Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
In Chicago and across the nation, the 4th of July marks one of the biggest holiday weekends of the summer. Many people enjoy time off work and use it to spend time with family and friends. Some may go boating while others might kick back and watch the fireworks launch from Navy Pier.
Regardless of how you chose to spend your 4th of July this weekend, you may have been at risk for an injury. Perhaps even worse, your children may have been in the threat of danger. Hazards abound over a traditional holiday weekend and unfortunately, people in Illinois are hurt every year.
One of the biggest issues faced over the 4th of July is the danger posed by drunk drivers. In Illinois, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs because doing so limits a driver’s ability to make fast decisions behind the wheel. Driving drunk puts any driver or passenger in the area at risk of being involved in a Chicago car accident. Further, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in the area may also be injured by the actions of a drunk or impaired driver.
Most people realize that driving a car while drunk is illegal but fewer people realize that the same laws and punishment can be applied to those operating a boat or other watercraft. If a boater is under the influence and causes an accident that leaves someone injured, that boater may face a ticket, loss of a license, fines and fees, and even incarceration. Additionally, the victims of the accident may be entitled to seek a recovery against the at-fault boater much like the victims of a car accident can seek relief against an at-fault driver. This can hold the boater responsible for medical bills incurred by the victims as well as other damages like pain and suffering, scarring, and loss of a normal life.
The hallmark for many over the 4th of July is taking part in a fireworks celebration, and most people do so without an incident. However, mistakes do happen and adults and children are injured every year by fireworks accidents. The use of fireworks are governed by law and some fireworks require users to obtain a valid license before they can be used. When those in charge of fireworks operate in a negligent manner or otherwise fail to take necessary safety precautions, injuries can result and may require medical assistance.
Hopefully you and your family members were able to enjoy the holiday weekend safely and without any injuries resulting. But if you were involved in a car accident, a boat accident, or an accident involving fireworks and you were injured, you may be entitled to relief.
The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We offer all injury victims a free case consultation without any obligation on your part. If you prefer to meet with us in person but you are too injured to travel to our offices, we offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations.
If you were hurt due to the mistakes of another, do not suffer in silence. Make sure you understand your legal options including whether you are entitled to relief. Call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. and let us help you move towards a path of recovery after your accident.
Prior Blog Entry:
New Speed Cameras Hit Chicago Streets, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 1, 2014.