Alton, Illinois - Fatal Suspected Drunk Driving Accident Leaves 1 Person Dead, Erin Arras Arrested

Erin Arras Arrested For Deadly Suspected DUI Crash

According to Riverbender.com, on September 7th a motorcycle carrying two people was pulling out of Abbott Machine Co’s parking lot on 700 W Broadway in Alton, Illinois when it was struck by a vehicle.

The passenger on the motorcycle died a few days after the incident. And the driver of the motorcycle sustained injuries from the crash. Erin Arras was identified as the driver who caused the accident and was suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the crash.

Arras was charged with aggravated driving under the influence causing death.

Can I Sue For Being Injured In A Drunk Driving Accident?

Attorney contributor Brian Kent represents drunk driving crash victims and their families in civil lawsuits. Brian has offered to share some information on the legal rights of these victims and families in Illinois:

In every state, victims injured by drunk drivers or family members of victims killed by drunk drivers are able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that driver. However, it is important for these victims to learn about other legal options available to them. For instance, in some states, victims injured in drunk driving accidents may be able to sue the alcohol vendor that provided the driver with alcohol prior to the crash.

This is possible in states with dram shop laws. These third-party liability laws exist in Illinois and may allow alcohol vendors to be held liable for victims’ injuries or deaths. Illinois dram shop law says that an alcohol vendor may be held responsible for injuries or deaths caused by a customer if:

• they served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated at the time of service, or
• if they served alcohol to a minor under the age of 21.