Posted on October 13,2022 in Motorcycle Accidents

The path to a complete physical recovery might be challenging for anybody hurt in a motorcycle accident. Medical costs and other damages can mount in the interim - costs that, if someone else's conduct led to your disaster, you should not be required to cover. At Gruzmark Law, Ltd., we have a proven track record of victory in injury claims resulting from motorcycle accidents in Northern Illinois, and we are aware of what it takes to achieve success. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Case After I Was Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

The typical statute of limitations in Illinois is two years from the date of the motorcycle accident. The Illinois Statute of Limitations governs this time frame. The statute of limitations is not absolute, as is the case with many laws. 

A case's deadline could be extended if:

• When the accident occurred, you were under the age of 18

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 Posted on September 23,2022 in Car Accidents

Severe burns from car accidents are some of the most devastating injuries that a person can suffer. Not only do they cause excruciating pain, but they also often lead to disfigurement and disability. Burn victims often need significant medical intervention, including surgery and rehabilitative care. Many deal with debilitating psychological problems after a disfiguring burn injury - especially if the burn is in a highly visible area like the face. 

Car crash victims who suffer burn injuries may be entitled to financial compensation for their medical needs, lost income, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been burned in a car accident, contact a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Liability Parties in a Burn Injury Case 

Serious car accidents can often lead to fires and explosions - especially if one of the vehicles was carrying flammable materials. Chemical burns may result from corrosive gasses and liquids spilled by a commercial truck in a collision. Airbags are often the cause of chemical burns to the face and neck. 

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 Posted on September 10,2022 in Personal Injury

When young children are learning to walk, they fall down constantly. Usually, these falls result in little more than a bump or bruise. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies become less resilient and the dangers of falling increase substantially. Elderly people who fall may suffer from hip fractures and other broken bones, concussions, spine injuries, or other severe injuries. Fall-related injuries often have a profound impact on an elderly person's life, both physically and psychologically. The CDC reports that many people who fall become afraid of falling again, which prompts them to become less active and avoid enjoyable activities. This reduces strength and balance and increases the chances of falling again. If you have an elderly loved one who has been injured in a fall, you may be able to take legal action against the party responsible for his or her fall injuries.

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 Posted on August 18,2022 in Personal Injury

Last month, the governor of Illinois signed the Family Bereavement Leave Act. This new law amends the Child Bereavement Leave Act (CBLA) and expands the scope of unpaid bereavement leave that is available to Illinois workers. This new law will go into effect on January 1, 2023.

The previous law only covered the loss of a child or stepchild. Under the new law, however, a two-week, unpaid bereavement leave extends to employees who have experienced a stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and a number of other types of losses.

Unintentional Acts

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 1 and 24 is unintentional injuries. One in five child deaths is a result of unintentional injury.

The most common types of incidents causing child deaths from unintentional injuries include:

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 Posted on August 03,2022 in Car Accidents

Rear-end crashes are one of the most common car accidents that occur. Although many of these types of crashes are considered “minor,” the reality is that the injuries that victims suffer in these accidents can result in long-term or even permanent medical issues.

Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes

In the majority of rear-end accidents, the incidents were preventable and would not have occurred if the driver in the rear had not engaged in some kind of negligent or reckless driving behavior. The most common acts include:

• Distracted driving, including texting or talking on the phone, setting the GPS, fiddling with the radio, talking to a passenger, or eating and drinking

• Driver fatigue

• Speeding

• Tailgating

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 Posted on July 26,2022 in Car Accidents

Given how much time we spend in our vehicles, it is not surprising that many people will add personalized touches to them. We add bumper stickers, seat covers, and even sentimental items on the dashboard. Many drivers will also hang mementos and other items from their rearview mirrors, like air fresheners, stuffed animals, and graduation tassels. What many drivers do not realize is that these items can actually obstruct their view, resulting in a serious car accident.

What Does Illinois Law Say?

Having items hanging from a rearview mirror can block the driver’s visibility, which can end up causing a crash. This is one reason why it is illegal under Illinois law to have objects in places that could block the driver’s view. According to the statute:

“No person shall drive a motor vehicle with any objects placed or suspended between the driver and the front windshield, rear window, side wings or side windows immediately adjacent to each side of the driver which materially obstructs the driver's view.”

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 Posted on July 12,2022 in Truck Accidents

The United States has struggled with a drug epidemic for decades. According to national statistics, almost 500,000 people died from opioid overdoses – both prescription and illicit – between 1999 to 2019. Millions of people continue to struggle with an addiction that not only impacts their personal lives but their professional lives, as well. One industry where this has been a significant problem is the trucking industry. Many truck drivers are operating their vehicles under the influence of drugs, putting everyone on the roads with them in danger.

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government agency that regulates the trucking industry. In an effort to combat the number of drivers who are using drugs and/or alcohol, the FMSCA created the Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a secure online database that provides information about drug and alcohol violations for all commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learners permit (CLP) holders. The clearinghouse is accessible for truck industry employers, state departments of motor vehicles, and law enforcement agencies.

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 Posted on June 29,2022 in Personal Injury

Dogs can be sweet and kind. However, dogs are still animals capable of inflicting serious injuries. Studies show that dog-related injuries are occurring more and more frequently and currently account for over a third of homeowner insurance claims. Illinois is ranked second in the nation for dog bite injury claims.

If your or a family member were bitten by a dog or otherwise sustained injuries because of a dog, you may be able to file an injury claim and recover damages. You could be compensated for medical costs, pain and suffering, and more.

Liability for Dog Injuries

A dog’s owner may be legally responsible for any injuries caused by his or her dog. In Illinois, the owners are liable for dog-related injuries if:

• The dog was not provoked.

• The victim was not trespassing.

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 Posted on June 15,2022 in Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks and other large commercial trucks allow goods to be shipped from one end of the country to the other and are vital to modern commerce. However, when large commercial trucks are involved in a crash, the results can be catastrophic. Large commercial truck accidents often result in severe injuries including brain and spine injuries, amputations, burns, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Truck accident victims that survive their injuries often require considerable medical care including ongoing rehabilitative treatment. The financial losses associated with a commercial truck crash can be massive, but truck accident victims and their families may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim.   

Legal Responsibility for Truck Accident Injuries

Countless factors can cause a large commercial truck crash. Sometimes, inadequate vehicle maintenance causes problems with the truck’s brakes, steering, or hydraulics which cause or contribute to a serious crash. Other times, the root cause of a truck accident is truck driver negligence. Truck drivers who are too fatigued to drive safely or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol can make deadly mistakes behind the wheel. Texting and driving and other forms of distracted driving are also major risk factors.

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 Posted on May 31,2022 in Personal Injury

According to national statistics, more than 150 people die from brain-trauma-related injuries each day. One year-long study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that about 1.5 million people suffer a brain injury each year.

The medical definition of a traumatic brain injury is any injury to the head which disrupts or interferes with the victim’s normal brain function. Many of these types of injuries are sustained in accidents that were caused by another party’s negligence or recklessness. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in an accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for losses the injury has caused.

For many victims, a brain injury results in permanent life changes. Many suffer from memory loss, chronic headaches, and permanent brain damages. Although a brain injury can occur in any type of accident, the following are the most common.

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