What Happens if a Drunk Driver Hits Me on I-294?

 Posted on February 17, 2025 in I-294 crashes

On January 20th, 2025, a DUI crash near Indian Head Park and I-294 that involved three vehicles resulted in one fatality and serious injuries. Initially, an Acura rear-ended a taxi on Stevenson Expressway. A third driver, who was later charged with multiple DUI offenses, approached and then struck the disabled Acura. Unfortunately, the Acura’s driver died at the accident scene.

Whether due to alcohol or drugs, impaired driving is dangerous, negligent, and illegal. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the DUI crash that injured you, you could be entitled to compensation. When you trust an experienced Des Plaines, IL DUI accident lawyer with your case, we will investigate, determine all potential sources for compensation, and work to maximize your settlement.

Why Is Drunk Driving on Highways Dangerous?

The speed limit on most U.S. interstates is 70 mph, although speed reductions may apply in areas with heavier traffic and construction zones. The higher the speed, the higher the impact force when a vehicle collides with another. That means the vehicle damage and injuries are likely to be worse at higher speeds.

In addition, drugs, alcohol, and even fatigue can produce several impairments that make it virtually impossible to drive safely. Impaired drivers often have trouble focusing on driving and may also experience confusion, and it is much easier for impaired drivers to become distracted. Combined with subpar muscle motor function and blurred vision, these impairments often mean drivers are slower to react to changes in traffic.

These impairments often cause drivers to exhibit several unsafe driving behaviors, such as:

• Sudden braking

• Traveling in the wrong direction on one-way highways and streets

• Drifting between traffic lanes or off the road

• Aggressive or reckless driving

• Tailgating

• Inability to maintain a consistent speed

Even if impaired drivers are not directly involved in a crash, they can cause miss-and-run collisions, where drivers who are trying to avoid an impaired driver’s erratic behaviors wind up causing a crash themselves.

Who Is Liable for Drunk Driving Accidents?

Drunk driving accident claims are based on negligence. In most cases, drunk driving is negligence per se, meaning that the driver’s drunkenness is negligence by itself, relieving you of the burden of presenting evidence of negligence. Even if the impaired driver was not charged with a traffic violation, you can still file a personal injury claim.

Although the impaired driver is usually liable, the establishment that provided the alcohol could also share liability under the Illinois Dram Shop Act. Holding the vendor accountable is tricky.

Your attorney has the resources and legal knowledge necessary to investigate your drunk driving crash thoroughly. Once we have determined all the at-fault parties, we will assist you in pursuing maximum damages.

Call Our Skilled Glenview, IL DUI Accident Lawyer

When impaired driving injures you, our dedicated Park Ridge, IL personal injury attorney will fight on your behalf to help you recover all available damages. Call Quinn Law Group, LLC at 847-232-7180 now to book your no-cost case review. If you prefer, you can also request your consultation online.