Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Illinois and across every other state in the nation. Despite the fact that drunk driving is a crime, though, thousands of drivers in Chicago and Illinois choose to operate a vehicle when they are legally impaired every year, putting their own safety and the safety of others on the road at serious risk for an accident.
Drunk driving accidents can cause those involved to sustain serious injuries ranging from broken bones and fractures to head and neck injuries and even death in the worst cases. Many injuries are painful and require extensive medical treatment; some are permanent and leave a victim suffering for the rest of his or her life. While nothing can reverse a Chicago car accident and make it like the crash never happened, the victims of these collisions may be able to seek relief for their damages, enabling them to get the treatment and help they need to return to their pre-accident states, when possible. Speaking with a lawyer who represents personal injury victims of car crashes may help you understand the legal implications of your crash and whether you are entitled to relief.
Police and local prosecutors have confirmed some terrible facts surrounding a construction area accident that occurred on Saturday and that left one worker dead. According to officials, a 19-year-old man was operating his vehicle in the area of the 4900 block of South Western Avenue when he approached the construction site. Allegedly, the driver was speeding and weaving in and out of construction barriers along the site before he struck a 58-year-old worker, throwing the worker several feet into the air. The driver of the car then hit a paving machine which brought his vehicle to a stop.
The construction worker was critically injured and died as a result of the crash which occurred around 4:15 am. Several other workers at the site suffered injuries but all were expected to recover.
Three people were inside the car at the time of the incident, including the driver. All three individuals needed medical treatment at area hospitals though their current conditions remain unknown. Blood tests conducted on the driver allegedly revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.195, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 in Illinois. But as the driver was 19-years-old, a stricter requirement likely applies which prevents motorists under the age of 21 from having any alcohol in their systems while they drive.
The driver is currently facing charges including reckless homicide, aggravated DUI, misdemeanor DUI, driving without insurance, and driving without a license.
If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver and you were injured or your loved one was killed, you may be entitled to legal and financial relief. Call the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation regarding your accident and your legal options.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we only represent those who have been hurt in an accident and we never represent the insurance companies. We offer a free case consultation to all those who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. There is no obligation for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
If you have been hurt in an accident, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Wrong Way Crash with Semi Truck Leaves 1 Dead, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 17, 2014.
Resource:
Prosecutors: Driver in fatal construction worker wreck was impaired, by Geoff Ziezulewicz and Rosemary Regina Sobol, Chicago Tribune, published June 22, 2014.