At Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, we represent clients in Peoria and the surrounding areas who are facing criminal charges or who have been injured due to the negligence of another party. With decades of combined experience, our Peoria attorneys have the knowledge and skills to handle a range of criminal and personal injury cases, from straightforward matters to complex litigation.
We believe in working collaboratively with our clients. In this way, we can learn more about what you hope to achieve, and help you obtain the best outcome given the facts of your case. We are open and accessible, and offer free initial consultations where you can learn about your legal rights and options.
Personal Injury
Personal injury cases involve an element of negligence, which is the failure of one party to use reasonable care to avoid causing injury or loss to another person. To prove negligence, a Peoria personal injury attorney must prove four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
The first step in a personal injury case is analyzing whether the defendant (the party who was negligent) owed the plaintiff (the injured party) a duty of care. This may be as simple as a driver having a duty to operate a motor vehicle safely.
The next step is determining whether the defendant breached this duty by either doing or failing to do something that a “reasonably prudent person” — or an average person — would do under similar circumstances. For example, a reasonably prudent person would not text and drive, and so a defendant who texted and drove may have breached his duty to operate his car safely.
The third step requires the plaintiff to prove that the defendant’s negligence caused his or her injury. If the defendant was texting and driving, but the plaintiff’s injuries were caused by his tire blowing out, then it may be that the true cause of his injuries was the defective tire — not the other driver.
Finally, the fourth step is to prove damages. A seasoned Peoria personal injury attorney will establish the total amount of damages caused by the defendant’s negligence, which may include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.
At Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, our Peoria personal injury attorneys handle a number of personal injury claims, including:
- Auto Accidents
- Trucking Crashes
- Dangerous or Defective Products
- Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse
- Medical Malpractice Cases
After working with our clients to develop the facts of the case, we will put together a legal claim to submit to the insurance company. If a settlement cannot be achieved through negotiation, we will seek compensation through alternative dispute resolution and litigation. Our partners have each represented clients before the Illinois Supreme Court, giving them the litigation skills necessary to get results.
Auto Accidents
In 2016 alone, there were 2,177,000 motor vehicle accidents in the United States that caused injuries. That same year, an additional 34,439 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents. These statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrate just how common auto accidents are — and how serious the results can be.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, auto accidents are also common in our state. In 2015, there were 313,316 motor vehicle crashes. 65,744 of these accidents (21%) involved injuries. 914 of these crashes were fatal. Speed was the biggest factor in Illinois auto accidents, accounting for 32.2% of overall crashes, 34.2% of fatal crashes, and 37% of injury crashes.
At Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, we understand how devastating auto accidents can be. Our clients are often overwhelmed by bills and lost wages, along with the stress of recovering physically and emotionally from their injuries. We are committed to standing by your side throughout the process, from the first consultation until the case is resolved.
We represent clients in Peoria and the surrounding areas on all types of auto accidents, including bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rear end accidents, truck accidents, and Uber and Lyft accidents. By advocating for our clients, we give them peace of mind and the ability to focus on what is truly important: their health and well-being.
Criminal Defense
If you have been charged with an Illinois criminal offense, you may be shocked, scared, and wondering where to turn. The criminal justice system is complex, with rules that seem to make little sense — and that are designed to trap you.
The Peoria criminal defense attorneys of Schierer & Ritchie, LLC understand how frightened you are, and are here to help. We offer free initial consultations, where we will explain your legal rights. From there, we will aggressively defend you, seeking a reduction or dismissal of your charges, a favorable plea deal, or a not guilty verdict at trial.
With decades of combined experience, our team of legal professionals is skilled at handling a range of criminal cases, including military criminal defense. As a former Navy JAG prosecutor, attorney Charles Schierer has firsthand knowledge of the military criminal process. He will put his experience to work on behalf of clients who have been charged with crimes as they serve as members of the armed forces.
We serve clients in Peoria and the surrounding areas who have been charged with Illinois criminal offenses, including:
- Aggravated Assault
- Drug Crimes
- DUI
- Federal Crimes
- Misdemeanors
- Murder
- Sex Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- Weapon Crimes
If possible, we will seek sentencing alternatives to allow you to get your life back on track after being involved with the system. Throughout the process, we will work to protect your rights and your freedom.
Work with a Seasoned Peoria Attorney
If you have been injured through the negligence of another, or if you are currently facing criminal charges, Schierer & Ritchie, LLC can help. We are dedicated to working with our clients to help them achieve their goals, whether that involves achieving a settlement or having criminal charges reduced.
Available 24 hours a day, we offer free consultations to all prospective clients. To schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers, contact us by phone at 309-389-2024, or email us at any time.