The Summary Law Firm – 2026/05/19 06:24:31 The Summary Law Firm 2026-05-12T09:42:37Z https://www.summarylawfirm.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1104829/2023/05/favicon-dcdda9af-3.png On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[3 examples of distracted driving]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256403 2026-05-06T09:43:14Z 2026-05-12T09:42:37Z Distracted driving leads to car accidents every day. Distractions can be physical, visual or even cognitive. It is important for drivers in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois to understand what types of distractions they may face. This allows them to avoid them and drive safely, protecting themselves and everyone else on the road.

Texting and driving

First and foremost, cellphone distractions are incredibly common. This includes texting and driving, but it can also include other activities like streaming music, typing a destination into a GPS app or taking pictures or videos. Even just talking on the phone is a distraction.

Eating and drinking

Additionally, drivers should refrain from eating or drinking while they drive. It is very common for a driver to stop and buy a cup of coffee during their morning commute, and people will also sometimes pick up dinner to eat on the way home. But both of these activities take their attention away from the road.

Getting lost in thought

Finally, daydreaming is a very common driving distraction, as many drivers get lost in thought when their mind wanders. This could happen if they are feeling bored or have been driving for a long time. Part of the problem is that many drivers do not even realize that they are daydreaming until after they have already caused a car accident.

Seeking financial compensation

Even if you avoid these common distractions, you could be injured by another driver. Be sure you know what legal options you have to seek financial compensation for medical bills and other damages. If you have any questions after an accident in Illinois or St. Louis, please contact The Summary Law Firm for answers and guidance.]]> On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[What are the long-term costs of a spinal cord injury?]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256400 2026-04-21T14:57:50Z 2026-04-27T14:57:10Z Spinal cord injuries come with significant immediate costs. In some cases, according to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, these costs could exceed $1 million just in the first year. If you suffer a spinal cord injury in a car accident, for example, the medical care and rehabilitative services you need over the next 12 months can be incredibly costly, and it is important to know how to seek compensation. But at the same time, remember that a spinal cord injury is often permanent. It will bring numerous long-term costs. When you seek compensation, you need to include these long-term damages to ensure that the compensation package fully covers all of the costs stemming from your injury.

The impact of age

For this reason, your age when you suffer the spinal cord injury can play a major role in the financial costs that you are facing. For instance, the estimated lifetime cost of high tetraplegia for someone who is 50 years old is $2.5M. The estimated lifetime cost for someone with the exact same injury who is 25 years old is significantly higher, at $4.7M. The type of injury you suffer also makes a difference, often depending on the level of that injury on the spinal cord. The annual cost of high tetraplegia, for example, is $184,891, while the cost for low tetraplegia is $113,423 and the annual cost of paraplegia is $68,739.

Seeking full compensation

These are just estimates, so every unique case will have its own specific costs and damages. It is important to look at the big picture, and it can help to work with an experienced attorney to seek the full compensation that you deserve. If you’ve been injured in Illinois or St. Louis, Missouri, call today to set up a consultation. ]]> On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[Understanding aggravated assault vs. simple assault]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256393 2026-04-09T12:18:52Z 2026-04-14T12:18:22Z Assault charges can carry very different consequences. It depends on how the law classifies your conduct. In both St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois, the line between simple and aggravated assault often comes down to the facts of the situation. Understanding that difference can help you see what is at stake early in a case.

Key differences in Missouri and Illinois charges

While many people use the term simple assault, the law in each state uses specific categories. In Illinois, a simple assault occurs when your actions place someone in reasonable fear of receiving a battery. Crucially, Illinois separates assault from battery. State law treats any intentional physical contact, however minor, as battery. Missouri handles these cases differently. Missouri does not use the term simple assault. Instead, it uses a tiered system from first to fourth degree. Courts classify most minor incidents as fourth-degree assault. Unlike Illinois, Missouri includes threats and physical contact under assault.

How location and weapons change the charge

The two states also disagree on whether the setting of the incident makes the crime more serious. In Illinois, if an assault happens in a public place—such as a park, a street, or a parking lot—it automatically becomes aggravated assault. This means a simple threat in a public square faces harsher penalties than the same threat in a private home. Missouri law does not typically use the location of the incident to increase the charge level. Instead, Missouri focuses on the status of the victim (such as a police officer) or the level of injury. Additionally, in Missouri, threatening someone with a weapon without physical contact can lead to a different charge. Prosecutors often charge this as unlawful use of a weapon instead of assault.

How an attorney strengthens your defense

Assault cases often depend on small details, such as your intent and what witnesses saw. A defense attorney can review whether the facts support the specific level of charge filed. They may challenge whether a situation truly meets the aggravated standard. Speaking with an attorney early can help protect your rights and help you work toward a more favorable outcome.]]> On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[3 reasons prescription drugs lead to criminal charges]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256396 2026-04-07T14:03:30Z 2026-04-10T14:02:50Z 1. Buying from unlicensed providers Some people agree to share their medication with others because they didn't respond well to treatment or had more medication than they required. Even in cases where the parties know one another and have similar medical conditions, the act of transferring medication is a crime. It is also illegal to obtain prescription medication from any unlicensed source. Both parties involved in such transactions are at risk of prosecution.

2. Driving on medication

Numerous different types of medications can affect driving capabilities. Even with a valid prescription, driving while under the influence of a medication that affects cognition or causes drowsiness could lead to impaired driving charges.

3. Improper storage and transportation of medication

Many people take medication out of the containers provided by the pharmacy to carry it in their purses or pockets. Those who encounter police officers while carrying medication in packaging other than the original container labeled by a pharmacy may face questions about the origins of their medication and whether they can lawfully possess those drugs. Anyone accused of a drug offense is at risk of serious criminal penalties and a life-altering criminal record. The Summary Law Firm can help those facing drug charges in St. Louis, Missouri, or Illinois understand their options for fighting their charges during a consultation scheduled by clicking here or calling 314-784-7850.]]> On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[How spring showers lead to preventable car crashes]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256391 2026-03-24T13:08:39Z 2026-03-30T13:07:44Z Wet pavement limits traction During a rainstorm, the falling rain and the wind can combine to reduce visibility. Additionally, drivers have to deal with accumulated water puddling out the roads. They may be at risk of hydroplaning. Even when there isn't standing water present, wet pavement is still a traffic safety hazard. Wet pavement reduces traction and can affect a driver's ability to maneuver abruptly without losing control of their vehicle. Federal collision statistics show that roughly 75% of the collisions caused by weather conditions occur on wet pavement, and less than half of those crashes occur during active rainfall. In other words, the wet pavement left behind after a storm is responsible for a large portion of weather-related crashes. Drivers have a responsibility to adjust their habits based on road conditions. If they don't increase their following distance and decrease their speed when the roads are wet, they may be liable for the crashes that occur. Reviewing the circumstances of a recent rainstorm-related wreck can help people hold the right party accountable for their injuries and property damage expenses. Drivers in St. Louis, Missouri or Illinois can benefit from the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney after a weather-related car crash.]]> On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[Who pays for your damages after a hit-and-run accident?]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256378 2026-03-11T13:13:57Z 2026-03-16T13:13:17Z Leveraging your uninsured motorist coverage If the driver remains unidentified, you may seek refuge from your auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This covers your bodily injuries as a pedestrian if an uninsured or hit-and-run driver hits you. If you do not have one, you may be covered under a household relative’s policy. While UM coverage offers assurance, Illinois law requires physical contact between you and the vehicle for a hit-and-run UM claim to be valid.

Holding the identified driver accountable

Filing a police report after the accident is critical because officers and investigators can identify the at-fault driver based on your statement. If they identify the motorist, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them or claim against their liability insurance.

Navigating the legal landscape

If you are filing with your insurance company, they owe you a duty of good faith. However, filing a claim against the at-fault defendant’s insurance company can be complex. Their insurer may try to argue that you were partially at fault under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rules to lower their payout. If a court finds that you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover compensation. With your future and livelihood at stake, navigating the legal landscape of injury claims is a challenging task while you try to heal. Seeking legal counsel can help you move forward with your claim.]]> On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[Taking pictures to support your car accident case]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256385 2026-03-10T10:11:18Z 2026-03-16T10:10:47Z If you get involved in a car accident, you could be facing extensive medical bills, lost wages and other costs. The other driver may have made a mistake, such as running a stop sign, meaning that they are liable, and you may want to start a case to seek financial compensation. One thing that can help your future case is to take pictures at the crash scene. The police often want people to move their cars out of the road as soon as possible, so taking photographs can help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim, perhaps establishing liability.

The full accident scene

To start with, take pictures of the entire accident scene from various angles. It may help to take a video. This does not have to be a close-up shot of the vehicles themselves, but it can help demonstrate where they are located on the road, such as showing the placement of the stop sign or which lane each vehicle is in.

The damage and injuries

Next, take pictures of damage to your vehicle or injuries that you may have suffered yourself. This helps to directly connect those issues – and their related financial costs – with that specific car accident. It also helps support your claims regarding how much compensation is due and how serious the damage or injuries actually were.

The paperwork and information

Finally, you should exchange insurance information at the scene, and you may want to do so by taking a photo of the other person’s insurance paperwork, their driver’s license and other identifying details of their vehicle, such as the make, model, color and license plate number.

Starting your case

All of this documentation can help if you decide to seek financial compensation. It can also be helpful to work with an experienced attorney, so please get in touch with us today if you have been injured in Illinois or St. Louis, Missouri. We would be happy to meet with you for a consultation. ]]> On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[Fatigued driving can mimic drunk driving]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256371 2026-02-24T12:21:42Z 2026-03-02T12:20:12Z Drivers must ensure that they’re able to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. While many focus on their actual driving skills, there’s another factor to consider—fatigue. A driver who is too fatigued to drive safely is a significant hazard to other people on the Illinois roadways, including those near St. Louis, Missouri.  Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. If a driver goes 18 hours without sleep, they will have effects that mimic a person who has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .05%. In only two more hours without sleep, the driver will have the driving abilities of a person who has a BAC of .08%, which is legally impaired. 

How does fatigue affect driving abilities?

Being too fatigued to drive can lead to slowed reaction time and a reduction in the driver’s ability to make sound judgments. It can also lead to a reduction in their awareness of their surroundings. These make it impossible for them to drive safely. In some cases, fatigued driving can also lead to microsleeps. These are short dozes that can last a few seconds or longer, but they are incredibly dangerous. If the microsleep lasts only five seconds, the vehicle can go the full length of a football field without proper control if the driver is traveling 55 miles per hour.  There isn’t any quick cure for fatigue. The only way to combat it is for the driver to get sleep. Trying to push through fatigue can lead to catastrophic crashes, so all drivers should ensure they are well rested before they drive. If a crash occurs, victims should seek immediate medical care. They may also opt to pursue a compensation claim to help offset the financial damages they’re dealing with because of the crash.]]> On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[Why injuries aren’t always recognized after car crashes]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256363 2026-02-10T09:06:32Z 2026-02-16T17:41:49Z The body covers injury symptoms The human body is incapable of incredible feats, especially during times of danger. The brain provides the body with powerful chemicals immediately after a dangerous or painful experience. The stress response covers pain, increases energy levels and can theoretically help injured people escape dangerous situations or fight off predators. The body's response to a stressful situation can make it harder for people to self-diagnose injuries after a car crash. Between the delayed onset of symptoms and the slow progression of internal injuries, people may not realize they have serious car crash injuries until days after a collision occurs. People involved in serious collisions can avoid medical setbacks and insurance complications by seeing a doctor shortly after a crash. The sooner people receive a diagnosis, the easier it is to prove that the car crash caused their injuries. Seeing a doctor and then discussing injuries with an attorney can be beneficial for those involved in serious motor vehicle collisions. People who understand that their bodies may hide injury symptoms initially can take appropriate steps to protect their right to fair compensation after a crash.]]> On Behalf of The Summary Law Firm <![CDATA[5 injuries associated with seat belt syndrome after a wreck]]> https://www.summarylawfirm.com/?p=256360 2026-02-11T06:40:49Z 2026-02-16T14:31:01Z 1. Topical marks Bruises and friction burns across the waistline and torso where the seat belt sits are common. These injuries are indicative that the safety restraints worked during a crash and kept a person in a vehicle despite powerful momentum. They can be painful and inconvenient but generally fade with time.

2. Spinal injuries

Chance fractures are possible when a seat belt injures a vehicle occupant. Individual vertebra may develop horizontal splits. The placement of the lap belt and the rapid loss of momentum are what cause these injuries, usually in the upper lumbar spine.

3. Bowel perforations

Especially in cases where a vertebra fracture occurs, the trauma of rapid deceleration during a car crash could perforate the bowel. The bowels are the lower section of the intestines that attach to the rectum. Emergency surgical intervention is often necessary after a bowel perforation.

4. Rib fractures

The force of the chest belt during a crash can potentially fracture ribs. Older adults and children may be especially vulnerable due to their weaker bones. Rib fractures can be painful and can cause secondary physical injuries. Medical professionals may need to examine broken ribs carefully and may need to stabilize them to prevent additional trauma.

5. Internal bleeding

The pressure of the lap belt on the chest and abdomen can cause bleeding inside the body. In some cases, the bleeding may continue for days unless injured people receive emergency medical care. They are at risk of challenges related to the pooled internal blood and also to blood loss. Wearing seat belts can save people's lives during a car crash, but they can also make medical care after a collision necessary. Anyone forcibly held in place by a safety restraint may be at increased risk of internal injuries and could benefit from seeing a doctor after a wreck. Internal injuries can be expensive, and those with seat belt-related car crash injuries may have grounds for a compensation claim.]]>