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St. Patrick’s Day is One of the Most Dangerous Days on the Road Due to Drunk Drivers

 Posted on February 28, 2020 in Drunk Driving Accidents

st-patricks-day-drunk-driving-dangers.jpgIn just over two weeks, thousands of Illinois residents will flock to pubs and bars to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately, some of these revelers will inevitably choose to drive home under the influence of alcohol. Because St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drinking days of the year in many communities, it is also one of the most dangerous days to be on the road. Sadly, it is estimated that a person loses his or her life in an alcohol-related car accident every 37 minutes on St. Patrick’s Day and countless more are injured. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds St. Patrick’s Day partiers to arrange for a designated driver, taxi, rideshare, or other safe means of transportation if they plan on drinking.

Personal Injury Claims Against a Drunk Driver

People involved in drunk driving accidents may suffer broken bones, spine and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and more. These injuries can leave a person with enormous hospital bills and ongoing medical costs. The injured person may even be permanently disabled and never regain the quality of life he or she had before the accident. When a drunk driver causes an accident and someone is hurt or killed, a personal injury claim may help the injured person or surviving loved ones collect compensation for their damages. Civil claims for damages can be brought in concurrence with criminal DUI charges.

Dram Shop Liability Laws in Illinois

Illinois law also allows a person hurt in a drunk driving accident to pursue a claim against the bar or other establishment that served the drunk driver alcohol. Successful dram shop liability claims can be difficult to achieve, but they are possible. Four main conditions must be present in order for an injured person to receive compensation through a dram shop claim:

  • The bar or restaurant sold alcohol to the drunk driver.
  • The alcohol sold to the drunk driver caused or materially contributed to the driver’s intoxication.
  • There is evidence that the alcohol sale caused the state of intoxication.
  • The intoxication was the proximate cause of the victim’s damages.

Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer

Drunk drivers put the lives of motorists, passengers, and pedestrians in danger. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver, a personal injury claim may help you collect compensation and hold the responsible party accountable for the damage they have caused. Call Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. at 847-662-3303 today and schedule a free consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney to learn more.

 

Sources:

https://wallethub.com/blog/st-patricks-day-facts/10960/

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/150.00.pdf

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