Car accidents can have serious consequences, especially when the person who caused the accident was driving drunk. Physical injury, emotional trauma, vehicle damage, and long-term medical care are all too common after a bad drunk driving incident. Although the drunk driver is often the person facing a lawsuit, the bar at which the driver got drunk may, under certain circumstances, also be held responsible for the accident. If you have suffered personal injury in a car crash caused by someone driving under the influence, read on. 
What is Illinois’ Dram Shop Act? 
All states have laws prohibiting the sale…
Continue Reading Can I Sue an Illinois Bar That Served Too Much Alcohol to the Drunk Driver Who Hit Me? 

During routine traffic stops in Illinois, police frequently search vehicles for reasons unrelated to the alleged traffic violation. Any illegal drug or weapons found in the car can lead to an arrest. The quality of police-civilian interactions in such situations often deteriorates quickly and leaves the driver no opportunity to stop and think about their rights. But once the search is over and the illegal substances have been found, it may seem too late to change anything. 
But is it legal for a routine traffic stop to turn into a search leading to the discovery of drugs, weapons,…
Continue Reading Do I Have to Let the Police Search My Car in Crystal Lake? 

Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists often have to share the same roads. When motorists fail to obey traffic laws and pay attention to their surroundings, they may collide with pedestrians or cyclists causing catastrophic accidents. A human body is no match for a motor vehicle and pedestrian accident victims are often left with severe, life-changing injuries. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, read on to learn about your legal options.
Pedestrian Crashes Caused by Negligent Drivers
Part of being a responsible driver is remaining cautious of other people on the roads. Many…
Continue Reading Legal Options After a Pedestrian Accident in Crystal Lake

When someone is the victim of threats, intimidation, abuse, or violence perpetrated by a household or family member, they may petition the court for an order of protection. Called restraining orders in other states, protection orders are valuable legal tools for victims of domestic violence. However, protection orders are also vulnerable to misuse by individuals perpetuating false claims of domestic violence. Whether you are the subject of a protection order or you want to get a protection order to shield yourself from abuse, it is important to understand how these legal tools work.
Emergency Orders of Protection in Illinois…
Continue Reading Understanding Orders of Protection in McHenry County

Parents who divorce have several important decisions to make. If they choose to share custody, they must decide how decisions about their child’s upbringing will be made and who will care for the child when. They must also address how any future modifications to their parenting plan will be handled, what to do if a parent cannot fulfill their parenting time obligation, and several other concerns. As you write your parenting plan, keep the following tips in mind.
Work Collaboratively on the Parenting Plan, If Possible
If it is possible, it is generally preferred for parents to write the…
Continue Reading 3 Tips For Writing a Robust Parenting Plan During Your Illinois Divorce

Thousands of people suffer personal injuries every year because of defective products. Often, their quality of life is drastically impacted as a result. Many victims suffer tremendous pain, are left unable to work, and are buried under medical debt.
Mired in such desperate circumstances, many victims decide to pursue legal action. Although many defective product lawsuits are brought under a theory of negligence, they can also be brought under a theory of strict liability.

How Strict Liability Lawsuits Work
Negligence refers to carelessness or irresponsibility that results in injury or death. Many product liablitiy claims are founded upon an allegation…
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A hernia is one of the most common workplace injuries. It occurs when an organ or fatty tissue is extruded through the casing of connective tissue that holds an organ in place. This tissue is called the “fascia” and contains many nerve cells giving it skin-like sensitivity.
Hernias are a widespread complication with a 1.7 percent prevalence among all age groups. It is estimated that nearly 5 million people in the United States are living with the condition.
The symptoms of a hernia can vary widely. Initially, they manifest in a protruding bulge that causes pain and sensitivity in…
Continue Reading Can I Get Workers Compensation for My Hernia?

In most criminal cases, the defendant usually tries to escape punishment by arguing that they did not commit the crime. However, sometimes the defendant admits they committed the crime but argues that their actions were justified. This is known as an affirmative defense.
An affirmative defense is a claim that an otherwise illegal act occurred in a context that makes it legal. If the defendant can prove that his behavior was justified under the law, he will be acquitted.
Common Administrative Defenses
Classic examples of an affirmative defense include:
Self-defense- Self-defense is invoked more than any other affirmative defense.
Continue Reading What Is an Affirmative Defense?

The T-bone car accident is one the most common and destructive traffic accidents. It occurs when the front end of one car strikes the side of another. The name refers to the “T” shape the vehicles form when they collide, resembling the “T-bone” found in some animals.
These accidents account for a disproportionate number of fatal crashes. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, T-bone collisions (also called “side impact collisions”) accounted for 23 percent of all vehicle occupant deaths.
Why Are T-bone Accidents So Dangerous?
T-bone collisions are dangerous because of the way vehicles are designed. The…
Continue Reading Understanding T-Bone Car Accidents

The scene of a serious car accident is nothing if not chaotic. It can be difficult to think clearly. Your brain is probably racked with questions– am I hurt? is my car badly damaged? am I at fault? Additionally, your surroundings are probably filled with frenzied commotion; people around you are screaming, onlookers are running over to help, and screeching sirens are cutting the air. It can be difficult to concentrate amidst the bedlam. However, knowing what to do in the aftermath of a serious car accident is the key to a fast recovery, physically, mentally, and financially.
Here are…
Continue Reading What Should I Do Immediately Following a Car Accident?

Speeding is often perceived as an innocuous traffic violation that results in a fine. There is some truth to this notion, but not all speeding violations are alike, and, like every other crime, context matters. Although most speeding violations are not serious criminal manners, they can be in certain circumstances. The State of Illinois considers speeding 26 miles per hour over the speed limit a criminal offense. In legal terms, it is known as aggravated speeding, misdemeanor speeding or excessive speeding.
What Are the Penalties for Aggravated Speeding?
The penalties for aggravated speeding are determined by how much the driver…
Continue Reading What Is Aggravated Speeding?