Skillful Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Chicago, your life may feel like it’s been completely upended. But you’re not alone. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we are here to help.
Drunk driving accidents are preventable tragedies, and when someone else’s reckless decision changes your life, you have the right to seek justice. Our team of seasoned Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers help clients recover life-changing compensation after facing devastating accidents, and we can do the same for you.
Time is of the essence, and the sooner we start working on your case, the stronger it can be. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Abels & Annes, P.C. for Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
When searching for a Chicago drunk driving accident Lawyer, you need a team that combines skill, compassion, and proven results. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we check all those boxes and more. Here’s why we’re the right choice for you:
- A Proven Record of Winning Million-Dollar Cases: Our results speak for themselves. From securing $6,000,000 for a bicyclist struck by a garbage truck to recovering $2,750,000 for an auto accident victim with severe head injuries, we fight tirelessly for our clients. These successes mean we know how to handle complex cases and win sizable compensation.
- Top Recognition in the Legal Field: Our attorneys have earned accolades such as placement on the Top 100 Lawyer List by Super Lawyers, a 10.0 Superb Rating on AVVO, and membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. You deserve lawyers with credentials that reflect excellence.
- Multilingual Legal Services: Whether you speak English, Spanish, or Polish, we’re here to help you in the language you’re most comfortable with. We believe communication is key during this challenging time and are committed to ensuring you feel heard and understood throughout the process.
- Available Whenever You Need Us: Accidents don’t happen on a schedule, and neither should legal help. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and provide the legal support you need.
- No Legal Fees Unless You Win: Hiring a lawyer shouldn’t add financial stress. That’s why you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a legalfee if we win your case.
By partnering with Abels & Annes, P.C., you’re choosing a law firm that truly cares about your recovery and your future. You focus on healing—we’ll focus on holding the drunk driver accountable.
Understanding Your Rights After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Being hit by a drunk driver is more than just an accident; it’s an act of recklessness that could have been prevented. Illinois law is clear on this matter: drunk driving is illegal, and anyone who causes harm while driving under the influence can and should be held accountable.
If a drunk driver caused your injuries, you have several important rights under the law, including the right to seek compensation. However, navigating legal claims after such an accident can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we take immediate action to strengthen your case. This includes gathering witness testimony, securing security camera footage, and preserving key evidence, such as pictures from the accident scene or damage to vehicles involved. The earlier we start, the better chance we have to capture the evidence that could make all the difference in your case.
Keep in mind that Illinois has a relatively short statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you only have a limited time to file. But the practical challenges of evidence collection and identifying witnesses can make waiting even riskier.
Who May Be Eligible to Make a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Chicago?
If you were injured in a collision with a drunk driver, you may be eligible to pursue a legal claim. But you’re not the only person who could have rights in a drunk driving accident case.
Here are a few examples of who may be eligible to make a claim in Chicago following a drunk driving accident:
- Drivers or Passengers Injured by a Drunk Driver: If you were driving another vehicle or riding as a passenger when a drunk driver caused an accident, you may pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses.
- Bicyclists and Pedestrians: Drunk driving isn’t just a danger to those on the road. Cyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries in these kinds of crashes.
- Family Members of Deceased Victims: If a loved one tragically lost their life in a drunk driving accident, their surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to hold the drunk driver accountable and ease the financial burdens caused by their loss.
Each case is unique, which is why an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer will carefully evaluate your situation and determine the best way to pursue justice. Don’t assume you don’t qualify without speaking to a compassionate and knowledgeable attorney first.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Below are some of the most common injuries in drunk driving accidents and the potential long-term effects they can have on your life:
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from concussions to debilitating brain damage.
Long-term effects may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and chronic headaches. Severe cases may require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation services to help the victim regain basic functions.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact of a collision can lead to serious spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs or, in more severe cases, paralysis. Victims may experience partial or complete loss of sensation and mobility below the injury site.
Living with a spinal cord injury often requires extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
3. Broken Bones and Fractures
Collisions caused by drunk drivers frequently lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and hips. While some breaks may heal with time, others can result in permanent mobility issues or require multiple surgeries, extended rehabilitation, and even long-term use of mobility aids like crutches or wheelchairs.
4. Internal Injuries
Drunk driving accidents can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, leading to internal bleeding and other life-threatening complications. These injuries may not always be immediately visible and often require emergency surgery and intensive medical care.
5. Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly and forcefully whipped back and forth, damaging muscles, ligaments, and tissues. While some recover within weeks, others may deal with chronic neck pain, stiffness, and severe headaches that make daily tasks difficult.
6. Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common in high-impact drunk driving crashes. Although these injuries may seem minor at first, they often require therapy and ongoing care to regain full mobility and strength.
7. Emotional Trauma
The effects of a drunk driving accident aren’t just physical. Many victims suffer from emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Coping with the aftermath of the accident can interfere with work, relationships, and your overall sense of well-being.
Long-Term Effects and the Need for Compensation
Recovering from these injuries often involves months or even years of medical treatments, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Some victims may face permanent disabilities that require ongoing care, assistive devices, or modifications to their homes and vehicles. Beyond the physical recovery, many struggle with lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and emotional distress.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our goal is to ensure you have the financial resources you need to cover every aspect of your recovery. From medical bills and therapy costs to compensation for emotional trauma, we’re here to fight for your future.
Compensation Available to Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Between mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the pain of physical and emotional trauma, you may wonder how to move forward. That’s where compensation comes into play.
If a drunk driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you might be entitled to recover financial compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injuries caused you to miss work or impacted your ability to earn a living, your settlement can account for these financial losses.
- Pain and Suffering: Drunk driving accidents can cause lasting physical pain as well as emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression. Compensation for these non-economic damages seeks to address the toll the accident has taken on your overall well-being.
- Property Damage: Whether it’s the cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle or other belongings, property damage compensation ensures you aren’t burdened with repair expenses.
- Punitive Damages: While uncommon, punitive damages may apply in cases where the at-fault driver’s behavior was particularly egregious. These damages are meant to punish reckless actions like drunk driving and discourage similar behavior in the future.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we’ve seen how life-altering this compensation can be for victims and their families.
You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s recklessness. When you partner with us, you gain advocates who will tirelessly pursue the full compensation you’re owed so you can focus on moving forward.
Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Claim FAQs
1. How Can I Prove the Driver Who Hit Me Was Drunk?
Proving that the other driver was intoxicated often requires specific evidence. This may include police reports, results from breathalyzer or blood tests, and witness statements. Your lawyer will gather and analyze these pieces of evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
2. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Illinois law provides a limited time to file a personal injury claim, so it’s important not to wait. While the statute of limitations sets the legal deadline, key evidence and witnesses can become harder to track down the longer you wait. Contact us as soon as possible so your rights are protected.
3. What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?
You should always be cautious when dealing with insurance companies. Their goal is often to pay you as little as possible. Never accept a settlement or sign any documents before consulting with a lawyer. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we can review the offer and help negotiate for the fair compensation you deserve.
4. Can I Still Pursue Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation under Illinois' comparative negligence laws. However, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. A skilled attorney will work to minimize any impact on your claim and fight for the maximum recovery possible.
5. How Much is My Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
The value of a drunk driving accident claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident. While no two cases are the same, our team at Abels & Annes, P.C. has a proven track record of securing millions for our clients. We can provide an estimate of your claim’s potential value after assessing your circumstances.
Contact Our Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
When you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone. Our experienced Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
Here’s how we can support you during this challenging time:
- Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies.
- Investigate the accident and gather crucial evidence to strengthen your case.
- Work with experts to prove fault and demonstrate the full extent of your damages.
- Fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve, whether through settlement or trial.
Time is critical after a drunk driving accident. Don’t wait to secure the legal representation you need. We’re available 24/7, and with our contingency fee structure, you don’t pay unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation.