Author: Tuite Law

Boone County Jury Enters Over 1.9 Million Dollar Verdict

Posted on by Tuite Law

Boone County Jury Enters Over 1.9 Million Dollar Verdict

On April 13, 2023, a Boone County jury entered a Verdict for $1,458,098.39 in compensatory damages and $500,000.00 in punitive damages to a 46-year-old woman severely injured in a car accident on October 22, 2017, in Poplar Grove, Illinois. The woman was traveling on Route 76 when a drunk driver crossed the center line and struck her vehicle at a high rate of speed. The woman was represented by Attorney Greg Szul of the law firm Tuite Law in Rockford, Illinois. Her attorney has issued the following statement: “On behalf of our client, we want to thank the women and men of the jury who performed their civic duty and rendered a Verdict that recognized the harm that our client suffered. We also thank the jury for entering a Verdict for punitive damages, which sends a message that drunk drivers who injure others will be held accountable and that our roadways should be safe.”

Unfortunately, because the drunk driver had minimal insurance coverage, the severely injured woman will recover little in actual compensation. Her Attorney adds the following: “This case is a perfect example of why the Illinois legislature should mandate higher insurance coverage requirements in Illinois. Low insurance coverage disproportionately affects the most severely injured, who often see little compensation even though they deserve the most. It also shifts the cost of the injured person’s medical expenses to the injured person, the taxpayer, and the medical community, rather than having the responsible person and insurance company bear the cost.”

Prior to trial, the drunk driver’s insurance carrier had offered $25,000.00 to settle the claim. Attorney Szul notes that: “accepting the offer was never contemplated – it was important that our client’s voice be heard in a courtroom. Plus, at Tuite Law, we seek full compensation for all our clients, especially on claims against drunk drivers.”

The combined $1,958,098.39 Verdict is believed to be the highest reported jury Verdict in Boone County for a non-fatal injury, almost double a previously reported one for $1,075,000.00. Tuite Law is a Rockford-based law firm with over 60 years of experience in representing the injured and disabled in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

Fatal Car Accident

Posted on by Tuite Law

An estimate of 38,000 people die annually due to road accidents, and an additional 4.4 million incur serious injuries. In some cases, these injuries cause disabilities deterring the victims from carrying on their normal day-to-day activities.

With the rising number of people getting involved in fatal road injuries, it is important to try as much as possible to stay safe at all times. Everyone should observe all traffic rules and regulations, including the pedestrians, to reduce the number.

Are you a victim of a fatal road accident? Contact our Rockford personal injury lawyers from Tuite law by calling our office numbers or filling our online appointment form.

Causes of Fatal Road Accidents

With the results often being devastating, some of the leading causes of fatal road accidents are;

  • The use of unsafe vehicles for travel
  • Failure to use seatbelts
  • Driving while under major emotional breakdown
  • Driving under road conditions that are hazardous or during night hours
  • Driving while distracted
  • Over speeding the vehicles

Fatal Road Accidents Prevention Measures

Since the consequences of fatal road accidents are severe and often may be irreversible, it only fits that all prevention measures are taken to avoid fatal road accidents. Some of the prevention measures that can be applied include;

  • Slowly and carefully drive your car.
  • Avoid driving at night if possible.
  • Develop the correct driving attitude
  • Ensure your seat belt is on every time you drive
  • Before taking unsupervised driving trips, ensure enough practice under supervision.
  • Do not use drugs and drive under the influence.
  • Maintain as few passengers as possible
  • Slowly pull into traffic.
  • Avoid tailgating
  • Ensure your hands are always on the steering wheel
  • Look out for kids and other pedestrians.
  • Ensure your car is serviced regularly

Importance of Avoiding Fatal Road Accidents

Fatal road accidents not only affect the passengers on board but also their families and loved ones in extension. It is therefore vital to prevent it the much we can. Some of the leading importance of preventing a fatal road accident is;

  • It minimizes the number of fatal accident injuries. Taking fatal road accident prevention measures reduces the number of people injured annually, reducing the injury rate.
  • It contributes to increased national growth. Since fatal road accidents impact not only the victims’ lives and well-being but also the surrounding environment, if all the prevention measures are taken, the property damage rate will significantly reduce hence promoting the nation’s growth.
  • Health promotion. Fatal road accidents impact not only the general health status of an individual but also their mental well-being and their friends and family. Taking the prevention measures, therefore, promotes their health well-being.

Talk to Rockford Auto Accident Attorneys

Tragically, some of the fatal road accidents could be avoided. You don’t need to be in a huge car bang for the results to be fatal. Your fatal road accident action not only establishes your case but also supports it. Your recovery statement and case file might be stripped due to its absence. If you cannot establish one by yourself, a professional lawyer should be contacted.

At Tuite Law, we believe in providing the best results and satisfaction. If you are a victim of a fatal road accident, please contact us at (815) 965-5777 for consultation scheduling with our experienced Rockford car accident attorneys to answer questions concerning your case and ensure it is handled with the right expertise.

Handling a Whiplash Car Accident Injury

Posted on by Tuite Law

Whiplash refers to a trauma-caused neck injury caused by the sudden, forceful, and rapid back and forth or side to side movement of the neck in an accident. While many people with whiplash get better in a few weeks of treatment, others may sustain chronic or permanent damage.

If you have suffered a whiplash car accident injury, find out how to handle it and what experienced Rockford Car Accident Lawyers can do for you.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash is essentially an injury to the soft tissues in your neck. You will usually experience symptoms within a few days of the accident, although the damage is often immediate, which is why you should seek treatment even if you are not showing any signs. When you do experience symptoms, the Mayo Clinic reports that you may notice the following:

  • Pain that worsens when you move your neck
  • Neck stiffness
  • Headaches that begin at the base of the neck
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms
  • Loss of range of motion in the neck and sometimes shoulders
  • Pain or tenderness in the arms, upper back, or shoulders
  • Dizziness and fatigue

You may also experience blurred vision and changes in your sleep. Your best course of action, as mentioned, is to see a doctor immediately after your accident to get an early diagnosis.

Steps to Take After a Whiplash Injury

Your actions immediately after an accident will usually affect many things, including your chances of recovery and eligibility for compensation. If after an accident you suspect that you have suffered a whiplash injury, you should do the following:

  • Get Immediate Medical Treatment

As a rule of thumb, always see a doctor after an accident, even if you feel fine. Once you explain the circumstances of your car accident, your doctor will check for signs of soft tissue injury and treat it. The medical records you acquire from this, and subsequent visits will come in handy when you file a claim.

  • Document Your Expenses and Losses

Most insurance providers will require proof that your whiplash injury caused you damages. Immediately you notice any pain or discomfort, you should begin to document all your losses and expenses including, medical bills, car repair, and even mileage.   

  • File a Personal Injury Claim

If you live in a no-fault state, you should file an injury claim with your insurer immediately. People who live in a fault state can turn to the at-fault party’s insurance provider. Failing to do so could leave you paying for your expenses and loses out of pocket. 

  • File a Lawsuit

There are many unknowns that surround a personal injury. For instance, your insurer may deny your claim outright, or the at-fault party may be uninsured. Your best form of legal recourse in such situations may be to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you are successful, you may be awarded non-economic damages alongside your economic damages.

Contact Tuite Law Today

Tuite Law established its family-owned practice in Rockford, Illinois, in 1958. Since then, our Rockford Car Accident Lawyers have been defending the rights of personal injury victims throughout northern Illinois. We are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve for your losses.

Are you a whiplash car accident victim living in Illinois? Contact Tuite Law today online or at (815) 965-5777 to schedule a consultation with a top attorney.

Top 5 Most Common T-Bone Car Accident Injuries

Posted on by Tuite Law

A T-bone accident occurs when one vehicle hits another from the side. Like other auto collisions, these accidents can have devastating results. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,000 of all the fatal car accidents in 2011 were T-bone collisions.

T-bone accidents are common at stop signs and intersections. However, they can happen anywhere a driver is negligent. Below, we investigate common T-bone car accident injuries.

If you have incurred an injury in a T-bone crash, the Rockford Personal Injury Lawyers at Tuite Law can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Causes of T-Bone Accidents

Most T-bone collisions occur at intersections, stop signs, and traffic lights. Common scenarios include when a driver runs a red light, fails to yield, or make a turn in front of a car driving in the opposite direction. While every T-bone accident can be dangerous, the risk increases when:

  • The driver who hit you was speeding.
  • You weren’t wearing a seatbelt.
  • You were hit at an angle.
  • You were hit by a large vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler.

Overall, T-bone accidents might cause more severe injuries, on average. This could be because there is less car between your body and the other vehicle than in head-on collisions, for instance.

Common T-Bone Accident Injuries

The only thing protecting you and your passengers in a T-bone accident is your car’s thin metal doors. This might explain why T-bone accident injuries tend to be severe. That said, however, the severity will often depend on the impact angle, speed of collisions, seatbelt use, and vehicle type.

During a T-bone collision, several parts of your body are exposed to impact trauma. This might result in the following injuries:

Back Injury

The impact of a T-bone crash can hurt your back. The injuries could range from a simple strain to a break. Depending on the severity, you might suffer from chronic back pain for a long time.

Spinal Cord Injury

Your spinal cord is a highly delicate part of your body. Spinal cord injuries like herniated disks could be easier to treat than more severe damage, which could result in partial or total disability.

Neck Injury

During a T-bone crash, your neck might jerk from side to side of front to back. This movement could result in mild to severe muscle sprains, strains, nerve damage, or a broken neck.

Broken Bone or Fractures

The impact of a T-bone collision could be substantial enough to fracture or break your bones. Overall, the most commonly reported broken bones are arms, legs, hips, and pelvis.

Head and Brain Injury

Flying objects or debris could hit your head during a collision. You could also bump it against your window, dashboard, or seat. When this happens, you could sustain a concussion or contusion.

Talk to a Rockford Personal Injury Lawyer

T-bone car accident injuries can have severe and far-reaching consequences on you and your loved ones. Fortunately, you don’t need to face these losses on your own. An experienced attorney can help you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Tuite Law has been defending the rights of accident victims in Rockford, Illinois, since 1958. We are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Have you been injured in a T-bone accident? Contact us at (815) 965-5777 to discuss your case with top Rockford Personal Injury Lawyers.

What Happens When You Sustain a Brain Injury from a Car Accident?

Posted on by Tuite Law

According to the National Safety Council, car accidents caused approximately 4.5 million severe injuries in the country in 2018. One of the most devastating of these injuries was brain injury. A brain injury from car accident occurs due to trauma to the head, which is caused by sudden blows. The damage could range from a mild concussion to life-altering brain damage.

Brain injury can result in medical bills, time off work, and physical pain. It can also have long-term psychological impacts on you and your loved ones. Luckily, you can work with Rockford Personal Injury Lawyers to pursue damages for your losses.

Have you suffered a brain injury? Contact Tuite Law to learn about your rights.

Types of Brain Injury

Brain injury is usually caused by a jolt, bump, or blow to the head, which disrupts normal brain function. It can be mild and temporary or permanent, depending on how long the disruption lasts. Common types of brain injury include:

  • Concussion – Most common brain injury. Occurs due to significant trauma, which causes the brain to move around in the head.
  • Coup-Countercoup – Happens when trauma to the head causes the brain to slam onto the opposite side of the skull. Could cause bleeding on both sides of the brain.
  • Diffuse Axonal – Refers to nerve tissue tears in the brain caused when the brain lags during movement of the skull.
  • Contusion – This is direct trauma to the head which causes bleeding in the brain

Symptoms of a Car Accident Brain Injury

You might not experience symptoms of brain injury immediately after a car accident. However, it is crucial that you seek medical help immediately. Also, see a doctor if you experience the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue, dizziness, and loss of balance
  • Headache
  • Change in sleep patterns
  • Blurred vision and speech problems
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Concentration problems
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

Brain Injury Treatment

Always see a healthcare provider immediately after a car accident. Every brain injury case is different. However, treatment will usually involve the following crucial stages:

  • Diagnosis – Diagnosis will include a series of medical tests such as MRIs, X-Rays and CT scans
  • Treatment – Your treatment plan will depend on your injuries. Mild concussions could require pain medication and rest. On the other hand, a severe injury could require surgery.
  • Rehabilitation – Severe brain injuries often require extensive rehabilitation.

How Can Top Rockford Personal Injury Lawyers Help?

A brain injury from car accident can have life-altering impacts. Our Rockford Personal Injury Lawyers can help you seek damages to cover your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Ultimately, our goal is to fight your legal battles and allow you to focus on your recovery.

We understand that personal injury law can be complex. This why we offer top-rate legal representation and advice. Whether your case requires negotiations with the insurance company or litigation, we are up to the task. We will file and guide you through a personal injury lawsuit or claim.

Contact Us Today

At Tuite Law, we have been representing personal injury victims for over 5 decades. We are dedicated to helping you get back on your feet by getting you the compensation you deserve for your losses. Contact our legal team today online or at (815) 965-5777 to discuss your case.

What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident

Posted on by Tuite Law

After an accident, it is normal to feel confused. Being scared and in panic could lead you to make the wrong decision. However, the actions you take right after an accident determine whether you receive compensation. If you have just been involved in a personal injury, keep the following in mind.

1. Get Medical Help Immediately

The first thing to do after an accident is to get medical attention. Go to your general physician, emergency room, or clinic as soon as possible. If necessary, call an ambulance to the scene of the accident. If you take too long to get to the hospital, it may be difficult to prove that the injuries were a result of the accident. Ideally, you should get medical attention within 72 hours. When speaking with your doctor, be sure to mention every issue that you may experience. You should get a medical examination even when you don’t think you have been injured. Most brain and soft tissue injuries may not show any symptoms for days after injury.

2. Don’t Talk About Your Case

Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney or doctor. You may end up saying things that could affect your case. Your attorney should be present whenever you speak to an insurance agent.

3. Speak to an Attorney

Once you have received the medical attention you need, seek the help of Rockford personal injury lawyers. Give them the details of your case and they will advise you accordingly. They may help you determine whether you have a valid claim.

4. Help in the Investigation

Work with your attorney to gather the evidence you need. You must provide proof of injury and that your injuries resulted from another person’s negligence. Your attorney may seek the help of accident reconstruction experts and other specialists. You must remain in contact with them until the investigations are complete.

5. Discuss the Compensation You Should Get

You may receive compensation for various items. The type and amount of compensation you receive depends on the nature of your accident and the extent of your injuries. You may receive compensation for:

  • Doctor’s visits
  • Medical equipment and prescriptions
  • Funeral costs
  • At-home care
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship
  • Lost wages
  • Punitive damage

6. Pay Attention to the Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the timeframe within which you can file a claim. Speak with your attorney about it and file your claim in time.

Do you have to pay your medical bills from a personal injury settlement?

After an accident, you need to get immediate medical help immediately. This means that your settlement only acts as compensation for the costs you already incurred.

If you need the help of Rockford personal injury lawyers, consider working with Tuite Law. We have more than 50 years’ experience and we can help you with personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security Disability claims. We are a family-owned practice that is happy to help you all through your case. Contact us today and schedule a consultation.

What You Should Know About Back Pain after a Car Accident

Posted on by Tuite Law

Back pain after a car accident can be an indication of a severe injury. It could be a symptom of rib fracture, spinal cord injury, herniated discs, or whiplash. Because it doesn’t always manifest immediately after an accident, back pain often goes untreated and turns into a chronic condition.

If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing back pain, the Rockford Car Accident Lawyers at Tuite Law can help you get enough compensation to cover your medical expenses.

Common Types of Back Injuries

Your spine is vulnerable to varying levels of pain. When your spine is injured, you could suffer anything from mild, temporary symptoms to severe and permanent ones.

This is because it consists of three distinct sections, each of which is surrounded by muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and discs. These areas include the:

  • Neck, or cervical vertebrae
  • Upper back, or thoracic vertebrae
  • Lower back, or lumbar vertebrae

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is the most serious cause of back pain after a car accident. It could be anything from bruising to permanent nerve damage. Severe spinal cord injuries could result in symptoms such as:

  • Numbness or loss of feeling in some body parts
  • Loss of reflex function
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Total paralysis

Because they often require surgery, spinal cord injuries could expose you to risks such as bleeding, blood clots, and infections.

Herniated Discs

Your vertebrae are separated by cushions called discs. Your discs also perform the crucial function of protecting your spine. When a disc is displaced, it is said to be herniated.

Herniated discs exert undue pressure on your spinal cord and the surrounding nerves. They often cause intense radiating lower back pain that sometimes radiates to the thighs and legs.

Upper Back Injury

Of all the sections of your spine, upper back injuries tend to be the most severe. Any injury to this area could affect your chest area and ribs. It could also lead to extensive nerve damage.

Lower Back Injury

Your lower back is equally delicate. It comprises the muscles and vertebrae necessary for stability. Lower back injuries could result in swelling or bruising or, in more severe accidents, limited or lost movement.

Whiplash

Whiplash is not a back injury. Nonetheless, it could manifest as back pain after a car accident. Symptoms of whiplash to watch for include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Neck pain or tension
  • Headaches
  • Shoulder or arm pain
  • Blurry vision
  • Memory loss

Whiplash symptoms may not appear for 24 hours following your accident. When they do appear, however, they tend to last for weeks.

Seek Medical Help

When ignored, back pain could turn into a more severe condition. See a doctor immediately after a car accident. Your doctor will likely run tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.

There are numerous treatment options for back-related injuries. They range from physical therapy and rest to surgical procedures.

Make sure to collect all your medical records. Your Rockford Car Accident Lawyers at Tuite Law will use them to build your injury claim case.

Contact a Rockford Car Accident Attorney

Endorphins tend to mask post-accident pains such as back injuries. You must watch out for any unusual sensations or symptoms. You should also go for a medical check-up to be on the safe side.

Back pain after a car accident can result in untold pain and suffering. Contact a Rockford Car Accident Lawyer today to discuss your compensation claim case.

Is Reckless Driving a Misdemeanor?

Posted on by Tuite Law

Reckless driving is a charge that can be applied when you are driving at a higher speed than the set limit or in other special conditions. In this article, our experienced Rockford Car Accident Lawyers at Tuite Law explains all you need to know about reckless driving in the state of Illinois.

Is Reckless Driving A Misdemeanor in Illinois?

Roadways are becoming more dangerous each year. Especially during the winter season, all drivers must obey the traffic rules and drive safely. Any action that does not comply with the law can be regarded as reckless driving, which results in consequences.

Illinois traffic laws state that reckless driving is any activity while driving a vehicle that deliberately puts others in danger of death or injury. These actions are implemented through traffic references when police officers notice reckless behavior on the road.

Examples of reckless driving

The law is comprehensive when it comes to ascertaining reckless driving. The modest act of speeding can lead to reckless driving charges since when someone is speeding, it is easy to collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. Here are some of the examples of dangerous and reckless behavior:

  • Not yielding to school buses picking up children or pedestrians at crosswalks
  • Racing other vehicles
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Speeding across construction zones
  • Driving through stop signs or red lights
  • Changing lanes without sufficient space
  • Talking on your mobile phone while driving
  • Swerving between lanes

Reckless driving in the state of Illinois is charged as a Class A misdemeanor that results in the punishment of up to one-year jail term, a $2,500 fine, or both. The driver will not lose his or her privileges for a single reckless driving conviction.

The state of Illinois does not suspend the driver’s license until three strikes have been given to a driver within one year. The exception to this regulation is if the driver is below 21 years. In this case, the driver’s license will be suspended as soon as the conviction is made.

Other impacts of reckless driving

Reckless driving charges increase a point to the record of a driver, which will, in turn, increase the rate of insurance on the driver’s vehicle. That makes paying for insurance every time more expensive. Reckless driving can result in serious accidents that can leave victims injured or even dead. Under the laws of Illinois, a reckless driver will be required to pay compensation to the injured parties involved in the accident and pay for the damages done to the vehicles of the victims.

The most severe consequences come if a victim dies during a reckless driving car crash. The at-fault driver can be charged with manslaughter and face hefty compensation to the family of the deceased and felony punishments of jail time.

Contact a Rockford, IL Car Accident Attorney

It is always good to travel as safely as possible to avoid unnecessary accidents. Reckless driving results in various punishments, but having the help of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney from Tuite Law can protect you from harsh consequences. To schedule a free consultation with our Rockford, IL traffic violations attorney, call our offices today or fill our online appointment form.

5 Car Accident Injuries That Require Surgery

Posted on by Tuite Law

Statistically, the total cost spent on medical bills after an accident increases with the severity of the injury. Bills and damages resulting from car accidents may put a significant strain on your finances.

Luckily, if you get injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you are eligible for compensation. Rockford Car Accident Lawyers offer experienced legal representation for car accident victims.

Injuries That Require Surgery

Car accidents can have catastrophic consequences on a victim’s health. While some people may walk away from a crash with minor injuries, others suffer severe injuries that require surgery and extensive care.

The five most common types of injuries which require surgery include:

  • Head and Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Knee Injury
  • Fractures or Broken Bones
  • Internal Organ Injury

Below, we look at each one of them.

Head and Brain Injury

Head and brain injuries are common car accident injuries that require immediate surgery. They may range from mild head injuries to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). If unchecked, head injuries can result in devastating long-term health conditions and disabilities.

The symptoms of head and brain injury may be mild and delayed due to initial trauma. Nevertheless, it is critical to get a scan done to ascertain that you are uninjured.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries result from the force of the impact of a collision. The impact may misalign vertebrae and discs, which commonly results in herniated or bulging discs. You are also likely to suffer compression fractures.

A spinal cord injury usually requires surgery and physical therapy to repair and heal correctly. A surgical procedure is also crucial in preventing partial or total paralysis.  The most common symptoms of a spinal injury include pain, poor balance, and reduced strength, sensation, and muscle control.

Knee Injury

A head-on collision may lead to the front of your car collapsing on or crushing into your legs. This impact may cause your knee, a notably complex joint, to sustain serious injuries. Knee injuries could be anything from a torn ACL or a broken bone to more severe injuries that requires knee replacement surgery. 

Fractures and Broken Bones

Along with head trauma, broken bones and fractures are the most common car accident injuries. You may break your ribs, arms, wrists, legs, pelvis, ankles, or other bones in a crash.

Some of these injuries are simple breaks that may only require a cast to heal. Others, however, can be compound or severe fractures that require surgery.

Fixing fractured bones, for example, may necessitate the use of rods, metal screws, pins, or plates to hold the bone in place.

Internal Organ Injuries

A car accident may result in punctured organs, crushed lungs, internal bleeding, and other types of internal trauma. If you fail to get emergency surgery after such an injury, you may lose your life.

The type of surgery required depends on the severity and location of the injury. Minor internal organ injuries may require minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, while severe ones may need or an extended operation lasting up to 12 hours. 

Conclusion

Injuries caused by automotive accidents can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. After a car accident, you ought to get immediate medical attention.

Next, seek the help of a personal injury attorney to help you create a case for your lawsuit. An experienced lawyer will get you the maximum possible compensation so you can cater to your medical bills.

Call now! (815) 965-5777

How Long Is Reckless Driving on Your Record?

Posted on by Tuite Law

According to Illinois laws, reckless driving is described as a situation where one drives with wanton disregard for the safety of other people or their property. It may also be described as a situation where a person intentionally uses an incline causing their vehicle to be airborne. Your Rockford car accident lawyers can answer your questions including ‘how long is reckless driving on your record?’ and ‘what are the consequences?’ 

Some of the most common examples of reckless driving include;

  • Changing lanes without giving a signal
  • Driving at a high speed
  • Swerving

Reckless driving is considered a class ‘A’ misdemeanor. The possible punishments are; 

  • $2,500 in fees and fines without considering the court costs
  • 364 or fewer days in a county jail

The convictions impose one point on your license if you are a driver under 21. The point can put your license at risk of suspension. 

How Long Does Reckless Driving Stay on Your Record?

Adults have two records for reckless driving; a criminal record and a DMV record. Reckless driving can stay on your record for up to 11 years. It will always remain on your criminal record. 

The records for adults are different from juveniles. Juvenile records can’t be accessed by members of the public. However, they may be available to specific government agencies. If you were convicted for reckless driving while you were a minor, you may be expunged when you become an adult. 

Moving violation traffic tickets stay on your driving record for up to five years from the conviction date. These violations include; disregarding stop signs, speeding, and wrong lane usage. The Secretary of State may remove the offense in four to five hours at their discretion. 

If a traffic ticket results in the revocation or suspension of your ticket, it will remain on your record for a minimum of seven years from the date when your license is reinstated. Drug or alcohol-related offenses will stay on your driving record permanently. 

Your traffic ticket will remain accessible on Illinois public driving records unless a court orders otherwise. 

How Can a Reckless Driving Conviction Affect You?

A reckless driving conviction can have various effects on you and the quality of life you live. Some of the possible repercussions include;

  • Increased premium payments
  • You may miss out on possible employment opportunities
  • Some employers may terminate your employer if you have a criminal record

Are you looking for Rockford car accident lawyers? Consider seeking the help of Tuite Law. We are a team of experienced and passionate injury and disability attorneys that focus on the specific needs of all our clients. We have more than 50 years of experience in representing the disabled and injured. We are happy to represent clients from all walks of life. No case is too big or too small for our passionate attorneys. We are proud members of associations such as; WCBA, Super Lawyers, WCLA, and WILG. If you need urgent legal representation, call us today and get the help you need.

Call now! (815) 965-5777