Our brains are a complex system of neurons and synapses that enable thoughts, decisions, memories, perceptions, speech, movement, and automatic behaviors like breathing, heart rate, and sleep. That is a busy organ. Ironically, only 0.25 inches of skull bone is designed to protect the brain. When that skull is subjected to blunt force or some sort of penetrating object, the result can be a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A brain injury affects behavior in many ways that can be temporary or long-lasting.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes a TBI as “a brain injury that is caused by an outside force. TBI can be caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body or from an object entering the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in TBI. Some types of TBI can cause temporary or short-term problems with brain function, including problems with how a person thinks, understands, moves, communicates, and acts. More serious TBI can lead to severe and permanent disability, and even death.”

The Illinois Secretary of State created hundreds of traffic codes to keep everyone on the road safe. These codes provide a helpful manual for drivers on how to navigate the roads, streets, and highways without being cited for a traffic violation. The codes also help prevent common sideswipe accident scenarios.

Here is what the traffic codes say about lane changes: “A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.”

When you cross over the lane, you run the risk of getting involved in a sideswipe accident. However, not all sideswipe collisions are the same. The following are some of the most common types of sideswipe accidents.

Our bodies have a unique ability to fight off infections. It might not seem like it when you catch a cold or flu, but the body is hard at work getting those germs pushed out. Unfortunately, the same immune system can sometimes overreact to an infection and will have the reverse effect. When that happens, sepsis can occur. That is a condition that, unless treated early, can lead to significant health issues and possibly fatality. For many families, a concern is if sepsis is considered nursing home neglect.

You want to score as many points as possible in baseball, basketball, and football. When it comes to your driver’s license, the last thing you want are points. Those points are issued with a traffic citation. The Illinois Secretary of State has determined the amount of points for each infraction. You can have your license suspended with as little as 15 points. That is equal to driving 11 miles above the speed limit.

Citations are also issued after a traffic accident. Can you get a ticket for an accident that wasn’t your fault? You can, but that doesn’t automatically mean you lose your right to contest the ticket or receive compensation for your losses. It all depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident.

Getting into a car accident can be emotionally jarring. There is also a physiological effect of the accident when your brain releases a jolt of adrenaline, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That hormone is tied to our “fight or flight” impulses. That adrenaline could mask the pain associated with an injury. In other words, you might not feel that you’re hurt until much later when things calm down. It is important to know what the symptoms of a delayed injury after a crash are.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) found that in 2022, 20% of all crashes involving motor vehicles resulted in an injury. That translates into 59,795 people who might have suffered delayed symptoms. Even if you don’t feel any pain after a serious accident, you should still seek medical attention to make sure you haven’t been injured. The following are some of the delayed symptoms you should be on the lookout for after a crash.

To stop on a dime is to come to a stop in a very short distance. Every driver makes several stopping choices with every trip. They bring their vehicle to a halt at a traffic light, an intersection stop sign, and their final destination. The sudden or “surprise” stops can lead to accidents. To prevent that, you want to practice a safe distance between cars while driving.

Why does maintaining a safe distance between cars matter? According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) there were 298,347 motor vehicle collisions in 2022. Maintaining a proper safe distance could have had an impact on bringing down those collision numbers.

Below, we discuss what is a safe distance between cars while driving and highlight different techniques for adequately pacing oneself.

The first lawyers were referred to as orators. They were the “friends” of people who found themselves in trouble with the law and would speak up on their behalf. These orators were forbidden to take any money for their support. That all changed when Emperor Claudius made advocacy legal and allowed those advocates to get paid.

Since then, lawyers have been charging their clients fees that are based on that lawyer’s skills and experience. How much does it cost to talk to a lawyer? It depends on the lawyer you’re talking to and the type of case.

Prince Law Firm is proud to announce that its founding partner, Mark D. Prince, will serve on the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board (WCAB). This prestigious honor marks a substantial milestone in his career. Recently, Governor JB Pritzker bestowed the designation, which showcases Mark D. Prince’s commitment and experience in personal injury law.

Swimming pools, playground equipment, and construction projects can attract children. They may see these spaces as places for fun. However, many of them don’t recognize the apparent risk of these spots.

For that reason, property owners are required to secure these “attractive nuisances” to prevent injuries to children.

Premises liability is a serious issue. And even if a child trespasses on a person’s property, the owner could be liable for any injuries and damages.

After a fall, you might feel a little embarrassed by the incident. Most of the time, these accidents occur in public places. Even without any injuries, should you rush to the hospital after a fall?

At the Prince Law Firm, we always recommend getting checked out after any accident, especially a slip and fall, is always recommended. You might not feel pain right away, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t have a serious injury.

If you’re still not convinced, here are a few telltale signs of when to go to a hospital after a fall.