Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a DUI crash, you’re not alone. At Ankin Law, our Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers stand up for victims—not offenders. We don’t make excuses for intoxicated drivers. We hold them accountable.
With more than 100 years of combined experience and a track record of multimillion-dollar recoveries, our law firm has earned the trust of thousands of injury victims across Illinois. We know what it takes to win DUI accident cases in Cook County and beyond—and we know how to protect you from the games insurance companies play.
We only represent the injured—not the intoxicated. Whether you’re recovering from catastrophic injuries or grieving the loss of a family member, our award-winning team is ready to help you demand full compensation.
Call Ankin Law today to schedule your free consultation with a top-rated DUI accident lawyer in Chicago. There’s no cost unless we win.
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Why Choose Ankin Law for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?
Not all personal injury law firms are equipped to handle DUI accident claims. These cases demand a unique combination of legal precision, investigative depth, and courtroom strength. At Ankin Law, we bring all three—backed by decades of experience representing victims of negligence across Chicago and Illinois.
Here’s what sets us apart when it comes to drunk driving accident claims:
We Represent Victims—Not DUI Offenders
Ankin Law only stands with the injured. We do not represent drunk drivers that caused an accident. Our commitment is to the people harmed by their actions—not the people looking for a way out of the consequences. That means you’ll never have to worry about conflicts of interest or diluted advocacy. We fight for you, and only you.
Decades of Trial-Proven Experience
With over 100 years of combined experience, our legal team has handled thousands of injury claims, including countless DUI-related accidents. We know how to build strong, evidence-backed cases from day one—and we have a reputation for going to trial when necessary. Insurance companies in Chicago know Ankin Law isn’t afraid of the courtroom.
Local Knowledge of Chicago’s Courts and Procedures
From the Daley Center to Cook County’s suburban courts, we understand how DUI cases move through Chicago’s legal system. We’re familiar with the tactics local prosecutors use, how DUI evidence is collected, and how civil and criminal proceedings interact. That local insight gives our clients a real edge.
Strategic Approach to DUI Accident-Specific Litigation
Drunk driving accidents involve more than just crash reports. These cases often include police bodycam footage, BAC tests, field sobriety logs, and witness interviews—all of which must be preserved, analyzed, and introduced properly in civil court. Our firm works with toxicology experts, accident reconstructionists, and forensic economists to present a compelling case for maximum compensation.
We Know How to Maximize DUI Injury Compensation
Insurance adjusters often treat DUI accidents like routine claims, offering lowball settlements that don’t come close to covering long-term losses. We don’t let that slide. Our team calculates the full impact of your injuries—medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care—and fights for the full compensation you’re owed.
What Makes Drunk Driving Accident Cases Different?
Drunk driving accident cases require more than standard personal injury experience. These claims are fundamentally different from other types of car accidents due to the conduct involved, the available evidence, and the types of damages recoverable.
Here’s what makes them stand out—and how we handle those complexities at Ankin Law:
Civil and Criminal Legal Systems Overlap
A drunk driving accident typically involves both a criminal case against the driver and a civil lawsuit brought by the victim. While the criminal court focuses on punishment, your civil claim focuses on compensation. Our attorneys monitor criminal proceedings to gather key evidence and use it to strengthen your injury case. Whether the driver is charged with DUI, aggravated DUI, or vehicular homicide, we use those facts to increase pressure during settlement negotiations or trial.
Punitive Damages Are on the Table in Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Illinois law allows victims of DUI accidents to pursue punitive damages—a separate category of compensation meant to punish the drunk driver and deter similar conduct. These damages go beyond reimbursement for medical bills or income loss. They reflect the reckless, egregious nature of drunk driving. Our attorneys regularly pursue punitive damages when the facts support it.
Fault for DUI Accidents Is Rarely Disputed—But Value Almost Always Is
Because alcohol impairment is often confirmed by blood or breath testing, liability may seem obvious, but that doesn’t mean insurance companies pay fairly. In fact, they’ll often admit fault quickly to get victims to accept an early, undervalued settlement. That’s where we come in. Ankin Law builds comprehensive damages models and works with expert witnesses to prove not just who was at fault—but exactly what your injuries are worth.
The Illinois Liquor Control Act (Dram Shop Act) May Apply
The Illinois Liquor Control Act allows victims of drunk driving accidents to hold alcohol vendors (bars, restaurants, liquor stores, etc.) financially responsible if they served alcohol to the at-fault driver before the crash. These laws can play a crucial role in DUI accident cases, especially when the intoxicated driver lacks sufficient insurance or personal assets to cover a victim’s losses. Unlike many other states, victims in Illinois can sue the vendor without having to prove the establishment was negligent.
Time Is Critical After an Accident With a Drunk Driver
Evidence from a drunk driving crash can disappear quickly. Police dashcam or surveillance video may be deleted within days. Witnesses move. Vehicles get repaired or scrapped. The sooner you involve a drunk driving accident lawyer, the better your chances of securing and preserving key information. Our legal team knows how to move fast—and we do.
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How Ankin Law Handles Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
When you hire Ankin Law, we take immediate steps to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and build a case designed to maximize your recovery. We don’t wait for the insurance company to make the first move—we take control of the legal process from day one.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with our Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers:
We Launch an Immediate Investigation Into the DUI Crash
Our legal team begins investigating your case as soon as you call. We obtain police reports, bodycam footage, DUI arrest records, toxicology results, and 911 transcripts. We also track down witnesses, collect crash scene photographs, and secure surveillance footage from nearby traffic or security cameras. When necessary, we bring in experts to conduct an independent accident reconstruction.
We Coordinate With Prosecutors and Law Enforcement
Drunk drivers are usually criminally charged. This is especially true when truckers are operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Our attorneys track the criminal proceedings and coordinate with the State’s Attorney’s Office when needed. If the defendant pleads guilty to DUI or aggravated DUI, we use that as evidence of negligence and recklessness in your civil injury case. Even if they avoid conviction, we pursue full civil accountability using a lower burden of proof.
We Work with Medical and Financial Experts
To establish the full value of your claim, we consult with medical specialists, life care planners, and financial experts. We document every cost—from emergency treatment and surgeries to long-term physical therapy, home care, lost wages, and future diminished earning capacity. We also factor in emotional trauma, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.
We Negotiate Strategically
Once your injuries have stabilized, we issue a formal demand for damages. If the insurance company offers a lowball settlement, as they often do, we push back hard. Our attorneys know how to present the facts in a way that demands serious attention. If the insurer refuses to pay what’s fair, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
We Take Your Case to Trial—If Necessary
We’re not a settlement mill. At Ankin Law, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That level of preparation gives us leverage in negotiations—and if the case does go to court, we’re ready. Our trial attorneys have a long history of success in Cook County courtrooms, and we know how to present a drunk driving case in a way that resonates with juries.
Compensation Available to DUI Crash Victims
If you were hit by a drunk driver in Chicago, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. Our attorneys help victims and families recover for both the tangible and intangible losses caused by the crash.
Here are the key categories of compensation in a drunk driving accident lawsuit:
Medical Expenses
This includes the cost of emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, assistive devices, and ongoing treatment. If your injuries are permanent or require long-term care, we calculate future medical expenses as well.
Pain and Suffering
This covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma caused by the accident. Many DUI victims experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, or loss of enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages are real, and we fight to ensure they’re compensated fully.
Wrongful Death Damages
If your loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Illinois law allows surviving spouses, children, or other next of kin to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost income the deceased would have earned, and the emotional toll of the loss.
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injuries kept you from working, or forced you into a lower-paying job, you may be eligible to recover for lost wages and diminished future earning capacity. We work with vocational experts and economists to project those losses accurately.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
If your injuries left you with lasting impairments or scarring, your settlement or verdict should reflect those life-altering consequences. We document the personal impact through medical records, photos, expert opinions, and client testimony.
Punitive Damages
Drunk driving is more than negligent—it’s reckless. In certain cases, Illinois law allows punitive damages to punish the drunk driver and deter others from making the same choice. Ankin Law has successfully recovered punitive damages in high-visibility and high-severity DUI crash cases.
Common DUI Accident Scenarios in Chicago
Drunk driving can lead to catastrophic crashes in virtually any part of the city—from downtown expressways to neighborhood intersections. Our Chicago DUI accident lawyers handle all types of impaired driving claims, including:
Rear-End Collisions
Impaired drivers often have delayed reaction times. They may fail to notice stopped or slowing traffic, leading to high-speed rear-end crashes. These are common on I-90/94, Lake Shore Drive, and other high-volume roadways.
Intersection Accidents
Running red lights and stop signs is a hallmark of drunk driving. T-bone crashes at intersections like Western and Fullerton or Ashland and 63rd can result in severe side-impact injuries or fatalities.
Head-On Collisions
When an intoxicated driver drifts across the center line or enters a one-way street in the wrong direction, head-on collisions are likely. These crashes often occur late at night and are frequently fatal.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Drunk drivers are notoriously bad at detecting pedestrians and cyclists, especially in crosswalks or bike lanes. Areas like Wicker Park, the Loop, and Pilsen are particularly dangerous for foot and bike traffic after dark.
Hit-and-Run DUI Accidents
Intoxicated drivers often flee the scene to avoid arrest. While criminal charges may follow, victims still have a right to pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues. Our attorneys regularly assist clients with identifying and holding hit-and-run drivers accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Chicago
What is the average settlement for a drunk driving accident in Chicago?
There’s no “average” DUI accident settlement because the value depends on factors like the severity of injuries, insurance limits, and whether punitive damages apply. At Ankin Law, we’ve secured six- and seven-figure results for DUI crash victims. We’ll evaluate your unique case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Can I sue a drunk driver in addition to their criminal charges?
Yes, you can sue a drunk driver in addition to their criminal charges. A criminal DUI case does not prevent you from filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. In fact, a DUI conviction can strengthen your civil case. Our attorneys coordinate with prosecutors to secure key evidence for your claim.
What if the drunk driver fled the scene or wasn’t convicted?
You can still pursue a civil case. Civil liability requires a lower burden of proof than criminal court. If the driver fled the scene, we can explore uninsured motorist coverage and other avenues of compensation. We’ve successfully handled many hit-and-run DUI cases.
Do I need a lawyer to handle a drunk driving accident claim?
You will absolutely need a lawyer to handle a drunk driving accident claim. DUI accident claims are complex. You’re dealing with criminal evidence, potentially multiple insurance policies, and high-value damages. Insurance companies won’t offer what your case is truly worth unless they know they’re up against a skilled legal team. That’s where Ankin Law comes in.
How long do I have to file a DUI accident lawsuit in Illinois?
In most cases, Illinois gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and one year to file a wrongful death claim. However, exceptions can apply, and evidence disappears fast. It’s critical to speak with a DUI accident attorney as soon as possible.