Victims injured by a drunk driver can seek compensation

Driving under the influence is a choice that is almost always followed by negative consequences. Unfortunately, some of those consequences affect others on the road. People injured by a drunk driver may feel a lot of anger as some injuries suffered can last for years. Recently, an Illinois a woman was arrested for her poor choice of driving while impaired.

For unknown reasons, a 25-year-old woman was stopped in the middle of a right hand interstate lane in the very early hours of the morning. A minivan traveling in the same lane rear ended her car, not expecting the car to be stationary. Both drivers were taken to a nearby medical center. The extent of their injuries is unknown. 

The woman also made the unfortunate choice of having a 10-month-old-boy with her while driving under the influence. It is reported that he was not properly secured in a child safety seat at the time of the crash. He is being treated for life-threatening injuries and remains on life support. It the relation of the baby to the driver was not reported. The woman faces a felony aggravated DUI charge.

Even if the driver is not found guilty of charges in criminal court, the other victims or surviving family members (in the event of a fatality) may be able to pursue compensation in civil court. Experienced personal injury attorneys in Illinois can help victims injured by a drunk driver determine if grounds exist for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If any injury results in a death, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Once negligence is established, the court will award compensation after examining all documented claims for specified damages.

Source: chicago.suntimes.com, “ISP: Driver charged with DUI in I-290 crash that injured baby boy“, Ashlee Rezin, Nov. 27, 2016