In Winnebago County, several people have already lost their lives this year in fatal car accidents. There are many reasons for these accidents, but seeing as alcohol statistically accompanies 58% of fatal car crashes in Illinois, it would be fair to assume that driving under the influence had something to do with a few of them. DUIs, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge in Rockford, and one reason why we at Tuite Law practice as Rockford DUI accident attorneys. We help families and individuals who have been victimized by DUI accidents claim the compensation they need for their:
- injuries
- damages
- pain and suffering
Take a look at the different DUI cases that have happened around Rockford since last year and what these cases could mean for the victims and their families.
MAY 2017
In May of this year, one Rockford resident was given a 22-year prison sentence for aggravated DUI. Aggravated DUI simply means that he was driving while drunk, but other circumstances were surrounding the situation that made this account particularly dangerous.
He and his passengers suffered major injuries, but no one died in this particular accident. Had his car struck an innocent vehicle or anyone on the street, he and his insurance would also be facing damages, medical bills, and other costs associated with the accident.
APRIL 2017
Last April, another man in Rockford was arrested for a DUI, both because he had been drinking and was high on marijuana. The situation was exacerbated when he resisted arrest and they found an unregistered firearm in his possession.
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017While driving intoxicated in late-night snow in Rockford, another man was apprehended after the officer initially tried to pull him over when the drunk man drove into a snowbank. Stacked on top of his already serious charge were several others pertaining to the law he violated just from the time the officer saw him, including running a stop sign, driving on an already suspended license, and more.
DECEMBER 2016
During this month last year, a prominent community doctor was killed because of his overconsumption of alcohol and decision to get behind the wheel. He was going well over 55 mph when he crashed on one of Rockford’s main roads. This all came after the first time he was convicted of a DUI only a year prior.
OCTOBER 2016
Back in October, a 43-year-old woman drove into a home while under the influence. In addition to the damage done to the house, there were others injured as a result of this accident from which she tried to flee.
SEPTEMBER 2016
If there were such a thing as a “run-of-the-mill” DUI accident, a 40-year-old Rockford resident was convicted of one in September of last year. After the police pulled him over, they also discovered he had been driving with a revoked license.
This same month, another drunk man was sentenced to a DUI after hitting a victim that caused a severe head injury. He also injured two other passengers who were in the car with him while he was driving. He received 8 years of jail time because of his accident.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
There were 7 major DUI incidents in Rockford alone within the past year. People you drive with on the road could, at any time, be driving under the influence. The good thing is that most of these accidents didn’t involve other unsuspecting parties, but some of 
them did, and their lives were ruined with absolutely no say in the matter, incurring hospital bills and potentially years of treatment.
It is important to know that if you are unlucky enough to be victimized by a DUI incident, there are legal actions you can pursue to compensate you for your pain and suffering, to pay medical bills, and to repair other damages your property incurred. Most importantly, even though you can’t stop all DUIs, it is important that you practice safe drinking and never get behind the wheel yourself when you are intoxicated. You may just find yourself on the opposite end of a bad criminal case and large DUI personal injury suit.
BEEN IN A DUI ACCIDENT?
If you are looking for a DUI accident attorney in Rockford to help you with your personal injury or wrongful death, don’t hesitate to call us today at 815-962-6566. We know how sensitive these situations are, and we will help win the compensation you deserve.
