Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Chicago, IL
Illinois Drunk Driving Laws
In 2016, Illinois saw 272 traffic fatalities in which the driver who caused the accident was over the legal limit for blood alcohol content. This accounts for one quarter of all crash fatalities that year. To say that drunk driving is a problem is an understatement, which is why the state has taken and will continue to take a strict stance on the issue.
Under Age 21
Since 1995, Illinois has upheld a Zero Tolerance Law for individuals who are under the legal drinking age of 21. This means that if any person under the legal drinking age gets caught behind the wheel with any amount of alcohol in their system, that person will be charged with a DUI.
Over Age 21
For all other individuals, the law defines intoxicated driving in one of two ways:
- Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than .08 percent; OR
- Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs—or any combination that prevents the driver from reasonably and safely operating the motor vehicle
Illinois law stipulates that even legal consumption of drugs or alcohol does not permit driving under the influence. What this stipulation means is that if a driver consumes alcohol and remains within the legal BAC limits, they must operate with extreme caution and care when behind the wheel of a vehicle. If that person causes an accident and causes harm to another person, the state may still hold them accountable for negligent behavior.
Suing an Intoxicated Driver for Negligence
Illinois allows injured parties to pursue damages sustained in drunk driving accidents via an insurance claim or litigation. If the victim of the accident passed away as a result of accident-related injuries, the surviving family may sue for wrongful death as well.
Potential Damages
Both causes of action—personal injury claims and wrongful death claims—allow claimants to pursue economic and non-economic damages. Some damages you stand to collect from a drunk driving accident claim include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of services
- Loss of consortium
Time Limit
In order to file a lawsuit against a drunk driver, you must bring the claim within two years of the incident. Illinois law gives you up to five years to pursue compensation for property damage.
Get Legal Help Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may feel confused, overwhelmed, and angry. You have every right to feel this way. Channel your feelings in a constructive manner and pursue the compensation you need and deserve to recover from the devastation the drunk driver caused. Contact Coogan Gallagher to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney today.
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Consummate professional“Jim Coogan is a consummate professional and extremely detail-oriented. In short order, he was able to grasp a thorough understanding of the relevant facts and prepare an extremely well laid out demand letter which is all it took for both parties to reach an agreement and avoid cou… -
Would highly recommend“Choosing the right person and firm to represent you can be a difficult thing to do. From the first day that I spoke with Caroleann Gallagher, I felt very confident that I had made the right choice. Caroleann was always very professional, respectful, and responsive. She took the ti…
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Extremely professional team“I never heard of Dwyer and Coogan law firm, I was referred to them by my insurance agent. After meeting with partner Patrick Dwyer and discussing my possible injury case, I was extremely pleased with Mr. Dwyer and his staff of employees. All very professional, listened to my conce…
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I’m very grateful to Mr. Coogan“Mr. Coogan is a very compassionate Lawyer. He listens carefully to my concerns and responds with complete detailed answers. Mr. Coogan always made sure I completely understood his answers and what was going on in my case. My phone calls were always answered right away or returned …
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Ms. Gallagher is a top-notch attorney“A friend recommended Caroleann Gallagher and I understand why. Caroleann earned my trust. Not only did I have a much better than expected outcome, she methodically explained my options, translated complicated legal terms, and clearly gave me great advice. She kept me informed of p…
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I am so happy I called your office“Jim, thank you again so much for everything! I am truly grateful to you. Additionally, I am so happy I called your office and selected you as my attorney. You are truly a compassionate man and an intelligent attorney. I could not have pick a better candidate to handle this case.”
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Exceptionally professional“Life has many surprises, some of which are not pleasant and many time almost tragic. My 95 year-old Mother and I were involved in a very serious car accident, in which my car was totaled. We were ambulanced to the hospital in serious condition. Life also presents us with many impo…
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I highly recommend Coogan Gallagher“After I was struck by a car at a busy Chicago intersection, I had so many apprehensions and fears regarding my injury, surgery, recovery, and medical debt due to being out of work. On top of that I was worried over the other driver not wanting to acknowledge fault for going throug…
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Fought for us all the way to the end“We put our trust in Caroleann Gallagher and we were not disappointed , she fought for us all the way to the end of our case . We never were involved in a law suit before and Caroleann helped us through the process and kept us informed of every step. Over time she became more of a …
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Extremely thoughtful and helpful throughout“Coogan Gallagher was very responsive to every question I raised as the process ensued. They were extremely timely in communication and took the time to explain details in full. I would specifically like to recommend Carolanne as she was extremely thoughtful and helpful throughout …