After Getting Hit By A Drunk Driver
Car accidents are inevitable with human error. However, the likelihood of an accident is significantly higher when the driver behind the wheel is under the influence of alcohol. Approximately one-fourth of all fatal car accident victims in Illinois in 2016 were alcohol-related. There were also 29,528 DUI arrests in the same year, as reported by the Secretary of State’s office. A drunk driver perceives the road differently than a sober driver, and sometimes defensive driving is not enough to protect yourself.
What Is A DUI?
A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is when a person is operating a motor vehicle while under a mind-altering substance. DUI’s are most known for alcohol offenses, but they also include:
- Drugs,
- Marijuana,
- Methamphetamines.
Whether a person is operating a vehicle illegally depends on the concentration of the substance in their system. A person is considered under the influence of alcohol in Illinois if their Blood Alcohol Content is .08 or more. A person with a lower level of alcohol in their system can still be charged if their driving is affected by the substance.
Accidents involving a drunk driver can be deadly, but the steps following being involved in one are similar to that of a standard car accident.
Call 911 - It is important to report an accident in any circumstance, but especially if you believe that you have been in an accident with an intoxicated driver. Reporting a drunk driver will get him or her off the road, and will benefit you in the scenario that you choose to sue the driver by documenting the accident.
Cooperate - When law enforcement arrives on the scene, cooperate to the best of your ability. You will be asked to repeat how the accident happened as you remember it. If you are unsure or believe your injuries are affecting your answers, do not guess or assume. You might have a hard time getting contact information from an intoxicated person, but the police can provide you that information.
Get Medical Help - Injuries from car accidents are not always obvious. It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Having documentation of injuries will also be helpful for your insurance company and lawyer.
Get in Touch With a Kane County Auto Accident Lawyer
If you have been in an accident with a drunk driver, you may be eligible for compensation for any pain and suffering you have faced as a result of someone else’s recklessness. Contact an Aurora personal injury attorney to examine your car accident with a drunk driver and represent your case for compensation. Call 630-907-0909 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf
