These rideshare vouchers ensure that anyone celebrating on the 4th of July has alternative and safer means of getting home if they drink more than they plan to. Lone Star Injury Attorneys’ efforts to curb drunk driving accidents are one of many steps the team has taken to give back to the people that the firm serves.

To apply for a Lyft voucher before this year’s 4th of July celebrations, visit Lone Star Injury Attorneys’ website. Each ride pass is worth $15 and limited to one per person. You can claim a voucher before midnight on Thursday, July 3rd. 

Please include your full name, email address, and phone number when completing the applicant form found on Lone Star Injury Attorneys’ website. Voucher recipients will receive their ride pass via text message. Applicants from California and Texas may receive priority.

Recipients can use their vouchers to secure a ride through the Lyft app at any time on July 4th through 2 AM on July 5th. 

This voucher program is part of Lone Star Injury Attorneys’ larger commitment to safety within the communities it serves. The personal injury lawyers with Lone Star Injury Attorneys want to help curb the number of drunk driving accidents seen on major holidays, including the 4th of July, and are doing their part to offer party-goers safer means of getting home after celebrations.

If you have any questions about the availability of this year’s Lyft vouchers or how to use them, email info@lonestarinjuryattorneys.com.

Founded in October 2013, the firm has spent more than a decade serving injured individuals and families throughout South Florida. During that time, it has grown across the region while remaining focused on being available to clients, answering questions, and helping people understand their options after an accident.

The team is known for its emphasis on communication and responsiveness. Attorneys and staff work to keep clients informed throughout the legal process and encourage people to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.

Over the years, the firm has recovered more than $275 million on behalf of clients and built a team with more than 40 years of combined legal experience. Those milestones reflect years of work representing people facing the challenges that often follow a serious injury.

The recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from the South Florida community the firm has served for more than twelve years. The attorneys and staff appreciate the support of clients, referral partners, and community members who have contributed to the firm’s growth over the years.

While the award marks an important achievement, the work continues. Every day, people throughout South Florida reach out looking for answers after an accident, and the team remains committed to being a resource when those questions arise.

The case involved a client who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury in a rear-end motor vehicle collision. Prior to trial, the law firm offered to settle the case within the injured client’s $250,000 insurance policy limits. However, the insurance company refused to accept the offer to settle, and thereafter the case proceeded to trial. As a result, the final judgment now exceeds $4.8 million and continues to grow through attorney’s fees and statutory interest until payment is made by the insurer.

“This result demonstrates the importance of standing up for injured clients when insurance companies refuse to act reasonably,” said Frank F. Fernandez III, founding partner of The Fernandez Firm Medical Malpractice Attorneys. “We gave the carrier every opportunity to resolve this matter fairly before trial. Our client suffered a significant brain injury, deserved justice, and we are very pleased the court upheld the jury’s verdict.”

Led by attorneys Frank F. Fernandez III and Jennifer Gentry Fernandez, the firm has built a statewide reputation for securing significant results on behalf of injury victims. Past successes include a $36.7 million medical malpractice verdict in Orlando, a $6.35 million settlement in a Tampa stroke case, a $2.6 million wrongful death recovery, and numerous seven-figure settlements for clients harmed by negligence.

As experienced Tampa personal injury lawyers, the attorneys at The Fernandez Firm emphasize personalized representation and trial readiness. The firm’s legal team believes that insurance companies should be held accountable when they fail to fairly compensate individuals who have suffered life-changing injuries.

“This case highlights why injured victims should seek experienced legal counsel as early as possible,” added Jennifer Gentry Fernandez. “When insurers undervalue legitimate claims, having a skilled trial team can make all the difference.”

The Fernandez Firm Medical Malpractice Attorneys serves clients throughout Florida with offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Lakeland, and Orlando. The firm continues to fight for the rights of victims of serious accidents and medical negligence while helping families recover the compensation they deserve.

For more information about The Fernandez Firm Medical Malpractice Attorneys or to schedule a free consultation with a Tampa personal injury lawyer or medical malpractice attorney, visit the firm’s website.

CASE INFORMATION

Sarasota County
Preston Hines v. The Standard Fire Insurance Company
Case No. 2023-CA-1987 NC

The Eberst Advantage: Florida Accident & Injury Law Podcast is a podcast hosted by Jonathon T. Eberst, a personal injury attorney at The Eberst Law Firm, P.A. in Stuart, Florida, that covers car and truck crashes on I-95 and A1A, nursing-home neglect, denied hurricane claims, and the Florida personal injury claims process. Each episode takes one real Florida scenario and walks through how the insurance carrier is likely to handle it and how an injured person can build a stronger case. The episodes reflect the work The Eberst Law Firm does for clients on Florida’s east coast.

Eberst founded The Eberst Law Firm, P.A. on September 24, 2009, the day after his Florida Bar admission, and serves as its managing partner. He received a finance degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Barry University School of Law in Orlando, where he received the book award for the highest grade in trial advocacy. He leads a team of 14 attorneys split between a pre-litigation group and a separate litigation and trial team, with offices in Stuart, Gainesville, and Daytona Beach, and the firm represents Florida east coast clients in car and truck crashes, nursing-home neglect, denied hurricane claims, and other personal injury and insurance disputes on a contingency-fee basis. The debut episode, “The YOU Interview w. Jonathon Eberst,” is available now.

“We help people when they need help the most. Unless you’re in this industry, unless you’re a personal injury attorney, you have no idea what step to take first when you’re in a car accident.”

Jonathon T. Eberst, managing partner and founder, The Eberst Law Firm, P.A.

Media Contact

Jonathon T. Eberst, managing partner and founder, The Eberst Law Firm, P.A., Stuart, Florida. Phone: 772-225-4900. Website: eberstlaw.com. Follow The Eberst Law Firm on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Listen

Subscribe to The Eberst Advantage: Florida Accident & Injury Law Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. The debut episode, “The YOU Interview w. Jonathon Eberst,” is available now.

The law firm did an analysis of May because, historically, Memorial Day is the start of Summer travel. This year, drivers in Illinois are facing historically high gas prices, which are possibly shifting would-be drivers into the bike lane.

According to data provided by the City of Chicago and reviewed by Briskman Briskman & Greenberg’s attorneys, total vehicle crash records in May fell to 19,700 in 2026, the lowest figure in four years. That marks a 1.3 percent decline from 2025 and sits 6.4 percent below the May 2024 peak of 21,056. May crash volume has now decreased two years in a row.

The trend for cyclists ran in the opposite direction. Bicycle involvement in May crashes climbed from 181 in 2023 to 279 in 2026, a 29.2 percent increase over the past year and a 54.1 percent rise across the full period. Pedestrian involvement followed a similar upward path, increasing 6.4 percent year over year.

The report also documents a steady change in the vehicles on Chicago roads. Passenger car involvement declined 11.3 percent over the four years, while SUV involvement rose every single year, for a cumulative increase of 26.8 percent.

Paul Greenberg, the managing member of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, is an avid cyclist and bicycle safety advocate. Last month, Greenberg shared the firm’s research on the growing dangers to bicyclists in the windy city on CAN TV’s Chicago This Week, airing on Channel 21.

“The value of an independent study like this is not in any single number, it is in what those numbers prompt people to do,” said Paul Greenberg. “When drivers learn that overall crashes are falling but the people with the least protection are being hit more often, we hope it leads to more caution behind the wheel, especially around cyclists and pedestrians.”

The analysis covers every May from 2023 through 2026 and includes the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a period of elevated travel across the region.

“A citywide decline in crashes is genuinely encouraging, but it can mask who is still being put at risk,” Greenberg said. “Bicycle accidents in Chicago are up more than fifty percent since 2023. That is the trend we want drivers, planners, and policymakers paying attention to, because those are the collisions where a person on a bike has very little to shield them and most at risk of serious injury.”

The full report on Chicago Car Accidents in May 2026 is available on the law firm’s website.

An experienced litigator within GGL Injury Lawyer’s Central Jersey team, Attorney Guage-Zachary was appointed by fellow committee members to champion transparency, manage crucial operations, and support regulatory and legislative updates affecting injured workers across the state.

The NJSBA Workers’ Compensation Executive Committee serves as a vital bridge within the legal community, uniting practitioners representing both Petitioners (injured employees) and Respondents (employers and insurance carriers). This balanced, bipartisan structure ensures that new procedural changes remain fair, practical, and legally sound. 

“The committee’s work actively shapes how complex litigation moves through the New Jersey courts, particularly as we adapt to evolving legislative developments surrounding remote hearings and medical clearance timelines,” said Guage-Zachary. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for trusting me with this leadership role. My focus is to keep our discussions practical and fair for the people who rely on this system every day.”

As a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer at GGL Injury Lawyers, Guage-Zachary brings extensive courtroom experience to her new board seat. Her practice is intensely focused on complex workers’ compensation litigation, including cases involving severe, life-altering catastrophic injuries.

She has litigated extensively across New Jersey state courts and successfully represented clients in high-stakes appeals before the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. She is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Beyond her primary appointment, her professional leadership profile includes active memberships in the Bench/Bar Liaison Subcommittee of the NJSBA and the New Jersey Council on Safety & Health.

The review, led by attorney Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller, focuses on reports that Wilmington subjected minor patients to medically unnecessary examinations and engaged in inappropriate contact during pediatric visits. According to law enforcement statements and publicly reported investigations, the Vancouver Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office have uncovered allegations of child molestation and the distribution of child sexual abuse material connected to Wilmington.

In civil court filings and other public records, former patients and families have alleged that complaints and warning signs involving Wilmington were ignored for years. The Sommers Schwartz investigation is examining not only the conduct attributed to Wilmington, but also whether any institutions responsible for supervising him fulfilled their legal obligations to protect patients from foreseeable harm.

“When abuse is alleged to have taken place in a medical setting, the inquiry cannot stop with the individual provider,” Esser-Weidenfeller said. “Hospitals and health systems have a duty to implement safeguards, respond to credible complaints and create an environment where children and families feel safe coming forward.”

Under Washington law and widely recognized standards of care, healthcare institutions may face civil liability if they fail to properly vet, monitor or respond to concerns about employees with access to vulnerable populations. Esser-Weidenfeller said the firm’s review includes evaluating whether any systemic failures may have enabled alleged misconduct to continue.

Esser-Weidenfeller has represented survivors in some of the nation’s most closely watched sexual abuse cases, including litigation involving former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar, and cases concerning the late University of Michigan physicians Robert Anderson and Matthew Weiss. Her work has centered on patterns of institutional inaction and coverups and the long-term impact of abuse on survivors.

“Survivors often describe not only the harm caused by an abuser, but also the deep sense of betrayal when institutions do not act on warning signs,” Esser-Weidenfeller said. “Part of our role is to examine carefully what was known, when it was known and what, if anything, was done in response.”

Esser-Weidenfeller emphasized that many survivors of childhood sexual abuse delay disclosure for years, often due to shame, fear or concerns about not being believed. Public reporting about past misconduct, she said, can be a catalyst for individuals to re-examine earlier experiences in a medical setting that they may have questioned but did not fully understand as children.

“Coming forward is a personal decision, and the pace belongs to the survivor,” she said. “Our responsibility is to listen, to explain the options the law provides and to help people make informed choices about what, if anything, they wish to pursue.”

Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller
Sommers Schwartz, P.C.
(800) 783-0989
LEsser@sommerspc.com

Gustin’s presentation explored how physicians and other treating medical providers can avoid malpractice lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny by focusing on accepted standards of care, differential diagnosis and complete testing regimens. He also discussed how federal privacy rules intersect with day-to-day clinical practice, focusing on how patient information moves through hospitals, clinics, and digital platforms.

Drawing on his work representing injured patients and families in personal injury cases across Texas, Gustin discussed how medical records often become central to healthcare related litigation. He outlined how thorough documentation, record-keeping, and open communication practices can influence both patient outcomes and the resolution of legal claims.

According to faculty members who helped organize the session, the lecture was part of a broader “Transition to Residency” program – the final step in students’ medical education before beginning their residency programs at hospitals around the US.

During the lecture, Gustin emphasized that HIPAA compliance is not only a regulatory obligation but also a matter of trust between patients and providers. He noted that, in litigation, disputes over what was shared, how it was recorded, and who had access to sensitive information frequently arise alongside questions about diagnosis and treatment.

Gustin, who founded the Gustin Law Firm in Houston, has built a practice focused on representing plaintiffs in motor vehicle collisions, rideshare incidents, slip and fall cases, and wrongful death claims.

The firm has helped recover more than $50 million in verdicts and settlements for clients and has been involved in cases that required careful analysis of medical records and privacy issues.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Gustin earned his law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he was part of the school’s advocacy program and a national moot court champion. He is admitted to practice in all Texas state courts and in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas.  He is also licensed in all state courts of New Mexico and Arizona.

Gustin serves on the board of directors of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, and the North American Brain Injury Society. He has been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list for five consecutive years, following earlier recognition on the Texas Rising Stars list.

Faculty organizers at the University of Houston’s Fertitta Family College of Medicine indicated they plan to continue inviting practicing attorneys to campus to address legal and ethical issues that new physicians will encounter, including patient privacy, informed consent, and documentation practices that affect both care and legal accountability.

To learn more about the firm, visit https://gustin.law/.

Ross’ membership marks the firm’s formal entry into the Decatur business community, where many of its clients live and work. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, based in Denton and serving clients throughout North Texas, focuses on representing people injured by others’ negligence.

The Decatur Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in the historic downtown district, serves as a hub for local businesses, civic groups, and community events. “Injury law is, at its core, about people and communities,” Ross said. “Many of the individuals and families we represent come from Wise County and the greater Decatur area. Joining the Decatur Chamber of Commerce is a way to be more present where our clients live, work, and run their businesses.”

Founded by John “Tony” Ross and Partner Brent Chandler, Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys brings more than four decades of combined experience in personal injury and jury trial litigation. The attorneys have received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and have been recognized in publications including Texas Super Lawyers, Fort Worth Magazine, D Magazine, and Best of Denton County for years.

The Chamber membership will also give Ross and his colleagues access to business programming, small-business resources, and community events, from annual festivals and tournaments to educational gatherings. The Decatur Chamber has emphasized collaboration among members and has highlighted professional services, including law firms, as part of its broader effort to support economic activity in Wise County.

Ross said the firm plans to be a consistent presence at chamber events and to explore opportunities to contribute to local initiatives focused on safety and community well-being. “Our practice has always been rooted in North Texas,” he said. “Formalizing our relationship with the Decatur Chamber of Commerce is another step in that commitment.”

More information about Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys and its Decatur Chamber of Commerce membership is available on the firm’s chamber member profile at https://cca.decaturtx.com/WebForms/chandler-ross-injury-attorneys-_0_Chandler_4_1_10118653_memberprofile2.aspx.

The segment featuring Greenberg is part of Season 6, Episode 6 of “Chicago This Week,” the hourlong Medill-produced program that airs on CAN TV Channel 21 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Fridays and 7 p.m. Sundays. The full episode can be watched online at the Medill Reports Chicago website, with Greenberg appearing shortly after the 21:46 mark.

The report behind the story, “Chicago Bike Accidents Have Surged 46% Over Four Years,” is based on City of Chicago crash records. The findings document 8,389 reported bike accidents, 6,248 injuries, and 11 cyclist fatalities across the four-year study period. Every year set a new record.

In 2025 alone, drivers struck Chicago cyclists and fled the scene 694 times, up from 497 in 2022. That is a 39.6% increase over four years, outpacing the growth in total bike accidents and amounting to roughly 1 in 3 bike crashes citywide.

“What stands out in the data is that the hit-and-run problem is growing faster than the accident problem itself,” said Paul Greenberg, partner at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. “Drivers are choosing to flee at an accelerating rate. For an injured cyclist lying in the road, that decision compounds every other danger they already face.”

The firm’s analysis also identified specific corridors and dangerous roads in Chicago where the risk is concentrated. N. Milwaukee Ave recorded 329 bike accidents over the study period, the most of any road in Chicago. N. Clark St followed with 274, and the combined Halsted corridor (N. Halsted St and S. Halsted St) accounted for another 318 accidents. W. North Ave registered the highest hit-and-run concentration among high-volume corridors at 38.2%.

Driver behavior tells the story behind the numbers. Failing to Yield Right-of-Way is the single most identifiable cause, responsible for 2,165 accidents and 1,777 injuries. Improper Overtaking or Passing accounts for fewer accidents in total but carries a 49.0% hit-and-run rate, meaning a driver who illegally passes a cyclist is more likely than not to leave the scene.

“When you injure someone in an accident and you flee, you’re potentially facing a serious criminal charge,” Greenberg told Hawes in the segment.

Beyond the criminal exposure drivers face, injured cyclists often have civil remedies available even when the at-fault driver is never identified. Uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, and other options may apply. Cyclists who own auto insurance, or live with a household member who does, may have coverage that responds directly to hit-and-run injuries.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg’s bike injury lawyers are always available for a free consultation for anybody involved in an accident throughout Illinois.

The annual awards program recognizes the extraordinary talent and achievements within Florida’s legal community, celebrating individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the industry. The Managing Partner of the Year category honors outstanding leaders who successfully balance their caseloads with the management of their firm’s day-to-day affairs and long-term strategic vision. 

Payne co-founded Moore Payne Law in February 2025 to provide client-focused, personalized representation for Florida’s most complex catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and institutional negligence cases. Under his leadership, the intentionally low-volume firm saw remarkable growth within its first year of business, multiplying case filings tenfold and tripling its team size. Payne also spearheaded the responsible use of AI-assisted litigation and management tools within the firm to improve trial preparation workflows, regularly counseling other plaintiff lawyers across Florida and nationwide on ethical AI use from intake through trial.

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized alongside such outstanding leaders dedicated to serving Florida’s fast-growing legal landscape,” said Payne. “From day one, my approach has centered around building trust, both with my team and with my clients, by leading with integrity and ensuring attorneys and staff keep our client-focused principle top of mind.”

As a trial attorney, Payne specializes in high-stakes litigation, regularly taking on medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, and catastrophic personal injury cases. Having begun his legal career in insurance defense, he brings a strategic advantage and unique insights to clients facing claims against healthcare facilities and insurance companies. Since dedicating his practice to representing plaintiffs, he has amassed over $65 million in settlements and $18 million in verdicts. 

Beyond the courtroom, Payne and founding partner Geoff Moore, Esq. are active advocates for systemic change in nursing home reform, working with the state government to expand the rights of nursing home residents. Their motto, “Big Injuries, Big Justice, Bigger Purpose,” drives the firm’s mission to secure results for their clients while holding large corporations and insurance companies accountable.

Moore Payne Law is currently accepting new clients and offers free consultations to help individuals understand their rights and legal options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit moorepaynelaw.com or call 407-216-1000.

The case was led by seasoned trial attorney Keith McCabe, whose decades of courtroom experience played a pivotal role in achieving this outcome. The client suffered significant injuries, including trauma to the head, neck, right hand, and lower back, following a serious car accident. Despite attempts by the defense to minimize the severity of the injuries and attribute them to pre-existing conditions, the jury recognized the true extent of the harm caused.

Prior to trial, the insurance company offered just $125,000 to settle the case. However, through meticulous preparation and a compelling presentation of evidence, the legal team demonstrated the full impact of the injuries on the client’s life. The jury ultimately awarded nearly four times the pre-trial offer, underscoring the importance of experienced trial advocacy.

With more than 80 jury trials taken to verdict over a distinguished career, the lead attorney brings extensive experience handling complex personal injury matters, including wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, and catastrophic accident cases. His background also includes product liability litigation, large-scale subrogation matters, and serving as both a mediator and arbitrator in dispute resolution proceedings.

A graduate of Trinity College and the University of Bridgeport School of Law, where he ranked in the top 5% of his class, he is widely respected for his strategic approach, thorough preparation, and dedication to client advocacy. Admitted to practice in Connecticut, he is known for guiding clients through challenging legal situations with clarity and confidence.

“This result reflects our unwavering commitment to standing up to insurance companies and fighting for what our clients truly deserve,” said a firm spokesperson. “We are proud to deliver results that make a meaningful difference in our clients’ lives.”

For more information about this case or to schedule a consultation, contact the firm in Middletown, CT, today.

The crash involved a teenage driver who struck the rear of the client’s vehicle. From the beginning, the defense challenged fault and argued their driver was not primarily responsible. They also claimed the client’s injuries were minor and short-lived.

After the collision, the client experienced a worsening of prior medical conditions. The defense argued the surgery would have been needed regardless of the crash. They also focused on gaps in treatment and presented opinions from two medical experts to support their position.

DM Injury Law filed suit and moved forward with a detailed investigation. The legal team gathered testimony from the drivers involved, witnesses to the crash, and individuals who knew the client before and after the incident. This included family members and others who could speak to the changes in the client’s condition. Medical providers and expert witnesses were also questioned to help explain how the crash affected the client’s health.

During mediation, the defense offered $210,000. They continued to argue that the injuries were temporary, that the surgery was unrelated to the crash, and that their driver was not at least half at fault. The offer was rejected.

As the case moved closer to trial, DM Injury Law continued to build its position. The firm challenged the defense’s liability expert and succeeded in preventing that testimony from being presented at trial. This ruling limited the defense’s ability to dispute fault.

Preparation for trial included additional expert depositions, court filings, and legal arguments. As this work continued, the strength of the case became clearer. The evidence showed that the crash had a direct impact on the client’s condition and led to the need for surgery.

One week before the trial in Johnson County District Court, the case was resolved for $600,000. The result reflects both the seriousness of the injuries and the impact the crash had on the client’s daily life.

A representative from DM Injury Law said the outcome was the result of consistent work and a willingness to push forward despite the defense’s position. The firm remained focused on presenting a clear account of how the crash affected the client and why compensation was warranted.

The settlement provides financial recovery for medical care and addresses the lasting effects of the injuries. DM Injury Law continues to represent individuals who have been harmed by the actions of others and works to secure fair outcomes based on the facts of each case.

As one of Houston’s most anticipated annual traditions, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo draws more than 2 million attendees each year. Known as the world’s largest indoor livestock exhibition and rodeo, the multi-week event features rodeo competitions, live concerts, a carnival, and agricultural showcases, all while raising millions of dollars in scholarships to support Texas youth.

Through this collaboration, Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers aligned its brand with several high-profile KPRC programs that highlight the culture, energy, and community spirit of RodeoHouston.

The firm sponsored a special Houston Rodeo opening day episode of Houston Life, KPRC’s popular weekday lifestyle show airing from 1–2 p.m. Hosted by Tessa Barrera and Derrick Shore, Houston Life is dedicated to showcasing the best of the greater Houston area. The opening day episode brought viewers directly into the excitement of the rodeo, featuring live coverage, local personalities, and behind-the-scenes moments that captured the spirit of the event.

In addition, Suits & Boots supported a Rodeo-themed episode of Eat Like a Local, hosted by acclaimed Houston chef Chris Shepherd. A James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest, Shepherd is widely recognized for his contributions to the culinary world. In this special episode, he explored the diverse and beloved food offerings at the rodeo, spotlighting local vendors and fan-favorite dishes that define the Houston experience. Among the highlights were the rodeo’s iconic corn dogs (widely considered a must-have) featuring standout options like the freshly made, Filipino-style jalapeño-cheese corn dog from “Corn Dog with No Name,” praised by Top Chef finalist Evelyn Garcia for its made-to-order quality and unique flavor.

Further extending its presence, the firm sponsored Randy McIlvoy’s “Rough Ride” of the Night, a nightly segment airing during KPRC Channel 2’s 10 p.m. news broadcast. The segment highlights the most thrilling bull ride of each evening, delivering high-energy recaps that resonate with rodeo fans across the region.

“Our collaboration with KPRC during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo gave us the opportunity to connect with Houstonians through programming that captures the energy and pride of this iconic event,” said Kip Brar, Founding Partner, Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers. “The rodeo is more than an event, it’s a tradition that brings people together, supports local youth, and showcases everything that makes Houston unique. We’re proud to support programming that celebrates that spirit.”

Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers continue to show up for Houston by supporting local events and partnering with the people and traditions that bring the community together.

For more information about Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, visit suitsaccidentinjurylawyers.com.

Megan Shore is the founder and trial attorney at Shore Law, where she focuses her practice on helping individuals and families in cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect, medical malpractice, birth injury, sexual assault, and other serious matters. She is passionate about seeking justice by uncovering key details in complex cases and fighting on behalf of those harmed in healthcare and institutional settings.

A central part of her practice involves the analysis of electronic medical records and healthcare system data. Megan Shore works with audit trails and metadata to review when medical records are viewed by healthcare providers, when they are modified or deleted, when alerts are triggered, and how care-related events are documented within digital systems. This includes reviewing imaging access (such as CT scans), system alerts, and care-related communications like emails and text messaging. Megan Shore also forensically examines this data to uncover false and fraudulent charting in medical records.

Her work extends beyond individual cases and into education and consulting. Megan Shore presents at law schools and continuing education programs for attorneys, nurses, and physicians on topics including nursing home abuse and neglect, systemic failures in healthcare facilities, electronic medical records, audit trails, discovery, cross-examination, trial preparation, and issues related to healthcare documentation. She has also published articles on these subjects and has served as a qualified testifying expert on matters involving nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“I’m honored to be included among the strong women recognized this year,” said Shore. “The work I do is deeply personal for the families I represent, and it means a great deal to be part of a profession that stands up to big corporations to get answers and accountability.”

Shore has received recognition from organizations, including Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. Her work reflects a continued focus on handling complex cases and contributing to conversations around healthcare accountability and legal advocacy.

Over the four-year period, the City of Chicago recorded 440,326 total crashes, 96,213 injuries, and 518 fatalities. Fatal crashes fell 37% from 2022 to 2025. Injury crashes rose 11.6% over the same period, and the share of all crashes that injured at least one person climbed from 14.79% in 2022 to 16.40% in 2025.

Fatal Crashes Are Down Significantly

The clearest positive signal in the data is the decline in fatal crashes. After peaking at 143 fatal collisions in 2023, the count dropped to 111 in 2024 and 85 in 2025, a 40.6% reduction from the peak. Total fatalities followed the same trajectory, falling from 151 in 2023 to 94 in 2025. The fatal crash rate fell from 0.13% of all crashes in 2023 to 0.08% in 2025, nearly cut in half.

The data suggests the improvement is driven by fewer catastrophic collisions occurring in the first place. The average number of fatalities per fatal crash held steady across all four years, meaning survival rates once a crash occurs did not meaningfully change. Fewer of the deadliest crashes are happening at all.

Injury Crashes Are Rising

The countertrend is harder to dismiss. Injury crashes rose from 16,034 in 2022 to a peak of 18,442 in 2024, before pulling back modestly to 17,898 in 2025. That 2025 figure still sits 11.6% above 2022. The total number of people injured rose from 22,093 in 2022 to 24,954 in 2025, a 12.9% increase. Across all four years, more than 96,000 people were injured on Chicago roads.

When a collision happens in Chicago today, it is meaningfully more likely to hurt someone than it was in 2022.

The Fastest-Growing Injury Category Is the Hardest to See

Breaking down injuries by severity reveals a pattern with significant implications for crash victims. Incapacitating injuries, the most serious non-fatal category, declined 25.3% over the four-year period, from 2,287 in 2022 to 1,709 in 2025. Non-incapacitating injuries held essentially flat, rising just 1.5% net.

The category that changed most dramatically was reported-not-evident injuries: soft-tissue damage, whiplash, and concussions that victims report but that are not visually apparent at the scene. This category rose from 6,919 in 2022 to 10,220 in 2025, a 47.7% increase. It is the fastest-growing injury category in the dataset.

These are also the injuries insurance companies dispute most aggressively. When an officer at the scene does not observe visible harm, insurers routinely use that absence to challenge the severity or cause of a claim. The data shows these injuries are real, increasingly common, and legally consequential.

What This Means for Injured Chicagoans

Car accident lawyer, Paul Greenberg, said “The surge in reported-not-evident injuries has direct consequences for anyone pursuing compensation after an accident. Soft-tissue injuries and concussions often present hours or days after a collision. Early medical evaluation is critical, both for recovery and for building the documentation needed to protect your rights.”

The firm advises all crash victims to seek medical attention immediately after any collision, photograph the scene and preserve all available evidence, and consult with an attorney before speaking with insurance companies. With injury claims rising across the city, insurers have a strong incentive to contest individual claims and push early settlements that fall short of covering the full cost of recovery.

The firm also notes that as hit-and-runs become more prevalent, victims are not without legal recourse. Uninsured motorist coverage may provide a path to compensation even when the at-fault driver is never identified.

The full report, including year-over-year breakdowns, injury severity analysis, and complete crash data from 2022 through 2025, is available on the firm’s website.

The Home Depot worker was loading a trailer owned by a national freight carrier when the trailer suddenly dropped at the dock. The jolt threw him forward in the forklift, and he reported immediate and severe pain in his lower back. The incident ended his shift that day and, over time, would sharply curtail his ability to continue working in physically demanding warehouse positions.

The injuries sustained from this incident ultimately required back surgery and extensive follow-up care for several years. Despite treatment, he has been left with lasting physical limitations and permanent work restrictions that the firm said prevent him from returning to his prior job on the loading dock.

“This settlement reflects the profound impact that a single moment on a loading dock can have on a person’s health, livelihood, and sense of security,” said Susan E. Fransen, the Joliet, IL-based personal injury attorney at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg who represented the worker. “Our client wanted to keep working and supporting his family. When that became impossible, our task was to document the full scope of what he lost and to pursue a resolution that would help him move forward with dignity and stability.”

Fransen said the case underscores the stakes of routine safety procedures in industrial and warehouse settings, where workers often rely on others to secure trailers and equipment they do not control. She noted that modern freight and retail operations place increasing physical demands on employees, while even brief lapses in protocol can result in life-changing injuries.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is a Chicago personal injury law firm representing individuals in Illinois in matters involving workplace and industrial accidents, motor vehicle collisions, medical negligence, and other serious injury claims.

Attorney Gilbert’s litigation philosophy emphasizes trial readiness as a primary means of achieving results, whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom verdicts.

Track Record and Professional Background

Connor joins Brooks Law Firm with a documented history of high-value case resolutions, with more than $10 million recovered for clients in the last two years alone. These successes include complex litigation matters, including a $5 million medical malpractice recovery, a separate $1 million medical malpractice recovery and a $912,500 recovery stemming from a motor vehicle accident.

Prior to accepting his partnership at Brooks Law Firm, Attorney Gilbert litigated personal injury cases at the largest personal injury firm in the United States. His experience in the private sector is complemented by significant public sector service. 

Earlier in his career, Connor served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Trial Division of the Bronx District Attorney’s Office in New York. During his tenure as a prosecutor, he tried cases to verdict and secured numerous indictments in serious felony cases. He was also appointed as a Special Prosecutor to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Bar Admissions and Industry Recognition

Attorney Gilbert holds bar admissions in multiple jurisdictions, allowing him to practice in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, and Kentucky. His work in civil litigation has earned recognition from several national legal organizations, including the National Trial Lawyers – Top 40 Under 40, Lawyers of Distinction, and Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers.

Trapp joins from a distinguished medical malpractice defense firm, bringing extensive experience representing clients in comprehensive medical malpractice actions, as well as and personal injury cases. At Moore Payne, Trapp will provide valuable insight to injured individuals and families seeking accountability. Trapp earned his B.A. in business management from Barry University and his J.D. from Florida A&M University College of Law where he was a member of the Mock Trial Team, co-founder of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, and a judicial clerk in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

“After years in medical malpractice and other complex litigation, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating these cases can be to families,” said Trapp. “I look forward to working alongside Geoff, Spencer, and the entire Moore Payne team, knowing that together we can do a lot of good for our clients.”

In addition to his litigation practice, Trapp remains deeply involved in the Central Florida community. Since 2016, he has served as a Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem through the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, advocating on behalf of children in the dependency system. His pro bono service earned him the society’s Pro Bono Award of Excellence, along with prior recognition for his volunteer work. As a lifelong athlete, Trapp also dedicates time coaching and training youth basketball players at a regional YMCA and with TnT Elite Hoops.

“Zack is a seasoned trial attorney who understands how medical practice cases are built and defended,” said Geoff Moore, Esq., co-founder of Moore Payne Law. “Our clients will benefit from his courtroom experience and commitment to the community, making him a powerful advocate and strong addition to our team.”

For more information about Moore Payne or to request a free consultation, visit moorepaynelaw.com.

As part of the campaign, the firm is giving away 50 free Uber ride vouchers, each valued at $15, to help people get home safely after St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The initiative is aimed at reducing DUI-related crashes during a holiday that consistently sees elevated risks on the road.

According to national traffic safety data, St. Patrick’s Day has resulted in hundreds of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in recent years, with nighttime hours posing the greatest danger. By providing free rides, Lone Star Injury Attorneys hopes to encourage responsible decisions before celebrations begin.

“St. Patrick’s Day should be about enjoying time with friends, not dealing with the consequences of a preventable crash,” said Max Paderewski, founder of the firm. “We see firsthand how devastating drunk driving accidents can be. This campaign is about giving people a simple way to make a safer choice.”

The Uber vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one per person. Participants must complete a short registration form in advance to be eligible.

How to Participate

Sign up in advance: Visit the St. Patrick’s Day campaign page and complete the brief form to request a voucher.

Use your voucher on St. Patrick’s Day: Apply it toward a safe ride home during the holiday.

Share the initiative: Encourage friends and family to plan ahead and celebrate responsibly.