Driving under the influence of alcohol is not just against the law but it is also incredibly dangerous. Every year, thousands of drivers are killed across the nation in drunk driving incidents including many in Chicago. The truly tragic thing is that none of these deaths need to occur; instead, anyone who drinks should refrain from driving and seek alternative transportation like a taxi, train, or a designated driver.
It appears that a Chicago accident claimed the life of a four-year-old boy last weekend and that the accident might have been caused by the boy’s father who reportedly admitted to drinking before driving. Police have reported that the 46-year-old father was driving on the Dan Ryan Expressway over the weekend when he veered right and struck a guard rail twice. Reportedly the oldest child in the car, a four-year-old male, was ejected and flew through the rear window. The driver pulled over to check for damage on an off-ramp and noticed that the boy was gone. According to police, the man did not realize the child had been ejected before he stopped his vehicle for inspection.
Emergency crews responded to the scene of the crash and found the young boy on the side of the road, unresponsive. They transported the child to Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago but the boy’s injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead a short time later while still at the hospital.
Police reportedly interviewed the 46-year-old driver about the incident and they stated that the man admitted to drinking alcohol earlier in the evening. Allegedly both beer cans and an empty bottle of vodka were found in the vehicle. The man, who police say had bloodshot, glassy eyes, was arrested and charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless homicide. If convicted, the man may face loss of a license, incarceration in prison, and fines, among other penalties.
The driver’s wife and three other children were in the car at the time of the incident but it appears that none of them were injured. The driver sustained a broken rib for which he received medical treatment.
In addition to any charges brought by the State of Illinois, victims of drunk driving accidents or the surviving family members of drunk driving accidents may seek compensation from the responsible impaired driver through a civil claim. An injury lawyer can help victims understand whether they may be entitled to relief and what claim or claims may be available to them.
Many people do not realize that in the event they are injured while in the same car as a drunk driver, they may still have a valid claim for their injuries. The law does not punish those who are in the same vehicle as the drunk driver but rather treats all injury victims the same.
If you have been the victim of a drunk driving incident and you sustained injuries, make sure your legal rights are intact and protected. Call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation. We are standing by 24 hours a day at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 just to take your call whenever you need answers. Do not hesitate; call us today.
Prior Blog Entry:
Hit-And-Run Critically Injures 3 in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 23, 2013.
Resource:
Texas man charged with DUI in crash that killed his 4-year-old son, by Duaa Eldeib and Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, published December 25, 2013.