Some of the most devastating and preventable tragedies that happen on the roads in Belvidere are drunk driving accidents. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, they put everyone else on the road at risk. If they do cause an accident, victims are often left dealing with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and lasting financial harm. If you have been hurt by a drunk driver, a Belvidere drunk driving car accident lawyer can help you seek justice.
At Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley, our firm is committed to standing up for victims impacted by the decisions of drunk drivers. We understand how intense a toll these crashes can take on someone’s life, which is why we work tirelessly to hold impaired drivers accountable for their actions. Regardless of whether your injuries are minor or severe, we are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and determination for a positive outcome.
When someone makes the decision to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it impairs their judgment and slows their reaction time. All of this increases the likelihood of serious or fatal crashes.
Some key reasons why drunk driving is especially dangerous include:
Despite a number of ongoing enforcement efforts, drunk driving remains a serious safety concern in Belvidere and across Illinois. While there are a number of statewide campaigns and traffic stops to help mitigate the issue, the problem is far from solved.
Here is what the numbers tell us:
These figures show how impaired driving is still happening at an alarming rate, even with the increased awareness and police presence. This makes legal accountability even more important, as it holds violators accountable and deters the behavior from happening again in the future.
If you have been recently harmed by an impaired driver, the aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. However, the following steps can help ensure you are able to build a strong case and earn the level of compensation you rightfully deserve.
Many car accident lawyers in Belvidere, IL choose to work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid by receiving a percentage of your settlement if they win your case. Many clients find this to be an attractive financial arrangement, as it allows them to secure legal representation without having to front a lot of money. The fee is typically a percentage of the final amount recovered, with the specifics being outlined in a written agreement before your case begins.
Yes, insurance can cover damages from drunk driving accidents. However, “how” and “when” they pay depend on what policies are involved. The at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for covering the costs of the accident. However, in cases where coverage might be limited or disputed, other options, such as using your own insurance policy, might come into play.
Most insurance companies will generally prefer that you handle a claim without a lawyer. This is because, from their perspective, you might agree to settle for less than what they should be paying you. When you’re not represented by an attorney, you might not know the full potential value of your claim or what you are entitled to under Illinois law. This is why securing legal representation upfront often leads to a more favorable outcome for the injured party.
Yes, you still have the option to file a civil claim, even if the driver wasn’t criminally charged. This is because criminal and civil cases are separate processes, and a lack of charges doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t entitled to some form of compensation. Your case can still move forward based on evidence of negligence or reckless behavior. When you choose to do this, it’s important to focus on the facts of the crash and the harm it caused you.
If you have recently been involved in a drunk driving accident and are unsure what steps to take next, contact our firm today. From day one, we will stand by your side, providing the quality legal support you need to hold liable parties accountable and receive the full compensation you deserve.