17 January

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Common Causes of Car Accidents

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury

Stay Safe on the Roads: Understanding the Most Frequent Causes of Car Crashes Car accidents can happen unexpectedly, leaving victims with injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents can help drivers be more aware and take steps to prevent these unfortunate events. At Katzman & Sugden, LLC, we understand the devastating impact car accidents can have on individuals and families. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. Here are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in our area: Distracted Driving: This is a leading cause of...

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16 August

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The Impact of Motorcycle Accidents: Common Injuries and Legal Options

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury

Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing events, often resulting in serious injuries and significant financial stress for the victims and their families. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand the types of injuries that commonly occur and the legal options available to you for seeking compensation. Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents Motorcycles offer little protection compared to cars and trucks, which makes motorcyclists more vulnerable in a crash. Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include: Head and Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer from concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These...

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10 May

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Navigating Car Accident Personal Injury Claims

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury

Car accidents can be a whirlwind of chaos and confusion. While the immediate concerns are usually physical injuries and damage to property, there is another aspect that emerges once the dust settles - personal injury claims. Navigating these claims can be a complex and daunting process, often proving to be as challenging as the accident itself. It's not just about getting compensation for your injuries and property damage. It's about understanding the legal landscape, knowing your rights, and ensuring that you are adequately compensated for your losses. This article aims to guide you through the intricate maze of car accident...

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06 November

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I was injured in a hit and run accident, there is nothing I can do though right?

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Auto Accident Attorney Belleville IL

At first thought, if you do not know the identity of the other driver, how could you possibly collect compensation from him or her? While this is technically true, the unknown driver is not the only possible source of compensation for your injuries. By law, every insurance policy issued in the State of Illinois must have uninsured motorist protection. This means that you may be able to collect compensation through your own insurance policy (or if you were a passenger, the insurance policy of the driver of your vehicle). Uninsured motorist benefits pay injury-related damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain...

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10 April

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Have higher speed limits made roads less safe?

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

One of the basic rules we learn when we start driving as a teenager is to obey the speed limit. Maintaining a safe speed is one of the easiest things a driver can do to avoid accidents -- and a traffic ticket. However, people still speed. And it's not just going over the legal limit that puts them at risk of getting in a crash. Increasing speed limits across the country mean that people may not get a ticket for going over the limit, but they could still get into an accident when they are driving dangerously fast. Higher speeds, more fatalities According...

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27 March

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Volvo adds cameras to prevent drunk, distracted driving crashes

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Cars today are safer than they have ever been. However, there are still tens of thousands of people killed in motor vehicle accidents every year. Millions more suffer serious injuries. One reason for this is that cars can only do so much of the work in keeping motorists safe; drivers must also prioritize safe driving. As a result, automakers are currently working to develop new technology to prevent unsafe driving behavior from causing accidents. Recently, for instance, Volvo announced it would equip their vehicles with cameras in an effort to curb drunk and distracted driving. How cameras could help According to details on...

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11 February

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3 steps to preventing a winter weather crash

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

The winter weather across Illinois and surrounding states has already contributed to multiple serious car accidents this year. People are slipping, getting stuck, losing control of their cars and crashing into people and objects because of ice and snow. In fact, Illinois ranks as one of the deadliest states for winter weather driving. However, despite the powerful impact Mother Nature has on our driving, there are steps individuals can take to stay safe and avoid crashes caused by bad roads and weather. Focus on visibility Being able to see and be seen is crucial in staying safe on the roads during the winter....

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08 February

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Avoiding driving while freezing

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Recently, Illinois and the Midwest endured some of the coldest days we’ve seen in a while. During the “Polar Vortex,” over 20 people lost their lives from either freezing to death or getting in a car accident. When it comes to hazardous driving conditions in the winter, most drivers probably think about icy roads or snowstorms. However, these temperatures remind us how the cold itself can contribute to dozens of car crashes even if there is little snow or ice involved. It can create further chaos on the road by affecting a person’s concentration and driving habits. These dangerous temperatures cannot...

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09 January

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New laws that impacted Illinois drivers in 2019

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

People can become very preoccupied when January begins. Some put their focus towards their New Year’s resolution immediately, while workers and parents are slowly trying to adjust back to their normal schedules after their winter breaks. Because of this, many often forget or are unaware of what has changed when the clock struck midnight on January 1. New laws that were passed and amended last year are now in effect. There were several new regulations that the state changed in an effort to provide safer roads for the residents and visitors. Drivers should know what these changes involve so they are...

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08 January

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Watch out for this distracted driving myth

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Auto Accident Attorney in Belleville IL

In recent years, there have been a lot of efforts to increase driver awareness here in the U.S. of the dangers of using a cellphone while driving. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, there remain prevalent myths on this topic that could cause considerable problems out on the roads. Today, we’ll go over one such myth. This myth regards using a cellphone while stopped at an intersection. Most drivers understand that using a cellphone behind the wheel when a car is moving can be a dangerous distraction. However, a myth persists that using a phone behind the wheel is safe as long as...

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05 December

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3 types of dangerous drivers to watch for this holiday season

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Every time we get in our cars to drive somewhere, we face at least some risk of getting into an accident -- even when we take precautions and comply with traffic laws. This is because there are countless drivers on the road who fail to take these same steps to avoid crashes. And in the coming weeks, the risk of getting into an accident can be particularly high, as certain kinds of dangerous driving can increase during the holiday season. Below, examine three types drivers to be especially wary of this month as well as what you can do if you...

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14 November

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Critical tips for avoiding an accident this Thanksgiving

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Thanksgiving is coming up, and for many people, this means making plans to spend time with family and friends. While you may be planning everything from turkey preparations to accommodations, you would also be wise to make plans for getting to and from your holiday destinations safely. Stay sober or find a ride Because holidays and drinking frequently go hand-in-hand, there is an increased risk of people getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. In fact, as this National Highway Traffic Safety article notes, Thanksgiving is the deadliest holiday on the roads with hundreds of deaths caused by drunk driving; the night before Thanksgiving...

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26 October

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Are teen drivers more likely to crash?

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Auto Accident Attorney in Belleville IL

Unfortunately, car accidents with a teen-driver at fault are not uncommon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens between 16-19 are three times more likely to suffer a life-threatening crash than drivers who are 20 and older. Why is this the case? What can you do to stay safe with teen drivers on the road? Why are teens more likely to get into an accident? New to driving: Teens on the road have less experience dealing with possible troubling or confusing situations while behind the wheel. This can make them more likely to get into an accident. Distracted driving:...

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10 October

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Talking to elderly parents about driving

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Driving is a major responsibility. Unfortunately, there are many drivers behind the wheel who cannot fulfill this responsibility because of physical limitations or health problems. This could include your parents if they are getting older and suffering from conditions that affect their driving abilities. In these situations, having a frank discussion with them about adjusting their driving habits or even reducing their driving opportunities may be necessary. Below, we discuss some tips for how to approach this sensitive subject. Understand that it's not just about driving When you talk to a parent, understand that the conversation isn't just about driving capabilities. It's about...

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04 October

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Drowsy driving: A leading cause in trucking accidents

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Long-haul truckers transport materials throughout Illinois and across the United States. For many reasons, their careers prove extremely dangerous, as they spend hours facing hazards on the road. Unfortunately, due to the length of their driving shifts, drowsy driving plays a significant role in trucking accidents. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, over 5,000 individuals die per year in commercial truck accidents. If you face a serious injury due to a drowsy truck driver, you are not alone, as over 11,000 people face injuries due to these dangerous occurrences. If a tired truck driver caused...

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06 September

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New recommendations made to keep children safer in crashes

Posted by Daniel Katzman

in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Serious car accidents happen every day. And despite our best efforts, we cannot stop every dangerous driver from causing a crash. However, there are things that motorists can do to stay safer in the event of a motor vehicle accident. One such step is to ensure everyone is buckled up properly, including and especially our children in the back seat. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics made a slight adjustment to their recommendations regarding children in rear-facing car seats that they feel could save the lives of toddlers. Removal of age guidelines Previously, the AAP recommended that children remain in rear-facing car seats...

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