Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog

January 30, 2023

Shopping for Car Insurance is Important

Car insurance is an essential part of owning a vehicle, and it is especially important in Illinois. The state requires that all drivers carry a minimum level of liability insurance to cover any damages or personal injuries that may occur in the event of an accident. However, simply having the minimum coverage may not be enough to protect you and your assets in the event of an accident.

When shopping for car insurance in Illinois, it’s important to know that there are different types of coverage available. The most basic form of coverage is liability insurance, which covers damages or injuries that you may cause to another person or their property in an accident. However, liability insurance does not cover your own damages or injuries. To protect yourself fully, you should consider additional types of coverage, such as collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage will pay for damages to your vehicle if you are involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage provides protection for damages caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

It’s also important to consider the level of coverage you need. Illinois has a minimum coverage requirement, but that may not be enough to protect you fully. If you have a newer or more expensive car, you may want to consider purchasing higher levels of coverage to ensure that you are fully protected in the event of a crash.

January 29, 2023

Prevent Winter Mayhem

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Late winter snow is always a hassle. No one wants to go outside on a cold winter morning and clear the snow and ice from their windshield, windows, and mirrors. It is so much more efficient to warm the car up, hit the road and let gravity do the work, right? WRONG. I only need to clean off my windshield, right? WRONG. I don’t need to brush off the roof, right? WRONG. Avoidable automobile crashes in Chicago happen sometimes due to decreased visibility as a result of obstructions from the elements.

Illinois law states that “No person shall drive a motor vehicle with snow, ice, moisture or other material on any of the windows or mirrors, which materially obstructs the driver’s clear view of the highway.” 625 ILCS 5/12-503(d).

Driving with your windshield, windows or mirror obstructed by snow is not just illegal, it is dangerous. Most vehicles perform far worse in winter conditions in the key areas of stopping distance and handling. In slippery winter conditions drivers must begin braking much earlier and make slower more controlled turns, both of these practices require even greater awareness and visibility than in dry conditions. Beyond the performance of their own vehicles, drivers must also be on the lookout for other drivers. How often have we all seen vehicles slide all the way through an intersection in an ice storm, despite having their foot planted on the brake? How often have we seen vehicles attempt to make turns, but just slide forward?

January 28, 2023

Be Safe Driving in Winter

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

The personal injury law office of Zneimer & Zneimer is receiving increased volumes of calls involving snow-related car crashes in Chicago and the suburbs. Driving in snowy conditions can be challenging and dangerous, but with a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of a car accident and personal injury.

It is important to check the weather forecast before heading out on the road. If you know that snow is expected, it is best to avoid driving if possible. If you must drive, make sure you have the proper tires for the weather condition, as well as enough fuel and an emergency kit that includes a blanket, snacks, and water. Bear in mind that a reasonable driver will slow down when driving on snow even if the speed limit may permit a higher speed and therefore, give yourself extra time.

Before you start your car, clear all the snow and ice off the windows, mirrors, headlights, and taillights. Make sure your windshield wipers and defrosters are working properly, and top off your windshield washer fluid. When driving in snowy conditions, it is important to slow down and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. Snow and ice can greatly reduce your visibility and make it harder to stop or turn. Remember that on bridges and overpasses, the road will freeze before the rest of the road.

Even if the posted speed limit is higher, it is important for drivers in Illinois to slow down when driving in winter conditions to avoid accidents. This is because snow and ice can greatly reduce visibility and make it much harder to stop or turn. Additionally, the roads may be slippery and uneven, making it more difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. When driving on snow-covered or Continue reading

January 27, 2023

Riding as a Passenger on Public Transport

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

The Chicago personal injury attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer have recently talked to a number of people injured on public transportation. In 2021 there were 195,980,563 riders who used the Chicago Transit Authority System (“CTA”). In the month of October 2022 there were 23,576,296 riders who used the CTA rail /the CTA rail system for the 2022 year. As indicated by the numbers, public transit is a way that a significant number of people in use to get around the city of Chicago. But with the huge number of riders that use the CTA, the odds of a passenger getting injured while riding is likely to occur. But who exactly is considered a passenger?

A contractual relationship between passenger and carrier begins when a passenger has presented himself at the proper place to be transported with the intention of becoming a passenger. Chicago & Eastern Illinois R.R. Co. vs Jennings, 190 Ill. 478, 484. A person becomes a passenger when, intending to take passage, enters a place provided for the reception of passengers, as a deport, waiting room, or the life, at a time when such a place is open for the reception of persons intending to take passage on the trains of the company. Id at 485. However, the mere fact of having a ticket or intending to take the train in not sufficient to be considered a passenger. Id at 486. The carrier then has to expressly or impliedly accept the passenger. Illinois Cent. R. Co. v. O’Keefe, 168 Ill. 115 (Ill. 1897) Whether there is an acceptance by the carrier is judged largely by its own facts. Todd v. Louisville & N.R. Co., 274 Ill. 201, 207 (Ill. 1916)

According to the Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions, to be a passenger one must be in the act of boarding, be upon, or be in the act of alighting (departing) from the carrier’s vehicle. Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions – Civil No. 100.09. The plaintiff in the Illinois Appellate court case Pence, was not considered a passenger when he had purchased a Metra train ticket, parked his car in a Metra owned parking lot, and while crossing the street to the train station tripped on a bolt protruding from a railroad tie. Pence v. Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter R.R. Corp., 398 Ill. App. 3d 13 (2010). The Illinois Supreme court held in Katamay, to come within the definition of a passenger it is not necessary the person have come into actual contact with the train to be qualified as a passenger as long as that person had the intention to board the train, paid the fare, and made steps to that end. Katamay v. Chicago Transit Authority, 53 Ill. 2d 27, 29 (1972). In Katamay, while Continue reading

January 26, 2023

Tailgaters Wreak Havoc

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is a common cause of car accidents in Illinois and throughout the United States. When a driver follows too closely, they reduce the amount of time they have to react to sudden stops or unexpected events on the road, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. The Chicago car accident attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer has seen many crashes as a result of tailgating.

The law is not ambiguous. In Illinois, if a driver causes an accident while tailgating, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. They may even also face criminal charges such as reckless driving or negligent driving. These charges can result in fines, jail time, and suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” 625 ILCS 5/11-710 (a). What is “reasonable and prudent” includes consideration of weather, lighting conditions, road conditions, and others. Continue reading

January 23, 2023

Winter Weather Travel and Avoidable Personal Injuries

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

AAA estimates that the U.S. will see about 112.7 million people travel 50 miles or more this holiday season from December 23 to January 2. This is the largest increase since the pandemic and will be the third highest number of drivers on the road. Here in Illinois, about 5.8 million are projected to continue to travel during the holiday season.

The Chicago personal injury attorneys have observed based on the calls we receive that many people do not slow down despite the weather conditions. The rules of the road require all drivers to maintain reasonable speed, and often the speed limit may not be reasonable if the weather conditions are difficult.

Unfortunately, as many people geared up to travel across the country, we experienced some of the coldest temperatures we’ve had during a Christmas since 1983. Many people’s holiday travel plans were impacted by the weather. The snow, ice, frigid temperatures and wind gusts up to 45mph made traveling particularly difficult for those who attempted to get on the roads and travel. Although snow measurements were relatively low in the Chicago area, winds made visibility poor, as the winds picked up snow and carried it across the roads. The extreme weather made roads and bridges slicked and accident prone.

As winter is just getting underway, we can expect to have more days of frigid temperatures and poor weather conditions. At personal injury law firm Zneimer and Zneimer P.C. we encourage drivers to take the necessary precautions to drive safely, which may even mean not hitting the roads based on the weather conditions.

When the weather can pose a problem, the National Weather Service issues specific statements regarding the weather and advising the public on how to act. It’s important to pay attention and listen when these statements are issued to plan accordingly. To do that though we must understand what the different type of statements are and what they mean. Continue reading

January 16, 2023

Your dog is your best friend – you should be one too

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

The Chicago dog bite attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have encountered sad cases where dogs end up euthanized because they cause serious injuries to people or as a result of aggressive or fear-based behavior, but it is important to note that this is often not the dog’s fault. A lack of proper socialization and training can lead to a dog becoming aggressive or fearful in certain situations, which can increase the risk of a dog bite incident. Proper socialization and training can help a dog learn appropriate behavior, how to respond to commands, and how to interact with people and other animals. Socialization can also help a dog to become comfortable in different environments and to learn how to cope with new and unfamiliar situations.

It is important to note that dogs who have been abused or neglected, may have behavioral issues stemming from their past experiences that can be addressed with proper training and socialization. In these cases, it is not the dog’s fault, but rather a result of the previous owner’s failure to provide proper care and socialization. Euthanasia should always be considered as a last resort and only after all other options have been exhausted, such as behavior modification and rehabilitation.

Overall, it is crucial for dog owners to take the responsibility to properly socialize and train their dogs, as this can prevent many behavioral issues and reduce the risk of dog bite incidents. It is also important for society as a whole, to understand that many behavioral issues stem from improper care and to work towards providing rehabilitation and education, instead of punishment.

Many people consider their dogs to be their best friends. Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners and can provide a sense of companionship and emotional support. Dogs can be a source of comfort and security, and can also help reduce stress and loneliness. Having a dog can also encourage people to be more active and social, as dogs require daily exercise and attention. Studies have also shown that having a dog can have many physical and mental health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of depression. Overall, the bond between dogs and their owners can be a strong and positive one, making them more than just a pet, but a true companion.

Dogs are widely considered to be one of the oldest and most widespread domestic animals in the world, and the bond between humans and dogs remains strong to this day. The domestication of dogs is thought to have occurred around 15,000 to 30,000 years ago, during the time when humans were transitioning from hunting and gathering to farming. Over time, dogs have been used for various purposes such as hunting, herding, guarding, and companionship.

Many dog bite incidents are a result of the owners’ improper care and management of their dogs. Factors such as lack of proper training, socialization, and supervision can contribute to a dog’s aggressive or fear-based behavior, which can lead to dog bite incidents. Some owners may not provide their dogs with proper exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation, which can lead to behavioral issues such as aggression or destructive behavior. Owners should also be aware of the signs of aggressive behavior in their dogs and take steps to address any issues that arise. This may include seeking professional help from a trainer or behaviorist or supervising the dog around other people and animals.

Proper care and management also include providing a safe and comfortable environment for the dog, providing regular veterinary care, and ensuring that the dog is fed and exercised properly. It’s important for dog owners to understand that owning a dog is a big responsibility and that proper care and management is essential to prevent dog bite incidents and to ensure the well-being of their dog.

Adopting a dog is a big responsibility and requires careful consideration to ensure that the dog is the right fit for you and your lifestyle. Before adopting a dog, it’s important to consider factors such as the dog’s size, energy level, grooming needs, and temperament. It’s also important to consider the costs associated with owning a dog, such as food, veterinary care, and grooming expenses. Additionally, it’s important to consider the amount of time and effort you are willing to put into training and caring for a dog, as well as how well the dog will fit into your current living situation. Continue reading

December 29, 2022

What to Do After a Dog Bite

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

As Chicago personal injury attorneys who have handled many dog bite cases, we have seen the serious consequences of dog bites. Dog bites should always be considered serious if the skin is punctured due to the potential for infection. If you have been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the bite appears to be minor. The CDC warns that dog bites can result in life-threatening infections, often caused by the Capnocytophagia bacteria, that can cause serious complications. According to the CDC, the infection can cause “a heart attack, kidney failure, and gangrene. Some people may need to have fingers, toes, or even limbs amputated because of complications from severe infection.”

If you have been bitten by a dog, there are a few steps you can take to protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries:

Get medical treatment: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the bite appears to be minor.

December 28, 2022

Ordinance Passed to Improve Bike Safety in Bike Lanes

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

The Chicago bicycle lawyers note that by the end of this year Chicago will have added more than 125 miles of new bike lanes and paths since 2020, creating a bike system with more than 400 miles. By the end of 2024 that number is expected to rise to a total of 500 miles. As the number of new bike lane miles has increased in Chicago and has generally been seen as a positive thing for city transportation, the issue of protecting bicyclist using those bike lanes has grown with the increase of lanes. Through the years many bike advocates have voiced their concern with the safety of bicyclist and have called for more protected bike lanes.

As part of a plan to give cyclist more protection Chicago has announced and initiated an infrastructural plan to protect bike lanes by implementing concrete curbs that act as a barrier from traffic lanes. The city looks to add 25 miles of protected bike lanes by upgrading 15 miles of current protected bike lanes and adding 10 new additional miles of protected bike lanes. By the end of this year the city will have hoped to have 70% of protected bike lanes be guarded by curb barriers.

Even as the city waits for the development and completion of concrete protected bike lanes, Chicago saw further fatalities this past summer, with at least two of those accidents involving children riding in the bike lane. A common issue in these types of accidents is when a vehicle is illegally parked in the bike lane which forces a bicyclist to have to go around the parked vehicle into a lane of traffic, thereby endangering the bicyclist.

A newly passed ordinance looks to address this problem and make it easier to enforce bike lane safety through the issuance of tickets to vehicles parked in bike lanes, increasing the fines for such tickets, increasing the number of agencies who can issue tickets, and requiring signs that warn of a closed bike lane. These measures for the time being, are a good step in the right direction, to ensure that bicyclists are safe when riding, until concrete curbed bike lanes are completed.

Still, many doubt the effectiveness of more efficient and expansive ticketing the ordinance brings since many vehicle operators have not been Continue reading

November 21, 2022

Personal injury is more than physical injury

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Injury Lawyer Chicago IL

Physical injury has a domino effect on our ordered lives. After an injury, first comes the pain, then the need for medical care, and later come medical bills. Hiring a good personal injury lawyer is an important step to discover and secure evidence and to ensure that medical debt does not negatively impact creditworthiness.

The torrent of medical bills begins very soon after medical treatment for personal injury. A visit to the ER typically results in at least two bills: one from the ER and another from the ER physician. If the ER doctor orders X-rays, the radiologists will send a third bill for reading the films. If the ER doctor needs a consultation with a specialist, the specialist will send the fourth bill for the consultation. If an ambulance took the personal injury victim to the ER, the ambulance ride will generate a fifth bill for the day. Further treatment for the injuries brings more and more bills, loss of wages, decrease in credit score, and loss of the peace of mind. At some point people start feeling helpless and lost and start asking around how to find a good personal injury lawyer to help them sort out the bills, the property damage, the loss of wages. They search for “injury lawyer near me” and rely on search engines or referral of friends or family to find the best personal injury lawyer. We often receive referrals from former clients who send us their friends or family to help.

When the Chicago personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer meet with injury clients for the first time, we often receive folders or large envelopes stuffed with unpaid medical bills. We organize the bills chronologically by date of service to determine whether we have a comprehensive picture of the medical treatment to date. We also start investigating the facts of the accident to determine whether there are witnesses, cameras, or other facts that can help to identify all responsible parties. We research the applicable law, and the responsible parties’ insurance to determine whether there is insurance coverage for the personal injury accident. Sometimes, insurance companies may have exclusions and finding insurance coverage may become a challenge. Continue reading