Drunk Driving

Drunk driving continues to be a serious national issue. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there was an alcohol-related traffic fatality every 48 seconds in 2017, with alcohol-impaired crash fatalities accounting for 29% of all crash fatalities.

Drunk driving is completely avoidable, but selfish and negligent drivers continue to put others at-risk when they get behind the wheel. When a drunk driver hits a cyclist, the results can be devastating.

At 844 See Mike, we represent clients in Illinois who have suffered personal injuries from a bicycle accident, as well as family members who have lost a loved one in a road accident caused by negligent or reckless conduct of another person. We know that when a bicycle collides with a vehicle weighing at least 2,000 pounds, the odds are not in the cyclist’s favor and the results can be tragic.

Diminished Driving Abilities

Those that choose to ride a bicycle on Illinois’ roadways are already at a distinct disadvantage because of a lack of protection from accidents and injuries. Bicycles are harder to see in general and many non-alcohol related bicycle accidents involve a driver that did not see the cyclist or didn’t see them until it was too late.

When a motor vehicle driver is drunk, their cognitive abilities are severely diminished. This not only means that cyclists will be even more difficult to see, but the driver will also have a slower reaction time, especially at night, when many drunk driving accidents occur. It is also common for drunk drivers to leave the scene of a bicycle accident as they often don’t realize they struck someone.

Drunk Driving in Illinois

In Illinois, a driver is considered drunk when their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or greater according to 625 ILCS 5/11-501. Illinois law also includes drugs and other illegal substances in its laws for drunk driving according to 625 ILCS 5/11-501(a)(3)-(6).

Drunk driving laws in Illinois carry stiff penalties in Illinois, including extensive fines, loss of license, and jail time, especially in the event of a drunk driving bicycle accident.

Drunk Driving Damages

Drunk driving accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and can leave the injured cyclist suffering physically, emotionally, and financially. Damages that you may be entitled to following a drunk driving bicycle accident include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Disability and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of normal life
• Wrongful death
• Punitive damages

Each drunk driving accident will be unique, so it is important to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine exactly what damages you or your loved one may be entitled to.

It’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a reckless or negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google.  Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.