Peoria Illinois Personal Injury Law Blog

Americans are working harder than ever before, trying to juggle families, multiple jobs and countless errands. As a result, many people are getting too little sleep, and engaging in drowsy driving as a result. Drowsy driving typically refers to driving while exhibiting common signs of sleep-deprivation, including yawning, head dropping, having trouble remembering the last few miles driven and making careless driving mistakes (e.g. missing road signs, failing to maintain speed, swerving from lane to lane).

In September 2019, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine surveyed just over 2,000 U.S. adults about their driving habits. The results showed that 45% of the adults surveyed admitted to driving while drowsy. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has estimated there were 300,000 accidents in 2018, and that 10 percent of all accidents were caused by a drowsy driver. The AAA apparently came to this conclusion by conducting a study of over 3,500 drivers and monitoring their behaviors via in-vehicle cameras and other equipment.

No one ever thinks they will be the one to be involved in a serious accident. Accidents that involve bodily harm always seems like something that happens to other people. But, these instances oftentimes happen so suddenly, so unexpectedly, that the injured victim and loved ones aren't even sure how to react.

The truth is that a person's health should be top priority after suffering injuries in a truck accident, but this can reach far beyond just immediate emergency medical care. Oftentimes rehabilitation is needed after being in such a serious accident, like a truck accident. Beyond that, a person may not be able to perform the work they once used to do prior to the truck accident. It can really affect every aspect of a person's life as your health, or lack thereof, accompanies you everywhere.

Even the most minor of Peoria car accidents can result in serious injuries and damages. Many accident victims take months or years to fully recover from the injuries they suffer. In some cases, they may experience permanent disabilities requiring a lifetime of treatment and care. In addition, accident victims can suffer emotionally, and experience mental anguish and emotional trauma for years after the physical wounds have healed. Treatment for these physical and mental conditions often costs thousands of dollars, but with many accident victims unable to work, families may find themselves struggling to make ends meet after an accident.

Fortunately, the attorneys at Goldfine & Bowles can help you file a personal injury claim to recover financial compensation following your auto accident. In addition to monetary damages, you can take comfort in knowing that the party or parties responsible for your accident are being held accountable for their negligence.

Even the most mild-mannered dog may be capable of biting a person, depending on the circumstances. If you have been bitten by a dog, it may be in your best interest to consider filing a lawsuit against the owner of the dog responsible for your injuries. You may be able to negotiate a settlement with the liable dog owner before having to go to court. However, in some cases, a deal may not be reached and you will need to take your claim to civil court.

Generally, with regard to dog bites and animal-related injuries, Illinois is a strict liability state. This means that even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, and the owner had no idea that the dog had dangerous propensities, the owner will still be legally liable for your injuries. Other parties may also be liable for your injuries, including the kennel where the dog was staying at the time of the attack, property owners, landlords and the parents of a minor who owns a dog.