It is a law that almost all drivers in Illinois know by heart – the presumed blood alcohol content limit that will trigger a driving under the influence charge is .08. But fewer motorists realize that having a blood alcohol content lower than .08 does not mean that a driver is immune from charges. Rather, any amount of alcohol in a motorist’s system can be a violation of local and state laws if that alcohol has an intoxicating effect on the driver. Additionally, the rules that apply to certain operators may be stricter than the .08 limit commonly known. Drivers under the legal drinking age of 21 and drivers of school buses are not allowed to have alcohol in their systems and operators of some commercial vehicles may face standards more limiting than those that apply to a typical motorist.
Failing to obey the laws and choosing to drive while drunk can have serious consequences including criminal and/or traffic charges if a driver is apprehended. In addition to these charges, the penalties may become more severe if a drunk driving accident occurs and one or more people involved are injured. A type of action that is separate and distinct from any DUI-related criminal charges may be available to victims who are hurt in collisions and may enable them to obtain financial compensation for their injuries. Possible relief can include payment for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering but the circumstances surrounding your accident may determine the possible recoveries so you may wish to speak with a personal injury lawyer if you have been hurt.
An early Monday morning car accident turned tragic when a female passenger lost her life in Chicago. Now, according to local authorities, alcohol may have played a role and may be the reason that the driver lost control.
The incident occurred shortly before 2:00 a.m. near the 2200 block of North Lake Shore Drive. A 42-year-old man reportedly was driving southbound with a BAC in excess of the .08 limit when he lost control of his vehicle, causing it to leave the road’s surface, flip, and land on a frozen lagoon near the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Emergency crews responded to the scene and evaluated the driver and his 37-year-old female passenger. Both were injured and were taken to area hospitals for treatment but unfortunately, the woman’s injuries were too severe and she died a short time later. The driver survived the crash in serious condition and remained in the hospital through Tuesday but his current condition is not clear. Now, officials have confirmed that the man is facing charges of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in death and driving without a valid license. He is also facing a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence.
When you are a victim of a drunk driving crash, it does not matter whether you are in the same car as an impaired motorist, another vehicle, or whether you are a pedestrian. If you are injured, you may be entitled to help and to financial compensation.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. believe that those who act negligently should be held liable for their actions and that victims deserve an advocate on their side, fighting for their rights. We want to help you understand what relief may be available to you if you have been injured in a collision and we offer a free case consultation without obligation to victims to make this happen.
If a car crash has affected your life, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Stevenson Expressway Accident Leaves Several Hurt in Chicago, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published January 8, 2015.
Resource:
Lakeview man charged after fatal Lake Shore Drive crash, by Quinn Ford, Chicago Tribune, published January 21, 2015.