Drunk driving accidents have devastating consequences, often resulting in injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. In Illinois, dram shop laws are in place to hold establishments accountable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who subsequently cause harm to themselves or others. These laws are in place to protect the public by imposing liability on alcohol vendors for their role in contributing to drunk driving accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a drunk driver, our attorneys will help you pursue legal action. At Barney Hammond LLP, we work to make sure individuals or businesses are held liable and fully compensate you for the physical, economic, or emotional harm that has been caused. We are dedicated to advocating for victims of drunk driving accidents and to making our communities safer by preventing individuals and businesses from continuing to engage in reckless behavior.
Overview of Dram Shop Laws in Illinois
Dram Shop laws in Illinois are designed to regulate the sale and service of alcohol by licensed establishments, such as bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. Under the Illinois Dram Shop Act, alcohol vendors can be held liable for injuries or damages caused by an intoxicated individual if:
- Alcohol was served to a person who was already intoxicated.
- Alcohol was served to someone who is underage.
- The person served caused injuries and damages.
- The establishment was the main cause of intoxication.
- Intoxication was a main cause of the injuries or damages.
These laws aim to prevent drunk driving accidents and provide a legal avenue for victims to seek compensation from establishments that contributed to the harm. If you or a loved one is the victim of a drunk driving accident, our legal team is here to help. These types of accidents are always preventable and it is important that victims are compensated for their injuries and damages.
Statistics About Drunk Driving Accidents in Illinois
Drunk driving remains a serious public safety concern in Illinois, with a significant number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities attributed to impaired driving each year. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in the most recent data available, there were over 27,000 alcohol-related crashes in Illinois, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.
In addition, about 21% of fatal crashes in Illinois are alcohol related. These tragic statistics highlight the need for enforcement of dram shop laws and accountability for establishments that negligently serve alcohol to intoxicated patrons.
Damages That Can Be Recovered Under the Illinois Dram Shop Act
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Illinois may be entitled to recover various types of damages under the state’s Dram Shop laws. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of wrongful death, funeral and burial expenses may also be recoverable. Although there are limitations to the amounts that can be recovered, working with experienced attorneys will help you recover the maximum amount possible.
As a personal injury law firm, Barney Hammond LLP is experienced in handling cases involving drunk driving accidents and dram shop liability. We have provided legal assistance to many clients who were seeking justice and compensation. It is really important to us to listen to you, do a thorough investigation, and keep you informed so you can pursue the best legal path to get the settlement or judgment you deserve. We have experience negotiating with insurance companies and litigating in court, so we are prepared to do whatever is best for your unique case.
When we represent victims of drunk driving accidents, we can also raise awareness about the importance of responsible alcohol service and the legal consequences of violating dram shop laws. Holding negligent establishments accountable plays a vital role in promoting safety, accountability, and justice in our communities. Together, we can work towards a safer and more responsible community where victims of drunk driving accidents receive the support and advocacy they deserve.