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Written and Reviewed by Peter Zneimer

Wandering around Chicago, one will witness firsthand the micromobility revolution.  In high traffic areas, everywhere you look in Chicago you will see people riding e-scooters, e-bikes  and pedal  bikes.  The surge in micromobility is fueled by corresponding surge of on-demand bicycle and e-scooter networks such as Divvy, Lime and Spin flooding the city.  Such services, hypothetically, offer young, solo riders an easy, cheap, and eco-friendly way to take way to take short trips.  Over 4 million e- scooter trips have been recorded in Chicago since 2022.

Along with the benefits come with many safety risks. The rise of micromobility vehicles has been accompanied by emergency room visits by users of these vehicles. The e-scooter injury attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have experienced first hand the rise of e-scooter accidents with injuries by the number of call we are getting.   Anyone driving a car or walking around Chicago has most likely had a close call with a Divvy bike or  a Lime, Spin, Divvy E-scooter.  One of the major problems with micromobility is the limited number of protected bike lanes in Chicago.  Most of the so called bike-ways are at best, a painted bike lane that runs parallel to the parked car lane. At worst, the bike-way is simply a street with a bike painted on it.  This state of affairs leads to micromobility commuters being exposed to getting hit by a motor vehicle.  Damen Ave. and Lincoln Ave. are examples of  bike-ways with painted on bike lanes that offer minimal protections.  Damen Ave. in particular goes from wider bike lanes, to narrower bike lanes to bike lanes so narrow they barely afford room for a bike and car to fit on the road.

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Electric scooter use has risen dramatically in Chicago over the last few years. The popularity of  electric scooters is spurred by the introduction of shared services such as Divvy, Lime and Spin.  These scooters are left on the on sidewalks and streets and can be unlocked with a smartphone app. When a user is done with their trip they can just leave the scooter at their destination.  With this surge of e-scooter usage has been accompanied by a surge in e-scooter related emergency room visits.

It is easy to see how susceptible to injury scooter riders are.  E-scooters travel up to 20 MPH and some travel even faster.  Scooter injury lawyer, Peter Zneimer of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C., was recently driving down Peterson Ave. in Chicago going about 25 MPH when he was passed by an e-scooter going at least 30 MPH.    On top of that, e-scooters have small wheels that require smooth surfaces to ride on.  As any resident of Chicago can attest, potholes and rough surfaces are everywhere on Chicago streets. When the small wheels of a e-scooter hit a pothole or rough surface, the rider is likely to be thrown hard on to the pavement. If a person falls off an e-scooter on to the pavement at these speeds it is almost guaranteed to be injuries. The most common injuries are cuts, scraps, bruises, fractures and head injuries.

There were approximately  42,200 emergency room visits in the United States in 2021 according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This represents an increase of 66% over 2020. The increase in injures for children under 16.  Because of the high risk of injury, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 16 should not be allowed to ride electric scooters.

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Sofia Zneimer, Zneimer & Zneimer, PC

In a recent decision, the Appellate Court of Illinois distinguished immunity from liability.  According to the facts as stated in Williams v. Village of Berkeley, the plaintiff filed a premises liability lawsuit against the Village of Berkeley following an incident in which a large branch from a Village-owned tree outside his home fell on him, injuring him and killing one of his dogs. Williams argued in his lawsuit that the Village had negligently failed to maintain the tree and allowed it to become and remain in a dangerous condition. Additionally, Williams alleged that the Village’s conduct was willful and wanton. He testified that in July 2018, a large branch fell from the tree, and he reported this to the police.   A few days later a worker from the Village’s public works department came to remove the fallen branch. During the removal, the worker remarked to Williams, “Oh, yeah, this thing is rotten. It has to come down. It has to be cut down.”  However, the village never came to cut the tree.  Over the next year and a half, Williams asked various unnamed public works employees about the status of the tree removal on four or five occasions and each time the village informed me that they know about the tree and were “going to get to it” but was running behind schedule. In January 2020, when Williams walking his two dogs on the sidewalk outside his house, a large branch fell and injured him and killed one of the dogs.

The Village filed a motion for summary judgment claiming they are immune from suit.  The court initially denied the motion but then reconsidered it and decided that the Village was immune from suit.  The appellate court reversed the trial court’s decision and found that the trial court erred in concluding the Village was entitled to immunity.  The court noted that immunity applies only if an employee with policy-making authority consciously decided not to address the dangerous condition and the court found no evidence that the Village’s superintendent was aware of the tree’s dangerous condition (rot).  On the contrary, the superintendent testified that he believed that the tree was healthy in 2019.  The court found that a lack of awareness of the defect means there was no conscious decision made regarding the defect, thus precluding immunity.

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When biking in Chicago, at times it feels as if one is risking life and limb just to commute from one place to another.  The statistics seem to bear out that riding a bike not only feels dangerous but actually is dangerous.    From June 2023 to August 2023 there were 819 bike crashes with 75 of these leading to serious injuries according to CDOT.  Everyone who bikes on a regular basis in Chicago has stories of being involved in crashes with motorists or close calls.  The bicycle injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have had many clients that have been injured in bicycle accidents where the motorists are simply not keeping a look-out for bicyclists, either when making a right turn, when opening a car door or when making a left turn in an intersection.

Chicago has made a concerted effort in recent years to improve the infrastructure for bicyclists in recent years, adding 400 miles of bike-ways between 2018 and 2022.  Though that sounds like a lot, the reality is the vast majority of new bike-way lanes are simply painted on the roadway and offer little protection to bicyclists who are essentially still out in the traffic.

In Chicago, several intersections are notoriously dangerous for bicyclists due to a combination of heavy traffic, poor infrastructure, and the presence of multiple road users. Here are some of the most hazardous intersections and the reasons why they are considered risky:

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Written and reviewed by Peter Zneimer, Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.

The bike lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. observe that there are more bicyclists on the road than ever and with that more bicycle injuries than ever. Chicago, like other major USA cities has made a major push to encourage people to ride bicycles and have added hundreds of miles of bike lanes to Chicago streets. The push is bearing fruit.  A study by the Chicago Department of Transportation has shown that biking is up 119% in Chicago between the fall of 2019 and the spring of 2023.  The comprehensive survey also showed that bicycle trips are up 117% for shopping, 93% for eating out and 8% for commuting to work.

Though other major US cities may have invested more in bike infrastructure in the past, Chicago maybe catching up.  According to CDOT, last year the city of Chicago completed 27 miles of new and protected bike lanes and 18 miles of greenways with more bike lanes planned.  Bicycle advocates argue that the data shows that improvements in bike infrastructure lead to large increases of bike use and that if the city keeps improving the infrastructure, bike usage will continue to grow in the future.

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Written and reviewed by Peter Zneimer, Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.

The dog bite lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have handled many dog bite cases over the years and one characteristic of these cases stands out is the high percentage of dog bite wounds that become infected and require hospitalization. Another thing we have noticed is that clients sometime put of going to the doctor even when the wound shows clear signs of infection.  The question: “How long should I wait before going to the doctor if my dog bite wound shows signs of infection?” is easy to answer.  The answer is immediately.

For very minor dog bites that barely puncture the skin, thoroughly washing the wound with soap and warm water, applying antibiotic cream and wrapping it up in a bandage might be adequate. For any wound that is deeper than just a minor puncture wound it is recommended that the bite victim press a clean cloth against the wound to stop the bleeding and seek medical treatment immediately.

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Bicycling in Chicago is becoming safer but accidents continue to happen.  Knowing what to do immediately after a bicycle accident can make a significant difference in your health recovery and legal outcome as to who will be responsible for the medical expenses and your damages.  Zneimer & Zneimer PC have legal expertise in handling bicycle accidents and this checklist provides steps what to do in case of an accident:

  • Move to a safe place. Move to a safe location if you can. Ensure that you and others involved are out of harm’s way. Check yourself for injuries and seek medical attention immediately, if you feel  even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  • Call 911 to report the accident and notify the dispatcher if you have been hurt and if you need an ambulance.  An official police report will be important for your insurance claim and any potential legal action
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Bicycle riding, while offering a host of benefits such as improved physical health, reduced environmental impact, and an economical mode of transportation, also comes with its risks, particularly in urban environments like Chicago. Cyclists often share the road with larger, faster-moving vehicles, increasing the potential for accidents and injuries. Among the most distressing types of these incidents are hit-and-run accidents, where the responsible party leaves the scene, often leaving the cyclist with injuries and no immediate means to claim compensation. Understanding the intricacies of bicycle injuries, the importance of immediate medical care, and how insurance can play a critical role in such situations is crucial for every cyclist.  The Chicago personal injury law firm of Zneimer & Zneimer PC has encountered people with serious injuries as a result of bike vs. automobile accidents.

Bicycle injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more severe injuries such as head traumas, broken bones, internal bleeding, or even spinal injuries. The severity of injuries can often be compounded by the lack of physical protection that bicycles offer compared to motor vehicles. This vulnerability underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention following an accident, even if the injuries appear minor initially. Some injuries, especially internal ones, may not manifest symptoms immediately but could have serious, long-lasting effects.

Immediate medical care not only facilitates a quicker recovery but also plays a pivotal role in legal claims related to the accident. Medical records serve as vital evidence in documenting the injuries sustained and their impact on the victim’s life, which is essential for pursuing compensation.

One of the complexities arising from hit-and-run accidents is the challenge of identifying and claiming compensation from the fleeing party. However, cyclists may have options through their own insurance policies or those of a family member. Many are unaware that certain types of insurance coverage, such as uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) policies, can offer protection in these scenarios. Continue reading

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Los accidentes de camión no solo interrumpen el tráfico, sino que a menudo resultan en lesiones personales graves, algunas veces cambiantes de vida. Estas lesiones pueden variar ampliamente, desde abrasiones menores hasta condiciones críticas que pueden tener efectos duraderos en la vida de las víctimas. Las causas detrás de estos accidentes son multifacéticas, involucrando factores como la fatiga del conductor, la inexperiencia y la formación inadecuada, cada uno añadiendo capas de complejidad a estos incidentes y destacando la importancia de la experiencia proporcionada por bufetes de abogados de lesiones personales como Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.

Entre los tipos de lesiones sufridas en accidentes de camión, las lesiones cerebrales traumáticas (TBI, por sus siglas en inglés) destacan debido a su potencial para impactar significativamente las funciones cognitivas y la regulación emocional. Las lesiones de la médula espinal también son prevalentes, con la fuerza de las colisiones a veces conduciendo a la parálisis. Otras lesiones comunes incluyen huesos rotos y fracturas, que pueden requerir cirugías y rehabilitación extensa, y lesiones internas, que son particularmente traicioneras ya que podrían no ser inmediatamente aparentes. Las quemaduras pueden ocurrir si un accidente conduce a un incendio, requiriendo tratamiento médico a largo plazo, mientras que cortes y laceraciones de vidrio roto y metal pueden causar cicatrices severas.

Las causas raíz de los accidentes de camión a menudo se remontan a los propios conductores de camiones y las condiciones bajo las cuales operan. La fatiga del conductor es un problema líder, con la presión de cumplir con horarios de entrega ajustados empujando a los conductores a continuar detrás del volante incluso cuando están peligrosamente cansados. Conductores inexpertos, o aquellos que no han recibido formación adecuada, también pueden contribuir a accidentes debido a su incapacidad para navegar de forma segura los desafíos de operar vehículos grandes. Los camiones requieren manejo cuidadoso debido a su tamaño y la dificultad de maniobrarlos, haciendo que la menor visibilidad y la necesidad de giros más amplios sean factores críticos en muchos accidentes. Además, el exceso de velocidad y la conducción imprudente para cumplir con los plazos pueden disminuir los tiempos de reacción y aumentar la gravedad de un accidente cuando ocurre.

La carga incorrecta del camión puede llevar a accidentes afectando la estabilidad y manejo del vehículo. Las fallas mecánicas, como fallos en los frenos o reventones de neumáticos, a menudo provienen de un mantenimiento inadecuado y pueden tener consecuencias desastrosas. Además, las condiciones meteorológicas adversas pueden exacerbar los riesgos, especialmente si los conductores no ajustan su conducción a las condiciones. Continue reading

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Montar en bicicleta ofrece numerosos beneficios como la mejora de la salud física, la reducción del impacto ambiental y una opción económica de transporte. Sin embargo, también conlleva sus riesgos, especialmente en entornos urbanos como Chicago. Los ciclistas a menudo comparten la carretera con vehículos más grandes y rápidos, lo que incrementa el potencial de accidentes y lesiones. Entre los incidentes más angustiosos se encuentran los accidentes de fuga, donde la parte responsable abandona la escena, dejando a menudo al ciclista lesionado sin medios inmediatos para reclamar compensación. Comprender las complejidades de las lesiones en bicicleta, la importancia de la atención médica inmediata y cómo el seguro puede desempeñar un papel crítico en tales situaciones es crucial para todo ciclista. El bufete de abogados de lesiones personales en Chicago, Zneimer & Zneimer PC, ha encontrado personas con lesiones graves como resultado de accidentes de bicicleta contra automóvil.

Las lesiones en bicicleta pueden variar desde raspaduras y moretones menores hasta lesiones más graves como traumas craneales, fracturas, hemorragias internas o incluso lesiones espinales. La severidad de las lesiones a menudo puede verse agravada por la falta de protección física que las bicicletas ofrecen en comparación con los vehículos motorizados. Esta vulnerabilidad subraya la importancia de buscar atención médica inmediata después de un accidente, incluso si las lesiones parecen menores inicialmente. Algunas lesiones, especialmente las internas, pueden no manifestar síntomas inmediatamente pero podrían tener efectos graves y duraderos.

La atención médica inmediata no solo facilita una recuperación más rápida sino que también juega un papel crucial en las reclamaciones legales relacionadas con el accidente. Los registros médicos sirven como evidencia vital para documentar las lesiones sufridas y su impacto en la vida de la víctima, lo cual es esencial para perseguir la compensación.

Una de las complejidades que surgen de los accidentes de fuga es el desafío de identificar y reclamar compensación de la parte que huye. Sin embargo, los ciclistas pueden tener opciones a través de sus propias pólizas de seguro o las de un miembro de la familia. Muchos desconocen que ciertos tipos de cobertura de seguro, como las pólizas de automovilista sin seguro (UM) o con seguro insuficiente (UIM), pueden ofrecer protección en estos escenarios.

Las coberturas UM y UIM están diseñadas para compensar al asegurado por las pérdidas sufridas debido a las acciones de un conductor sin seguro, con seguro insuficiente o no identificado. Esto significa que si un ciclista está involucrado en un accidente de fuga, potencialmente pueden buscar compensación bajo su cobertura UM. De manera similar, si el ciclista es dependiente o vive en un hogar con un miembro de la familia que tiene cobertura UM o UIM, podrían ser elegibles para reclamar bajo esa póliza. Continue reading

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