Skip to Content
Schedule a Consultation 309-673-0069
Schedule a Consultation 309-673-0069

Peoria Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Representing Clients After A DUI Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, a Peoria drunk driving accident attorney at Parker & Parker can help you determine and exercise your legal rights. DUI accidents can cause serious injuries and even death to drivers and passengers in other vehicles. After an accident, you have the right to hold the driver accountable and pursue compensation. Call today for a free consultation to learn more about how a drunk driving accident attorney can help you.

What is Considered a DUI in Illinois?

“Driving Under the Influence” is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired

by alcohol, other drugs, including cannabis (marijuana) prescribed for medical purposes, or intoxicating compounds and methamphetamine. In Illinois, drivers are legally considered to be under the influence if they: (1) have a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more; (2) have a tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis) concentration (THC) of either 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of whole blood or 10 nanograms or more per milliliter of other bodily substance; (3) have used any other controlled substance; or (4) are impaired by medication.

The Effects of BAC on Driving

To better understand Illinois’ laws against DUI, it is important to understand how BAC can affect drivers. When a person consumes alcohol, the alcohol travels through the person’s stomach wall and enters the small intestine, where it accumulates in a person’s bloodstream until it can be metabolized by the liver.

While in the bloodstream, alcohol reduces a person’s brain functioning by impairing their thinking, reasoning, response time, and muscle coordination, all of which are needed for operating a vehicle.

DUI Statistics in Illinois

In 2022 the Secretary of State released statistics on DUIs in Illinois.Of the most alarming, there were 254 people killed in alcohol-related crashes, which was approximately 21% of the 1,195 total crash fatalities. Other key facts include: 

  • 20,131 DUI arrests
  • 90% of all drivers arrested for DUI, who were eligible, lost their driving privileges
  • 244 drivers under age 21 lost their driving privileges due to Zero Tolerance law
  • violations
  • 25% of those arrested for DUI were women, who represented 50% of all licensed
  • drivers
  • Males ages 21-24 had the highest DUI arrest rate (about 7 per 1,000 licensed
  • drivers)
  • 86% of all drivers arrested for DUI are first offenders

Our Peoria Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Explains How Bars and Restaurants Can Be Held Liable

DUI accidents often come when the driver steps straight out of liquor-serving establishments; whether they should be held partly responsible depends on a set of rules known as “Dram Shop” laws.

According to the Illinois Dram Shop Act, an establishment that sold or served alcohol to an intoxicated person may be held liable for the victim’s injuries if someone who was intoxicated caused injuries to someone else. Generally speaking, if a restaurant, bar, or liquor store provided alcohol that caused someone to become intoxicated, and the person went on to injure someone else, the victim can pursue compensation from the establishment.

To successfully recover compensation from an establishment, the injured party must show:

  • The person who caused the injury was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
  • The establishment provided alcohol to the intoxicated person.
  • The alcohol provided by the establishment caused the person to become intoxicated.
  • The person’s intoxication was at least one reason why the accident occurred.
  • The victim suffered injuries or other damages in the accident.

Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers

  • Brain Injuries – Catastrophic brain injuries can include concussions and other more severe brain injuries such as skull fractures and brain hemorrhages. Even a moderate concussion can carry life-long side effects. 
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – Severe spinal cord injuries often result in partial or total paralysis that can be either temporary or permanent. These injuries can also cause a loss of sensation in the extremities and result in constant pain. Because the spine is so delicate, your treatment options may be limited. Even if your symptoms can be ameliorated through surgery or other treatment, you may face life-long mobility issues and pain. 
  • Burn Injuries – Second and third-degree burns typically require extensive medical care. Depending on the severity of the burn, victims may face a serious threat of infection and are often permanently disfigured. Severe burn injuries can also lead to mobility issues because of the way the skin grafts heal. 
  • Paralysis – Being paralyzed can change your entire life. You may be unable to work, take care of your family, or engage in the basic functions of daily life. People who become paralyzed as a result of an accident face a lifetime of serious challenges and often require extensive medical care and daily assistance. 
  • Neck Injuries – Catastrophic neck injuries can include slipped or herniated discs, fractures, nerve damage, cervical spondylolisthesis, facet joint injuries, and compression injuries. Severe neck injuries can result in paralysis or cause significant, long-term pain and loss of sensation. The most severe type of neck injury is where the spinal cord is severed at the neck, causing the victim to become a quadriplegic. Many neck injuries are permanent and can be an issue for the remainder of the victim’s life. 
  • Amputation – Whether you lost a limb in the accident or you had to suffer an amputation due to the extent of your injury, losing a limb, hand, or foot can present significant challenges. You may be entitled to significant compensation beyond your medical expenses. 
  • Wrongful Death – Tragically, some catastrophic injuries can result in an untimely death. In this situation, the surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for the funeral and burial expenses, as well as the loss of companionship, guidance, and support. An experienced attorney can help your family get fair compensation for their loss. 

How Can a Peoria Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Help Me After an Accident?

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an impaired driver, we’ll handle your case with aggressive experience and see that you recover the maximum financial compensation allowed under the law. The driver of the vehicle that caused your accident may have been arrested for being over the drinking limit or under the influence of drugs. Either way, it is free to consult with an attorney and learn about your legal rights for compensation. 

Contact Parker & Parker Today

Contact a Peoria drunk driving accident attorney at Parker & Parker either online or at 309-673-0069 if you’ve been involved in an accident with an impaired driver. We’ll fight for your maximum recovery.