The holiday season is a time for celebration, filled with gatherings of family, friends, and colleagues. Unfortunately, with these festivities comes a spike in drunk driving accidents, a reality that many in Illinois know all too well. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, there’s an alarming increase in DUI-related crashes that claim lives and leave victims and their families devastated.
At Duncan Law Group, we are dedicated to helping those affected by drunk driving accidents. As a leading Chicago car accident attorney, our mission is to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, knowing your rights is crucial—especially during the holiday season.
It’s no secret that alcohol consumption rises during the holiday season. Between office parties, family dinners, and holiday celebrations, alcohol is often a central part of the festivities. But for some, the decision to get behind the wheel after a few drinks can turn a joyful night into a tragic one.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DUI-related fatalities see a significant increase in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. In Illinois, law enforcement ramps up efforts during this period, conducting more DUI checkpoints and patrols. Yet despite these efforts, accidents still happen, and the consequences are often severe.
When a driver chooses to operate a vehicle while intoxicated, they aren’t just breaking the law—they’re endangering the lives of everyone on the road. Victims of drunk driving accidents often face life-altering injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, or worse, they lose their lives. Illinois law allows victims to seek compensation for the damages they suffer as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Victims of DUI accidents often suffer severe injuries due to the reckless nature of these crashes. Unlike typical car accidents, where both drivers may have had a chance to brake or swerve, drunk driving crashes are frequently more violent because the intoxicated driver is often unaware of their surroundings.
Some of the most common injuries in DUI-related accidents include:
Each of these injuries can have a lasting effect on the victim’s quality of life, necessitating expensive medical treatments and long recovery times. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation to cover these costs.
If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, it’s essential to understand your rights. Illinois law allows victims to file personal injury claims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Some of the damages you may be entitled to include:
If the DUI accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
If you or a loved one is involved in a DUI accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and build a strong case for compensation:
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident is overwhelming, especially for victims who are left dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. That’s where a trusted Chicago car accident attorney comes in. At Duncan Law Group, we have the experience and resources to handle the legal complexities of DUI accident cases, including those involving Dram Shop claims.
Our team is here to help you seek justice and fair compensation, so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let us handle the legal battle while you take the time you need to recover.
The holiday season is a time to cherish with family and friends, but for some, it turns tragic due to the recklessness of drunk drivers. If you’ve been impacted by a DUI accident, remember that you have rights, and there are legal avenues available to help you obtain compensation for your losses.
Duncan Law Group is committed to supporting victims of drunk driving accidents in Illinois. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for you.