A popular Chicago skateboarder died recently from injuries he suffered in a hit-and-run accident. The man was skateboarding in the bicycle lane when he was struck by a car. The driver of the car continued driving but was tracked down later by police. When arrested by police, the driver reportedly had a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit. The victim was taken to the hospital but died a week later from his injuries.
Those who are the unfortunate victims of a drunk driving accident are often left with both serious injuries and financially difficulties. Even more unfortunate are those accidents, like this one, that result in fatalities.
All too often, accidents are caused when someone gets behind the wheel of a car after having too many alcoholic drinks. Such accidents can be devastating to the victims. The victim could suffer serious injuries that result in expensive medical bills. The victim could be injured so severely by the accident that they are never able to fully recover. Death may also result.
While drunk drivers in vehicle accidents may face criminal charges, they can also be subject to civil lawsuits from the victims or the victim’s family members. The victim may choose to sue the driver in an effort to recover compensation to cover medical expenses and pain and suffering. If the victim chooses to sue the driver, he or she will have to show that the driver was negligent in their operation of the vehicle and that negligence caused the accident and the victim’s injuries. Often in drunk driving cases, the victim is able to use the police report and the test results indicating that the driver was intoxicated as proof of negligence.
Victims of drunk driving accidents often face a long and difficult road to recovery. With the help of an experienced attorney, however, they may be able to recover lost expenses.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Man dies week after being hit by car while skateboarding,” Dawn Rhodes, Oct. 27, 2012
