Featured Posts
An insurance claim is a request for benefits or compensation for damages that result from a motor vehicle accident. The claim is typically made with the insurance company representing the driver who is at fault.  Both drivers will need to report the accident to their insurance companies, however, in accordance to the requirements of their individual policies. Many car insurance claims are made each day around the nation, and the process has become relatively standardized. That doesn’t mean the insurance company won’t push back if they believe they shouldn’t recognize their liability, but the process will be similar to most other accidents of the same type.
Chicago car accident attorneys are likely going to attempt to reach a settlement with the insurance company before going to court. The majority of car accident lawsuits are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, or if they have decided to argue fault for the accident, you could find yourself going to court.  
Insurance companies try to minimize accident claims as a basic business practice. Reputable insurance companies do need to ensure that they are following the laws, however. There are several common reasons why an insurance company will deny a claim in good faith.
If you were injured in a trucking accident in Chicago, Berwyn, Oak Lawn, Cicero, or a nearby community, call the injury attorneys at Lloyd Miller Law for a free consultation.

Older Pedestrians Need Our Care

Posted By:
senior woman using a walker to cross street

41 million Americans are 65 or older. They are enjoying active and healthier lifestyles achieved often through the simple act of walking. Walking increases bone and muscle strength, mobility, agility, and independence. It helps to prevent, delay and control chronic illness and fosters social interactions and better quality of life.

However, walking, for all its benefits, presents a risk to older pedestrians that could be preventable.

The December issue of the AARP Bulletin noted that people 65 and older make up 13 percent of the population but account for a disproportionate share of pedestrian deaths. This population also sustains more severe injuries than other demographics when hit by a car or bicycle.

Many factors increase the risk for older pedestrians. They may not see or hear as well, think as clearly or move as fast as they once did. Some may fail to make appropriate accommodations for these declines.

Reckless drivers and cyclists may be equally culpable in the rising incidence of older pedestrian injuries. Drivers and cyclists may be dismissive of the capabilities of older pedestrians by trying to turn around a slow pedestrian in a crosswalk or speeding around corners where older pedestrians are attempting to cross.

Until recently, most communities were built for easy vehicular access, not pedestrian safety. Wide two-way streets, often with multiple lanes can make it impossible for an older person to cross in one light.

Drivers and cyclists alike need to be aware of the special considerations of older pedestrian. Aggressive movement cannot be accommodated by older pedestrians and it is the duty of the driver or cyclist to make appropriate adjustments.

Older pedestrians can protect themselves by:

1) Wearing reflective and light clothing
2) Be aware of cyclists as a danger-older pedestrians often don’t look for cyclists
3) Heed the traffic light count-down
4) Enlist the help of other pedestrians to assure safe passage
5) Time your walk across frequently used streets and refrain from stepping off the curb unless there’s enough time left to reach the other side safely
6) I can’t recommend this strategy but many of our older clients state that they prefer to cross in the middle of a block where they can see traffic from both directions and do not need to worry about turning cars.

Walking is a basic need and right of life. Let’s try to make walking safe and enjoyable for older pedestrians.

About the Author

Kurt D. Lloyd is a plaintiff’s trial lawyer who focuses on medical malpractice and other catastrophic injury cases. He lives in Chicago and represents injured clients throughout Illinois. He is also the founder of Lloyd Law Group, Ltd.

Chicago accident lawyer Kurt D. Lloyd