Some sports fans see this time of year as an exciting time worthy of celebration. Regardless of your views on college basketball, March Madness, and the NCAA basketball championship, it is likely that you know someone who will want to participate as a fan or even by filling out a bracket. Even if you do not know anyone interested in college basketball, you are likely to walk the streets with people who are, share space in a restaurant with them, and importantly, share the road with them during the next few weeks.
Watching sports with friends can be a great way to enjoy some down time and to bond over common interests but there are potential pitfalls, especially if alcohol will be consumed. Drunk driving in Chicago and Illinois and can be punished by fines, loss of a driver’s license, and even incarceration in prison or jail if you are caught driving impaired. The punishments only become more severe if you cause an accident while drunk and that accident leaves another person injured.
When a drunk driver is responsible for an accident, many victims do not realize that they may be entitled to relief for their damages. This can be obtained through a civil claim that is separate and distinct from any charges brought by the State of Illinois and these claims can help pay for expenses like medical and surgical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who helps accident victims is a good place to start to learn about your legal rights and what options may be available to you after an accident.
Before the tournament officially begins, it is a good idea to remember why drinking and driving is such a bad idea. Alcohol is a depressant that slows the central nervous system which means a driver under the influence is less able to process new information in a quick manner, leading to an increased chance of causing an accident. Alcohol also is linked with dangerous driving techniques like failing to stop at a stop sign, failing to signal a turn, and speeding. And somewhere in American, someone is killed by drunk driving every 51 minutes, and often it is not the drunk driver who loses his or her life. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly and use a designated driver or take public transportation when you need to travel.
If a drunk driver’s careless actions caused you to be injured in a car accident, make sure you understand whether you may be entitled to relief for your damages. Call the injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free case consultation regarding your accident and your injuries.
There is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the free consultation and all information discussed will be kept confidential. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand that accidents occur at all hours and that you may need answers immediately so we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. If an accident has left you hurt or claimed the life of your loved one, do not hesitate; call us now and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Rollover Car Crash in Chicago Leaves 5 Injured, Including Child, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published March 18, 2014.