Drunk Driving Accidents Attorney in Elgin, Illinois

Experiencing a vehicle accident involving alcohol isn't merely a case of two cars colliding—it's a devastating incident that can reformulate your life. The physical trauma, emotional upheaval, and financial pressures are profound and far-reaching. It's important you don't face this situation alone. 

At my firm—James P. Leahy Attorney At Law—I am a seasoned personal injury lawyer based in Elgin, Illinois, and I stand ready to advocate for you so that you don't navigate this challenging path alone. If you are in Aurora, St. Charles, Kane County, or the surrounding areas, reach out to my firm today. I am prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents

In alcohol-induced vehicular accidents, the accountability isn't always confined to the driver under the influence; it can extend to several others too. Here is a breakdown of possible liable parties: 

• The Drunk Driver: Undeniably, the first liability rests on the intoxicated driver who initiated the accident due to their recklessness. 

• Parents of the Driver: If the driver under the influence is underage, the principle of "negligent entrustment" may place the responsibility upon the parents. 

• Alcohol-Serving Institutions or Hosts: Certain situations might implicate the establishment or individual who served alcohol to the driver, commonly known as "dram shop" liability. 

• The Employer: The company may be held accountable if the drunken driver was operating their vehicle as part of their professional obligations. 

Drunk driving accidents often involve many layers of liability. Remember, beyond just the driver being liable, a drunk driving accident victim also has the right to pursue compensation from others, thanks to Dram Shop and social liability laws, which encourage responsible serving practices and responsibility, and to prevent drunk driving incidents.  

Dram Shop and Social Liability Laws in Illinois

Illinois has specific laws when it comes to holding establishments and social hosts accountable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who later cause accidents. These laws aim to prevent drunk driving accidents and provide victims with an avenue for seeking compensation. 

While both Dram Shop and Social Liability laws in Illinois are designed to impose responsibility on those who supply alcohol to individuals who later cause accidents, they differ in terms of their application and scope.  

• Dram Shop laws are primarily targeted at commercial establishments like bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. These laws hold these establishments accountable if they serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who subsequently cause accidents. The goal is to encourage responsible selling and serving of alcohol in commercial settings.  

• Contrarily, Social Liability laws (or Social Host laws) apply to non-commercial scenarios. These laws hold individuals liable if they provide alcohol to minors or noticeably intoxicated guests in a private setting, such as a home or private party, who then go on to cause an accident. The intention is to foster responsible behavior when hosting private events where alcohol is served. 

Possible Damages

Being injured in a drunk driving accident means you may be entitled to various types of damages. These can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages due to your inability to work, physical and emotional pain caused by the accident, and property damage. If a loved one has been killed in a drunk driving accident, you, as a surviving family member, may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for your profound loss. 

Statute of Limitations

Remember, time is of the essence. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, it's usually one year from the date of the victim's death. Missing these deadlines may result in losing your right to seek compensation. 

Filing a Claim

After a drunk driving accident, you have several options to pursue a claim. The process of filing a claim generally includes the following: 

• Gather Evidence: Begin by collecting all available evidence from the incident, including police reports, photographs from the scene, medical records, and witness testimonies. 

• Consult a Lawyer: Seek legal advice from a seasoned personal injury attorney to understand your rights and potential avenues for compensation. 

• File a Claim: Your lawyer will help you to prepare and submit a detailed claim against the liable party or parties, which may include the intoxicated driver, an alcohol-serving establishment, or others. 

• Negotiation: Once the claim is filed, your lawyer will handle negotiations with the insurance company or responsible party's legal team for a settlement. 

• Lawsuit and Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will proceed to file a lawsuit and represent you in court. 

You can file a personal injury claim against the intoxicated driver, or if the driver was served alcohol at a bar or restaurant, you may have a claim against the establishment under dram shop laws. If a loved one has been killed, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.