Living in Chicago has its perks. If you enjoy a diverse restaurant scene, festival lineup, and culture, there are few places better than The Windy City. But if a night out on the town leaves you in a vulnerable situation, you might need a local attorney to help you navigate the aftermath of a drunk driving car accident. When that happens, turn to our Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers at Hale & Monico for assistance.
Assessing Your Damages After a Car Accident
Getting involved in a car accident is unsettling enough. When the accident is caused by a drunk driver, the situation becomes even scarier and more complicated. Fortunately, the attorneys at Hale & Monico will assess the situation and help you carefully weigh your options.
Of course, the first thing you should do is seek medical care for any injuries you or any other victims have sustained. From there, take stock of other damages you sustained in the accident. If the driver at fault carries insurance, you should be able to make a claim for those damages.
If the driver is uninsured or has insufficient insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance policy. All drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage for this very reason.
In any case, you will need a lawyer to help you navigate the system. That way, you can ensure that you receive full coverage for the damages you sustained in the accident. Whether those damages include medical bills, car repair fees, time away from work, or pain and suffering, our lawyers can help you get what you deserve.
In some cases, it may be possible to sue for punitive damages. If the driver’s actions were especially egregious or reckless, punitive damages could secure you additional compensation.
Considering a Settlement
Drunk driving accidents are particularly stressful, so you may be tempted to accept the first settlement offer that comes your way. With Hale & Monico on your side, you will have the support you need to carefully consider any settlement offers and avoid rash decisions.
Keep in mind that the earliest offers are usually far less than the situation warrants. If you are willing to take your time and discuss the facts of the case with an attorney, you can avoid settling for less than you deserve.
Our experienced team at Hale & Monico can discuss the situation and the details of the accident. From there, we can determine whether a basic insurance settlement is an acceptable outcome to your situation. If the settlement is unacceptable, we will help you navigate the next legal steps that are available to you.
Some settlements go for as low as a few thousand dollars. Others are awarded at amounts surpassing $100,000. The final amount of your claim will depend on a range of factors, including the severity of the car accident, your damages, and your injuries. If you are entitled to a substantial sum, our lawyers will help you fight for it.
Understanding Illinois Law
Illinois has a Dram Shop Law, which means that you may also pursue compensation from the establishment that over-served the driver. Essentially, the law states that bartenders and waiters are responsible for “cutting off” any patrons who show obvious signs of intoxication.
To pursue compensation under the Dram Shop Law, you must be able to prove that the following scenarios took place:
- The establishment in question served alcohol to the driver
- The alcohol contributed to or caused the driver’s intoxication
- This intoxication led to the driver causing the accident that led to your damages
If you want to successfully pursue this kind of claim, there are some important steps to take in the immediate aftermath of your accident.
Namely, you should get the name and information of any involved persons. Also, you should take as many pictures and videos of the scene as possible. And, don’t forget to document your visits with a doctor should you experience any injuries.
Take any evidence you have to your consultation with our attorneys. We will help you determine what is important and help you chase down any leads that can further support your case.
Contact Hale & Monico After a Drunk Driving Car Accident in Chicago
Not every drunk driving accident is the same. However, whether your injuries were mild or severe, you deserve to be compensated for the damages and trauma you sustained. This is where Hale & Monico steps in. Our personal injury attorneys are skilled at negotiating both in and out of the courtroom.
We have a long record of successful claims and settlements that we have won for our clients. If you are ready to take this chaotic and overwhelming situation into your own hands, contact us today. We offer free consultations in Chicago, IL, and will be happy to help you weigh your options and move forward with a detailed plan.