The #1 Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

The Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents

The impact of drunk driving accidents is devastating and far-reaching.

Victims often suffer severe injuries, leading to long-term medical issues and significant financial burdens.

Families experience emotional trauma and may face the loss of a loved one.

Drunk driving accidents strain community resources and highlight the need for stricter enforcement of DUI laws.

Physical Injuries

The most common consequence of drunk drivers causing accidents is the physical injuries sustained by victims.

The most common injury in car accidents is whiplash, but injuries can range from minor bruises and cuts to severe trauma such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage.

The road to recovery for car accident victims is often long and arduous.

Victims may need surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care.

Car accident injuries may result in permanent disabilities, altering the course of a victim’s life forever.

Those who have been injured in a car crash caused by a drunk driver may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation.

Contact our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

Emotional Trauma

The psychological toll of a drunk driving accident is profound and enduring.

Survivors may experience a range of emotions, including shock, fear, anger, and grief.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not uncommon among those who have been hit by a drunk driver.

Survivors may grapple with survivor’s guilt, especially if they have lost loved ones in the crash.

Families are often left shattered, struggling to come to terms with the sudden upheaval of their lives.

Financial Burden

The simple mistake of a drunk driver can result in massive financial issues for all parties in the accident.

Medical expenses can quickly escalate, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy.

Victims may also face lost wages due to their inability to work during recovery.

The cost of repairing or replacing damaged vehicles adds another layer of financial burden.

In cases of severe injuries or fatalities, the financial impact can be catastrophic, leaving families grappling with medical debt, funeral expenses, and lost income.

Preventable Loss of Life

Perhaps the most tragic consequence of drunk driving accidents is the loss of life.

Every year, thousands of lives are cut short due to the reckless actions of intoxicated drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that around 37 people die every day because of people driving under the influence.

These deaths are not merely statistics but represent individuals with dreams, aspirations, and loved ones who are left grappling with the void left in their absence.

The Role of a Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

An experienced lawyer can provide support and guidance in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident.

Our law firm understands what victims and their families are going through, and we can help seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

With our lawyers, you and your family can focus on healing and recovery while we focus on the legal process.

Ways a Chicago drunk driving lawyer can help include:

• Expertise in Illinois DUI Laws: Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers, like us, possess an in-depth understanding of Illinois’ DUI statutes and how they intersect with personal injury claims.
  • Our lawyers understand the legal consequences of drunk driving accidents, including the tolling of the statute of limitations until criminal proceedings conclude.
  • With our expertise, our lawyers can ensure that victims’ rights are protected throughout the process.
• Thorough Investigation: From scouring police reports to interviewing witnesses and obtaining blood alcohol content (BAC) tests, our lawyers will collect and compile all evidence relating to the accident.
  • By piecing together the circumstances of the accident, we establish the at-fault driver’s impairment and liability, laying the groundwork to recover compensation.
• Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Dealing with the driver’s insurance company can be a daunting task for individuals, especially when they seek to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
  • A DUI accident attorney is an adept negotiator, advocating tirelessly on behalf of the client to ensure they receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Expert Witness Testimony and Trial Preparation: In a car crash case, expert witness testimony can play a crucial role in establishing liability and proving damages.
  • Lawyers may work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and economic analysts to provide compelling testimony that supports their clients’ claims.
• Litigation and Advocacy: In cases where settlement negotiations falter, a skilled lawyer is prepared to take the fight to court.
  • By filing lawsuits against the responsible parties, they seek to hold them accountable for their actions and secure just compensation for their clients.

Challenges Faced by Victims in Drunk Driving Accident Cases

DUI accident cases can pose significant challenges for victims seeking justice and compensation.

From proving negligence to the insurance claims process and contending with uninsured or underinsured drivers, these cases demand specialized expertise and strategic advocacy.

Working with DUI accident attorneys can help alleviate these challenges.

Challenges in DUI Accident Cases may include:

• Proving negligence
• Dealing with insurance adjusters
• Collecting damages from uninsured or underinsured drivers
• Criminal proceedings and statute of limitations
• Complexities in damages calculation

Proving Negligence

One of the foundational elements of a DUI accident case is establishing negligence on the part of the intoxicated driver.

This involves demonstrating that the driver breached their duty of care by operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and that this breach directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.

Proving negligence may require a thorough investigation, including gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and toxicology reports documenting the driver’s impairment.

Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

Following a DUI accident, victims often find themselves in negotiations with insurance companies, which can be daunting.

Insurance adjusters may seek to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, employing various tactics to protect their bottom line.

They may downplay the severity of injuries, dispute liability, or pressure victims into accepting lowball settlement offers.

A personal injury lawyer can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies.

Collecting Damages From Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Victims may encounter challenges in collecting damages from drivers who are uninsured or underinsured.

Despite mandatory insurance requirements in many states, some drivers choose to break the law and drive without insurance coverage.

14% of US drivers get on the road without any insurance.

Others may carry minimal insurance policies that are insufficient to cover the full extent of victims’ damages.

Victims may need to explore alternative avenues for compensation, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or pursuing legal action against the at-fault driver personally.

If you opt for the former, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company, adding another potential layer of difficulty.

You may need to work with DUI accident lawyers to handle this case.

Criminal Proceedings and Statute of Limitations

DUI accidents often involve parallel criminal proceedings against the intoxicated driver, which can impact the timeline for civil litigation.

In some jurisdictions, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit may be tolled until the conclusion of criminal prosecution, adding complexity to the legal process.

Victims and their attorneys must navigate these overlapping legal proceedings and ensure that their rights are protected throughout.

Complexities in Damages Calculation

Calculating damages in DUI accident cases can be complex, particularly when injuries are severe or long-term.

Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in tragic cases, wrongful death compensation.

Determining the full extent of these damages requires expert medical evaluations, economic analyses, and consideration of future care needs and lost earning capacity.

You may need to find experts in these fields to help with your case.

Drunk driving accident attorneys usually have their own networks that allow victims to access these experts, letting the plaintiff leverage their knowledge during negotiations or court proceedings.

Types of Compensation for Victims of a DUI Car Accident

Victims of DUI accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation to address the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of the incident.

Understanding the types of compensation available is essential for ensuring that victims receive comprehensive restitution for their losses.

Compensation categories include:

• Economic damages
• Non-economic damages
• Property damages
• Punitive damages for gross negligence

Economic Damages

These damages are ones that can be quantified based on various factors.

Your attorney can calculate the exact amount that directly resulted from the serious injuries you suffered.

Medical Expenses

The primary economic damages in DUI accident cases encompass medical bills incurred for treating injuries sustained in the collision.

Expenses may include:

• Ambulance fees and emergency room treatment.
• Hospitalization costs, including surgeries, medications, and medical supplies.
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy sessions aimed at recovery and rehabilitation.
• Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and blood tests.

Loss of Income or Wages

Victims of DUI accidents may be unable to work for a period due to their injuries, resulting in lost wages or income.

You may file a claim that covers the income lost during the recovery period, including days of work missed immediately after the accident.

Documentation from employers and financial records are also essential to calculate lost income accurately.

Diminished Capacity To Earn

Severe injuries from a DUI accident can impact a victim’s ability to perform their job or pursue career opportunities in the future.

Vocational assessments and expert testimony are essential to quantify the impact of injuries on the victim’s ability to earn income over time.

Disability

Those who suffer permanent disabilities as a result of a DUI accident may incur ongoing costs related to their condition.

You can get compensation for the following:

• Costs of long-term care and assistance with daily living activities.
• Home modifications to accommodate disabilities, such as wheelchair ramps or accessible bathrooms.
• Future medical expenses, including anticipated surgeries, therapies, and medications required for managing the disability.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages in DUI accident cases encompass the intangible losses that victims experience.

Unlike economic damages, which are quantifiable based on financial costs, non-economic damages are subjective.

These are meant to provide compensation for the profound impacts of the accident on the victim’s well-being.

Pain and Suffering

One of the most significant components of non-economic damages is compensation for pain and suffering endured by the victim as a result of the DUI accident.

This includes physical pain and discomfort caused by injuries sustained in the collision.

A claim can also cover emotional distress, including fear, anxiety, and trauma experienced during and after the accident.

Loss of Quality of Life

Victims of DUI accidents often experience a diminished quality of life due to the lasting effects of their injuries.

Non-economic damages may include:

• Loss of enjoyment of life’s activities, such as hobbies, sports, and social interactions.
• Inability to engage in daily routines or pursue interests due to physical limitations caused by the accident.
• Impact on overall well-being, including psychological and emotional aspects of life altered by the accident.

Loss of Consortium

DUI accidents can strain personal relationships, leading to claims for loss of consortium by spouses or family members affected by the victim’s injuries.

Property Damages

Property damages in the context of DUI accidents refer to the financial losses incurred due to damage to the victim’s vehicle or other personal property.

When a driver causes a collision due to intoxicated driving, vehicles involved may suffer significant damage, ranging from minor dents and scratches to total destruction.

Property damages may include:

• Repair costs for vehicle damage
• Replacement of damaged personal belongings inside the vehicle
• Expenses related to temporary transportation while the vehicle is being repaired or replaced

Punitive Damages for Gross Negligence

Even before someone gets a license, they should already know the dangers of driving a motor vehicle under the influence.

Choosing to do so is a case of egregious misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the intoxicated driver.

The driver acted even though they were well aware that they were violating a law.

Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future, going beyond compensating the victim for their losses.

You may be entitled to receive these damages as part of your claim.

TorHoerman Law: Experienced Chicago Drunk Driving Attorneys

Being the victim of a drunk driving accident is not only traumatic but the injuries you sustain can result in expensive treatments and lifelong issues.

You may be able to receive compensation for these damages by filing a DUI accident claim, but it’s crucial to work with knowledgeable and experienced lawyers like the team at TorHoerman Law.

We can help you pursue all avenues of compensation, including economic, non-economic, and property damages, to help you recover and rebuild your life after such a traumatic event.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to TorHoerman Law for compassionate guidance and advocacy during this challenging time.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you instantly qualify for a case.