Driving under the influence (DUI) in Chicago, IL, puts innocent lives at risk. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving car accident in Chicago, Illinois, you may be facing severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardships. The Chicago DUI accident lawyers at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers fight to hold drunk drivers accountable and help accident victims rebuild their lives.
Contact our law office today at (312) 635-5400 for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago DUI accident attorney.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After a DUI Accident in Chicago Lawyers Can Help
Over the last decade, our Chicago personal injury lawyers have recovered more than $250 million in compensation for the injured, including victims of DUI accidents in Chicago, IL. We use decades of experience to fight for DUI accident victims and their families so they can receive compensation for injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering after an accident.
Our Chicago DUI accident lawyers can manage all aspects of your accident case, including:
- Investigating whether drunk or impaired driving caused your accident
- Gathering evidence to prove negligence and drunk driving
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing medical records
- Calculating your damages for injuries, lost wages, or pain and suffering
- Filing insurance and personal injury claims against drunk drivers
- Negotiating settlements for maximum compensation after a DUI accident
- Litigating DUI accidents in Illinois
Contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today with our Chicago car accident attorneys if you or a loved one have been injured in a DUI accident.
How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Chicago?
Drunk driving remains a significant problem in Chicago and throughout Illinois. In 2023, nearly 22,000 DUI arrests were recorded by the Secretary of State’s office in Illinois. Over 290 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, which accounted for almost one-fourth of all crash fatalities in the state. Impaired driving continues to claim lives and cause life-altering injuries despite public awareness campaigns and laws against drunk driving.
What Is Drunk Driving in Illinois?
A driver is considered legally intoxicated in Illinois if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is:
- 0.08 percent or higher if they are age 21 or older
- 0.04 percent or higher if they have a CDL and are driving a commercial vehicle
- Any amount of alcohol for drivers under 21
Driving under the influence of certain drugs is also considered DUI if it impairs one’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drunk driving is a criminal offense in Illinois, and offenders may receive license suspension, fines, and jail time.
What Happens if I’m Injured and Another Driver Is Charged with Drunk Driving?
The fact that another driver was charged with a DUI after your accident could strengthen your case if you or a loved one were injured. A DUI charge is strong evidence of negligence, which is a key element in personal injury claims.
A police report from the accident scene will likely include details about the other driver’s impairment, including BAC levels and field sobriety test results. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. While a criminal conviction can support your civil claim, you do not have to wait for the criminal case to conclude to pursue compensation.
What Compensation May I Recover After a DUI Accident in Chicago?
You may be able to recover various types of compensation as a victim of a DUI accident in Chicago, including:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical costs.
- Lost wages: Compensation to reimburse you for income lost due to missed work and diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Punitive damages: Illinois courts may award punitive damages to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and to deter similar actions in the future.
An experienced Chicago DUI accident lawyer will evaluate the specifics of your case and work to maximize your compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a DUI Accident in Chicago?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois is generally two years from your accident date. This means you must file your lawsuit within this time to avoid losing your right to seek compensation in court. However, certain exceptions may apply if a loved one was killed, in which the two-year period would start from the date of their death.
Consult with a Chicago DUI accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to avoid missing important legal guidelines.
What Happens If a Loved One is Killed in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Losing a loved one in a drunk driving accident is a devastating experience. If your family member was killed due to a drunk driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim for compensation.
Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Pain and suffering experienced before your loved one passed
A Chicago DUI accident lawyer can guide your family through this challenging time and help you seek justice and compensation for the loss of a loved one.
Contact Our Chicago DUI Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident in Chicago, IL, the Chicago DUI accident lawyers at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers can help. Our experienced Chicago DUI accident lawyers are committed to holding drunk drivers accountable and securing the compensation that you deserve. Schedule a free consultation so we may evaluate your case. You owe nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.