Drunk Driver Travels Eight Miles Wrong Way on I-90

 Posted on April 14, 2012 in Car Accidents

The Chicago Tribune reports that a drunk driver rode the wrong way down the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway for some eight miles this week before finally being stopped by a tollway maintenance truck. The truck was able to use its flashing lights to stop the driver in the center median of the tollway after its driver noticed that the vehicle was traveling west in the eastbound lanes. Illinois State Police took a Chicago man, Michael Glomski, into custody for driving under the influence, improper lane usage, and driving without insurance a short time later.

Unfortunately, drunk driving is an all-too common occurrence on today’s roadways. While the incident described above did not result in an accident, these incidents often lead to car accidents that cause serious injuries or even death. With over 1.4 million arrests for drunk driving each year in the United States, it is no surprise that there are approximately 12,000 deaths due to drunk driving accidents each year nationwide. In Illinois alone, it is estimated that over 400 fatal accidents occurred as the result of drinking and driving.

While the loss of life is irreplaceable, the family members of a person killed in a drunk driving accident may have a wrongful death claim against the person responsible for the accident. A wrongful death claim may result in compensation being awarded to the family members for their losses, including medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of income, and other damages. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are strict deadlines, or statutes of limitation, by which you must file a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois. If you fail to meet these deadlines, you may lose your right to bring any sort of claim. As a result, it is essential that you contact an Orland Park wrongful death lawyer to assist you if you find yourself facing this situation.