Drunk driving is an unfortunate issue in the United States, and Dupage County is no exception. The consequences of driving drunk can be severe and can cause a range of legal, personal, and financial problems. If you or someone you know has been involved in a drunk driving accident, a Dupage County drunk driving car accident lawyer at Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley can help you.
We at Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley understand the impact of a drunk driving accident on your life, and we strive to offer you thoughtful, aggressive legal representation during this time. Our team has decades of experience obtaining positive results for our DuPage County clients. We are committed to aggressively fighting on your behalf and making sure you are given the financial compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and psychological trauma.
Alcohol can dramatically affect a person’s cognitive and motor functions and can render them unable to safely drive a car. Even a little alcohol can decrease reaction time, impair judgment, and affect coordination. Drivers may be unable to focus, have difficulty seeing clearly, and may find it difficult to make sense of information, leading to a higher accident risk. The higher the BAC, the worse the impairment, and it’s extremely dangerous to the driver and other motorists.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a punishable crime in Illinois and is governed by strict laws to ensure public safety. Drivers who are cited for driving with a BAC that is above the legal limit can receive stiff penalties, including fines, suspension of their license, and possibly jail time.
Drunk driving accidents can cause significant injuries to everyone involved. Some common injuries include:
These injuries can lead to long-term injury, paralysis, extensive medical care, permanent injury, and in extreme cases, death.
Illinois drunk driving accident victims can pursue monetary compensation for their injuries. When victims make a personal injury claim, they can potentially recover all the costs incurred by the accident. Compensation usually covers expenses for both short and long-term care, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
Victims may also pursue lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working or decreased earning capacity if they can’t go back to their previous job.
In addition to direct economic harm, victims can seek compensation for non-economic harm, like pain and suffering, distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If the drunk driver was especially careless, punitive damages may be sought. They are designed to discipline the perpetrator and deter others from similar behaviors.
Seeking payment can be a complicated process, requiring negotiation with insurers and even legal claims. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can negotiate through these issues, collect evidence, and seek just compensation so victims are properly cared for in recovery.
A personal injury lawyer can assist you in sorting out the legal issues involved in drunk driving claims, collecting important evidence, negotiating with the insurance company, and arguing for a reasonable settlement. They can advise you and fight on your behalf in court to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
If an individual is convicted of driving while intoxicated, a driver can expect to receive several penalties that can grow steeper if someone is injured or killed in an accident. For a first-time offense, penalties can include a steep fine, compulsory alcohol education classes, and a license suspension.
When an accident results in injury, preserve evidence after a drunk driving accident, the driver faces an aggravated DUI, which is a serious crime and can result in a longer license suspension, a larger fine, and an even longer prison sentence.
Repetitive offenders come under increasingly severe punishment. A second DUI conviction, for instance, leads to a mandatory license suspension for years and mandatory prison time if someone is killed or seriously injured.
A DUI offense that results in death may lead to the offender being accused of vehicular manslaughter and subject to hefty penalties. In addition, defendants may have to purchase an ignition interlock device for their cars in order to reinstate driving privileges.
A: Many lawyers base their rates for DUI cases on the case difficulty, their level of experience, and their location. Rates are extremely varied, ranging from a flat fee to an hourly rate. A lawyer might make payment arrangements or alter their price depending on the charges and the amount of time they expect to spend in court.
A: Yes, you can file a claim against a drunk driver for totaling your car. By filing a civil claim, you can get money for property damage, such as replacing or repairing your vehicle. You can also claim other related costs, including towing and rental car expenses. If you suffer injuries, you may also add any charges related to your recovery, especially those not covered by insurance.
A: In Illinois, you typically have two years to file a legal claim for personal injury after a drunk driving car accident. This timeline begins on the date that the accident occurred. A claim for property damage must be filed within five years. There are some exceptions to these deadlines, and a lawyer can assist with the entire claims process.
A: After being in a drunk driving accident, remain safe, dial 911 to report the incident, and seek treatment if necessary. Take pictures of the scene, and collect names and phone numbers from any witnesses. Do not admit fault for the accident, and do not talk to the other driver aside from exchanging contact information. Call a lawyer right away to defend your rights and begin to seek compensation in court.
If you have been involved in a drunk driving car accident, Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley can help. Contact us today for more information.