The holidays are just around the corner, and certain individuals are bound to overindulge and get behind the wheel due to poor judgment. You can’t control the actions of others, but you can hold them accountable for their actions via Chicago personal injury law. An individual who, through any form of negligence causes another person to sustain injuries is liable to compensate said injured party in a number of ways we’ll take a look at shortly. However, what people don’t know is that thanks to legislation dating back to the 1930’s, it is possible to hold other parties who contributed to the negligence of a defendant, such as in the case of alcohol intoxication leading to an accident on one of Chicago’s many busy highways.
Are you looking for a Chicago accident law firm? If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Illinois, we can help. Call our Illinois injury lawyers NOW at 1 (773) 825-3547 for more information on your legal options for compensation. Our injury lawyers in Chicago bring to the table more than 70 years of combined experience to help you secure sufficient compensation to put your life back together again. Call 1 (773) 825-3547 RIGHT NOW to speak with an Illinois accident lawyer for free to find out the true value of your Chicago drunk driving lawsuit.
Dram Shop Act in Illinois
Dram Shop laws were founded in the 18th Century in England, and they extend liability for injuries directly attributed to intoxication. These laws make it possible to not only sue the person who directly caused your injuries, but also the establishment who over-served the patron or continued to serve said patron when it was clear to them that they were clearly inebriated and could not operate a vehicle.
Under the Illinois chapter of the Dram Shop Act, the following are liable for injuries:
- The person who rents, owns, leases or permits the occupation of any premises or building, having knowledge that the sale of alcohol will be carried out in said building, or anyone who knowingly permits the sale of alcohol in the premises shares joint liability with others named in one’s suit should a patron, via an accident, cause the injuries of another party.
- Anyone holding a license to sell alcohol causing the defendant’s intoxication will be liable for your injuries
- Anyone who paid for a hotel or motel services due to the fact that the intoxicated individual is under 21 may be held liable
Drunk Driver in Chicago – What Can You Recover as Damages?
According to Illinois Dram Shop Act, you can recover for medical expenses, the cost of physical therapy as well as any medical costs currently sustained and anticipated in the future, property damage, loss of society or consortium, and funeral costs if the plaintiff loses their life. That being said, there are limits to the amount that you can recover. This figure currently stands at a little over $68,000 for property damage or personal injury, and $84,000 for loss of support or society.
Drunk Driving Lawsuit in Chicago – Call Us Now!
If you or someone you know was injured by a drunk driver in Chicago or Northwest Indiana, we can help. Please call us NOW at 1 (773) 825-3547 for more information on your legal options for compensation. We look forward to hearing from you.