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 more than four decades of experience in personal injury law and millions of dollars recovered for our clients, 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!
Illinois Drunk Driving Laws
Illinois has strict laws in place to prevent impaired driving and protect the public. Some of the most important DUI laws that may affect your civil case include:
Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
Under Illinois law, it is illegal for most drivers to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. However, drivers may still be charged with DUI even below that limit if alcohol or drugs impair their ability to drive safely. Special rules apply for:
- Commercial drivers (CDL holders): Illegal at 0.04% BAC or higher
- Drivers under age 21: Strict Zero Tolerance policy
Criminal Penalties for DUI
Penalties can include heavy fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, ignition interlock devices, and jail time. While the criminal case can help establish wrongdoing, it is separate from your personal injury claim.
Civil Liability for Drunk Driving
Proving that a driver was intoxicated can significantly strengthen a personal injury or wrongful death case. Even if the at-fault driver is not convicted criminally, you may still pursue civil compensation.
Proving Liability Against a Drunk Driver
To recover compensation, you must show that the drunk driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Our attorneys gather the evidence needed to build a strong case, which may include:
- Police Reports & DUI Arrest Records: Crash reports, officer observations, field sobriety test results, and breathalyzer readings can strongly support your claim.
- Toxicology & BAC Test Results: Blood or urine test results can prove intoxication and impairment levels.
- Accident Reconstruction: Experts may be used to prove speed, impact, visibility, and how impairment contributed to the crash.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from passengers, bystanders, and other motorists can help show erratic driving or signs of intoxication.
- Surveillance & Traffic Camera Footage: Springfield intersections and commercial areas often have cameras that can capture critical moments before impact.
- Bar, Restaurant, or Event Evidence: If the drunk driver was overserved, receipts, video footage, or witness statements may become key in a Dram Shop case (discussed below).
At Haxel Law, we use every available resource to uncover what happened and prove the full extent of liability. Our goal is simple: secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Dram Shop & Social Host Liability in IL
Illinois is one of the few states with strong Dram Shop laws, offering injury victims additional avenues for compensation.
Illinois Dram Shop Liability
Under the Illinois Dram Shop Act, an injured party may pursue compensation from:
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Liquor stores
- Clubs
- Other establishments that sell or serve alcohol
You may have a Dram Shop claim if the establishment:
- Sold or gave alcohol to the driver
- The alcohol contributed to the driver’s intoxication
- The intoxication caused your injuries
Dram Shop liability is particularly important when:
- The drunk driver is uninsured
- The driver’s insurance limits are too low
- Multiple victims were injured
Illinois Dram Shop cases have strict deadlines and statutory damages caps, making early legal action essential.
Social Host Liability (Limited in Illinois)
Unlike some states, Illinois generally does not impose liability on social hosts who serve alcohol to adult guests. However, a social host may be liable if they provide alcohol to a minor under age 21, and that minor causes injury.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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.
Contact Haxel Law today at (217) 215-4166 for experienced representation in your drunk driving accident case. Justice and compensation await!
Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Accident
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
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.