Madison County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Serving Clients Throughout Illinois and Missouri
If you have been injured or lost a family member to a drunk driver, you likely have many emotions and questions. Emotionally, you may feel sadness as well as anger. You probably have questions about your legal options as well as ways to hold the drunk driver accountable for his or her actions.
Our skilled Madison County alcohol-related injury lawyer protects the rights of people who have been injured by drunk drivers as well as those who have lost loved ones in drunk driving accidents. We offer free initial consultations. To schedule yours, call (618) 655-1234 or contact our Edwardsville drunk driving accident attorney online.
We Seek Compensation for Your Losses
Under Illinois law, if you are injured or a loved one is killed by a drunk driver, you are entitled to monetary damages above and beyond personal injury or wrongful death compensation. This money comes in the form of punitive damages. In addition to ensuring the drunk driver is punished, our Edwardsville drunk driving accident attorney can help you obtain both types of monetary compensation — personal injury compensation and punitive damages.
We Stand by Your Side
For more than 33 years, our Edwardsville drunk driving accident attorney has stood up for the rights of the injured. We can help you with all of the complicated insurance matters, handle all interactions with the insurance companies and be your strongest advocate at this time.
Contact a Madison County Alcohol-Related Injury Attorney
If you were injured by a drunk driver or lost a family member in a drunk driving accident, please call us to schedule your free consultation. We can be reached at (618) 655-1234, or you can contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents
Can I claim punitive damages after a DUI accident in Illinois?
Yes, under Illinois law, you may be eligible to recover punitive damages in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit involving a drunk driver. Punitive damages are designed specifically to punish the drunk driver for gross negligence and deter others from driving under the influence. Unlike standard compensation for medical bills and lost wages, punitive damages require proving the driver acted with conscious disregard for your safety. Our Edwardsville legal team can help you navigate the process of petitioning the court for these additional damages.
What is the statute of limitations for a drunk driving crash in Illinois vs. Missouri?
Time is limited to file a personal injury claim after a crash, and the deadlines vary strictly by state:
- Illinois: Generally, you have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Missouri: Generally, you have five (5) years to file a personal injury claim.
However, certain exceptions can shorten or extend these windows (such as claims involving minors or government entities). It is critical to consult an attorney immediately to ensure you do not lose your right to compensation.
Can a bar or restaurant be held liable for a drunk driving accident?
Yes, under Dram Shop laws, businesses that serve alcohol can sometimes be held responsible for subsequent crashes, but the laws differ dramatically between the two states:
- In Illinois: The Illinois Liquor Control Act holds establishments strictly liable if they sold alcohol to a person who became intoxicated and subsequently caused injuries to another person.
- In Missouri: Dram shop laws are much stricter. A business can only be held liable if it can be proven by “clear and convincing evidence” that they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor.
What should I do if the drunk driver’s insurance company offers me a quick settlement?
Do not sign anything or accept a settlement offer before speaking with a lawyer. Drunk driving accidents often result in severe, long-term injuries, and early insurance offers are almost always lowball figures meant to protect the insurer’s bottom line. Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to seek additional compensation if your medical issues worsen or if you decide to pursue punitive damages.
Will the driver’s criminal DUI case affect my personal injury lawsuit?
A criminal DUI prosecution and a civil personal injury lawsuit are entirely separate legal tracks. The state handles the criminal case to punish the driver (fines, license suspension, or jail time). Your civil case is filed by you to recover financial compensation for your losses. However, if the driver is convicted of a criminal DUI, that conviction can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in your civil injury claim.
