Illinois Injury Law Blog

My FOX Chicago reported on the horrific drunk driving accident that left 2 dead and 11 injured, three of which are in critical condition.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers continue to see far too many innocent motorists injured or killed by drunk drivers. A driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over twice the legal limit is accused of crashing her overloaded SUV head-on into a car around 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

The driver was attempting to pass a slow moving car in front of her when she swerved across the center line into oncoming traffic. She collided with the front of the car facing her. After the collision, the SUV flipped over, ejecting passengers all over the roadway and entrapping others.

The SUV was traveling with 11 occupants inside. Miraculously the driver of the vehicle did not require hospitalization but others were not as fortunate. One victim died at the scene and another died about an hour later at the hospital. Three victims are in critical condition on ventilators. Injuries include damage to the brain and lungs, back injuries, fractures and lacerations.

The 39-year-old drunk driver is being charged with two counts of aggravated DUI for an accident that killed 2 people. Additional charges include seven counts of aggravated DUI because the crash resulted in great bodily harm to several victims and one count of DUI involving a crash that resulted in great bodily harm to a victim under the age of 16, according to police. She was also charged with driving on a suspended license, driving without insurance and driving on the left side of the road. Bond was set at $250,000 with a hearing scheduled for later this month. The driver admittedly had been drinking beer the night of the crash after police reported her BAC was .165, according to authorities.

Drinking and driving is just not worth the risk to yourself and others. A first time drunk driving conviction in Illinois carries the following possible penalties:

-Jail: could be up to 1 year.
-Jail: if a child under 16 is in the car, up to 6 months could be added.
-Fines: could be up to $2,500, add a minimum of $500 if BAC is above .16, add a minimum of $1,000 if a child under 16 is in the car.
-License Suspension for a minimum of 1 year and your vehicle registration is suspended.
-Possible installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device.
-Community Service: minimum 100 hours for BAC above .16, add 25 days if a child under 16 is in the car.