Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Illinois laws against drinking and driving are clear and strict: if you operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or greater, you will be presumed to be under the influence and you may face traffic and/or criminal penalties. Punishments for drunk driving accidents often include fines, fees, community service, loss of a driver’s license, house arrest, probation, or even incarceration. In some cases, the punishments faced become more serious when an accident occurs and one or more individuals involved are injured or killed.
But the laws against drunk driving in Chicago and across the state are broader than what is described above. In addition to motorists with a BAC of .08, anyone can be guilty of operating under the influence if they have consumed a drug or alcohol that inhibits or decreases their ability to drive. This can include smaller amounts of alcohol, prescription drugs, street drugs, or even over-the-counter medications. Additional, drivers who are under the legal age to consume alcohol of 21 years in Illinois are not allowed to have any alcohol in their systems.
The laws are designed to keep the roads safe for everyone who uses them by discouraging drivers from drinking before taking the wheel. Despite the strict laws and serious possible punishments, though, thousands of drivers continue to take to Chicago roads every year, causing accidents and leaving injured victims in their wake. These victims may not be able to undue the harm done to them but they may be entitled to seek financial payment for their damages if a drunk driver caused their injuries, including payment for any medical bills incurred and pain and suffering endured. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your rights if you have been involved in a Chicago car accident.
Police in Chicago have reported that two individuals were riding in a vehicle on the city’s South Side on Saturday when a crash occurred, and they suspect that alcohol may have been a factor. The 37-year-old driver was traveling in the 8200 block of South Chicago Avenue around 1:00 p.m. when the motorist lost control of the vehicle, struck a light pole, and then collided with a parked car. The driver sustained serious injuries in the accident and was transported to an area hospital where the nature of the injuries have not been revealed, but police have indicated that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol prior to the impact.
In addition to the driver, a 44-year-old male front seat passenger was involved in the crash. The incident reportedly amputated one of the man’s arms but emergency crews were able to tend to the victim and transport him to a hospital. Doctors attempted to save the man’s life but he died in the early evening hours of the injuries sustained in the collision.
When a drunk driving accident takes place in Chicago, the ramifications are often felt by an entire family. Whether a victim needs help around the house, incurs medical expenses, or must miss work for a period of time, the burden may stretch to involve the victim’s family members, friends, and coworkers after a crash. But when a loved one loses his or her life in a collision, the damages never fade and they remain with a family for eternity. Though no amount of compensation can ever be considered adequate in these cases, these families may be able to obtain payment to ease the financial burden left by their loved one’s absence.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our team of personal injury lawyers has helped numerous victims of drunk driving crashes and their family members obtain relief through the use of civil claims, and we want to help you as well. We offer a free case consultation without any obligation to those who contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call.
If a DUI accident has left you hurt or claimed your loved one’s life, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Bicyclist Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash with Semi-Tractor, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 10, 2014.
Resource:
Man dies after losing arm in South Chicago car accident, by Gregory Pratt, Chicago Tribune, published October 11, 2014.