A Drunk Driver Hit Me - What Do I Do?
Drunk driving car accidents are among the most tragic of accidents, and these accidents often result in serious injuries to the victims. If you have been involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, you might be wondering what your next steps are and how to navigate any criminal or civil legal proceedings. An experienced Illinois car accident lawyer can guide you through this process and help you pursue a claim for compensation.
Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
In Illinois, drunk drivers may be considered negligent or reckless, something that could make them liable for the accident. However, liability for a drunk driving accident may include more parties than just the drunk driver.
Illinois dram shop laws may apply if a driver leaves a restaurant or bar where he or she became intoxicated, making the restaurant or bar partly liable. Another adult may also be liable if he or she supplied alcohol to an underage person who caused the accident, or if he or she loaned their vehicle to the drunk driver who was then involved in an accident.
Your First Steps After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving accident occurs, your first step is to seek medical treatment for any injuries you may have sustained. As soon as possible after your accident, start the process of pursuing legal action against the drunk driver who was involved or any other responsible parties.
The sooner you reach out to legal counsel, the higher the chance you have of a successful case. This is because drunk driving accidents may involve criminal charges for the driver at fault, negotiations with insurance companies, and the pursuit of a civil claim to recover damages.
Make sure to collect evidence like photos, videos, and witness statements in addition to medical documentation to give your lawyer a full overview of your case.
Contact a Park Ridge, IL Car Accident Lawyer
Being involved in a drunk driving accident is tragic, and victims often face physical injury in addition to emotional traumas and complications in their everyday lives. A knowledgeable Des Plaines, IL car accident attorney is vital to pursuing a compensation claim that can help ease the recovery process and the damages resulting from such an accident.
At Quinn Law Group, LLC, Attorney Patrick Quinn is ready to handle your case and thoroughly investigate every aspect of it to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Call 847-232-7180 for a free consultation.