Archive for May 2020
NHTSA Releases Preliminary 2019 Traffic Crash Statistics
Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its preliminary data for 2019 fatalities in traffic-related crashes across the United States. Overall, traffic fatalities seem to have declined in 2019. If this is correct, 2019 would be the third consecutive year of declining traffic deaths in America. However, the NHTSA forecasts about a 1%…
Read MoreHow Changes in Insurance Claims Handling Undermine Your Rights
September 28, 1992. If it can be traced back to a single day, that is the day claims handling across the property and casualty insurance industry changed forever. That is the day a group of high-powered business consultants made their initial presentation to Allstate executives. They proposed a concept to redesign Allstate’s entire claims handling…
Read MoreIs Roundup Weed Killer Safe to Use?
Over the last few years, Monsanto’s Roundup product has been in the news and been subject to a few massive jury verdicts. In those cases, plaintiffs argued that Roundup was a substantial factor in causing their non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Juries have agreed. What is Roundup? Roundup is the world’s most widely used herbicidal weed killer…
Read MoreCalifornia Sues Uber and Lyft Over Driver’s Independent Contractor Classification
Last week, the State of California brought a lawsuit against rideshare companies Uber and Lyft. It alleged that the companies improperly designated its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. By classifying drivers as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft have been avoiding workplace protections (like sick leave and overtime pay) and worker benefits (like workers…
Read MoreTrial Lawyers Play a Key Role in Keeping Products Safe
Brooke Melton was a 29-year-old pediatric nurse. One night after completing her shift, Brooke got into her 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt and headed to her boyfriend’s house to celebrate her birthday over dinner. On her way, the ignition switch of Brooke’s Cobalt failed, the car stalled, and Brooke lost control of the vehicle. She crossed the…
Read MoreI didn’t go to the hospital after my car accident. Can I still file a personal injury lawsuit?
In Illinois, there is no law requiring you to go to the emergency room after a crash in order to file a lawsuit. In fact, we’ve had many clients with successful cases over the years that refused an ambulance and didn’t seek emergency room treatment immediately following an accident. There are many reasons people do…
Read MoreWhy It’s Important to Qualify and Train Truck Drivers
Driving large trucks is a dangerous business. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recognizes the significantly increased risks associated with commercial trucking. The USDOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is responsible for minimizing crashes and injuries involving commercial motor vehicles. To reach this goal, the FMCSA has issued hundreds of regulations imposing a variety of…
Read MoreWhy Spoliation Letters Are Crucial When Investigating Truck Accident Cases
The moment a new client comes to our law firm, our investigation of their crash begins. The same day that a new case is signed up, we send what are known as “spoliation letters” to all parties involved in the crash. A spoliation letter advises the at-fault drivers and trucking companies that the accident may…
Read MoreInsurance Claim Options for Businesses Struggling Due to Coronavirus
Across the world, businesses have lost billions of dollars in revenue. Millions of businesses are at risk of closing permanently. Millions of people are out of jobs. In earlier posts, we have discussed the potential for claims under business interruption coverage in commercial insurance policies for businesses forced to close their doors due to the…
Read MoreShould I Hire a TV Lawyer?
You’re watching TV late at night, or early in the morning, and an ad comes on. We’ve all seen them before: “Get in a wreck, I’ll get you a check” or “Hire the hammer.” Vivid photographs of automobile wrecks appear soon after these promises of big bucks and fast cash. So, the question is out…
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