Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

In most drunk driving accident cases, liability falls solely on the intoxicated driver. While many car accident cases exist in a gray area where multiple parties could be at fault, the level of negligence involved in a drunk driving accident case often means the driver will be identified as the only accountable party.

Of course, every situation is different. You should consult with our team to determine all the liable parties in your case.

Understanding Illinois Dram Shop Laws and Liability

One instance in which a party other than the driver may be held liable for a drunk driving accident is if the entity that supplied alcohol to the driver is identified as partially responsible — for example, a bar, restaurant, or liquor store. Dram shop laws are statutes that allow people who have been injured in drunk driving accidents to hold alcohol vendors liable for their damages. 

This may be an option in your case. However, if the driver was given alcohol by a person at a party rather than a business, you probably cannot recover compensation from them. Illinois’ dram shop laws generally do not allow plaintiffs to hold social hosts responsible for drunk driving accidents.

The Impact of Criminal Proceedings on Your Civil Claim

Because driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law, injury victims in these cases often wonder how criminal proceedings will impact their personal injury claim. It is important to remember that criminal law and civil law are two different arenas — the criminal implications of your accident may have no bearing on the decision in your personal injury claim. Each case will progress independently.

Of course, the fact that the other driver was committing a crime that led to your injuries will certainly not help their case, and a guilty verdict can strengthen your claim that they are liable for your damages. However, it is possible that the criminal case will occur after you have filed your claim, or that the state will not decide to pursue charges. 

Generally, it is best to not put too much stock in the criminal aspects of a drunk driving accident, but our Chicago drunk driving accident attorneys can provide more information about your specific case.

Building a Strong Case: Proving Liability After a DUI Accident

As in any car accident case, the burden of proof will fall on you, as the injured party, to demonstrate how the other driver caused your injuries. Your case may involve not only proving that the driver is at fault for your accident, but also proving that they were drunk in order to strengthen your claim.

Your case may involve evidence such as:

• Police reports: A police report can be very valuable in your drunk driving accident case. Police reports outline the details of car accidents and may include evidence that the driver was drunk. The police may also be able to provide additional evidence of the driver’s intoxication, such as footage from an arrest.
• Medical records: Medical records allow you to demonstrate exactly how an accident has impacted your life as well as providing information about the cost of treatment.
• Photographs and videos: Images and footage from the accident scene can corroborate your version of events.
• Financial documents: Evidence of the economic effects of an accident, such as proof that you have been out of work to recover from your injuries, can further build your case for compensation.
• Witness testimony: The accounts of witnesses can further support your claim. Witnesses may be able to describe how the accident happened, in addition to testifying that the other driver was behaving recklessly.

Our attorneys can help you gather evidence and build it into a case that can maximize your recovery. With the help of our legal professionals, you may also be able to collect evidence you could not otherwise access on your own. Call now to get started.

Seeking Justice for Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents in Chicago

Sadly, many drunk driving accidents result in deaths. Suppose your family member was killed in a collision with an intoxicated driver. In that case, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Wrongful death claims in Illinois must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. If the victim died without a personal representative appointed, one may be chosen by the courts. Our lawyers can provide further information about your options in this situation.

Contact Our Chicago DUI Accident Attorneys for Immediate Assistance

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