Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

When you or a loved one suffers injuries from a drunk driving accident in Chicago, the emotional, physical, and financial toll can be overwhelming. This is where a Chicago drunk driving accident lawyer can help you. We provide compassionate guidance and legal support to navigate the legal complexities of your case. 

Drunk driving accidents not only cause immediate harm but can also lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you have been in an accident with an intoxicated driver, Conboy Law is here to help you. After a drunk driving car accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. Get the medical care you need. Then, contact our drunk driving accident attorney to schedule a free case consultation.

A Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Protects Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident

After a drunk driving accident, you might feel lost and unsure about your next steps. A Chicago drunk driving accident lawyer is your advocate when this happens. Their job is to make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal process. They understand Illinois law inside and out, including the legal blood alcohol limit and the nuances of filing a personal injury claim. Their knowledge and experience are vital in building a strong case on your behalf.

Drunk drivers put everyone at risk, causing car accidents that can lead to severe injuries or even fatal car accidents.

If you find yourself in a crash, it’s crucial to have a legal expert by your side. A drunk driving accident lawyer will work diligently to gather evidence, negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Their objective is to secure the best results for you, concentrating on your recovery while they manage the legal process.

How to Seek Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

Seeking compensation after a drunk driving accident involves dealing with a complex legal process. Your counsel will help you through every step, from filing a claim to engaging in settlement negotiations. They understand the importance of securing financial compensation after a drunk driving car crash. We want you to put your energy into your medical recovery. Let us handle the legal aspects of your drunk driving accident case for you.

Types of Damages Available in Drunk Driving Injury Cases

• Medical expenses. You can ask for compensation for all medical treatments related to the accident, including emergency care, surgeries, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages. You can seek compensation for the wages lost due to your inability to work following the accident. This compensation addresses the financial impact of the accident on your income and livelihood.
• Pain and suffering. You can recover financial damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. These damages acknowledge the non-financial impact on your life.
• Property damage. Compensation can cover repairs or the entire replacement of your vehicle. This can also cover personal property that might have been damaged.
• Wrongful death. Our lawyer can see if you have a valid wrongful death claim. If a family member passes away in a drunk driving crash, we can fight for justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. Driving while intoxicated is a leading cause of traffic crash fatalities.

Role of a Lawyer in Securing Fair Compensation

A drunk driving accident lawyer plays a crucial role in your accident claim. They start by thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case.

We know how to value your claim accurately, including both economic and non-economic damages. This ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Negotiating with insurance companies is often hard, but your lawyer has the experience to handle it effectively. They will fight to protect your interests, ensuring that the insurance company doesn’t undervalue your claim.

Your lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial if negotiations don’t produce a just settlement. We will do everything we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Follow Immediately After a Drunk Driving Accident

1. Call 911. Report the accident immediately. A police officer will draft a crash report, which is crucial for your claim.
2. Seek medical attention. See a doctor, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries are not immediately apparent.
3. Document the scene. Be sure to record a video or take some pictures at the crash location. These can serve as evidence for your claim.
4. Exchange information. Get contact and insurance information from the other driver. However, limit your communication to avoid saying anything that could harm your claim.
5. Contact a lawyer. Contact a Chicago drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can advise you on your next steps.
6. Notify your insurance company. Inform your insurance company about the accident. Provide the basic facts, but avoid making any statements about fault.
7. Keep a record. Document all medical treatments, missed workdays, and how the accident affects your daily life.
8. Avoid social media. Do not post about the crash on social media. These posts can be used against you in your claim.

Legal Strategies for Drunk Driving Accident Claims

• Gathering evidence. Collect detailed evidence from the crash site. This should include photos, witness statements, and the police report, which is crucial for proving the other driver’s negligence.
• Demonstrating liability. Your lawyer will work to show that the drunk driver violated their duty of care to drive safely, directly causing the accident and your injuries.
• Negotiating with insurers. Your lawyer is skilled in handling insurance companies and will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Utilizing expert testimony. Experts in fields like accident reconstruction or medical care may be used to strengthen your case and clarify the extent of your injuries and financial losses.
• Filing a lawsuit. We can help you submit a lawsuit if you do not receive a fair settlement offer. Reach out to us for professional legal representation.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Tips and Tactics

• Know the value of your claim. To negotiate effectively, you must know the full scope of your damages, including future medical care and income loss.
• Don’t accept the first offer. Insurance companies often begin with meager offers. Your lawyer will advise you on when to hold out for a better deal.
• Provide strong evidence. Presenting clear evidence of the other driver’s fault and your damages strengthens your negotiating position.
• Communicate through your lawyer. Let your lawyer handle communications to avoid mistakes that could reduce your compensation.
• Stay patient. Negotiations can take time, and having steady patience can lead to a better settlement that fully covers your needs.

Proving Liability in Drunk Driving Accident Cases

All drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely. A drunk driver fails this duty by choosing to drive under the influence, endangering everyone on the road.

When drivers drive under the influence of alcohol, this clearly breaches their duty. Your lawyer will use evidence, such as the police report and blood alcohol content, to demonstrate this breach.

Your lawyer must also establish that the drunk driver’s conduct directly caused the accident and your injuries, which involves linking the breach of duty to the crash.

Now, you must show that the accident resulted in quantifiable damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The Statute of Limitations May Impact Your Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Illinois law has a deadline for submitting a drunk driving accident claim. You have a limited amount of time after the accident to seek compensation. It is usually two years, starting from the date of the accident. Reach out to us quickly to ensure you don’t miss this deadline.

Addressing Common Concerns in Drunk Driving Accident Claims

Many victims worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer or whether they can win their case. Most drunk-driving crash attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay unless you win. They are confident in their ability to secure compensation for you.

Another common concern is dealing with the insurance company. Your lawyer will handle all communications, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting a lowball offer.

Some victims are also anxious about the possibility of going to court. While most claims are settled out of court, your attorney will prepare for trial if necessary. This puts you in a stronger negotiating position and shows the insurance company that you’re serious about getting fair compensation.

Dealing With Partial Fault in Drunk Driving Accidents

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, under which you can still be eligible for compensation if you’re partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible.

However, your percentage of fault will lower your settlement amount. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault and your damages total $50,000, you would receive $10,000. Your lawyer will work to minimize any fault attributed to you, maximizing your compensation.

Understanding this rule is important because the insurance company may try to claim you share a larger portion of the fault to reduce their payout. Your lawyer will counter these tactics by presenting evidence showing the drunk driver’s liability.

Protecting Yourself Against Uninsured Drunk Drivers

If the drunk driver lacks insurance, you might worry about how you’ll cover your damages. Illinois law requires drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage. This part of your insurance policy can compensate for car accidents caused by uninsured drivers. Your attorney will help you file a claim with the insurer and negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Even with uninsured motorist coverage, dealing with your insurance company can be challenging. They may attempt to minimize your claim. Having a lawyer represent you ensures that you have the best chance of receiving the full compensation you’re entitled to. Your lawyer will handle the negotiations, leveraging their expertise to advocate on your behalf.

How We Fight for You After a Drunk Driving Accident in Chicago

• Personalized attention: We begin by listening to your story, understanding the accident’s impact on your life, and tailoring our approach to meet your needs.
• Thorough investigation: Our team conducts a detailed investigation of the accident, collecting all necessary evidence to build a strong case against the intoxicated driver.
• Expert negotiations: We leverage our experience and negotiation skills to deal with insurance companies, aiming to secure the maximum compensation for your damages.
• Legal expertise: Our knowledge of Illinois law and drunk driving cases enables us to navigate the legal system efficiently, ensuring your claim complies with all legal requirements.
• Courtroom readiness: We can take your case to trial if we do not get a fair settlement offer. We strongly advocate on your behalf to achieve justice.

FAQs on Drunk Driving Accidents

Call Conboy Law’s Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving crash, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Conboy Law is here for you, and we offer a free consultation.

Our seasoned Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers understand your challenges and are ready to advocate for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.