Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog

April 19, 2023

Paws and Laws: Understanding Dog Bite Laws and Safeguarding Your Rights

Dog bites can be a serious problem for children and adults alike. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs bite more than 4 million people each year in the United States. Some breeds are more likely to cause injury or death from severe dog bites and fatal dog attacks than others. Here are some of the most dangerous dog breeds for children:

– Pit bulls, pit bull terriers, or pit bull type dogs – this can include dogs originally bred for dog fights like the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, or any other mix of this breed

– Rottweilers – a large powerful breed

April 19, 2023

Electric Bikes Becoming More Common

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular as a mode of transportation in Chicago due to their eco-friendliness and convenience. However, they can be dangerous if not used properly. According to a study by Reuters, there were 3,075 e-bike injuries in the US in 2018 alone.

If you’re involved in an electric bike accident and you’re not at fault, you may be able to recover financially for your injuries. Some of the damages that you may be able to recover are compensatory damages that include anything lost due to the accident including payment for medical bills current and future.

If you’re considering purchasing or renting an electric bike, it’s important to keep in mind that they can reach high speeds. This means that if you’re involved in an accident while riding one, it can be more severe than if you were on a regular bike. If you’re ever involved in an electric bike accident and need legal assistance, the personal injury lawyers of Zneimer and Zneimer may be able to help you.

March 31, 2023

Impaired driving causes avoidable accidents

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Car accidents can be devastating, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek legal representation right away. At Zneimer & Zneimer, our experienced car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Impaired driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 10,142 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. This represents 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. In addition to alcohol, drug-impaired driving is also a growing problem. In 2019, 14.8 million people reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs.

At Zneimer & Zneimer, we understand the devastating impact that impaired driving accidents can have on victims and their families. Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients in car accident cases involving impaired drivers. We will investigate the incident thoroughly, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for car accident injuries can include medical expenses, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering. In cases involving impaired driving, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault driver and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek legal representation right away. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide you with the support you need during this difficult time. Continue reading

March 30, 2023

Personal Injuries from a Dog Bite

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Dog bite injuries can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. At the Chicago injury firm Zneimer & Zneimer PC, our experienced attorneys understand the pain and trauma that can come with a dog bite, and we are dedicated to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve under Illinois law.

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for paying damages, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or not. It is important to note that the Act defines “owner” broadly, and can include not only the dog’s owner but also anyone who has control or custody of the dog.

Complications from dog bites can be severe, and may include infection, nerve damage, scarring, and disfigurement. In some cases, a victim may require multiple surgeries or long-term medical care. Our attorneys understand the long-term impact that dog bite injuries can have on a victim’s life, and we are committed to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

March 29, 2023

Dog owners and responsibilities for injuries

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Dog bites can result in serious injuries and inflammation that can cause significant pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Chicago, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

The dog bite lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have seen the physical and emotional trauma that can come with a dog bite injury. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

Dog bite injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe lacerations, puncture wounds, and fractures. In addition to the initial injury, dog bites can also lead to infections and inflammation, which can cause significant pain and require surgery. Some common infections that can occur as a result of a dog bite include tetanus, rabies, and cellulitis. Inflammation is also a common result of a dog bite injury. Inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system responds to an injury or infection, causing redness, swelling, and pain. In some cases, inflammation can become chronic, leading to long-term pain and discomfort.

March 1, 2023

Impaired Drivers and Responsibility

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Our personal injury lawyers handle many accidents caused by impaired driver. Many impairments result from intoxicating substances recently taken or still lingering in the driver’s body. According to Illinois Secretary of State statistics, in 2020

254 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, which was approximately 21% of the 1,195 total crash fatalities
20,131 DUI arrests were recorded by the Secretary of State’s office

February 13, 2023

Bicycling in the City

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Bicycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation in Chicago and many other cities around the world. There are many benefits that bicycling offers, including improved health and environmental friendliness, there is a downside to this form of transportation: personal injury.

The Chicago bicycle attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer have seen an increase in bicycling accidents. Unlike an accident that includes two vehicles, even a low speed accident involving bicyclists can result in more serious injury or even death. In 2018, the Chicago Department of Transportation reported that there were 1,187 crashes involving bicycles, with 6 fatal accidents. This number has continued to rise in recent years, and it’s important for both cyclists and drivers to understand the risks involved in order to prevent accidents from occurring.

The most common cause of bicycle accidents in Chicago is due to drivers not paying attention to cyclists. There are increasing sources of distractions to drivers that results in distracted driving. Drivers may be distracted by their phones, other passengers, or simply not looking for cyclists. Additionally, some drivers may not be familiar with the rules of the road as they apply to cyclists, and may therefore make mistakes that can lead to accidents.

February 10, 2023

Be Visible!

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Our personal injury law firm litigates a fair number of bicycle injury cases. In some cases the opposing party argues that the bicyclist was negligent because the bicyclist wore dark clothes, which made the biker difficult to spot. The Illinois Rules of the Road caution bicyclists to “Be Visible” and the color of the clothes often becomes part of the litigation.

The law asks what a reasonable bicyclist would do and a reasonable bicyclist follows the rules. Therefore, it is fair to argue that a reasonable bicyclist will ensure that they are visible.

Safety research shows that clothes that are bright or fluorescent and reflective increase safety. For example, according to OSHA, workers who are exposed to vehicular traffic or are working in low-light conditions should wear high-visibility clothing that meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 standards. The standards outline the requirements for design, color, and reflectivity of high-visibility clothing, including vests, jackets, and other garments. While OSHA regulations do not apply to bicyclists, it is still recommended for cyclists to wear clothing in bright or fluorescent colors for increased visibility and safety. The use of exciter colors for biking in combination with reflective materials can provide an even higher level of visibility, especially in low-light conditions. Wearing appropriately visible clothing improves biking in a number of ways:

Increased Visibility: Wearing bright and exciter colors can make cyclists more visible to drivers and other road users, especially in low-light conditions or during inclement weather. This can reduce the risk of accidents as drivers are more likely to see the cyclist and respond appropriately.
Improved Safety: Fluorescent colors are highly reflective, which means they can be seen from a greater distance. This can give cyclists an added margin of safety, especially when riding in traffic or on busy roads.
Improved Awareness: By wearing bright and exciter colors, cyclists can attract the attention of other road users and make them aware of their presence. This can help reduce the risk of accidents, as drivers and pedestrians are more likely to anticipate the movements of the cyclist and respond accordingly.
Better Identification: Wearing bright clothing can help identify the cyclist as a person on a bike, making it easier for drivers to distinguish between cyclists and other road users, such as pedestrians or runners;
Improved Confidence: When a cyclist is more visible and feels more visible, they can ride with more confidence, which can reduce stress and help them enjoy their ride.

February 2, 2023

The Dangers of Larger and Higher Vehicles for Pedestrians and Bicyclists

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

The rise in popularity of larger and higher vehicles has raised concerns about the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists on the road. These types of vehicles pose a unique threat to people on foot or on bikes because of their size and height, which can make it more difficult for drivers to see them and more dangerous in the event of a collision. The Chicago personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer have seen some devastating

One of the biggest dangers that larger and higher vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists is the difficulty they can have in being seen by drivers. These vehicles are often much taller than smaller cars and trucks, which can block the view of drivers and make it harder for them to see people on foot or on bikes. Additionally, the high hoods and large bumpers of these vehicles can also make it more difficult for drivers to accurately judge the distance between their vehicle and pedestrians or bicyclists, making it more likely for an accident to occur.

Another issue with larger and higher vehicles is the impact they can have in the event of a collision. These vehicles are often much heavier than smaller cars and trucks, meaning that they can cause much more severe injuries in the event of a collision. Furthermore, the high ground clearance of these vehicles can also make it more likely for pedestrians and bicyclists to be hit in the head or torso, which are the areas most likely to result in serious injury or death.

February 1, 2023

USA Traffic Deaths Rise While Other Countries Deaths Fall

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 11.4 Americans per 100,000 died in traffic crashes in 2020. According to a Bloomberg article of November 3, 2022, this number is significantly greater than most European nations and many other developed nations in the world. More troubling, 2019 saw the most pedestrian deaths in the USA in 40 years according to data collected by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. Urban researcher, David Zipper writes in the Bloomberg article that the higher death rates on American roads cannot be attributed unique characteristics of the United States landscape or culture but instead can be traced back to specific policy decisions to not prioritize traffic safety over other considerations, such as profit and convenience.

The personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. were surprised to learn from this Bloomberg article that while traffic deaths in the USA have reached a 16 year high, traffic deaths in some European countries and Japan have hit levels not seen since 1940.

The most striking statistic cited by this article is that pedestrian, bike and scooter user traffic deaths rose 40% between 2010 and 2018 in the USA while in many European countries the number of deaths actually fell.

While it is hard to pinpoint specific causes for the rising death tolls on the road, one factor stands out to the personal injury attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer. While in Europe and Asia, smaller passenger cars are prefered, the USA market is dominated by SUVs and heavy pick-up trucks. The predominance of SUVs and pick-up trucks on USA roads especially comes into play in pedestrian Continue reading