Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Drunk driving accidents continue to cause avoidable injuries and deaths on Chicago roads. In recent years, thousands of motorists have been arrested for DUIs, hundreds of people have died in drunk driving crashes, and countless more have had their lives irrevocably changed due to the negligent actions of drunk drivers.
If you have suffered due to a crash caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation. You can optimize your chances of recovery with an experienced attorney on your side. The respected Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have fought for injured people for over 40 years. We are ready to put our experience, resources, and skills to work for you.
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our attorneys have recovered over $2.5 billion for injured clients, including victims of drunk driving accidents. We handle Chicago drunk driving injury claims with compassion and aggressiveness. Our goal is to help you recover the maximum compensation so you can move forward from this challenging time. From investigating your claim to negotiating a settlement or fighting for you in court, we are ready to relentlessly pursue the justice you deserve.
Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
The Ongoing Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents in Chicago
Despite stringent laws prohibiting driving under the influence, drunk driving remains a significant problem on Chicago and Illinois roads. According to the Illinois Secretary of State‘s office, in a recent year:
- 21,735 people were arrested for DUI in Illinois.
- 330 people died in alcohol-related crashes.
- 207 drivers under 21 lost their licenses for drunk driving.
- 91 percent of drivers charged with DUI lost their licenses.
- 86 percent of first-time DUI offenders lost their licenses.
Common Factors Contributing to Drunk Driving Incidents
The dangers of drunk driving are clear, but every year thousands of motorists still make the irresponsible choice to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Common contributing factors in drunk driving crashes include:
- Impaired judgment and coordination
- Slower reaction times
- Difficulty controlling speed and staying in a lane
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Driving late at night or early morning when drowsy
Whatever the context, our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers can work to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Who May Be Liable for Your Drunk Driver Collision Injury?
After a drunk driving collision, multiple parties may share liability for your injuries and losses, including:
- The drunk driver who caused the crash – The motorist and their insurer could be liable for damages like medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and more.
- Employers or businesses who over-served alcohol to the drunk driver – Under dram shop laws, businesses and social hosts who serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated guests could be legally liable for losses caused by the over-served guest in certain circumstances.
- Other negligent drivers involved in the collision – For example, if another driver was speeding or texting and distracted, they may bear some blame for your accident-related losses.
- Government agencies – If a hazardous road condition contributed to the crash, the government entity in charge of repairing the road may share liability for your losses.
Filing claims against multiple parties could increase your chances of receiving full compensation. However, such cases can be particularly challenging and require experienced legal representation.
Seeking Compensation for Drunk Driving Accidents
The nature of drunk driving accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. In addition to the physical pain and emotional trauma that can turn an injured person’s life upside-down, victims can also suffer severe financial consequences. Individuals injured in a drunk driving crash may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage, like repairs or replacement of your vehicle
- Punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party displayed egregious negligence or recklessness
In the tragic event that a drunk driving accident took your loved one’s life, our Chicago drunk driving attorneys can file a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost income, and their loved one’s pain and suffering due to the crash.
How Our Chicago Drunk Driving Lawyers Can Help
The experienced Chicago drunk driving accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have a proven track record of success. We utilize strategies like the following to build the strongest case possible for our injured clients:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly to determine liability – We gather police reports, speak to witnesses, visit the accident scene, and reconstruct how the crash occurred. These efforts help prove the drunk driver’s negligence.
- Consulting medical experts to document the full extent of injuries – We work closely with doctors to understand the prognosis, treatment needs, and the crash’s long-term effects.
- Calculating the full value of losses – Some accident-related losses, including future expenses and intangible losses like pain and suffering, can be challenging to calculate. Our experience lets us ascertain how much victims should receive from the at-fault party.
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies – Insurance carriers often try to lowball injury victims or deny valid claims. We know how to negotiate skillfully for fair compensation.
- Taking the case to trial if needed – While many cases settle out of court, we are fully prepared to argue a lawsuit in court if necessary. Our attorneys have decades of litigation experience, and our willingness to try a case often helps with settlement negotiations.
Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Today
The attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. understand how painful and overwhelming life can be after suffering injuries in an accident with a drunk driver. But you don’t have to go through these challenges alone. Experienced legal representation after a drunk driving collision can make all the difference.
Call our Chicago drunk driving accident attorneys today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.
