When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking, they put everyone around them at serious risk of life-altering or even fatal harm. Victims often face severe injuries, lengthy recovery times, extended time off work, overwhelming medical bills, and significant psychological trauma. Illinois law allows you to hold the driver accountable, but doing so often requires skilled legal guidance. Our Rockford car accident attorneys are ready to help when you need them.
The dedicated drunk driving accident attorneys at Clark Frost Zucchi proudly protect the rights of Rockford residents injured by an impaired driver. We’ve recovered over $110 million on behalf of deserving clients throughout the region, and we can fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today to learn more during a free consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Rockford.
Drunk driving crashes often involve high speeds and dangerous, impaired decision-making. These factors lead to severe and sometimes catastrophic injuries, such as:
These injuries frequently require long-term care and create lasting physical and emotional challenges. We fight for compensation that accurately reflects the true impact of your injuries on your everyday life.
The law holds drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause because of their unsafe behavior. As such, a successful drunk driving accident claim can account for the physical, emotional, and financial harm the at-fault party caused. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your lawyer will likely seek compensation for the following on your behalf:
However, insurance companies often pressure drunk driving accident victims to accept quick settlements before they fully understand the extent of their injuries. Once you agree to an offer, you lose your right to seek further compensation, even if your condition worsens. Protect your right to justice — don’t sign anything without speaking to an experienced personal injury lawyer.
To recover fair compensation from the drunk driver, you will need clear proof that they are at fault for your injuries. Our lawyers can recover and review the following to establish that fault:
Evidence can become lost, altered, or destroyed if you don’t act quickly. The sooner you get help from a lawyer, the better able they will be to preserve and obtain this evidence and build the strongest case possible.
Under Illinois state law, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher violates the law. However, impairment can exist even below this limit. A driver may have violated the law if they have imbibed any alcohol sufficient to affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely. As such, you could also hold a driver who was intoxicated but had a BAC lower than 0.08% legally liable in the event that their intoxication led to your injury.
Illinois has one of the nation’s strongest dram shop laws on its books, which hold establishments that serve alcohol accountable when a customer’s intoxication leads to a collision. If a bar or restaurant served alcohol to the person who caused the crash, you may have an additional source of compensation.
The steps you take after a crash can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. To protect your rights and strengthen your legal claim, you can:
The drunk driver’s insurance provider might contact you shortly after the accident, requesting a recorded statement. They may even make it sound like a statement is required to move forward with your claim. This is an attempt to ask leading questions and get you to say things that insurers can use against you later on. Never offer recorded statements without legal advice.
Insurance companies will fight to protect their profits after a drunk driving accident, and they’re highly skilled at doing so. Adjusters often try to shift blame and minimize payouts through various tactics. A skilled personal injury lawyer can counter these tactics and fight for full compensation by:
Our attorneys understand that these incidents impact more than your finances and physical health; they’re often traumatizing experiences that leave lasting emotional scars. We offer not only skilled legal guidance, but compassion and critical support when you need it most.
Choosing a law firm to represent you can be the biggest decision you make when pursuing a drunk driving traffic accident claim. Here’s why we believe choosing the team at Clark Frost Zucchi would be an excellent choice for you:
If a drunk driving accident has turned your life upside down, the team at Clark Frost Zucchi can help you set it right. Our attorneys will fight for the sense of justice and the financial stability you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Rockford, and we can start work at no upfront cost to you.
