Springfield Drunk Driving Attorney
Advocating for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Springfield, IL
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of motor vehicle collisions. The reckless decision to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause unimaginable harm to innocent people on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Haxel Law, we are committed to helping victims of drunk driving accidents in Springfield, Illinois. With decades of experience in personal injury law, our team will fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Haxel Law today at (217) 215-4166 for experienced representation in your drunk driving accident case. Justice and compensation await!
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is one of the most preventable causes of car accidents. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. Despite public awareness campaigns and strict DUI laws in Illinois, impaired driving remains a major problem throughout the state.
When drivers choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they endanger everyone on the road, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. Sadly, the victims of these accidents often suffer life-changing consequences, and in some cases, drunk driving leads to tragic fatalities.
Illinois DUI Laws
Under Illinois law, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, Illinois has a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable level of alcohol is unlawful. Those found guilty of DUI may face serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even incarceration.
While these laws aim to deter drunk driving, they do little to address the harm caused to victims. That’s where our legal team steps in—to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for compensation for those they’ve harmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 217-215-4166 today!
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Who Is Liable for a Car Accident in Illinois?
Illinois is a fault state, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for any resulting damages. Common liable parties in car accident claims include:
- Other drivers: If another driver caused your injuries by acting negligently, they may be liable for damages in a car accident lawsuit.
- Manufacturers: If a faulty part or defective product contributed to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be partially or fully liable for resulting injuries.
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may also be liable for damages.
- Government entities: If inadequate signage or poorly maintained roadways contributed to the accident, local government entities may be responsible for damages.
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What Steps Should I Take After a Car Crash?
Knowing what steps to take after a car crash is paramount to recovering maximum compensation for your injuries. If you were hit by a negligent driver, it’s important to exercise your rights by taking the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety are top priorities after an accident. Seeking immediate medical care is a must to rule out serious underlying injuries and establish formal documentation of your injuries.
- Report the accident: If no one has done so already, be sure to report the accident to local law enforcement. The official police report can serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
- Take pictures of the accident scene: If possible, take photos or videos to document the extent of your injuries and any damage to your vehicle.
- Exchange contact information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other involved parties, including any eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Refrain from giving any statements to insurers: If insurers are calling you immediately after an accident, it's important to refrain from providing any statements until your lawyer can be present.
- Consult with an experienced attorney: Seeking sound counsel is a must to establish liability in your claim and recover a fair settlement for medical costs, lost wages, and other losses.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?In Illinois, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident (735 Comp. Stat. § 5/13-202). Failure to file within this deadline can result in the loss of eligibility for benefits, making it crucial to seek sound counsel as soon as possible after a crash. Our attorneys are well-versed in the legal intricacies of these cases to guide your steps wisely throughout the claims process.
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Should I Accept the Insurer’s First Settlement Offer?Every claim is different. Most of the time, it’s best to avoid settling for the insurance company’s first settlement offer. Insurers have a reputation for taking advantage of victims by evading fair payouts and protecting their bottom line at all costs. Securing experienced counsel is essential to recovering full and fair compensation. Your lawyer can negotiate effectively with other involved parties to pursue the maximum settlement you deserve.
Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents tend to be severe due to the reckless nature of the at-fault driver’s behavior. Victims can suffer a wide range of injuries, including both physical and emotional trauma.
Types of Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries, from minor concussions to severe brain damage, are common in high-impact collisions. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring a lifetime of medical care and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a drunk driving accident often results in broken bones or crushed limbs, which may require surgeries and months of recovery.
- Internal Injuries: High-speed impacts can cause internal bleeding or organ damage, posing life-threatening complications if not addressed promptly.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries such as whiplash, torn ligaments, and muscle strains can cause prolonged pain and limit mobility.
- Psychological Injuries: The emotional toll of being involved in a drunk driving accident can result in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
At Haxel Law, we understand the profound impact of these injuries and aim to secure compensation that covers not only medical needs but also the emotional and financial hardships our clients face.
Why Choose Haxel Law?
When you’re injured in a drunk driving accident, you need a legal team that understands your needs and has the experience and resources to pursue justice. At Haxel Law, we offer our clients more than legal representation—we provide support, compassion, and relentless advocacy.
What Sets Us Apart
- Local Roots: We are proud to call Springfield home and are deeply committed to serving the people of our community.
- Decades of Experience: With decades of personal injury legal experience, attorney Martin Haxel brings unparalleled knowledge and skill to your case.
- Insurance Company Expertise: Having worked on behalf of insurance companies earlier in his career, Martin has unique insight into their tactics and knows how to counter them effectively.
- Personalized Attention: At Haxel Law, you work directly with our dedicated legal team. We take the time to understand your story and tailor our approach to meet your specific goals.
- Proven Track Record: Our history of results speaks for itself. We have successfully recovered fair compensation for countless clients, and we’re prepared to do the same for you.
How We Help Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Navigating the legal process after a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming. Haxel Law is here to make it easier for you. From the moment you contact us, we handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on recovery.
Our Process
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: During your free consultation, we’ll review the details of your case and explain your legal options.
- Gathering Evidence: Our team will collect police reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, and other evidence to build a strong case against the at-fault driver.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We take over all communications with insurance adjusters to ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting unfair settlements.
- Litigation, if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
- Compassionate Support: Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed, answer your questions, and provide the personalized attention you deserve.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Springfield drunk driving accident, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Illinois law limits the time you have to file a claim, so it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Haxel Law, we’re here to stand up for you, hold negligent drivers accountable, and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Let us fight for justice on your behalf. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case.
Call (217) 215-4166 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation with an experienced Springfield drunk driving lawyer from Haxel Law.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I will definitely use Haxel Law again!"I’m so grateful for the legal assistance I received from Haxel Law. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and guided me throughout the process. I recommend Martin Haxel. He’s no nonsense and gets the job done. If needed I will definitely use Haxel Law again.- Sally B.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.