Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Mothers Against Drunk Driving refers to drinking and driving as the most common crime committed across the nation. It is a particularly troubling activity because it threatens not only the safety of a drunk driver but also all innocent motorists and passengers in the area. Further, when a drunk driving accident happens, it can be devastating and daunting because the crash need never happen if a driver choose to abstain or to take another means of transit.
In Chicago, thousands of people are the unwitting victims of drunk driving collisions every year and many of these people sustain serious, life-altering injuries. Even more of them suffer injuries that will heal but will cause those victims pain and suffering as well as inconvenience in their daily lives. When this happens, victims may be entitled to seek financial compensation for their losses including any medical bills they incur through a civil claim for damages. If you have been hurt in a car accident, you may get the answers you need by speaking with a personal injury lawyer.
According to local authorities, a 24-year-old man was under the influence just over a week ago when he caused a collision that seriously injured one of the passengers in another vehicle. Officials claim that the man was driving northbound on Oak Street in Crystal Lake when he allegedly ran a red light at I-176 and collided with an oncoming car. Now, police have alleged that the 24-year-old man was under the influence of alcohol and that man is facing criminal and traffic charges including aggravated DUI, failing to reduce speed to avoid a crash, and running a red light.
The collision left the suspected at-fault driver with injuries but was much more severe for a passenger in the second car. That passenger reportedly has critical injuries that include paralysis.
The 24-year-old driver is being held in lieu of bond and authorities claim he may be a flight risk since he faces a possible 12 year prison sentence if convicted.
Drunk driving crashes can strike at any time and can leave anyone injured, whether that person is a driver, a passenger, a bicyclist, or even a pedestrian. The laws in Illinois recognize this and are designed to hold at-fault drivers responsible for their conduct to the full extent of the damages that result. That may include criminal or traffic charges in addition to a civil claim brought by a victim for monetary losses.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. have a licensed lawyer standing by around-the-clock to take your call and to talk to you about your accident and your injuries if a collision has affected your life. We offer a free case consultation without obligation to those who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and if we represent you in your case, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
When tragedy strikes and injuries result, call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
5th Largest Chicago Blizzard Causes Dangerous Driving Conditions, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published February 2, 2015.
Resource:
Hoffman Estates man held in DUI crash that paralyzed passenger, by Amanda Marrazzo, Chicago Tribune, published February 11, 2015.