Precipitation in Illinois for the month of June this year was 5.33 inches above the average making June 2015 the wettest on record in Illinois. The forecast for July is higher than average precipitation, but not necessarily record breaking. Umbrellas, raincoats and rain boots have been an almost everyday necessity in Chicago this year, much like our cell phones, briefcases and lunch packs. For those who commute, the Read More
Drunk Driving Car Crash?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Drunk driving car crash? Holidays and the summer bring vacations, more travel and - unfortunately - drinking and driving situations. Be vigilant! If someone driving appears to be driving "erratic" or is "all over the road," stay away and stay back! According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") found here: Alcohol-impaired driving crashes Read More
Steps To Take When Involved In An Illinois Motor Vehicle Accident
Each year, thousands of Illinois residents, are involved in motor vehicle crashes. At The Law Office of Chicago Injury Attorney Phil Berenz, we have often been asked, "What should I do if I am involved in a motor vehicle crash?" When involved in a motor vehicle collision, a driver must stop immediately, remain at the scene, and provide the following information: The driver’s name & address The name of the Read More
Workers Compensation War!
Shockingly, States are trying to "dismantle" the workers compensation system. Little do you pay attention to such laws until you get hurt at work and start the downward financial (and health) spiral because some insurance company won't pay your medical bills or lost wages (timely or at all!). This picture represents no joke. While you may think working in an office is "safe" think again. Even as an office worker, Read More
Chicago Trial Attorney: Personal Injury Matters – Car Accidents and Insurance
Effective this year, the minimum coverage is now $25,000 per person / per accident for liability auto insurance. This provides both "sides" a bit more security but it still may not be enough in many situations. Copyright According to the Illinois Secretary of State, this protection is one of the most significant consumer protection measures "on the books." Some of this mandatory law can be found summarized Read More
Chicago Trial Attorney: Personal Injury Matters – Car Accidents and Insurance
The other driver had no insurance? Not "enough" insurance? Happens ALL the time! I get these questions daily. My clients are shocked to learn that (a) people actually drive cars with no insurance - as in 0 insurance; (b) they were hit and injured by someone with a basic policy of only $25,000.00 of coverage (the minimum in Illinois at this time); and/or (c) the other person's insurance was just "rescinded" for fraud Read More
Chicago Trial Attorney: Personal Injury Matters – Snow can = Injuries!
Stay home when it's snowing / "blizzardy" / wet roads when it's cold out! Not worth driving to - anywhere! Did you know these alarming statistics provided via NHTSA?: On average, there are over 5,870,000 vehicle crashes each year. Twenty-three percent (23%) of these crashes—nearly 1,312,000—are weather-related. Weather-related crashes are defined as those crashes that occur in adverse weather (i.e., rain, sleet, Read More
Distracted Driving & Accidents
Distracted driving is a killer. Please don't text and drive! According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration ("NHTSA") in a study here found that: 71% of teens and young people say they have composed/sent SMS messages while driving 78% of teens and young adults say they have read an SMS message while driving According to the "Official U.S. Government Website for Read More
Chicago Trial Attorney: Personal Injury Matters – Dangerous Roads = No Excuse!
The roads have been treacherous lately. Drive slower. Drive safer. The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Safety Administration ("NHTSA") did an investigation of the long term effects of anti-lock brake systems in 2009 here. Interestingly - and logically - ABS systems are not fool proof for slippery roads. You should not rely on them - and slow down. In fact, based on that study by NHTSA in 2009, Read More
Chicago Trial Attorney: Personal Injury & Business Litigation – Is Your Lawyer “Driven” to Pursue Excellence? Second Opinion?
Whether I take on a personal injury matter - accident, nursing home, dog bite, workers compensation or the like - or business matter (plaintiff or defense), there is one thing that NEVER goes missing: pursuit of excellence in representing my client(s). While attorneys cannot ethically guarantee any particular result or that they can win - one way or another - they can promise to work hard, with "drive", with Read More
