First responders risk their lives each and every day. First responders can easily be injured while helping someone on a highway or the side of the road. First responders can be focused on helping someone in need and be hit by a car or injured in a car accident in seconds. If you are a first responder who has suffered an injury, you need an Illinois attorney who will go over your options and try to seek compensation for a broader range of damages than workers' compensation alone would cover.

Is Scott’s Law Intended to Save Lives?

Most people realize that helping others is a noble act, but sometimes, it can be risky, especially for emergency responders in Illinois. In Illinois, there is a law in place to protect first responders while they are on duty. It is known as Scott's Law. It is named in honor of a firefighter who tragically lost his life while assisting on the Dan Ryan Expressway, Scott's Law was created to shield first responders from harm. Under this law, Illinois drivers are obligated to do a few simple things when they see emergency vehicles on the road:

• Move over – If possible, drivers should change lanes to give responders more space.
• Slow down – Reduce your speed when approaching areas with emergency vehicles.
• Exercise Caution – Be extra careful around these areas to avoid accidents.

 In 2020, Illinois launched "Operation Lambert" with a heavy emphasis on enforcing Scott's Law. Police have increased their efforts to issue citations and make arrests, and the state has raised penalties for first-time violators.

This Halloween you should keep in mind the frightful consequences of being struck by someone who is driving impaired, distracted, or too fast. You may be planning to accompany your little ghouls and goblins trick-or-treating, but if you are injured in a car accident, you need an Illinois attorney to help you get the compensation that you deserve so that you get the necessary treatment.

How Can Halloween Increase Risks for Trick-O-Treaters?

Every Halloween, police agencies have to warn people about being safe on the streets and watch out for cars. The general public tends to think that speeding is not as dangerous as drunk driving or distracted driving. Speeding, however, continues to be a major cause of injury and fatal crashes across the country according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. We want everyone to go out and have fun this Halloween but be cautious. Unfortunately, drivers who speed are also more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, like driving without a safety belt, drinking and driving, or using a cell phone while driving.

How Is Fault Determined in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, if you are injured in a car accident, a system called comparative negligence is used to determine fault. Comparative negligence looks at what each person did leading up to the accident. For instance, if the driver ignored a red light and hit you, you likely have a case. If you are found to be less than 50 percent at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation for your injuries. But the amount you will get will be reduced based on your part in the accident.

In the bustling city of Chicago, the thrill of street racing may seem alluring to some, but the devastating consequences it can leave behind are often overlooked. Suppose you have been injured in an accident caused by reckless street racers. In that case, it is important that you understand your legal rights and take appropriate measures to seek justice. Today, we will shed light on the process of filing a personal injury claim in such cases, emphasizing the importance of proving negligence and recklessness on the part of the street racers to strengthen your claim and chance of obtaining compensation. Hire an aggressive personal injury lawyer to give yourself the best opportunity of obtaining the compensation you may be entitled to.

Demonstrating Negligence and Recklessness 

To file a successful personal injury claim against reckless street racers in Chicago, it is crucial to establish their negligence and recklessness on the roads. Negligence implies a failure to conduct yourself reasonably safely while driving, while recklessness involves consciously disregarding the safety of others. Detailed evidence, such as witness statements detailing the accident and surrounding circumstances, police reports, accident reconstructionist professionals, and more, can help paint a clear picture of the dangerous and reckless behavior exhibited by the responsible party. 

Documenting Injuries and Damages

Upon being injured, you will want to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Of course, seeking medical attention is the commonsense reaction after being injured, but it is also important to build a strong foundation for your personal injury claim. Retain all medical records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical bills. If your injury has caused you to lose income or has otherwise hindered your future earning potential, keep detailed records of this. Salary reports and employment history are also important documents to have. Ultimately, you will want to maintain a comprehensive record of the incident's physical, emotional, and financial impact, as this will only enhance the strength of your claim. 

High-speed car accidents can result in devastating musculoskeletal injuries, significantly impacting the injured individual's overall well-being and quality of life. Today, we will provide an overview of the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries with high-speed car accidents. Understanding these injuries is crucial when seeking legal remedies after such events and pursuing fair compensation. Regardless of whether your accident was high-speed, low-speed, medium-speed, or anything in between, a personal injury is ready and willing to assist you in any way they can.

Spinal Injuries

Of course, the greatest fear in high-speed car accidents is suffering a catastrophic injury. Spinal injuries, such as sprains, strains, herniated discs, fractures, and in worst cases, spinal cord damage. These injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility and may even result in paralysis. Seek immediate medical attention for spinal injuries, as prompt diagnosis and treatment may help aid the chance of a more successful recovery.

Whiplash

While not as permanently debilitating as a spinal cord injury can be, whiplash is a common effect of a high or low-speed car accident. This injury occurs when the head jerks abruptly in a back-and-forth motion, causing tremendous strain on the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or fatigue. Although commonly considered a minor injury, whiplash can cause long-term pain and discomfort.

After a car accident, one of the most crucial questions is whether to speak to the insurance company before or after hiring a personal injury attorney. While many assume they should hire an attorney only if the insurance company denies their claim, it is worth speaking with an attorney from the beginning, even before contacting your insurance company. Here is why.

Why it is Better to Speak with an Attorney Before Speaking with the Insurance Company

Here are some reasons why you should engage the services of a personal injury attorney:

• The insurance company’s objectives are not aligned with yours – An insurance company represents its policyholder, not the sufferer of an accident. The insurer may try to minimize its liability, leading to a low settlement offer or even a denied claim. It is vital to have an attorney to ensure they can negotiate and protect your interests.
• Hiring an attorney helps protect your rights – By law, sufferers of accidents have rights, and an attorney can help you understand what exactly those rights are. Insurance companies may try to persuade you to waive your rights to a fair settlement, but an experienced attorney can advise you on the potential pitfalls of any agreement with the insurer.
• An attorney can investigate further – Investigating the cause of an accident is very important. Your attorney will examine police reports, medical records, and more. By providing a knowledgeable perspective on your claim, your attorney can advocate more effectively for you.
• Time constraints – Securing the services of a personal injury lawyer soon after a car accident may optimize your chances of obtaining maximum compensation, as it is very important to meet case deadlines while also preserving as much evidence as you can. The quicker the attorney commences the process of pursuing a claim on your behalf, the higher the level of protection afforded by securing advice from a legal professional.
• Best interests – By revealing certain information or agreeing to certain actions with the insurance company, the injured party may unknowingly jeopardize their chance of obtaining a favorable settlement. Your attorney will help ensure that you are able to make educated and well-informed decisions that support your best interests.

Contact a Glenview, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

For attorneys who are dedicated to serving their clients, contact the North Shore personal injury attorneys with Gruzmark Law, Ltd.. Call 847-729-7660 for a free consultation.