Flying is generally the fastest and most efficient form of travel. Statistics also show that it is the safest mode of transportation. Unfortunately, like any other modes of transportation, accidents are possible.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015 there were 32,166 fatal motor vehicle accidents that led to just over 35,000 deaths. Calculated out, that is about 1.13 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled by vehicle. Put another way, 11 people for every 100,000 United States Residents.

You’re driving down the road and out of nowhere, you see it. There’s a hole in the road and you’re heading right for it and—you hit it.  Potholes are a common issue in roads all over the country, and Chicago is no exception.  While many may think of potholes as a nuisance, they can be much more than that. Potholes also a cause car accidents, which can lead to severe injuries and damages.

How Do Potholes Cause Car Wrecks?

When the temperature drastically changes between seasons and there’s constant pressure from thousands of vehicles every day on a road, asphalt naturally develops weak spots. Parts of it will crack and chip away, eventually forming a pothole. Areas that consistently have high amounts of traffic and have poor drainage are more susceptible to developing potholes. These can range from small issues that you may not even notice if you drive over them to wide and deep potholes that can cause damage to your vehicle.

Krzak Rundio Law Group is proud to announce that Michael Krzak and Matthew Rundio have made the exclusive list of talented attorneys in the magazine Leading and Emerging Lawyers. Michael has been recognized for his work in the areas of Aviation and Personal Injury and has been named a Leading Lawyer every year since 2011. Matthew’s recognition is for his work in General Personal Injury and Nursing Home. The magazine will be published in April.

Leading Lawyers is a unique legal award organization that helps people find potential legal representation. The organization also aims to provide accurate information about trustworthy and skilled attorneys so those who are seeking legal aid know the people they’re researching are well-qualified.

On March 4, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared over the Indian Ocean. The flight, which was coming from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was heading to Beijing, China. Following the Boeing 777’s disappearance, a search and rescue and search and recovery occurred. While wreckage has washed up on shores over the years, no bodies were ever found. This international tragedy sparked debate about determining jurisdiction for litigation.

There were 227 passengers and 12 crew members on the plane. While the crew members were all from Malaysia, the passengers came from 14 different countries. On January 28, 2015, all individuals on the flight were presumed dead. As a result in the United States, legal action was taken in California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, New York, South Carolina, and Washington. The proceedings were centralized to Washington, D.C.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have created an incredibly convenient way for people to get around in the “for-hire” transportation world.  The rideshare application (“app”) almost instantly connects individuals to drivers.  The app is simple to use, and has become a regular mode of transportation from millennials to baby-boomers.

To become a rideshare driver is simple.  Typically, the drivers don’t have to meet the same licensing and inspection requirements that apply to the more traditional taxi and limousine services.  Rideshare companies allow individuals from all walks of life to earn extra money utilizing their own vehicle through a very simple application process which typically does not include much, if any, background check.  In cities where these options are available, taxi/limousine ridership has declined.

While these companies provide great, convenient services, the risk management, insurance and compliance issues that exist are in many instances unchartered territories.  This is especially true when it comes to safety and insurance coverage (ie.) whether riders are “covered” and, if covered, to what extent coverage applies when they swipe their phone to get a ride. 

Krzak Rundio Law Group received a tier two metro ranking for 2019’s “Best Law Firm” in the Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs category in Chicago. This honor comes from U.S. News. The ranking is based on a combination of elements including client feedback, information provided on the Law Firm Survey, the size and coverage area of the firm in a specific practice area, the Law Firm Leaders Survey, and Best Lawyers peer review.

To be eligible for a “Best Law Firm” ranking, law firms must have at least one attorney who has received high peer reviews to be listed in the current additions of Best Lawyers. The listed lawyers’ practice areas and metro regions are eligible for “Best Law Firm.”

Motorcycles present their riders with a sense of adventure and freedom.  Many riders find it invigorating and enjoyable to get out on the road for a long ride on a weekend.  Some riders like to ride alone, while others prefer to ride in a group.  Other riders enjoy getting out on a nice day to get to and from work.  Unfortunately, the excitement and pure joy that comes with a ride on nice day can turn into a life-changing event in the event of a crash.

Regardless of how safe motorcyclists operate their bikes, the unfortunate fact is they cannot control the other drivers on the road.  A staggering number of motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers in larger vehicles.  If you’ve suffered as a result of another driver’s negligence, our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers are prepared to vigorously represent you and get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

On November 19, 2018, the Estate of Cristian Flores settled a wrongful death and survival action case against the south-suburban hospital where he was born for $7 Million.  Cristian was born with a congenital urinary system blockage that caused a uroseptic infection resulting in organ failure and cardiopulmonary arrest when he was 14 days old.  Cristian suffered a brain injury and lived for five-and-a-half years until he passed away in December, 2017.

The Estate reached a $7 Million settlement with the hospital after the case was assigned to Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Clare Elizabeth McWilliams for trial and the parties argued pre-trial motions and selected a jury.

The Estate claimed that Cristian’s mother’s May 30, 2012, fetal ultrasound was improperly interpreted as normal when, in reality, the ultrasound showed several abnormal findings in Cristian’s bladder and kidneys indicative of a urinary system blockage.  If this had been detected by the radiologist, Cristian would have been monitored prenatally and he would have been seen by a pediatric urologist after birth and the condition would have been detected and successfully treated before Cristian became ill.  The Estate argued that the radiologist who negligently read the ultrasound was an apparent agent of the hospital.   

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:

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.