The holidays are a time when family and friends gather to celebrate, enjoy time together, and ring in the New Year. While many times this is just harmless fun, in other instances individuals with poor judgement make bad choices that wind up getting others injured or killed. This often happens this time of year in the form of drunk driving accidents. Those who are hurt in these types of wrecks often have a lot to overcome, and at no fault of their own.
Several Chicago-area individuals may now be facing those hurdles after being hurt in what police are calling a drunk driving accident. Three people were listed in critical condition upon arrival at the scene, and one remains in critical condition. According to reports, five people were taken to the hospital after a 23-year-old man ran a red light, causing him to smash into another vehicle. Authorities say alcohol did play a factor in the wreck, and the 23-year-old driver was taken into custody. Criminal charges are pending.
Recovering from a serious accident like this can take months, even years to recover. Some victims are left permanently disabled, unable to fully recover their pre-accident life. Others may suffer disfigurement, life-long pain, and emotional scarring. Such an accident can render one unable to work for a significant period of time, making it difficult to pay the bills and put food on the table. In other words, being an accident victim can turn one’s life upside down, leaving him or her unsure of how to find stability.
The good news is that these victims can choose to take legal action against the drunk driver who harmed them. By winning a lawsuit against a negligent driver, a victim may be able to recover compensation to help recoup his or her losses and once again find financial stability.
Source: CBS Chicago, “Five Hurt In Two-Car Crash In Hillside,” Dec. 26, 2015
