The dangers of drunk driving are well known and cannot be understated. In fact, drunk driving takes the lives of nearly 10,000 people each year and leaves another 170,000 people injured, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. In Illinois, 335 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2012 – 35 percent of the 956 total traffic fatalities. In an effort to curb the amount of drunk driving, states are enacting stricter laws and enacting public awareness initiatives. In Illinois, the legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) is 0.08 for drivers over the age of 21, unless the driver has a commercial driver’s license in which case the BAC is 0.04. Drivers under the age of 21 and school bus drivers have a BAC of 0.00. If a driver has a BAC over the applicable BAC, has used any illegal substance, or is impaired by medication, he or she is considered to be “under the influence” and may be subject to criminal or civil penalties. As a result of its strict stance on drunk driving, Illinois was recently rated a “Five-Star State” by Mothers Against Drunk Driving – the highest possible rating from the group. “We are honored to receive this recognition from MADD” says Secretary Ann Schneider. “We have zero tolerance for drunk driving and along with law enforcement throughout the state, we work hard to put programs in place to keep our motorists safe.” Among the reasons for Illinois’ top rating are the all-offender ignition interlock law that went into effect in 2009 and the state’s sobriety checkpoints. At Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, our Chicago auto accident attorneys are committed to keeping Illinois motorists and their passengers safe. We commend the state for its efforts to curb drunk driving and hold violators responsible. In addition to criminal penalties, drunk drivers also face civil liability for any accidents, injuries, damages, or deaths that they cause. In some cases, dram shop liability may also be assessed against the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver, as well. On behalf of alcohol-related accident victims, we are committed to seeking maximum financial recovery from drunk drivers.
Contact an Illinois Auto Accident Lawyer
If you were injured or a loved one died in an alcohol-related accident, you probably have a number of questions and concerns. The Chicago auto accident attorneys Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish will listen to your situation, answer any questions that you might have, and conduct a thorough case evaluation. Contact our office at (888) 325-7299 to schedule a free consultation to discuss a possible personal injury lawsuit. Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at(800) 784-0150 or (312) 782-1386.
