**Drunk driving claims in Illinois hold impaired drivers liable for all injuries and damages they cause.** Intoxication automatically constitutes negligence, and you can recover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages apply in cases of willful and wanton conduct. Home » Blog » Complete Guide to Drunk …

A drunk driver’s liability insurance still pays for damages they cause, but a DUI conviction can also support punitive damages claims in Illinois—you may recover not just compensatory damages but additional punishment money. The drunk driver remains liable regardless of criminal consequences. One of the most common questions after a …

Social hosts (people who serve alcohol at their home) can be held liable in Illinois if a guest becomes intoxicated, leaves, and causes a drunk driving accident—though this liability is narrow and the bar’s liability (dram shop) is typically higher. Proof of the social host’s negligence is required. When a …

Passengers injured by a drunk driver can sue the driver directly for damages and may also file claims against the bar (dram shop liability) or social host if they illegally served the driver alcohol. Your recovery is not affected by being a passenger. If you were a passenger in a …

A DUI conviction significantly strengthens your civil injury claim by establishing the driver’s negligence, and it may support punitive damages—a separate award to punish reckless conduct. The conviction is admissible evidence in your civil case even though it’s from a criminal proceeding. If you were injured by a drunk driver …