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If you have been seriously injured at the hands of a drunk driver, know that you do not have to face the aftermath alone. An Oak Lawn drunk driving accident lawyer can fight for your deserved injury compensation by establishing the liability of the party at fault and advocating for your best interests. Read on to learn more about how a seasoned car accident attorney can work to make a difference in your case today.
All car accidents are traumatic, but when the other driver is drunk and causes an accident, the experience is magnified. Crashes caused by drunk drivers typically involve significant property damage and occur at higher speeds than those caused by sober drivers. Car accidents involving drunk drivers usually involve more police activity. Not only do they have to write up a crash report for the accident, they must also write up a criminal record for the drunk driving arrest.
According to statistics from the Secretary of State, most drunk driving accidents occur after 10:00 PM and spike around midnight. More drunk driving accidents are caused by males than females, and drivers between the ages of 24 and 27 represent the largest age group for most drunk driving accidents. However, an accident caused by a drunk driver can happen at any time to anyone. A professional Oak Lawn drunk driving accident lawyer could represent individuals who have been harmed these drivers in a court or settlement proceeding.
If someone is involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the law allows them to recover certain forms of damages. First, the insurance company for the drunk driver is responsible to pay for fixing the injured individual’s car. Next, the injured party is entitled to have all of their medical bills paid by the insurance company. If the plaintiff has lost any time from work, the law allows them to recover those wages as well. They are entitled to be compensated for their pain and suffering, and loss of normal life. These elements of damages are also available.
Finally, in an accident involving a drunk driver, one can recover punitive damages. Compensatory damages make one whole for what they lost. Punitive damages are meant to punish the drunk driver for their conduct in driving while intoxicated. An Oak Lawn drunk driving accident lawyer can work toward recovering these damages for an individual by gathering evidence and handling all communication with the insurance company.
An accident involving a drunk driver includes two cases. First, there is a civil case against the driver and their insurance company. This is where an experienced Oak Lawn drunk driving accident lawyer can represent someone who was injured by their recklessness. A civil case involves money damages to compensate someone for injuries caused by a drunk driver.
The accident caused by a drunk driver can also result in a criminal case against that individual. A criminal case is prosecuted by the county prosecutor in the name of the people of the State of Illinois. In the criminal case, the injured individual is a witness, not an actual party as in a civil case. A knowledgeable Oak Lawn drunk driving accident lawyer can further explain the differences between a civil and a criminal case.
If you wish to pursue compensation for your damages, reach out to a qualified Oak Lawn drunk driving accident lawyer today for your initial consultation.