Wrong-way driver faces charges after drunk driving accident

Many wrong-way accidents in Illinois are caused by drivers who are impaired. Despite the measures taken to prevent drivers from entering highways via exit ramps, wrong-way accidents continue to occur. While a driver’s reason for entering a highway via an exit ramp could be unclear signage or his or her unfamiliarity with the area, intoxication is often the cause. It is not uncommon for an impaired driver to cause a drunk driving accident while traveling in the wrong direction on a highway.

A 21-year-old Chicago man is recovering from severe injuries after allegedly causing a fatal accident on Interstate 290 in the early morning hours of a recent Sunday. Police reports indicated that the man was traveling in the wrong direction on the highway. He apparently crashed into a van and another car, killing an occupant of the van. The alleged drunk driver and four other injured victims were transported to hospitals in the area.

The police reported that the wrong-way driver suffered a dislocation of his hip, along with a bone fracture in his leg and head trauma. It was also stated that he will be facing several DUI charges upon his release from the hospital. The charges include aggravated DUI causing death and aggravated DUI causing severe bodily harm.

After losing a loved one in a drunk driving accident, an Illinois family may want to hold the alleged drunk driver financially responsible for the victim’s end-of-life and other expenses. By providing proper evidence of negligence by the other party, a successful wrongful death claim may lead to monetary compensation. Similarly, injured victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses and other documented losses by filing personal injury claims.

Source: CBS Chicago, “Man Charged With DUI For Fatal Wrong-Way Crash On Eisenhower“, Jan. 14, 2015