Obtenga una consulta gratuita con un abogado de lesiones personales

Valoración de T.V.

"Recomiendo encarecidamente BB&G ... Le daría 10 estrellas si pudiera".

Valoración de G.V.

"¡Estoy muy contenta con la representación de BB&G!".

Valoración de M.S.

"Los abogados de BBG fueron excepcionales. El resultado fue mejor de lo que esperábamos".

Valoración de R.G.

"Desde el momento en que contacté con este bufete me trataron como de la familia".

Valoración de A.H.

"No podríamos estar más contentos con el resultado ni con el excelente servicio".

Valoración de V.A.

"Nos sentimos muy seguros y confiados con su representación".

Valoración de J.P.

"Briskman Briskman & Greenberg es una fuerza legal a tener en cuenta".

Valoración de T.Z.

"Estoy contento con cómo han llevado mi caso y recomiendo llamarles".

Valoración de K.N.

"Proceso muy fácil con la ayuda de estas increíbles personas. Resultado muy feliz".

CONSULTA GRATUITA

CONSULTA GRATUITA

Nuestros abogados

Des Plaines Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

If a drunk driver hurt you or someone you love near Des Plaines, you are probably dealing with a lot right now. Medical bills, missed work, physical pain, and emotional stress can all pile up fast. The good news is that Illinois law gives you real options. You have the right to pursue compensation from the driver who caused the crash, and in some cases, from other parties too. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we work with injured people throughout the Chicago area, including Des Plaines and the surrounding suburbs. We understand how these cases work, and we are ready to help you take the right steps forward.

Drunk Driving Accidents in the Des Plaines Area
Illinois DUI Laws and What They Mean for Your Case
Who Can Be Held Responsible Under Illinois Law
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash?
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident Near Des Plaines
FAQs About Des Plaines Drunk Driving Accident Claims

Drunk Driving Accidents in the Des Plaines Area

Des Plaines sits just northwest of Chicago, bordered by major roads like I-294, I-90, and Touhy Avenue. These busy corridors carry heavy traffic every day, and they also see their share of impaired drivers. The area around O’Hare International Airport adds even more traffic to local roads, especially late at night and in the early morning hours when drunk driving crashes are most common.

In 2023, 294 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes across Illinois, accounting for about 23% of all crash fatalities that year. That number represents real families who lost someone, or who are still dealing with serious injuries. In 2024, Chicago alone saw 530 crashes caused by drivers who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When you factor in the suburbs like Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Rosemont, and Elk Grove Village, the scope of the problem becomes even clearer.

Drunk driving crashes near Des Plaines can happen anywhere, whether on the Tri-State Tollway, along Mannheim Road, or on local streets near Oakton Community College or the Des Plaines River Trail. These accidents often cause serious injuries because impaired drivers tend to miss stop signs, run red lights, or drift into oncoming lanes without warning. If this happened to you, you deserve answers and you deserve support. Our team of drunk driving attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is here to provide both.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 47% of Illinois motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol. That figure underscores just how dangerous impaired driving remains on Illinois roads. You should not have to bear the cost of someone else’s reckless decision.

Illinois DUI Laws and What They Mean for Your Case

Understanding Illinois DUI law helps you see why drunk driving claims are so strong. It is illegal to drive if your BAC is .08 percent or more. However, you can be convicted of Driving Under the Influence if your BAC is less than .08 percent and your driving ability is impaired. That means even a driver who blows just under the legal limit can still face both criminal charges and civil liability if their impairment caused your crash.

The legal blood alcohol concentration limit remains at 0.08% for drivers over 21. However, the state enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 and strict penalties for commercial drivers with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. Illinois also covers impairment from drugs, prescription medications, and combinations of substances. So if the driver who hit you was on something other than alcohol, they can still be held responsible.

Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/11-401 requires any driver involved in a crash that causes personal injury or death to stop immediately and remain at the scene. A driver who flees after hitting you faces serious criminal charges, including felony hit-and-run. That kind of behavior can also strengthen your civil case. When police respond to a crash and the at-fault driver fails a breathalyzer or refuses testing, that evidence matters greatly in a personal injury claim.

A DUI conviction is not required for you to recover compensation in a civil case. The standard of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal court. Even if the driver avoids a criminal conviction, you may still win your personal injury claim. Our drunk driving lawyer team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg knows how to build a strong case using police reports, chemical test results, witness statements, and other evidence.

Who Can Be Held Responsible Under Illinois Law

One of the most important things to know about drunk driving accidents in Illinois is that the driver may not be the only person you can hold accountable. Illinois has a law called the Dram Shop Act, found at 235 ILCS 5/6-21. This law gives you the right to pursue a claim against the bar, restaurant, or liquor store that served alcohol to the driver who hurt you.

Under 235 ILCS 5/6-21, every person who is injured in Illinois by an intoxicated person has a right of action against any licensed seller of alcohol who caused that intoxication by selling or giving alcohol to the driver. This means that if a bar near O’Hare or a restaurant on Lee Street in Des Plaines kept serving drinks to someone who was clearly impaired, and that person then got behind the wheel and crashed into you, the business could share legal responsibility for your injuries.

The Dram Shop Act also covers property owners who knowingly allow alcohol to be sold or consumed on their premises. Our drunk driving attorneys can evaluate whether a bar or liquor establishment contributed to your crash and whether a Dram Shop claim makes sense in your situation. It is worth noting that Dram Shop claims have a one-year statute of limitations under Illinois law, which is shorter than the general two-year personal injury deadline. Acting quickly protects your rights.

Illinois also follows joint and several liability rules under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117. Under this law, any defendant whose fault is found to be 25% or greater of the total fault is jointly and severally liable for all damages. This matters because it means you may be able to recover your full compensation from any one of the responsible parties, not just a fraction from each one. Our drunk driving lawyers know how to identify every possible source of recovery so you are not left with less than you deserve.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash?

When a drunk driver injures you, the financial impact can be enormous. You may face hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Illinois personal injury law allows you to seek compensation for all of these losses, and more. Knowing what damages are available helps you understand the full value of your claim.

Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses. These include past and future medical expenses, lost income while you recover, reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work, and property damage to your vehicle. If your car was totaled on I-294 near Des Plaines, that repair or replacement cost is part of your claim too.

Non-economic damages cover the personal toll the crash has taken on your life. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on your relationships are all compensable under Illinois law. In cases involving serious or permanent injuries, these damages can be significant. If a loved one died in the crash, Illinois’s Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180) allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for their loss of support, services, and companionship.

In drunk driving cases, Illinois courts may also consider punitive damages. These are designed to punish especially reckless behavior. Choosing to drive while severely intoxicated is exactly the kind of conduct that can support a punitive damages claim. Our drunk driving lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will assess every element of your damages and fight to recover the full amount you are owed. As a Chicago abogado de lesiones personales firm with decades of experience, we know how to present your losses in a way that resonates with insurance companies and juries alike.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident Near Des Plaines

The steps you take right after a crash can have a real effect on your case. If you are physically able, there are a few things you should do at the scene. Call 911 right away. Getting police to the scene is critical, especially in a drunk driving case. Officers can conduct field sobriety tests, request chemical testing, and document evidence that supports your claim. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, Illinois law requires all drivers involved in injury crashes to remain at the scene and cooperate with authorities.

If you can, take photos of the vehicles, the road, any skid marks, and the surrounding area. Note the time, weather conditions, and any nearby businesses that might have security cameras. Witnesses matter too. Get names and phone numbers from anyone who saw what happened. If the crash occurred near a busy intersection on Elmhurst Road or along Golf Road in Des Plaines, there may be traffic cameras or nearby businesses with footage that can support your claim.

Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay at first. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, do not show obvious symptoms right away. A medical record created close in time to the accident helps connect your injuries to the crash. Keep records of every doctor visit, prescription, and medical bill going forward.

Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may try to get you to say something that reduces the value of your claim. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg before you give any recorded statements. We can guide you through the process and handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf. The Cook County courthouse in Chicago handles many of the civil cases arising from crashes in the Des Plaines area, and our team knows how to prepare your case for that venue.

FAQs About Des Plaines Drunk Driving Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Illinois?

In most Illinois personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if you plan to bring a Dram Shop claim against a bar or restaurant under 235 ILCS 5/6-21, that deadline is only one year. Missing either deadline can bar you from recovering anything, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your crash.

Can I still recover compensation if the drunk driver was not convicted of DUI?

Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to win a civil personal injury case. The burden of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal court. You only need to show that the driver was more likely than not impaired and that their impairment caused your injuries. Evidence like police reports, witness accounts, and chemical test results can support your claim even without a DUI conviction.

What if the drunk driver had no insurance or very little coverage?

This is a common concern. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own auto insurance policy may have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that can help. You may also have a Dram Shop claim against the bar or establishment that served the driver. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can review all possible sources of compensation so you are not left without options.

Can I sue a bar or restaurant that served alcohol to the driver who hit me?

Yes, in many cases you can. Illinois’s Dram Shop Act (235 ILCS 5/6-21) allows injured victims to bring a claim against any licensed alcohol seller whose sale or gift of alcohol caused the driver’s intoxication. If a bar near Des Plaines over-served the driver before they got behind the wheel, that business may share legal liability for your injuries and damages.

What does it cost to hire Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for a drunk driving accident case?

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There is no upfront cost to get started. You can contact us for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options without any financial obligation.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

La experiencia general que tuve con Briskman Briskman & Greenberg fue del tipo que todo el mundo debería recibir de cualquier empresa.

El personal se mantuvo en contacto conmigo por teléfono y correo electrónico, estaban muy bien informados, se aseguraron de que entendiera lo que estaba pasando en todo momento, respondieron a todas mis preguntas, fueron transparentes, y definitivamente superaron mis expectativas. Los recomiendo encarecidamente.

- Brandon Spivey

El nivel de cuidado, atención, empatía y preocupación en relación con mi caso al tratar con Briskman Briskman y Greenberg superó mis expectativas.

Eran extremadamente informados y justos en todos los asuntos relacionados. Dieron ejemplo de excelente servicio y atención al cliente. Me mantuvieron informado y actualizado en todo momento y respondieron a todas mis preguntas. Recomiendo encarecidamente usarlos como lo haría de nuevo.

- Joshua Payton

Me sentí a gusto con la profesionalidad de Briskman y Briskman.

Paul Greenberg especialmente poner mi mente para descansar y en un plazo de un año he resuelto mi caso y estoy muy satisfecho con el resultado. Mi lesión fue devastador, pero trabajar con este bufete de abogados ha puesto un montón de noches estresantes para descansar.

- Nakia Childs

Necesitaba un abogado de lesiones personales y Gavin y su equipo fueron más allá.

Hicieron que el proceso fuera sencillo y me ayudaron en cada paso del camino. Lo que realmente aprecio es que son directos y responden rápidamente a mis preguntas y a cualquier problema con un mensaje de texto o una llamada telefónica. Además, me controlaron continuamente. ¡Estoy contento con la forma en que manejaron mi caso y recomendaría darles una llamada!

- Ted Zakrzewski

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers (BBG) is a legal team you want on your side.

Llevaron mi caso de manera profesional, sensible y muy competente. El personal muestra experiencia en el ámbito jurídico y proporcionó un excelente apoyo y atención al cliente. Gracias BBG por su ayuda con la navegación de un caso muy sensible y difícil para mi familia.

- Robin Albritton

Si ha sufrido un accidente y necesita un abogado excelente, ¡¡¡hable con Paul!!!

Muy agradable y profesional abogado que extremadamente se preocupa por sus clientes. Crucemos los dedos para que nunca vuelva a tener un accidente, pero si es así, ¡sin duda, 10/10 volvería a utilizar Paul!

- Danny S.

Estoy muy satisfecha con la representación de BB&G.

Robert Briskman manejó mi caso de lesiones muy bien. Personalidad divertida y comprensiva y se tomó el tiempo para explicar todo en detalle de todo el caso. Fue maravilloso trabajar con él. Yo recomendaría BB&G a cualquiera y para mí de nuevo en el futuro.

- Ginebra Vanderbilt

Desde el momento en que me puse en contacto con este bufete me trataron como de la familia.

Gavin Pearlman fue honesto y sincero conmigo durante todo el proceso. Sin sorpresas y nunca me mantuvo colgado. Recomiendo encarecidamente estos abogados para sus necesidades.

- Ron Gaber

I cannot say enough good things about the attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.

Fueron extremadamente receptivos, profesionales y compasivos durante todo el proceso. Sus habilidades de negociación fueron excepcionales, y fueron capaces de asegurar un acuerdo que superó con creces mis expectativas. Estoy agradecido de haber tenido un equipo tan dedicado".