Monthly Archives: July 2012

Illinois Car Accident Deaths Up 9% This Year

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According to an article
published today in the Chicago Sun Times, there are a reported 533
traffic deaths in Illinois so far this year, which is up 9% from this time last
year. At this time last year there were only 488 traffic deaths. This includes
motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents.

Illinois Department of
Transportation has stated the cause is partially due to the increased number of
drivers on the road due to the warm weather we have had this Spring and Summer.
“Distracted
driving is playing a role,” Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann
Schneider said. Despite public awareness campaigns, roughly 10 percent of
the state’s traffic fatalities this year are tentatively tied to distracted
driving — or texting while driving and checking e-mail, Schneider said. Officials
also mentioned that there have been an increase in DUIs and wrong way accidents
in and around Chicago.

Although this is
stating the obvious, it is important to be fully aware of your surrounding and
focus on the road when driving this time of year due to the increased amount of
traffic as per a local traffic source. As always, put your cell phones down when behind the wheel.

If you or someone you
love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago motorcycleaccident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a freeconsultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at
www.blgchicago.com. <span< a=””> style=”font-size: 12pt; font-family: ‘Times New Roman’, serif; “></span<>

Simple DOs and DON’Ts For Workers Compensation Petitioners

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The Illinois Workers Compensation Act has been developed and refined through the years. The basic premise remains the same: the laws were enacted to protect workers who are injured on the job. If you are injured on the job in Illinois, employers are required to provide you with medical treatment and to pay you for any time you miss from work, which is called Temporary Total Disability (or TTD). At the end of the case you are also owed a lump sum award or settlement amount for Permanent Partial Disability (or PPD).  Through proper Disability Claim Application, there are also awards and/or settlement amounts for those workers who are no longer able to work (permanent total disability) or are unable work their previous job and thus earning less (wage differential).

Unfortunately, many workers do not know their rights and some employers and/or insurance companies will not go out of their way to make sure those rights are fulfilled. I always recommend injured workers contact a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss their rights and to make sure they are receiving all of the benefits owed to them under the law. Below is a simple list of DOs and DONT’s if you happen to be injured at work:

-Do report the incident to your employer (or supervisor) immediately, both orally and in writing

-Do seek medical treatment immediately or as soon as
possible

-Do have your doctor list any work restrictions in writing
and forward to your employer

-Do contact a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your legal options

-Do not disobey your doctor’s orders regarding treatment,
restrictions or return to work

-Do not miss any doctors or therapy appointments unless
unavoidable

-Do not forget to inform your workers comp attorney when
your doctor sends you back to work

-Do not forget to inform your workers comp attorney when
your doctor releases you from care

If you or someone you love has been injured on the job and believes they have an Illinois workers compensation case, then call Chicago workers compensation attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

DOs And DON’Ts When Involved In A Car Accident

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If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident, there are some very simple steps to take to make sure your rights are protected. I have made a list of DOs and DON’Ts when involved in a car crash. Please take a look at the list below and always
call a personal injury attorney to discuss your options because I can guarantee you the other driver’s insurance company does not have your best interests in mind when reviewing the case. Insurance companies are only worried about their bottom line, which means they will attempt to save as much money on your case as possible. 

-Do notify the authorities immediately after the auto accident.

-Do get names, addresses, license plate, phone numbers and insurance information of the drivers and witnesses of the car accident.

-Do take photographs of the accident scene and your damaged vehicle.

-Do take photographs of any bruises or injuries to your body.

-Do seek medical treatment if necessary and take care of your injuries.

-Do keep track of all medical providers and lost time from work due to your injuries.

-Do not give any recorded statements to the defendant’s insurance company.

-Do not negotiate or accept any settlement from the insurance company until you have completed medical treatment.

-Call a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options.

-Do not wait to seek medical treatment. If you are injured, seek treatment immediately. 

If you or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com. 

“Stop For Pedestrians” Signs Being Installed Throughout Chicago

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I previously wrote about
a Chicago ordinance enacted last year that requires Chicago drivers to come to
complete stops at pedestrian crosswalks. Pedestrian safety has been an issue
that Mayor Emanuel has put to the forefront on several occasions. This ordinance
along with the speeder cameras in school zones have been a top priority for
Emanuel’s administration to help cut back in the number of vehicle pedestrian accidents. 

The Chicago
Tribune reported this week that the city has begun installing signs  warn motorists that a state law requires drivers
to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.  The first of the signs were
installed Tuesday. The department is installing 50 signs in areas suggested by
aldermen where pedestrians and autos “can come into conflict,” including near
schools, parks, public transit and hospitals, according to a release.  The
signs are 4 feet high and warn motorists that state law requires them to stop
for pedestrians in a crosswalk.

I think
it will be important to see if there is a dramatic drop in vehicle pedestrian accidents once these signs are installed. I think it is fair to say that many
drivers often ignore pedestrian crosswalks throughout the city. Hopefully these
signs along with the threat of a ticket will act as a deterrent for drivers to
come to complete stops.

If you
or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a
free consultation at 31-588-3384 or go to the firm website at
www.blgchicago.com.