In Illinois, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Despite the efforts of the government and countless non-profit organizations to educate drivers about the risks of impaired driving, Chicago drunk driving accidents are still commonplace. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 27 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in the state involved alcohol. In 2018, drunk driving alone was responsible for more than 1,050 deaths.

Recovering After a Chicago Drunk Driving Accident

Any car accident can cause serious injuries. While most accidents are preventable, drunk driving accidents are especially preventable. Drivers always have options when getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink. They could call a friend, hail a cab, take public transportation, or get a Lyft or Uber. Driving while impaired is a conscious decision that puts everyone else’s lives on the road at risk.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a Chicago drunk driving accident, you may be able to bring a Chicago drunk driving lawsuit. If you are successful in bringing a claim against a drunk driver, you can recover compensation for the economic and non-economic damages you suffered as a result of the accident, including:

• Medical bills you have already paid
• Future medical expenses related to your injuries
• Lost income
• Any decrease in earning capacity due to your injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of a normal life

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we do not think it is fair that you pay the price for someone else’s reckless decision to drive drunk. Our dedicated team of car accident lawyers will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Liable in a Chicago Drunk Driving Accident?

When determining who is liable for a drunk driving accident, the impaired driver is the obvious answer. However, Illinois law is unique in that it allows accident victims to pursue claims against other parties in certain situations. Under the Illinois dram shop law, a bar or restaurant that served a drunk driver may be liable for your damages. Unlike many other states, Illinois does not require you to prove that the bar or restaurant overserved the drunk driver or knew that they were intoxicated; it is enough to show that the establishment provided the drunk driver with alcohol.

While state law allows you to hold any licensed alcohol vendor liable in a drunk driving accident, it does not typically permit you to hold social hosts liable for their guest’s actions. So, for example, if Jon and Linda hosted a neighborhood party and overserved one of their guests who caused an accident on the way home, you could sue the drunk driver, but not Jon and Linda.
 
Holidays Present an Increased Danger for Chicago Drunk Driving Accidents

While encountering a drunk driver is a risk on Chicago roads, certain times are more dangerous than others. Nearly 60 percent of all fatal drunk driving accidents in Chicago occur between the eight-hour window of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. Similarly, almost 60 percent of all impaired driving accidents happen between Friday and Sunday.

However, holidays and long weekends present the greatest risk of a drunk driving accident. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the most dangerous holidays for drunk driving are:

• Thanksgiving weekend
• Labor Day weekend
• Christmas Break
• Memorial Day
• New Year’s Eve
• Fourth of July

For example, in 2018, 50 percent of all traffic-related fatalities over the Fourth of July were due to drunk driving.

Reach Out to a Dedicated Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was recently injured in a Chicago drunk driving accident, contact the dedicated personal injury lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for immediate assistance. Our team of attorneys is ready to meet with you to discuss your case and help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve after suffering unnecessary injuries in a drunk driving accident. We have over 30 years of experience working with accident victims from all backgrounds, helping them overcome the challenges they face when attempting to hold drunk drivers accountable for their reckless actions.

As part of the Briskman Guarantee, we will provide you with a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation where you will meet with a lawyer who can answer your questions and explain the recovery process. And because we accept cases on a contingency basis, you will never be responsible for any legal fees unless we win your case. To learn more, give us a call at 877-595-4878, or contact us through our online form. We proudly serve clients in Chicago, Joliet, Waukegan, and throughout Cook County, Lake County and Will County.