Illinois treats drunk driving accidents and collisions caused by other intoxicants very seriously as driving while impaired is against the law in the state. Motorists who operate their vehicle while impaired may be charged with a criminal offense and/or a traffic crime and may face criminal punishments including fees and fines, loss of a driver’s license, and even incarceration.
But many drunk drivers do not realize that they can be held financially liable for any damages they cause in a crash in addition to those charges brought by local officials. The laws in Chicago and across Illinois are designed to hold negligent drivers, including those who are driving under the influence, liable for the damages they cause. This means that a driver who causes a crash may be forced to provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering endured by the victims of an accident depending on the facts surrounding the collision. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help victims understand if they have the right to seek relief and whether a financial recovery is possible in their case.
A car accident occurred on the Bishop Ford Freeway shortly after 10:00 p.m. last night and left one person in critical condition. Officials responded to the scene of the incident near Sibley Boulevard and determined that two vehicles collided while traveling southbound. The nature of the crash is not clear at this time.
The driver of one vehicle, a 28-year-old man, did not appear to sustain serious injuries in the accident but police suspect that he may have been under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested at the scene and charges against him are currently pending.
A 60-year-old man in a second vehicle reportedly was ejected from this car and landed on the ground, sustaining critical injuries and requiring emergency transportation to an area hospital.
Police spent several hours at the scene of the crash investigating the incident before cleanup crews removed debris. Traffic was diverted though the early hours of Wednesday morning while the northbound lanes remained open.
When a driver operates a vehicle in an unsafe manner, others on the road are at risk for serious injuries or even death if a collision occurs. While nothing can erase these crashes once they take place, the victims of these collisions may be entitled to seek relief for their damages.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are a firm comprised of personal injury lawyers who believe in victims’ rights. We offer a free case consultation without any obligation to victims who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. Everything discussed in any case consultation will be kept confidential.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we do not want to see victims continue to suffer without help so we keep a licensed lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call. If you have been hurt in a car accident or if your loved one has been injured or killed, call us today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Collision Between Motorcyclist and Pedestrian Near Glenbrook South High School Injures 2, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 26, 2014.
Resource:
1 critical, 1 in custody after Bishop Ford crash, Chicago Tribune, published August 27, 2014.