personal injury chicago | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

Woman dies weeks after Scottsdale crash

September 10, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

A Chicago woman passed away on Monday from blunt force injuries she sustained in a car crash last month in Scottsdale on the Southwest Side.

On June 25, she was driving her 2019 Toyota Rav 4 around 9 p.m. on South Pulaski Road when a man driving a Chevy Silverado at a high speed of rate struck her vehicle.

According to Chicago Sun Times, the 28-year-old man who was driving the Chevy said he was being followed and was traveling around 75 mph, according to police. He was issued citations for failure to reduce speed, driving an uninsured vehicle, and causing bodily harm.

Reasons Why Trucking Accidents Occur

November 5, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – There are many factors that contribute to car and trucking accidents, such as weather, equipment failure, poor vehicle maintenance, among other factors. Many car accidents that involve semi’s or tractor trailers occur for the following reasons:

Rollovers are the most common type of trucking accident. Rollers occur when a driver loses control of his truck and begins to slide sideways, in which any obstruction can cause a rollover such as a curb, guardrail, uneven ground, or another car. Trucks that make too sharp of turns also run the risk of rolling over. The severity of truck rollovers are high, and have high fatality rates.
Malfunctioning brakes or an error in a trucks braking system can result in catastrophic or fatal crashes. Most trucks have air brakes which are designed to stop a truck in roughly 100 feet when traveling at a speed of 34-40 mph. When a malfunction or error in the brake system occurs, it can become a very dangerous scenario for all drivers on the road. Even when pumping the breaks, it’s important to remember these 80,000 pound vehicles can be deadly.
Tire blowouts are also a common cause of trucking accidents, as the wear and tear on these vehicles is extremely high from the long distances traveled. The truck’s load and the distance traveled will have an effect on the tires.
Overloaded cargo is a result of a truck that has been loaded with over-capacity weight. Truck drivers are expected to meet very tight deadlines, and may push this by over-loading their truck with material meant for multiple drives. When trucks overload cargo, the weight begins to be too heavy to manage, which can result in an accident.
Falling debris occurs when trucks are loaded improperly, which can cause cargo to be lost during transit, which can cause an accident. Trucks are responsible for loading and securing cargo properly so that nothing falls on the highway.
Blind spots can cause accidents, as truck drivers have many. If you’re unable to see the truck driver in the side mirror, they cannot see you – whether you’re on the right or left side of the truck. Do not follow too close to a truck, as this is also a blind spot.
Swinging turns is when a truck causes a collision while turning. Swinging turn accidents can happen when a truck swings left to make a right turn, when a truck makes too wide of a turn, or squeezing cars beside the truck by not turning wide enough.

If you’re involved in a truck accident in Illinois:

For drivers who are involved in a collision with a truck, or caused by a truck, you should first determine if anyone at the scene needs to seek medical attention. Truck accidents are normally very serious, and the appropriate medical attention should be provided to all necessary parties.

Avoid talking to a truck company without the presence of an experienced Illinois truck accident attorney. More than likely, the truck company will try to negotiate a settlement; however, without a knowledgeable attorney, you could be cheated out of the full cost for your injuries, damage, and compensation for lost wages.

At Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., we understand how trucking companies and their insurance providers operate, and we refuse to settle for any offer that is unjust. Our attorney’s have represented and fought for the rights of our clients that have been affected by a trucking accident, who will use their experience to win your case.

Contact a Chicago- based truck accident attorney today for a free consultation at (312) 384-1920.

Address:
221 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601

5 Common Questions about Trucking Accidents

September 26, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Car accidents are more common than truck accidents; however, truck accidents can be more fatal, especially when combined with speed, weather, and other conditions. It’s important to know factors that can contribute to a truck accident, how trucks are more dangerous than passenger vehicles, what to do if you’re involved in an accident, and how long you have to file a lawsuit.

According to a report released by Enjuris, 4,102 people died in a truck accident in 2017. Thirty-two percent of accidents that occurred happened on an interstate or freeway, while fifty-two percent occurred on other major roads; moreover, fifteen percent of accidents happened on minor roadways.

Factors that Contribute to Truck Accidents

Driving a large commercial truck, such as a semi, is much more difficult to operate due to the weight and size of the truck. The size of the truck makes turning more difficult, and requires a much longer stopped distance than a passenger vehicle.

Improper loading can result in roll-over accidents, due to cargo being improperly loaded and strapped when inspecting before a truck leaves the warehouse. All employees are required to check their truck and ensure that all cargo is properly loaded and log information.

Drivers and truck companies have an obligation to inspect trucks and correct any maintenance issues as they arise. Many drivers and companies cut corners to keep up with profit margins, resulting in negligence.

Truck companies may fail to hire qualified drivers. Many truck companies are on tight deadlines, and hire drivers who are not qualified for these jobs, or have ever driven a semi-truck at all. Trucks are known to excessively speed to meet required deadlines, although they pose a serious threat to themselves and those around them.

Many drivers put deadlines before the safety of others and drive exhausted, or use a drug stimulant to keep themselves awake during their long hours on the road. When you combine these factors with weather, such as rain, snow, sleet, or fog, it can become catastrophic, or even fatal.

Why Are Commercial Trucks More Dangerous?

Tractor-trailers on average weigh 16 times more than a typical passenger car. Semi’s are roughly 53 feet and require 350 feet to come to a complete stop on the highway, compared to a passenger car which requires a breaking distance of 180 feet.

These trucks can also be carrying hazardous material that can cause further damage and injury.

What Do I Do if I Have Been Involved in a Truck Accident?

Ensure your safety above all else, and check to see if anyone was injured in another vehicle. Make sure you are in a safe location, or if you’re able to move your car, move it to an area where you can safely exit. If you need medical treatment, call 911 and request an ambulance right away.

The police will arrive to document the accident – no matter how big or small the accident may be, a documented police report should always be completed. Write down any information you can about the accident and never talk to the other vehicle involved about what happened. Take photographs of your car and the other car(s) involved.

You will need to request the truck drivers name, address, phone number, drivers license number, and insurance company and policy number. You should also get information regarding what truck company the driver works for.

It’s important to see a doctor, even if you think that you’re “fine.” A gap in time waiting to go to the doctor can hurt your case, so it’s important for your health and to have a record of seeing a doctor immediately after the accident.

If you’ve been injured or a fatal accident has occurred, you should contact an attorney immediately. The attorney’s at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. specialize in truck accidents and personal injury, and work hard to receive full compensation for any losses you may have occurred due to a truck driver’s negligence.

How Long Do I Have to File A Lawsuit?

Due to the statue of limitations, you have two years to file a lawsuit; however, you should contact an attorney immediately because of the steps they will have to take, like investigation and discovery. It’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible.

When Do I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a truck accident lawyer immediately after the accident occurs. It’s important to seek legal advice so your attorney can obtain as much information as possible on your accident.

Our attorney’s at Dinizulu Law Group offer a free, confidential consultation for you. They will walk you through your options and help with all legal representation. You can call (312) 384-1920 to schedule a free consultation, or visit our website for more information.

Contact:

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.
221 N. LaSalle St., Suite #1100
Chicago, IL 60614

Truck Accidents: Common Causes, Statistics, & What to Know if You’ve Been in A Truck Accident

September 6, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Commercial truck accidents are less common than car accidents; however, truck collisions have proven to be more catastrophic, and even deadly. There can be several factors leading up to a commercial-vehicle car accident, such as negligence on the manufacturer part, or perhaps the driver, and so forth.

According to GTG Technology Group, a transportation management system, there are five specific causes that may cause a trucking accident to occur:

Five Common Causes of Truck Accidents:

Driver Error
Truck drivers are required to work long hours, with regulations allowing them to work 60 hours over seven consecutive days. Some companies have tight deadlines and overcompensate by allowing drivers to work more hours than what they are allowed, resulting in drowsiness, or under the influence driving.A passenger vehicle weighs an average of 4,000 pounds, whereas a commercial truck typically weights 80,000 pounds. On average, 81 percent of trucking accidents caused by a driver error is due to a passenger vehicle. Many people are not aware of the dangers of truck accidents, which calls for a need to improve trucking defense driving techniques.

Equipment Failure
Equipment manufacturers may be at fault for neglecting production of a part, which can lead to a defective or dangerous component. A driver may not be the only one at fault; in addition, the parts manufacturer, a truck manufacturer, the company that sold the truck, and the mechanic who made repairs may be held liable.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
The average truck driver is expected to drive between 2,000 and 3,000 miles per week which results in very poor vehicle maintenance. Truck companies, drivers, and maintenance crews must regularly maintain the fleet to keep up with these trucks; moreover, the truck driver must check their rig and submit a maintenance report before the start of every shift.
Weather
Poor weather conditions can test any drivers defense skills, especially truck drivers. Poor weather conditions lead to poor road conditions, making driving much more difficult. Rain, sleet, snow, and ice can be very difficult to drive on, causing a much longer stopping distance. The weight and length of the truck may skid, hydroplane, or jackknife.
Improper Cargo Loading
There are industry-specific rules and regulations when it comes to truck loading cargo into a commercial vehicle. There are certain state and federal regulations required of all drivers of any commercial motor vehicle such as size, weight, and length.

Drivers must ensure all cargo was properly loaded and in place for the duration of direction traveled. A minor mistake, like not properly securing cargo, or negligence, can lead to catastrophic accident on any roadway – regardless of weather.

Any type of accident can be scary, and colliding with a commercial truck can be fatal, but it is important to be proactive by educating yourself on how dangerous a truck collision can really be.

Truck Accident Statistics

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated in 2015 that over 433,000 large trucks were involved in a collision. In Illinois, there were more than 19,000 crashes involving large trucks in 2014. These crashes contributed to nearly 13 percent of all traffic fatalities that year. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of the crashes occurred in daylight and clear weather conditions.

How Many Trucks Are Really on the Road?

According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), trucks move more than 71 percent of the nation’s weight in freight. To put this in perspective, the trucking industry represented more than 79 percent of the nation’s freight bill in 2017 – that’s more than $700.1 billion in revenue.

In June 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation totaled carriers on file with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration totaled 777,240. Private carriers contributed 700,591 trucks while interstate motors totaled 80,247.

After an Accident:

Your safety is of the upmost importance – assess the situation and make sure you’re okay. Check to see if others involved in the accident are injured and proceed to call 911; if someone was injured, request an ambulance.

It’s important the police are notified of the accident so an official police report can be issued. Your insurance company will most likely ask for a copy later. Even if there is little to no damage, the police should be notified of the incident so an accident report can be filed.

Notify your insurance company that you’ve been in a truck collision. Others that were involved in the accident will have their insurance companies contact you. State the facts, but remember it’s important to say as less, as possible. It’s best to keep the conversation to a minimum whenever you are involved in an accident.

Contact one of our experienced truck accident attorney’s of Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., for the help you need and seeking out the maximum recovery for our clients. There are many challenging factors in a truck accident case, and due to the statue of limitations, we will need to work on your case right away. Please call our office at (312) 384-1920 or visit our website for assistance.

Boeing Offers $100M to Those Affected by Crashes, Families Have Not Heard Directly from Boeing

July 16, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Boeing Co. has offered $100 million to help families and communities affected by the deadly crashes of its 737 MAX planes in Ethiopia and Indonesia. Families are still mourning after the tragic accident that occurred on March 10, 2019.

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 was scheduled to fly internationally from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Six minutes after takeoff, the aircraft crashed near the town of Bishoftu killing all 157 people aboard.

Flight 302 is the deadliest accident involving an Ethiopian Airline craft to date that affected farmers in Ethiopia, victims’ families and relatives, and Kenyan and Ethiopian governments have still not heard about the funds.

Farmers lands were destroyed after crashing into fields and has been fenced off since; however, the site is filled with debris still and farmers can’t afford to rent plots elsewhere.

According to Reuters, Boeing said in a statement last week, “These funds will support education hardship and living expenses for impacted families, community programs, and economic development in impacted communities.”

Another crash in Ethiopia in October 2018 on a Lion Air aircraft killed 346 people. After the investigation concluded, it was said both pilots, flying Boeing’s new 737 MAX 8 model, struggled to override an automated system that pointed plane’s nose down.

Boeing has yet to reach out to families, farmers, or authorities directly. The 737 MAX was grounded worldwide after the second crash. Regulators must approve a fix and implement new pilot training before jets can fly again.

Some families are asking the money to be put towards a memorial at the crash site to honor their loved ones; on the other hand, some have requested Boeing fund professional counseling.

There were people from 35 countries abroad the Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed. The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. offers our deepest condolences to those affected by the Boeing crashes. The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. is located in Chicago, IL where Boeing is currently faces litigation from some of the families affected.

Contact: www.dinizululawgroup.com or call 1(800)-693-1LAW(1529)

Tips for a Memorable Fourth of July

July 1, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

The Fourth of July is a day that you get to enjoy quality time with family and friends, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the independence of our nation. With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, it’s important to keep in mind a few safety tips so your day is memorable for the right reasons.

Alcohol Safety
Operating a Motor Vehicle

Over 34 million Americans are expected to travel over the course of Fourth of July weekend. The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest days for drunk driving. July 4 has the second highest percent of car crash deaths linked to alcohol where deaths involved blood alcohol content of 0.08 g/dL or more (Fatality Analysis Reporting System).

Even if you’ve had one drink, do not drive. As you know, law enforcement agencies are highly populated across the country on this holiday. By drinking and driving, you put not only yourself, but other innocent people at risk too. DUI checkpoints are enforced across the country along popular routes. Order an Uber or assign a designated driver for the night.

Weather
If you’re planning to drink outside, especially during the day during peak hours of high temperatures, remember to stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion or a stroke can happen quickly and suddenly, so be aware of how you feel and be on the lookout of your friends that show signs of nausea, fatigue, faintness and dizziness.

Firework Safety
Nearly 280 people go to the emergency room every day with firework-related injuries around the weekend of July 4. Please ensure that fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing or using them.

There should always be an adult supervising the use of fireworks. Place fireworks on dry, flat surface and never stand directly over a firework while lighting the fuse. Immediately back up a safe distance after lighting the firework. Never point or throw fireworks at a person and keep a bucket of water nearby in case of an emergency.

Children ages 10-14 have the highest rate of firework-related injuries.

Pool Safety
An adult should supervisor any child that is going to be around a pool or any body of water. It can be easy for risks to go unnoticed while mingling with a large crowd that’s preoccupied enjoying their time.

Children should be supervised at all times. Keep floatation devices nearby for quick response if someone needs help in the water. Young and inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.

Pet Safety

One in five pets go missing from fear of loud noises of fireworks, thunderstorms, and other loud-related noises during the July 4^th weekend according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. July 5^th is one of the busiest days of the year at animal shelters because of pets running away on July 4^th.

Make sure your animal’s identification tags have your up-to-date contact information. If your pets are microchipped, make sure this information is also up-to-date. If your animal is not microchipped, consult with your veterinarian about this process which greatly improves the chances of finding your animal if they were to ever become lost. Take a current photo of your animal just to be on the safe side.

If you know you are likely to pay attention to your pet because you’re busy entertaining or mingling, make sure they are in a safe, gated area. When setting off fireworks, keep your pet inside and away from anything flammable. Please note just as you get hot from the sun, hot temperatures can be dangerous for your animal, too.

Grill Safety
It’s the best day of the year to grill out and BBQ, but there are a few things to keep in mind. When using your grill, make sure it is away from your home and out from under any branches or overhangs. Remove any grease of buildup in trays to avoid being ignited. Do not let children or pets near the grill and avoid wearing any loose clothing that can catch fire while grilling.

Above all, have a safe and memorable Fourth of July holiday from the Dinizulu Law Group.

A New Way to Get Around Town

June 20, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Over the weekend, the city of Chicago launched a pilot program of electronic scooters to see if they serve as a viable means of transportation for Chicago residents. More than 2,500 scooters through 10 different companies – including Bird, Bolt, Lyft, and Spin – are part of the program. The four month pilot program launched on Saturday the south west side.

Electric scooters push scooters with electric motors, allowing riders to stand upright while controlling the speed using a throttle and brakes. Rather than paying for an Uber or Lyft, the electric scooter could provide a new way for commuters to get to and from work, among various different locations.

Overseeing the program is the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Chicago Department of Transportation. They hope to keep e-scooters out of the Loop and away from traffic. Just as the city has biking lines, scooter rides are suppose to ride in these lanes, as well.

On the first day of the pilot program, 10 companies reported surpassing 1,200 rides.

Areas the e-scooter perimeter is between Irving Park Road on the north, city limits and Harlem on the west, the Chicago River and Halsted Street on the east, and the river on the south.

If a rider tries to bring the scooter downtown, it will actually slow down and eventually shut down according to co-founder of VeoRide, Candice Xie.

The rider is required to provide a photo of the scooter properly parked before ending their fare.

The trial run continues now through October 15. The city of Chicago will then asses feedback before making a decision whether this option would be good for residents of Chicago.