal responsibility to clean up the spill or otherwise “rope off” the spill area to prevent a customer from slipping and falling. Or, if a homeowner did not clear the ice in front of their house and the ice was the result on an unnatural accumulation, and you fell, you could file a claim against them or their homeowner’s insurance policy.

What Is A Slip And Fall Accident?

Slip and fall accidents are estimated to send over one million Americans to Emergency Rooms annually. Property owners and property operators know they are responsible for keeping their properties and sidewalks safe for consumers, guests, and passersby. You can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages when they do not meet their obligations.

However, where you slipped and fell makes a big difference. For example, slipping and falling in your house will probably not allow you to claim that someone else caused your injury. But, you could have a case if you are seriously injured and falling on a slippery floor at the bank or on a wet floor in a grocery store. In either situation, you were theoretically injured on their property, and if the business did not keep a safe environment and you were injured.

How To Prove A Slip And Fall Case

You can pursue a premises liability claim in Illinois when you fall on someone’s property and get seriously hurt. For you to prove that the property owner is responsible for your injuries, the following must be proven:

  • Duty of care: The property owner had a duty of care to you. For example, if you were a business invitee at the grocery store, the store has a duty of care to ensure the property is safe and free of obvious hazards, such as a wet floor.
  • Breach of duty: After you establish the owner had a duty of care, you must prove they breached their duty and were negligent. For example, if there was a wet floor at the grocery store’s entrance and there was no Wet Floor sign, this could be a breach of duty.
  • Causation: After you prove the owner was negligent, your attorney must show their negligence caused your injuries.

How To Help Your Attorney Win The Case

You have the burden of proof in your slip and fall case, and there are things you can do to assist your attorney. You can help your lawyer prove hazard and fault by being completely honest about the circumstances surrounding the incident. ALSO, TAKE PICTURES OF WHERE YOU FELL.

Proving Hazard And Fault

Under Illinois law, you must prove that the condition that injured you was hazardous. Although, it might seem obvious to you that the wet floor at the convenience store was a hazard, convincing a judge or jury is another matter. A condition under the law is considered hazardous if it poses a potential risk of harm to you. For instance, a potentially dangerous condition could be a wet floor, uneven sidewalk, broken stairs, missing handrail on stairs, or an icy walkway. You also have to provide evidence that the hazard caused your injuries.

When you have shown that the situation was hazardous and led to your injuries, some issues could come up in the case to determine fault. Your attorney would need to know if there were any acts of yours that could have prevented you from noticing the wet floor. For example, were you talking to a friend or texting on your phone?

Next, were you legally allowed to be at the property when you slipped and fell, or were you a trespasser? For example, if you were at a place of business during business hours, you were allowed to be there. But if you were there after hours or without the owner’s permission, this could cause problems in your case.

Also, were there any signs that warned you of a hazardous condition? For example, was there a Wet Floor sign at the spot where the floor was slick, and you fell? Would a ‘reasonable person’ have acted in the same way you did in that situation?

All of these points regarding hazard and fault matter in your slip and fall case because you must be less than 51% at fault to recover compensation. This is the modified comparative negligence rule that is followed in Illinois. In addition, the property owner’s insurance company will likely look for a way to hold you at least partially at fault for the accident. So, remember to be honest with your lawyer about your role in the incident. The truth will come out eventually, so if there is a chance you were partially at fault, tell your attorney right away so they are prepared when that comes up.

Should You Sue For A Slip And Fall Injury?

Occasionally, the injuries suffered from slips and falls cause serious injuries. So, you should always consider whether the owner of the property or the store where you were injured was obligated to keep you safe. Some of the potentially responsible parties in a Schaumburg slip and fall accident might be:

  • The local, state, or federal government
  • A retail store chain
  • The owner of an apartment building
  • Shop owners and their workers
  • Someone who owns private property, such as a home

The premises injury attorneys at SJ Injury Law can review your slip and fall case to determine if someone else might be liable. Remember, if someone had a duty to keep you safe, you could hold them responsible for your injuries and losses.

How Long Do You Have To File A Slip And Fall Claim?

In Illinois, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. However, this time can pass quickly, so you should speak to a premises liability attorney about your claim today.  Call 847-434-3555 now.

How Much Can You Get For A Slip And Fall Case?

Every slip-and-fall case is different, but many slip-and-fall cases in Illinois settle for between $15,000 and $45,000. How much you receive largely depends on your degree of injury, your time out of work and pain and suffering.

You would probably get a smaller settlement if you suffer a strained back from your slip and fall that keeps you out of work for a week. However, if the slip and fall cause you to slip a disc and your back that requires surgery, you can expect a larger settlement for your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Contact Our Schaumburg Slip And Fall Lawyer Today

Any time you were injured in a slip and fall on someone else’s property, have an attorney review the case. A slip-and-fall lawyer can help you get the best settlement if someone was negligent. First, your attorney will investigate the case to determine potentially liable parties, then they will send a demand letter to attempt to settle the case.

The property owner’s insurance company may not initially offer much money to settle the case. But your attorney will negotiate with them after determining what your claim is worth. Your attorney can take the case to trial if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement. Most personal injury claims result in a settlement to avoid the cost and time of going to court, but if necessary, your lawyer can take the insurance company to court and win.,

Were you injured in a slip-and-fall accident? An attorney can help you determine if another party may be liable for your injuries. Speak to our Schaumburg slip and fall lawyer at SJ Injury Law at (847) 434-3555.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an Attorney-Client relationship. An Attorney-Client relationship is created when you sign a written agreement with our law firm. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an Attorney-Client relationship has been established.

Posted on

What Happens To Injured Passengers In Motorcycle Accidents?

motorcycle accident

Welcome to another edition of SJ Injury Law Facebook Live. Thank you for joining today. The purpose of our Facebook Live sessions is to educate the Facebook community, these videos are kept on file both on Facebook and other social media sites so that people can view them and get any information they could need to help them when they’re seriously injured in a car accident, truck accident, or today, we are talking about motorcycle accidents. You can reach us at claimyourjustice.com or 847-434-3555.


Last week, we talked about motorcycle accidents. General injuries and mechanics regarding motorcycle accidents. Today we’re going to be talking about when a passenger is seriously injured when riding a motorcycle. In the next session we do, we’re going to be talking about what happens when there are a group of motorcyclists riding and one or more of those motorcyclists are involved in an accident. Remember, loud pipes save lives.

Often motorcyclists have passengers. When the accident happens, and the passenger is seriously injured, what claims can the passenger make?

The passenger on a motorcycle has similar rights to a passenger in a car. They can pursue a claim for personal injuries, generally serious injuries when involved in a motorcycle accident. They can recover their medical bills, and their pain and suffering, which is the biggest component generally.

Disfigurement, which frequently happens in a motorcycle accident, a scar, or G-d forbid a lost limb, are examples of permanent disfigurement. They can make those types of claims. The claims can be made, generally, against whoever’s responsible. We had a case where a young lady was riding on the back of a motorcycle, the motorcyclist lost control of the motorcycle, and the woman skidded along the pavement. As gross as it sounds, she lost her left buttock. The word is avulsed. Those types of accidents happen.

Who can those personal injury claims be asserted against?

Sometimes it goes directly against the motorcyclist who’s operating the motorcycle, sometimes it’s against the car or truck that struck or pulled out in front of the motorcyclist. Oftentimes, you have a combination, where you have maybe the motorcycle driver is partially responsible, and the driver of the car or truck is also partially responsible.

There will sometimes be some tension because it could be the passenger’s boyfriend or girlfriend who’s driving the motorcycle, or it could be some other type of relationship. So sometimes there is a concern about pursuing that person. My advice is always to look to the future. In the future, you’re going look back and say, should I have made that claim? You’re going to want to get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries

Can a claim be made against the passenger’s uninsured motorist carrier?

That’s a great question. The general thinking would be;

“Hey, I’m not in my car. Therefore, I shouldn’t be able to maintain a claim against my own car insurance, uninsured motorist portion of the policy.”

I would encourage you to let go of that negative thinking and let us do our work to show you how we can wrap that uninsured motorist carrier into coverage for the accident, and it would apply when the person responsible doesn’t have insurance. That driver is uninsured, and if you look at the language of most policies, it would provide coverage to the passenger.

You’ve discussed underinsured motorist cases. Can you please explain that again and whether it would apply?

Sure. Let’s talk about the underinsured motorist. An underinsured motorist means that there is a claim for liability. There’s an initial insurance policy limit to attack, which is called third-party coverage, and that policy limit is not sufficient to compensate my client for their injury, pain and suffering, medical bills, disfigurement, wage loss, and things like that.

What happens is that the person who’s injured is now considered underinsured, as the name implies. As we talked about a moment ago with an uninsured motorist, you would be able to attack your underinsured motorist coverage limits for the amount that you’re underinsured in your particular type of injury. Again, we’re talking motorcycles, many of these injuries are very serious.

Contact Our Schaumburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Thank you for listening. Remember, for any serious injuries suffered with an auto accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, worker’s compensation, or slip & fall, contact us at ClaimYourJustice.com You can reach Jessica, you reach me, and you can reach us at 847-434-3555. Until our next session, have a successful week, and be safe out there. Thank you.

Posted on

Schaumburg Personal Injury Attorney Discusses Motorcycle Accidents & Injuries

motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle Accidents & Injuries

Welcome to another edition of Claim Your Justice Facebook Live. Today we’re going to be talking about motorcycle accidents, and the injuries that result from those motorcycle accidents. You can reach us online at claimyourjustice.com, over the phone at 847-434-3555, or on Facebook.


The weather is starting to shift from cold and rainy to warm and sunny. What happens when it gets a little warmer, a little sunny? Lots of motorcycles come out. This topic is perfect for our discussion today because there are going to be more motorcycles out on the road.

Drivers on the roads aren’t going to be used to seeing the motorcycles because they’ve all been hibernating for the winter. The spring months, namely the end of April and early parts of May are when the highest frequency of motorcycle accidents occur, and people are seriously injured.

I love motorcycles, I have friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors who are avid motorcycle drivers. So this is a topic that is very near and dear to me. I’ve had several cases where people have been injured on motorcycles, some not so serious, some very serious, so I take this matter very personally. I want to make sure the community out there knows what to do in the event of a motorcycle-related injury.

Can you explain what loud pipes save lives means?

It’s not a childhood rhyme or riddle. It’s something that a client told me many years ago. I believe in loud pipes save lives.  The motorcycle exhaust system is designed to have something, I think, called baffles on it. That loud noise you hear when a motorcycle passes by is coming from the exhaust system and it’s intended to let other drivers know that a motorcycle is out there. I know some people may think that loud pipes are annoying, but I think the motorcycle community out there should practice “loud pipes save lives” because they do.

How many motorcycle accident fatalities are there per year?

Sadly, it’s a growing number each year. The last year that data was compiled was 2021 and it was more than 6,000. Think about that. Someone goes out in the morning, they breathe in the fresh air. They can’t wait to get on the motorcycle. They go out and their family gets a tragic call that their relative, friend, or family member died in a motorcycle accident. More than 6,000 of those calls were made just in 2021, and the number keeps growing. Especially with gas prices going up and motorcycles becoming more practical.

What steps do we need to take when an injured motorcyclist hires us to be their lawyer?

Once a client contacts us about themselves or a family member who has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, we first want to make sure the client is going to get all the medical treatment that they deserve. Sometimes there is so much medical treatment involved, the person needs to be retrained on how to walk, or someone may be paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. We need to make sure they are taken care of at the hospital, and that they go through rehab.

My primary goal with any client who’s injured seriously in a case like this is to make sure they get the medical treatment that they deserve. If the person is on public assistance there may be some challenges to the extent of the medical services that they’re entitled to. My job is to step in and say, wait for a second, this person is seriously injured and we’ve got to get them help.

Goal number two is I want to secure the motorcycle. So what does that mean? The motorcycle accident happens, the client is taken to the hospital, and the motorcycle is left sitting on the ground for a tow truck to load on a flatbed. The tow truck will take it to the body shop or the tow yard, and leave it there.

I want that motorcycle, I want it for two reasons. Reason number one is you may want to get it tested. Perhaps the cycle malfunctioned because it was out of use over the fall and winter months, they take it out for the first time and perhaps the mechanic didn’t tighten up what they need to tighten up. I want to be able to investigate that because I want to see if I have another target defendant. The second reason is, well we’ve all heard the expression that a picture says 1000 words, and it’s true. However, if I have the motorcycle, and I can see the mangled damage or even some blood spatter from the incident on the motorcycle, I can show that motorcycle to a jury in a potential jury trial.

A picture may be worth 1000 words but the motorcycle could be worth millions of dollars in extra value because the jury could see the devastation that the client may have suffered.

What are the fact patterns you most often see in motorcycle crashes?

I see a lot of intersection cases. A motorcycle accident case we’re representing a client on now was using a left turn pocket, turning onto a street. He’s going southbound and wants to go eastbound, and a driver coming out of westbound traffic on the street is turning eastbound and doesn’t even pay attention. Runs right into our client. Maybe the motorcycle was harder to see, I don’t know. Fortunately, our client was wearing a GoPro.

Another accident I see is a driver in a car or truck switching lanes and there is a motorcycle in that lane they’re switching into and the driver doesn’t pay attention. Maybe they are distracted, maybe the motorcycle was in the blind spot, etc. So that’s another type of frequent situation.

We also have cases where a driver is going too fast and the motorcyclist either slows down or their speed isn’t what the driver of the vehicle thinks, and they run into them from the rear putting the motorcycle down bad. Those are the three most common fact patterns we see. During the next session, I want to talk about the rights of a passenger who’s on a motorcycle when the motorcycle is involved in an accident. We’ve had a couple of cases like that and there are extra additional rights that the passenger will have. Stay tuned for that.

Contact Our Schaumburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Remember, SJ Injury Law is here to protect you, your family, and your friends. Anytime you’re seriously injured in a car, truck, motorcycle accident, workers’ compensation, slip and fall, construction, or any type of incident where you think you’re seriously injured. Contact us at 847-434-3555 or online at claimyourjustice.com. We look forward to the next SJ Injury Law live session. Thank you for your time.

Posted on

How To Avoid Spring Cleaning Injuries

Spring cleaning

We may want to do spring cleaning as the weather warms and the sun comes out in Illinois. This is a fantastic way to get your home in order, but you could be injured if you are not careful.

It is estimated that 21 million people visit ERs in the US annually related to spring cleaning and home improvements, but you can avoid being one of them if you take precautions. Follow the tips below to prevent spring cleaning injuries, and contact our personal injury lawyers in Schaumburg at SJ Injury Law if you have questions about a case.

Types Of Spring-Cleaning Injuries

It is essential to use care when doing spring cleaning. That way, you will do a good job and avoid the following common injuries:

Back Injuries

Cleaning is repetitive. Moving furniture, sweeping, dusting, and moving boxes in and out of storage use the same groups of muscles and joints over and over. Consider slowing down and stretching the first 10 times you are not used to heavy spring cleaning.

Shoulder Injuries

Yanking out weeks and other tasks that require pulling can make your shoulders burn and strain. If that happens, your body is telling you to slow down and take it easy. Take a rest and try it again later, or ask for someone to help you.

Falls

Spring cleaning involves a risk of falling. Having someone hold the ladder or watch you do not fall. If the task involves being high on a ladder for a long time, consider having a professional do it.

Stretch

Before you start cleaning, bending, and going up and down the ladder, stretch and warm up your arms, legs, shoulders, and back. This only takes a few minutes and can ward off injuries, especially neck and back injuries. Hold your stretches slowly for 20 to 30 seconds for each exercise.

Don’t Rush

It is easy to become overwhelmed when cleaning your house in the spring. There are gutters to clean, closets to clear out, floors to scrub, and so much more. However, the most common reason people are hurt during spring cleaning is they rush. Spring cleaning properly takes time, so take a breath and go to work methodically.

Instead of pushing through when your back is tired from cleaning for two hours, take a break and sit down. It is better to get the work done without being injured! Also, consider enlisting your partner or children to help you.

Use Care When Moving Furniture

Back strains and sprains are common during spring cleaning. This injury often happens when we move furniture. Use the correct lifting technique, which means bending at the knees and not the back when moving large pieces.

If the piece feels as if it is too heavy and you need someone to help, just wait. Then, you can simply clean around that piece of furniture until someone can assist you. You will be able to work longer if you do not injure yourself lifting a heavy piece of furniture without assistance.

Check For Ventilation

Spring cleaning often means using chemical cleaners for spotless floors, counters, and cabinets. But open windows and doors to let in the fresh air.

It is essential to be careful when you clean with bleach and ammonia. This mixture creates chloramine gas and is dangerous to the respiratory system, nose, and eyes. Getting too much of it at once can lead to severe injury or death. If you are sensitive to chemicals, always wear goggles and rubber gloves.

Also, some cleaning authorities recommend avoiding cleaning products without harsh chemicals. Instead, consider using natural cleaning products such as white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. These are better for your health and the environment. They also can usually do just as good of a job as harsher cleaners.

Declutter

Making good spring cleaning progress is hard when your home is cluttered. So, take a few minutes to declutter the room you want to clean. This allows you to throw out things you no longer want or need. You also will feel better about your home when it is cleared of clutter and things you no longer need.

Use Care With Large Buckets

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, if you have small children in the house, be aware that large buckets holding five gallons or more are a serious drowning risk. Small children are always curious when they come upon the water. It is easy for a toddler to fall over into the bucket headfirst and be unable to get out. There are cases where a small child has drowned in a bucket with just a few inches of water.

So, never leave large buckets with water unattended when toddlers are in the home. Empty them as soon as you are finished cleaning. Moving them out of the way when finished cleaning also prevents people from tripping on them.

Wear Protective Gear

Ensure you have the appropriate protective gear to stay safe during spring cleaning. This may include sunscreen, gloves, eye protection, long pants, and tough shoes. These measures are even more important when using chemicals and fertilizers in the yard.

It also is recommended to avoid using harsh chemicals and to water things down as much as possible. Using mild soap and water is usually best.

Reduce Tripping Risks

Decluttering is a natural part of spring cleaning. Packing up various items that must be moved or thrown away may be convenient. However, putting piles of things on the floor increases the risk of trips and falls. Keep landing areas and stairs free of clutter.

Do Not Carry Too Much At Once

A busy spring-cleaning day may mean going up and down steps often. Ensure you have one hand free to grab the railing if you fall. Also, be sure you can see the path in front of you when carrying a large load. Getting the job done may take another trip or two, but you will avoid a nasty fall.

Use A Mop

When you need to clean the floor, it may be tempting to get on your hands and knees to get things clean. But you can seriously sprain or strain your back. So instead, invest in a good mop for cleaning floors; a mop is also the best choice for cleaning the bathtub.

Rent A Dumpster

If you have a lot of unwanted items in the house, consider purchasing a rental dumpster to get rid of them. One of these dumpsters will easily fit in your driveway, so you have easy access to the container during your whole spring cleaning day.

Use Ladders Carefully

You may need to use a ladder to clean windows or the tops of cabinets. But be careful! Stay within a reasonable distance when you are on the ladder to avoid a serious fall. Experts say a good rule of thumb is your lower belly should not extend beyond either side of the ladder. It also is safer if there is someone to hold the base of the ladder. Also, ensure none of the ladder rungs or wet and that you have on rubber-soled shoes.

Do Not Forget The Chimney

If you have a fireplace, it is essential to have the chimney inspected by a professional every year. If too much soot builds up in the chimney, it is a fire hazard. There also is a severe risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This work is usually done in the fall before fire season but can also be done in the spring.

Watch Out For Wet Surfaces

This is an essential tip for every time you clean in the house. We all know slipping on a wet tile or wood floor is accessible. Make sure to stay away from wet floors until they are completely dry.

Also, it is common for other family members to slip on the floor because they did not know it was wet. So, alert other people that spring cleaning is underway. If you have small children, you may need to block access to that room until the floor is dry.

Listen To Your Body

You do not do a thorough spring cleaning every day. So, take a break if you notice something in your arm, shoulder, or back starts to hurt as you clean. It will probably be quite sore later if you feel it during work. It is better to listen to what your body says and take a break as needed. If it prevents injury, there is nothing wrong with making your spring cleaning a multi-day affair.

Contact Personal Injury Lawyers In Schaumburg Today

Spring cleaning is always a busy time and having the house clean feels fantastic. If you follow these tips, you can usually avoid injuries that can happen with spring cleaning, However, if you were injured recently, you could be entitled to compensation if another party’s negligence caused your injuries. The most common personal injuries are in the workplace, car, or in a retail establishment. If that happened to you, our Schaumburg personal injury lawyers at SJ Injury Law can help, so contact our attorneys near Chicago now at (847) 434-3555.

Posted on

Beware Of Driving Hazards Spring Weather Brings

Spring weather

Spring often brings sunnier, warmer weather, but there are driving challenges to be aware of. Keep reading to learn about spring weather driving hazards to avoid car accidents. However, if you have been in a car accident because of someone’s negligence, our Schaumburg car accident lawyers at SJ Injury Law can help.

Daylight Savings Time

Government data reveals more car accidents happen when daylight savings time (DST) is in effect. This data shows that deadly car accidents increase by 6% after daylight savings time goes into effect. The ‘spring forward’ change affects when the light is in the sky and how people sleep. Some drivers may be sleepier than they realize in the first few days after DST takes effect.

Fortunately, it is easy to avoid this problem. Ensure you get a lot of rest in the two or three days before and after a time change in your area. It is only one hour’s difference, but it may have more of an effect on your body than you think.

Ice

It is spring in Schaumburg, and flowers are poking out of the soil, so there should not be any ice, right? However, there still can be ice on the roads. The temperature may be well above freezing during the day, but rain in the streets can freeze at night. This may cause black ice, which is hard to see and extremely slick. Assume in the early morning that the roads are slippery and slow down if there is any moisture in the streets.

Flooded Roads

Flooded roads often occur in the Illinois spring. The melting snow and heavy rain can flood almost any street in your area. The smartest way to drive on a flooded road is not to do it at all. Instead, look for a better route if you see a flooded road. There probably are safer routes. If not, stay home.

Many drivers need to realize how powerful and dangerous standing water is. There may be only a few inches of water, but it can quickly make you lose control.

Shoulders

Use caution when driving on road shoulders in the spring. There could be ground erosion, and the spring rains and floods can make the surface softer. There have been cases of cars left on the shoulder sinking into the ground, causing thousands in damage. If you need to park on the shoulder in the spring, keep it as short as possible.

Spring Rains

Rain is a regular visitor in Illinois in the spring, so be aware showers can cause difficult driving situations. Staying safe in the spring rain means slowing down, turning on your headlights, and putting more space between you and other vehicles. Also, always remember just a bit of moisture and oil on the road can make the pavement almost as slick as ice.

Underinflated Tires

During the cold winter months in Schaumburg, your tires can slowly lose pressure. Science tells us for every 10-degree decrease in temperature, car tires may lose one or two pounds of pressure. Drivers unaware of this issue could drive with underinflated tires in the spring and summer. Underinflated tires increase gas usage, and tire wear and make the vehicle more challenging to control in an emergency.

Avoid this problem by checking your tire pressure at the beginning of the spring. If the tires are low, most gas stations have an air compressor to top off your tires.

Animals

There is more animal activity in the spring. For many animals, it is mating season; for others, they are waking from weeks or months of inactivity. Animals are most active at dusk and dawn, so watch out for animals darting onto the roadway.

Pedestrians

As the temperature warms, you may notice more pedestrians and bicyclists. Always slow down when you see a pedestrian and be careful around crosswalks. If the pedestrian has the green signal at the crosswalk, they have the right of way. That means yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are hard to see because of their size and speed. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident call (847) 434-3555. In a spring rain, seeing them can be even more difficult. So, take a second look in front of you and in your blind spots. Motorcyclists have the same right to the road you do. If you are behind a motorcycle, stay at least four seconds back to avoid an accident. Remember, a minor fender bender can be deadly if the other driver is on a motorcycle.

Potholes

Illinois is notorious for big potholes in the spring. The combination of salt, sand, snowplows, and alternating warm and cold weather is brutal on the roads. The best way to avoid issues with potholes is to avoid them. However, if you cannot avoid an upcoming hole, slow down, then just before you hit the pothole, take your foot off the brakes. This will reduce the speed when you hit the hole, and the suspension will reduce the impact.

Hail

Driving in hail is not just bad for your car’s paint and body. It also is dangerous because of the combination of moisture and ice on the road. If there is any sign of hail, you should pull over in a covered area until it passes. Also, people tend to drive distracted in a hailstorm, so staying off the roads at that time is best.

Large Puddles

Major spring rains can leave big puddles on the roads. If you see one on your drive, it is best to avoid it; you never know how deep it is. Even on a road you know, heavy rain can create new potholes, deepen current holes, and even damage whole sections of asphalt. Even driving through a small amount of water on the road can affect your brakes, so use caution and avoid if possible.

Be Aware Of Severe Weather

There are a lot of heavy storms in the spring in the Midwest. This part of the country sees about 24 significant tornadoes yearly, and spring is primetime for twisters. So pay attention to the weather on the radio before driving and stay home if storms are approaching.

If you see a funnel cloud when you are driving, it is a dangerous situation. Drive away from it at a right angle. But if you are already in high winds, get your car out of traffic. Stay in the vehicle and keep your seatbelt fastened. Get below the windows as best you can, and cover your head. Seeking shelter under an overpass is not a good idea, so always stay in your vehicle until the tornado passes.

Get Your Vehicle Ready For Spring

Now that you know how to stay safe when driving this spring, you should ensure your car is ready for the road. Getting your vehicle ready for warmer weather is another way to be proactive about keeping your vehicle and family safe:

Give The Car A Complete Wash

Roads treated with salt all winter do more than make the car dirty. Salt is corrosive and will make it rust if it stays on the car too long. Look for a car wash that does under-spraying to remove salt from beneath the vehicle.

Watch For Rust

Do you see any signs of rust on your car after the past winter? It is always best to deal with it immediately. Search for tiny brown specks and stains. Also, watch for bubbles in the paint or a moist floorboard.

Small rust spots on the paint surface can be sanded down to the metal then primed and painted. However, taking the car to a body shop is best if you find a larger rust spot.

Put On New Wiper Blades

Ice and snow in winter are hard on your wiper blades. You may notice during a spring rain that your blades are smearing the rain on the windshield, not wiping it. So, replace the wiper blades every spring to ensure they are in the best condition. Then, when the first big storm hits, you will have a clear windshield, which is safer and reduces eyestrain.

Check Your Headlights

Driving in the spring in Schaumburg often means driving in hard rain when you cannot see as well. Good headlights are vital so you can see and others can see you. You should check the headlights, backup, taillights, brake, and parking lights. Many oil change facilities can change these for you while replacing the oil.

Check Tire Treads

Cold, ice, and snow can wear out your tires and cause them to deflate slowly. Check your tires for the correct pressure, tread, and alignment every spring. This also is a good time to check your spare.

Do A Brake Check

Winter is tough on your brakes. Between the ice, snow, and sudden slowdowns during heavy Illinois traffic, you should check your brakes to ensure they are safe. Check the rotors, pads, and brake fluid, or have your automotive professional do it.

Contact A Schaumburg Car Accident Lawyer Today

Were you in a car crash near Wintrust Field, Woodfield Mall, or another site in Schaumburg? Accidents can happen anytime: spring, summer, fall, or winter. You might be entitled to compensation if the other driver was negligent. Our Schaumburg car accident lawyers at SJ Injury Law can help, so contact our Schaumburg personal injury lawyers now at (847) 434-3555.

Posted on

Employer Responsibility for Employee Criminal Acts

criminal act

Hello, this is Keith Shindler, back with another session of Facebook Live. Today, we’re joined by Jessica Wong-Barrera. The purpose of these Facebook Lives is to bring to the Facebook community useful information that’s going to help our viewers recover the maximum compensation when they’re injured as a result of someone’s negligence. Sometimes it could also be intentional, but generally, these injuries are the result of negligent conduct.

Today, we’re going to talk about something that was in the news maybe a month ago. What happened, sadly, was a seven-year-old girl was playing on her driveway very innocently. She was allegedly kidnapped by a person who was driving for one of the largest parcel delivery companies in the world. And then sadly, they found that little girl murdered. The question becomes can the family seek justice? If they come to me, I’m going to help them Claim Their Justice.

This is a criminal act of a third party and generally, the law is, and this law goes hundreds of years back, an employer is not responsible for the criminal acts of one of its employees. It could also be an independent contractor. So we’re going to explore a little bit of that today. Remember, if you have any questions that we can help you with regarding serious personal injury cases, reach out to us at 847-434-3555. You could also get us on the internet at ClaimYourJustice.com or reach us through Facebook here.

What is the theory of liability that you would assert on behalf of a client who is trying to hold an employer liable for the criminal act of one of its employees or independent contractors?

There are several theories, one of them could be negligent hiring, one of them can be negligent training, and another could be negligent supervision. These are all legal arguments that are designed to avoid the defenses that an employer would assert in saying “I’m not responsible for the criminal act”

What is negligent hiring?

Negligent hiring. Staying with this example, we see that the employer hired this person or agreed to otherwise contract with this person, and the employer failed to do a criminal background check. Had the employer done a criminal background check, they would have seen that this particular person, hypothetically, had two prior violent felony convictions, or was recently released from prison for a violent felony. We would argue it was negligent hiring in making that person an employee or independent contractor.

Society and I included, all want to give people who served their time a second chance, no problem with that. You have to balance that against the type of activity that that person is performing. So negligent hiring would be failing to do a background check. If you fail to do a background check, you can’t argue that it wasn’t foreseeable, that you didn’t think this person could commit another violent act.

A background check would have shown, hypothetically, that there were two prior violent felonies. If you’re going to hire that person, they may need a little more supervision than just letting them perform the services and duties and job description the same way someone else would with no criminal background. That would be negligent hiring.

Okay, Can you tell us about negligent supervision and negligent training?

Yes, negligent supervision would be that if you have a person that you want to give a chance to, as you should to a person who may have a criminal background, you should supervise that person, you should maybe do a little extra supervision. It could be that the employer has to install a camera in this particular case in the car, or you have to have the person work in a team of two that would otherwise normally be only a team of one doing the job.

You have to provide supervision. If you as an employer want to avoid liability for an accusation as serious as this, then you need to make sure you’re able to protect yourself from the foreseeability argument. In court I’ll say Claim Your Justice is representing this person that was injured by a criminal act of your employee, it was foreseeable what your employee did to my client, and you should have supervised it better, so it will be negligent supervision. What’s next?

Well as you know, this is a very, very sad story. We feel for the young girl’s family. You were talking about the employee and the independent contractor, I thought you said you could only try and hold the employer responsible if the person that committed the criminal act was an employee?

Okay, so we’re talking about the difference between employees and independent contractors. Another defense employers used to use regularly is that we’re only responsible for employees because we provide the tools, the hours, the place for employment, and many other variables.

However, the law has extended to independent contractors to say you need to make sure if you’re having an independent contractor work for you, you do the same type of training, supervision, and hiring checks that you would do if it was your employee.

It’s not going to be an escape hatch for the employer or the person who hired the independent contractor to avoid a theory of liability for the criminal act of a third party. Anything else on your list of questions you want to discuss y’all we have?

If someone else comes to us at CYJ with the same scenario, would we be able to help them?

Yes. That’s why we want to keep educating the Facebook community so that people are aware of their options. Don’t think you’re down and out without a case. Call us it doesn’t take long for me to analyze whether there’s a theory of liability to pursue, and you as the person who’s injured, don’t want to wait, call right away.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the information, and learned from some of the information provided today. Remember, you can reach me or Jessica at Claim Your Justice at 847-434-3555 or ClaimYourJustice.com. Have a nice rest of your week. Bye.

Posted on

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

brain injuries

The CDC reports that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant cause of death and disability in the United States. There were an estimated 64,000 TBI-related fatalities in the US in 2020, and many thousands more were permanently injured. When someone’s negligence causes the TBI, it may be possible to obtain substantial compensation in a lawsuit.

This article will teach you the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one need legal assistance, the Schaumburg personal injury lawyers at Claim Your Justice can help with your TBI case.

Construction Accidents

Construction workers are at one of the highest risks for traumatic brain injury. This is because construction sites are more hazardous than many workplaces, such as offices and retail stores. There is a lot of heavy machinery and workplaces at heights. As a result, the construction area environment lends itself more readily to severe injuries, including head trauma. Common causes of TBIs at construction sites include:

  • Falls: Falls from height were responsible for at least 50% of all job-related TBIs last year. The CDC states that common causes of falls and TBIs at construction sites are falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds.
  • Vehicle accidents: Traveling to and from a construction site puts you at a higher risk of accidents. There also is vehicle traffic on site, a common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Construction zones also contain many obstructions and large objects that make it harder to spot danger.
  • Object strike: Construction materials are often being moved around on construction sites. For example, metal beams and other building materials must be moved. These activities put workers at higher risk of injury.

Workers at construction sites can reduce their chances of injury by using fall protection protocol, always wearing a hard hat, and being aware of one’s surroundings.

Falls

The CDC reports that falls due to tripping and slipping accidents can often cause traumatic brain injuries. It is estimated that more than 1 million Americans are admitted to ERs every year because of significant injuries from slip-and-fall accidents.

TBIs are one of the severest types of injuries in falls. TBIs in falls can range from mild to severe and may cause severe disability for the accident victim. Some of the reasons slip-and-fall accidents lead to severe injuries such as TBIs are:

  • Slippery floors
  • Uneven sidewalks and other walking surfaces
  • Debris and clutter
  • Poor lighting
  • Ice and snow
  • Stairway accidents
  • Loose electrical wires and cords

Auto Accidents

Motor vehicle crashes cause many traumatic brain injuries annually. During a crash, you will probably be subjected to severe, sudden, and violent movements. This can slam your head into the steering wheel, windshield, dashboard, or window. Also, the sudden movements can slam the brain into the inside of the skull, also causing injury.

A direct blow to your head in a car accident can bruise the brain and damage the delicate internal blood vessels and tissue. Note that your head trauma will differ depending on where the vehicle was struck. For example, if your car is T-boned on the right side, the left side of your head may slam into the driver’s side window. Most cars now have side-impact airbags, but these violent collisions still frequently cause TBIs.

Note that the skull is only about 1/4” thick, so a violent impact in a car accident can cause a severe and catastrophic head injury. If it happens, you will need ample compensation for your recovery.

Medical Malpractice

Medical errors can lead to traumatic brain injuries. One of the most common is an anesthesia error. These mistakes can cause a brain injury in these situations:

  • Dosage error: The anesthesiologist may provide too much anesthesia to the patient, who may stop breathing or go into cardiac arrest. Both problems can interrupt blood flow to the brain, which can cause severe brain damage. A common issue with dosage errors is damage to the area of the brain that controls vision, potentially leading to blindness.
  • Failure to monitor the patient: When a patient is under anesthesia, they must be carefully monitored. If not, there can be irreversible brain damage.
  • Failure to administer oxygen: If the patient receives the incorrect oxygen concentration, there can be brain damage.
    Other medical errors may lead to traumatic brain injuries, as well:
  • Medication errors: Giving a patient the wrong or incorrect amount of medication can cause seizures, an allergic reaction, or a heart problem that can reduce blood flow to the brain.
  • Surgical mistakes: A mistake during surgery can affect oxygen flow. But errors during a brain procedure can cause scarring, blood clots, and other damage.
  • Failure to diagnose: If the doctor does not diagnose a serious condition and it worsens, it can lead to a severe medical error. Sometimes, these mistakes can cause brain damage.

Some possible brain injuries from medical mistakes may affect your memory, thinking, communicating, balancing and sensation, and emotions. Some patients never recover full brain function in a medical malpractice case.

Assault

The last case type of traumatic brain injury is assault or physical violence. There is always a chance of a head injury when there is assault or violence. For example, a crime victim could suffer a head injury in an assault, carjacking, mugging, fighting, choking, and more. In addition, some evidence indicates that women and children domestic violence victims may be at a higher risk of traumatic brain injuries.

Additional causes of TBIs in assault and violence cases are:

  • Blows to the head: A kick or punch to the head can cause a brain injury. You also could be shoved to the ground and slam your head on the pavement. Other blows to the head that may trigger a TBI are being shot with a gun, hit with a club or bat, or slammed against a wall.
  • Coup and contrecoup injuries: These injuries cause brain bruises when violent shaking occurs in some assault cases. For example, shaken baby syndrome can cause coup and contrecoup injuries on the front and back of the brain.
  • Anoxia: This injury happens when oxygen flow is reduced to the brain. This often occurs in a violent encounter when a person is choked or smothered.

How Can My Lawyer Help If I Have A Traumatic Brain Injury?

If you suffer a traumatic brain injury because of someone’s negligence, a Claim Your Justice attorney can help you pursue compensation. You may be eligible for funds for your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. In addition, your Claim Your Justice injury attorney will investigate the incident to determine if another party was liable for the injury.

Your lawyer will also oversee all correspondence with the defense, keep track of your damages and expenses, and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. The attorney may take the case to court if the claims adjuster does not offer the compensation you deserve. Then, your TBI case will be decided by the judge or jury.

If the insurance company makes a settlement offer, your attorney will inform you whether it is a fair offer. If it is not, the attorney will pursue the case in court.

How Much Money Can You Get In A TBI Settlement?

Every traumatic brain injury differs, but these cases often have a high settlement value. Some online legal sources report that the average brain injury case results in excess of $100,000 in settlement. However, some TBI cases can be settled for hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

The medical expenses to treat a TBI can be financially devastating. You may need surgery, imaging tests, medications, physical therapy, and months or years of rehabilitation. Your personal injury lawyer will review your medical bills and medical records to obtain a settlement that reflects your past and future medical needs.

Next, a severe brain injury can leave you unable to work in your chosen profession. Or, you may be unable to work at all. Compensation for lost earning capacity can compensate you for being unable to make a living for months or years into the future.

Pain and suffering are often one of the most significant parts of a brain injury settlement. It is common for TBI victims to suffer chronic pain and terrible headaches. No matter how much pain you have from your brain injury, you should be entitled to ample compensation for your physical and mental suffering. Details that you provide to your personal injury attorney of the pain you experience will help in maximizing the value of your case.

Reduced quality of life is another area you may deserve compensation for in a TBI case. Having a brain injury can leave you immobile or unable to communicate. Perhaps you can no longer enjoy your previous hobbies or the job you trained for.

If you lost a loved one to a traumatic brain injury, you also could be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. For instance, you could receive compensation for loss of companionship, lost earning capacity, funeral expenses, and the deceased’s suffering during death.

Contact Our Schaumburg Personal Injury Lawyer Now

Did you or a loved one suffer a traumatic brain injury in the Schaumburg region? Did the accident and injury happen near I-290 or IL-53 in any other area in Chicago? Our personal injury lawyers know how complex and difficult traumatic brain injuries can be. You could be entitled to substantial compensation if someone’s negligence caused the accident. Contact Claim Your Justice now at 847-434-3555.

Posted on

Safety Tips To Avoid Big Truck Accidents

truck accidents

Truck accidents in Illinois are common and often devastating. When a passenger vehicle is hit by a commercial truck, the car could be pulverized, and your injuries may be severe.

Fortunately, many truck crashes can be avoided if you drive defensively. If you want to avoid big truck wrecks, follow the tips below. However, our Rolling Meadows truck accident lawyers at Claim Your Justice are ready to help if you were seriously injured in a truck accident.

Give The Big Rig A Lot Of Room

Tractor trailers need much more room to slow down and stop. They also need more space to turn safely. Tire blowouts often happen. So, driving close to a truck when you do not need to can lead to more accidents. Give the big rig a lot of room and get by them as quickly as possible without violating the law. Here are some pointers:

Leave a minimum of four seconds of stopping time between your car and the truck in front of you. Give the truck more room if it is turning. Some of the largest rigs take two lanes when making a left or right turn. Your vehicle could be damaged or crushed if it is too close.

Avoid passing a truck on the right side; you could be trapped between the truck, curb, or shoulder. Also, truckers expect you to pass on the left, so do what they expect so you stay safe.

Why are turns so hazardous for trucks and vehicles near them? First, passenger vehicle drivers should know that trucks are much taller and have a higher center of gravity. This means it is much easier for the truck to roll over during a turn. You do not want your car beside a truck that rolls over. Also, we must think about the cargo the trailer is carrying. Heavy and even hazardous materials in the rig could seriously injure or kill you during a turn and rollover.

Also, many trailers have a display sign or sticker on the back warning drivers not to pass them on the right. This is because most big rigs have a 55-foot turning radius, which means they must veer left before making a right turn. This creates a multi-lane turn zone that could hit other vehicles. In addition, if the truck did not make wide turns, it would almost certainly veer off the road or clip what is on a corner and overturn during turns. So, you should always give trucks room when they are turning.

Never Stay In Their Blind Spots

Tractor trailers have much larger blind spots than your car. They are much longer than passenger vehicles, so there are significant blind spots around the rig. The blind places you should stay away from are:

  • 20 feet in front of the big rig
  • 30 feet behind the truck
  • Two car widths on the right side
  • The driver’s side of the truck from the driver’s seat to halfway of the trailer length

You sometimes need to be in the truck’s blind spots. However, try to stay there for as little time as possible. You also should not tailgate the truck because the driver cannot see you. Plus, you cannot see around the truck and may be unable to stop if there is traffic ahead.

Pass Quickly, But Legally

Big rigs cannot stop nearly as fast as your car. So, when you need to pass the truck, you should do so quickly and safely without breaking the speed limit. You can pass safely by only passing on the left side where the driver expects. Also, never pass when going up or down a large hill.

Do Not Drive Distracted

Driving distracted kills thousands of Americans annually. It is never wise to drive distracted, but it is even more hazardous when near a truck. Some of the distractions you should avoid when driving include:

  • Phone calls and texts from cell phones and smart tablets
  • Things rolling in or around inside the car
  • Scenery and signs outside the vehicle
  • Passengers, pets, and children
  • Drinks and food
  • Putting on makeup
  • Thinking about frustrations and problems

Use Your Turn Signals

Using turn signals to tell other drivers your intentions is always safest. However, using signals near trucks is even more critical. One of the most effective ways to avoid a truck crash is to use a turn signal, so the trucker knows what you will do.

A common cause of truck accidents is when a passenger vehicle moves over in front of a truck and suddenly turns without using a turn signal. The problem is the truck takes much longer to slow down than your car. As a result, the truck could slam into the rear of your vehicle at high speed, leaving you with severe or even fatal injuries. Worse, you may not be able to argue negligence against the truck driver.

Trucks have what is called ‘brake lag’ in the automotive industry. Tractor-trailers have air brakes, not hydraulic brakes. Air brakes take longer to work than hydraulic brakes.

You may have heard a whooshing noise when air escapes a truck’s brake system as it slows next to you in traffic. This is because when the trucker first taps the brakes, air must build up in the system and spread the length of the vehicle before it starts to slow. This adds significant time and distance.

Move Over When A Truck Is Stopped

When a truck driver has a mechanical difficulty or blow out, they may pull over onto the highway shoulder. You should never pass close to a truck at high speed. Try and move over one lane for a stopped vehicle.

Yield To A Truck That Is Changing Lanes

Trucks move slower than our cars most of the time. So, it is tempting to get around them, such as when they switch lanes. But you should yield to a semi that is changing lanes to avoid any chance of an accident.

What If The Trucker Is To Blame For An Accident?

Following the tips mentioned above will reduce your odds of getting in a deadly truck crash. However, there are still many accidents where the truck’s brakes were the cause of the accident. Trucking companies sometimes do not correctly maintain their rigs’ brakes, and this causes serious accidents.

Trucking companies ensure that truck brakes and other systems are well maintained. If they do not do so, you could be entitled to compensation for your accident injuries. The lawyers at Claim Your Justice will help evaluate your case.

How To Get A Larger Truck Accident Settlement

The tips mentioned here will help you avoid tractor-trailer accidents, but what if you were already in one? How can you get more money for your settlement? Keep the following ideas in mind:

Always Hire An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

The first step after a truck accident is receiving medical attention for your injuries. Next, call a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Of course, the trucker’s insurance company will hope you do not call a lawyer. That is why you should not be surprised if you get a quick phone call from the insurance company a few hours after the accident.

The insurance company is not interested in your well-being, no matter what they say. They really want to get you to take a fast settlement before hiring an attorney. The insurance company knows they will pay a higher amount of compensation when a personal injury attorney is involved.

Let Your Attorney Talk To The Insurance Company

After you sign with a personal injury attorney, do not communicate with the trucking company or their insurance provider. If you receive phone calls or emails, refer them to your attorney. The trucking and insurance companies will try to twist anything you say to use against your claim. All it takes is to say, ‘I wasn’t injured’ after the crash to cause trouble for your claim. Plus, the insurance company will probably try to record anything you talk to them about. Always have your attorney speak to the insurance provider while you focus on a quick and complete recovery.

Know Your Claim’s Worth and Value

Every truck accident claim is different, but you should have a rough idea of what your claim is worth. The first step is collecting all your medical bills and lost earnings statements. These documents give you an idea of your economic damages in the case. If you still need to finish medical treatments, you will need to wait until those treatments are completed for the case to move forward to a conclusion. When you have all of your medical bills and lost earnings statements, you know roughly the economic value of the case. Claim Your Justice will help you evaluate the value of your pain and suffering.

Contact Our Rolling Meadows Truck Accident Attorney Today

When you are seriously injured in a truck accident in Rolling Meadows near Woodfield Mall or The Sculpture Park, you may be entitled to a substantial settlement for your injuries if the trucker was negligent. Our Rolling Meadows truck accident lawyers at Claim Your Justice can help, so contact our Rolling Meadows truck accident lawyers at 847-434-3555.

Posted on

What Are The Most Common Serious Back Injuries?

back injuries

Imagine you are driving in Hoffman Estates near NOW Arena or Paul Douglas Preserve. Someone slams into your car and you have a severe back injury.

Anyone who has a back injury in an accident knows how painful and debilitating it can be. You could have difficulty walking, standing, driving, sleeping, and more. In addition, you might be entitled to compensation if someone’s negligence caused your back injury. Whatever back injury you have, a serious back injury lawyer in Hoffman Estates can help you Claim Your Justice.

Common Serious Back Injuries

Some accident-related back injuries are much more severe than others. Whatever your back injury is, you should seek immediate medical attention after the accident for a diagnosis and treatment.

Bulging Or Herniated Disc

A common serious back injury after an accident is a bulging or herniated disc. This happens when a disc between the vertebrae is damaged because of excessive force. A spinal disc is sometimes described as a small, thin jelly donut with a soft inside and a hard outside.

A herniated disc means the inside of the disc pushes out through the tough exterior. This may inflame nearby nerves and cause arm and leg numbness and tingling, and even muscle weakness.

However, some people with injured discs do not have debilitating symptoms. Therefore, back surgery is not always required for a herniated disc. Instead, your physician will review treatment options, including medication, epidural shots, rest, and physical therapy.

Spinal Cord Injury

This is the most severe accident-related back injury. When there is damage to the spinal cord or nerves, there may be long-term damage, including loss of sensation and strength or even paralysis. People who have spinal cord injuries are often plagued by infections, too.

This grave injury will require months or years of rehabilitation and care. So, if someone was negligent in the accident, you should work with an attorney to get appropriate compensation.

Fractured Vertebra

A fractured vertebra is also sometimes called a compression fracture. This is a gap or crack in the vertebra. This condition can happen from a car accident.

Lumbar Spine Injury

Your lumbar spine is your lower back and just above the sacrum – the lowest spine area. The lumbar spine includes the largest vertebrae. A severe car accident can damage the muscles in your lumbar spine, causing pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. The vertebrae are referred to as L1 through L5.

Thoracic Spine Injury

This is the spine in the middle and upper back. It is located between your neck and lumbar spine, offering support to your ribcage. Thoracic spine injuries are severe in car accidents. A high-speed car crash may fracture the thoracic spine and lead to permanent nerve damage. The vertebrae are referred to as T1 through T12.

Cervical Spine Injury

This area of the spine is at the neck level and just below the neck. Cervical spine injuries are severe in car accidents. A high-speed car crash may fracture the cervical spine and lead to permanent nerve damage and upper extremity pain and limitation of movement. The vertebrae are referred to as C1 through C7.

Facet Joint Injuries

Facet joints are located between many vertebrae. The nerve roots pass through the facet joints to different body areas. For example, the back’s facet joints allow you to twist or bend in different directions without injuring the spine. However, when facet joints are damaged, they pinch the nerves and cause pain.

Issues with facet joints can happen from back trauma. There may be muscle spasms in the back and pain on the outside of your back. The pain can radiate up and down the spine.

What Should You Do About Back Pain After A Car Accident?

Back injuries often happen in car accidents. The violence of a collision can damage your vertebrae, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Therefore, it is critical to be checked by a doctor immediately. Even if you do not go to the ER directly, set an appointment with a back specialist the same day. Prompt medical treatment for your back injury will get you on the road to recovery faster. In addition, your doctor will determine if there are regular daily activities you should avoid or work restrictions not to aggravate the injury.

For example, carrying your child up the stairs could worsen your back injury. Aggravating the issue can cause a longer recovery and even worsen the damage.

Your physician could order an MRI or x-ray to look for vertebra or disc damage. Your doctor may perform a discography or other type of study to find the problem bone or disc if there is a problem.

Delayed Back Injury Pain

Back pain does not always present acute symptoms. After an accident, your body may flood with endorphins, which mask back pain temporarily. A severe back injury is an excellent example of a car accident injury that may take time to manifest.

After an accident, be aware of any pain or discomfort in your back or spine. Also, note if you have tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs. After a severe car accident, it is a good idea to go to the doctor to be examined. If you delay treatment and wind up with a severe back injury, the insurance company will argue your injury is related to something else.

What Is The Value Of A Back Injury Claim?

Every back injury is different, so it is difficult to say what your case may be worth. Some sources say the average settlement value for a back injury in a car accident is between $10,000 and $100,000. Other sources have data that if there is back surgery, the average settlement exceeds $200,000.

Between $10,000 and $50,000 is typical for a back strain or sprain. However, you should have a back injury lawyer in Hoffman Estates review your accident claim for more information.

Compensation for your back injury claim usually includes your economic (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering and permanent disfigurement).

Economic damage is sometimes referred to as special damages and includes:

  • Past and future medical expenses

Your back injury medical bills will vary based on the injury severity. Some treatments necessary for back injuries are disc surgery, steroid injections, MRIs, physical therapy, and massages. You may also need long-term medical care for a severe back injury with nerve damage or paralysis.

  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity

You are entitled to money for your lost earnings in your back injury claim. Also, you should receive compensation for lost wages in the future. Lost income is usually determined by showing your pay stubs, W-2s, and related financial information. You also should show how much work time you missed and the vacation and sick time used.

Proving your lost future income from your back injury requires economic experts who can show what your earnings should have been without the back injury.

Non-economic damages are often called general damage and include non-monetary damages related to your back injury. These damages are subjective and include compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering

The insurance company may use a pain multiplier to figure out how much to award for your pain and suffering from a back injury. This means the economic compensation for lost wages and medical bills is multiplied by a number between 1.5 and 5. So, for example, if your monetary damages are $20,000 and the multiplier is 3 for pain and suffering, you could receive $80,000.

Having an attorney help, you value pain and suffering is vital to your health and future. Unfortunately, most non-attorneys do not understand what pain and suffering in a back injury case are worth. Back injuries can be excruciating, so be sure you get sufficient compensation for what you are experiencing.

  • Emotional distress

Emotional distress damages may be added if you suffer mentally from your back injury. For example, you may be depressed from the pain and inability to do things you enjoy.

  • Loss of consortium

Sometimes a back injury is so severe, such as paralysis, your loved ones do not enjoy a routine loving relationship with you. This may include the loss of the ability to have sexual relations with a partner.

What Is The Difference Between Whiplash And Back Injuries?

Spinal injuries and whiplash have many of the same symptoms. However, whiplash is in a different category because it is an injury to the neck.

Auto accident victims with extreme neck bending forward and backward bending suffer a whiplash injury. This is a common injury in rear-end crashes. Whiplash causes damage to your neck nerves, discs, tendons, and muscles.

While whiplash is not as severe as other back-related injuries, it can be excruciating and limiting to your activities. See a doctor immediately if you have neck pain after a car accident.

Talk To Our Back Injury Lawyer In Hoffman Estates Now

You may have the most pain if you were recently hurt in a car accident and suffered a severe back injury, you may have the most pain. Being unable to move comfortably, walk, run, and do daily activities can be unbearable.

Our Hoffman Estates back injury lawyers know what it is like to have your life limited by a severe back injury. If someone was negligent in the accident, we could obtain money for your damages and pain.

Claim Your Justice attorneys handle back injury cases in  Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Grove Village, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, and throughout Chicagoland. Please contact Claim Your Justice at 847-434-3555 for more information about your case.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an Attorney-Client relationship. An Attorney-Client relationship is created when you sign a written agreement with our law firm. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an Attorney-Client relationship has been established.