Drunk driving and driving while impaired by drugs are a serious problem in Chicago. The actions of drivers who operate a vehicle impaired threaten their own safety but also the safety of others on the road, whether that is other drivers, passengers, or even pedestrians. Drunk driving accidents cause thousands of injuries in Chicago every year and leave a serious financial toll in their wake.
The victims of these accidents may sustain injuries that require medical or surgical care. They may need rehabilitative treatment to return to their pre-accident state or they may need occupational therapy to regain the ability to perform normal, daily tasks. When a car accident leads to personal injuries in Illinois, the victims of those accidents may be entitled to seek payment for their damages through the use of a civil claim. A civil claim is separate and distinct from any traffic or criminal charges brought by the State following an incident and the right to bring a civil claim belongs to the victim who was harmed or that victim’s surviving family members. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago may help you understand your legal options if you have been injured in a crash.
In March of 2014, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated when blood tests revealed prescription drugs in his system. Irsay pleaded guilty yesterday to a misdemeanor count of driving while intoxicated as part of a plea deal and in exchange for the dropping of several other charges stemming from the March incident.
Irsay was born and raised in Illinois before moving to Texas to play college football at Southern Methodist University. Following college, Irsay joined the staff of the NFL team, the Indianapolis Colts, shortly after the Colts moved from Baltimore. At the time, the Colts were owned by his father, and upon his death, Irsay took control, becoming the youngest NFL owner in the league at that time at 37.
Irsay has allegedly struggled with drugs at various times during his life and reportedly checked into rehab following his March arrest. As part of his plea deal this week, Irsay received one year probation and his actions were reviewed by the NFL, which suspended Irsay for six games this season and fined him $500,000. The cash fine was the highest possible by the NFL without the approval of the other team owners.
Irsay was stopped before a collision occurred in March so fortunately no one was injured. But often, when a motorist drives drunk or drives under the influence of intoxicating drugs, a collision does occur and innocent victims are left to suffer.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Chicago or if your family member has lost his or her life, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and to help you understand your options if you have been involved in a crash.
We provide a free case consultation without any obligation on your part and we will keep all information discussed confidential. You will be able to speak with a lawyer regardless of what time of the day or night you call, so do not hesitate. If you have been hurt, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Justin Bieber Arrested and Charged with Dangerous Driving after ATV Accident, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published September 2, 2014.
Resource:
Jim Irsay suspended six games, ESPN.com, published September 2, 2014.