According to the Chicago Sun-Times, on August 31st around 1 a.m., a state trooper was parked on I-290 near Central Park Avenue in Chicago, IL.
Alberto Hilbelink was traveling down I-290 when he struck the squad car from behind. The state trooper sustained minor injuries from the crash.
Hilbelink was arrested for driving under the influence. He was also cited for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea 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:
Of course, victims injured in drunk driving accidents and family members of victims killed in drunk driving accidents may be able to sue the driver who caused the crash. However, in addition to a personal injury lawsuit, victims may be able to sue the alcohol vendor who provided the driver alcohol prior to the crash.
This may only occur in states with third-party liability dram shop laws. In Illinois, the dram shop law states that victims of drunk driving accidents may be able to sue alcohol vendors if the vendor served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated at the time of service, or to a minor under the age of 21.