The average drunk driving suspect in Illinois is male, 34 years old, and has a blood alcohol content of twice the legal limit, according to the Illinois Secretary of State. The fortunate incidents of drunk driving end before tragedy can occur with police or other officials apprehending suspects before a crash takes place. Yet too often, drunk driving accidents occur in Chicago, across Illinois, and across the nation. In 2010 alone, 10,228 people lost their lives to drunk driving accidents in America, including 211 children.
The victims of these accidents are often left with serious injuries, and in the worst cases, a victim may lose his or her life. Though nothing can erase these crashes from happening, the victims may be entitled to seek relief through the use of a civil claim for damages. In Illinois, the right to bring a claim for injuries belongs exclusively to the victim and it is not affected by the issuance or failure of issuance of a traffic citation or other ticket. If injuries occur, a financial recovery may be possible. Speaking with a Chicago personal injury lawyer may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a collision with a drunk driver.
Officials have reported that a collision on the Eisenhower Expressway on Sunday morning may have been the result of impairment. According to police, two vehicles were involved in a collision near 1st Avenue shortly after 1:00 a.m. Witnesses to the collision reported that a suspected drunk driver involved exited his vehicle, entered the other vehicle involved in the crash, and tried to flee the scene in the second vehicle, a BMW. At some point, the suspected drunk driver abandoned the BMW and began to run on foot.
Police responding to the crash were told that the man, a 25-year-old individual, had a gun and was running. Officers chased the man and one shot was fired by an officer though no one reportedly was hit. After a distance, police stopped the suspect and arrested him. He was transported to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening.
The suspect was arrested and is now facing charges of driving under the influence and attempted car jacking, among other offenses. He is reportedly due in court today. It is not clear whether anyone else involved in the collision sustained injuries or needed medical treatment following the crash.
If you have been involved in a collision with a drunk driver or if your loved one was killed in an accident, you may be entitled to legal relief for your damages. The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. focus their representation on only those who have been hurt through the actions of others. We never represent insurance companies or those who have harmed others so our clients are assured that our interests are the same as theirs.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we offer a free, no obligation case consultation toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call. Everything discussed will be kept confidential and we will help you understand your legal options. If you have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, do not continue to suffer without relief. Call us today and let us help you seek the recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Rogers Park Hit-and-Run Seriously Injures Cab Driver, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 4, 2014.
Resource:
Man charged with aggravated DUI, attempted carjacking after Eisenhower crash, by Adam Sege, Chicago Tribune, published August 4, 2014.