Big Rig Accidents Pose a Significant Threat to Motorists

Accidents involving big rigs often cause severe or even fatal injuries. Drivers should steer clear of these vehicles to avoid accidents that could cost them their lives.

Unfortunately, accidents involving big rigs are catastrophic and almost always involve fatal injuries. The amount of potential damage caused by these vehicles is much greater than that of cars, SUVs, pickup trucks or other conventional vehicles. The sad reality is that in a head-on collision with a big rig, a compact car doesn't really stand a chance. Due to this, commercial truck drivers are held to driving laws significantly more rigid than those of the average motorist. They are required to receive special training that will minimize accidents, must adhere to strict rules regarding the numbers of hours a driver is allowed on the road and are subject to numerous other safety and maintenance requirements.

When drivers of big rigs fail to follow the law, accidents will happen. Accident statistics show us that these drivers don't always comply with the rules set out for them. Commercial drivers are usually paid by the mile and incur penalties for failing to meet their assigned deadlines, and this gives them an incentive to drive longer, even if they feel fatigued. To combat this, some drivers actually use stimulants to keep themselves alert while driving. The effects of such drugs can be difficult to predict, and they often threaten the safety of the driver and other motorists.

While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, you can and should drive with caution when big rigs are on the road. If traveling on the highway with these trucks, stay as far away from them as you can. You should give them all of the space they need to travel safely. It is especially important to avoid driving between two commercial trucks, as this can put you in even more danger. Car drivers sharing the roads with these big rigs need to be aware of their own actions and drive with extreme caution when these trucks are present.

If you or one of your loved ones has been injured in an accident involving a big rig, you should immediately contact an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled cases against trucking companies. In doing so, you can focus on the road to recovery while your attorney fights for your rights to compensation for your injuries.

Michael Osborne is a Chicago injury lawyer. The Law Office of Michael Osborne helps accident, wrongful death, and personal injury victims. To contact a Chicago personal injury attorney or learn more, visit Michaelosbornelaw.com or call (312) 315-1765.

The Law Office of Michael Osborne Highlights the Benefits of Structured Settlements

Structured settlements are a great choice for victims of personal injuries. They offer numerous tax benefits as well as flexibility that provide victims continued security and peace of mind.

Structured settlements are often utilized in personal injury cases as a means of compensating the victim for his or her personal injuries. Unlike a lump sum payment, which entitles the victim to the entire sum of his or her settlement upfront, a structured settlement is an agreement that guarantees the defendant or the defendant’s insurance company will make periodic payments to the victim over a set period of time.

Many victims of a personal injury accident choose structured settlements because of the tax advantages they provide. In a structured settlement, the principal and any interest gained from it are tax-free. This is not the case with lump sum payments, as they only offer victims a tax-free principal. Any earnings or interest on a lump sum payment is fully taxable as income, and these tax liabilities can greatly reduce the victim’s cash payout.

Structured settlements also offer victims the benefit of flexibility. Victims have the opportunity to structure their settlement in the way that best addresses their financial needs and protects them from inflation. Structured settlements can be set up as simple yearly payments, periodic lump sum payments every few years, or even set up with an initial lump sum payment and monthly indexed payments.

Long-term money management issues are another reason why victims may choose a structured settlement over a lump sum payment. A structured settlement will ensure that money will be there when the victim needs it. Structured settlements can provide a steady source of income, and thus offer victims greater peace of mind. Structured settlements can be particularly beneficial for those who have sustained injuries that require long-term care, as they will provide funds for the victims’ ongoing needs. Receiving a lump sum up front may put victims at risk of spending their settlement too quickly, leaving nothing for a time when the money may be necessary to pay for further medical treatment or equipment.

Before accepting a settlement offer, victims should seek the advice of an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will ensure that victims are compensated fairly for their injuries and will fight on their behalf to secure the best possible settlement.

The Law Office of Michael Osborne helps accident, wrongful death, and personal injury victims. To contact a Chicago personal injury attorney or learn more, visit http://www.michaelosbornelaw.com or call (312) 315-1765.

Understanding Product Liability Cases

Product liability cases can often be difficult to prove. Knowing the difference between the various types of product defects can help you to better understand the validity of your claim.

Manufacturers have a duty to consumers to provide products that are neither defective nor dangerous. When a defective product enters the market and injures a consumer, all those involved in the manufacturing chain, including the manufacturer, wholesaler, and even store owner, can be held liable.

In order to have a successful products liability case in Chicago, you must prove that the product in question is defective and that the defect is the cause of your injuries. There are three types of defects that incur product liability: design defects, manufacturing defects and marketing defects. A product liability lawsuit can be filed based on any one of these types by themselves or in combination with another defect.

Design effects are inherent to the product; they exist before the product is manufactured. While the item in question might actually serve its purpose well, it can be dangerous to use due to its design flaw. Design defects can be difficult to prove, and a plaintiff must be able to prove that there is an alternative design that would be safer, as economically feasible as the original, as practical as the original, all while retaining the purpose of the original item.

Manufacturing defects, on the other hand, occur during the construction or production phases of the item. In this case, only a few products out of the many produced are actually flawed. These defects are not intended but occur when a product departs from its intended design. This departure from the intended design actually results in a product that is less safe than the original and brings harm to the consumer.

Marketing defects are based on inadequate warnings or improper instructions. Some products may be unavoidably hazardous, but it is a manufacturer’s responsibility to warn consumers of this, so that all possible injuries can be avoided.

Consumers should realize that they have rights when it comes to being harmed by products they purchased in good faith. If you believe you have been injured as a result of a defective product, you should contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer who can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your case and advise you of your rights to compensation.

Michael Osborne is a Chicago injury lawyer. The Law Office of Michael Osborne helps accident, wrongful death, and personal injury victims. To contact a Chicago personal injury attorney or learn more, visit Michaelosbornelaw.com or call (312) 315-1765.