Despite national and local efforts to prevent car accidents, they still occur on a regular basis due to various reasons. There are many factors that can increase the likelihood of a vehicle collision, including driver behavior, inclement weather, and poor road conditions. Recent advances in automotive technology have been made to increase the safety of a car’s driver and passengers. From built-in cameras to visual and audible warnings, these can alert a motorist to a potential hazard near or approaching the car. Head-on crashes occur when two vehicles driving in opposite directions collide with each other. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported a 58 percent fatality rate for vehicle occupants in front-impact crashes in 2017. They can result in devastating injuries and even wrongful death for drivers and passengers depending on the circumstances.

Factors that Can Lead to a Head-On Car Accident

In many instances of a head-on or frontal crash, one of the drivers is traveling the wrong way or driving into oncoming traffic. This can be due to impairment from driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. The drunk driver may mistakenly merge onto a one-way street. Because his or her reflexes are delayed, he or she may not be able to stop in time before hitting an approaching car. Likewise, being fatigued behind the wheel can cause a motorist to swerve into oncoming lanes of traffic, especially if there is not a median to divide the lanes.

In other cases, when traveling over the posted speed limit, a driver may try to make it through an intersection on a yellow or red light. If there is another automobile making a left turn, they can hit each other head-on. In some cases, faulty parts may lead to brakes or steering to fail, which may result in a driver losing control of his or her car. Bad weather can also lead to reduced visibility so a driver is unable to properly navigate signs and traffic signals.

Working at or owning a restaurant can be a very rewarding career. Whether someone is a hostess, server, chef, or manager, this can be a fast-paced and exciting job. However, like in other industries, there is the possibility of accidents with injuries. These can range from minor to serious and even fatal. In Illinois, the Workers’ Compensation Commission resolves disputes between employees and employers for injuries and illnesses that are sustained on the job. This is a no-fault insurance benefits program that most companies are required to carry. In some cases, a workers’ compensation claim may provide financial relief to an injured or disabled worker.

Typical Accidents at Food Establishments

Restaurants may consist of a large staff that performs many different jobs. Regardless of the type of food being served, most kitchens’ food preparation involves cutting, chopping, sauteing, baking, in addition to cleaning. This work environment can be prone to certain types of accidents and injuries, including but not limited to the following:

• Punctures and Lacerations: Due to frequent use of knives or cutting machines as well as broken dishes or glassware, restaurant staff members may suffer cuts or deep puncture wounds.
• Burns: From boiling water to fryers and gas stovetops, heat and water burns can also cause a significant hazard for restaurant workers. Depending on the situation, a worker can suffer first-, second-, or third-degree burns.
• Back and neck injuries: If an item such as a large canned good is stacked too high could fall on an employee, inflicting damage on the spinal cord, neck, or even causing head trauma. These kinds of injuries are also common when doing repetitive motion, often found in large-scale or fast-food establishments.
• Sprains and strains: Product or inventory that is misplaced or on hard-to-reach shelves can cause worker injury due to overreaching. Employees can also slip and fall on liquid or other debris in the aisles or kitchen area, which often result in sprained ankles. Restaurant workers can also suffer from strains when they are lifting heavy boxes or bags.
• Eye damage: Grease that splatters from a grill can hit a worker’s face and go into his or her eyes. In addition, toxic cleaning solutions or chemicals typically used in foodservice environments can also lead to blindness.
• Electrocutions: Some older restaurants or diners may have faulty or makeshift wiring for their appliances or damaged/worn electrical cords. If there is standing water due to spills, it can lead to an employee being electrocuted.

Workers’ Compensation Claim

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can help restaurant industry employees by covering fees related to work-related injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. If a restaurant is robbed and a worker gets hurt during the commission of the crime, his or her injuries may also be covered under workers’ comp. In order to receive benefits, an injured employee must notify his or her employer of the accident that caused the injury at work. This notification can be given in writing or verbally 45 days of the date of the injury.

There are numerous ways that a person can suffer an injury, from playing sports, to being involved in a vehicle or pedestrian accidents. Automobile collisions can often lead to serious consequences, especially when traveling at high speeds. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, personal injuries can range from minor to catastrophic and even fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related crashes in 2018. Although not every pedestrian accident results in a fatality, a victim can sustain serious injuries that significantly impact his or her future.

Severe Injuries

Although some types of injuries can be repaired by surgery, others require extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy. Some severe injuries may even result in loss of limbs or amputations if body parts are crushed. For example, being struck by an automobile can cause lacerations and broken bones, which could lead to infections and permanent nerve damage. In addition, fractured vertebrae can paralyze a victim depending on the location of the injury.

A few of the most common catastrophic injuries a person can suffer after being hit by a vehicle include:

Hitting the open road on a motorcycle can be exhilarating. These types of vehicles are enticing for those who like to feel the wind in their hair, so to speak. Traveling on a motorcycle allows the rider to see more of his or her surroundings and enjoy the scenic views. Although not as confining as an automobile, a motorized bike features less protection for its driver and a passenger compared to other vehicles. In some cases, a collision can result in serious to fatal injuries since the motorcyclist does not have anything to act as a buffer to break the impact of a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018, there were 4,985 motorcyclists killed in crashes. Victims of a motorcycle accident may be able to seek damages from those who are held liable for causing damages and injuries.

Risk Factors for Motorcyclists

There are several factors that can increase the chances of a motorcycle accident, including weather and road conditions. In addition, a motorcyclist cannot control another driver’s behavior. Unfortunately, many motorists do not believe that motorcyclists have the same rights as far as sharing the road. In some cases, a driver may not think a driver of a motorcycle has the right of way at an intersection, or they may simply not see them if they are not paying close enough attention to their surroundings.

Here are a few of the most common issues that can contribute to the likelihood of a motorcycle crash with injuries:

Technology is constantly advancing in an effort to make our lives easier and safer. The automotive industry uses these advancements to keep drivers and passengers safe by automating many vehicle components so they are hands-free. Thanks to sophisticated backup cameras and motion detection software, certain cars even park themselves now. Although this “driver assistance” technology has been shown to greatly reduce the number and severity of car accidents, not every vehicle has it, and not every driver practices safe driving. In some cases, the negligence of another motorist can cause a crash with minor to serious injuries.

High-Tech Advances in Automobiles

Many of today’s newer cars feature technological innovations that aid a driver when traveling. For example, forward collision detection is designed to prevent or reduce the impact of a crash. It uses a radar, laser, and camera to detect an imminent collision and GPS sensors can detect fixed objects, such as a parked car or stop sign.

Here are a few other examples of the latest in automotive technology:

Regardless of the occupation or the industry, workplace accidents can occur anytime. In some cases, an employee can suffer a debilitating or even fatal injury. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total of 5,250 workers died from work-related injuries in the United States in 2018. In Illinois, most companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees in case they get hurt on the job. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act covers all injuries that are caused by the employee’s work, including pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by the worker’s job. If you or your loved one was seriously injured, you may not be able to return to your previous job or salary. Consulting with a knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney is essential so you understand your rights to benefits.

What Does a Reduction of Earning Capacity Mean?

Lost earning capacity refers to a decrease in an individual’s ability to earn his or her income. It is also referred to as future loss of earnings or impairment of earning power. Different from lost income or wages, which is generally a designated amount of time, lost earning capacity involves a worker’s future earning potential. Reduced earning capacity is the difference between what an employee was able to earn over the course of his or her life prior to the accident compared to the lower amount he or she is now capable of earning due to his or her injuries.

To establish a loss of earning capacity, an employee must demonstrate (with a degree of certainty) his or her earning capacity before the injury and how that capacity was diminished by the injury. This involves providing evidence of losses, which will vary based on the circumstances of the case.

Many people take their physical health for granted until one day when it is unexpectedly taken away from them. This can occur after being involved in an automobile accident. The back is one of the most complex parts of the human body. It encompasses the top of the buttocks to the back of the neck and the shoulders. The main part of the back is the vertebral column, which holds the spinal cord in its spinal canal. Any time a person’s back is exposed to blunt force trauma or severe impact such as in a car crash, there is the potential for paralysis. In some cases, a victim may require assistance, extensive rehab, or a wheelchair for the rest of his or her life. That is why it is especially important to hold the negligent party responsible for a back injury accountable. In many cases, this is a negligent motorist.

Lasting Consequences of a Back Injury

Symptoms of a back injury may seem minor at first, with just a dull ache or pain. However, significant damage to the spine can also result in devastating consequences, often requiring surgery or substantial rehabilitation to regain even a small amount of mobility.

Below are a few of the conditions a victim of a back injury may experience:

Many people may be familiar with the term “ wrongful death,” but what exactly does that mean? The legal term is associated with a civil action in which damages are sought against a party for causing a death. It is important to note that this type of claim is different than a criminal charge or conviction for the same death. This type of legal action allows a deceased individual’s family members to recover compensation for their losses caused by the death and its impact on them. There are many incidents that could involve the untimely or wrongful death of a person. For example, a vehicle crash, construction accident, medical malpractice, or nursing home neglect or abuse can all cause fatalities.

Who Can Seek Damages for a Wrongful Death?

Depending on the situation, various relatives may bring a wrongful death claim against the negligent or at-fault party. Compensation can include damages for grief, loss of income, and mental anguish to the surviving family members. Damages are distributed by the court according to the relatives’ level of dependency on the deceased person based on the circumstances surrounding the case, which a judge will review.

The individuals who typically seek a wrongful death claim include:

Truck drivers spend the majority of their working hours traveling on America’s highways. In many cases, truckers are also responsible for loading and unloading the cargo they are hauling. In certain situations, a trucking company may try to fit the maximum amount of goods on a semi-truck, even if it means the truck will be over the weight limit. However, oversized loads can increase the chances of a truck accident for various reasons. This puts the truck driver as well as other motorists on the road in danger of serious injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 72 percent of people killed in large-truck crashes were passengers of other vehicles in 2017. Truck drivers or their employers can be held liable for causing a collision if the truck is overloaded.

Increased Truck Crash Risk

Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, much more than their automobile counterparts. Therefore, 18-wheelers and commercial trucks that collide with smaller motor vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles, have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries.

Truck crashes often take place when a truck has to make a sharp turn, like on/off ramps or intersections. Massive loads can cause rollover accidents since truckers may fail to distribute the weight evenly in the cargo bed. A few of the ways an overpacked or oversized truckload can increase the likelihood of an accident include the following:

From time to time, everyone can get sick. However, if it is more than just a common cold, a person may need to seek medical attention. In some cases, a work environment may be the reason for an employee falling ill. An occupational disease is defined as an illness or harmful condition that is directly caused by job duties or is aggravated by hazardous conditions in the workplace. These dangerous conditions are not common to the general public. Depending on the industry, protective gear or safety precautions must be followed at all times. If these safety measures are not taken by an employer, a worker may be at risk of suffering from a serious illness or life-threatening disease. It is important to understand how workers’ compensation laws apply to these illnesses if they are caused by employment in the healthcare field.

Diseases and Illnesses Common to the Medical Profession

Healthcare workers face a wide variety of hazards on the job, including harmful exposures to chemicals, drugs, and radiation. In addition, doctors, nurses, and administrative staff can be exposed to many germs on a daily basis. Many viruses or infections are transmitted through the air in healthcare facilities.

Some of the infectious diseases for which employees in the medical field are most at risk include:

Anyone who watches the news knows that our nation’s roadways can be dangerous. Statistics show that approximately 2 million people are injured in car accidents every year in the United States. There can be many causes for a vehicle crash, including inclement weather, negligent drivers, and poor road conditions. However, improper or incomplete maintenance on automobiles can also contribute to causing accidents. In some cases, an auto repair shop or the dealership may put in a faulty part from the manufacturer. In other situations, an untrained employee may not install a piece of equipment properly, putting a driver at risk for significant injury. Still more scenarios involve negligent drivers who disregard notices to replace recalled parts or do not properly maintain their cars.

Routine Service Affects Road Safety

It is important for vehicle owners to inspect their cars and perform regular maintenance, or they may be held responsible for collisions that are caused by failure to keep their vehicle in safe and proper working order. For example, a tire that does not have enough tread can cause a driver to slide on ice or snow and hit another vehicle or a pedestrian. A tire blowout can lead to a motorist losing control and sending his or her car careening into oncoming traffic.

A few common examples of issues that can cause a car to malfunction:

Walking is considered a great form of exercise for the cardiovascular system. Many people also commute by foot on a daily basis, whether going to school or their job if they live close enough. Pedestrians often walk in all kinds of weather: sunshine, snow, rain, fog, and sleet. The air temperature and outside conditions can affect the roadways and sidewalks, causing them to become icy and slippery, especially in an Illinois winter. This can impact both drivers and pedestrians alike. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018, there were 6,283 pedestrian deaths caused by traffic collisions. Weather-related factors may be a contributing factor to pedestrian accidents, but there are also other reasons, such as distracted driving. Because pedestrians do not have the same type of protection as someone in a vehicle, their injuries are often catastrophic or fatal.

Factors That Can Lead to Pedestrian Injuries

The rules of the road are put in place for everyone’s safety. When these regulations are not followed, drivers and pedestrians can be at significant risk of injuries. Although Illinois is known for having more extreme weather compared to other states, some of the following apply to any state, directly leading to a pedestrian accident with serious injuries:

• Distracted driving: Texting, talking to passengers, applying makeup, and eating are all examples of activities that take a driver’s attention away from the road ahead of him or her. Looking away even for a few seconds can cause a motorist to swerve onto a sidewalk, striking a pedestrian.
• Speeding: Speed limits are enforced for a reason. Also referred to as reckless driving, traveling at a high rate of speed does not allow a driver enough time to come to a complete stop if a pedestrian suddenly appears in a crosswalk.
• Intoxicated driving: Regardless if it is due to alcohol or drug use, studies show that impaired drivers’ reaction times are greatly reduced, as well as their reasoning skills and ability to make accurate judgment calls behind the wheel.
• Failure to stop or yield: In many cases, pedestrians have the right of way and if a driver does not stop or yield before turning onto a street, he or she may hit a person in the designated crosswalk.
• Inclement weather: Fog, blowing snow, freezing rain can all make it hard for a motorist to see, especially at night. Drivers must account for slick pavement so they do not lose control of their vehicles and collide with another car or pedestrian.
• Left-hand turns: Drivers who are turning left at a busy intersection may only be focused straight ahead at the oncoming cars and not notice bystanders who are trying to cross the road.
• Backing-up accidents: A common occurrence in parking lots, many drivers may not check their rearview mirror or back-up camera and accidentally hit a person walking by.

It is important to note that Illinois, along with several other states, follows the “modified comparative fault” rule regarding personal injury claims. Under this rule, a pedestrian who is considered to be more than 50 percent responsible for causing his or her own injuries is not allowed to recover any damages from a negligent or reckless driver.

For many drivers, traveling by car is an easy way to get from point A to point B. However, the statistics on automobile accidents are alarming. Studies show that in 2017, there were 311,679 crashes involving vehicles in Illinois. Collisions with injuries made up 21.5 percent of these crashes. Every state has rules of the road that are meant to ensure the safety of everyone traveling on the roadways. Most people know that a motorist must pass a written exam as well as a behind-the-wheel test in order to obtain a driver’s license. However, many Illinois citizens may not know that the state recently passed several new driving laws that went into effect on January 1, 2020. As a driver, it is important to become familiar with this new legislation to avoid a traffic violation as well as a car accident with injuries.

Passing a Stopped School Bus

One of the new laws that will affect Illinois drivers in 2020 involves going around or passing a stopped school bus. These are instances where the bus has its stop sign out and lights flashing while it is stopped to pick up or drop off children while on a two-lane road. This also applies to one-way streets regardless of the number of lanes of traffic. The fines for this illegal maneuver doubled starting on New Year’s Day, from $150 to $300 for a first offense and from $500 to $1,000 for a second or subsequent violation.

Scott’s Law Violations

Scott’s Law requires drivers to slow down, switch lanes, and pass with caution to allow more room for disabled cars or emergency vehicles on the side of the road when their hazard lights are flashing. Commonly referred to as the “move over law,” Scott’s Law was enacted in 2000 after Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department was killed by a drunk driver who was speeding and hit him.

Working in a warehouse can be a challenging job. This field typically requires a lot of physical activity. For example, a worker might be required to lift heavy objects or move large pieces of machinery or equipment. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), an employee is injured at work every seven seconds. Further research by the NSC found that in 2017, the highest number of preventable fatal injuries was in the construction industry, followed by transportation and warehousing. In many cases, prevention can spare workers unnecessary pain and suffering caused by a workplace injury. However, an employee is eligible for financial relief through a workers’ compensation claim.

Common Dangers Associated with Warehouse Work

A warehouse can involve many people working at a fast pace with a large inventory of products and many machines, including forklifts, conveyor belts, and pallet racks. Even if certain safety precautions are taken, accidents can and do happen. A few of the typical hazards that can lead to warehouse accidents with injuries include the following:

• Large equipment/heavy materials
• Slips and trips
• Falls
• Fires/explosions
• Exposure to toxic substances
• Moving parts
• Falling objects
• Lack of training/proper safety measures

In some of the above cases, a faulty part breaks and comes loose from a machine, hitting a worker. Falling from a ladder can result in broken bones or significant head trauma. This can lead to temporary or permanent brain damage depending on the impact and how high up a person was when he or she fell.

Obtaining a driver’s license is something that most Illinois teenagers look forward to when they turn 16. Studies show that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. The first year after teens get their license are the most dangerous. During this period, new drivers are four times more likely than adult motorists to get into an auto accident. Besides the lack of experience behind the wheel, other reasons can include distracted driving or driving while intoxicated. These types of crashes can lead to minor or serious injuries depending on the circumstances. In certain cases, parents can be held liable if they were negligent in by not properly supervising their child, which resulted in actions that caused the accident and any subsequent injuries.

Contributing Factors to a Collision

Statistics show that even if a motorist takes his or her eyes off the road for a few seconds, this can lead to a rear-end collision or other type of crash, often with devastating consequences. In addition, when a motorist is intoxicated, his or her reaction time is much slower than when sober. Going over the posted speed limit also presents a major risk since the time needed to stop if the car ahead brakes is much greater.

Some of the most dangerous teen driving behaviors that can cause a crash include the following:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a frightening experience. A person may suffer from PTSD after being directly involved in a terrifying incident or even after simply witnessing it. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 39 percent of car crash victims develop PTSD.

A motor vehicle crash can be a sudden and devastating event for a driver and passengers to go through. The aftermath of a car accident may include injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, or whiplash. However, victims can also exhibit characteristics of PTSD in the days, weeks, or months following the crash. This can significantly affect their day-to-day living. That is why it is imperative to seek medical treatment and legal guidance for pain and suffering, especially if the accident was due to the negligent behavior of another driver.

Symptoms of PTSD

Many people who are involved in automobile accidents are able to recover from their injuries in a few weeks. For example, a fractured or broken leg can be fixed by wearing a cast for approximately 30 days. It is normal to feel some anxiety after being involved in an auto collision. Some crash survivors, however, suffer emotionally and mentally for an extended period of time due to the traumatic nature of a crash.

The back and neck are some of the most complex areas of the human body. A person’s back is made up of an intricate system of bones, nerves, and tissues. The spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae, which form a column. The neck is the start of the spinal column and spinal cord. Blunt force trauma or the impact from a fall on these parts of the body can range from minor to serious injuries. Immediate and long-term effects for a victim can include surgery, physical therapy, chronic pain, loss of motor function, or even paralysis. In some cases, a back or neck injury may be the direct result of an accident that was caused by another party’s negligence.

Accidents That Can Result in Damage to the Spine

Many injuries to the neck or back region are caused by being involved in some type of accident. One of the most common is a car crash. When an automobile suddenly brakes and the car behind it rear ends the vehicle, it can force a passenger’s head to move back and forth rapidly, leaving the person with what is commonly referred to as “whiplash.” Unnatural twisting of the neck or spine due to hitting the dashboard or being thrown from a car can also lead to significant injury.

A pedestrian could also be struck by a vehicle and suffer similar damage to the back or neck. In other cases, a person who is walking may slip and fall, landing on his or her back, which can shatter the vertebrae or damage the spinal cord. This may be due to uneven pavement or icy sidewalks or staircase.

During the holidays, delivery trucks are out in full force, distributing gifts and packages to homes across the country in time for Christmas. In Illinois, winter weather can wreak havoc on road conditions. This can put truck drivers at risk for possible accidents that may result in serious injuries. However, snow and ice are not the only contributing factors to a crash, as negligent behavior by other motorists or even a trucking company can also cause a collision due to faulty or improperly maintained equipment. Delivering goods can also be a physically demanding job, especially if drivers are transporting heavy cargo that they are lifting on a constant basis. Regardless of how an Illinois delivery driver might suffer an on-the-job injury, he or she may be entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim to seek damages.

Typical Risks to Delivery Drivers

Due to the nature of the job, truck driving can take a toll on the driver’s body. Movements such as lifting, turning, and pushing may not seem like they could cause that much damage, but after repeatedly performing these actions, a trucker may experience significant pain. The following are a few of the most common types of injuries for delivery truck drivers:

• Muscle sprains and strains from carrying heavy packages
• Back and neck pain due to long periods of sitting
• Broken or fractured bones due to falling from the truck bed or cab
• Carpal tunnel syndrome from steering the truck
• Shoulder/rotator cuff damage from lifting large materials
• Joint damage from climbing in and out of the truck

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim

Illinois companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This type of benefit is meant to protect both the employee and the employer. Workers’ comp can help with a worker’s medical bills and lost wages. In order to file a claim as a truck driver in Illinois, an important factor involves jurisdiction, or where the injury took place. Since truckers may travel outside of Illinois state lines, they need to understand how that can affect the chances of receiving benefits.

You may have heard someone say, “I threw out my back” in reference to him or her turning the wrong way or lifting a heavy object and “tweaking” it slightly. However, back injuries can be serious and life-altering. These types of injuries can occur in a car accident, in the workplace, or even outside. Debilitating back pain can even lead to months of physical therapy or surgery.

A person may not be able to work or even walk. It is estimated that approximately 80 percent of adults experience a back injury in their lifetime, with roughly 10 percent suffering a re-injury. If you were involved in an accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Common Types of Back Injuries

The back is one of the largest and most complex parts of the body. It is made of bones, muscles, and other tissues extending from the neck to the pelvis. A few of the most common kinds of injuries to the back include:

Many people may not think a wrist injury would be that serious. Injuries sustained to the hand or wrist are not typically considered life-threatening. However, any injury to a body part can have devastating consequences. For example, if a person breaks or fractures his or her wrist, he or she may not be able to continue working depending on the industry or profession. Someone who uses his or her hand every day to perform essential job duties will likely not be able to return to the same occupation after a wrist injury. Some of the more common causes of wrist or hand injuries include falling or car accidents. Regardless of how someone suffers such an injury, it may be possible to seek damages for medical bills or lost wages.

Incidents That Can Cause a Wrist Injury

Wrist pain can be caused by sprains or fractures as a result of an accident, but it can also be due to repetitive motion or use. Because the wrist is a joint, it can take a long time to heal and may require extensive physical therapy or even surgery. In some cases, muscle or nerve damage can be permanent. Below are the ways in which a person can suffer a serious hand or wrist injury:

Car accident: During the impact of a car crash, a driver’s hand can become pinned in between the steering wheel and dashboard, crushing the bones of the wrist.