Arlington Heights Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most reckless actions a person can take when behind the wheel. Intoxicated drivers endanger everyone on the road, and when their poor judgment leads to a crash, the results can be devastating. Victims of these accidents may suffer catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship, all because another person chose to drive while impaired.

The team at Schwartz Injury Law works to protect the rights of people who have been injured by drunk drivers. We will take steps to establish liability and help victims recover compensation from negligent drivers or other liable parties. We work to ensure that victims will receive the financial resources they need to recover and hold impaired drivers accountable for their negligent actions.

The Dangers of Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs can affect people in multiple ways. Even small amounts of these substances can have an impact on a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. The effects of intoxication may include:

• Slowed Reaction Time: Intoxicated drivers will take longer to act in response to conditions on the road. They may be unable to brake or steer quickly enough to avoid a hazard.
• Impaired Judgment: Alcohol and drugs can reduce a driver's ability to assess risks and make sound decisions. Intoxicated drivers will be more likely to engage in unsafe behaviors like speeding or running red lights.
• Blurred Vision and Reduced Coordination: Substance use can make it difficult for drivers to see clearly, stay in their lane, and maintain control of their vehicle.
• Drowsiness or Loss of Consciousness: Certain drugs, such as opioids, sedatives, or marijuana, can cause extreme fatigue, or they may even cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel.

These impairments greatly increase the likelihood of collisions, including high-speed crashes, head-on collisions, and pedestrian accidents. Victims may sustain severe injuries such as paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or internal organ damage.

Legal Help for Victims of Impaired Driving

Drivers who cause accidents due to intoxication can be held financially responsible for the harm they have inflicted on victims. At Schwartz Injury Law, we work to protect the rights of drunk driving victims by:

• Investigating Crashes: We will review police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements to establish that the at-fault driver was impaired.
• Securing Additional Evidence: We may take steps to obtain surveillance footage, bar receipts, or toxicology reports to demonstrate the driver's intoxication at the time of the collision.
• Calculating Damages: We will make sure the compensation a victim can receive will fully account for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses they have suffered.

In cases where a drunk or drugged driver has little or no insurance coverage, our attorney can help victims explore other options for obtaining, such as claims under their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.