Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Individuals harmed by a drunk driver should be able to receive all the compensation necessary to cover their medical bills, property damage, and any other expenses caused by the incident. Unfortunately, these claims are challenging, even if the other driver was impaired.
As we review these claims, we encourage you to reach out to a Chicago drunk driving accident lawyer for help with your case. When you have a Chicago car accident attorney with experience by your side, you significantly increase your chances of recovering the money you need to get through this.
What Is Driving Under the Influence?
In Illinois, driving under the influence (DUI) means operating a motor vehicle while under the intoxicating influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both (Illinois Compiled Statutes § 11-500). It is against the law to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level at or above 0.08 percent for standard drivers or 0.04 percent for commercial truck drivers.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving in Chicago Is a Problem
Drunk driving remains a significant issue in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Despite efforts to reduce these incidents, many accidents occur due to drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, alcohol-impaired driving is a leading cause of traffic deaths in the state. In 2020 alone, there were 10,142 alcohol-related crashes in Illinois, resulting in major injuries and fatalities.
Common Injuries From Drunk Driving
Drunk driving accidents are some of the deadliest vehicle collisions in Illinois. Drunk drivers are often guilty of dangerous and reckless driving behaviors, such as excessive speeding, racing, and red-light running. Unfortunately, this can result in high-speed collisions and other catastrophic accidents that cause life-changing injuries. Examples include broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and internal organ damage.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Crash
If you get injured in a car accident where you suspect the other driver of impairment, remain calm and take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Check for injuries and seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Your adrenaline may be hiding serious injuries.
- Call the police and report the drunk driver. The police should always be notified of an accident involving possible driver intoxication.
- Collect information at the scene, including the driver’s name, crash, photos, and eyewitness information for your records.
Once you’ve collected facts and evidence surrounding your DUI car accident, bring these documents to a meeting with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Chicago to learn about your legal options.
How Will Impaired Driving Affect Your Injury Claim?
When a driver is impaired by alcohol, their ability to operate a vehicle safely is compromised. This increases the chance of accidents and devastating consequences for victims. Drunk driving accident claims can be more straightforward in terms of proving fault because impairment is a clear act of negligence. However, the challenges arise in dealing with insurance carriers and helping hold all responsible parties accountable.
In Illinois, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08%. If a driver exceeds this limit and causes an accident, they can face both criminal charges (initiated by the police and prosecutors) and civil liability (claim filed by victims) for any injuries and damages caused. The drunk driver’s insurance company may attempt to minimize its liability or offer a low settlement, making it crucial to have an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Chicago to negotiate for you.
Who Pays for a Drunk Driving Accident in Illinois?
If a driver recklessly decides to operate under the influence, he or she can be held liable or financially responsible for a resultant car accident. This means the drunk driver (or the driver’s insurance) can be made to pay for a victim’s medical bills, property repairs, and other losses. Since Illinois is a fault-based state, the victim will need to prove that the driver was intoxicated and caused the crash.
Another legal option is a dram shop liability claim. The Illinois dram shop law permits DUI accident victims to hold alcohol vendors liable for the actions of a drunk driver who was overserved or served under age (20 or younger) at an establishment. This means you may be able to hold a Chicago bar, restaurant, or another alcohol vendor liable for the crash.
Why Is a Chicago Drunk Driving Attorney Necessary for Your Case?
Navigating a car accident claim can be complex and overwhelming. A drunk driving accident lawyer specializing in impaired driving claims can provide several critical services:
- Evidence Gathering. An attorney will collect essential evidence, such as police reports and criminal citations, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case.
- Expert Negotiation. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than what victims deserve. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can negotiate effectively to ensure you receive adequate compensation.
- Litigation Support. If a fair settlement isn’t attainable through an insurance settlement, your attorney can take your case to court.
- Comprehensive Compensation. Lawyers can help you seek compensation not only for medical expenses and property damage but also for lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term impacts on your quality of life.
For victims of drunk driving accidents in Chicago, seeking legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of their claims. With professional legal assistance, you can focus on your recovery while your Chicago drunk driving accident attorney navigates the complexities of your case.
How Long Will Your Car Accident Claim Take?
There is no specific time frame for how long it will take a drunk driving accident claim to resolve. Relatively straightforward claims could result in a person receiving compensation within a few months, but that is not always how these claims play out.
Unfortunately, there may be additional complications as a criminal case related to the drunk driving plays out that could affect a civil claim. We encourage you to speak to your Chicago drunk driving accident attorney about any potential holdups that could prevent you from recovering immediate compensation.
How Can a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Chicago Help You?
Recovering from a driving under the influence accident may take medical treatments and ongoing care, therapies, and expensive property repairs. Seeking justice against the drunk driver can help you move forward.
A Chicago drunk driving accident attorney can help you understand your rights as a victim. You can trust them to take over settlement negotiations and fight for fair case results on your behalf while you concentrate on healing.
If you want to discuss a recent driving under the influence accident with a local drunk driving accident attorney, contact Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC at (312) 586-1700 to request a free case review.