Author: The Law Office of Daniel E. Goodman

There’s a lot to do and see in summertime in Chicago, including taking advantage of the incredible Lake Michigan. Boating in the summertime is a great way to relax with friends and family and unwind after a long work week. But our injury attorneys in Illinois realize just how dangerous boats can be if they aren’t used properly. If you own a boat or if you spend time on boats, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Watch Your Speed

Even if you’re on a speedboat and you’re pulling a tuber or skier behind you, it’s important to watch your speed. Keep in mind that it may not feel like a fast speed while you’re in the boat but being pulled behind the boat is a different story. This is especially true if there is a lot of surrounding boat traffic, as the water will likely be even choppier than usual.

Wear a Lifejacket

This may seem like common sense, but the majority of people who drown were not wearing a lifejacket. There needs to be at least one life jacket per person on the boat. Wear them at all times. In the event that there is an accident are you are rendered unconscious or injured and unable to swim or stay afloat, a life jacket will prevent drowning.

Avoid Alcohol

Save the alcohol for dry land. Studies show that sun and wind exacerbate the effects of alcohol even further, making it even more dangerous to drink while boating. Even if you aren’t driving, swimming while under the influence is extremely dangerous.

Take a Boating Course

If you plan on being around boats a lot, it’s worth taking the time to educate yourself properly via a boating course. This will prepare you for any given situation and give you the confidence to navigate the water. Whether you are driving or a passenger, knowledge will help keep you and your passengers safe.

Our injury attorneys in Illinois don’t want you to be another statistic! Always practice safe boating habits so your time on the water can be fun as well as safe.

If you have been injured while boating, tubing or swimming, call our attorneys to have your questions answered.

You’ve heard of personal injury lawyers in Illinois, but do you fully understand exactly what they do? The Law Office of Daniel E Goodman, LLC takes pride in helping clients receive the compensation they deserve after being injured. Here’s how the process works.

Explaining Your Rights

First and foremost, we will analyze your specific situation and explain how certain legal restrictions may impact your case. Our personal injury lawyers in Illinois are knowledgeable and always strive to ensure that you are informed throughout the process.

Investigating Claims

We will investigate your claim and determine who is at fault. When you have recovered from your injuries, we will gather your medical records and bills, your lost wages and determine the value of your case and present that to the insurance company. If the insurance company does not offer a settlement that is fair and reasonable, we will file suit and continue to pursue your case in court.

Will You Go to Court?

You may or may not step foot in the courtroom depending on how your case evolves. Many of our clients are surprised to find out that settling usually happens before suit is ever filed and even once the suit is filed, many cases can be settled prior to reaching trial. Rest assured though, if the offer is not fair or reasonable, our staff of experienced attorneys will litigate your case to resolution.

If you have more questions about the process, don’t hesitate to call us today. We take pride in our success and want to help you through this difficult time.

As of March 20th, spring is in full effect! In response to the long-awaited warm weather, many people will likely ditch their cars for bikes during their daily commute. As personal injury lawyers in Illinois, we want to make sure you’re educated about bike safety before you trade in four wheels for two.

Wear a Helmet

This goes without saying, but there are always people riding bikes without a helmet. Nearly three-fourths of bicycle accident fatalities involve a head injury, and 97 percent of bicyclists who died were not wearing a helmet. These are staggering numbers that should encourage you to always wear a helmet while riding your bike.

Yield to Traffic Laws

Many bicyclists assume they have the right-of-way on the road, failing to yield to stop signs and red lights. Your bike is your vehicle and you’re the driver, so make sure you obey traffic signs and make turn signals with your hands when necessary.

Check Your Equipment

Before hitting the road, make sure your wheels have enough air and all of your parts are where they should be. If you think something is off, bring your bike into a bike shop to have it checked out.

Avoid Biking at Night

It’s much more difficult for cars to see you at night. If this is unavoidable, make sure you’re wearing reflective clothing and that your bike and your clothes have reflectors.

Our personal injury lawyers in Illinois want this bike-riding season to be the safest yet! If you have questions about bike safety or have recently been injured in an accident, we want to hear about your case. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Goodman today for more information.

As a firm of attorneys who have represented clients in Chicago, we are all too familiar the devastating effects car accidents can have on peoples’ lives. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2017 alone, there were 1,077 fatalities from car crashes. Globally, there are about 1.3 million people who die in auto accidents annually, which averages out to 3,287 deaths a day. Take the proper steps to drive carefully to ensure you aren’t another statistic.

Seatbelts Are Crucial

Of the 1,077 fatalities in Illinois in 2017, only 316 of those people were wearing seatbelts. If you don’t regularly wear a seatbelt, even when traveling shorter distances, you put yourself at risk for injury and even death. Approximately 20-50 million people around the world are either injured or disabled from auto accidents every year.

Younger Demographic is At Risk

Did you know that more than half of all deaths from auto accidents occur to those ages 15-44? Auto accidents are the leading cause of death for people ages 15-29 as well as the second leading cause of death globally for those ages 5-14. If you are a young driver or you know someone who is, encourage them to keep distractions while driving to a minimum. Music shouldn’t be too loud; cell phones should be put away and everyone in the car should wear a seatbelt at all times.

Contact the Law Offices of Daniel E Goodman Today

If you or a loved one is in need of an injury attorney in Chicago due to an automobile accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We are available to answer your questions and represent you or your loved ones.

Our injury lawyers in Cook County have represented numerous clients who have been injured in motorcycle accidents in the Chicagoland area. Motorcycles only account for 3 percent of the vehicles on the road, yet they account for 15 percent of accidents annually. We wanted to round up some safe motorcycle habits that serve as good reminders when you’re on the road.

Gear Up

Regardless of the time of year, motorcycle drivers should always be dressed properly. Protection starts with a helmet with a face mask and ends with sturdy, steel-toed boots. Consider full body riding attire, exposing as little skin as possible in case you get in an accident. This will help to avoid road rash. Protective gear can make all the difference in injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents and can save your life.

Drive Defensively

Extra caution should be exercised at all times is a must if you’re a motorcycle driver. Avoid distractions, check mirrors often, always keep both hands on the handlebars and give yourself plenty of time to brake.

Prep Your Bike

Before riding, it’s important to double-check that your bike is ready as well. Check your tire pressure, brake fluid, brake lights, signals, oil and horn function. If anything seems out of place, revert to a different form of transportation.

Accidents involving motorcycles result in serious or fatal injuries 80 percent of the time. You don’t want to be part of that statistic. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, our injury lawyers in Cook County want to make sure you get the help you deserve. Call the law office of Daniel E. Goodman today.