It seems like celebrities catch a break now and again when it comes to the law, regardless of where in the country they are located. But when it comes to drunk drivers and drunk driving accidents, anyone, regardless of who they are or how famous they may be, can become a victim in just a matter of moments.
Though it is illegal in all 50 states, some drivers continue to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence or while impaired by alcohol or drugs. When doing so, the drunk driver risks not only a traffic citation or criminal charge but also the driver’s own personal safety and the safety of all other motorists in the area. Even bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians are not safe from the threat of drunk driving.
In Chicago, the laws are designed to protect those who are innocent victims of accidents while holding at-fault drivers liable for their actions. To ensure this happens, victims of Chicago drunk driving accidents may be able to bring a civil claim for their losses against a responsible driver, the owner of a vehicle, or any other party who caused their damages. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand whether you have a valid claim for your losses, and if so, against whom you may be able to seek relief.
Singer/actress Jennifer Lopez and actress friend Leah Remini learned over the weekend that drunk drivers can affect anyone’s lives. The women, along with two children, were riding in Lopez’s SUV when they were rear-ended while stopped at a red light. The incident reportedly occurred in Malibu on the famous Pacific Coast Highway and did not result in any significant injuries. According to officials, the women exited the SUV to inspect the damage and speak with the other driver involved. The second motorist, described as a male operating a pick-up truck, initially stopped following the crash but then allegedly fled the scene of the accident without speaking to police.
Authorities were informed of the incident and responded to the scene. When they learned that the suspected at-fault driver fled, they initiated a search that uncovered the man a short distance from the scene. The male driver was stopped and arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and on charges stemming from leaving the scene of an accident. It is not clear what maximum punishments may face that driver or whether he has any significant driving history related to this crash.
Following the incident, Jennifer Lopez took to social media to confirm the drunk driving crash and to let fans know that no one in her vehicle was injured in the incident.
Too often, it is the innocent victims of a drunk driving crash who are injured and who are left to pick up the pieces when the collisions settles. Being involved in an accident and sustaining injuries is bad enough; these victims should not have to worry about how they will obtain the medical treatment they need or whether they will be able to provide for their families while they are recovering and unable to work.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we want to help victims of Chicago car accidents understand the legal implications of their crashes and we do that by offering a free, no obligation telephone consultation and we offer it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you have been hurt or if your loved one has been killed, call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us help you seek the recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Children’s Safety in Chicago Car Accidents, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published September 26, 2014.
Resources:
Jennifer Lopez Nailed By Drunk Driver, TMZ.com, published September 28, 2014.
Jennifer Lopez Rear-Ended By Drunk Driver, Uploads Selfie To Express Anguish, by Lauren Duca, The Huffington Post, published September 28, 2014.