Drunk driving is often publicized to raise awareness of the dangers that accompany drinking and driving, but alcohol is not the only intoxicant that can make driving dangerous. Any drug or intoxicating compound can reduce a driver’s ability to make decisions, focus on the road, and drive safely. In fact, it is illegal in Chicago and in Illinois to drive while impaired and that encompasses any type of intoxicants, including alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs that affect a driver’s abilities behind the wheel.
Illegal drugs and prescription narcotics are often found in the systems of Chicago-area drivers who are operating under the influence. When that happens, the impaired drivers may face serious traffic and criminal charges that can result in anything from fines to a suspended license to jail time if the driver is convicted. The charges are usually increased when an impaired driver causes an accident that injures another person. In addition to any charges brought by the state, an impaired driver may face a civil claim for damages brought by any victims who were injured in an effort to seek financial relief for their damages. These impaired drivers may be held legally liable for the injuries that result in a crash as well and maybe forced to provide compensation to those they hurt. If you have been hurt in a DUI car accident, speaking with an injury lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and your legal options.
Early reports by officials indicate that drugs may have played a part in a Thursday car crash in Maywood that left several people injured. Police believe that a 24-year-old male driver was under the influence of morphine, codeine, and morphine when he drove his car on South 1st Avenue and collided with a Pace bus. Police believe that the man was driving the wrong way when he struck the bus and that after the first collision, his car continued until it entered a crosswalk at 1st Avenue and collided with three pedestrians.
Emergency crews responded to the collision and transported all three pedestrians to area hospitals for treatment. The driver and the passengers of the Pace bus were assessed and five special needs passengers were also transported to hospitals for treatment as a precaution. All of the victims are expected to survive.
The driver of the car has been cited for driving the wrong way, failing to reduce speed to avoid a collision, and failing to yield to pedestrians. Additional charges may be leveled based on the preliminary results of blood screening that allegedly revealed the presence of intoxicants.
If you have been injured in an accident with a drunk or impaired driver, you may be entitled to seek relief for your damages, including compensation for any medical bills you have been forced to incur. An injury attorney can help you bring a claim against those responsible for your accident so that you can obtain the maximum possible award in your case.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that injury victims deserve to have an advocate on their side, fighting for their rights. We keep a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide a free case consultation to all those who have been hurt by others. There is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the free consultation and all information will be kept confidential. If you have been hurt by the negligence of another, call us today at (855) 529-2442 or (312)924-7575 and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Will County Crash Involving Pace Bus Leaves 1 Dead, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published February 13, 2014.
Resource:
Cops: Driver who hit bus, pedestrians was using heroin, morphine, by Geoff Ziezulewicz, Chicago Tribune, published February 16, 2014.