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How often has it happened that you are driving at night and you come upon a bicyclist that you can barely see in the dark. You look closer and see the person is riding a black bike and is dressed from head to toe in black and the bike has no lights.  You think to yourself does this person have any idea how hard he is to see.? One would think that an investment in a set of $10 bike lights is certainly worth while to prevent serious injury or even death. Even in well-lit areas, bicycles can be difficult for drivers to see, especially when visibility drops during evening hours or in bad weather and especially given the fact that drivers come up upon bikers at speeds, giving little time to react.  The bike injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.  have handled numerous cases involving cyclists injured because a motorist simply didn’t see them until it was too late.

Why Visibility Matters

Unlike cars, bicycles have a small profile and no built-in lighting system. When riding at night, a cyclist can easily blend into the shadows along the road, particularly if wearing dark clothing. Drivers often have limited reaction time, and the difference between being seen or not can mean avoiding a serious crash.

When you are injured in an accident, one of the most common questions the personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. hear is: “If my health insurance already paid for my medical bills, can I still recover those expenses from the person who caused the accident?”

In Illinois, the answer is yes, thanks to a legal principle called the Collateral Source Rule.

What Is the Collateral Source Rule?

“Open and Obvious” Defense in Illinois Premises Liability Cases

In Illinois premises liability cases, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for those who lawfully enter the property. If there is a dangerous condition on a property, and a person is injured by the dangerous condition, the property owner may be held liable.  One common defense in a premises liability case is the “open and obvious” defense.  The experienced personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. confront this possible defense in many premises liability cases.

What Is the “Open and Obvious” Defense?

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

From experience, the auto accident lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have observed that hit and run accidents are common in Chicago.  While most people will stop after an accident and exchange information, there are irresponsible drivers who will simply take off. Some drivers will simply not stop and take off from the start.  Other drivers, however, stop briefly then think about it and then take off.  Others stop and state that they are going to pull their car to the side of the road and then drive off without exchanging information.  That is why it is important not to trust the other driver and be sure to get photos and videos of the other driver’s license plate and vehicle immediately and photos of the other driver.  Why is it important to get a photo of the other driver? After we track down the owner of the car through the Secretary of State with the license information, it is not uncommon for the owner of the car to completely deny they were driving the car and the time place of the occurrence. Then when we make a claim with the other driver’s insurance, the insurance company will deny the claim because the owner tells their insurance company that it was all a mistake since they were not involved any accident. Nothing settles an insurance claim faster than presenting the insurance company with videos or photos of their insured at the scene of the accident.  The insurance company now knows that their client is dishonest, and are then eager to settle the claim.

What if the other driver takes off and you are unable to get a license plate number?  If you drive and have insurance, then your uninsured motorist coverage will cover medical expenses for injuries arising out of a hit and run. In hit and run cases it is important to notify the police immediately and make an accident report.  Be sure to document the scene with photos of your vehicle and the scene of the accident.  Next, it is very important to notify your own insurance company immediately. Some insurance companies, especially substandard insurance companies, have a very short time frame to notify them regarding a hit and run and they will deny coverage if you report past their short time frame.  Keep in mind, some insurance companies are looking for any excuse to deny coverage so when you report the accident on the phone, be sure to document when the call was made and who you spoke to.  Always be sure to get a claim number from the insurance company because that will be how the case is tracked.  Be sure to follow up with a written notice of claim sent by certified mail if that is what your insurance company requires.  The bottom line is to be sure you are complying with the notification requirements of  insurance policy to avoid having your insurance company deny insurance coverage.

Winter driving in Chicago can be dangerous. Icy roads, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures create challenges that demand preparation and vigilance.  As Chicago plaintiff personal injury attorneys at Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., we’ve seen many cases where the accidents were causes by icy roads. With proper preparation and safe driving techniques, you can reduce the risk of accidents and stay safe on the road. Here’s how to prepare your vehicle, drive safely, and be ready for emergencies this winter season.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Driving

Before the first snowfall, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Use this checklist to prepare your car: