Understanding DUI Accidents
DUI accidents are car crashes that happen when a driver is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Drunk driving is a hazardous behavior that causes injuries, fatalities, and traffic crashes. Alcohol and drug abuse have a detrimental effect on the cognitive abilities needed for safe driving. Reduced inhibitions, impaired judgment, sluggish reflexes, and poor coordination are all consequences of intoxication. Due to these consequences, drunk drivers find it hard to maintain control over their cars, recognize potential hazards, and prevent collisions.
These crashes sometimes result in serious injuries or fatalities, mainly when there are contributing factors such as high speeds and not wearing seat belts. Improving road safety requires an understanding of the dangers associated with DUI. Reducing the outcome involves a combination of education, enforcement, and prevention measures. Knowing how drunk driving affects essential driving abilities allows drivers to make decisions that will keep the roads safe.
Shocking DUI Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle incidents involving drunk drivers claim the lives of about 30 people in the United States each day. This causes approximately 1/3 of all drunk driving deaths per year. National self-report survey data, however, indicates that the percentage of intoxicated drivers on the road is much lower than the number of arrests for this offense.
In Illinois, drink and driving statistics show that alcohol-related car accidents claimed 330 lives in 2021. This caused about 25% of the 1,334 collision fatalities in the state. 21,735 DUI arrests were reported to the Secretary of State's office in 2021. Due to their arrests, most drivers were deprived of their driving rights. About 80% of drunk drivers involved in fatal collisions are men. Women made up 26% of the people who were detained. The highest rate of DUI arrests occurred among males between the ages of 25 and 34.
In the United States, there is an estimated 1.5 million statistics for drunk driving, showing data for drivers arrested yearly for operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drunk driving crashes result in annual economic costs of about $44 billion when including medical expenses and property damage. For individuals 21 years and older, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Illinois and the rest of the nation is 0.08. It is 0.04% for commercial drivers. Even if a driver's BAC is less than 0.08, they may still be charged with DUI if there is proof of intoxication.
These concerning drunk driving deaths a year figures show that despite laws, enforcement, and public awareness programs, drunk driving continues to be a hazard to road safety. Sustained efforts are essential to reduce further incidences of driving while intoxicated.
Legal Consequences of DUI Accidents in Illinois
Before receiving a penalty, an offender must finish a licensed provider's assessment of their drug and alcohol usage and driving habits. Based on the evaluation's findings, the provider will recommend a risk rating to the court and the secretary of state. The risk categories (minimum, moderate, considerable, and high) determine how much treatment or education should be prescribed for the individual. Certain fines are administered by the Illinois Secretary of State's office and the Department of Motor Vehicles, not the court.
If you were in a major personal injury crash, you could face the following penalties:
- A minimum 2-year driving ban
- Fines up to $25,000
- Imprisonment for 1 to 12 years;
- Class 4 felony on your record.
When there are fatalities or serious injuries, the penalties are harsher. If there was a fatality in your crash, you run the following risk:
- Up to a $25,000 fine
- 3 to 28 years in jail
- A Class 2 felony in your criminal record
Other legal consequences for Illinois drivers involved in DUI accidents include:
- License Suspension: Those found guilty can face a minimum 12-month license suspension. An accident may result in a two-year license suspension. Refusing to submit to drug testing carries a six-month suspension.
- Victim Restitution: Drivers may be required to pay for any accident-related losses, including medical expenses and property damage. This may involve continuing expenses such as long-term care.
- Ignition Interlock: Installation of an ignition interlock device will be required for a set amount of time, usually between 1 and 5 years. Installment and monthly fees are the responsibility of the offender.
A lawyer can advise and represent you in court if charges are filed. An experienced DUI accident lawyer will seek to strengthen your defense, negotiate with the prosecutors, and lessen the severity of the penalties. Conviction has long-term effects on the offender's finances, liberty, and movement.
Compensation for Victims of DUI Accidents
Injured victims in Illinois may be eligible for some compensation. Losses, such as lost wages or medical expenditures, can be compensated. Without a skilled drunk driver lawyer, you risk paying an injury settlement far more than the claim's worth. Victims can obtain several forms of compensation for their losses and damages by filing insurance claims or civil lawsuits. This compensation can involve the following:
- Special damages
These are quantifiable monetary losses from drunk car accidents, including medical expenses, property damage, funeral costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- General damages
These are a subjective measure intended to make up for non-economic suffering such as agony, mental distress, loss of consortium or companionship, irreversible disability, or disfigurement.
- Punitive Damages
In rare cases, judges may impose punitive damages as a form of punishment for the drunk driver's terrible, careless actions. They have no restrictions and serve as a deterrence.
DUI accident victims can get assistance from a drunk driver accident lawyer, such as Sergei Kuchinski. If a settlement offer is unacceptable, we can negotiate with insurance companies and take legal action. Victims who receive maximum legal compensation can financially recover.
Dealing with Insurance After a DUI Accident
Most of the time, DUI accidents are covered by car insurance policies. Your state's regulations, the insurance provider, and your coverage levels will all influence how much your policy will cover and how much the DUI accident will cost you.
The following advice can help you deal with insurance companies following a drunk driving accident:
- Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can. Give any pertinent information, and cooperate when responding to inquiries.
- Before speaking or writing down any statements on liability, always get legal advice from hit by drunk driver lawyer. Your injury claim may be impacted by what you say.
- Consult a knowledgeable drunk driver accident lawyer before speaking with any insurance agent directly. The Kuchinski Law Group attorney can handle negotiations.
- Maintain detailed records of all correspondence, papers, invoices, and expenses associated with the incident.
Before accepting any settlement offer, have your lawyer carefully evaluate it. Make sure all present and prospective accident-related expenses are covered.
Why Choose Kuchinski Law Group for Your DUI Accident Case
Clients can expect expert lawyers at Kuchinski Law Group who will use extensive resources and experience in DUI accidents to fight for their rights. A results-oriented approach combined with individualized care makes recovery possible. Our efforts are unmatched on behalf of our clients; we provide each client with a personalized, caring approach to keep them updated at every stage.
A lawyer has more time to develop a strong defense in your favor the sooner they can take on your case. DUIs are crimes for which you need aggressive, knowledgeable, and experienced legal counsel. Due to the severe penalties enforced following a conviction, leading a regular life and moving behind your past may be challenging.
Contact us for a consultation!
Our experienced attorney, Sergei Kuchinski is here to help you obtain the maximum defense you deserve if you are impaired and were involved in an accident that resulted in injuries to bystanders.
Contact Kuchinski Law Group's accident injury lawyer to handle your case. For a consultation and case evaluation, call +1312-765-7365. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is here to help you obtain the maximum defense you deserve.
