Rockford DUI Accident Lawyer

Expert Legal Representation for Victims of DUI Accidents in Rockford

Free consultation to review your case

No upfront fees—we work on a contingency basis

A Rockford DUI accident lawyer can help if you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver or someone impaired by illegal drugs or prescription medication.

These cases often involve severe injuries due to reckless driving, delayed reaction times, and high-speed collisions. Victims face complex legal battles, especially when multiple substances are involved, making liability harder to prove.

Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, drug impairment can be challenging to establish, as standard field sobriety tests may be unreliable. We know how to gather evidence, use police reports, and build strong cases against impaired drivers.

Book a free case evaluation with us today.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Rockford DUI Accident Attorneys

• $4,000,000 – Wrongful death settlement for a passenger killed in a Rockford crash.
• $3,200,000 – Settlement for a disabled man hit in a crosswalk, suffering severe injuries.
• $2,000,000 – Policy limit settlement for rollover crash injuries.
• $1,600,000 – Rear-end collision settlement for herniated disc requiring fusion surgery.

When You Need a DUI Accident Lawyer in Rockford

Legal counsel is crucial in cases where:

• You suffered serious injuries due to a drunk or drugged driver.
• The at-fault party denies responsibility or disputes test results.
• You need to file a DUI injury claim to recover medical bills and lost wages.

How a Rockford DUI Accident Attorney Can Help You Win Your Case

A Rockford personal injury attorney can build a strong case by:

• Investigating how the drunk driver caused the crash.
• Collecting key evidence such as breathalyzer results, blood tests, and witness testimony.
• Working with experts to prove drug or alcohol impairment using toxicology reports.

Types of DUI Accident Cases Our Rockford Law Firm Handles

DUI accidents in Rockford can involve more than just alcohol-related crashes. Impaired driving cases often stem from a combination of alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal substances, each presenting unique legal challenges. Our firm handles a wide range of DUI-related accidents, including:

• Alcohol-Related DUI Crashes – Drivers under the influence of alcohol cause severe collisions, especially at high-speed roadways like I-90 and major intersections such as Alpine Road & E State Street.
• Drugged Driving Accidents – Drivers using marijuana, opioids, or sedatives cause crashes that may require complex toxicology evidence to prove liability.
• Multi-Substance Impairment Cases – Some drivers mix alcohol with prescription drugs or illegal substances, leading to dangerously unpredictable behavior behind the wheel.
• Repeat Offender DUI Accidents – Cases where a drunk or drugged driver has a prior history of DUI convictions, increasing the severity of penalties and legal options for victims.
• Commercial Driver DUI Accidents – Truck drivers and other commercial operators caught driving under the influence face stricter legal consequences, but insurance companies often try to minimize liability.
• Hit-and-Run DUI Crashes – Drunk drivers frequently flee the scene to avoid arrest, leaving victims with serious injuries and legal complexities in seeking compensation.

DUI Accidents in Rockford: Common Causes and Risk Factors

The City Summary Crash Report for Rockford highlights 146 DUI accidents in 2023.

• Alcohol-impaired drivers caused 125 crashes, resulting in 3 fatalities and 57 injuries.
• Drug-impaired drivers were involved in 16 crashes, leading to 1 fatality and 6 injuries.
• Drivers impaired by both alcohol and drugs accounted for 1 crash with 1 injury.
• Drivers who had been drinking (but not over the legal limit) were involved in 4 crashes, causing 2 injuries.

Certain roads and intersections in Rockford see a higher frequency of DUI-related crashes due to speeding, reckless driving, and impaired reaction times. Some of the most dangerous locations include:

• I-90 & E Riverside Blvd
• US 20 & 11th Street
• Alpine Road & E State Street

Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs often exhibit reckless and erratic behavior before an accident, including:

• Swerving or drifting between lanes
• Excessive speeding or sudden braking
• Ignoring traffic signals

Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, where breathalyzer results can provide immediate evidence of impairment, drugged driving cases often require more in-depth investigations. Proving impairment from marijuana, opioids, or prescription medications can involve:

• Toxicology reports and blood tests – Unlike alcohol, drugs metabolize differently, making it harder to determine the exact level of impairment at the time of the crash.
• Field sobriety tests and police observations – Officers must rely on physical signs such as delayed reactions, slurred speech, or erratic behavior.
• Expert testimony – Drug recognition experts may be needed to explain how a specific substance affects driving ability.

What to Do After a DUI Accident in Rockford

If you’ve been involved in a DUI accident in Rockford, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek medical treatment – Even if you don’t feel injured right away, some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
• Obtain a police report – A report confirming drug or alcohol impairment is key evidence in your case. Request a copy from the Rockford Police Department or the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.
• Contact a Rockford DUI accident attorney – A legal professional can help you navigate your claim, deal with the insurance company, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Local Laws and Regulations That Affect Your DUI Case in Illinois

• 625 ILCS 5/11-501 prohibits operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher or under the influence of drugs. If a drunk or drugged driver causes a crash, they are presumed negligent in civil injury claims.
• Under 235 ILCS 5/6-21, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores that overserve intoxicated individuals may be held financially responsible if that person causes a DUI crash.
• As many intoxicated drivers lack insurance, 215 ILCS 5/143a requires uninsured motorist coverage, allowing victims to file a claim through their own policy.

Determining the Value of Your DUI Case in Rockford

If you’ve been injured in a DUI crash, the compensation you receive depends on several factors. Victims may be entitled to:

• Medical Treatment Expenses – Covers hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
• Lost Wages and Future Earnings – Compensation for missed work and reduced ability to earn in the future.
• Pain and Suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and lasting trauma caused by the accident.

Deadlines for Filing a DUI Accident Lawsuit in Illinois

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, victims typically have two years to pursue compensation. However, exceptions may apply, especially in cases of severe injuries or wrongful death. Seeking legal guidance early ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines.

Why Choose Our Rockford DUI Accident Law Firm

When you’re facing the aftermath of a DUI-related accident, you need a lawyer with the experience and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve. Rosenfeld Injury Law has:

• Proven Success in DUI Cases – We have handled complex personal injury cases involving both alcohol and drug impairment, ensuring clients receive the justice they deserve.
• Decades of Experience – Our experienced attorneys know how to prove liability in drugged driving and drunk driver cases, even when insurance companies push back.
• Strong Track Record of Results – From negotiating with insurers to securing courtroom victories, we have recovered maximum compensation for countless injured victims.

FAQs About DUI Accidents in Rockford

What should I do if a drugged or drunk driver caused my accident?

Seek medical treatment immediately, report the crash to law enforcement, and obtain an accident report confirming the driver’s impairment. Then, consult a Rockford car accident attorney to protect your rights.

How do police prove drug impairment in a DUI case?

Officers use breathalyzer tests, blood samples, field sobriety tests, and drug recognition experts to determine impairment. Proving drug-related personal injury cases can be more complex than alcohol-related ones, requiring legal help to ensure a thorough investigation.

What are my legal options if the driver was impaired by prescription medication?

Even legally prescribed drugs can impair driving ability. If a driver was under the influence of medication and caused an accident, you may have the right to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Consult a Rockford DUI Accident Attorney Near You!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Rockford DUI accident, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our experienced Rockford car accident lawyers are here to guide you through the entire process, gather critical evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

From dealing with insurance companies to proving liability, we handle every step so you can focus on your recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will owe us nothing unless we help you recover compensation.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to book a free consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.