What Happens if You Are Injured by Cargo Falling off a Truck? February 17, 2024 - If you have driven on the highway, odds are that you have been behind large trucks carrying everything from lumber to roofing materials, concrete, and hazardous waste. And perhaps the thought crossed your mind concerning what would happen if some of those materials fell off the truck. Well, sometimes that material does in fact fall […]
Medical Expenses February 17, 2024 - One of the surprises that many injury victims experience is how quickly medical bills can accumulate. If someone is hurt in an accident, then a trip to the emergency room, along with any following treatment or rehabilitation, can easily end up in the tens of thousands of dollars. It is important that these medical expenses […]
Why Do Trucks Still Have Big Blind Spots Despite Huge Advances in Vehicle Safety Technology? February 11, 2024 - If you’ve driven in and around Naperville and Aurora, you’ve probably seen a sign like this on the back of a semi-truck: “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you!” This message is a reminder to be cautious when driving near big commercial trucks because of the large and numerous blind spots they […]
Choosing the Right Helmet and Protective Gear for Motorcycle Riding February 4, 2024 - Whether riding from Big Rock to Starved Rock or commuting daily to work, riding a motorcycle is a great time. Illinois is one of only three states in the United States that does not legally require drivers or passengers to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. While it may not be the law, riding […]
Dog Bite Injuries: Who Is at Risk and How to Avoid Them January 28, 2024 - Being attacked by a dog is a traumatic experience that can result in severe injury and even fatality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.7 million people suffer dog bites in the United States each year. The actual number may be higher because dog bites are generally underreported. While most dog […]
Don’t Add Insult to Injury by Hiring a Lawyer Who Charges You by the Hour January 21, 2024 - Prospective clients often ask us about our contingency fee arrangement and how it measures up to hourly billing. It’s a great question, so we’d like to offer a brief comparison of the two and shed some light on their differences. If you’re considering hiring a lawyer for your personal injury, patient injury, or workers’ compensation […]
What’s Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction and How Does It Work? January 13, 2024 - Motorcycle accidents appear to be on the rise. According to a recent NHTSA report, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed in 2021. These deaths accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and are the highest number of motorcyclists killed since 1975. In 2023, Illinois suffered 157 fatalities involving motorcycles. States like Illinois, which don’t require motorcycle […]
When a Family Member’s Dog Bites Your Child, Is Suing Them Your Only Option? January 6, 2024 - Every year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States. Most dog bites involve children, and these young victims are more likely to be severely injured in a dog attack. When a dog attacks a child, it can be a traumatic experience. Physical injuries sustained in dog bite attacks range […]
Navigating Legalities After An Accident With Cullotta Bravo Law Group January 3, 2024 - In a complex legal landscape, safeguarding yours rights is paramount. If you are injured in an accident or face legal challenges, Cullotta Bravo Law Group will help empower you with essential knowledge.
Two Riders, One Motorcycle: What Happens if We’re in a Crash? December 17, 2023 - Motorcycles are hugely popular in Illinois, with over 312,000 vehicles registered in the state. And while riding a motorcycle is often a safe and enjoyable activity, it can result in serious – if not fatal – injury. The risks can increase if you’re carrying a passenger, especially if you don’t have much experience driving with […]
If a Motorcycle Crash Was Partially Your Fault, Can You Still Receive Compensation for Your Injuries? December 10, 2023 - Riding a motorcycle presents certain risks as riders share the road with cars and trucks and are exposed to flying debris and other hazards. Visibility is also a concern as other vehicles often do not see motorcyclists on the road. These factors significantly increase the likelihood of the motorcyclist suffering injury if an accident occurs. […]
18 Wheels and a Dozen Types of Accidents December 3, 2023 - At Cullotta Bravo Law, we deal with various types of accidents involving semi-tractor-trailers and other types of heavy commercial trucks, and we have experience negotiating with insurance companies and navigating industry and federal and state law complexities. Accidents involving multi-ton vehicles are often severe, requiring special assistance from qualified crash attorneys – those with experience […]
How Can Personal Injury Attorneys Afford to Work on Contingency? November 26, 2023 - Getting paid for work only when there is a successful outcome might seem like a peculiar concept in many professions. Imagine, for instance, a teacher who earns their paycheck only once the entire class earns all As. Seem far-fetched? Sure, in many cases, it might. But in personal injury law and workers’ compensation, being paid […]
Can I Get a Personal Injury Attorney to Represent Me on Contingency if My Case May Not Be Worth That Much? November 19, 2023 - If you’ve been injured in an accident and think you may have the basis for an accident claim, retaining a personal injury attorney can be intimidating. Questions may arise, such as: How much will their services cost? What happens if they don’t win your case? Can you get a personal injury attorney to represent you […]
How Do You Safely Pass Trucks on the Freeway? November 12, 2023 - Passing other vehicles on the highway may seem like a simple maneuver, but there’s a high risk of crashing if you don’t perform the pass correctly. Any freeway crash can be serious, but when we consider the size and weight of trucks, the risk of severe – or fatal – injuries is too significant to […]
Do Commercial Trucks Have a “Black Box” That Can Be Used in a Personal Injury Claim? November 5, 2023 - “Black boxes” are familiar to many in the context of a plane crash; investigations into the crashes often rely on information retrieved from these devices. However, using black boxes to determine the cause of an accident is not limited to plane crashes. Many commercial trucks have black boxes that collect data in real time, shedding […]
Back and Neck Injury Cases – What Do They Settle For? October 29, 2023 - If you have a back or neck injury due to a car accident, you have endured more than enough suffering. These injuries can be extremely painful, and dealing with insurance companies and getting appropriate medical treatment make things more difficult. Fortunately, there is help for you. The attorneys at Cullotta Bravo Law Group will help […]
What Determines My Car Accident Settlement Amount? October 22, 2023 - If you have been injured in a car accident and are pursuing a settlement, you may wonder what to expect regarding a settlement amount. While every case is different, a few variables typically affect the total for which your case might settle, including the type of injury, the amount of your medical bills, the nature […]
What to Expect if Your Car Accident Has Both Civil and Criminal Aspects October 15, 2023 - Vehicle accidents can be scary and life-altering events. They also can result in a mix of legal consequences. When an accident case involves both civil and criminal components, it can add layers of complexity to an already challenging situation. What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case Before looking at the specifics of combined […]
Does What You Post on Social Media Impact Your Insurance Claim, Even After It’s Settled? October 8, 2023 - Social media plays a central role in our society. We share about our food, our highs, our lows. Social media platforms offer a very convenient way to stay connected with family and friends, but they can also have unintended consequences. You may already know that potential employers and college admission offices scour Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, […]
Understanding Comparative Fault in Illinois Car Accident Cases October 1, 2023 - When you’re driving around Naperville or Aurora, you probably don’t plan on having a car accident. Auto accidents can be life-altering, and they often leave victims with consequences that can have a significant impact: for example, physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Case settlements can help offset some of those burdens. A critical aspect […]
Steps to Take To Maximize a Car Accident Settlement Amount September 17, 2023 - The aftermath of an auto accident can be very disorienting. Even though victims’ senses tend to be heightened after impact due to a surge of adrenaline, it isn’t always easy to know exactly what to do with all of that focused energy. This is one of the reasons why it’s ideal for motorists to have […]
What’s the Average Car Accident Settlement in Illinois? September 10, 2023 - It has often been said that “When you’re average, you’re as close to the bottom as you are to the top.” In the context of car accident settlements, this wisdom is important to keep in mind. Far too often, car crash injury victims hesitate to seek compensation because they either believe that their claim isn’t […]
Sideswipe Accidents September 3, 2023 - Sideswipe accidents occur when the sides of two vehicles come into contact with one another. The vehicles are usually parallel to each other and can travel in the same or opposite directions when contact occurs. A sideswipe accident can also happen when the side of a moving vehicle makes contact with the side of a […]
Intersections – One of the Most Dangerous Areas for Accidents August 27, 2023 - It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that intersections are one of the most dangerous areas for drivers. Any time you have a situation where vehicles cross paths, drivers must enter from a side road onto another road or turn off of one road onto another, you add complications to the driving process that can […]
How Long Will You Wait for Your Car Accident Settlement? August 20, 2023 - Car accidents can be traumatic or even life-changing events that happen in the blink of an eye. They can mark the “before” and “after” in the trajectory of your life. It may take a long time to get over the emotional effects of a car accident which is why reaching a settlement is so important. […]
Statutes of Limitation on Accidents in Illinois August 13, 2023 - Illinois drivers are involved in hundreds of thousands of car accidents a year. In 2021, the state saw nearly 300,000 crashes. If the damage is minor and can be settled quickly between drivers, it may seem like a hassle that’s easier to fix and forget. After all, everyone wants to turn the page on an […]
The Hidden Danger of Low-Impact Collisions August 5, 2023 - You might think that low-impact collisions are not something to be terribly concerned about. After all, a “low impact” collision can’t do that much damage, can it? The reality is quite different and can lead to significant disputes with insurers and drivers who believe that because the speed of the impact was low, the likelihood […]
Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers July 30, 2023 - When we think of elderly drivers, the common stereotype from TV comedies may come to mind: a car several decades old, moving just under the speed limit, perhaps with the turn signal blinking for blocks on end, with a grey-haired driver peering up through the steering wheel at the road ahead. The reality, however, is […]
Why You Need an Attorney for an Uninsured Motorist Claim July 24, 2023 - According to the Insurance Research Council, 1 in 8 American drivers are uninsured. Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM) provides coverage should you or your passenger be injured in a collision with an uninsured driver. Because you make this claim with your own insurance company, you might assume it is unnecessary to hire an attorney. But your […]
Accidents at Traffic Lights July 17, 2023 - While traffic accidents can happen anywhere, crashes at intersections make up more than 40% of vehicle collisions. Certain intersections are particularly prone to accidents because of traffic volume or other challenges. Accidents at traffic lights are typically caused by the following factors: Drivers turning with an obstructed view. Traveling too fast for conditions. Misjudging the […]
8 Steps of a Personal Injury Case After an Auto Accident July 10, 2023 - If you have been injured in an auto accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the important choices that must be made. Insurance adjusters may be pressuring you to make immediate decisions regarding your claims while you are still reeling from the trauma of the accident. Even if you never contemplated hiring an attorney or seeking […]
When Your Accident Is Due to a Defective Road July 2, 2023 - We have all driven over a deep pothole and thought, “Holy cannoli!” then mumbled something vague to our passenger about how the car‘s alignment is off now. But bad roads are no joke. A defective road accident is a collision resulting from a road defect or hazard near or on the roadway. Hazards can encompass […]
Vehicle Accidents on School Property June 25, 2023 - Parents often find transportation to and from school to be a major source of anxiety and worry. This anxiety is well placed, as numerous vehicle accidents occur yearly on school property. This heightened risk of vehicle accidents results from many factors, most notably the volume and nature of traffic around schools. Congestion Around Schools In […]
Crosswalk Accidents June 19, 2023 - If you or a loved one are hit by a car, a bicyclist, or another vehicle in a crosswalk, you may worry about medical costs, injuries, and whether you can continue working while you’re hurt. Crosswalks can be dangerous, especially when the people around you are distracted or breaking the law without concern for pedestrians. […]
Construction Zone Accidents June 10, 2023 - Much of Illinois is under construction at any given time, forcing motorists and workers to operate in close, dangerous quarters. When you suffer injuries as a motorist or worker due to a construction zone accident, you deserve fair compensation for your damages. A construction zone accident attorney from Cullotta Bravo Law can advise you on […]
Uninsured Accidents: What Can I Do? June 4, 2023 - In the United States, a car accident occurs approximately every six minutes. Accidents will happen; that’s why we have insurance to protect us. The law requires that every driver have a policy of automobile insurance coverage, which protects you and all of the other drivers on the road. However, sometimes policies can lapse, either intentionally […]
Calculating Settlement of a Personal Injury Claim May 28, 2023 - If you have a personal injury claim, you may be wary of filing a lawsuit but also dissatisfied with the amount being offered by the insurance company. Most people feel lost or overwhelmed when looking at all the losses experienced after an accident. In the face of pain and suffering, they do not know where […]
Speeding Accidents May 21, 2023 - Speeding accidents are one of the most common types of vehicle collisions in Illinois. According to statistics released by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 31.9% of total crashes and 44.4% of fatal car crashes in 2021 involved speeding. Individuals involved in speeding accidents can suffer severe injury and even death, resulting in burdensome medical […]
Parking Garage Accidents May 15, 2023 - Parking garages provide convenient parking, they tend to be more environmentally sound than large lots, and they can shield people and cars from harsh weather. But be advised: Parking garages can also be quite hazardous. The U.S. sees up to 50,000 parking garage accidents every year, according to some estimates. Collisions with people, pillars, and […]
Head-On Collision May 7, 2023 - A head-on collision occurs when two cars crash directly into each other from the front. Head-on vehicle collisions are one of the most severe and tragic types of car accidents. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were over 2,700 head-on collisions in 2021 alone, with almost 150 of them proving fatal. Common […]
Who’s More Dangerous Behind the Wheel: Teens or Seniors? April 30, 2023 - Auto accidents can happen to anyone, but statistically, two groups top the list: seniors and teens. In 2020, for example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that more than 6,500 adults aged 65 and up were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, and another 230,000 were injured. Within this group, drivers over the […]
Is Cruise Control Really Safe? April 23, 2023 - Most cars today come equipped with some form of cruise control. Proponents of the technology say it is an important safety feature that increases driver comfort, reduces accidents, and saves gas. But is cruise control safe to use? What Is Cruise Control Technology? Cruise control is an electric system allowing a driver to set their […]
How to Safely Pass a Truck on the Highway April 15, 2023 - Highway travel is fast and convenient, but as the numbers of large commercial trucks on the road increase, many drivers find highway travel more challenging. In 2020, 38.9 million large commercial trucks were registered in the US, traveling over 300 billion miles. Even experienced drivers can be intimidated when traveling at high speeds with large […]
Defective Car Software April 9, 2023 - The use of automotive software in vehicles has increased in recent years. While this technology has improved safety and convenience, it can also lead to serious problems if it fails. When automotive software malfunctions, it can cause accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. This is especially concerning because software defects are often difficult to detect and […]
The Danger of T-Bone Accidents April 2, 2023 - T-bone accidents (also known as side-impact collisions) are one of the types of collisions that occur when motorists drive dangerously. When vehicles collide in a T-formation, the at-fault motorist places victims at serious risk of injury and death. Victims of T-bone accidents in Illinois can seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, […]
Nursing Home Inadequate Supervision March 26, 2023 - Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable members of society. They often require diligent and careful supervision to prevent accidents, injuries, and even death. If nursing home staff fail to supervise a resident properly, the consequences can be severe. So, if you have concerns about a nursing home failing to supervise your loved one […]
Improper Turn Accidents March 19, 2023 - Improper turn accidents are a common type of vehicle collision and can cause serious physical and mental injuries. However, personal injury laws can provide victims and their families with legal recourse that can help with costly medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Cullotta Bravo Law Group’s attorneys understand that an improper turn […]
Which Lane Is Safest for Highway Driving? March 12, 2023 - Expressways in Chicago have a reputation for being fast, hectic, and dangerous. The highways in and around the city are chaotic and congested, with cars weaving through traffic at high speeds. While driving down the Dan Ryan or Eisenhower, you may have wondered which lane (if any) is safest for drivers. The answer can be […]
Accident or Abuse? Injuries in Nursing Home Patients March 5, 2023 - Older adults are fragile. As we age, our skin gets thinner, our balance wavers, and everyday activities become significantly more dangerous. If you have an older parent, grandparent, or other relative in a nursing home, it can be concerning to notice injuries on your loved one. While bruises and bleeding in nursing home patients may […]