As one of the busiest cities in the U.S., Chicago sees many drunk driving accidents, which can cause serious injuries as well as fatal car accidents. It’s crucial for drunk driver victims to seek help from a skilled Chicago drunk driving accident lawyer. The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers has been a trusted advocate for car accident victims for decades and is ready to represent you.
What Is Drunk Driving Under Illinois Law?
By Illinois law, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for those over 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. Drivers under 21 can face DUI charges with any alcohol in their system at all.
What Is My Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
How Does Alcohol Impair Driving?
Alcohol can significantly impair a person or negligent driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle in several ways:
- Alcohol impairs driving by slowing reaction time, hindering quick responses to road conditions or hazards.
- Alcohol impairs coordination and balance, making it difficult for drivers to control their vehicle and stay in their lane.
- Alcohol impairs judgment and decision-making, leading to reckless driving choices.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Drunk Driving Cases?
In a drunk driving accident, there are typically two parties who can be held liable: the driver who was under the influence and any establishment or individual who provided them with alcohol. This is known as dram shop liability.
Serving alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated can make individuals or establishments liable for any resulting accidents. This liability applies not only to bars and restaurants but also to social hosts at private events.
How Can Victims Recover Damages after Drunk Driving Accidents in Chicago?
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Chicago, there are several ways you can seek compensation for your damages:
- File a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient or nonexistent, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages from the negligent driver.
- You can file a dram shop liability lawsuit if an establishment served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver involved in an accident.
Most Common Injuries from a Drunk Driving Accident
Some of the most common injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
What Compensation Might I Receive?
Some common types of damages that victims of drunk drivers may be able to recover in a DUI accident claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages in the event of a fatality
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In Illinois, there is generally a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims including those related to car accidents.
Seek Assistance from Chicago IL Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving auto accident, don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers today for compassionate and experienced legal representation by our car accident attorneys.
Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
(312) 223-1700