Do You Need a Front License Plate in Illinois?
Before getting a driver’s license in Illinois, every prospective driver needs to study the Illinois rules of the road manual and pass a written and driving test. Once they get their license, they must adhere to additional laws and regulations, beginning with maintaining up-to-date vehicle registration and license plates. Do you need a front license […]
What’s a Crumple Zone?
Crumple zones are useful safety features on vehicles. Without crumple zones, more traffic fatalities and injuries would occur. We look at what crumple zones are, how they work, and why they are useful in car accidents. What Are Crumple Zones? Crumple zones are also known as crush zones. These zones are structural features for vehicle […]
Why Would Airbags Not Deploy?
Airbags are an essential part of vehicle safety. They protect passengers during collisions. Airbags are effective, but experience wear and tear. When airbags experience wear and tear, they fail to deploy. Other reasons occur for airbags not deploying. We look at reasons why airbags do not work. What are Airbags? Airbags, according to Illinois law, […]
Illinois Window Tint Laws
In Illinois, the tint on vehicle windows is subject to government regulation. These regulations are necessary for driver safety. We look at why vehicles need tinted window regulations in Illinois. What are Vehicle Tinted Windows? A window film or tint, is a thin laminate film usually made from thermoplastic polymer resin installed on vehicle interior […]
Car Accidents Caused by Brake Checking in Illinois
Brake checking in Illinois is illegal and can cause serious car accidents. Let’s look at what brake checking is and why it is dangerous. What is Brake Checking? Brake checking is when the driver in front of your vehicle suddenly and intentionally slams on the brakes to cause you to brake hard or swerve around […]
Is it Worth Suing an Uninsured Driver?
The Illinois Secretary of State oversees enforcement of the mandatory auto insurance laws. Coverage for every car that is in use is verified twice a year. If a car owner is found not to have insurance, they can be fined up to $500. Despite those checks, there are still plenty of car owners who, for […]
How Soon After an Accident Should You Notify Your Insurer?
After an accident, your top priority is to get medical help. When that’s done, what’s the next step? If you are ready to start the claims process, you must notify your insurer. But how soon after an accident should you notify your insurer? You don’t want to wait to initiate a claim in most situations. […]
How to Obtain a Car Accident Report in Illinois
When you’ve been involved in a car accident in Chicago or anywhere in the Prairie State, you may have spoken with law enforcement at the scene of your collision. In most circumstances, you will receive a motorist report from an officer. That motorist report briefly states the nature and circumstances of the accident, such as […]
Can You Change Lanes in an Intersection in Chicago?
All drivers should be aware of general safe driving rules, including how to merge or change lanes safely, whether on city streets or major highways. Chicago intersections are often quite busy, with vehicles crossing or making turns, plus the added dangers of pedestrians in crosswalks, so you may think that changing lanes in an intersection […]
Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Chicago
When listing the most common car accident injuries in Chicago, it’s good to keep in mind that no two collisions are the same. Vehicle wrecks result in a wide range of injuries. While some are minor, having little impact on the victim’s day-to-day, others are catastrophic, impacting every aspect of the survivor’s life. What are […]
How To Find Out If Someone Has Car Insurance
If you were involved in a traffic accident in Chicago, you’ll need to know how to find out if someone has car insurance. Illinois drivers are legally required to carry liability auto insurance that meets the minimum state requirements. This is to make sure injured drivers have a means of recovering their losses from the […]
How To File a Car Accident Claim With Farmers Insurance
Of all the different auto insurance companies motorists have coverage with, Farmers Insurance is up there on the list as one of the more popular insurers Chicago area residents select. Why do motorists purchase this coverage? For one, having insurance is mandatory per Illinois law. Second, they do so because it helps them cover their […]
What Injuries Commonly Cause Death in Car Accidents?
Car accidents have the potential to cause serious, lasting injuries to drivers and passengers alike. Unfortunately, we know that not every accident victim will survive a crash. Many serious injuries commonly cause death in car accidents, leaving surviving family members to deal with the emotional and financial losses. Whether driving on the Dan Ryan Expressway […]
What To Do if You Have Back Pain After a Car Accident
Even a seemingly minor car accident has the potential to cause severe, catastrophic, and life-altering injuries. Knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a collision can be difficult, though, especially if you’re in pain and feeling scared. At Thomas Law Offices, it is our goal to arm our clients with the knowledge […]
What Is an Example of a Minor Accident?
Becoming involved in a motor vehicle crash in Chicago is never ideal. Matters are made far worse when a motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian gets hurt in the collision, though. While many people assume that a car accident is relatively minor if it only results in dents or dings or other cosmetic damage, that’s not always […]