Have You or a Loved One Been a Victim of Drunk Driving?
Every day tragedies occur as a result of drunk driving. Intoxicated drivers wreak havoc on the road — putting you and your family at risk. Drunk drivers should be held responsible for their recklessness, especially if it caused harm to another. If you were involved in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, speak with a Chicago drunk driver victim attorney to learn your legal rights.
According to the Loyola University Health System, almost 500,000 Americans are injured annually in DUI accidents and approximately 17,000 are killed. DUI accident cases are typically complex because they touch upon two areas of law — criminal and civil.
Criminal DUI charges: If a police officer suspects a driver of being intoxicated, he or she may ask for a breath or blood test. Law enforcement may also search the vehicle and ask for a Field Sobriety Test. These procedures help prove the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If convicted, a drunk driver could face jail time, fines, probation, community service, drug and alcohol treatment or other punishments ― depending on prior convictions and the driver’s specific blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the accident.
Civil DUI accident cases: If you are the car accident victim of a drunken driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering and emotional distress. You may even recover punitive damages, which is additional compensation designed to punish the negligent driver. Even if the driver is found innocent of criminal DUI charges, you can still pursue a lawsuit in civil court. You simply need to prove the other driver was primarily at fault for the collision.
Your Chicago DUI accident lawyer can explain in detail your legal options.
The law firm of Newman Boyer & Statham Ltd. houses a team of intelligent, savvy attorneys, whose legal skills and knowledge offer you comprehensive, quality legal representation in personal injury cases.
Choose DUI injury lawyers in Chicago prepared to help
If you require a personal injury lawyer, look no further than The Law Offices of Newman, Boyer & Statham, Ltd. We are a full-service personal injury firm located one block from the Richard J. Daley Center, offering flexible office hours, free initial consultations and a contingency fee-based practice. Home and hospital visits can be arranged. Contact us at 312.443.1998 or online today.
by: David A. Statham