We are proud to share our official update and firm announcement with our clients, local community members, friends, family members, and colleagues which outlines our law firm’s principles, highlights some of the results we have achieved for our clients during our first 100 days of being in business, and showcases some of the representative cases we are currently working on.
Below you’ll find images of the announcement and some of the text which was included:
Published on Oct 25, 2018 at 6:51 pm in Car Accidents.
It’s no secret that some individuals lead incredibly busy lives. As a result, they try to complete multiple tasks at one time. While individuals may think this is effective, it can turn deadly when behind the wheel of a car. It is incredibly dangerous to use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. If you’ve been injured in one of the many distracted driving accidents that happen on a daily basis, you may benefit from reaching out to our Chicago car accident lawyers.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
An alarming number of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths are linked to using a cell phone while driving. In order to really grasp how dangerous it can be to use an electronic device while operating a vehicle, let’s take a look at data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Illinois State Police.
Approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured every day in distracted driving incidents. Cell phone use contributes to a high number of those collisions.
In 2015, 3,477 people were killed, and 391,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes.
In the United States, 660,000 drivers use their cell phones or other electronic devices during daylight hours.
The majority of drivers who use cell phones while driving are between the ages of 16 and 24.
Driver inattention costs nearly $40 billion each year.
Cell phone use causes traffic crashes because a driver’s cognitive performance significantly decreases when they are using a cell phone. In fact, the use of a cell phone while driving increase the likelihood of getting into a crash by 400 percent. This jarring increase has to do with how your brain handles multiple tasks at once.
Texting is also dangerous because the driver is taking their eyes away from the road and their hands away from the wheel. Driving demands a high level of concentration and attention. Using a cell phone compromises the safety of ourselves and the other people on the road.
Illinois Cell Phone Law
In order to prevent the injuries and deaths related to cell phone use while driving, the Illinois General Assembly enacted Statute 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2. This law pertains to the use of electronic communication devices while operating a vehicle. It outlines what drivers can and cannot do behind the wheel with a cell phone. While a previous, more lenient statute currently exists, amended legislation was recently approved on August 14, 2018 and goes into effect on July 1, 2019.
The amended statute defines “Electronic Communication Device” as follows: “’Electronic communication device” means an electronic device, including but not limited to hand-held wireless telephone, hand-held personal digital assistant or a portable or mobile computer, but does not include a global positioning system or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into a motor vehicle.”
The amended statute prohibits drivers from using the devices listed above while operating a vehicle. A person can be charged with aggravated use of a cell phone if they choose to use a device while driving and an accident that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death to another and the violation is a proximate cause of the injury. A person convicted of such a violation that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement to another commits a Class A misdemeanor. A person convicted of such a violation that results in death is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
Under the amended statute, if a person violates the law, does not cause an accident, but gets caught, they will be fined $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth offense.
Under the Amended statute, there are exceptions to this law, depending on the individuals and the circumstances at the time the cell phone is being used. The statute indicates that the law does not apply to:
A law enforcement officer or operator of an emergency vehicle while performing his or her official duties;
A driver using a cell phone or other electronic communication device for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation and continued communication with emergency personnel during the emergency situation;
A driver using a cell phone or other electronic communication device in a hands-free or voice-operated mode, which may include the use of a headset;
A driver of a commercial motor vehicle reading a message displayed on a permanently installed communication device designed for a commercial motor vehicle with a screen that does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches wide in size;
A driver using a cell phone or other electronic communication device while parked on the shoulder of a roadway;
A driver using a cell phone or other electronic communication device when their car is stopped due to a normal traffic being obstructed and the driver has the motor vehicle transmission in neutral or park;
A driver using a two-way or citizens band radio services;
A driver using two-way mobile radio transmitters or receivers for licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the amateur radio service;
A driver using an electronic communication device by pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication; or
A driver using an electronic communication device capable of performing multiple functions other than hand-held personal digital assistant (for example, a fleet management system, dispatching device, citizen band radio or music player) for a purpose that is otherwise prohibited by this Section.
Our lawyers understand how traumatizing an auto collision can be and the difficulties to cope with knowing that the event could have been entirely prevented. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a distracted driving accident involving a cell phone or other electronic communication device, it’s important to explore your legal rights and options. We’ll help you receive the compensation you deserve, so you can recover and move on. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Many Chicago residents rely on trains as their main way of commuting to work and other destinations. Often when there’s an accident, it’s because of human error, including the train operator’s negligence, negligent maintenance of the train or crossing gates, or negligent maintenance of the tracks. Unfortunately, train accidents result in serious injuries and fatalities which could have been prevented if the negligent party had acted responsibly.
When you’re dealing with a train accident claim, you need trusted legal professionals who will make sure your rights are protected. A Chicago train accident lawyer from the Krzak Rundio Law Group will stand up for you and vigorously represent your interests make sure your rights are protected and your goals achieved.
Train accidents are more common than you may think. According to data from the Federal Railroad Administration, there were nearly 12,000 train accidents and incidents occurred in 2017. As a result, six individuals lost their lives and hundreds were injuries. In most cases, the unfortunate fact is that those accidents could have been prevented if the proper precautions had been taken.
Legal matters involving train companies can become incredibly complex. At Krzak & Rundio, our Chicago train accident lawyers have experience assisting clients with complicated legal cases, including derailments. We can help you, too.
Published on Sep 28, 2018 at 6:48 pm in Car Accidents.
Chicago has a large pedestrian population. Many people choose to walk around the city rather than drive in the heavy traffic. Unfortunately, negligent actions of drivers can cause serious pedestrian collisions that result in serious injuries. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a vehicle as a pedestrian in Chicago, a Chicago car accident lawyer from the Krzak Rundio Law Group may be able to help.
Who Has the Right-of-Way on Chicago Streets?
Pedestrians are supposed to have the right-of-way when they’re crossing the road. Additionally, motor vehicle drivers are expected to give pedestrians plenty of room to walk. They’re not supposed to inch closer or try to intimidate pedestrians into moving more quickly. They must also be alert when exiting their cars—in a tight, busy area, a driver can hit a pedestrian or bicyclist with their door when exiting their vehicle. This phenomenon is called “dooring.”
Published on Aug 29, 2018 at 6:16 pm in Car Accidents.
Chicago, Illinois is home to many people. Like many metropolitan areas, there are a few main modes of transportation that people use: cars, bicycles, mass transit and walking. Unfortunately, all it takes is for one person to not pay attention for an accident to happen. These accidents can cause devastating injuries that prevent someone from working and enjoying their everyday life. Many of these accidents happen during heavy traffic times. If you’ve been injured in an accident, a Chicago car accident lawyer from Krzak Rundio Law Group can assist you in pursuing your claim.
What Kinds of Traffic Accidents Happen Regularly in Chicago?
In 2013, motor vehicle crashes increased in Illinois by 4 percent. At the same time, 130 Chicago citizens died in traffic accidents. This included 34 pedestrians and three bicyclists. Motor vehicle accidents can involve another motor vehicle, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Individuals injured outside of motor vehicles tend to have severe injuries because they lack protection from the impact.
States are always trying to improve their laws to protect its citizens. It’s important to stay informed about law changes happening in your state so you know your rights. Illinois is having a few major changes in 2018 that will affect different areas of the law.
What’s Changing for Drivers in Illinois?
There are a few changes to the law that Illinois drivers should know about.
First, in regard to driver safety, a law has been passed about dealership stickers/paperwork on cars during test-drives. Often at car dealerships, the windows have stickers or paperwork that could obstruct the driver’s view and create a major hazard. Now, car dealers can’t let motorists drive from their property if the vehicle’s windows have anything that would hinder the driver’s sight of the road.
Published on Aug 7, 2018 at 3:39 pm in Car Accidents.
Something about driving can bring out the worst in people. They may think the person in front of them is going too slow, they may be frustrated at the bumper-to-bumper traffic, or they may be late for something so they react irrationally if anyone gets in their way on the road. They could be in a generally bad mood, exhausted, or angry at another driver for cutting them off or failing to yield. This can lead to drivers becoming aggressive and cause serious safety issues on the road. It’s commonly known as road rage.
If you’ve been in a car accident caused by someone who was driving aggressively, you don’t deserve to cover all the costs on your own because you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s important to remember that you have legal options. A Chicago car accident lawyer from Krzak Rundio Law Group can help you with your claim. You could recover compensation for pain and suffering, past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and property damage.
Summertime brings a lot of opportunities for outside activities for those in Chicago. Many will take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy an outing on Lake Michigan. Boating is a fantastic way to spend a sunny Saturday basking in the sun or a weekday evening viewing the amazing Chicago skyline or the fabulous fireworks displays at Navy Pier on a Wednesday or Saturday night. However, those who are going should know the risks and take certain precautions to stay safe.
Boating accidents can cause devastating injuries or death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, a Chicago boating accident lawyer from Krzak Rundio Law Group can help you with your claim. Your injuries can be life-changing and result in substantial medical care and may even keep you from working. We’ll work hard to assure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Plenty of people choose to bike to their destinations. In a bustling city like Chicago, biking is a smart economical choice, and it’s environmentally friendly. It’s also a great form of exercise. Cyclists can ride in the street. Unfortunately too many, motorists may not know that or choose to not share the road with people on bikes. Motorists can either be aggressive and not give cyclists enough space or misjudge the distance between them and the cyclist and cause an accident.
When negligence leads to a bicycle accident, you can seek compensation for your injuries. An experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer from Krzak Rundio Law Group, LLC will stand up for your rights and expend the resources to get you a just result. Founding partner, Michael S. Krzak is an avid cyclist and has logged tens of thousands of miles on the road and has participated organized (and not so organized) century rides and charity rides.
