After a drunk driving crash, Illinois law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation from the impaired driver and, in some cases, other responsible parties.
Contact a Chicago car accident lawyer from Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC at (312) 701-0090 or send a message online to schedule a free consultation.
How Drunk Driving Accidents Happen
Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces coordination. Even small amounts can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. In a busy city like Chicago, these impairments often lead to preventable collisions. Common causes include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Ignoring traffic signals or failing to yield.
- Wrong-way driving on one-way streets or highways.
- Speeding or reckless driving behaviors.
These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the reckless nature of impaired driving.
Liability in a Chicago Drunk Driving Case
An impaired driver is typically the primary party responsible for a crash. However, liability may extend beyond the driver in certain situations to:
- Bars or restaurants that overserve alcohol to the drunk driver.
- Social hosts who provided alcohol to the visibly intoxicated individual.
- Employers if the driver was working at the time of the crash.
Illinois recognizes dram shop liability, which allows injured victims to pursue claims against establishments that contributed to the driver’s intoxication.
Compensation Available After a DUI Accident
Drunk driving accident victims have the right to pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the crash, not just the initial costs. Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses: emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatment needs.
- Lost wages: income lost during recovery, including time missed from work immediately after the crash.
- Loss of earning capacity: reduced ability to earn income if injuries prevent a return to the same job or career path.
- Pain and suffering: physical pain, discomfort, and the ongoing effects of serious injuries.
- Emotional distress: anxiety, depression, and trauma resulting from the crash.
- Loss of normal life: inability to participate in daily activities, hobbies, or family life as before.
Compensation in DUI accident claims often exceeds that of standard car accident cases because of the egregious nature of impaired driving. In addition to these damages, courts may award punitive damages. This type of compensation serves to punish the at-fault driver for reckless conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Is in Your Best Interests
Drunk driving accident claims involve more than proving the other driver was impaired. Building a strong case requires securing evidence quickly and identifying every available source of compensation before it disappears. A Chicago personal injury attorney can:
- Obtain police reports, BAC test results, and body camera footage before they become difficult to access.
- Subpoena bar receipts, surveillance video, and witness statements to support a dram shop claim.
- Work with medical providers to document long-term care needs and future costs.
- Calculate damages beyond basic medical bills, including diminished earning ability and life impact.
- Push back against insurance tactics that attempt to shift blame or undervalue the claim.
Without legal representation, key evidence can be lost and critical claims against third parties may never be pursued.
Speak With a Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Taking action quickly after a DUI crash can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim.
Call Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC at (312) 701-0090 or submit an online request today for a free consultation.