Drunk driving accidents often claim the lives of innocent victims or leave those victims with serious, potentially life long injuries. Though a driver who is apprehended operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is likely to face criminal charges, the victims hurt by a collision will not receive compensation by the use of any criminal charges, even if the suspected drunk driver is found guilty.
But that does not mean that victims are without the ability to seek relief. The laws in Chicago and across Illinois allow those hurt by the actions of others, including those who are injured in a drunk driving crash, with the right to bring a civil claim for damages. With this claim, a victim can seek proper compensation for damages including medical and surgical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago who represents car accident victims may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a crash or if your loved one lost his or her life.
Police in Naperville responded to a reported one car accident early Saturday morning near the Naperville Park District quarry. At this time, it appears that a 21-year-old man was behind the wheel with two male passengers in his car as he drove near Aurora Avenue and Eagle Street. The man allegedly lost control of the car and left the road’s surface, striking several buildings before the vehicle came to rest in water at the quarry. The driver was conscious after the final impact and was able to escape the vehicle to safety on the shore.
The two passengers in the car were not as lucky. They were unable to free themselves and had to be rescued by divers who responded to the scene. All three men were taken to area hospitals for treatment. The driver was released a short time later but both passengers were pronounced dead from their injuries.
Though still early in their investigation, police believe that the driver was legally intoxicated at the time of the crash. He has been arrested and is facing multiple charges including two counts of reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death.
A fatal accident leaves an impact on the victim’s family members, friends, and coworkers that can never be erased. No amount of compensation will ever cover the loss of a life and nothing can reverse the collision to make it as if it never happened. Yet the surviving family members of a victim may still be able to recover for their damages and to help ease the burden experienced by the loss of a loved one.
The injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have represented clients for accidents across Illinois and we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and to help you as well. We offer a free case consultation toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we provide it without any obligation on your part. At Abels & Annes, P.C., you will speak to a licensed lawyer when calling us, regardless of the day or time, and everything discussed will be kept confidential. There is no free and no requirement on your part so call us today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve after an accident.
Prior Blog Entry:
Watch Out for Motorcycles in Chicago This Weekend, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 18, 2014.
Resource:
Man charged with DUI after crash kills 2 in Naperville, by Denease Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, published July 19, 2014.