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Springfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

A drunk driving crash can change your life in seconds. Whether it happened on I-55, Lake Shore Drive, or a quiet side street near Springfield Avenue in Chicago, the pain is real, and so is your right to seek compensation. If you or someone you love was hurt by a drunk driver, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is here to help. Our team of dedicated Chicago personal injury lawyer professionals understands what you are going through. We fight hard for injured victims across the Chicago area, and we want to help you too.

The Drunk Driving Problem in Illinois Is Serious
What Illinois Law Says About Drunk Driving and Your Rights
Can You Sue the Bar That Served the Driver?
What Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash?
Why You Need a Springfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Chicago
FAQs About Springfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Chicago

The Drunk Driving Problem in Illinois Is Serious

Drunk driving is not just a statistic. Every crash involves a real person, a real family, and a real loss. The numbers, though, help show just how widespread this problem is. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 47% of Illinois motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol. Think about that for a moment. Nearly half of all deadly crashes in this state involve someone who chose to drink and drive.

Nationally, the picture is just as troubling. In 2023, drunk-driving crashes resulted in 12,429 deaths nationwide. An alcohol-impaired driving fatality occurred every 42 minutes on average that same year. That is not an abstract number. That is someone’s parent, child, or spouse dying because a driver made a reckless choice.

Here in the Chicago area, these crashes happen on busy roads like the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290), the Dan Ryan (I-90/94), and local streets throughout neighborhoods like Pilsen, Logan Square, and Bridgeport. Late-night crashes near entertainment districts on North Clark Street or Wicker Park are unfortunately common. Penalties for DUI in Illinois vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and conviction, including the driver’s age, BAC level, whether a child under 16 was in the car, and whether the driver has prior DUI convictions.

If you were hurt in one of these crashes, you deserve answers and accountability. The drunk driving attorney team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has helped injured victims across the Chicago area recover the compensation they deserve. Do not wait to reach out.

What Illinois Law Says About Drunk Driving and Your Rights

Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 makes it illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If a chemical test shows a BAC of 0.08 or higher, the state does not need to prove actual impairment. The Illinois Supreme Court confirmed in People v. Martin that per se DUI is a strict liability offense, meaning the BAC result alone establishes the violation. That matters for your civil case too, because a criminal DUI conviction can be powerful evidence in your personal injury claim.

When a drunk driver causes a crash, they can also be held responsible in a separate civil lawsuit. You do not need to wait for the criminal case to finish before pursuing your claim. Illinois law under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 addresses joint liability in injury cases. Under this statute, any defendant whose fault is 25% or greater is jointly and severally liable for all damages. That means if multiple parties share responsibility for your crash, each one can be held accountable for the full amount of your losses.

Illinois also has strict rules about what a driver must do after a crash. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, a driver involved in a crash causing personal injury or death must immediately stop at the scene and remain there until all legal requirements are fulfilled. A driver who fails to stop commits a Class 4 felony. If someone flees the scene after hitting you, that is a serious crime, and it can also support your civil case.

Our drunk driving lawyer team knows these laws inside and out. We use every available legal tool to build the strongest case possible for you.

Can You Sue the Bar That Served the Driver?

Many people do not realize that the drunk driver may not be the only party you can hold responsible. Illinois has a powerful law called the Dram Shop Act, found at 235 ILCS 5/6-21. This law gives you the right to sue a licensed alcohol seller who contributed to the driver’s intoxication.

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 alcohol seller who caused that intoxication by selling or giving alcoholic liquor to the person. That means if a bar near Wrigleyville, a restaurant on the Magnificent Mile, or a venue in the West Loop kept serving alcohol to someone who was already visibly drunk, that establishment may share legal responsibility for your injuries.

The Dram Shop Act also covers property owners. Any person who owns or leases a building and knowingly permits the sale of alcohol there, which then causes someone’s intoxication, can be held jointly liable along with the person who actually served the drinks. Even someone who pays for a hotel room knowing a person under 21 will use it to drink illegally can face liability if that underage drinker then causes a crash.

There is a one-year statute of limitations on Dram Shop claims in Illinois, so time matters. Our drunk driving attorneys can review whether a bar or restaurant contributed to your crash and help you pursue every available source of compensation.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash?

A drunk driving crash can leave you with serious injuries. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries are common. These injuries lead to real financial losses, and Illinois law allows you to seek compensation for all of them. Here is what you may be able to recover:

Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing rehabilitation
Future medical costs for injuries that require long-term treatment or permanent care
Lost wages from time you could not work while recovering
Loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future
Pain and suffering, which covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash
Property damage to your vehicle and other belongings
Loss of consortium for spouses and family members affected by your injuries

In some drunk driving cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Illinois courts can award these in cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or willful. Drunk driving often qualifies. Punitive damages go beyond compensating you for your losses. They are designed to punish the wrongdoer and discourage others from making the same reckless choice.

Our drunk driving lawyers work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and financial specialists to calculate the full value of your claim. We do not settle for less than what you deserve. If you were hurt near Millennium Park, on the Kennedy Expressway, or anywhere else in the Chicago area, we are ready to fight for you.

Why You Need a Springfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Handling a drunk driving injury claim on your own is a serious mistake. Insurance companies move fast. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to minimize what they pay you. Without strong legal representation, you risk accepting a settlement that does not cover your actual losses.

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we take a different approach. We investigate every angle of your case. We gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and chemical test results. We look at whether the driver had prior DUI convictions, whether a bar or restaurant overserved them, and whether any other party shares responsibility. We handle all communications with the insurance company so you can focus on healing.

We also understand Chicago’s court system. Whether your case ends up in the Richard J. Daley Center in the Loop or in another Cook County courthouse, we know how to present your case effectively. Penalties and legal circumstances in DUI-related cases vary widely, and we know how to use those facts to your advantage in civil proceedings.

Our firm has helped injured people throughout Chicago, including those in neighborhoods like South Shore, Avondale, Humboldt Park, and communities along the lakefront. We also serve clients in the surrounding suburbs. If you were hurt by a drunk driver, you do not have to face this alone. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call us or reach out online, and let us get to work on your case right away.

Our drunk driving lawyers also handle cases involving recreational vehicles, boats, and other non-traditional vehicles where drunk driving causes injuries. No matter how your crash happened, we are ready to help.

FAQs About Springfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Chicago

How long do I have to file a drunk driving injury claim in Illinois?

In most personal injury cases in Illinois, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit under the statute of limitations. However, if you plan to bring a Dram Shop claim against a bar or restaurant that served the driver, that deadline is only one year. Missing these deadlines can cost you your right to compensation entirely, so you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your crash.

What if the drunk driver does not have enough insurance to cover my damages?

This is a common concern, and there are several options available to you. First, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. Second, if a bar or restaurant contributed to the driver’s intoxication, you can pursue a Dram Shop claim against that establishment under 235 ILCS 5/6-21. Third, if multiple parties share fault, Illinois joint and several liability rules under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 may allow you to recover the full amount of your damages from any party found to be 25% or more at fault. An attorney can help you identify every available source of recovery.

Do I need to wait for the criminal DUI case to finish before filing my civil claim?

No. Your civil personal injury claim is completely separate from the criminal DUI case against the driver. You can file your civil lawsuit right away, and you do not need to wait for a criminal conviction. In fact, moving quickly can be helpful because evidence is preserved and witnesses’ memories are fresh. A criminal conviction can also strengthen your civil case if it happens before your case resolves, but it is not required for you to win.

What if I was partly at fault for the crash?

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under this system, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the crash. Your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you were 20% at fault and awards you $100,000, you would receive $80,000. A skilled attorney will work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.

What should I do immediately after a drunk driving crash in Chicago?

First, call 911. Make sure police respond to the scene so that a report is filed and the driver can be tested for alcohol. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay, because some injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Document the scene with photos if you can. Get contact information from witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Then contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for a free consultation so we can protect your rights from the very start.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

The overall experience I had with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg was the kind that everyone should receive from any firm.

The staff stayed in contact with me via phone and email, they were very knowledgeable, they made sure I understood what was going on at all times, they answered all of my questions, were transparent, and definitely exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them.

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Paul Greenberg especially put my mind to rest and within a years time I have settled my case and I am very satisfied with the outcome. My injury was devastating but working with this law firm has put a lot of stressful nights to rest.

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I needed a personal injury lawyer and Gavin and his team went above and beyond.

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

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

They were extremely responsive, professional, and compassionate throughout the entire process.Their negotiations skills were exceptional, and they were able to secure a settlement that far exceeded my expectations.I am grateful to have had such a dedicated team