After a drunk driving crash, the signs of impairment are often clear. Slurred speech, unsteady movement, and failed sobriety tests can lead to an immediate DUI arrest. While the at-fault driver faces criminal charges, you may be left dealing with serious injuries, medical treatment, and time away from work.
Speaking with an Aurora car accident lawyer before accepting any offer can help protect your right to full compensation.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we understand how insurance companies minimize drunk driving claims despite clear evidence of fault. Choose Charlie when you need a drunk driving accident lawyer in Aurora who knows exactly how to counter their tactics and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How Insurance Companies Minimize Drunk Driving Claims
You might assume drunk driving cases settle quickly because fault is obvious. Insurance adjusters count on you making this assumption while they work to pay as little as possible. They emphasize that their insured was arrested and charged with DUI, creating the impression that they’re being cooperative.
They rush you toward settlement before the full extent of your injuries becomes clear. Many injuries worsen over time, and insurance companies push for releases while you’re still uncertain about your recovery.
Our personal injury lawyers in Aurora know you deserve more than their initial offer. With over $100 million recovered for injured clients, our team knows every tactic insurers use to underpay drunk driving victims.
Evidence That Proves Intoxication Caused Your Accident
Police reports document the driver’s arrest, field sobriety test results, and breathalyzer readings. These reports establish intoxication but don’t automatically prove the drunk driver caused your collision. Your case needs additional evidence connecting their impairment to the crash
Our drunk driving accident lawyers in Aurora will look for things like:
- Witness statements describing erratic driving before the collision
- Video footage from traffic cameras or businesses showing dangerous maneuvers
- Accident reconstruction analysis showing impaired reaction times
- The driver’s own statements at the scene admitting they’d been drinking
Illinois law prohibits driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, but drivers can be impaired at lower levels. The drunk driver’s history matters—prior DUI convictions or previous alcohol-related accidents strengthen your claim.
Bar and restaurant receipts can establish where the driver drank before driving. Illinois dram shop laws allow injury victims to pursue claims against establishments that overserved visibly intoxicated patrons.
Why You May Need an Aurora Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Adjusters might claim you share fault for the accident despite the other driver’s intoxication. They argue you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to take evasive action to avoid the collision. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, where your percentage of fault reduces your compensation.
Companies dispute the severity of your injuries. They suggest your pain comes from pre-existing conditions or unrelated health problems. They point to gaps in your medical treatment as proof you weren’t seriously hurt. They hire doctors who review your records and conclude your injuries are minor or fully healed.
We go to bat for our clients by anticipating these arguments and building cases that withstand scrutiny. Our 75 years of combined legal experience mean we’ve countered every defense strategy insurance companies deploy in drunk driving cases.
Compensation Available in Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Medical expenses include all treatment related to your injuries—emergency room visits, ambulance transport, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical equipment. You can also recover costs for future medical care when injuries require ongoing treatment.
Lost income covers missed paychecks, used sick days or vacation time, and reduced earning capacity when injuries prevent you from returning to your previous work. Property damage compensation pays to repair or replace your vehicle, rental car costs, and damaged personal items. Pain and suffering damages can also apply.
Illinois law allows punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving. These damages punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior and deter others from driving while intoxicated. Punitive damages can substantially increase your total recovery when the driver’s conduct was particularly egregious.
Why Drunk Driving Cases Require Aggressive Legal Representation
Insurance companies defend drunk driving claims more aggressively than other accident cases. They understand juries often award more serious damages when intoxication is involved, making these cases more expensive to lose. This knowledge motivates insurers to fight harder.
Criminal charges against the drunk driver don’t guarantee fair compensation in your civil case. The criminal case focuses on punishing the driver for breaking the law, but you need full compensation. That’s where we can help.
Your recovery starts with one call to attorneys who fight for your rights. We offer free consultations to discuss what happened, review the evidence, and explain your legal options. You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover money for your injuries. Contact us now for dedicated representation from a drunk driving accident lawyer in Aurora.
