Attorneys Represent Victims of DUI Accidents In Wheaton and Surrounding Areas

When a person who has been drinking gets behind the wheel, he or she places himself and others on the road in serious danger. Each year, more than 10,000 people are killed in traffic accidents linked to drunk driving. This number does not include the many thousands more who are injured annually. At Walsh, Knippen & Cetina, Chartered, we understand the difficulties you may be facing if you have been injured by a drunk driver and we are prepared to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Negligence in Illinois Drunk Driving Accidents

The first stage of any personal injury case—including an auto accident—is determining which party was or parties were responsible for the situation that led to the injuries in question. In a traffic accident, this is usually referred to as “fault,” and fault is usually established by identifying negligence. Proving negligence can be challenging, but when an accident involves a drunk driver, things often become much easier.

The legal system in Illinois recognizes a doctrine called “negligence per se.” Negligence per se is a presumption of negligence that is permitted in very specific situations—namely, that the party in question violated a safety law, statute, or ordinance and that violation directly caused the victim’s injury. In other words, if a person broke a safety law and caused an accident by breaking the law, he or she is presumed to have been negligent.

This principle is especially useful in drunk driving accident claims, especially if the intoxicated driver was found guilty of driving under the influence (“DUI”). While it is possible for a defendant to overcome the presumption of negligence, doing so is often difficult.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve

Proving liability for a drunk driving accident is only the first step toward collecting damages. You must also be able to prove the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life. At Walsh, Knippen & Cetina, Chartered, our skilled attorneys can help you maintain an accurate reporting of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses. We will also work with you in building a case for compensation for disability, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and punitive damages.

The experienced lawyers at our firm realize that even after the issue of liability has been settled, insurance companies may still stall and attempt to minimize payouts. They may question the severity of your injuries or your prognosis for recovery. However, we will not be fooled or intimidated into accepting a settlement that fails to meet your needs. We will continue to advocate on your behalf until you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled under the law.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact our office. We will review your case and work with you in exploring your available options. Call 630-462-1980 for a free consultation today. There are no upfront fees, and you only pay if you recover damages.