Drunk Driving in Recreational Vehicles Chicago Accident Attorneys

When most Illinois residents think of “drunk driving,” they immediately think of cars. Yet Illinois’ laws on operating a motor vehicle under the influence extend beyond the state’s roadways. Operating a watercraft, all-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also a crime in Illinois – one that comes with heavy penalties.

If you’ve been injured by someone who chose to operate a recreational vehicle while under the influence, you have rights. Among them is the right to seek compensation for your losses directly from the person who injured you. The experienced recreational OUI attorneys at Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg can help. 

Vehicles Covered by Illinois’ Operating Under the Influence Laws

The Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/11-501, includes the state’s laws regarding the operation of motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination thereof. 

The basic OUI law states that “A person shall not drive or be in actual physical control of any vehicle within this State” while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the details of which are also included in the law. The law also lists penalties for OUI convictions. 

Recreational vehicle OUIs that result in death come with heavy penalties in Illinois. Section 11-501(d)(1)(F) states that a person who causes “a motor vehicle crash or snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or watercraft accident that resulted in the death of another person” while under the influence has committed “aggravated driving under the influence,” a Class 4 felony. 

The law specifies “snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or watercraft.” Many types of vehicles can fall under these definitions, however. All-terrain vehicles include a wide range of motorized sports vehicles, while “watercraft” covers many boats. 

Boating under the influence is a particular concern in Illinois. In 2022, the Illinois Conservation Police reported 72 arrests of boaters for OUI – a 10 percent increase over 2021. Other agencies reported a total of 9 arrests, bringing the 2022 total to 81 OUI arrests of boaters. 

Common Injuries in Chicago Recreational Car Accidents

Boating, snowmobile, and ATV accidents caused by a driver under the influence can cause serious injuries. Common injuries in Illinois drunk driving recreational vehicle accidents include:

• Brain and spinal cord injuries,
• Head, neck, and back injuries,
• Broken bones and crush injuries,
• Organ and tissue damage,
• Burn injuries. 

No matter how careful others are on Illinois’ waterways and trails, these injuries may occur. Even the most careful, cautious, and experienced boater, snowmobiler, or ATV enthusiast may suffer serious injuries if a drunk driver collides with them. 

How Can an Experienced Illinois Attorney Help Me?

After a boat, ATV, or snowmobile crash involving a drunk driver, it’s important to work with an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your rights, your options for compensation, and how a lawyer can help you. 

Compensation After a Recreational Vehicle Crash

After an OUI crash in a boat, ATV, or snowmobile, you may find yourself involved in both criminal and civil cases. 

Criminal cases are brought by the state. They seek to punish wrongdoers for breaking criminal laws. While you may be asked to participate in this case as an injured victim, the case is focused on holding the drunk driver accountable for their actions, not on compensating you for your losses. 

Whether or not a criminal case goes forward, you can also file a civil case. In the civil case, you and your attorney present evidence of your losses. The civil case allows you to seek compensation after the accident. 

Often, a civil case after a drunk driving crash will seek compensation for losses like:

• Past and future medical expenses,
• Lost wages, 
• Repair or replacement of damaged property,
• Pain and suffering, 
• Scarring and disfigurement,
• Loss of enjoyment of life. 

Other losses might also be covered. It’s important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. 

Benefits of Working With an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer promptly after your accident has several benefits. When you hire an attorney, your lawyer can:

• Help you understand your legal rights and options,
• Gather evidence about the crash and protect your rights,
• Negotiate with insurance companies, freeing you to focus on recovery, 
• Protect your rights throughout the process, and
• Fight for full and fair compensation while preparing to represent you vigorously at trial if necessary. 

The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer with a track record of success in drunk driving claims, the more effectively you and your attorney can work to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need. 

Talk to a Dedicated Illinois Boat, Snowmobile, or ATV Crash Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a recreational vehicle crash involving a drunk driver, don’t wait. Talk to the team at Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg today. We’ll help you secure the compensation you need and protect your legal rights. Reach out to us today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation with one of our Illinois drunk driving injury lawyers.