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Cook County Car Accident LawyerCar accidents can result in terrible injuries for all parties involved, including passengers in the vehicle. While much attention is often given to the drivers, it is important to recognize that passengers are also at risk of serious injuries in car accidents. If you were in a car accident and suffered injuries, contact a lawyer in Illinois who handles personal injury cases immediately. You may be eligible for compensation.

Six Common Types of Injuries Suffered by Passengers in Car Wrecks

  1. Head and brain injuries – Passengers can suffer head and brain injuries in car accidents, often caused by the impact of their head against the dashboard, window, or other objects within the vehicle. These injuries can range from concussions all the way up to traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
  2. Spinal cord injuries – The force of a car accident can cause passengers to experience spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis. These injuries can result in a loss of sensation and motor function below the site of the injury, dramatically impacting a person’s mobility and independence.
  3. Broken bones and fractures – The impact of a car accident can cause passengers to suffer broken bones and fractures. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can be painful and may require extensive and costly medical treatment.
  4. Internal injuries – Passengers may also sustain internal injuries in car accidents, such as damage to organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. These injuries can be life-threatening and may not always be apparent. Prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnose and treat internal injuries effectively.
  5. Whiplash – This type of injury is often associated with rear-end accidents and occurs when the head is lurched forward and backward, causing strain to the neck muscles.
  6. Emotional and psychological trauma – For those involved in a car accident, the psychological trauma involved is challenging to quantify correctly. It is not uncommon for those involved in car crashes to be inflicted with PTSD and other forms of emotional trauma responses. While these injuries may not be visible, the scars they leave on the inside of an individual can be as great as any physical harm suffered during the crash. To ensure your emotional injuries are appropriately acknowledged, your lawyer will help to illustrate that the car accident affected you in ways perhaps not visible. This support from your lawyer can go a long way in securing the compensation you are entitled to.

Contact a Cook County, IL, Car Accident Lawyer

For legal representation you can believe in, contact the skilled Schaumburg, IL, car accident attorneys with Vito & Dollenmaier Law. Call 224-539-8821 for a free consultation.

Palatine Car Crash LawyerRear-end car collisions are one of the most common types of accidents on the road. While they may seem minor at first compared to other forms of car accidents, these accidents can result in surprisingly severe injuries that can have long-lasting effects on those involved. If you have been in a rear-end car collision and are suffering from injuries, you would be wise to hire a qualified lawyer in Illinois to pursue compensation. This form of legal recourse is a wise decision for any injured individual interested in seeking compensation for their injuries.

Top Five Most Common Injuries in Rear-End Car Collisions

  1. Whiplash – This is arguably the most infamous injury associated with rear-end car collisions. Whiplash occurs when the force of impact from behind causes the head to snap forward and backward in a quick, violent motion, causing strain to the muscles and ligaments in the neck. These injuries generally present as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. While whiplash is often considered a minor injury, it can lead to chronic pain and long-term problems if it is not treated correctly from the get-go.

  2. Back injuries – It may come as no surprise that the sudden jolt of a rear-end collision can cause significant trauma to the back. Herniated discs, spinal fractures, and sprains are commonplace in rear-end car accidents. These injuries can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and even nerve damage in some cases. 

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Palatine Car Crash LawyerCar accidents can be devastating events, resulting in injuries, property damage, and even loss of life. Determining the causes and factors contributing to these accidents is a complex task that often requires the knowledge of a car accident scene reconstructionist. These professionals play a crucial role in investigating and analyzing accident scenes, providing valuable insights into the events leading up to the collision. Along with your lawyer, who is proficient in Illinois personal injury law, the car accident scene reconstructionist can play an instrumental role in your injury claim, helping in several vital ways.

Investigating the Accident Scene

Of course, car accident scene reconstructionists are trained professionals specializing in reconstructing accident scenes. They meticulously examine the physical evidence, such as tire marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns, to gather crucial information about the accident. By analyzing these elements, they can determine vehicle speeds, points of impact, and the sequence of events leading to the accident.

Figuring Out Liability

One of the primary roles of car accident scene reconstructionists is determining liability. By reconstructing the accident scene, they can identify the responsible party, whether it is a negligent driver, a defective vehicle component, or poor road conditions. Their analysis helps establish a clear picture of how the accident occurred and who should be held accountable for the damages.

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Cook County Car Accident AttorneyExperiencing a tire blowout is among the scariest things that can happen to you while driving. And when a blowout causes a car accident, the situation becomes even more horrifying. In this scenario, determining fault is easier said than done, as it may lie with the various parties involved, including the driver, tire manufacturer, or even a mechanic. If you suffered an injury in a car accident with a tire blowout, your best course of action is to hire a skilled lawyer in Illinois to help you obtain the compensation you may be owed.

Exploring Various Tire Blowout Scenarios 

Let us look at these potential scenarios in greater detail:

  • Driver negligence – The driver may be held responsible if it can be determined that they failed to maintain their vehicle properly, thus leading to a tire blowout. Regular tire inspections, inflation checks, and proper maintenance are essential to prevent tire blowouts. If the driver neglected the fundamental responsibility of caring for their tires, they may be held responsible for causing the accident. 

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IL truck accident lawyerTruck accidents on Illinois Interstate I-290 are a significant concern, posing serious risks to the safety of drivers and passengers who frequently use this major transportation route, also known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Expressway. These accidents often result in severe injuries and property damage. If you were involved in a truck accident on I-290, you need to hire a ready and willing lawyer to fight aggressively to defend your rights and interests. 

Here Are the Five Causes of Truck Accidents on I-290

  1. High traffic volume and congestion – Interstate 290 experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak rush hours. The increased number of vehicles, including passenger cars and commercial trucks, can lead to congestion and traffic jams. In such situations, trucks may attempt to change lanes or maneuver through traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents. When traffic congestion is combined with aggressive driving or speeding, the risk of collisions involving trucks escalates significantly.
  2. Driver fatigue and hours of service violations – Truck drivers are subject to federal regulations governing hours of service to prevent driver fatigue. However, some drivers and trucking companies may disregard these regulations in pursuit of meeting tight delivery deadlines. Driver fatigue can drastically impair judgment, reaction time, and overall driving performance, making accidents more likely. Violations of hours of service regulations can result in drowsy driving, increasing the risk of accidents on Interstate 290.
  3. Improper maintenance and equipment failure – Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles properly. Equipment failures can occur when companies fail to maintain their trucks, directly contributing to truck accidents. Brake failures, tire blowouts, malfunctioning lights, or faulty steering systems can cause a truck driver to lose control, potentially leading to a collision. 
  4. Inattentive/distracted driving – Distracted driving is a widespread problem on many roadways in Illinois, especially busy ones like I-290. Truck drivers may engage in various activities, like texting or talking on the phone, that divert their attention from the road. Of course, this can lead to serious truck accidents. 
  5. Lousy loading and shifting cargo – Proper loading and securement of cargo are crucial to maintaining the stability and balance of a truck. Poorly loaded or cargo that is not secure can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable or leading to cargo spills. Cargo shifts can result in the truck driver losing control and causing accidents on Interstate 290.  

Contact a Schaumburg Truck Accident Lawyer 

For helpful and professional legal assistance, contact the experienced Cook County truck accident lawyers with Vito & Dollenmaier Law. Call 224-539-8821 for a free consultation. 

 

IL uber accident lawyerWith the rise of ridesharing services like Uber, accidents involving Uber drivers have become more common. If you find yourself injured in an accident with an Uber driver, you might wonder whether you can sue the driver for damages. The answer is yes, you can. To pursue a lawsuit against an Uber driver, it is essential to first contact an attorney to ensure you have the legal protection you need and the guidance that will make the entire process more seamless. While there is no guarantee you will recover compensation, hiring a lawyer will grant you the most favorable chance to obtain what you may be entitled to. 

Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage 

Uber provides insurance coverage for accidents that occur during a ride. The coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Their personal insurance policy would apply if the driver is offline or not logged into the Uber app. However, Uber’s insurance coverage kicks in if the driver is actively working, has accepted a ride, or has a passenger in the car. This coverage typically includes liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and more.

Suing the Uber Driver

If you are injured in an accident caused by an Uber driver, you can potentially sue the driver for damages. However, whether you can successfully sue the driver directly or need to go through Uber’s insurance depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the driver were offline or not actively working for Uber, you would generally file a claim against their personal insurance policy. The process would be similar to any other car accident claim in this case.

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IL accident lawyerNavigating our roadways comes with inherent risks, and one often overlooked peril is overloaded trucks. Today, we will highlight the dangers of trucks exceeding payload limits. By understanding how overloading impacts road safety, we can take the necessary steps to minimize the risks and create a safer environment for all road users in Illinois. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact a personal injury right away to ensure your rights are protected as you pursue your injury claim. 

Increased Stopping Distance 

Overloaded trucks present substantial threats due to their increased stopping distance. The extra weight places excessive strain on the vehicle's braking system, leading to compromised stopping efficiency. With increased momentum, such trucks take longer to halt, reducing the time to react and avoid accidents. This risk is amplified in emergencies, where the inability to stop promptly may result in severe collisions, endangering all parties involved.

Vehicle Stability

Overloading causes a significant imbalance in vehicle stability, inviting potential disasters on the road. The excessive weight alters the truck's center of gravity, disrupting the proper distribution of forces necessary for optimal vehicle control. Trucks become susceptible to swaying, rollovers, and loss of control during turns or sudden maneuvers. Such instability poses a grave hazard to the truck operator and other road users, contributing to a higher probability of accidents and injuries. 

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schaumburg-car-accident-attorneys.jpgCar accidents can result in varying degrees of injury. However, there are instances where the true severity of injuries may not become obvious or apparent until weeks or even months later. Understanding the legal implications of delayed injury diagnoses is crucial in Illinois law. Today, we will discuss what happens if it takes you a while to realize just how serious your injuries are from your car accident, emphasizing the importance of seeking prompt medical attention and securing legal representation for your personal injury claim.  

Do Not Wait to Get Medical Help

After you have been in a car crash, immediately seeking medical attention is very important. Even if you believe yourself injured, delayed symptoms can emerge in the days, weeks, and months following the accident. Injuries that may reveal delayed symptoms include whiplash and internal or traumatic brain injuries. Prompt medical attention ensures your well-being and provides important documentation of what exactly your injuries are, including how severe they are. This crucial documentation can come in handy later for future legal claims. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Illinois?

Illinois establishes time limits, known as "statutes of limitations," within which a personal injury claim must be filed. The statute of limitations for someone injured in a car accident is two days from the accident date. However, suppose injuries are not discovered until months later. In that case, the time limit for bringing a personal injury claim may begin once the extent of the injuries is discovered. 

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IL accident lawyerBeing injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver can have a significant impact on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. However, several factors come into play when determining the amount of compensation you can recover. Understanding these factors can help you navigate the legal process more effectively and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. Discuss these factors with your personal injury attorney to ensure you can pursue a favorable case outcome.

Nature of Your Injuries

Determining how badly you were injured in the accident can play an important role in assessing the compensation you are entitled to. Serious injuries that result in extensive medical treatments, long-term disability, or loss of earning capacity generally command higher compensation amounts.

Medical Expenses

Compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical expenses, is an essential component of your claim. Proper documentation of all medical treatments and associated costs is vital in estimating the full extent of your expenses.

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IL injury lawyerCar accidents can have terrible consequences, including the risk of internal bleeding. Recognizing the signs of internal bleeding after a car accident is crucial in ensuring prompt medical intervention. Today, we will discuss the dangers of internal bleeding and provide valuable insight on how to identify this hidden threat. As always, anyone injured in a car accident should first seek medical attention and then contact a personal injury lawyer to pursue the compensation which may be owed to you.

Understanding Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels are damaged or ruptured internally, causing blood to leak inside the body. In car accidents, the extreme forces involved can induce trauma and lead to internal bleeding. This danger lies in the fact that internal bleeding is not always externally visible, making it essential to be aware of potential symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Being able to identify the signs of internal bleeding is crucial for seeking prompt medical attention. Symptoms may not always manifest immediately after the accident, and some individuals may not experience any symptoms until hours or even days later. Common indicators include:

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IL injury lawyerPersonal injury cases typically arise from any situation where someone is hurt or injured due to someone else’s negligence. Such cases can result in varying degrees of physical and emotional harm and financial and other types of losses. It is critical to know that if you are involved in a personal injury accident, feel free to contact an attorney for legal assistance. You and your attorney will sit down, look at the facts of the case, and then will proceed to find a pathway to pursue a favorable case outcome.

The Personal Injury Cases You Need to Know About

Here are the personal injury cases that are highly prevalent in our society, including:

  • Auto accidents – Arguably the most common type of personal injury, car accidents, as well as motorcycle and truck accidents, can result in a wide variety of injuries. Such injuries can be very wide-ranging, potentially manifesting themselves in the form of minor cuts and bruises all the way to more severe injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, permanent disability, and sometimes even death.
  • Slip and fall accidents – This form of injury generally occurs on someone else’s property and can result in serious injury. These types of accidents can happen due to hazards such as wet floors, debris, unmarked steps, or poorly maintained walkways. Slip and fall injuries can range from minor scratches or bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. There may also be a correlation between age and severity of injury. For instance, slip and fall accidents tend to be more severe in older adults since their bones are typically more brittle than other population members.
  • Wrongful death – These cases arise when a person dies as a result of another person’s negligence or deliberate action. In such cases, family members may have the right to file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. Wrongful death lawsuits can involve a wide variety of situations. Personal injury attorneys can be especially invaluable in the wake of a loved one’s death, as in many cases, the deceased party’s family, as your attorney will be able to work through the legal particulars of your case while you take your time mourning the loss of your loved one.

Contact a Schaumburg Personal Injury Lawyer

For compassionate counselors who will always have your back, contact the respected Rolling Meadows personal injury attorneys with Vito & Dollenmaier Law. Call 224-539-8821 for a free consultation.

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IL injury lawyerIllinois requires that all drivers have insurance coverage to legally operate a vehicle on Illinois roads. While this requirement should ensure that all drivers have access to the relief they need following an accident, there are cases where you get into a car accident with someone, and they are an uninsured or underinsured driver. This can be especially problematic, as many individuals may worry that since the driver who hit them was uninsured, there is no chance they will be able to pursue compensation. However, you may be surprised that all hope is not lost even in these scenarios. Contact a personal injury lawyer to see what options may be available to you at this time.

Here is What You Should Do

First, you should call the police. The police report will be a vital piece of evidence and can provide an unbiased account of what transpired at the accident scene. Essentially, reports provide a record of what happened to ensure there are no misunderstandings.

Second, it is incredibly important to swap information with a driver. Although the driver may be uninsured or underinsured, getting their identity name and contact information is worth it. Write down any and all information you can about the circumstances before, during, and after the accident. Also, recording information about the uninsured driver’s car will be helpful as you move through your case. Essentially, the more information you have on the situation, the more likely it is to achieve a favorable case outcome.

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IL accident lawyerRidesharing has become increasingly popular in recent years. The rise of ridesharing apps like Uber has radically changed the way people travel. With these apps, people can summon rides at the touch of a button from the comfort of their own homes. However, like every other driver on the road, uber drivers are not immune to getting into accidents. Therefore, it is essential to understand what factors contribute to Uber accidents.

If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber driver, do not hesitate to reach out to a personal injury attorney to pursue the compensation you might be entitled to.

Here Are the Causes of Uber Accidents

While no two accidents are the same, here are the most common causes of Uber accidents, including:

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IL injury lawyerPersonal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and incidents, including those involving car accidents where someone may suffer internal injuries caused by a seatbelt. While seatbelts are integral to passenger safety in a car accident, the force of the seatbelt across the body in a violent car accident can be enough to lead to internal injuries. If you have suffered an internal injury related to a car accident, contact a personal injury attorney to pursue the compensation you may deserve.

Understanding Internal Injuries Caused by Seatbelts

One type of internal injury that can result from a seatbelt is called seatbelt syndrome. Seatbelt syndrome occurs when the lap belt in a car accident compresses the abdomen, causing damage to organs such as the spleen, liver, and intestines. Symptoms of seatbelt syndrome can include abdominal pain, bruising, and internal bleeding. Additionally, if enough force is applied, seatbelts can cause chest injuries, such as broken ribs or even sternum fractures. These injuries can also result in additional complications, such as punctured lungs or damage to the heart.

A spinal cord injury is a less common but potentially more dangerous injury that can result from a seatbelt in a car accident. Depending on the direction of the impact from the accident, the force of the seatbelt could potentially compress the spinal cord, leading to permanent damage or paralysis. Spinal cord injuries require immediate medical attention and often require long-term rehabilitation.

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cook county motorcycle crash lawyer Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence on roads and highways. Unfortunately, due to the lack of protection afforded by a motorcycle, riders are at a higher risk of suffering severe injuries or death in the event of an accident. But why do such accidents occur in the first place? In this blog, we will discuss the various causes of motorcycle accidents and who may be liable for a crash.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury attorney to help ensure your rights and best interests are protected. 

Reasons That Motorcycle Accidents Happen

The following are examples of why motorcycle accidents happen, including:

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 cook county car accident lawyer Car accidents can be terribly tragic, especially when the accident results in a fatality. However, some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents are preventable events. Understanding these causes is essential in avoiding car accidents and staying safe on the road. Today, we will discuss the most common causes of fatal car accidents. Remember, if you are ever involved and injured in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to make sure you understand your rights and legal options during this challenging time. 

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

Sadly, drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents. Drunk driving is an offense in all 50 states and can result in severe penalties, especially if someone dies from an accident with a drunk driver. If you are convicted of drunk driving, you can face steep fines, jail time, and a driver’s license suspension. Therefore, if you are planning to drink, having a designated driver or using public transportation is best. 

Another common cause of fatal car accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving can include anything that takes your attention off the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. Pull over to a safe location first if you need to use your phone or eat. By doing so, you may be inadvertently preventing a potential accident.

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schaumburg personal injury lawyerIn a personal injury case, evidence is crucial to providing the injury's extent and the responsible party's liability. Many types of evidence may be used in a personal injury case. Today, we will discuss some of those forms of evidence. Remember, if you have been injured, it is likely in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will ensure your rights are not trampled upon and that a favorable case outcome can be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.

Evidence That May Be Relevant in Your Case

 Here are a few examples of evidence that are often relevant in personal injury cases, including:

  • Medical records – Medical records are crucial evidence in a personal injury case. Such records can document the extent of the injury, the treatment received, and the long-term prognosis. 

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schaumburg truck accident lawyer Truck accidents can be terribly devastating, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. While many potential causes of these kinds of accidents exist, some reasons are more common than others. Today, we will discuss some of the most common causes of trucking accidents. If you are ever involved in a trucking accident, consider contacting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney so that you understand your legal rights and options moving forward. 

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

These kinds of accidents can be caused by many factors, including:

  • Driver fatigue – Truck drivers may drive for exceedingly long hours and not take enough breaks to rest and recharge. Fatigue can affect a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and respond to changing road conditions, increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents. 

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illinois dog bite lawyerMany people treat their pets, often dogs, as members of their own family. But what happens when we are bitten and injured by someone else’s four-legged furry companion? You may be glad to learn that there are, in fact, legal remedies for such situations. These remedies are designed so those bitten by someone else’s dog can pursue compensation related to their dog bite injury. 

If you were bitten and injured by someone else’s dog, strongly consider contacting an experienced personal injury who will ensure your rights remain protected and that you can pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. 

A Dog Bit Me. Now What?

In the aftermath of a dog bite, always seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if a wound appears minor, it must be cleaned and properly treated to prevent infection. If the dog bite is severe, go to the emergency room or call 911 for assistance. Next, obtaining as much information as possible regarding the dog and its owner is important. This includes the name, address, and phone number of the owner, as well as any information about the dog’s vaccination history. Finally, get their contact information if there were any witnesses to the attack. 

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rolling meadows car crash lawyerWith every passing day, Amazon becomes more and more synonymous with the company rather than the rainforest. All jokes aside, you would be hard-pressed to find a single neighborhood across America that does not include at least one Amazon delivery driver zipping around using their highly recognizable delivery van. 

Due to their abundance on the road, Amazon delivery driver accidents have increased substantially in recent years. With consumer demand exploding and accidents involving delivery vehicles becoming increasingly more common, it is important to know what to do if you are involved in a crash with an Amazon delivery driver. 

If you have been involved in a car accident with an Amazon delivery driver, do not hesitate to contact a knowledgeable lawyer who has worked in these kinds of cases before. You may be entitled to compensation. 

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