Holding a Drunk Driver Accountable Through a Personal Injury Claim

 Posted on January 09, 2023 in Personal Injury

Intoxicated driving kills approximately 10,000 people each year. Because it is so dangerous, driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol is illegal in all 50 states. While criminal penalties such as fines and jail time punish the intoxicated driver, the criminal court system does very little, if anything, to address the devastation suffered by victims of drunk drivers.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed by a drunk driver or drugged driver, you may want to consider taking action through the civil court system.  A personal injury claim against the driver may help you hold the driver accountable as well as recover monetary damages.

Fundamentals of a Drunk Driver Injury Claim

Under Illinois law, an injured person or the representative of a deceased person may file a civil claim for damages if:

• Another party owed a duty of care
• That party violated the duty of care
• The party’s actions or negligent inaction caused the injury or death
• The claimant suffered damages because of the injury or death

Drivers have a legal duty to follow the law and drive cautiously. If a drunk driver’s actions cause another party harm, that party may have a legal right to recover damages. Damages not only alleviate some of the financial burden caused by a serious injury or death, they also provide a means of holding the driver responsible for his or her actions.

Types of Damages You May Be Able to Recover

Car accidents caused by intoxicated drivers often lead to severe consequences for the other parties involved in the crash. Injured accident victims may be left with overwhelming medical expenses and other financial losses. Those who have lost loved ones face not only terrible grief, but also significant financial stress due to their loss.

Financial compensation may be available to these individuals. If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in a drunk driver crash, you may be entitled to reimbursement for:

• Medical bills, including future medical needs resulting from the injury
• Lost wages from missed work
• Reduced earning capacity caused by disabling injuries
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost financial support provided by the deceased person
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and grief

Contact a DuPage County Car Crash Lawyer

A personal injury claim may be used to recover financial compensation for medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you or a loved one were involved in a crash caused by a drunk driver, contact our Lombard personal injury attorneys for help. Call 630-932-9100 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ChapterID=56&ActID=2017