Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

DailyHerald.com reports that a driver who was traveling the wrong way on the Kennedy Expressway was arrested earlier this morning for driving under the influence. A Chicago car accident lawyer at our firm learned that Illinois State Police were notified at around 4 a.m. Tuesday morning with reports that a passenger vehicle was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes on Interstate 90 near Nagle. Shortly thereafter, local authorities attempted to pursue the passenger vehicle – however, the vehicle was ultimately stopped by an Illinois Department of Transportation maintenance vehicle.

It was reported that the maintenance vehicle noticed the passenger vehicle traveling the wrong way and immediately turned on its yellow hazard lights. The vehicle subsequently pulled over where Illinois police issued the driver of the passenger vehicle a field sobriety test. The driver failed the test and was immediately arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. Fortunately, our Chicago accident lawyers learned that no one was injured in the incident.

Any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that driving under the influence substantially increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents resulting in severe injury or even premature fatality. Additionally, the more alcohol that is consumed by the driver, the risks associated dramatically increases. According to DUIPrevention.org, in 2006 roughly 17,600 people died in motor vehicle accident involving alcohol – accounting for more than 40% of all traffic-related fatalities. It has been also reported that in 2006, over 1.46 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.

In the state of Illinois alone, based on accident statistics provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were approximately 208 fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2010 – resulting in over 225 fatalities. Our accident attorneys in Chicago learned that this was an unfortunate increase of 34 fatalities from 2009. Of the number of fatal accidents, statistics reveal that 55 of these accidents were alcohol-related fatal collisions – with approximately 65 deaths resulting.

In the unfortunate circumstance you or a loved one has sustained serious harm or even death at the hands of a drunk driver; you may be able to obtain compensation for damages sustained. Civil litigation often helps compensate accident victims for medical expenses, lost wages, as well as, physical and emotional pain and suffering. Please contact an experienced accident attorney at Levin & Perconti as soon as possible to see what legal rights, representation and relief may be available to you.

Earlier today, MyFoxChicago.com released a news report detailing the criminal charges an 18-year-old Chicago woman faces for her role in a fatal Sunday car accident. Our Chicago car accident lawyers learned that the accident in question transpired early Sunday morning on the 4400 block of South Archer Avenue when the woman attempted to make a left turn at South Sawyer Avenue. However, the driver failed to yield to an additional passenger vehicle headed south on Archer – ultimately resulting in severe injury sustained to both passenger vehicle drivers and their passengers.

The 28-year-old driver of the other passenger vehicle was taken to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead shortly after. A subsequent autopsy performed on the victim revealed that the 28-year-old died of multiple injuries from a motor vehicle collision and his death was ultimately ruled an accident. Two of the accident victim’s passengers were also injured as a result of the collision and required advanced medical attention. Both remain in critical condition. A male passenger in the 18-year-old’s care was also taken to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The 18-year-old driver was initially charged with misdemeanor DUI, however, our Chicago car accident attorneys learned that the DUI charge has been upgraded to a felony aggravated DUI for her role in the tragic accident. During a bond hearing earlier today, a judge ordered the 18-year-old to be held on a $10,000 bond. The woman faces additional citations including failure to yield the right of way while turning left, driving without a driver’s licenses, as well as, driving without insurance.

When these types of motor vehicle accidents transpire, any Chicago accident lawyer will tell you that the results are almost always severe and life-altering. More often than not, accident victims sustain devastating injuries, including but not limited to: brain injuries, nerve damage, spinal cord paralysis, broken or dislocated bones or limbs, and even loss to the use of limbs.

Our experienced Illinois accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have expertly handled hundreds of cases involving negligence and have obtained settlements on behalf of our clients whose lives have been turned upside down as the direct result of another’s negligent or careless conduct. If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our knowledge attorneys as soon as possible. Our lawyers will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Our Chicago accident lawyers recently read a report published on GazetteTimes.com detailing a lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of a 20-year-old who was left permanently disabled after a devastating 2010 car accident. The parents of the young man have filed a $5 million lawsuit against the drunk driver of the motor vehicle, as well as, the two bars the defendant visited the night of the accident.

The accident in question transpired on March 10, 2010, when the 31-year-old defendant was traveling along an interstate highway after a night of drinking. The 31-year-old subsequently crossed the center line of the highway, causing a head-on collision with the accident victim’s vehicle.

As a direct result of the head-on collision, a Chicago car accident attorney at our firm learned that the victim sustained severe head trauma, bleeding in the brain, as well as, permanent and profound brain damage. He currently remains in an adult care facility. The tragic accident significantly altered the former track star’s life and has ultimately left him with the limited ability to speak and walk.

During criminal proceedings, the defendant driver was sentenced to 40 months in prison, three years of post-prison supervision, as well as, permanent revocation of his driver’s license for his role in the life-altering accident. The subsequent civil lawsuit, filed on March 7, contends that the driver is not the only liable party for the victim’s injuries.

Court papers read that employees at the bars visited by the defendant violated public safety laws for over-serving the 31-year-old. Our Chicago car accident attorneys learned that it has been stated that the bars were a “substantial contributing factor and proximate cause of the crash resulting in the injuries to the victim.”

Court documents further assert that the employees of both bars were “negligent in continuing to serve the defendant alcohol when he began to become visibly intoxicated; when they knew he should have known he would operate an automobile on a public roadway after leaving their establishment.”

Although the defendant was ordered to pay roughly $65,568 in restitution and fines, it is argued that the amount will not be able to cover the cost of the victim’s continued and on-going care. The accident victim’s parents are seeking a judgment for around $5 million. This amount includes past and future medical expenses; impairment to the victim’s earning capacity, as well as, non-economic pain and suffering to the victim’s personal life.

Three days ago, The State Journal-Register posted an article online that discussed a fatal Illinois car accident. The accident was a one-car accident, involving a pick up truck driven by a middle-aged man, with a young woman passenger. The driver drifted off of the road, lost control of the car, and ultimately crashed into a ditch. The woman was killed in the accident, and the driver was charged with DUI, along with improper lane usage.

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is, as we have said numerous times before, completely avoidable and preventable. When drinking, regardless of where you are, make sure that you have a designated driver home. If you do not have a designated driver, do not drive. Find a friend, or family member who can pick you up, or take a taxicab or public transportation home.

After reading this article, our Chicago car accident lawyers thought that it would be important to remind our readers of what constitutes driver negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to operate his or her vehicle with reasonable care. When someone else is injured as a result of someone’s carelessness, they have the right to seek justice. Although we do not know all of the facts of the case, in this particular case, the driver involved in this accident could possibly be found negligent because he was under the influence of alcohol, and made the reckless decision to drive drunk. If he had avoided this dangerous behavior, the young woman who was killed would probably still be alive.

Car accident lawsuits are an effective way to not only receive fair compensation for the harms caused, but also to bring justice to someone who has been seriously injured, or to loved ones of a person who may have been killed. Along with these benefits, it can also help to bring the issue of the dangers of driving under the influence to the attention of the public.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, we may be able to help you. Serious injuries suffered in car accidents can result in long-term medical care and costly medical bills. Accidents can cause victims to lose their ability to work or temporary absence from work, severely affecting a family’s earnings. Filing a lawsuit can also bring you some peace of mind and reassurance in knowing that the negligent driver was held responsible for his or her careless actions and decisions. Our Illinois car accident attorneys encourage you to contact us with any questions, and to learn your legal options.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers recently read on STLToday.com an article about a drunk driver who was driving the wrong-way on a highway, which resulted in a head on collision. The driver was driving south in a northbound lane, and collided head on with a car driving north. The accident resulted in serious injuries for both drivers.

Wrong-way driving is an extremely dangerous situation that we often see happen on highways around Chicago. Wrong-way driving occurs when someone is driving in the wrong direction in one lane, regardless of if it is a two way street, or one-way street. One of the main causes of people driving the wrong-way on roads is because they are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Another common cause of wrong-way driving occurs when people are getting on or off the freeway. Because freeway exits can be tricky and confusing, it is really important to make sure that when driving, the motorist makes sure they are entering or exiting in the correct direction. Also, when drivers are navigating in areas that they are not familiar with, particularly metropolitan areas with one way streets, they can easily become confused and end up driving the wrong-way down the street. If this should happen, the driver should safely pull over to the side of the road, sort out their directions, and turn around when possible.

One of the easiest ways to avoid wrong-way driving related accidents is to make sure to pay attention to road signs. Often, one way streets and freeway entry and exit ramps have signs that alert drivers that it is a one-way street, and they should not enter. In order to make the road safer for everyone, if our readers see someone who is driving the wrong-way down the road, they should pull over to order to avoid a head on collision and call 911. If it is suspected that the driver is under the influence, make sure to stay a safe distance away from the driver, and call 911 with a description of the vehicle.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys also saw an article by 10TV.com that discussed how police are working to make wrong-way driving a more serious crime with more serious consequences. We hope that our readers will always attention to road signs when entering or exiting the highway, and just be more alert generally. Remember, wrong-way driving is a serious offense with often deadly consequences.

On Tuesday, The News-Gazette reported about a DUI accident in Paris, IL that resulted in two fatalities. The negligent driver who caused the accident was charged with aggravated driving under the influence. She was driving her SUV on a rural road and nearly caused a head on collision with another car. When the other car swerved to avoid the head on collision, the SUV struck the side of her car. The two women killed, one in her 70’s and one in her late teens, were passengers in the car that the SUV struck.

As our Chicago car accident attorneys have mentioned before, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is completely avoidable and preventable. This accident illustrates the devastating consequences that can occur when drivers make bad decisions.

Not only is alcohol a depressant, but it also alters a person’s ability to stay alert, aware, and react in certain situations. Because alcohol is a depressant, it can slow a person’s motor skills, making it difficult for someone to turn wheel or brake quickly. Drugs, on the other hand, can be both a depressant and a stimulant depending on the drug. While a depressant drug has similar affects on motor skills as alcohol, stimulants do the opposite. They increase the heart rate, and speed up metabolism, which can also affect a person’s driving skills.

It is illegal nationwide in the United States to drive under the influence, regardless of the drug or alcohol. Driving under the influence can not only harm the negligent driver, but may also harm others on the road, as shown in The News-Gazette article. Some organizations, such as Stop Impaired Driving are partaking in national campaigns that discourage drivers from driving under the influence. The organization discusses new programs, such as sobriety checkpoints, and new state initiatives. It also posts about related campaigns that work towards the same goal of eliminating drunk drivers on the road.

In addition to raising awareness, people should be vigilant if they suspect that someone around them is driving drunk. Groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) offer online tips on what you should do if you see a drunk driver. MADD encourages drivers to keep as big of a distance as they can from drivers that they suspect may be drunk and also to stay behind the vehicle. People should, if possible, get a good look at the car operated by the assumed drunk driver without endangering themselves. When you get the opportunity, call 911 and alert them of the location and descriptors of the assumed drunk driver, allowing them to take over. The site notes that Illinois is ranked 14th nationally in having the most DUI related death percentage and in the last year, the amount of DUI related fatalities in Illinois has increased, so anything you can do to take a drunk driver off the road will help reduce these numbers.

Our Illinois car accident lawyers hope that our readers will take this information seriously, and realize that the only way to prevent driving under the influence is to not partake in it. This especially rings true as we approach the holiday season. The choice to not drink and drive is simple, and can prevent car accidents that could result in serious injury or even death.

On Wednesday, The Madison St. Clair Record reported about an accident involving a taxicab passenger and an intoxicated driver. The drunk driver ran his car into the side of the taxi in which the victim was a passenger, and because he suffered serious neck and jaw injuries, the man filed a lawsuit against the intoxicated driver. The lawsuit claims that the victim was unable to partake in normal every day activities, and as a result of the accident, had to face expensive medical bills. According to the article, the victim asked for more than $50,000 in damages and $50,000 in punitive damages in the lawsuit.

The dangers of driving under the influence clearly do not only affect the drunk driver, but also others on the road, as this accident clearly shows. As reported in some of our Chicago car accident lawyers’ previous posts, driving under the influence is 100% avoidable and preventable. The website AboutDWI.com has a chart that illustrates the number of drinks associated with the BAC level and how likely a driver with that certain amount of consumed drinks is to be in an accident. The site states that even if a driver only has two beers within one hour, they are already close to being 1.5 times more likely to be involved in an accident.

Prevention for drunk driving has a simple solution; do not drive after drinking or while drunk. This is something that is especially common during weekends or on holidays, because there are more opportunities to drink, but instead of driving home, get a family member or friend as a sober driver, or take public transportation.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can harm, seriously injure, or even kill other people on the road. DrunkDriving.org warns that despite the fact that most people understand the dangers of driving under the influence, alcohol related deaths have continuously increased over the last ten years. Our Chicago car accident attorneys encourage readers to explore websites and resource with information on drunk driving because they provide helpful information and alarming statistics that further reinforce the dangers of drunk driving, amongst other issues.

When a negligent driver gets behind the wheel and harms someone else, it is important that he or she is held accountable for their actions. As with the example above, drunk driving is negligent action and victims have the right to seek redress in a court of law when they are harmed. Our lawyers have successfully handled many cases for injured victims involved in car accidents because of another driver’s recklessness and may be able to help you.

Last week, the State Journal-Register posted an article about an Illinois car accident involving a drunk driver who crashed his car, killing his daughter,7, who was a passenger. The driver was charged with aggravated driving under the influence, with a bond of $1 million. The driver drove his car off the road, and landed into a ditch with most of the damage occurring in the front part of the car. Although his daughter was sitting in a child seat and had a seat belt on, she died from the impact of the crash. The Illinois State Police are still investigating, but acknowledge that this was the driver’s second DUI and third offense involving alcohol.

According to MADD.com, endangering a child by driving under the influence of alcohol with them in the car should increase the driver’s punishment, and should be considered as child abuse. Many states do have laws that enhance fines and sentences for drunk drivers found with a child passenger. In Illinois, fines and penalties are worse for a drunk driver who has a passenger under the age of 16-years-old in the car.

The Illinois Statute states that anyone who drives with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit and causes an accident that injures a passenger under 16 is guilty of aggravated driving under the influence. The first offense for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a passenger under 16 years of age has an automatic and fixed fine of $1,000. This also results in at least 6 months in jail and several weeks of community service. These laws and regulations are used to protect children passengers who are unable to operate a car or find their own means of transportation.

Our Chicago accident attorneys want our readers to be aware of the dangers associated with driving under the influence. This article highlights the fact that this reckless behavior can not only affect the driver, but their passengers, or other drivers on the road. Injuries to children as a result of DUIs are serious crimes, but are completely preventable. Our Illinois car crash lawyers have successfully handled many cases involving careless drivers, so please contact us to see how we may be able to help you if you were seriously injured in an accident. Taking action can help you receive fair compensation for the harms caused, and also bring awareness to the severity of drunk driving.

Earlier this month, our Illinois accident attorneys read an article on Connect Amarillo that discussed the Center for Disease Control’s latest examination of drunk driving in America today. According to the report, approximately four million American citizens have admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol, which doesn’t include the many that have not admitted it. The Center for Disease Control study found that in the past year, there were approximately 112 million instances in which impaired drivers were on the road. The number of drunk drivers on the road is decreasing, however, these findings are still shocking. The study found that young men are the most common group to drive drunk and many of these incidents involve binge drinking. Although drunk driving is a known problem, we believe that more needs to be done in order to reduce the number of personal injuries and deaths caused by drunk drivers.

In order to combat these high numbers, the Center for Disease Control, along with our Chicago accident attorneys, encourages states nationwide to increase the number of “sobriety checkpoints .” These checkpoints will draw the public’s attention to the issue and instill the idea that police are cracking down on drunk drivers. The CDC also recommends maintaining the minimum drinking age and the use of devices that detect when a driver formerly charged with drunk driving has been drinking.

Organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving are dedicated to reducing the amount of drivers under the influence of alcohol on the road, in the hopes of eventually eliminating them. MADD has a great website that offers tips to drivers on what to do should you see a drunk driver. According to their site, there are certain things you can look for to spot a drunk driver, including someone who:

• Drives very fast or very slow
• Tailgates close behind other vehicles
• Weaves or swerves
• Comes close to being in an accident
• Suddenly brakes
• Drives in between lanes
• Turns abruptly

If you spot a drunk driver, you should stay far away from them. You should memorize the vehicle’s license plate number and get a thorough description of their car. However, if it is too difficult, do not put yourself in danger trying to get all of the information down. Lastly, you should pull off of the road or onto the shoulder and call the police with a location of where you were and the vehicle you saw.

We hope that the CDC’s study will make people realize how many drunk drivers are on our roads and how devastating and dangerous driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be. If you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident, or if you have any questions related to driving drunk, please contact our Chicago accident lawyers to see how we may be able to help you. Filing a lawsuit can not only help injured victims receive fair compensation for the harms caused, but can also help raise awareness surrounding the issue of drunk driving.

Recently, PhillyBurbs reported on a settlement for the family of a girl who was killed in a hit and run accident in 2004 while crossing the street. Although the driver was driving intoxicated and on a suspended license, he was not criminally charged with a driving under the influence or hit and run because it was decided that the road were responsible for the crash. The driver pleaded guilty and received a prison sentence for up to six years.

This accident brings up two issues our Illinois accident attorneys see over and over again: hit and runs and drunk driving. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a very serious crime, as serious as causing the accident itself. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hit and run accidents make up 15.8% of all pedestrian accidents, and alcohol and drugs play a role in 6%. If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, you should first call the police if you are able to, then use a camera of any type (even the one on most cell phones) to capture pictures of any damage that may be done in the accident. Next, you should go to the hospital and get examined by a doctor or nurse, not only to avoid possible insurance problems in the future, but also to make sure that you are not seriously injured.

A group dedicated to hit and run awareness, DeadlyRoads, reviews state laws, and serious injuries related to hit and run accidents. Like other states, leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois is illegal, and that prosecutors have the authority to go after hit and run drivers. If you cause an accident, the best thing you can do is stay at the scene and help the victims by calling for medical assistance. Investigators have the ability to track down most hit and run drivers, and the punishment will be much worse for you if you flee. In addition to criminal charges, you can also be held accountable in a civil suit.

We were happy to see that this victim’s family was compensated for the careless acts the driver who took her life much too early. Lawsuits such as this help to ensure that justice is served and wrongdoers are held responsible. If you have been a victim in this type of accident, or have lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, please contact us to see how we may be able to help you.

Earlier this week, the Chicago Tribune reported a Chicago pedestrian accident involving a woman who was arrested for driving under the influence. Two hours later, she was released and thirty minutes after she was released, the woman was killed on the Eisenhower when a truck hit her while walking near the median . The victim's family questions why the police released her while she might have still been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, instead of keeping her held in custody until she was sober. When looking back on reports, police say that the woman appeared sober and alert when they dropped her off at a nearby gas station. Further investigation continues to determine why the woman was walking by foot on the Eisenhower after being released from the police station.

It is unclear in this case who is to blame, and whether or not the police should have released the woman. It makes our Illinois car accident attorneys question what is the proper protocol for releasing DUI drivers, even if they are able to post bond right away. If the police hadn't released her so close to her arrest, her death may have been avoided.

The story also brings up issues of pedestrian safety. Even though drivers on the highway probably would never expect to see a pedestrian on a roadway such as this, they need to pay close attention and avoid all distractions. In this case, if
the truck had seen the woman walking down the highway, he maybe could have
avoided hitting the walking woman. According to Directgov, "Pedestrians MUST NOT be on motorways or slip roads except in an emergency."

Our Chicago accident attorneys hope that readers take driving under the influence seriously and realize that it can lead not only to arrests, but to dangerous decisions that can lead to personal injury or death. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, a DUI accident, or a distracted driving accident, or have lost a loved one due to another driver's negligence, please contact our Illinois accident attorneys to see how we may be able to help you to receive fair compensation, and also some peace of mind. Lawsuits do not only help to receive monetary compensation, but also bring attention and awareness to the issue at hand. Please contact us to talk about your legal rights and a potential lawsuit.

NBCChicago reported a Chicago bike accident that occurred earlier this week involving a drunk driver and a cyclist. The driver has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence, aggravated fleeing police, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and reckless homicide. The car collided with the bike, killing the cyclist due to multiple injuries. The driver fled the scene, however police found him near the crash. The report continues to state that in addition to aggravated DUI and fleeing the scene, the driver ignored a stop sign, was driving without a license, and did not have insurance. The driver is currently being held without bond.

This story once again illustrates the dangers of driving under the influence. As we have discussed in previous posts, our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys believe that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a very serious charge and should not be taken lightly. We hope that by publicizing DUI accidents, readers will see how many preventable injuries and deaths occur each month in the Chicago area. We hope our readers will use this knowledge to help raise awareness surrounding this problem. Driving intoxicated, from any substance, can not only harm you, but it also endangers other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Additionally, this story brings up the issues surrounding hit and run accidents. There are a number of reasons why drivers decide to leave the scene of an accident, but it is always a poor decision, and can lead to serious charges. In this case, the driver should have not left the scene of the accident, but probably did so because he was intoxicated and driving without a license and feared arrest. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, “The driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in personal injury to or death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident, or as close thereto as possible and shall then forthwith return to, and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident.” Our Chicago injury attorneys encourage drivers involved in an accident, to pull over safely, and call an emergency number. Doing so may help the victim get the medical attention he or she needs sooner, and could save a life.

If you have lost a loved one due to another driver’s mistakes, you may be able to take legal action. Filing a lawsuit would not only help you to receive reasonable compensation, but it also allows you to hold wrongdoers responsible for their negligent actions. If you have been a victim in a cycling or car accident, or have lost a loved one in an accident, please contact our Illinois accident lawyers to see how they may be able to help you.

Earlier this week, the NapervilleSun, a Chicago Sun-Times publication, reported on developments surrounding a fatal Illinois car accident. A dentist from Naperville was indicted with two felony counts, both of reckless homicide, for the death of two people, a father and his daughter. The dentist is still in the hospital for injuries he acquired in the accident, but apparently he has a long history of driving charges on his hands. The night of the accident, he was reportedly speeding, crossed the center division, and was driving down the shoulder of the lanes when he drove towards oncoming traffic, striking the father and daughter’s vehicle. The article also continues to say that the Naperville dentist has been charged in previous years with having an open container of alcohol in his car, driving under the influence, and other traffic violations.

Our Illinois injury attorneys encourage all drivers to take all traffic violations seriously, and to acknowledge past mistakes in order to prevent them from occurring again. The reports do not indicate whether the driver was operating on a suspended license from his previous driver, but in some cases even a suspension will not stop someone who has no regard for his/her safety or the safety of others. In Illinois, first time DUI offenders must have a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed if they want to regain driving privileges and this device must be used for six months. However, this terrible accident came six months to the day after his previous DUI arrest on February 6.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also always preventable, and when paired driving recklessly, it is a recipe for disaster. It is crucial to stay focused on other drivers on the road to protect yourself, but victims are often powerless. If this driver had followed the rules of the road and not operated his vehicle under the influence, it is possible that this tragic fatal accident could have been avoided.

If you have been injured due to a negligent driver, or have lost a loved one, you may be able to receive fair compensation and peace of mind for your loss. When you are involved in a crash like this, it is likely that there will be expensive medical fees including doctor’s appointments, medication, surgeries, hospital costs, and other expenses. These costs can add up quickly and become a heavy burden while also in the midst of recovering emotionally and psychologically from the damages a car accident of this sort can leave behind. Please contact our Illinois car accident attorneys to see how we may be able to help you.

The Times-Georgian recounted an accident that occurred recently involving a student killed in a school-bus accident. The student was partly flung through a bus window when the bus rolled over on a highway near the student’s school. The driver claimed that he gazed down momentarily, and once he looked up road, the bus had already veered off the road. He attempted to brake in order to stop the bus, but stopped short, hitting a duct causing the bus to roll over.

According to the report, the family of the student has filed a lawsuit against the bus driver, school district and other school officials. The family’s car accident attorney hopes that the investigation will reveal who is responsible for this terrible accident. A police investigation revealed that the bus driver had cough medicine in his blood at the time of the accident. It also appears that the operator of the vehicle had not been certified by state regulations that allow motorists to drive students. The driver’s reckless decision to drive while groggy from the cough syrup, coupled with the school district’s failure to abide by state regulations that required bus drivers to be properly trained and licensed, resulted in the wrongful death of this young student.

Victims who are injured in car, bus, truck or bike accidents caused by distracted or overly-medicated drivers may be able to file lawsuits against the driver at fault. These types of accidents may result in serious injuries that can become costly in regards to medical attention, doctor visits, and potential surgeries, or even more costly, the grief that family members must deal with in the case of a fatality. Filing a lawsuit may result in compensation for medical needs, and may be able to bring family members some peace of mind.

Moreover, our Chicago injury attorneys have handled many cases of this type successfully. If you have been the victim in an Illinois bus accident, or have lost a loved one, our lawyers may be able to help you receive compensation and taking action will draw attention to the severe consequences driving under the influence and distracted driving pose.

CarmiTimes recently reported about an Illinois car accident involving a drunk driver. A seven-year-old pedestrian was involved in the Lawrence County car accident. The driver, who was intoxicated and later charged with driving under the influence, had hit the child while he was on his bicycle, and the bicycle accidently went into the traffic lane. The accident lead to a pedestrian fatality of the seven-year-old child. The negligent driver involved in the Illinois car accident was not only charged with an aggravated driving under the influence, but also endangering the life of a child, failure to slow down in order to avoid an accident, and inability of driver to exercise due care, the CarmiTimes stated. The driver is in the custody of the county and currently in jail. The Illinois State Police, along with the county’s sheriff’s department are cooperating together to further investigate the Illinois car accident.

According to Illinois Drunk Driving Statistics in 2008, 35% of all traffic fatalities involved driving under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving is completely avoidable and preventable.

People who are injured in car accidents, including those involving driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can potentially file lawsuits against the negligent driver. The cases may include wrongful death, personal injury, or pedestrian accidents. The victims or loved ones of the persons involved in these cases may have to deal with grief, expensive medical bills, doctor’s appointments and surgeries that can become unbearable and costly. Filing a lawsuit may result in compensation for their lost wages. Furthermore our Illinois injury attorneys have handled many cases of this nature successfully, and may be able to help a victim or the victim’s family members obtain justice and help them grieve.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers continue to draw attention to the severity and possible consequences that drunk driving results in. Too prevent these accidents, involving intoxicated drivers, we strongly support the message that no one should ever operate a motor vehicle while they have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

An Illinois car accident lawyer has filed a lawsuit in St. Clair County on behalf of a woman who was injured in a crash causing by an alleged drunk driver. According to a report in the Madison St. Clair Record, the woman suffered a number of injuries in the crash. She is seeking over $50,000 in compensation for medical bills, her inability to work at her job and pain and suffering.

The report states that the car accident in Shiloh, Illinois occurred when the defendant driver failed to yield and struck the plaintiff’s vehicle. The lawsuit alleges that the defendant failed to maintain a safe distance between vehicles, did not keep a proper lookout, was speeding and failed to lower his speed. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that the negligent driver was intoxicated at the time of the collision.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers hear reports daily of people who have been injured or die as a result of another driver’s carelessness. According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s 2011 DUI Fact Book, in 2009 over 45,900 DUI arrests were made, but unfortunately 309 people were killed by a drunk driver. Additionally, the fact book notes that DUI accident deaths account for 36% of all accident fatalities in Illinois. With statistics like these, we feel that it is important to continue to raise awareness surrounding the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.

We have represented a number of individuals who have been seriously injured and families who have lost loved ones in alcohol-related car and truck accidents. Most recently, we filed a Chicago personal injury lawsuit on behalf of a man who was run down by an intoxicated city worker while standing on a sidewalk. Last year, we recovered a $6.5 million settlement for a family who lost a 32-year-old wife and mother when a semi-truck driver crashed into their vehicle. The truck driver was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash and was in possession of drug paraphernalia.

In both cases, our clients injuries and losses could have been prevented had the defendants not made the reckless decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Although an Illinois accident lawsuit will never make up for the loss of a loved one or someone’s life-changing injuries, these types of legal actions can ensure that wrongdoers are held responsible for their reckless conduct.

The Chicago Tribune reported on a Chicago car accident the occurred earlier this morning. At around 1:30 a.m. a pickup truck collided with an SUV in the Little Village neighborhood. The 21 year old driver of the pickup truck carrying two passengers struck the oncoming SUV carrying one other passenger, ultimately causing both cars to rollover -- according to NBCChicago.com. Emergency medical crew immediately arrived at the scene to assist the five injured passengers.

Of all the five injured individuals, the drivers of both vehicles sustained the most severe injuries. The two female passengers of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries and the passenger of the SUV was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. It was later revealed that the 21 year old driver of the pickup truck was driving under the influence of alcohol. Police cited the man with DUI, as well as, the failure to follow traffic signals, reduce speed, and produce a valid driver’s license.

Drunk driving is 100% preventable. According to DUI.Lifetips.com, every other minute a person is seriously injured in an alcohol related crash. If you are on the road and suspect that another vehicle’s operator is drunk, follow these simple steps to ensure that the safety of all drivers is maintained. One of those tips is to immediately call local police or highway patrol. From there, give the officers detailed information of your current location, the potential drunk driver and their license plate number.

Injured victims of cars accidents, especially those involving drunk driving, may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a careless or negligent driver. Personal injury victims may be able to seek compensation for their lost wages, medical bills, as well as, pain and suffering. Earlier this year, our Chicago injury attorneys filed a similar suit on behalf of a 27 year old man who suffered severe injuries when he was struck by a vehicle operated by an intoxicated City of Chicago worker. . Additionally, our lawyers can help a victim’s surviving family members seek justice by filing a wrongful death lawsuit when someone is tragically killed as a result of driver negligence.

Our Chicago accident lawyers continue to make legal strides in holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions (or inactions). To prevent such devastating accidents such as the ones previously mentioned, we strongly recommend that drivers of all ages abstain from ever operating a vehicle intoxicated. With such astounding DUI statistics, it is important to always remember to have a sober driver if you plan on drinking, or at the very least call a cab. These simple steps can help save the lives of you or your loved ones.

See Our Related Blog Posts:

Intoxicated Illinois Driver Causes Fatal Car Accident

Levin & Perconti Files Suit For Victim Severely Injured By Intoxicated City Worker

Recently, The Daily Herald reported a fatal Illinois car accident that occurred over the 4th of July weekend. In the early hours of the July 3rd, a Carol Stream man and his girlfriend were driving near Itasca when they were stopped by a railroad crossing. Although there was an approaching train, the man disregarded the railroad gates and proceeded to cross the tracks. Unfortunately, the train stuck the passenger side of the vehicle -- ultimately dragging it until the train could come to a complete stop.

The female passenger of the vehicle sustained severe internal and external injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital from the scene – regrettably, she died the following day. The driver of the vehicle sustained moderate injuries, including broken bones and bruising, and was also taken to a local hospital. It was soon after discovered that the driver was intoxicated and registered a 0.183 BAC – more than twice the Illinois legal limit of 0.08. Police arrested the man at the hospital and authorities are currently charging him with aggravated DUI causing a death. This type of felony can carry a $25,000 fine, as well as, up to 14 years in prison.

According to the Illinois Commerce Commission, over 50% of vehicle/train collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices (such as blinking lights/gates/bells). Not only that, but if a crash does occur and the train is operating at about 55 mph, it takes the train thousands of feet to come to a complete stop. With the increase in fatalities caused by vehicle/train collisions, the state of Illinois has taken on an initiative called “Operation Lifesaver.” Operation Lifesaver is an awareness program that educations citizens the devastating results that can occur from unsafely crossing railroad tracks.

Our Illinois car accident attorneys strongly recommend that drivers of all ages practice safe driving habits, especially at railroad crossings. So many senseless deaths result from those who disregard railroad warnings. Drivers should always heed railroad warning devices and never operate a vehicle while intoxicated in order to protect you or your loved one from a similar situation.

Recently, WGNRadio.com posted an article detailing the report of a devastating Chicago Motorcycle accident. The victim was driving his motorcycle when he was fatally struck by a vehicle whose driver’s intoxication level was well over the legal limit.

Having just departed from a birthday party celebrating the 10th birthday of his twins, the 47 year old motorcyclist was on his way to work at O’Hare International Airport when a vehicle took a spacious left hand turn that caused a grave collision with the motorcycle. While the driver of the automobile passed a field sobriety test that was administered at the scene, a breathalyzer was not utilized until 4 hours after the accident. According to the police reports, the driver’s blood alcohol content was estimated to be between 0.084-0.123, exceeding Illinois’s legal limit of 0.08. This case, which is currently being brought to trial, recounts the drunk driver’s repeated DUI convictions, as well as, history of substance abuse which ultimately resulted in the revocation of his dentist license.

The overwhelming number of Illinois drunk driving accidents is a significant cause for concern. According to CyberdriveIllinois.com, which recently published an Illinois DUI Fact-book, stated that in 2009 alone 309 Illinois residents died as a result of a drunk driving related accident. In the United States as a whole, over 10,839 fatalities resulted from an alcohol related automobile accident. Fortunately, Illinois has been making strides to prevent alcohol related accidents. One of these strides is the implementation of Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). The BAIID is a device that requires first time DUI offenders to pass a breathalyzer test in order for their vehicle to start.

Our Chicago accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti strongly advise against driving under the influence. Not only are you putting yourself in danger by operating a vehicle while intoxicated, you are putting others (whether drivers or pedestrians) at risk as well. With the summer months upon us and the 4th of July quickly around the corner, the probability of alcohol related accidents is on the rise. We recommend taking every precaution to avoid a devastating situation such as this one. In the unfortunate scenario that you or someone you know is a victim of a drunk driving accident, it is important to keep in mind that victims of DUI’s have the right to take legal action to hold wrongdoers accountable for their personal injury or loss of a loved one.

Many headlines this week have involved the trail related to the deadly Chicago car accident that took the life of a 5-year old boy. The story has gained widespread attention because of the allegations against a police officer involved in the matter.

As reported by NBC News, the accident occurred last May after a woman, her boyfriend, and the woman’s 5-year old boy were pulled over by a Chicago Heights police officer. The woman was arrested for driving on a suspended license. Following the arrest, the officer gave the car keys to the boyfriend, telling him to drive the young child home.

Tragically, shortly after driving off, the man crashed the car into a tree, killing the young child.

Investigations into the Chicago car accident revealed that the man who was given the car keys had a blood alcohol level over three times the legal limit. Other witnesses explain that the man had slurred speech and was visibly intoxicated at the time. There has obviously been an outcry questioning the actions of the officer, allowing the drunken man to drive and ultimately killing the innocent child.

Continue reading "Trial Continues In Deadly Chicago Car Accident" »

The Chicago Tribune wrote a story yesterday on a subject that is particularly timely this holiday season: the use of designated drivers. Many Chicagoans will partake in festivities in the next few weeks where spirits will be flowing freely. However, the excitement of the season will be marred by some partygoers who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired.

The statistics are sobering. So far this year, 248 Illinoisans have been killed in alcohol-related crashes. Nationwide around 11,000 people die yearly because of drunk drivers. Over 1/3 of all car crashes have alcohol-impaired driving as a cause.

The prevalence of the problem has led to burgeoning ways to make safer traveling choices this season. Nationwide over 28 professional designated driving services are available to help revelers enjoy their evening safely. Some of these services operate “on-call” while others can be arranged for specific times. For example, in Chicago a company known as “Be My Designated Driver” provides a variety of safe traveling services to those who want to enjoy a night without worrying about driving. Many of these services use the driver’s own car.

Continue reading "No Excuses For Failing To Get A Designated Driver" »

The Carmi Times wrote last week about efforts that the Illinois State Police will undertake to ensure our state roadways remain safe during the holiday season. The focus of the effort is two-fold: ensure that riders are wearing the appropriate safety devices and not impaired.

Last Thanksgiving season twelve people died in car accidents, five of those deaths involved drunk driving. Over eight hundred Illinoisans were injured in car crashes in that same span. Data shows that the problem is highest during late-night driving—more drivers are impaired and less are properly buckled up. The chance of suffering death or serious injury is reduced drastically when safety belts are worn.

The risk of death or injury should be enough for everyone to take the simple steps to ensure that they do not drive impaired or improperly secured. However, on top of that, there are legal consequences to all of these acts.

A police Captain summarizes the effort, “No one wants to start the holidays off wrong with a safety belt ticket or a DUI arrest. Save your money for turkey and buying presents for loved ones—don’t throw it away simply because you failed to buckle up or were driving impaired.

Continue reading "Illinois State Police to Target Impaired Drivers & Seat-Belt Violators During Holidays" »

The Chicago Tribune reported on the end of a Chicago lawsuit connected to tragic drunk driving accident that led to the death of the driver’s passenger, another innocent driver, and the unborn child that she was carrying.

The lawsuit involved Diamond’s Gentleman Club, an adult club located in West Chicago. The drunk driver, John Homatas spent the evening at the club before leaving drunk in January 2006. Mr. Homatas was found vomiting in the bathroom of the club by bouncers. After being found, the bouncers ejected him from the club and placed him in his car. He subsequently drove the car onto Illinois Highway 25 before driving head-on into a car driven by twenty-seven year old April Simmons who was eight months pregnant at the time. Mr. Homatas’s passenger, Mrs. Simmons, and her unborn child were all killed in the accident.

The club argued that they were not at all responsible for the crash, because Mr. Homatas brought his own alcohol into the club. However, the Illinois Supreme Court disagreed in a ruling that preserved the logical right of injured victims to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti offer sincere sympathies to all the individuals whose lives were destroyed by this tragic accident.

Everyone understands the dangers of drunk driving, but many continue to risk that harm. That risk-taking ruins lives. Traveling by car involves many natural risks even when all drivers are alert. Any lowering of senses dramatically increases the risks. On top of that, all third parties (like the dance club) need to understand the role that they play in these deadly accidents. Placing an obviously intoxicated individual behind the wheel of the dangerous machine is never acceptable. Mr. Simmons lost his wife and unborn child on that tragic night. Even slightly more responsible behavior by the employees of the club might have saved those lives.

If you have similarly suffered at the hands of irresponsible conduct on the road, please contact ourcar accident lawyers today.

A Chicago police officer that was involved in a fatal car accident over two years ago is now expected to be called in a civil lawsuit over the same accident, now that the criminal charges against him have been dropped. The police officer was seen on tape drinking earlier in the night prior to the November 2008 car accident in which two Chicago men were killed. According to CBS, in the criminal case, the police officer defendant chose to exercise his right to not testify in the trial, and therefore did not testify about the amount of alcohol that he consumed the night of the accident. The breathalyzer test was also not admitted in the criminal case, and the police officer ended up being found not guilty. To read more about this Chicago car accident lawsuit, please click on this link.

The families of the victims are now suing the bar that was serving the police officer shortly before the accident, in a civil lawsuit. In this lawsuit, the police officer cannot exercise the same right to not testify and is expected to have to testify as to how much alcohol he consumed the night in question. In this civil suit the family is seeking monetary damages from the bar for serving the police officer and allowing him to leave the bar and drive, given the condition the officer was in at the time he left the bar that evening. Chicago accident attorneys remind all citizens that the place of business, or person serving, an intoxicated driver that caused a crash is often held liable or can faces civil lawsuits for serving the driver and failing to stop them from driving. Please stop anyone you know is about to drive when they have been drinking to safe both their life and the lives of others on the road.

A Lakeview Chicago car accident that occurred on June 3rd was likely caused by a drunken driver who lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a three foot divider on Lake Shore drive. Luckily, no other cars were involved in the Chicago accident and the driver only suffered minor personal injuries and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment of those injuries. According to The Chicago Sun Times, following the accident the driver was temporarily stuck in his car, but was able to be extracted and was not seriously injured. No one else was traveling in the car when the accident occurred and at this time it is unknown what charges are likely to be filed against the driver. If you would like to read more about this Lakeview car accident, please click on this link.

While luckily no one died in this drunk driving accident, many people are injured or killed at the hands of drunk drivers every year. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thirty two percent of all highway fatalities were caused by impaired drivers. These accidents are completely avoidable because no one should ever get behind the wheel after they have been drinking. Our Illinois injury attorneys remind readers that even "buzzed" driving is drunk driving and ask that you do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. It is always better to be safe than sorry so please hand the keys over to someone else or call a cab or another ride. Illinois police will charge you with drunk driving if you are pulled over and are found to be over the legal blood alcohol limit, so please err on the side of safety to protect yourself, your loved ones, along with other passengers and pedestrians on our streets and highways.

A young Rogers Park boy was killed when he was crushed between two sports utility vehicles while trying to cross the street. The deadlypedestrian accident occurred on May 30th after the young boy and his sister got out of their father's car to cross the street to go to their aunt's house. An allegedly drunk driver crashed into the back of one of the two parked cars causing that car to crash into the parked car in front of it, trapping the young boy between the two. According to The Chicago Tribune, the boy's younger sister who was crossing the street with him was not hit and did not suffer any personal injuries. The suspected drunk driver is still in custody pending charges for this horrific incident. To read more about this terrible Rogers Park accident, please click on this hyperlink.

This is one of the many accidents that are the result of drunk drivers during holidays such as memorial day weekend. Given the holiday weekend, the number of accidents greatly increases, the traffic on the road becomes more dense and busy, and the number of drunk drivers on the road increases. Chicago injury attorneys remind drivers not only to make sure to never drink and drive, but remind pedestrians and drivers to be even more aware and cautious of drunk drivers during holiday weekends. While the Chicago police do try to take extra measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Chicago residents, they can not be there to stop every drunk driver, so if you see a driver that you believe may be under the influence of alcohol, please call 911 immediately. Your vigilance may help to prevent others from being harmed or killed by an impaired driver.

The city of Chicago Heights is facing a lawsuit in connection with the fatal car accident in which the Chicago Heights police handed over car keys to an apparently drunk driver who then got into a fatal accident, which resulted in the death of his girlfriends five year old son who was a passenger asleep in the back seat of the car when the accident occurred. The police gave the keys to the passenger to take the car home after pulling a woman over and taking her to the police station for driving with a suspended license. The woman claims that she informed the police that her boyfriend, who was the passenger, was intoxicated because she had been with him when he was drinking earlier that evening, and that the police ignored what she told them. According to The Chicago Tribune, the woman, who was also the mother of the young boy who died in the accident, has filed a lawsuit against both the City of Chicago Heights and against her boyfriend who was driving while drunk when the car accident occurred. The Illinois car accident lawsuit seeks over $50,000 in damages. To read more about this tragic car accident and the accident lawsuit that was filed, please click on this link.

Illinois injury attorneys remind you that if you or a loved one was injured in an accident that you believe was due to the negligence of another, you may have a claim against that person. If you would like to call an accident attorney to further discuss the options you have available to you, please click on this link.

An Illinois drunk driving accident that occurred on May 10th is the topic of major discussion, since the drunk driver was given the keys to the car by a policeman shortly before the fatal accident. The Steger car accident occurred shortly after the cops pulled over the child's mother for failing to use her turn signal and then took her keys from her because she was driving with a suspended license. The police then gave the keys to her boyfriend, who was in the passenger seat, to drive himself and her five-year-old son home.

According to the Chicago Sun Times, the Chicago Heights policeman involved claimed that he had no idea that the boyfriend had been drinking when he gave him the keys to the car. About 40 minutes after the police let the car back onto the road, the boyfriend, who was legally intoxicated, slammed the car into a tree, instantly killing the young boy. The drunk driver has been charged with felony driving under the influence and reckless homicide for the accident. Aside from the death of a young boy, there are questions as to whether the police officers who pulled the car over should have realized that the man was under the influence of alcohol. The police officers at the scene say that there was no evidence that the man was impaired and that they did not realize that he could be drunk when they turned the keys over to him. If you would like to read more about this Chicago accident, please click on this link.

An Illinois car accident on April 30th left one man dead and is believed to have been caused by a drunk driver. The accident occurred on I-94 very early in the morning while the victim was doing road construction on this stretch of highway. The driver that struck the man fled the scene but his car was later tracked down and the damage to the car confirmed that it had been the one involved in the hit-and-run accident. The driver was then charged with driving under the influence and for leaving the scene of an accident.

According to Chicago Breaking News, the mother of the driver called police after seeing her son’s car and believing that he might have been involved in a serious accident. The area where the accident occurred was well marked and a couple lanes were closed off to keep the worker safe, but the drunk driver made an illegal u-turn in that area and struck the worker. The driver never stopped and that is why he is being charged with fleeing the scene.

Hit-and-run accidents are a very serious problem and if you are ever involved in an accident you should never flee the scene. Many people do because they are scared of getting into trouble, but the reality is that you face much more serious trouble if you are found to have fled the scene of an accident. Additionally, if anyone is injured you should stop and see if you can help them because it could be too late once the paramedics arrive and additionally if you do not call the paramedics to the scene because you flee, the person may not receive medical attention for way too long. To read more about this tragic hit-and-run crash, please click on this link.

As prom season approaches, please make sure to discuss with your children the importance of safe driving on prom night. Teenage drivers are a very high risk group to begin with, as car accidents are the leading cause of death for children aged 16-19 years old. According to the Center for Disease Control, this age group is four times more likely to crash than older drivers. The high likelihood of teenage driving accidents is due to inexperience , distraction, and other issues common to young drivers. Since teenage drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents generally, it is important to talk to them about the additional dangers that may present themselves on prom night.

On prom night, many underage kids may consume alcohol and unfortunately may still decide to get behind the wheel. Given the inherent dangers in driving while under the influence, it is crucial for teenage kids to understand that they should never try to drive even after one drink. Additionally, it is important to make sure that they understand that other kids may try to drive while drunk and that it is important to tell an adult or the police if that person insists on driving while under the influence in order to stop them from getting hurt or from hurting others.

An additional problem that presents itself on prom night is that teenage drivers may be driving much later than they are usually allowed to or are familiar with. Make sure teenage drivers understand that if they feel in anyway uncomfortable driving in any situation on prom night that they should call an adult to come pick them up. For more information on teenage driving, please click on this link. Please remember these important tips and talk to your child before prom to try to reduce the number of teenage car accidents this prom season!

A car accident that occurred on April 2nd left two Illinois men with serious injuries. According to the Rockford Register Star, the car accident occurred when the car they were traveling in left the road, crossed over the center lane and left the road on the other side causing it to roll over multiple times and crash into a tree. Both the driver and his passenger were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their serious personal injuries and it was found that the two men were only wearing chest belts and not lap belts.

The driver of the car involved in this accident was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He has been charged with driving under the influence, driving while his license was revoked, improper lane usage, and for driving with no proof of insurance. To read more about this particular Illinois DUI car accident, please click on this link for more information.

Car crashes caused by drunk driving are far more common than they should be, as this is a completely avoidable issue. If you or someone you know wants to drive home after consuming more drinks that the legal maximum, please do not drive and stop any person that is trying to. Driving drunk not only puts the driver at risk but puts anyone else in the car’s life at risk as well as anyone else on the road. Even if you have had below the legal limit to be considered able to drive, but do not feel like you should be behind the wheel of a car, please do not drive. Given how dangerous it is to drive drunk, it is always better to err of the side of safety.

A wrongful death lawsuit settled for just over $2 million dollars in connection with a June 2009 accident in which four people died and another was seriously injured. The car accident occurred after an off duty police officer was at a bar and drank a great deal of alcohol before getting behind the wheel of her car and then later drive into oncoming traffic. The court found both defendants, the police officer responsible for the accident and the bar responsible for serving her liable for the wrongful death of the four individuals. The lawsuit money was divided up between the families of the four victims, the sole survivor and the plaintiff’s attorneys. According to the Courthouse News Service, manslaughter charges are still pending against the police officer. To read more about this car crash lawsuit settlement, please click on this hyperlink.

It is important for bars and any establishment that serves alcohol to realize that they may be held liable for over-serving customers or for failing to stop them from leaving if they are aware that the person is clearly intoxicated. While not all drunk driving accident lawsuits choose to name the bar as a defendant in the case, this may be an option, so we encourage owners to be aware and alert of what is going on throughout your establishment in order to protect patrons and others on the road. If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving accident and would like to discuss your legal options, please contact an Illinois accident attorney today.

An Illinois man has pled guilty in connection with a drunk driving car accident that killed one person and injured two others last year. The fatal accident occurred when the driver crashed into a mailbox, car and two trees. The driver was going 77 miles per hour in a 25 miles per hour zone and his blood alcohol level was .277. According to Suburban Chicago News, the crash did not involve any other cars but killed one passenger and injured two others. from the car involved in the crash. The sentencing phase of the trial has not occurred yet, but the driver can face anywhere between three and fourteen years in prison in connection with pleading guilty to this criminal charge. To read more about this Illinois car accident, click on the link.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), drunk drivers accounted for over 30% of all traffic deaths in 2008, with over 11,000 victims to drunk drivers getting behind the wheel. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is so extremely dangerous because a driver’s reactions and ability to safely and defensively drive is lost when a person is drinks. While there is a legal drinking limit, if you are ever unsure of your blood alcohol level or feel that you are impaired and should not be on the road, hand over your keys and let someone else drive. With drinking and driving it is always better to err on the side of safety and not drive after consuming alcohol. Also remember that when you get behind the wheel after drinking, it is not only your own safety at risk!

A Chicago woman died in a car accident on March 9th in which a woman lost control of her car, drove of the highway and struck a light pole. The driver and her nine year old daughter were taken to Christ Medical Center for treatment of their personal injuries and are both expected to recover fully. According to South Town Star, a passenger in the car suffered fatal injuries. The driver of the car has been charged with drunk driving. To read more about this Illinois crash, please click on the hyperlink.

Drunk driving in a very serious crime and in Illinois drunk drivers can face up to a year loss of driving privileges, possible jail time of a year, and a $1000 fine. According to the Illinois State Police’s website, this punishment is just for the first offense and the punishment gets much more severe with more than one DUI conviction. Always remember that drunk driving is very dangerous and can hurt not only yourself but others and that in Illinois the legal limit is a .08 blood alcohol content to be considered under the influence and in turn subject to drunk driving tickets.

If you see a driver that you believe may be impaired please call 911 immediately to give the police the location of the driver. Make sure to stay out of the way of the vehicle but also keep an eye on it to give the police the most accurate description of where the car is on the road. Additionally, if you know that someone is getting behind the wheel and they are intoxicated, please try to stop them and offer them a ride to where they are going. If they insist on driving, please take note of their license plate number and call the police to inform them of the intoxicated driver.

The number of drunk driving accidents and drunk driving fatalities each year are very high and are avoidable and something that needs to be addressed. According to Alcohol Alert, Illinois is among the top ten states in terms of number of alcohol-related fatalities and in 2008 there were 434 alcohol deaths. Each state has two types of offenses that may be issued in connection with driving under the influence, one of which is the offense of driving under the influence and the other which is driving with a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.08. To read more about the drunk driving statistics and what legal measures are being taken to keep drunk drivers of the road, please click on this hyperlink.

While the state-imposed punishments are definitely a deterrent and hopefully do keep the number of alcohol related car accidents much lower than they could be, it is not possible for cops to see and in turn stop everyone that is driving under the influence. Because of this, it is important for drivers to make a personal choice to not drive while under the influence, to try to discourage others from driving under the influence, and to report any erratic drivers that they see while on the road. Making these choices to help fight the drunk driving problem in our state could make a huge difference and help fight this terrible and avoidable problem that leads to many deaths and car crashes every year.

A car accident lawsuit has been filed in connection with a June 14th West Chicago car accident in which a recent high school graduate was killed. According to the car accident lawsuit complaint, the accident occurred when another young graduate was driving under the influence and crashed the car in which the victim was riding. According to The KC Chronicle, the family of the victim are suing the young man that was driving, who had a BAC over the legal limit as well as marijuana in his system, for more than $6 million dollars. The driver has already pleaded not-guilty to criminal charges of aggravated driving and reckless homicide. The family of another passenger in the vehicle, who was not killed but suffered serious permanent personal injuries, previously filed a lawsuit in connection with the car accident. For more information on this St. Charles car accident lawsuit, click on the link.

A man has been charged with a DUI after he injured five people in a car accident on December 11 in Evanston. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the drunk driver blew through a red light and collided with another car. Three passengers in his car were injured, along with two people in the other vehicle. No one suffered critical personal injuries, but the victims were taken to local Chicago hospitals following the crash. To learn more about this car accident in Evanston, click on the link.

An Illinois man faces felony charges in connection with a fatal Chicago car accident that occurred on December 6th. The Gage Park accident occurred when the driver was driving under the influence and was driving the wrong way on 58th Street, entered the California Avenue intersection and struck a car. According to Chicago Breaking News, the victim was in the car struck by the aggravated driver, and the driver and his passenger refused treatment. The driver was originally ticketed for driving without insurance, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, reckless driving and failing to yield, but upon finding drugs and alcohol in his system the felony charges for aggravated driving under the influence were added. To read more about this Chicago car accident, click on this link.

The autopsy of a teenager that was severely personally injured, causing her to be pronounced brain dead, is scheduled after she was taken of life support earlier this week. The victim was in a one-car accident on October 16th in Mossville. According to the Peoria Journal Star, the car accident occurred when the car in which the victim was a passenger in made a sharp right turn and slammed into a guardrail after it had been speeding on Route 29 just north of Illinois Route 6. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence after her blood alcohol content was tested and found to be over two times the legal limit (the driver was also a teenager and therefore not old enough to drink), leaving the scene after the accident and fleeing and eluding a cop after being initially approached following the tragic Mossville car accident.

A woman was charged with aggravated DUI after allegedly being the cause of a North Side Chicago car accident on August 1st in which a motorcyclist was killed. The accident occurred in the early morning hours at the Ashland and Wilson intersection. According to Chicago Sun Times, the woman took a field sobriety test and then was given a blood alcohol test when she was taken to a local hospital. In connection with this lawsuit, a nurse at the hospital has filed a civil lawsuit because she was arrested when she refused to give the driver a blood test when she arrived at the hospital. The civil lawsuit claims that an officer ordered the nurse to take a blood test and when she refused telling him that the woman would have to be a patient of the hospital before she could administer the test, she was arrested. For more information on the criminal and civil case in connection with this Chicago car accident, click here.

An arrest has been made in connection with a Park Ridge car accident that occurred on October 11th that left two dead and four more injured. The driver that caused the fatal car accident has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence. According to Pioneer Local, the crash occurred when a car, in which the victims were traveling in, was headed east on Oakton Street when it collided with a car going north on Riverside. The second car claims they had the green light at the time of the fatal Park Ridge car accident.

A DUI charge has been filed in connection with the previously mentioned Lakeview car accident on October 8th, in which five people were injured when the driver was driving drunk and struck a parked car. According to Chicago Breaking News, the driver has also been charged with three misdemeanor counts of the endangering the life and health of a child and with one count of reckless driving. For more information on this drunk driving car accident criminal case, click here.

A car accident that occurred late on the evening of October 8th in the Lakeview area of downtown Chicago, injured 5 people including three children. According to Chicago Breaking News, the driver of the car was drunk and driving on North Western Avenue when he struck the end of a parked car. All of the injured people were passengers in the drunk driver’s car and all but one woman, who denied medical attention, were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries. There is no current information on the status of the victims. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

An Ohio man has been charged with drunk driving and reckless homicide in connection with a car crash that occurred in Chicago at 59th and Ashland early on the morning of October 3rd. According to ABC news, the drunk driver allegedly ran a read light and struck a car in which two Chicago residents were riding and were immediately killed. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

The widow of a Chicago man that was killed in a multi-car crash this past weekend is speaking out in anger. According to ABC news, the car crash was caused by a driver who had past reckless driving charges against him who was speeding and had drugs in his system at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Crestwood on Cicero Avenue and involved eight cars, but the widow’s husband was the only person killed in the accident. She is speaking out over the problem with the driver being allowed on the streets when he already had a reckless homicide charge against him. For more information on this fatal Chicago car accident, click here.

A Chicago man was charged with reckless homicide following a fatal car accident that occurred on September 19th. The driver that caused the car accident was drunk while driving the car that he then got into a car accident. The driver has been charged with leaving the scene of a car accident resulting in personal injury or death, in addition to drunk driving charges, operating a motor vehicle without insurance and failing to stop at a red light. For more information on this fatal car accident and arrest, click here.

A St. Clair woman filed a car accident lawsuit against a driver who caused her to get into a car crash in 2008. The car accident occurred when the Defendant crashed into the back of the Plaintiff’s car, causing her to then rear-end another vehicle. The Defendant was cited for driving under the influence of alcohol when the crash occurred. The Plaintiff and her car accident attorney are seeking more than $50,000 in damages for the medical costs and pain and suffering that the Plaintiff suffered. For more information on this car accident lawsuit, click here.

A car crash that killed four people on May 24th of this year is believed to have been the result of an East Carondelet woman driving under the influence of alcohol. The drunk driver’s car crashed into a SUV and three occupants of the SUV were killed in the accident, as well as the passenger in the drunken woman’s car. The Illinois woman was charged with 32 counts of aggravated driving, some relating to the deaths and others relating to the other injured passengers (four more were injured in the SUV). The charges were recently filed against the driver after investigation into the car crash showed that she was under the influence while driving. For more information on this Clinton County car accident, click here.

A stolen SUV was involved in a South Side fatal car accident on the morning of August 17th. The stolen car slammed into concrete pillars after the driver lost control and was thrown from the vehicle and died immediately. There were beer cans found around the scene of the fatal accident but at this point it is unclear whether the victim was under the influence when the crash occurred. There were two other people in the car and they are both fine after the accident. For more information on this Chicago car accident, click here.

A Freeburg car accident that happened earlier today on Route 13 resulted in the death of a Lenzburg woman. The fatal car accident occurred when a pickup truck in which a teenager was driving crossed the center line and crashed head on with the victim’s car. The teenage pickup driver has been charged with a DUI. The teenager’s three passengers were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries resulting from the car accident. For more information on this Freeburg car accident, click here.

A Pekin teen was charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs after causing a fatal car accident in Tazewell County in which two Peoria residents were killed on July 11th. In convicted of the charges, the Pekin teen may face up to 28 years in Prison. Other drivers claim that the teen’s vehicle was swerving all over the road and other drivers had to dodge the car prior to the fatal car accident. For more information on this fatal Tazewell County car accident and the pending case, click here.

A three-car accident that occurred in Illinois on August 9th may result in criminal charges. Four people were injured in the car accident which occurred when one of the cars involved was traveling at a very fast speed, crossed the center lane and then struck another car. The car that was struck then slammed into a parked car. Open containers of alcohol were found in the original car which caused the car accident. The car accident is still under investigation. For more information on this Illinois car accident, click here.

An Illinois man that was involved in a car accident when he hit a man and his dog, while allegedly rushing to get home, resulting in the death of both the man and the dog. The driver has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide and bail has been set at $750,000. Witnesses say that the car went out of control, struck mailboxes and then ran into the victim and his dog. The driver then attempted to flee on foot and when caught admitted to having been drinking and smoking marijuana. The bond was set high and the driver has been appointed a public defender to represent him at trial. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

Charges have been filed against a South Side woman that is suspected to have caused a car crash after she drove the wrong way and killed one woman and injured two others on August 2nd, on the I-55. The driver has been charged with six counts of aggravated DUI, two counts for each of the three victims in the car crash. For more information on this fatal car crash, click here.

A lawsuit has been filed by four people who claim that an allegedly intoxicated driver hit them while they were crossing an intersection. The Illinois car accident occurred last July on Route 3 when the four plaintiffs were riding in a car and the alleged drunk driver failed to yield and ended up colliding with the vehicle in which they were driving. The complaint is for the personal injuries suffered by all as well as past and future medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. The complaint also names the shop in which the defendant consumed alcoholic beverages prior to the accident as a defendant. For more information on this car accident lawsuit, click here.

A head-on collision occurred on the morning of July 12th when the driver of a car was going the wrong way on the Stevenson Expressway. The driver has been charged with drunk driving. Three people were injured and remain hospitalized, including the driver facing these charges. In addition to being cited for drunk driving, the driver was cited for driving the wrong way. For more information on this car accident, click here.

Illinois woman being held in jail after crashing her minivan into a motorcycle, killing the driver on the evening of July 9th. The driver was traveling west and allegedly crossed into the opposite lane and then struck the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the crime and was not wearing a helmet at the time the fatal crash occurred. The minivan driver was issued a ticket for failure to reduce speed and unlawful possession of a controlled substance after what was found to be cocaine was found in her vehicle. The tests have not yet come back showing if the driver had cocaine in her system at the time the car accident occurred. For more information on this fatal accident, click here.

It is important to remember over the holiday weekend to be careful when traveling. One important suggestion to help stay safe in your travels is to not text while you are driving a car. Don’t forget that other drivers could be texting while driving and so it is extremely important to pay close attention when driving in order to avoid car accidents. While holiday travel has been lower over the past couple years, more holiday car travel is expected this year because gas is lower than it was last year. Another important caution to take when traveling this holiday season is too make sure never to drink and drive. For more information of ways to stay safe this Fourth of July weekend, please click here.

On the morning of June 14th in West Chicago, a teen was killed in a fatal car accident in which he was a passenger. The Chicago car accident occurred when the sports utility vehicle in which the teen was the front seat passenger in struck a tree. The teen was pronounced dead on the scene and his death was caused by mass trauma. The driver of the vehicle has been charged with drunk driving, unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor and failure to reduce speed to avoid a car accident. The two passengers in the backseat were taken to local hospitals to treat their minor personal injuries. For more information on this car accident in Chicago, click here.

A car accident occurred on the I-90 in the suburbs of Chicago on the afternoon of June 12th, leaving one person involved in critical condition. The driver of the original vehicle that caused the horrible accident was driving westbound and rear ended the car in front of him which then led to chain reaction of cars hitting each other. The victim was in a car in that chain reaction and suffered from brain trauma. The victim is currently in the hospital and his status is listed in critical condition. The driver of the original vehicle is facing a felony aggravated DUI charge, after he originally refused to take a blood alcohol test right after the car accident but was still over the legal limit hours later when he was tested. For more information on this car accident, click here.

A fatal car accident that occurred last Sunday left one man dead. The driver of the other vehicle is in custody and is cooperating and is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol when the fatal accident occurred. No official charges have been made as of now but the police chief said that the driver had a blood alcohol level that was twice the legal limit. The suspect also has an active warrant for failing for appear on another drunk driving charge. For the full story on this fatal car accident, click here.

The daughter of the victim of a fatal accident victim has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the other vehicle, the actual car owner and the City of Chicago. The accident victim was involved in the fatal crash this past May when he was driving home, with the rest of his family, from visiting his son in the Cook County Jail. The driver of the other vehicle ran a red light and hit the victim’s car. The other driver was criminally charged by the State for reckless homicide and aggravated drunk driving when his blood alcohol level was found to be more than double the legal limit. The daughter of the victim has since filed this wrongful death suit. For the full story of this wrongful death suit, click here.

Early in the morning of May 31st, a Chicago-area man was killed in a car accident that occurred when the car that he was a passenger in sped through a red light and struck a car that was driving through the intersection. The car that had been speeding then hit a pole and rolled over. The victim of the car accident was one of four passengers and was the only fatal injury. The driver of the speeding vehicle was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and the driver of the other vehicle sustained minor personal injuries. Police are still investigating whether alcohol was involved in the crash. For more information on this car accident, click here.

A man was killed in a Chicago car accident on the South Side after an alleged drunk driver blew through a stop light and struck his car. A total of three vehicles were involved in the accident and in addition to the death, seven others suffered personal injuries. Chicago Breaking News reports that the driver at fault ran a red light and collided with the deceased driver’s Lexus. The Lexus then crashed into a third car. The driver who caused the car accident was taken into custody by Chicago police. Read the full coverage of this tragic Chicago car accident by following the link.

A 27-year-old man from Kilbourne, IL was charged with aggravated DUI after killing two men and injuring another in a car accident in Mason County, IL. The driver’s farm truck struck a station wagon that the three victims were driving in around 6 p.m. on May 6. The driver, who is now being held on $250,000 bond, did not sustain any personal injuries. Read more about this tragic Illinois car accident.

Lee Blakes of Chicago has been charged with reckless homicide and aggravated DUI after killing another man, Leroy Square, in a car accident on April 17. According to a report in the Chicago Sun Times, the accident took place on I-57 in Chicago and occurred when Blakes’ truck rear ended Square’s SUV. Square was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene of the accident. According to reports, Blakes was speeding before the crash occurred. To read more about this fatal car accident, follow the link,

Recently, the Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog posted an entry about a fatal crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway. More information has now come out about the Chicago police man who was driving drunk and caused the accident that killed two young people, Andrew Cazares, 23, and Fausto Manzera, 21. According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, the cop was released on April 12 on $500,000 bail, infuriating those close to the victims. The article also notes that the police officer had a history of driving offenses and was just ordered to pay damages for a 2005 car accident. Read more about the aftermath of this tragic accident by clicking the link.

A drunk driver killed herself and caused serious injury to four others in a car accident in Prairie Grove, IL on April 5. According to an article on Chicago Breaking News, tests revealed that her blood alcohol limit was over the legal limit. The intoxicated driver crossed the center line and smashed into a Mazda traveling in the other direction. The car was carrying a man, his fiancée, his mother and his 8-year-old son. All of the passengers of the vehicle were seriously injured in the car accident and were taken to local hospitals. The drunk driver was taken to the hospital where she later died during surgery. Read the full article about this fatal car accident near Chicago by following the link.

In the early morning of March 28, two car accidents occurred on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago. The first accident left one person dead and three others injured. The first accident occurred when a car carrying four people flipped over a wall along the expressway. The driver of this vehicle was killed in the accident. Three other people were taken to local hospitals. According to a witness, the car was traveling at very high speeds before the accident.

Shortly after, a second car accident occurred. An intoxicated driver crashed into a fire truck that was called to the scene of the first accident. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and the driver was arrested for drunk driving.To read the full account of these car accidents follow the link.

A personal injury lawsuit has been filed in St. Clair Count, Illinois, in response to injuries caused during a multi-car accident. One woman rear-ended a car, causing collisions between four vehicles. The lawsuit filed by one of the drivers claims that the woman was intoxicated, driving unreasonably fast, failed to keep a lookout, and failed to maintain control of her vehicle, among other things. Read more about this car accident lawsuit.

An Orland Park, IL man was sentenced to 7 years in prison for the death of a man in 2006. The driver reportedly told police that he drank 12 beers before driving and causing the car accident that killed a father of two. In addition to causing the accident, the man fled the scene of the crash. He later plead guilty to aggravated driving under the influence resulting in a death. The accident occurred near the Chicago suburb of Willowbrook.

To read full coverage of this DUI sentencing, follow the link.

Several weeks ago, an Illinois man was charged with reckless homicide and aggravated DUI after his speeding vehicle rear-ended a car, causing it to cross the center lane and collide with a truck head-on. The car accident killed a 26-year-old man, his 24-yr-old wife and their unborn child.

The intoxicated driver who caused this accident had been arrested several times in the past for driving under the influence. According to a police affidavit filed March 10, the driver asked police how many people he had killed shortly after the car accident occurred. The affidavit also revealed that the driver’s blood alcohol level was .191, more than twice the legal limit. The article did not indicate that the victims' families had filed a lawsuit against the driver at this time.

To read more about the affidavit detailing this tragic car accident follow the link.

Earlier this month, the father of a 10-yr-old boy who suffered significant brain damage and injuries in a car accident filed a lawsuit, asking for almost $13 million in compensation. The boy was involved in a fatal car accident involving a drunk driver that killed all four other people in the vehicle, including the boy’s mother. The lawsuit, filed by the father's attorney, accuses the driver of traveling at high speeds and driving while intoxicated. Additional defendants include the establishment that served the driver alcohol and the woman who let him borrow her car.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for lost wages, as well as pain and suffering for the loss of the boy’s mother. Click here to read the full story of this devastating car accident.