Central Illinois Law Blog
Drivers with interlock devices have 5 obligations
A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol often comes with serious legal penalties. One of these may be the requirement to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. This device requires you to submit an alcohol-free breath sample both to...
Medical malpractice claims can be complex
Medical malpractice claims can be complex and sometimes difficult to prove. While a person who receives care from a doctor or hospital may not be satisfied with the treatment, it doesn’t always mean that he or she can pursue a claim for malpractice. However, in...
When drowsy driving results in tragedy
Drowsy driving is a form of impaired driving that is more common than many people might realize. Fatigue reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly enough when driving, lowers awareness of potential hazards on the road and reduces attention, and the drowsier he is,...
Strict liability and defective products
When we purchase a product, we trust that it is safe to use for its intended purpose. If we are injured by a defective product, we should be compensated for our damages. But who can we hold liable? The simple answer to this question: Nearly anyone in the chain of...
What can a person expect when they are arrested for a second DUI?
The State of Illinois takes DUIs seriously. If a person has been arrested for a DUI in Springfield or the surrounding area, they should understand that they will be facing serious consequences. The penalties for a second DUI are even more severe. When a driver gets...
That text message can wait if you are behind the wheel
A lot of attention has been given lately to texting and driving. Laws have been passed in Illinois making texting and driving a moving violation, with enhanced penalties for multiple infractions or if the texting motorist causes another person to suffer “great bodily...
Trying to get your license back on your own may be a mistake
Was your driver’s license revoked for a DUI? You might think that all you have to do is pay the required fees to get your license back. However, the state of Illinois is not prepared to let you off the hook quite so easily. The state will have to determine whether...
I’ve suffered a serious injury, what are my damages?
Suffering a serious personal injury can drastically affect a person’s quality of life; the mental and physical anguish can be, at times, almost unbearable. But the lasting effects of a personal injury may also go well beyond bodily harm -- debt, time away from work or...
Why see a doctor if you can walk away from a car crash?
If you are the victim of a minor traffic accident such as a rear-end collision, you may be a bit shaky afterward but otherwise, you feel OK. You may just want to go home and take it easy, but there are two good reasons to stop and see a doctor on your way. Common...
Watch out for enhanced DUI enforcement on Halloween
Did you know that Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for child pedestrians? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is a 43% greater risk of pedestrian deaths on the evening of Halloween as compared to a week before...