Drunk Driving Accidents: What You Need to Know

 Posted on January 07, 2015 in Personal Injury

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, people drive drunk about 300,000 times per day. Out of those who drive drunk, less than 5 percent are arrested for drunk driving. Furthermore, about half of all drivers who die in car crashes test positive for drugs or alcohol.

Drunk Driving in Illinois

In November of 2014, an Illinois man was held on $1 million bond for a drunk driving accident that he caused. The accident resulted in the death of another person. The state charged the driver with four counts of aggravated DUI, one count of driving under the influence of drugs, and one count of driving with a revoked license.

Illinois takes driving under the influence seriously, as it can result in serious injury to the drunk driver and to others. Illinois law prohibits driving under the influence. Specifically, Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-208.6 prohibits "driving under the influence of alcohol, another drug or drugs, an intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof …" Local law enforcement has the authority to enforce drunk driving laws.

If you are in a drunk driving accident you should take the following steps:

• Call for emergency assistance right away. Even if you are not injured, you should seek medical attention immediately and keep a record of your hospital visits;
• Report the accident to the appropriate legal authorities. Speak with the police. You may need the police report at a later date and time. It is important to keep good records. You do have the right to have an attorney present before you make a statement to the police;
• Get the names and contact information of potential witnesses. If there are people present, try to get their information because they may potentially be good witnesses;
• Record your version of what happened. Write or record your reaction of what happened. Write down what happened, where you were seated, the date and time of the accident, the location, the people and vehicles that were involved, and what happened after the accident; and
• Look around for injured persons and property. Write down or report other people, vehicles or property that you noticed sustained injuries or damage from the accident.

Have You Been Injured? Let Us Help You

If you are in a car accident involving a drunk driver, call the DuPage County car accident attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today. We have attorneys that are experienced in helping clients recover for car accidents. Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle all different types of personal injury claims. If you are in an accident, call 630-932-9100. We have attorneys in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Will, and McHenry Counties.