Item: The Collins Law Firm, P.C.
Rating: 5
Author: E.M.

A Look at Drunk Driving Realities and Risks in Illinois

During spring break season, it is wise for Naperville residents to have a renewed awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.

Drunk drivers pose tremendous risks to Naperville residents all year long. However, there are some times when this risk can increase and spring is one of those times. For that reason, now is a good time to review the realities of motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Drunk Driving Accidents Close to Home

It only takes a moment to find news headlines recounting accidents involving alcohol in and around Naperville. A recent Chicago Tribune story reported on the DUI arrest of a driver after causing an accident on Roosevelt Road. CBS Chicago reported an accident across from a high school that was initiated by a drunk driver. Four vehicles were involved and some victims were sent to the hospital. Last summer, two people died when the vehicle they were riding in crashed just south of the Riverwalk.

Situations like these are sadly not uncommon. The injury or death of a family member at the hands of a drunk driver happens everywhere, including Naperville.

Drunk Driving Realities Throughout Illinois

In 2013, Will County recorded the state's third highest number of drunk driving deaths according to data supplied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Statistics include the following:

In Cook County, 93 people died in drunk driving accidents.
In St. Clair County, 19 fatalities were attributed to drunk driving crashes.
In Will County, 17 vehicular fatalities resulted from accidents involving alcohol.
In Peoria County, nine lives were lost in impaired driving wrecks.

Statewide, a total of 322 drunk driving deaths were recorded that year.

The prior year, 321 traffic fatalities were recorded in Illinois per the Century Council. In 71 percent of those deaths, the drunk drivers had BAC levels over 0.14 percent. This highlights the added risk of exceptionally high levels of alcohol in drivers' bloodstreams.

Recommendations for Accident Victims

One of the most sobering realities that Naperville residents must face is that not every drunk driving accident can be avoided. For this reason, people must be prepared to seek legal help when these tragedies occur. Whether it's the recovery of income lost from missing work, large medical bills for injuries sustained in an accident or permanent disability or death, a lawyer can protect your legal rights and help accident victims deal with the aftermath of a tragic accident.

★★★★★

Shawn Collins is a very talented lawyer, as are all the attorneys on his team. I've known and worked with Shawn for more that 30 years. Not only is he a top notch technical litigator but his communication skills are second to none. If anyone I know is ever in need of an attorney, Shawn is my very first recommendation. He gives very solid advice that goes beyond the law. He is someone you can trust to tell you the truth so you are not lead astray in the complex legal world. You really can't find a better advocate. E.M.

We were incredibly satisfied with our experience with The Collins Law Firm. We worked closely with Ed Manzke and found that he had a personal touch and truly got to know us in addition to being knowledgeable and effective in his field. The caring and individual attitude helped us tremendously throughout the entire process and we always felt like our case was in safe hands. We would highly recommend The Collins Law Firm for both its stellar work and dedicated employees. M.A.

My father recommended The Collins Law Firm to me after watching Shawn Collins and Ed Manzke at trial representing Lisle residents against Lockformer. For years, he told us courtroom tales about Shawn and Ed, citing their incredible skill as trial lawyers and how they put the huge Lockformer legal team to shame. So when my son was the victim of a wrongful death, they were my first and only choice. I can't say enough to truly express how grateful I am to The Collin's Law Firm for all that they did for me and my family. This amazing team advocated for me in my darkest moments, surpassing my expectations in every way. I will be forever grateful to Shawn and Ed. K.D.

I have worked with Rob, Shawn and The Collins Law Firm team in connection with both complex business transactions and litigation over the past several years. Shawn is far and away the best business litigation attorney I have worked with. Rob has been our lead attorney on M&A and corporate restructures, and he has delivered each time, and on time. I would highly recommend Rob to get the deal done! W.D.

Rob has been our out-side General Counsel for ten years. As a business with a global presence, it is important that we have the very best legal representation. Rob and the team have guided us through litigation battles, negotiating and drafting our important business contracts, and advising us in our business strategies. He has a great team of lawyers working with him. M.F.

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