Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog

March 30, 2023

Personal Injuries from a Dog Bite

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

January 30, 2023

Shopping for Car Insurance is Important

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

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