Recent Blog Posts
How Do You Know Whether a Bicyclist is at Fault for an Accident with a Car?
Bicyclists and drivers share many of the same roads in Illinois, and when they crash, determining who is at fault for the accident can be complicated. While some people assume that the car’s driver is always responsible, that is not actually true. In some accidents, a bicyclist may share some or all of the blame. Understanding what factors courts and insurers will look at can help both bicyclists and drivers protect their rights after a bicycle and car crash.
With decades of experience, the Joliet, IL personal injury attorneys at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC have handled many bicycle accident cases. We have secured millions of dollars in verdicts for injured clients, in large part because we know how fault is assessed when bicyclists are involved. Call 815-730-1977 today.
Avoid These Costly Mistakes in Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Filing a claim for workers’ compensation is a complex, multi-step process. While these claims are intended to protect injured workers, it is all too easy to make mistakes that can end up damaging your claim. To efficiently navigate this process and avoid these common pitfalls, consider working with a DuPage County, IL workers’ compensation attorney.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have helped numerous clients recover compensation through workers’ compensation claims, with settlements in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. With our legal knowledge and decades of experience, we can effectively guide you through your claim to ensure that your rights are protected. Here are a few of the most common mistakes we see in workers’ compensation claims.
Waiting Too Long to Report a Workplace Injury
Workers’ compensation claims work on tight timelines. From the moment of the accident, you only have 45 days to report the accident to your employer. If the injury was caused by repetitive stress or exposure to harmful chemicals, you must report it within 45 days of becoming aware of your condition.
What Are The Most Dangerous Kinds of Auto Accidents?
Car accidents and other motor vehicle collisions have the potential to cause serious injury and thousands of dollars in damages. Certain factors can exacerbate the damage caused by a crash, and if you get into a particularly bad accident, you should seek legal representation. A Naperville, IL personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation after a dangerous auto accident, fighting for your right to a full payout.
As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC has the experience and resources to help you file an auto accident claim. We can help you navigate complicated insurance negotiations, protecting your best interests from beginning to end.
The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are at much greater risk on the road than any other motorist. Due to the limited protection a bike can offer, a crash frequently carries the possibility of major injuries or death to motorcyclists. This goes double for motorcyclists who do not wear protective equipment like helmets.
The Difference Between Workers’ Comp and Third-Party Claims
If you have been injured while on the job, you may have different ways to get compensation, usually through either workers’ compensation or a third-party claim. Though both involve getting payment for your injuries, these two claims are vastly different. However, they are not mutually exclusive – meaning, you may be able to use them both. To ensure that you are getting the most out of your injury claim, consider working with an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney who also understands personal injury claims.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have the resources and skills to help you investigate a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party claim. In our firm’s history, we have secured millions in successful verdicts for our clients – a testament to our highly effective strategies.
Do I Have to Prove Who Was at Fault in My Claim?
Fault and negligence are a major point of difference between workers’ compensation and third-party claims. Workers’ compensation functions more like a safety net for employees and you can file a claim regardless of who was at fault, including yourself (although you could be denied workers’ comp if an investigation reveals that you were drunk or high at the time of the injury). On the other hand, third-party claims require you to accuse somebody else of wrongdoing.
How Much Is My Joliet Auto Accident Worth?
How Much Is My Joliet Auto Accident Worth?
Introduction: Understanding Auto Accidents in Joliet
Auto accidents are unfortunately common in Joliet and can have a significant impact on victims and their families. Understanding the potential value of your auto accident claim is crucial for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. This article delves into the factors influencing your accident's value, providing a comprehensive analysis supported by authoritative data and insights.
Factors That Affect Auto Accident Claim Value
The value of an auto accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, extent of property damage, and the clarity of fault. Each of these elements can significantly influence the settlement amount.
| Factor | Impact on Claim |
Steps to Take After a Joliet Car Accident: A Comprehensive Guide
Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, often leaving those involved feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. In the bustling city of Joliet, Illinois, where traffic volumes are high, understanding the appropriate steps to take after an accident is crucial. By following these steps, you can ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and facilitate a smoother recovery process.
Introduction: Significance of Car Accident Protocols in Joliet
Joliet, known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location as a transportation hub, witnesses a significant amount of vehicular traffic daily. This traffic, while essential for commerce and daily commuting, increases the likelihood of car accidents. Understanding the necessary steps to take following an accident is vital, not only for legal compliance but also for personal safety and financial protection.
1. Immediate Safety Measures
The first and foremost priority following a car accident is ensuring safety. Move to a safe location if possible, and turn on your vehicle's hazard lights. If the accident is minor and vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic, as per the Illinois State Police recommendations.
Why Are Multiple-Vehicle Accident Claims Complicated?
Multiple-vehicle crashes often lead to confusion, serious injuries, and extensive property damage. When more than two vehicles are involved, it becomes harder to determine how the collision happened and who is to blame. While the driver who caused the initial crash in the series is often at fault for all others in the chain reaction, that is not always the case.
These claims can be extremely complex. If you do not know how to handle complications correctly, your compensation could be reduced or eliminated. Fortunately, you do not have to face the challenges alone when you have our knowledgeable Joliet, IL personal injury attorneys on your side.
What Can Cause Chain-Reaction Crashes?
Many pileups start with a single act of negligence. A driver might be speeding, following too closely, or texting while driving. Poor weather conditions, like heavy rain, fog, or snow, can make it difficult for drivers to see or stop in time to keep from hitting another car. When one car suddenly brakes or crashes, the vehicles behind it may not be able to avoid colliding with it.
Can I Get Permanent Workers' Comp Benefits?
If your work-related injury leaves you unable to return to your previous job or to any kind of meaningful employment, you may be eligible for permanent workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois. These benefits are not automatic and depend on the nature of your injury, your recovery, and how your medical condition affects your ability to work.
As of June 2025, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act continues to provide several categories of permanent benefits, each with its own requirements. To find out more about how our team of Will County, IL workers’ compensation lawyers can help you maximize your benefits, call 815-730-1977.
What Is the Legal Process for a Truck Accident Case in Illinois?
Seeking compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and damaged property is permitted under the at-fault auto accident system in Illinois. While filing a claim is relatively straightforward in some cases, truck accidents present unique considerations that complicate the process. Consider some basic elements of filing a truck accident claim, such as the evidence you need and who will be liable for damages. Then, contact a Kendall County, IL truck accident attorney to learn more about how the laws apply to your case.
What Evidence Is Needed for a Truck Accident Claim in Illinois?
When you file a claim seeking compensation for your losses after a truck accident, you are responsible for providing evidence to prove negligence and damages. Examples of evidence commonly used in truck accident cases include:
What Happens in a Workers' Comp Arbitration Proceeding?
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, delayed, or disputed, you may find yourself scheduled for an arbitration hearing. This can be an intimidating step, especially if you are dealing with pain, financial stress, and uncertainty about your future. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, our diverse legal team of Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers has extensive experience representing injured workers in the face of intimidating employer or insurer attempts to deny claims. We offer free consultations and are committed to helping clients resolve their claims fairly and efficiently — including through arbitration when necessary.
What Is Arbitration in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
In Illinois, arbitration is a formal legal proceeding before an arbitrator. An arbitrator is an attorney appointed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). The arbitrator listens to both sides of the dispute and issues a decision based on the evidence and testimony presented.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
