Drunk Driving Accidents Lawyer Chicago, IL
PRACTICE AREAS
The Chicago drunk driving accidents lawyer team at Curcio & Casciato is comprised of seasoned Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers who have extensive experience with personal injury cases involving intoxicated drivers. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident caused by a driver’s intoxication, our Chicago DUI accident lawyers are skilled at navigating the complexities of DUI car accidents under Illinois law, including the Illinois Dram Shop law. Our Chicago drunk driving accident attorney team is dedicated to ensuring that drunk drivers are held liable and can be pursued for maximum compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim. At Curcio & Casciato’s law firm, our drunk driving accident lawyers understand the devastating impact of car accidents caused by drunk drivers over the legal limit and work on a contingency fee basis, offering a free case evaluation to start addressing your legal needs immediately.
Call 312-321-111 to schedule your free case consultation with an experienced Chicago drunk driving accident lawyer.
Can I Sue a Drunk Driver in Illinois?
In Illinois, if you suffer injuries in a car accident involving a drunk driver, you may have grounds to sue the drunk driver for damages they caused by the intoxicated driving. Illinois operates under a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that a car accident victim can pursue financial compensation if he or she is less than 50% responsible for the accident. The state also allows for punitive damages in DUI accident cases, aiming to punish the reckless behavior of the intoxicated driver.
What is a DUI Third-Party Injury in Chicago?
A DUI third-party injury occurs when an intoxicated driver causes a car accident, causing another accident victim to suffer injuries or even a fatality in fatal car accidents. These DUI accident cases can lead to serious legal ramifications for the negligent driver, including criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI), as well as civil liability for the injuries or damages caused by intoxicated driving.
Victims of DUI car accidents in Chicago have the right to pursue financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages through a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver.
What are the Drinking and Driving Laws in Illinois?
In Illinois, the drinking and driving laws are strict to deter individuals from operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) for most drivers is 0.08%, but the legal limit for blood alcohol content is 0.04% for drivers of commercial vehicles.
If a driver’s BAC is over the legal limit, they face harsh penalties, including fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, and even jail time for repeat offenders or those involved in drunk driving accidents causing severe injuries or fatalities.
Illinois Dram Shop Act
The Illinois Dram Shop Act holds alcohol vendors accountable if they served or sold alcohol to patrons who subsequently cause injuries or damages to others due to their intoxicated driving.
Under Illinois Dram Shop laws, alcohol vendors, such as bars, restaurants, and liquor stores, can be held liable for the driver’s intoxication if they served alcohol to them while they are visibly intoxicated or if they serve alcohol to minors who subsequently cause harm.
The Illinois Dram Shop laws allow a DUI accident victim to recover damages from the alcohol vendor in addition to pursuing a DUI accident claim against the negligent driver. Also known as the Liquor Control Act, the Illinois Dram Shop law aims to discourage the over-serving of alcohol and promote responsible alcohol service practices among establishments that serve alcoholic beverages in Illinois.
Our Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers have extensive experience in drunk driving accidents involving Illinois Dram Shop laws. Contact our Chicago DUI accident law firm for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Illinois Dram Shop Limits
One key limitation of the Illinois Dram Shop Act is that the vendor’s liability typically extends only to injuries or damages caused by the intoxicated driver within a reasonable time after being served alcohol. This means that if the intoxicated person causes harm long after leaving the establishment, the vendor may not be held liable. Illinois law also requires that the vendor’s service of alcohol must be a proximate cause of the harm suffered by the accident victim.
Who Can Be Sued in a Dram Shop Case?
In a Dram Shop case in Illinois, the entity or individual who served alcohol to the intoxicated person may be sued. This includes bars, restaurants, taverns, or liquor stores that sell or serve alcohol to intoxicated individuals.
It’s important to note that in Illinois, the Dram Shop law does not include social hosts who serve alcohol to guests. An accident victim cannot recover damages from these individuals in the event of DUI car crashes.
Injuries Caused by a Drunk Driver in Chicago
Drunk driving accidents can result in minor to life-threatening injuries, including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Broken Bones
Spinal Cord Injuries
Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries
Internal Injuries
Lacerations and Bruises
Burns
Psychological Injuries
Our Chicago drunk driving accident attorney team will review your personal injury case and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Fatal Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Chicago, IL
After losing a loved one from a fatal drunk driving accident, many families are unsure of their legal options. A Chicago fatal car accident lawyer can help families secure compensation for wrongful death in a car accident, which can cover funeral costs, lost income, and the immense loss of companionship after fatal car accidents.
If your family has been impacted by wrongful death following a drunk-driving car accident, a compassionate and experienced Chicago drunk driving accident lawyer from Curcio & Casciato can help your family recover damages for these unfathomable losses.
Hit and Run Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Chicago
With hit-and-run accidents, not only has the driver’s intoxication caused an accident, but the drunk driver has also fled the scene, further complicating the legal and recovery process. This is why it’s crucial to seek the expertise of a Chicago hit and run accident attorney, who understands these unique challenges.
Our Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers are skilled in working with law enforcement to identify the drunk driver responsible and in pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving hit-and-run accident in Chicago, contact the experienced attorneys at Curcio & Casciato to schedule a free case consultation.
Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Chicago
Motorcycle accidents caused by drunk driving in Chicago can have catastrophic consequences, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Victims need specialized legal representation provided by a Chicago drunk driving accident attorney. Our experienced Chicago motorcycle accident attorney team has extensive experience handling cases involving intoxicated drivers.
How a Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help Your DUI Accident Claim
If you’re a drunk driving accident victim in Chicago, consulting with a skilled Chicago car accident lawyer can be crucial in navigating your DUI accident claim effectively. Our Chicago DUI accident attorneys are well-versed in dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and can advocate assertively on your behalf.
Furthermore, a proficient Chicago DUI accident lawyer will help to alleviate the stress and burden often associated with DUI car crashes, managing all legal formalities and negotiations so that you can focus on your recovery. The expertise of our Chicago DUI accident lawyers not only enhances your chances of a favorable outcome but also ensures that your rights as an accident victim are fully protected throughout the legal process.
Filing a Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit
Filing a Chicago drunk driving accident lawsuit involves several critical steps. Our Chicago DUI accident attorney team begins with gathering all relevant evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case.
An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Chicago will be instrumental in ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly and within the statutory deadlines. They will also represent you in court, presenting your case effectively to highlight the negligence of the drunk driver and the impact of the motor vehicle accident on your life.
Compensation for Injury Victims in Chicago Drunk Driving Crashes
Victims of Chicago drunk driving crashes often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. One common question is, “How long does it take to get a car accident settlement?” The timeline can vary based on the circumstances of the personal injury case, the clarity of fault, the injuries’ severity, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate.
Experienced Chicago DUI accident lawyers can expedite this process by efficiently negotiating with the insurance company. This legal expertise is crucial for maximizing the compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in Illinois?
The average settlement for a drunk driving accident in Illinois can vary widely depending on the specifics of each case. Illinois DUI accident settlements may range from moderate sums to cover minor injuries and damages to significantly larger amounts for cases involving serious injuries or fatalities. Factors like medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages also play a crucial role in determining the settlement amount.
Will Car Insurance Pay for a Car Totaled in a DUI Accident?
Car insurance typically covers damages for a motor vehicle totaled in a DUI accident if you have collision coverage, paying up to the policy’s limits minus any deductible. However, if the at-fault driver was over the legal limit, their insurance company may deny coverage for damages if their policy includes a DUI exclusion.
Chicago DUI Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident in Chicago, Curcio & Casciato is here to help. Our experienced Chicago DUI accident lawyers are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve, ensuring that every step of your case is handled with professionalism and care.
Contact Curcio & Casciato at (312) 321-1111 to schedule a free consultation with a seasoned Chicago DUI accident attorney today.
