Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Illinois law makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A driver is presumed to be under the influence of alcohol when his or her blood alcohol content, or BAC, is 0.08 or higher. Yet that is not the only time a driver can be impaired; in fact, even if a driver’s BAC is lower than 0.08, the driver can be guilty of operating while impaired if there is enough alcohol in the driver’s system to limit his or her ability to safely operate a car.
The laws are clear and the punishments for driving while drunk are serious. Despite this, thousands of drivers in Chicago take to the roads every year while they are impaired by alcohol or drugs, leading to thousands of drunk driving accidents. Many of these result in injuries to those involved, including the drunk driver, the passengers of the drunk driver’s car, those in another vehicle involved in the crash, and even pedestrians. When a victim is hurt through the actions of a drunk driver, that victim may be entitled to relief for all damages sustained, including any medical and surgical bills incurred. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago who has experienced representing the victims of alcohol-related accidents may help you understand whether you are entitled to relief if you have been hurt in an accident.
An early Sunday morning accident in Chicago is now believed to have been caused by alcohol, according to local officials. The incident happened near the border between Chicago and Cicero on West Cermak Road, shortly after 5:00 a.m. A 28-year-old man was driving an SUV when he struck a viaduct on Cermak, leading to the driver’s serious injuries. Emergency crews responded and transported the man to Mount Sinai Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
A 29-year-old female passenger was inside the SUV at the time of the crash and she sustained critical injuries. She was also transported to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment where her current status remains unknown.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing but officials suspect that alcohol was a contributing factor. Charges against the driver are pending at this time but the nature of the charges have not been disclosed.
The injuries sustained in any car accident can range from minor to severe to even fatal. But many people do not realize that even minor accidents can cause permanent damage, leaving a victim to suffer for the rest of his or her life.
Fortunately, the laws in Chicago hold a negligent or reckless driver responsible when an accident occurs and the laws enable victims to seek relief. The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. focus on helping accident victims obtain that relief and they are ready to help you. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we offer a free case consultation to all those who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us, and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe in the rights of victims, and we work tirelessly to help our clients get the relief they deserve. If you have been hurt in an accident, call us today and let us help you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Chicago School Bus Accident Injures 9 Children, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published May 15, 2014.
Resource:
Woman critically hurt when SUV hits viaduct on West Side, by Peter Nickeas, Chicago Tribune, published May 18, 2014.