How Do I Pursue Compensation from a Drunk Driver in Illinois?

 Posted on September 30, 2020 in Car Accident

In 2018, alcohol was a factor in 27 percent of all fatal car accidents in Illinois, resulting in hundreds of deaths, and many more people were injured in non-fatal crashes involving alcohol. Drunk drivers in Illinois often face serious criminal charges to deter them from continuing to endanger others on the road, but this does not necessarily mean that they are required to make amends to the people whom they have harmed. If you or a family member has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, your best chance at compensation is to work with a reputable attorney to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Demonstrating Negligence in an Illinois Drunk Driving Accident

In most personal injury cases, obtaining compensation through a settlement or verdict is dependent on your ability to show that another party was negligent. This means that their behavior failed to account for their duty of care to you, and subsequently caused an accident resulting in your injuries and other damages.

In the aftermath of a car accident, it may not be immediately apparent to you that the other driver was drunk. However, you can still begin collecting evidence that points to negligence, including photographs of your injuries, the vehicles involved, and the scene of the accident, as well as the identities of eyewitnesses who can provide testimony. With the help of an attorney, you may also be able to access evidence in the form of security camera footage, police reports, and blood alcohol test results that speak more directly to the driver’s impairment.

For What Damages Can I Seek Compensation?

Because drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries, your medical expenses may be high, and you may lose income because you are forced to miss work. You can pursue compensation for these economic damages, along with property damage to your vehicle, from the at-fault driver. If you are experiencing ongoing pain and suffering, you can also seek compensation for non-economic damages related to your mental anguish, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment.

In the case of a fatal accident, the victim’s family can also pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. In addition to the damages the victim could have recovered, the family can also be awarded compensation for funeral and burial expenses and loss of companionship.

Contact an Arlington Heights Car Accident Attorney

At Newland & Newland LLP, we understand the devastating impact that an accident with a drunk driver can have on your life, and we want to help you secure the compensation you deserve. We will carefully review the details of your case to determine liability and hold the negligent party accountable for any damages as a result of the crash. Call our diligent Schaumburg personal injury lawyers today at 847-797-8000 to schedule a free phone consultation.

Source:

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2018%20Crash%20Facts.pdf