Champaign County Hit by Drunk Driver Lawyer
All motorists are aware that drinking and driving is illegal, but many still do it anyway. While statistics show that these drunk driving accidents are decreasing, the truth is that they should not be happening at all.
Alcohol greatly affects the body, making driving more difficult. This results in serious car accidents that not only affect the driver, but any passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. These crashes can cause significant injuries and even death.
Have you or a loved one been a victim? If so, seek legal help right away to protect your legal rights. Even if the drunk driver faces criminal charges, you can file a civil lawsuit against them as well for damages. Learn more by contacting a Champaign County hit by drunk driver lawyer from Patel Law, PC today.
Who Can Be Liable?
In a drunk driving accident, typically the driver is liable. Under Illinois law, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08. Once a driver reaches that number or higher, they can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). So can any driver under age 21 who has alcohol in their system. However, a driver with a BAC under 0.08 can still be held liable for any damages if their intoxication causes injuries or death.
However, liability is not limited solely to the driver. Under Illinois’s dram shop law, you may also be able to sue the bar, restaurant, or store that served alcohol to the driver who was drunk and caused your crash. Financial recovery is limited, though, and you would need to file your claim within one year from the date of the accident.
In some cases, social host liability may apply. This means you may also be able to sue anyone who provides alcohol to the driver who caused your car crash.
Another thing to consider is what the drunk driver was doing at the time of the crash. If they were working, then the driver’s employer could also be held liable for your injuries.
Effects of Alcohol Use
Driving greatly affects the following parts of the body:
- Brain. Alcohol can make it harder to think clearly. It also affects mood and behavior.
- Heart. Alcohol can affect the heart, causing irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and strokes.
- Liver. Heavy drinking can affect the liver, causing hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
- Pancreas. Drinking can cause inflammation and swelling in the liver, known as pancreatitis.
- Immune system. Drinking alcohol affects the immune system, making it easier to get sick with infections and pneumonia.
Contact Patel Law, PC Today
Drunk driving is not a funny situation. Many motorists think they are fine to drive while intoxicated, but they end up getting into major crashes that injure or kill innocent lives.
Drunk driving is a careless act. At Patel Law, PC, we don’t tolerate this reckless behavior. Our aggressive Champaign County hit by drunk driver lawyer can help you seek compensation and justice. To schedule a consultation, call (217) 384-1111 or fill out our online form.
