Des Plaines, Illinois - Alejandro Arzeta Killed, Boy Seriously Injured in Crash with Suspected Drunk Driver Eldor Akilov

Eldor Akilov Charged with Reckless Homicide, DUI After Fatal Crash in Des Plaines

A Florida man has been charged with reckless homicide and driving under the influence following a fatal suspected drunk driving crash in Des Plaines on January 5. To learn more about the legal options for those hit by drunk driver, continue reading our lawyer commentary below.

Police say that 33-year-old Eldor Akilov was intoxicated and speeding when he crashed into another vehicle near Elmhurst and Golf roads in Des Plaines last week. The crash reportedly happened at around 7:05 p.m.

A Nissan Altima was pulling out of a private driveway and Akilov’s vehicle struck that car while Akilov was allegedly speeding northbound on Elmhurst Road. The Nissan driver, 46-year-old Alejandro Arzeta, was hospitalized at Lutheran General and was pronounced dead there.

A 13-year-old boy was a passenger in the Nissan and he suffered serious injuries, but his condition was eventually stabilized, according to police.

Akilov was also hospitalized after the crash. He has been ordered held on $400,000 bail.

Legal Options For Drunk Driving Crash Victims and Their Families in Illinois

Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea helps families affected by drunk driving crashes recover the financial compensation they need and deserve. Brian has offered to add some thoughts on the legal rights of people injured by drunk drivers and the families of those killed in Illinois drunk driving crashes:

When drunk drivers cause crashes that leave others injured or result in tragic deaths, it’s important that those affected are aware of their legal options. These tragedies can leave families devastated as they mourn the loss of loved ones. Additionally, there are often dire financial consequences, including unmanageable medical expenses and lost wages.

Families affected by drunk driving crashes may have multiple ways to secure the financial compensation they need for the personal and financial difficulties they’ve been forced to endure. Drunk drivers can be held directly liable in personal injury lawsuits, or in fatal crashes, wrongful death lawsuits. But there are also some situations where these families may have the right to file something called a dram shop lawsuit against an alcohol vendor.

Illinois is one of several states with dram shop laws. According to the dram shop laws in this state, alcohol vendors can be sued for injuries or deaths caused by their customers if:

• the person who caused the injuries or death was intoxicated at the time,
• the alcohol vendor provided alcohol to that person, who consumed it,
• this alcohol consumption was a cause of the intoxication,
• injuries or deaths at least partly resulted from this intoxication,
• someone suffered personal injuries or property damage as a result.

If you or a loved one has recently been in a crash with a drunk driver, you can learn more about your options for financial compensation in a free consultation with one of our experienced drunk driving injury victim lawyers.

Sources:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2020/1/13/21063919/eldor-akilov-reckless-homicide-dui-charge-des-plaines-crash

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/driver-in-fatal-des-plaines-crash-charged-with-dui-and-reckless-homicide/2200524/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge/ct-prh-des-plaines-fatal-crash-tl-0116-20200113-ybhkzjgbt5dy7i3w2bwinrkqpy-story.html