Cook County Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Lawyer for Car Crashes Caused by Drunk Drivers in Chicago, Pullman, and Bronzeville
Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, but it is incredibly dangerous, and drunk drivers not only put themselves at risk, but they endanger everyone else around them. Car accidents caused by drunk drivers can lead to serious injuries for drivers and passengers in other vehicles, pedestrians, and anyone else involved in a collision. Victims of these types of crashes need to understand their legal options, including how they can hold a drunk driver or other parties liable for the damages they have suffered.
At Karchmar & Lambert, P.C., our attorneys have over 50 years of experience, and we have assisted clients in many different types of personal injury cases. We can provide the legal help you need following a car crash involving a drunk driver, and we will do everything we can to make sure you are fully compensated for all of your damages, including the costs of medical care, the loss of income due to a temporary or permanent disability, damage to your vehicle or other property, and your pain and suffering. We handle cases on a contingency basis, meaning that you will not be required to pay any legal fees unless we collect compensation from those who were responsible for your injuries.
Liability for DUI Car Accidents
Alcohol consumption can drastically affect a person's ability to drive safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause impairment to a person's balance and coordination while also reducing their reaction times, making it difficult to respond to other vehicles, pedestrians, and conditions on the road in time to avoid a collision. Higher amounts of alcohol can make driving even more dangerous, since a person may experience blurred vision, difficulty judging distances, drowsiness, and other physical impairments. Alcohol will also affect a driver's judgment, leading them to act unsafely while behind the wheel without considering the dangers of actions such as speeding or failing to obey traffic signals.
In addition to alcohol, other drugs can also have a negative effect on drivers. Marijuana, which has been made legal for both medicinal and recreational use in Illinois, can cause similar impairments as alcohol, including affecting a driver's coordination and reaction time. Illegal drugs such as methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, or LSD can put a driver in a mental state in which they are unable to safely operate a motor vehicle. Certain types of prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness or affect a person's driving ability, especially when combined with alcohol or controlled substances.
Typically, those who have been injured in a car crash will need to establish fault by another driver and show that they acted negligently. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an obvious form of negligence, and a conviction on DUI charges is often sufficient to show that a driver is liable for the injuries inflicted in a collision. In addition to pursuing compensation from a drunk driver, victims may also be able to hold other parties liable under the Illinois Dram Shop Laws. These laws allow a victim to take legal action against a bar, restaurant, liquor store, or other establishment or person that sold or served alcohol that caused a drunk driver to become intoxicated.
Contact Our Austin Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers
If you or a member of your family have been involved in a collision with a drunk driver, Karchmar & Lambert, P.C. can provide you with representation and help you receive compensation for your damages. We will gather the necessary evidence to show that a driver was intoxicated, and we will identify any other parties who may be liable for your injuries. To arrange a complimentary consultation, contact our office at 312-977-1300. We assist with collisions involving drunk drivers and other car crashes in Cook County and the surrounding areas, including neighborhoods in Chicago such as Austin, Englewood, Bronzeville, Ashburn, South Shore, Gresham, Chatham, Kenwood, Pullman, and Garfield Park.