LoVerde Law recently secured a $1.8 million settlement on behalf of a client seriously injured in a commercial trucking accident. But beyond this result, we want every Illinois driver to understand something important: if you have been hit by a truck, you likely have more legal rights than you realize and the clock is already ticking.
Being Hit by a Truck Is Not the Same as a Car Accident
Most people assume that after a trucking accident, they simply file a claim with the insurance company and move on. The reality is very different. Commercial trucking accidents are among the most legally complex cases in personal injury law, and the trucking industry knows it.
When a crash happens, trucking companies immediately dispatch their own investigators, attorneys, and insurance adjusters to the scene, often before victims have even left the hospital. Their goal is to protect the company, minimize their liability, and limit what they pay you. Without legal representation, most victims walk away with far less than they deserve.
Who Can Actually Be Held Responsible?
This is one of the most important things consumers need to understand. In a trucking accident, the driver is often just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Depending on the circumstances, you may have valid claims against:
Identifying every liable party is critical because it directly affects how much compensation you can recover. An experienced attorney will investigate all of these angles an insurance adjuster working for the trucking company will not.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of commercial trucking accidents in Illinois may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
Commercial trucking companies carry substantially larger insurance policies than individual drivers often in the millions of dollars. That means the potential compensation in these cases is significant, which is exactly why trucking companies fight so hard to minimize it.
What to Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Truck
The steps you take in the hours and days after a trucking accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here is what we advise every client:
Illinois Law Is on Your Side — But You Have to Act
Illinois gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This may sound like plenty of time, but trucking cases require extensive investigation, and key evidence, including the truck’s electronic logging data, dashcam footage, and driver records, can be lost, overwritten, or destroyed if you wait too long.
Illinois also follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were less than 51% responsible. Insurance companies will try to shift blame onto you to reduce what they owe. An attorney levels the playing field.
You Deserve to Know Your Rights
Too many trucking accident victims settle for far less than their case is worth simply because they did not know what to ask for. The $1.8 million result we secured for our client was possible because we identified every liable party, preserved the right evidence, and refused to accept the insurance company’s first offer.
At LoVerde Law, we represent clients in commercial trucking accident and personal injury cases throughout Illinois. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you or someone you know has been hit by a truck, contact LoVerde Law today for a free consultation. The call is free. The advice is real. And knowing your rights could make all the difference.
Loverde Law recently secured a $205,000 settlement on behalf of a client injured after being struck in the face by a golf ball. This case highlights how golf course injuries in Illinois can give rise to valid premises liability claims when negligence is involved.
Yes, under Illinois law, not every golf ball injury is considered an “assumed risk” of the game.
While golf is a sport that involves inherent risks, courts in Illinois require golfers to exercise ordinary care to avoid causing foreseeable harm to others who may be within the range of danger.
This means that in certain situations, injured victims may be able to pursue compensation through a golf ball injury lawsuit or insurance claim.
Premises liability law holds property owners and individuals responsible when unsafe conditions or negligent actions cause injury.
In the context of golf course injuries, liability may arise when:
Even though golf is a recreational activity, safety obligations still apply.
In this case, our client was struck in the face by an errant golf shot while on or near the course. The impact resulted in a broken nose and significant facial injury.
After being retained, Loverde Law conducted a detailed investigation into the incident. Our team identified applicable homeowners insurance coverage and pursued a legal claim against the responsible party.
Through strategic negotiation and a strong liability analysis, we were able to secure a $205,000 settlement for our client.
Golf accident cases can be complex because insurance companies often argue that injuries were unavoidable or part of the sport.
An experienced Illinois premises liability attorney can help by:
If you were injured by a golf ball or involved in a golf course accident, you may have more legal options than you think. These cases often depend on specific facts, insurance coverage, and whether reasonable care was exercised.
At Loverde Law, we represent clients in premises liability and personal injury cases throughout Illinois, helping them understand their rights and pursue fair compensation.
Contact Loverde Law today to discuss your case with an experienced injury attorney.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, an important time to recognize the impact of brain injuries and raise awareness about prevention, treatment, and legal options. Every year in Chicago, thousands of people suffer brain injuries caused by accidents, falls, or workplace incidents. These injuries can have lasting effects, both physically and financially, making it essential to understand your rights.
A brain injury occurs when an external force damages the brain, leading to physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. The two main types include:
Chicago’s environment presents unique risks, including:
Brain injuries don’t always show immediately. Key signs include:
If you notice these symptoms after an accident, seek medical attention immediately.
Brain injuries often come with significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs. In many cases, injury victims in Chicago are entitled to compensation. A skilled personal injury attorney can help:
During Brain Injury Awareness Month, take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, legal guidance is critical. A trusted Chicago personal injury law firm can fight for your rights and help secure compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Spring in Illinois brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and more drivers back on the road. But while winter weather may be fading, spring introduces its own unique driving hazards that can lead to serious accidents. From heavy rain and pothole damage to construction zones and distracted drivers, these seasonal risks contribute to thousands of crashes each year across the state.
For drivers in cities like Chicago and throughout Illinois, understanding these common spring driving hazards can help reduce the risk of collisions and keep everyone safer on the road.
Many people assume that once snow and ice disappear, driving conditions improve. However, spring often brings rapidly changing weather, damaged roads left behind by winter, and increased traffic due to construction and outdoor activity.
The combination of these factors can create unpredictable road conditions. When drivers fail to adjust their speed or remain attentive, accidents become more likely.
Below are some of the most common spring driving hazards that contribute to crashes throughout Illinois.
Spring storms are common throughout Illinois, and rain can create hazardous driving conditions very quickly. When rain mixes with oil, dirt, and debris that accumulated on the roads during winter, the pavement becomes extremely slick.
Heavy rain also reduces visibility, making it harder for drivers to see brake lights, lane markings, pedestrians, and cyclists. In some situations, drivers may experience hydroplaning, where tires lose traction and slide across standing water on the road surface.
To stay safer when driving in rainy conditions:
Even a short spring shower can significantly increase the risk of accidents if drivers are not cautious.
Winter weather can be brutal on roads in Illinois. Freeze-thaw cycles cause pavement to expand and contract, creating potholes that become widespread in the spring.
These potholes can appear suddenly and are often hidden beneath puddles after rainfall. Striking a pothole can cause serious vehicle damage, including:
In some cases, drivers may swerve suddenly to avoid potholes, which can lead to collisions with other vehicles. Slowing down and staying alert for rough road conditions can help drivers respond safely.
Spring marks the start of road construction season across Illinois. State and local agencies begin repairing roads damaged during winter, which means drivers are far more likely to encounter construction zones.
Construction areas often include:
These changes can cause sudden traffic slowdowns and confusion among drivers. Failing to slow down or pay attention in construction zones significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Drivers should always follow posted signs, reduce speed, and remain alert when traveling through construction areas.
Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of accidents throughout Illinois. With more people traveling during the spring months, the chances of encountering a distracted driver increase.
Common driving distractions include:
Even taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can prevent you from reacting to hazards like sudden stops, potholes, or construction changes.
Staying focused behind the wheel and avoiding distractions is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents.
From a legal perspective, seasonal hazards can complicate accident investigations. Determining fault often depends on whether drivers were behaving reasonably under the conditions.
For example:
Failure to Adjust for Weather: Drivers are expected to slow down during rain or poor visibility. Failing to do so could lead to liability if a crash occurs.
Negligent Driving in Construction Zones: Ignoring posted speed limits or warnings in construction areas can increase the likelihood of being found at fault.
Distracted Driving: Using a phone or other device while driving can be strong evidence of negligence in a crash investigation.
Accidents caused by these hazards can result in serious injuries, including fractures, head trauma, spinal injuries, and long-term medical complications.
To reduce your risk of being involved in a crash this spring, drivers should take several precautions:
Small changes in driving behavior can make a major difference in preventing accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by hazardous spring driving conditions, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Accidents involving distracted drivers, unsafe speeds, or negligence in construction zones can lead to significant financial and physical burdens.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help investigate the crash, determine liability, and pursue compensation for:
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, have exploded in popularity across Illinois in recent years, offering an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to cars and traditional bikes. But as more e-bikes appear on city streets, multi-use trails, and sidewalks, state law hasn’t kept pace with this rapidly changing technology and that’s led to legal confusion and, unfortunately, serious injuries.
In response, Illinois has unveiled an initiative called “Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready,” aimed at modernizing e-bike and micro mobility laws and improving public safety. Here’s what riders, pedestrians, and motorists need to know.
Illinois law historically treated bicycles including many e-bikes the same, even though today’s e-bikes come in a range of speeds and power levels. For example:
The current vehicle code was written before high-speed electric devices became common, so it doesn’t clearly address where fast e-bikes should operate, whether riders need special licensing or training, or how these devices fit into Illinois’ broader traffic laws.
This gap has put riders, pedestrians, and drivers at risk. Studies show e-bike injuries nationwide have surged, and Illinois has seen tragic crashes involving high-speed electric bikes and pedestrians.
The “Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready” effort is about bringing the law into the 21st century. While lawmakers continue crafting formal legislation, the initiative announced by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias focuses on three main areas:
The plan would expand and clarify how different types of e-bikes, scooters, and other “micromobility” devices fit into the Illinois Vehicle Code. High-speed e-bikes and heavier scooters that currently fall into a legal gray area would be more clearly regulated so riders and law enforcement know what rules apply.
State officials are working to introduce safety education programs into driver education and K-12 curricula, as well as public awareness campaigns about responsible operation and shared road etiquette for micromobility devices.
Because municipalities currently regulate e-bikes differently and sometimes inconsistently the campaign emphasizes cooperation between the state, local officials, and community groups to build sensible, uniform rules that protect everyone.
From a legal perspective, these changes are important for several reasons:
Until the laws are finalized statewide, here are some current rules you should know:
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an e-bike, scooter, or other micromobility device especially where legal questions about classification or where the device belonged on the road exist it’s crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
We can help you understand your rights, determine liability, and pursue appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Property owners in Chicago have a legal responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When someone enters a store, apartment building, restaurant, or other property, they expect a safe environment not hazardous conditions that could cause serious injury.
Unfortunately, our firm is currently representing clients who suffered significant injuries due to unsafe property conditions that should have been addressed long before the accident occurred.
These incidents highlight a serious issue that goes far beyond a simple accident.
Our client was lawfully shopping at a local grocery store when she encountered a dangerous condition inside the premises. While walking forward with groceries in hand, her foot became caught on a snow mat that was rippled and not properly secured, creating a tripping hazard in a main customer walkway.
As a result, she fell forward face-first and onto her left side. The impact caused her glasses to press into her face, and she landed on her left hand and shoulder, as well as her knees, twisting her back in the process. Two store employees witnessed the fall and assisted her afterward. She promptly reported the incident to the front counter and completed an incident report before leaving the store.
Hazards such as bunched, rippled, or improperly maintained floor mats pose a foreseeable risk of serious injury to customers. Businesses have a duty to ensure that entry mats and walking surfaces are flat, secure, and regularly inspected to prevent exactly this type of preventable fall.
Under Illinois law, property owners, landlords, and business operators must exercise reasonable care to maintain safe conditions.
This includes:
When property owners ignore safety concerns or fail to take reasonable precautions, they can be held liable under Illinois premises liability law.
In a busy city like Chicago, where foot traffic is high and winter weather creates additional risks, maintaining safe property conditions is not optional, it is a legal obligation.
Premises liability accidents can result in serious and sometimes life-altering injuries, including:
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims in Chicago, but injuries can occur in many different settings, including retail stores, apartment complexes, parking garages, and commercial properties.
Even a seemingly minor fall can result in extensive medical treatment, missed work, and long-term pain.
To hold a property owner accountable, it must be shown that:
These cases often require careful investigation, including:
Large property owners and insurance companies frequently attempt to deny responsibility or argue that the injured person was at fault. Having an experienced Chicago premises liability lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim.
Holding negligent property owners accountable is not just about compensation for one injured person.
These cases help:
No one should suffer serious injuries because a property owner failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions.
Our firm is committed to representing individuals who have been harmed due to unsafe property conditions and negligence.
We fight to recover compensation for:
Every premises liability case is unique, and we work diligently to ensure our clients’ rights are protected from the very beginning.
If you were injured on someone else’s property, it is important to speak with an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Premises liability injuries can change lives in an instant. If you or a loved one was injured due to unsafe property conditions, you deserve answers and accountability.
Contact our office today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options with a trusted Chicago premises liability lawyer.
Hot beverages are a part of everyday life. When customers order tea or coffee, they expect it to be hot but not dangerously hot, and certainly not served in packaging that can fail without warning. Unfortunately, our firm is currently representing a client who suffered severe burn injuries after a cup of hot tea from Starbucks fell apart, causing the scalding liquid to spill onto their hands and legs.
This incident highlights a serious safety issue that goes beyond a simple accident.
Our client ordered a hot tea from Starbucks, trusting that the drink would be served in a cup designed to safely contain extremely hot liquid. Instead, the cup failed due to the excessive heat, causing it to come apart and spill the tea directly onto our client’s body.
As a result, our client suffered painful burn injuries to their hands and legs injuries that required medical attention and have had a lasting physical and emotional impact.
Businesses that sell hot beverages have a legal responsibility to ensure their products are reasonably safe for consumers. That includes:
When a cup fails under normal use, it raises serious concerns about product defects, inadequate quality control, or negligence. Customers should not be placed at risk simply by holding a drink they purchased.
Burn injuries can be far more serious than they initially appear. Depending on the temperature of the liquid and the duration of contact, burns can cause:
Burns to the hands and legs are particularly devastating, as they can interfere with everyday tasks, work, and overall quality of life.
Cases involving burns from hot beverages often fall under product liability and premises liability law. In situations like this, liability may extend to:
Large corporations are expected to anticipate foreseeable risks — including the danger posed by extremely hot liquids and take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Holding corporations accountable isn’t just about compensation for one injured person. These cases help push companies to improve safety standards, update materials, and protect future customers from suffering similar injuries.
No one should leave a coffee shop with burn injuries simply because a cup couldn’t withstand the heat it was meant to hold.
Our firm is committed to advocating for individuals who are harmed due to unsafe products and corporate negligence. We fight to recover compensation for:
If you or someone you love has suffered burns or other injuries due to a defective product or unsafe conditions, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Burn injuries can change lives in an instant. If you’ve been injured because a business failed to prioritize safety, you deserve answers and accountability.
Contact our office today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Chicago winters are beautiful but they're also dangerous. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can turn streets and sidewalks into hazards. Every year, countless Chicago residents suffer injuries from slips, falls, and car accidents caused by winter weather. Knowing the common causes of winter accidents and who may be legally responsible can help you protect yourself and your rights.
Common Causes of Winter Accidents
1. Black Ice
Black ice is nearly invisible and extremely slippery. Drivers often underestimate its danger, which can lead to collisions. Accidents can also occur when streets are not properly plowed or treated, or when drivers fail to adjust speed for icy conditions.
2. Snow-Covered Roads and Reduced Visibility
Heavy snow can cover lanes, traffic lines, and road signs, making it difficult to navigate safely. Snowbanks from plowing can also obstruct sightline, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike.
3. Icy Parking Lots and Driveways
Businesses, parking garages, and residential properties are required to maintain safe conditions. Un-shoveled, untreated ice in parking areas can result in vehicle collisions or property damage.
4. Driver Error and Unprepared Vehicles
Winter driving requires preparation. Bald tires, faulty brakes, and malfunctioning lights significantly increase the risk of accidents. Drivers who don't adjust their speed or driving habits for icy roads are more likely to cause or be involved in crashes..
Who's at Fault in Winter Car Accidents
Driver Responsibility
Illinois follows a comparative negligence system, meaning multiple parties can share fault. A driver who was speeding, following too closely, or driving recklessly on icy roads may be partially or fully responsible for an accident.
Municipal or Property Responsibility
In some cases, accidents may be partially caused by poor road maintenance, unplowed streets, or neglerted midnils that ere aides one orchides into unsafe areas, Libiry can extend to property
Shared Responsibility
Many winter accidents involve multiple contributing factors. Determining liability often requires evidence such as police reports, photos, witness statements, and expert analysis. A personal injury attorney can help investigate and assign responsibility fairly.
Protecting Yourself After a Winter Car Accident
Chicago Winter Car Accidents Can Be Serious
Winter conditions can make driving in Chicago dangerous. If you've been injured in a winter car accident, knowing your rights and who may be at fault is critical.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you investigate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Know Your Rights After a Devastating Truck Accident
Chicago's highways and city streets are packed with commercial trucks every day on 1-90, 1-94, 1-55, and throughout busy neighborhoods. While these trucks keep goods moving, they also pose serious dangers to everyday drivers. When a trucking collision happens, the injuries are often catastrophic, and trucking companies are quick to protect their bottom line instead of the people they've harmed.
Many victims assume the trucking company will do the right thing. Unfortunately, that's rarely how it works.
How Trucking Companies Avoid Responsibility After Crashes
Large trucking companies operate with one goal in mind: profit. After a collision, their legal teams and insurance carriers move fast to limit liability. They may argue the driver was an independent contractor, blame another vehicle, or claim the victim caused the crash. These are all tactics designed to reduce what they have to pay.
Unlike regular car accidents, trucking collisions often involve multiple responsible parties, including:
Trucking companies are required to follow strict federal safety regulations regarding driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and load limits. When they cut corners, exhausted drivers, poorly maintained trucks, and overloaded trailers put everyone on the road at risk.
In plain terms: trucking companies want the profits of operating massive fleets without taking responsibility when their negligence causes serious harm.
The Reality of Trucking Collisions: Severe Injuries and Life-Changing Consequences
Truck accidents are not "fender benders." A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When that kind of force collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often devastating.
Victims of trucking collisions frequently suffer:
Families are suddenly left facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, long-term care, and emotional trauma, all while trucking companies fight behind the scenes to minimize payouts.
Trucking Safety Violations Are More Common Than You Think
Many truck crashes are preventable. Common causes include:
When trucking companies ignore safety rules, they put every Chicago driver at risk. These violations don't just happen, they are choices made to save time and money.
What to Do After a Trucking Collision in Chicago
If you or a loved one is involved in a trucking accident, taking the right steps early can make a major difference:
LoVerde Law Will Hold Trucking Companies Accountable
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurers working to reduce their responsibility. Injured victims deserve someone fighting just as hard on their side.
At LoVerde Law, we represent Chicago residents injured in serious trucking collisions. We investigate safety violations, secure critical evidence, and hold negligent trucking companies accountable for the harm they cause. Our focus is making sure victims are not overwhelmed, ignored, or pressured into unfair settlements.
If you've been injured in a trucking collision or lost a loved one due to a truck crash, you don't have to face it alone. Contact LoVerde Law for a free, confidential consultation. We'll handle the legal battle so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life.
What Drivers, Pedestrians, and Cyclists Need to Know
When it comes to navigating Chicago traffic, certain intersections pose a significantly higher risk for crashes, injuries, and traffic congestion. As a Chicago resident or commuter, knowing where the most dangerous intersections in Chicago are located can help you stay alert and avoid serious accidents.
Below are the top 3 most dangerous intersections in Chicago, based on crash frequency, injury reports, and high-risk traffic patterns. If you travel through these areas, use extra caution and know what to do if you’re ever involved in a Chicago car accident.
1. Stony Island Avenue & South Chicago Avenue: South Shore
This intersection consistently ranks as one of Chicago’s highest-crash locations. With multiple lanes merging, heavy bus traffic, and fast-moving vehicles, this area sees frequent:
• Rear-end collisions
• T-bone crashes
• Pedestrian injuries
• Complex merging lanes
• Heavy CTA bus traffic
Local commuters report long wait times, confusing lane patterns, and sudden merging all factors that increase accident risks. Anyone traveling through South Shore should slow down and anticipate sudden stops.
2. Cicero Avenue & I-55 (Stevenson Expressway): Southwest Side
If you’ve ever driven near Cicero and the Stevenson, you know how chaotic it can get. This intersection is known for:
• High-speed traffic exiting and entering I-55
• Large commercial trucks
• Frequent congestion from airport traffic (Midway Airport is nearby)
Because of the heavy mix of trucks, commuters, and visitors unfamiliar with the area, this is one of the most dangerous intersections in Chicago for serious and high-impact crashes.
3. North Avenue, Damen Avenue & Milwaukee Avenue: Wicker Park “Six-Corners”
This iconic intersection is extremely busy for both cars and pedestrians. As one of the most popular areas in Wicker Park, it sees constant traffic from:
• Bicyclists
• Ride-share drivers
• Delivery trucks
• Weekend nightlife crowds
With so many users competing for space, it’s no surprise this intersection has a high rate of bike accidents, pedestrian accidents, and multi-vehicle collisions. The layout is complex, visibility can be limited, and impatient turns are common.
Why These Chicago Intersections Are So Dangerous
Across all three hotspots, key risk factors include:
• Heavy traffic volume
• Complex lane designs
• High pedestrian activity
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Frequent merging and turn conflicts
Being aware of these factors can help reduce the likelihood of an accident, especially during rush hour or on weekends.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Chicago Car Accident
If you’re ever involved in a crash at one of these intersections or anywhere in Chicago:
Many crashes at these intersections result in significant injuries, and having representation can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact LoVerde Law Today
Your recovery and peace of mind are our top priorities.f you’ve been injured in an accident, call LoVerde Law for a free consultation. Our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the Chicago personal injury attorneys are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
