Everyone knows that drunk driving is dangerous. Education about the dangers of drunk driving often begins well before a child is even old enough to obtain a learner’s permit. Unfortunately, some people believe that they will be the exception – the drunk driver who makes it safely to their destination. When they are wrong, the consequences to others can be devastating. Drunk drivers are highly unpredictable. Other drivers may not realize that a driver they are sharing the road with is intoxicated until it is too late to get away from them and prevent an accident. On top of being held criminally liable for a DUI with injury, the drunk driver can also be held civilly liable for the financial costs and other damages they have caused to others.
Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC takes drunk driving accidents very seriously. We understand the severity of the harm that a drunk or drugged driver can cause, and we will do everything in our power to see you fully compensated for each type of damage you have suffered. We may be able to help you recover costs like medical expenses in addition to lost wages and noneconomic damages, including psychological trauma. Our goal is to hold the drunk driver accountable and ensure that your needs are met.
While a majority of intoxicated drivers are under the influence of alcohol, drivers who are high on another substance also present an enormous risk. Now that cannabis is legal and easily accessible in Illinois, there is an increased likelihood of people driving while under the influence of THC. Illicit and prescription drugs such as methamphetamines or pain medicines can impair a driver’s ability to operate safely. An investigation may be required to determine whether a driver had used drugs before driving.
Alcohol and other intoxicants can reduce a driver’s reaction time or put them into a hypnotic state in which they are less aware of what is going on around them. Intoxicated drivers can cause serious car accidents because they make such unpredictable and often illegal movements. Drunk drivers frequently cause rear-end collisions because they fail to notice traffic ahead of them slowing down or stopping, and they may not be able to react in time to brake.
The dangers can increase if the drunk or high driver is operating a commercial truck. It is not unheard of for a truck driver to enjoy alcoholic beverages while on break before returning to work. Commercial drivers may also be under the influence of prescription medications, or they may use stimulants to stay awake, which can affect their ability to drive safely. Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries are not uncommon in commercial truck accidents.
Intoxicated drivers also pose an immense risk to bicyclists and pedestrians. Drunk drivers are often barely aware of other similarly-sized vehicles, and they may not notice people walking or riding bicycles.
