The recent sentencing of a man to 13 years in prison for his 8th DUI conviction offers a prime example of the dangers Illinois drivers face on a daily basis. A responsible and conscientious driver can still end up with his or her family suffering injury or death due to the actions of irresponsible and reckless drivers. According to the Chicago Tribune, the man has a long record of driving offenses, dating back to his first DUI when he was 17 years old.
In addition to being dangerous, DUI is costly for everybody involved. DUI costs taxpayers in a variety of ways, such as the cost of offender incarceration. According to the 2013 Illinois DUI Fact Book, the average cost to a person convicted of DUI is well over $16,000, once insurance increases and the multitude of costs associated with court and resulting penalties. However, that number doesn't include the restitution that victims of a DUI driver are entitled to or any further lawsuits that may occur, such as a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim.
Experienced Chicago auto accident lawyers understand the short-term and long-term costs involved in accidents resulting in serious injuries and will fight for the best possible outcome for their clients. The victims of DUI drivers incur a lot of costs too, ranging from medical treatment to time lost at work to costs associated with vehicle damage.
Drunk drivers aren't the only type of hazardous driver with whom Illinois drivers have to contend. Auto accidents due to texting while driving are on the rise, causing traffic deaths and serious injuries. Distracted driving is a term coming into use to describe the multitude of things people do while driving that have become a real hazard to those sharing the roads with them. Even activities that haven't been singled out by the law the way cell phone usage has, can result in serious accidents.
It isn't fair for a careful driver to suffer injury, death, and major financial burdens due to the irresponsible actions of another driver. Ankin Law is dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and aggressively pursuing justice. If you or a family member have been injured by an irresponsible driver, dial (800) 442-6546 to set up a consultation with a Chicago auto accident attorney eager to help you obtain a just outcome.
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