Uninsured motorists are more common than you think. According to a 2016 study, 13.7% of Illinois drivers, or about 1 in 8, were uninsured, ranking the state 18th for most uninsured motorists. Not only are uninsured motorists a threat to you, they are also a threat to themselves. Being involved in an accident without insurance is a huge cost for both parties. Not to mention, it is illegal to drive uninsured. Having uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your insurance policy is necessary to ensure your physical and financial safety on the road.…Read More
Today, virtually everybody has an online presence. From Facebook, to Twitter, to Snapchat, social media has become a core part of our lives. People can use these platforms to document every second of their life, from who they’re with, to where they are, to what they’re eating. While sometimes it can be refreshing to post exactly what we’re thinking online, it is important to keep in mind that some things should stay off the internet. If you are currently involved in an ongoing legal battle of any kind, from personal…Read More
Office workers are exposed to more hazards than one might think. Workplace hazards come in many forms including slip-and-fall accidents, ergonomic hazards, poor indoor air quality, electrical fires, as well as many other dangers. It was reported in 2016 that on average, about 78 people lose their lives each year from occupational injuries or illnesses. It was also reported that thousands more become so severely injured on the job that they require ongoing medical treatment and lose the ability to work. It is important to become aware of workplace hazards…Read More
A deposition is a pre-trial oral testimony. Although it is pre-trial, it is still taken under oath and the testimony can be used in court. If you are currently involved in a legal battle, it is important to understand that the deposition can be vital in reaching a verdict and should be taken very seriously. Deposition can prove very useful to the opposing counsel, so being prepared for your testimony and knowing what to expect is very important. Always tell the truth. Since this testimony is still being given under…Read More
As a resident of Illinois or the surrounding areas, it is important to be aware of what legal changes have been made this year. 1. Insurers must cover MRI for some women. Under this new law, when risk factors for cancer are shown in mammogram results, an MRI of the affected area must be covered as a follow-up by insurance. 2. Changing gender on birth certificates is allowed. As long as an individual is in the care of a primary physician, transgender and intersex individuals will be allowed to change the gender…Read More
If you have been recently involved in a car accident, slip and fall (premises liability), or other type of personal injury, it is important to take these necessary steps to ensure you can get the most out of your settlement. Sharks At Law can ensure you maximize your settlement amount by following these steps: 1. Have a settlement amount in mind. By putting together your demand letter, you have figured out a range of what you believe your settlement is worth. Before doing anything else, decide what is the minimum…Read More
Even though there are mandatory automobile insurance requirements in Illinois, many drivers are uninsured or underinsured for the damages and injuries caused in an accident. Most people think that you cannot recover damages if an uninsured motorist hits you. However, when an accident occurs, you may have a claim for underinsured motorist benefits. The thing to remember is this: always call a lawyer to review your options. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you when you are hit by an uninsured driver. Generally, the policy will pay damages to the policyholder for…Read More
1. Get Info – After a crash, you are almost guaranteed to be in some level of shock. Your brain will have a hard time processing what just happened to you. You will feel surprised, scared, and possibly injured. Nonetheless, it is important to get all the information surrounding the accident. If possible, make sure you find out: a. The name, address and phone number of the other drivers and passengers in the accident; b. The police department that responded to your accident and the Traffic Crash Report number; c.…Read More
The Sharks get lots of calls from clients asking about small cases. These are usually cases involving minor property damage or other small disputes between individuals and small businesses. In Cook County, small claims cases are for cases involving less than $10,000.00. Slightly different rules apply to small claims cases, so would be wise to check out the rules for small claims cases here. The rules in small claims cases make the process (usually) faster than a regular case. Like most firms, we simply don’t take small-claims cases. We get…Read More
This morning, a CTA blue line train derailed at the O’Hare Airport Terminus. At least 30 people were injured when the train jumped the tracks and climbed most of the way up the escalator leading to the airport. The cause of the accident is still unknown. If you have been injured in a train accident, you need to know your rights and you should talk to an attorney as soon as reasonably possible.Read More
