Driving drunk or under the influence of alcohol is so dangerous to the safety of motorists that it is a crime in all 50 states, including Illinois. In this state, motorists are presumed to be under the influence when they have a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher but can be guilty of driving under the influence even with a lesser concentration of ethanol in their system. If a driver is intoxicated, it is enough to lead to potential charges.
Alcohol is far from the only substance that is banned in the systems of drivers who take to the roads in Illinois. Drugs, including some over-the-counter and prescription medications, can lead to criminal charges if the effects of the drugs impair a driver’s ability to function behind the wheel. Most drivers who are cited for operating under the influence will face charges that may result in fines, fees, loss of a driver’s license, community service, or even incarceration, but what many don’t realize is that the criminal charges may not be the end of their legal saga. Rather, if a collision occurs and a victim is injured due to the actions of a drunk driver, that motorist may be held liable for the full extent of the damages sustained by the victim or victims involved, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is the victims’ right to seek this relief and no action by a drunk driver can prevent this. Victims who have been hurt may choose to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago to learn whether they have a valid claim and if so, what relief may be possible.
Cornerback for the Chicago Bears Tim Jennings reportedly was arrested while driving in Georgia today and is now facing charges including driving while under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, and speeding. According to local police, Jennings was stopped shortly before 12:00 p.m. today while driving on I-85 in the state of Georgia after an officer supposedly noted Jennings’ speed at 99 miles per hour, which was 34 miles per hour over the posted speed limit in the area. Reports indicate that once the officer stopped Jennings, he approached the vehicle and detected a smell of alcohol coming from the football player, leading to Jennings’ arrest. Jennings was booked into a Georgia jail and released later in the afternoon. At this time, there has been no report on the blood alcohol content, of any, possessed by Jennings at the time of his arrest or whether any other charges may be pending.
If authorities prove that Jennings was operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol, it will be fortunate that he was stopped before a collision occurred. In many instances with an intoxicated driver, police do not notice or apprehend the drunk motorist until the moments after a crash, often when it is too late to prevent injuries.
Victims of drunk driving accidents can range from the drunk driver personally to those in the same vehicle as a drunk driver to others who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you have been hurt or your loved one has been killed, please know that you do not have to suffer in silence.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. believe in fighting for those who have been hurt by the actions of impaired motorists and if that includes you, we want to fight for you as well. We are standing by 24/7/365 to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we will provide you with a case consultation without any obligation on your part. We never charge our clients a fee unless we make a recovery in their cases and we fight for the best possible outcome in every matter we handle.
Do not hesitate. If you have been injured, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us go to work for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Teenage Pedestrian Hit by Car in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 6, 2015.
Resource:
Bears cornerback Tim Jennings arrested in Georgia, by Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, published January 7, 2015.