Why Choose Walner Law for Your Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Claim
After a drunk driving accident, you need an advocate you can trust, someone who will prioritize your well-being and future. At Walner Law, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding legal representation with heart. Here’s why Chicago residents have relied on our firm for more than 60 years to handle their toughest cases:
Proven Results
We don’t just talk about winning cases — we have the results to prove it. From securing multimillion-dollar settlements in catastrophic injury cases to holding negligent parties accountable, our legal team has consistently delivered justice for victims in Chicago.- A Personalized Approach
At Walner Law, you’re not just a case number. You’re a person with unique needs, concerns, and worries. That’s why we take the time to listen to your story, understand how the accident has affected your life, and develop a customized strategy tailored to your case.
- Compassionate Advocacy
We know how emotionally and physically draining it can be to cope with injuries caused by a drunk driver. You’ll have a dedicated attorney who will treat you with care and respect while fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
- A Community Focus
We are deeply connected to the neighborhoods we serve. Whether you live in Roseland, Garfield Park, Chatham, or Austin, you can trust that our firm knows how to represent the unique interests of Chicagoans facing personal injury battles.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Walner Law to learn how our Chicago drunk driving accident lawyer can help you take back control of your life.
Criminal DUI/DWI Charges vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you may wonder how the legal process works. Specifically, you might hear about criminal charges like DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and wonder how they relate to your situation. Here’s what you need to know:
- Criminal DUI/DWI Charges
When the at-fault driver is arrested for driving under the influence, they will typically face criminal charges brought by the state of Illinois. These proceedings are designed to punish the offender for breaking the law. Penalties may include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time. However, these criminal cases do not address your personal losses or provide compensation for your injuries.
- Personal Injury Lawsuits
A personal injury lawsuit is a separate legal process that allows you, the victim, to seek financial compensation for the harm you’ve suffered due to the drunk driver’s negligence. Through this civil action, you can pursue damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
While a DUI/DWI conviction can strengthen your personal injury case, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to wait for the criminal case to conclude before pursuing your claim. At Walner Law, our team will handle the complexities of your case, ensuring that your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
When you’ve been hurt in a drunk driving accident, you might be eager to settle quickly and move on with your life. Insurance companies know this and will likely swoop in with a fast, lowball offer. But here’s the truth: the first offer is rarely in your best interest.
Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line. They may downplay the extent of your injuries or offer a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your medical expenses, lost earnings, or other damages. Accepting a low settlement can leave you struggling financially in the long term when additional medical needs or costs arise.
At Walner Law, we are skilled negotiators who know how to combat the common tactics used by insurance companies. Our drunk driving accident attorney in Chicago will thoroughly assess the value of your claim, considering not only your immediate needs but also the long-term impact of your injuries on your life. We’ll fight aggressively to ensure you receive the maximum compensation and won’t settle for less than you deserve.
Before you accept any offer from the insurance company, speak with our legal team. A quick consultation can prevent you from signing away your rights to fair compensation.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?
When pursuing a drunk driving accident claim, it’s essential to identify all potentially responsible parties. While the drunk driver is typically the primary party at fault, other individuals or entities may also bear liability for your injuries.
- The Drunk Driver
The person who chose to drive while intoxicated is usually the central figure in these claims. They made the reckless decision to get behind the wheel, putting innocent lives at risk.
- Dram Shop Liability
Under Illinois’ dram shop laws, alcohol-serving establishments (like bars, restaurants, or clubs) can be held responsible if they served alcohol to the driver who caused the crash. If a bar over-served a visibly intoxicated patron who then caused an accident, the injured victim might have a valid claim against that establishment.
- Social Host Liability
Social hosts who serve alcohol at private gatherings could also be held accountable under specific circumstances, such as providing alcohol to minors.
- Vehicle Owners
If the drunk driver was operating someone else’s vehicle, the owner of the car might share liability, particularly if they lent the car to someone they knew was unfit to drive.
At Walner Law, we’ll leave no stone unturned when investigating your case. Our legal team will thoroughly examine every detail to ensure all liable parties are identified and held accountable. This diligence can significantly impact your ability to recover the full compensation you need and deserve.
What Compensation is Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Chicago, IL?
When you or a loved one has been harmed by the reckless actions of a drunk driver, the impact on your life goes far beyond financial losses. The emotional toll, physical recovery, and changes to your daily life are often more daunting than words can describe. Seeking compensation isn’t only about recovering money; it’s about holding the responsible parties accountable and pursuing justice on behalf of those whose lives have been forever changed.
At Walner Law, we understand the true meaning behind your fight for justice. While financial compensation cannot undo the harm done, it can ease the burden of medical expenses, replace lost income, and offer some measure of comfort during a difficult time. Here are the types of damages you may be able to recover in a drunk driving accident case:
- Medical Bills
Drunk driving accidents often lead to serious injuries requiring expensive treatments such as surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and long-term care. Compensation can cover both your current and future medical expenses.
- Lost Income and Earning Ability
If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to recover damages to replace your lost income. For those unable to return to the same line of work, we can also help pursue compensation for lost earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering
The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident can be included in your claim. This is meant to address the deep impact the crash has had on your quality of life.
- Property Damage
If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the crash, you can seek reimbursement for repairs or replacement costs.
- Wrongful Death Damages
Tragically, some drunk driving accidents result in the loss of a loved one. If you’ve experienced this kind of heartbreak, no amount of money can replace what was taken from you. However, wrongful death claims allow families to seek justice by holding the at-fault party accountable while alleviating the financial strain caused by funeral expenses, loss of future income, and the emotional support your loved one provided.
Compensation is not just about dollars and cents; it’s a way to honor what you’ve been through and to fight for the brighter future you and your family deserve. At Walner Law, our Chicago drunk driving accident attorney will fiercely advocate to secure maximum compensation so you can start building that future.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit?
Every personal injury case is bound by a legal deadline called the statute of limitations, which determines how much time you have to file a lawsuit. For drunk driving accident claims in Illinois, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident.
While two years might seem like plenty of time, waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover damages. Evidence can fade, witnesses may become harder to locate, and valuable opportunities to strengthen your case might be lost as time goes on.
There’s an exception for wrongful death claims arising from a drunk driving accident. If you’ve lost a loved one, the two-year countdown usually begins on the date they passed away, rather than the accident date.
It’s crucial to act quickly so that your case can move forward without unnecessary delays or risks. The sooner you contact Walner Law, the more time our attorneys will have to gather evidence, build your claim, and pursue justice on your behalf.
How Can a Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Help with My Case?
After a drunk driving accident, navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. That’s where a dedicated Chicago drunk driving accident attorney can make all the difference. By choosing Walner Law, you gain a trusted advocate who will stand with you from start to finish. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating Your Case
Building a strong case begins with a detailed investigation. Our team will gather crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and even surveillance footage if available. We’ll leave no stone unturned to ensure every responsible party is identified.
- Proving Liability and Negligence
Establishing fault is a critical aspect of any personal injury case. We’ll work to demonstrate that the drunk driver’s reckless actions directly caused your injury and will use expert testimony when necessary to support your claim.
- Calculating Your Damages
Properly assessing the full extent of your damages is key to obtaining a fair settlement. From calculating medical costs and lost earnings to assigning value to pain and suffering, our attorneys ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies often means facing aggressive tactics designed to minimize or deny your claim. At Walner Law, we know how to counteract these strategies. We negotiate firmly and effectively to secure the maximum compensation for you.
- Representing You in Court
While many cases settle out of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our attorneys have extensive litigation experience, and we’ll fight tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard.
- Providing Compassionate Support
Beyond legal support, we’re here to be your ally during a challenging time. We understand the emotional difficulties you may be experiencing and are committed to treating you with the care and respect you deserve.
Remember, we are more than just your legal team; we are your partners in the pursuit of justice. Trust us to handle the complexities of your case while you focus on recovering and rebuilding.
Contact Our Trusted Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Today
A drunk driving accident changes lives in an instant. But with the right legal representation, you can take back control and begin to move forward. At Walner Law, our compassionate Chicago personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process and fight fiercely for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need. Contact our trusted Chicago drunk driving accident attorneys today at (312) 410-8496 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, provide thoughtful guidance, and help you take the first step toward reclaiming your future.
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