Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Are you familiar with the drunk driving laws in Chicago and across the state of Illinois? If you are like the typical driver in the city, you know the basics but many of the specifics of the laws evade you. For instance, you might know it is a crime to drive under the influence of alcohol, but you might not know how many drinks it takes to be considered under the influence. Or you might not realize that drivers under the age of 21 are not allowed to have any alcohol in their systems while they operate a vehicle because they are not legally allowed to consume that alcohol.
One major aspect of drunk driving accidents in Chicago that is not well understood by the public revolves around the rights of the victims of these crashes and what types of legal relief may be available to them. That is because it is up to each and every victim to pursue this relief and the right to receive it will be waived unless help is sought within the time period specified law. In fact, victims may be able to recover financially for all of the damages they sustain in an accident, whether their damages are in the form of medical expenses already incurred, medical treatment likely to be needed in the future, wages missed while off work and recovering, or pain and suffering. In the tragic event that a victim loses his or her life, the right to seek compensation may belong to that victim’s loved ones or family members, though not amount of money can ever provide adequate payment in these cases.
A personal injury lawyer with experience representing victims of Chicago car accidents, including drunk driving crashes, may be able to help you understand your legal options and rights if a collision has affected your life.
Police in Manhattan confirmed that Buddy Valastro, best known for his starring role on the TLC show “Cake Boss,” was arrested early Thursday morning in New York City. Officials confirm that Valastro was driving in the area of 10th Avenue between 20th Street and 32nd Street when the reality TV star allegedly swerved in and out of traffic. Officers initiated a stop and reportedly noticed Valastro displaying signs of intoxication including bloodshot eyes and the inability to stand on his feet without wobbling. While at the scene, police administered a blood alcohol test via a breathalyzer which Valastro allegedly failed.
Valastro is currently being charged with driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired under local New York laws. It is unclear whether he is currently in custody or whether any additional charges may be issued at this time, though authorities confirm that they are still investigating the incident.
Valastro rose to fame with his TLC show, “Cake Boss,” which chronicles a family-run bakery in his hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey. On the show, Valastro and the rest of the staff at Buddy’s Bakery are known for elaborate themed cakes as well as traditional bakery items ranging from breads to cookies to classic Italian dishes.
In this case, authorities in New York noticed suspect behavior and stopped a vehicle before a crash occurred, possibly preventing injuries and other damages that otherwise may have resulted. But the citizens of Illinois are at risk for drunk driving accidents every time they enter a vehicle to drive or simply to ride as a passenger, and officers unfortunately are not able to stop every driver before a crash happens.
When an accident occurs and leaves you with injuries, the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. want you to know that you have rights and that you may be entitled to relief. We offer a free case consultation without obligation to all victims who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we offer the consultation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If you have been hurt and you want to talk about your options, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Chicago Rear-End Crash Injures 5, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published November 10, 2014.
Resource:
TLC’s “Cake Boss” Arrested on DWI Charges in Manhattan: NYPD, NBC 4 New York, published November 13, 2014.