Posted on April 23, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Have you ever paid much attention to exactly how much larger tractor-trailers are than cars? Everything about them is bigger, making passenger vehicles very vulnerable in accidents. Some kinds of crashes are unique to semis, with overrides and underrides being examples. Both are extremely dangerous to drivers and passengers in cars. Many of these collisions cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.

A personal injury or wrongful death claim could compensate you for your losses after a truck accident, but claims involving commercial vehicles and high damages are complex and challenging to handle alone. Let our competent Morris, IL truck accident lawyer handle your case and maximize your compensation.

What Is a Truck Override?

The bottom of a semi-truck is higher than many cars’ back ends. If a tractor-trailer rear-ends most cars, the tractor portion can travel over the car’s trunk and directly impact the passenger area. That override impact can crumple the car and cause serious or fatal injuries to those inside.

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 Posted on April 08, 2025 in Criminal Defense

In many movies and TV crime shows, police officers are shown reciting the Miranda rights to suspects, beginning with the phrase, "You have the right to remain silent." However, you may not fully understand when officers must inform you of those rights, what they mean to you, when you can invoke them, and what constraints invoking these rights places on officers.

If you are questioned as a crime suspect or have been arrested, you have the right to refuse to answer an officer’s questions. You also have the right to speak to your Joliet, IL criminal defense attorney. Call us right away so we can help you protect your rights.

What Are Miranda Rights?

In 1963, Ernesto Miranda was arrested on charges of kidnapping and rape in Arizona. Although he signed a confession, he was never told that he could speak to an attorney or that his statements could be used against him. Mr. Miranda was convicted and sentenced to prison. The Arizona Supreme Court upheld the conviction, but in 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned it.

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 Posted on March 24, 2025 in Medical Malpractice

Doctors have to complete years of schooling and training. Medical specialties like surgery and cardiology take even more time. Because of these requirements, patients expect their physicians to know how to address injuries, illnesses, and other medical issues. While most doctors meet high care standards, many can make mistakes. If medical errors happen due to negligence and they harm the patient, the at-fault provider can be held liable through a medical malpractice claim.

Medical negligence can cause minor injuries, but catastrophic injuries also occur from medical errors. Catastrophic injuries have significant long-lasting or permanent impacts on the victim’s life. They may also lead to death. Medical malpractice claims are complex, but a skilled Morris, IL personal injury attorney can handle yours effectively.

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 Posted on March 06, 2025 in DUI

When law enforcement officers make a traffic stop because they suspect the driver is intoxicated, they usually ask the driver to undergo field sobriety testing. These tests are intended to help officers determine whether the driver is intoxicated. We get several questions related to field sobriety tests, and we hope these answers are helpful. If you are charged with a DUI, call our experienced Joliet, IL DUI defense lawyer to help you fight your charges.

Can Field Sobriety Test Results Be Used as Evidence Against Me in Court?

For prosecutors to use these tests against you in court, the officers who administered them must have followed the strict procedures established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Standardized tests include the horizontal gaze nystagmus, one-leg stand, and walk-and-turn tests. Non-standardized tests are also used sometimes, such as asking the driver to count backward, recite the alphabet, and place his finger on his nose.

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 Posted on February 20, 2025 in Medical Malpractice

A recent survey showed that 61 percent of U.S. respondents were currently taking prescription drugs, with 27 percent taking four or more different prescribed medications. In 2022, there were 6.7 billion prescriptions in the U.S. Medical errors harm or kill patients every day, and the most common medical errors involve medication.

Adverse medication events can happen in hospitals or when taking prescribed drugs at home. If these medication errors are preventable, you may qualify for compensation through a medical malpractice claim. To maximize the amount you could receive, you need to choose the right Morris, IL medical malpractice attorney to handle your case.

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 Posted on February 06, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Most people find it frightening and stressful to face criminal charges. Even being investigated for a crime can leave you frantic. You probably have many questions you would like to ask an experienced Joliet, IL criminal defense lawyer. We offer free consultations to answer specific questions, but this list of frequently asked questions and their answers can get you started.

Can You Guarantee That My Charges Will Be Dismissed?

No criminal defense lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome for your case. Steer clear of any who do. While we cannot say with certainty that we can get your charges dropped, we can promise to work diligently toward the best possible outcome for your case. When you work with us, you also benefit from the fact that Attorney Dave Carlson has also been both a judge and a prosecutor and has a unique ability to understand cases from all perspectives.

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 Posted on January 23, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Almost everyone knows that driving under the influence is illegal. Alcohol and drugs can cause various impairments that make driving risky. You may have also heard that driver fatigue is responsible for many motor vehicle collisions, particularly those involving large trucks. Did you know that excessive fatigue can cause many of the same impairments that drugs and alcohol produce?

How does fatigue make driving unsafe? If driver fatigue contributed to the truck accident that injured you, can you get compensation? You will need evidence to support your claim, and a resourceful Will County, IL truck accident attorney can find it.

How Does Fatigue Affect Drivers?

We all know what it feels like to be tired. Fatigue is a deeper kind of tiredness with several adverse effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that being awake for extended periods is similar to being intoxicated. The impairments you could experience by remaining awake for 17 hours roughly equate to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 percent, with 24 hours being similar to a 0.10 percent BAC. Inconsistent and restless sleep can also add to fatigue.

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 Posted on January 08, 2025 in DUI

Many teens and young adults enjoy pushing limits. Although laws prohibit them from consuming alcohol before they reach the age of 21, that does not stop all underage drinking or drug use. Illinois also has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, making it illegal to drive with even a tiny amount of drugs or alcohol in their systems. Again, this law’s existence does not mean all underage drinkers follow it.

If your child is convicted of an underage DUI, his or her future can become uncertain. The best thing you can do for your child is call a determined Morris, IL DUI defense lawyer for assistance.

What Are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction?

For drivers of any age, even a first-time DUI arrest can have severe repercussions that are worsened if subsequent DUI charges are filed. Depending on the circumstances, an intoxicated driver can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony DUI. The potential consequences include:

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 Posted on December 31, 2024 in Nursing Home Injury and Abuse

Did you know that approximately 6.7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease? As much as we love them, it can be overwhelming to care for these elders ourselves. Many families choose to entrust their loved one’s care to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Unfortunately, almost half of dementia patients suffer from neglect or abuse in such settings.

While Illinois has several laws to protect elders from nursing home abuse and neglect, thousands of incidents are reported every quarter, with many more that go unreported. Proving that your parents with dementia are being abused in a nursing home is challenging, but an experienced Will County, IL medical malpractice attorney can help you navigate the process.

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 Posted on December 12, 2024 in Traffic Offenses

Whether you received a citation for a minor traffic infraction or a serious moving violation, your livelihood can be threatened if you depend on driving for your employment. Some traffic offenses can leave you open for misdemeanor or felony charges and liability in personal injury accidents. Fines and hiked insurance rates are other consequences, along with potentially losing your license.

Even if you believe the impact of your citation will be minimal this time, it can be used to demonstrate a history of unsafe driving if you violate traffic laws in the future. An experienced Morris, IL criminal defense lawyer who understands the many potential repercussions can work with you to build a solid defense strategy. Free consultations are available.

Jobs That Rely on Having a Valid Driver’s License

In the past, most people whose income depended on driving were occupied with operating tractor-trailers, taxis, or school or public transportation buses. While truckers remain a vital link in the nation’s supply chain and people still need to use public transportation, many other occupations today revolve around driving, such as:

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