Rules against drunk driving in Chicago are strict and must be obeyed by all drivers in the city. Failing to take alternative means of transportation when you are drunk in favor of driving yourself may lead to serious traffic or even criminal charges that may result in fines, a loss of a driver’s license, or even incarceration. In the most fortunate drunk driving cases, a driver is stopped and apprehended before a collision can occur, thus no one is injured.
But too often, an innocent victim is injured or even killed when a driver chooses to drive drunk, potentially leading to criminal charges for the driver as well as legal responsibility for all damages that occur to a victim. Injury lawyers regularly represent victims of drunk driving accidents and their families in an effort to help these victims obtain the relief they deserve. In most cases, these claims can help a victim pay for necessary medical treatment or provide compensation for time missed from work as well as the pain and suffering they were forced to endure. The consequences are severe and it is never worth it to drive drunk in Chicago.
Despite all the risks involved, police have reported that a man may have been drunk when he caused his car to crash on Tuesday in the 1000 block of West Garfield Avenue. According to the local police, the man was driving an SUV shortly before midnight when he hit a curb and lost control of the vehicle. The SUV then struck a tree and rolled over onto its side. In addition to the 26-year-old male driver, an 8-year-old girl was in the car. The driver sustained critical injuries and was transported from the crash to an area hospital for treatment. He is still hospitalized at this time.
The 8-year-old girl reportedly was the daughter of the driver and was trapped in the car when it rolled. The girl, a third grade student, suffered injuries that resulted in her death. At this time, it does not appear that she was wearing a seat belt or was otherwise restrained in the vehicle.
Police believe that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and authorities have charged him with aggravated DUI as well as failing to use child restraints, both violations of local and state laws.
When a drunk driver leaves another person injured or killed, the law allows the victim or a victim’s family to seek relief against the responsible driver. This is true if the victim is in a separate car or the same car as the drunk driver, or even if a victim is on a motorcycle, bicycle, or walking as a pedestrian. If you have been injured through the fault or negligence of another, you may be entitled to bring a claim for your damages.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that victims of accidents deserve to have someone on their side. We fight for our clients every day and we strive to help each client get the maximum possible award in a case. We offer a free case consultation to all injury victims who call us at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and there is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the consultation. If you prefer to meet with us in person but are too injured to travel to our offices, we will provide you with a free in-home or in-hospital consultation as well. If you have been hurt in an accident, make sure your rights are protected and call us today.
Prior Blog Entry:
3 Car Crash in Chicago Leaves 9 Injured, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published November 5, 2013.
Resource:
Father charged with drunk driving in Christmas Eve crash that killed daughter, 8, by Adam Sege, Chicago Tribune, published December 27, 2013.