Two Chicago Police Officers that were responding to a battery call on the Northwest Side early this morning were struck by a drunk driver, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The driver, a Chicago resident, was charged with DUI, negligent driving, making an improper left turn, and no proof of insurance.
The police officers were moving eastbound on Irving Park Road in the area of North New England Ave. when the defendant pulled off of a side street. The at fault driver was in a Ford Taurus and the police car was traveling with emergency lights and siren activated.
Both officers were injured and taken to local hospitals. One officer suffered a shoulder injury and the other sustained neck and back injuries. The officers were treated at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge and Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center. They are both said to be in good condition.
The officers in this case both have a good civil case against the at fault driver. However, here there is a good indication that the DUI driver was uninsured. While the officers will be able to collect benefits for their injuries under their union agreement, they should both look into making uninsured motorist claims under there own personal auto insurance policies, as there could be coverage available.
If you have been injured in a Chicago area car accident by a drunk driver, or a negligent driver, contact attorneys at our office for a free consultation.