Intoxicated driving needlessly claims thousands of lives every year and is an utmost marker of driver negligence. While many states have passed stringent measures to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, accidents caused by inebriated drivers still occur frequently. Most states—including Illinois—have an “implied consent” law in place, which means that refusal of a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test if prompted by an officer automatically subjects you to a fine and license suspension. Despite this measure, meant to discourage the public from drinking and driving, the number of drivers that are buzzed or intoxicated on the road is still substantial.
Unfortunately, victims of drunken driving often suffer very serious injuries and—in the worst cases—are killed. Drunk driving is a major catalyst for debilitating injuries and has the capacity to result in long-term emotional and physical damages for innocent victims and their families, who must now pay the price of another person’s negligence. At Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC, our impassioned Chicago drunk driving accident attorneys believe that there is no reasonable excuse to drive intoxicated and are dedicated to holding reckless drivers responsible for their actions to the highest extent of the law. While the damage done by a drunken driver may seem irreparable, we aim to provide as much compensation and justice to victims and their loved ones as possible.
Why You Need A Lawyer
If you were hurt or someone you love was injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, you are likely eligible for compensation. When a driver gets behind the wheel of a car, there is an unspoken agreement between them and every other driver on the road that they will all do their best to keep each other safe. When someone knowingly drinks and makes the decision to drive, they are breaking this agreement and are responsible for any damages caused by their actions. They need to take responsibility for their mistakes, and one way to make sure this happens is through litigation.
You deserve to be compensated for your ordeal and your injuries, but you shouldn’t have to fight for this compensation alone. Hiring a drunk driving accident lawyer will allow you to focus on your recovery rather than spending all your time thinking about litigation and legal fees. Additionally, having a lawyer represent you and help gather useful evidence to build your case will increase your chances of receiving the maximum compensation possible. Let us take on the responsibility of dealing with everything from insurance companies to the arguments we will make in court. We’ll take some of the burden off your shoulders, handling your case with care and attention to detail, so that you can concentrate on the healing process instead of your legal battle.
Why Choose Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC?
If you live in the Chicago area, there are hundreds of personal injury attorneys from which to choose. How do you know which one is right for you? You should evaluate your options based on their experience, track record, honors received, and dedication to their clients. The lawyers at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC have been working since 1970 to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients in Chicago and the surrounding areas.
Partner Charles V. Falkenberg III was ranked by The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as one of the Top 10 in Client Satisfaction in 2016. Most of our lawyers have been practicing law for at least a decade, some for as many as four decades. As a firm, we have achieved several multimillion-dollar outcomes, and we will help you fight for every dollar you deserve to compensate for your pain and suffering, medical bills, legal fees, rehabilitation, physical therapy, lost wages, and anything else a drunk driver took away from you. We know how much you have riding on your case, and we will work night and day to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We are dedicated to helping the citizens of the Chicago area right the wrongs that caused them harm, and we have the client satisfaction testimonials to prove it. For the attorneys at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC, showing compassion to clients as they deal with the tragedy of injury or loss is just as important as getting them the compensation they deserve. Read what our past clients have to say about the care with which we handled their sensitive cases, as well as the successes we brought them in the courtroom.
Penalties for Drunk Driving
The criminal consequences for drunken driving depend on factors such as the offender’s past history, the presence of minors in the vehicle, BAC level, and the amount of injury incurred. If an intoxicated driver ends up causing serious bodily injury to another, they can face additional felony charges for vehicular manslaughter. Penalties for drunken driving include:
- First offense: up to one year in jail; a maximum $2,500 fine; a minimum of one year license suspension; a required ignition interlock device
- Second offense: up to one year in jail; a maximum $2,500 fine; a minimum of five years license suspension; a required ignition interlock device
- Third offense: up to 3 – 7 years in jail; a maximum $2,500 fine; a minimum of ten years license suspension; a required ignition interlock device
In Illinois, the period in which past DUI offenses are relevant stretch back from the time you become licensed to drive in the state; in other words, all prior DUIs are applicable in determining penalties for intoxicated driving.
On top of these criminal penalties, drunk drivers who hurt people can be subjected to civil lawsuits. In a civil suit, the drunk driver can be held accountable for the injuries caused by their reckless actions. As the victim of a drunk driver, it should not fall on you to pay the medical bills you were forced to accumulate throughout the course of your recovery from the accident.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Chicago
Being involved in a drunk driving accident can be a traumatic and infuriating experience, especially since the accident could have been prevented. If you or a loved one was the victim of an intoxicated driver’s carelessness, the dedicated drunk driving accident lawyers at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC can help you achieve justice by holding negligent parties responsible. While we regret that you must endure this experience, there are laws that exist to allow you to obtain restitution. Don’t hesitate to contact our Chicago offices at 312-346-8620 for support in your case.