Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Former City of Chicago Trial Counsel Fighting for Drunk Driving Victims

Being injured by a drunk driver is traumatic enough. Then comes the insurance company. Even in clear-cut drunk driving cases, insurers may dispute coverage, argue that their policyholder’s willful conduct limits their obligations, or attempt to shift partial blame onto you. Illinois is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused the crash is responsible for compensating victims, but that responsibility doesn’t mean insurers pay willingly.

At Cogan & Power, our drunk driving accident lawyers know how these cases are built, contested, and pursued. We handle all drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Call Cogan & Power today at (312) 477-2500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Chicago

The steps you take in the hours and days after a drunk driving crash can significantly affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. Acting quickly protects the evidence that forms the foundation of your claim.

Steps to take after being hit by a drunk driver:

• Call 911 immediately: An official police report is a foundational piece of evidence. The responding officer will note signs of impairment, record field sobriety test results, and document any blood alcohol concentration (BAC) readings at the scene.
• Seek medical attention right away: Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent. A medical evaluation close in time to the accident creates documentation that directly supports your claim.
• Photograph the scene: Capture vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Collect witness contact information before people leave.
• Don’t give a recorded statement: Decline any request from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for a recorded statement before you’ve spoken with an attorney. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.
• Report the accident: Illinois law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500 to law enforcement.
• Contact a drunk driving accident attorney in Chicago: Early legal representation preserves evidence and helps you avoid accepting a lowball settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known.

How Our Attorneys Handle Drunk Driving Accident Cases

The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming. Our attorneys handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovering.

What we bring to your case:

• Defense-Side Knowledge: Our attorneys have served as Trial Counsel for the City of Chicago, giving us direct insight into how defense lawyers evaluate and contest injury claims. Our team also includes former prosecutors who understand how the criminal DUI process intersects with your civil compensation claim. We use both vantage points to build stronger arguments on your behalf.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We obtain police reports, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction professionals to build the strongest possible case. Evidence in a drunk driving claim, including breathalyzer results, field sobriety test notes, and surveillance footage, requires prompt collection before it disappears.
• Negotiation and Litigation: We’re skilled negotiators, but we’re also trial attorneys, and insurance companies know it. When an insurer’s offer doesn’t reflect the full value of your claim, we can take your case to court.
• Compassionate Client Service: We understand the emotional toll a drunk driving accident takes. When clients can’t travel to our office, our attorneys are available for home and hospital visits.

Injuries Commonly Suffered in Drunk Driving Accidents

Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and may lose consciousness at the wheel, making these collisions high-speed and full-impact. The injuries that follow are often severe:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs range from concussions to severe brain damage with lasting cognitive effects, including coma and, in the worst cases, death.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact collisions can cause spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
• Organ Damage: Collision forces can injure internal organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen.
• Fractures and Limb Injuries: Broken bones and dislocations are common; severe crashes can result in traumatic amputation.
• Neck Injuries: Whiplash, caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head and neck, is among the most frequently reported injuries in vehicle collisions.
• Chest Injuries: Broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and cardiac complications are particularly common when a seatbelt wasn’t worn.
• Lacerations and Scarring: Broken glass and metal fragments can cause cuts that result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Catastrophic injuries from drunk driving crashes, including TBI, spinal cord damage, and traumatic amputation, can require long-term rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and ongoing medical care. We pursue compensation that accounts for your lifetime needs, not just your immediate bills.