Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident?

Our Rockford Car Accident Attorneys Can Support You

It is an unfortunate fact that, even though arrests for drunk driving have decreased throughout the U.S., these incidents are still a major source of serious injuries and can even cause death. All drivers have the responsibility not to get behind the wheel when they are drunk or tipsy, however, serious lapses in judgment still occur.

If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a drunk drivers’ negligence, call (815) 216-5911 to schedule your free case evaluation.

Experience You Can Trust in Drunk Driving Cases

With over a century of combined professional experience, the Rockford personal injury attorneys at our firm have seen thousands of cases and have an in-depth knowledge of the laws to help you with your claim.

At DeRango & Cain, LLC, we have the understanding to help you. This includes: 

• Assistance to drivers, passengers, or pedestrians who have been injured
• Filing a claim for compensation medical bills, repairs, or pain and suffering
• Holding the negligent driver accountable for their actions
• Making ourselves available to promptly answer your questions

Car accidents can be devastating, but when your injury was caused by a drunk driver, it is important that you hold him or her responsible, in an effort to prevent future incidents from happening. You owe it to yourself to seek the professional representation of a dedicated car accident lawyer at our Rockford offices.

What Is a Drunk Driving Accident?

A drunk driving accident occurs when a driver operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to drive safely. Drunk driving is a criminal offense, but it can also be the basis for a civil lawsuit in cases where victims are injured or killed as a result of the driver’s actions.

While law enforcement handles the criminal aspects of a drunk driving incident, victims can pursue civil damages for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs through a personal injury claim.

In Illinois, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08%, but impairment can begin at lower levels. DUI accidents can involve collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or stationary objects, and the consequences can range from minor property damage to catastrophic injury or death.

Pursuing Compensation for Drunk Driving Accidents

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. A Rockford drunk driving accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

There are several types of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit arising from a drunk driving accident:

• Medical Expenses: You are entitled to recover the costs of any medical treatment required as a result of the accident, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and any future medical care needed for long-term injuries.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work or affected your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. This includes not only your current wages but also any future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity or at all.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can include chronic pain, mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and the overall impact of the injuries on your quality of life.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can pursue compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. These damages are meant to punish the driver for their reckless behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases involving egregious negligence, such as extreme intoxication or a history of drunk driving offenses.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Illinois

For car accidents in Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. The statute of limitations for property damage claims is also two years. This means that if you are injured in a car accident, you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you may be barred from recovering damages.

There are some exceptions to this rule that can extend or shorten the time limit in certain circumstances:

• Minors: If the person injured is a minor (under 18), the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until the person reaches the age of majority.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where a car accident results in a fatality, the family of the deceased may have two years from the date of death (not the date of the accident) to file a wrongful death claim.
• Government Entities: If the accident involved a government vehicle or was caused by a government entity (such as a local road maintenance issue), special rules may apply, and notice of a claim may need to be filed much sooner than the usual two-year deadline.

It’s important to act quickly, as delays can hurt your case. Witnesses may forget critical details, evidence can be lost, and important legal deadlines may pass. Consulting with a Rockford car accident lawyer as soon as possible will ensure that all evidence is properly collected and your claim is filed within the legal time limit.

How a Rockford Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help

A Rockford drunk driving accident lawyer plays a crucial role in helping you secure compensation for injuries and losses resulting from a drunk driving accident. We can assist in the following ways:

• Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to build a strong case and determine liability.
• Identifying Liable Parties: Identifying all responsible parties, including the intoxicated driver, bars or restaurants that overserved alcohol, or other contributing factors like road conditions.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Handling communications with insurance companies to ensure fair settlements and protect your rights, or taking your case to trial if necessary.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement isn’t reached, filing a personal injury lawsuit, presenting evidence, and advocating for you in court.
• Providing Support: Offering guidance and reassurance throughout the legal process, keeping you informed, and addressing any concerns.

Having an experienced lawyer helps ensure that you navigate the legal complexities effectively and receive the compensation you deserve.

Let a skilled Rockford drunk driving accident lawyer help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call now at (815) 216-5911 for a free consultation or contact us online to get started.