Recent Blog Posts
Why Do More Car Accidents Happen During the Summer?
Car crashes can happen at any time of the year. However, accidents are usually more numerous in June, July, and August. From summer vacations and road construction projects to an increased number of distracted and drunk drivers and more teens on the roads, there is a higher risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities during the summer.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. However, collecting as much as you deserve can be challenging. Our skilled DuPage County, IL car accident lawyers know how to overcome those challenges and will fight to maximize your compensation.
What Factors Contribute to the Increased Number of Summertime Car Accidents?
Understanding the reasons why summertime can be more dangerous on the roads is important. Some accidents have a single cause, but many collisions happen for multiple reasons.
Can I Date Before My Divorce Is Official in Illinois?
Going through a divorce is never easy. After dealing with immense emotional turmoil, many people are ready to move on from this draining situation. As emotions settle and routines change, many people find themselves wondering if it is too soon to step back into the dating world.
The desire to move on is natural—but is it wise, or even legally permitted, to start dating before your divorce is finalized? Your actions during this time can have unintended consequences on your case, so it is essential to work with a Bloomingdale divorce attorney who can help you navigate this sensitive transition.
Is Dating During Divorce Legal in Illinois?
Illinois follows a no-fault approach to divorce. This means neither spouse needs to show that the other did something to end the marriage. Therefore, starting a new romantic relationship before your divorce is finalized is not considered illegal. Even though the law does not prohibit dating, it can influence various aspects of your divorce in ways you might not expect.
Thousands of Venezuelans Face Deportation as TPS Program Ends
Venezuelans in Chicago under the TPS program now face deportation after the Supreme Court upheld the revocation of the TPS program by the administration. This could potentially affect hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who have been living in the United States for years under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
This status allows immigrants to live and work in the U.S. with no threat of deportation, although it does not provide a pathway to citizenship or permanent residency. A lower court blocked Homeland Security’s attempt to terminate the TPS program for Venezuelans in February, but the Supreme Court lifted the lower court’s injunction.
The vice president for immigrant justice at the Resurrection Project states that the agency has assisted over 9,000 Venezuelan immigrants in applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and asylum status. Unfortunately, the conditions in Venezuela have not improved significantly since these individuals came to the United States. Chicago officials estimate that their city has welcomed more than 51,000 migrants from the southern border since August of 2022 and that about 30,000 are from Venezuela.
The Hidden Dangers of Overnight Trucking
When most people are asleep, thousands of commercial trucks are barreling down dark highways, carrying freight across the nation. While night trucking keeps store shelves stocked and deliveries on schedule, it also has many risks hidden in plain sight. Dim lighting, long periods of isolation, and the body’s natural urge to sleep create a perfect storm for danger.
Fatigue-related deaths and catastrophic crashes are all too common when drivers push past their limits. If you have been hurt in a collision because a truck driver ignored safety laws or drove while severely tired, a DuPage County truck accident lawyer can help you seek justice for your injuries.
Why Is Night Trucking So Dangerous?
Driving through the night puts extra strain on truck drivers. The body’s natural sleep cycle, known as the circadian rhythm, makes it harder to stay alert during overnight hours. Even experienced drivers can struggle to focus, have delayed reaction times, and make poor decisions when they push through fatigue.
Despite DOJ Lawsuit, Employers Must Comply with E-Verify Law
The U.S. Department of Justice recently filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois, claiming that a state law interferes with federal immigration authority. Illinois state law requires E-Verify employers to provide employees with advance notice of Form I-9 inspections and other obligations that federal law does not require. Since a similar California law was recently upheld, the employee notice requirements in Illinois could potentially survive the DOJ challenge.
The Department of Justice alleges in its lawsuit (United States v. State of Illinois, 1:25-cv-0481) that SB 508 in Illinois – the new E-Verify amendment – encroaches on the authority of the federal government by adding state rules to the process of employment verification. SB 508 amended Illinois’ Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act, taking effect on January 1, 2025. At the same time, it imposed additional obligations on employers who are enrolled in E-Verify.
Can an Illinois Divorce Case Be Reopened Years Later?
A divorce decree is typically the final chapter in a difficult story. But what happens when a major twist comes years later? Maybe a hidden asset surfaces, or a former spouse fails to follow through on the agreement. In Illinois, divorce judgments are designed to bring closure, but they are not always set in stone. Under certain legal conditions, the court can revisit and even reopen a divorce case long after it has been finalized. If you are dealing with unexpected complications after your divorce, a Naperville family law attorney can help you explore your options based on your circumstances.
What Legal Grounds Allow a Divorce Case to Be Reopened?
Illinois law does not easily allow divorce cases to be reopened, but exceptions exist. The court may revisit a case when compelling reasons exist, such as fraud, mistake, or newly discovered evidence.
Understanding the Expedited Removal of Immigrants in Illinois
A Lyons, IL family is feeling the effects of the new administration’s immigration changes. Five days in, on January 26, armed federal agents detained a 47-year-old undocumented Mexican immigrant who has lived in the United States for almost 30 years. The man has no criminal record, only a removal order from 2004 after he visited his father in Mexico and returned to his home and life in the U.S. without applying for asylum or citizenship.
The man’s attorney calls this a "collateral arrest" since ICE was not specifically looking for him but rather encountered him during an immigration raid. The man’s son, who witnessed agents detaining his father that day in January, says his family has not been the same since. Not only was the man the primary financial provider for his family, but he also left behind a wife battling breast cancer.
How Does Bad Weather Affect Accident Liability?
When Illinois weather takes a turn for the worse, the roads can quickly become dangerous. Snow, ice, rain, and fog often lead to serious car accidents that can leave both drivers and passengers with severe injuries.
If you have been in an accident caused by inclement weather, you are likely to have several questions. Does the weather play a role in determining who is at fault? Can a driver be held responsible for an accident if they were navigating through adverse conditions?
To understand how bad weather affects car crash claims, a Lombard motor vehicle accident lawyer can help you navigate the nuances of these cases so that you can secure fair compensation.
What Weather Accidents Are Common in Illinois?
Throughout the year, Illinois drivers face a variety of weather hazards that increase crash risks. Snow-related crashes are common during the winter months. Even when roads are salted, icy patches can catch drivers off guard.
Can I Deny Visitation if My Ex Has a New Girlfriend?
Breakups are rarely easy, especially when children are involved. If your ex has started seeing someone new, whether you and your ex were previously married or not, you might be worried about who your child is spending time with during visitation (known as "parenting time" in Illinois).
Such worries are normal and understandable. However, unless there is a serious risk to your child’s safety, Illinois law does not allow a parent to deny court-ordered visitation simply because of a new relationship. Contact our DuPage County, IL child custody lawyers to learn more.
What Rights Does Your Ex Have to Visitation?
Parenting time with children is a parent’s legal right, protected by Illinois law. Once a custody order is entered by the court, both parents are expected to follow it. If your ex is granted parenting time, they generally have the right to decide who is around the child during their time — including a new partner.
ICE Reverses Termination of Legal Status for Some Students
A little over a week ago, Illinois residents woke to headlines that said, "Waves of Illinois’ International University Students Lose Their Visas." Like many immigration issues in these uncertain times, nothing is absolute. Yesterday’s headlines stated, "ICE Reversing Termination of Legal Status of International Students." The University of Illinois ranks sixth nationally in the size of its international student body, at more than 15,000. Statewide, Illinois is home to more than 55,000 international students.
Over the past few weeks, international students across the United States have experienced abrupt visa cancellations after federal officials claimed they "broke the rules." Despite those claims, the reasons for the revocations are rarely clear. According to the Secretary of State, student visas are being revoked because international students are engaging in "Activist movements that are disruptive…" On April 9th, the federal government stated it would begin monitoring the social media pages of international students.