Kane County DUI Accident Attorneys

Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyers Serving South Elgin, Illinois

When the blood alcohol content (BAC) of a driver reaches .04, the risk of involvement in a car accident begins to increase. At a BAC of .08, the legal threshold, drunk drivers are more than 10 times more likely to die in a crash than non-drinkers. While drunk driving is an ongoing safety issue, in recent years, the prevalence of distracted driving has increased, leading to significant safety concerns. Driving distractions may include mobile devices, grooming, eating, reading, and other activities.

When you have been the victim of a drunk driving or distracted driving accident, it is important to contact a skilled and caring personal injury attorney. At Ariano Hardy Ritt Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C., we have been assisting clients throughout the Fox River Valley area with personal injury claims for over three decades. We can help injury victims take steps to hold drunk or distracted drivers responsible for the injuries they have suffered.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Illinois

It is illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For alcohol, the legal limit is .08 BAC. To be deemed under the influence of cannabis (marijuana), a person's blood concentration must be 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter or 10 nanograms per milliliter of urine. This law applies regardless of whether cannabis was medically prescribed or used recreationally.

Distracted Driving Laws in Illinois

Distractions behind the wheel can significantly increase the risks of accidents. When a person looks away from the road to check their phone or engage in other activities, they may fail to notice important details, such as a car that has slowed down in front of them or a pedestrian who has entered a crosswalk. Illinois has implemented laws meant to prevent distracted driving, including provisions such as:

• Texting while driving is prohibited, and phone conversations must be done using a "hands-free" option.
• All mobile device usage is prohibited in construction and school zones.
• Drivers under the age of 19 are not permitted to use any devices while driving, including making phone calls using hands-free technology.
• Violators of the law face fines starting at $75 for a first offense and increasing dramatically for subsequent offenses.
• If a violation causes serious bodily injury, a driver may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. In cases resulting in death, a person may be charged with a Class 4 felony.

Recovering Compensation for a Drunk Driving or Distracted Driving Accident

If you or a loved one were injured by a drunk or distracted driver, you need to secure representation from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can take steps to protect your rights and secure any evidence that will help your case. Depending on the insurance policy of the driver who caused the accident, the insurance company may or may not pay for your damages and injuries. As an accident victim, remember that no matter how nice an insurance company may seem, they are not on your side. Their only goal is to limit the amount of money they have to pay you.

In some cases, additional avenues may be available for obtaining compensation. An employer of a driver involved in a DUI or distracted driving accident might be liable if the person was conducting work-related activity at the time. Under the Dram Shop Act, establishments such as bars or restaurants that served a driver an excessive amount of alcohol may be found liable for damages if the driver injured or killed someone while intoxicated. Adults who provide alcohol to minors may also face civil liability for accidents that result from a minor's intoxication.

Contact Our Kane County DUI and Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

For victims of auto accidents, legal representation is crucial. Your lawyer can investigate the facts of the case, determine if Dram Shop laws were violated or if a driver was distracted, and pursue uninsured motorist claims when applicable. Your attorney will take steps to hold violators accountable for their actions.

For over three decades, the attorneys at Ariano Hardy Ritt Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. have defended the rights of people injured on Illinois roads as a result of negligence. We will provide you with a free consultation to review your case, and we will work to ensure that you will be fully compensated for the injuries and damages you have suffered because of the actions of a drunk or distracted driver. Contact our South Elgin distracted driving and DUI accident attorneys today by calling 847-695-2400.