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Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Sycamore, IL

DeKalb County’s Injured Victims Deserve More Than a Quick Settlement

When a drunk driver causes a crash, the injured victim faces an insurance company with every incentive to pay as little as possible. At Turner Law Group, our Sycamore office represents the people harmed in these crashes. Attorneys Rick Turner and Margie Komes Putzler advocate directly for injured clients throughout DeKalb County, pursuing compensation rather than a quick settlement that falls short.

Most search results for this query surface DUI defense attorneys who represent the accused driver. We’re on the other side of that table. We represent victims.

If you or a family member was injured by a drunk driver in Sycamore, IL or anywhere in DeKalb County, contact us for a free consultation at (800) 653-0198.

Why Choose Turner Law Group for Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Four decades of commitment to injured clients in Northern Illinois has produced a track record that speaks for itself. Clients receive direct attention from our attorneys, not from junior staff. If your injuries prevent you from coming to our Sycamore office, we can come to you.

Attorney Recognitions & Credentials

Rick Turner holds Super Lawyers recognition and was named to the Super Lawyers Top 100 list for 2024. Margie Komes Putzler is also recognized by Super Lawyers. Both attorneys are recognized by Leading Lawyers, and Rick Turner also holds an AVVO 10.0 Superb rating.

The firm holds membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Kane County Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America.

Auto Accident Results That Demonstrate Our Capacity

Past results don’t guarantee any particular outcome in a new case, but they do show what’s possible when a claim is built carefully. Our auto accident recoveries include:

  • $2.9 million in a semi versus auto case where a truck driver crossed the center median and struck our client head-on
  • $1.3 million in an auto accident case
  • $1.125 million in an auto accident case
  • $1.1 million in an auto accident case
  • $625,000 in an auto accident case

Additional results are listed on our Our Victories page.

How Drunk Driving Accident Claims Differ from Other Car Accident Cases

A DUI arrest or conviction on record doesn’t mean the insurance company simply pays. Carriers may still dispute liability, question injury severity, or delay the process even when the at-fault driver faces criminal charges. Understanding how the two proceedings interact matters for building a strong civil claim.

In Illinois, a drunk driver’s DUI charge or conviction can be used as evidence of negligence in a civil personal injury claim. That civil claim runs on a separate track from the criminal case. Whether the driver is convicted, pleads guilty, or has charges reduced, you can still pursue compensation through a civil action. Illinois sets the blood alcohol threshold at 0.08% for non-commercial drivers, but a driver can be found civilly liable below that level if their ability to drive was demonstrably affected.

Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Illinois

Illinois doesn’t cap damages in most personal injury cases, which means the full scope of your losses is on the table. We review medical bills, pay stubs, treatment records, and injury severity to build a fair demand and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurer from a position of preparation.

Economic Damages
These are calculable financial losses: emergency and ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages during recovery, and property damage to your vehicle.

Non-Economic Damages
These address the human cost of the crash: pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. These losses are real and compensable even when there’s no invoice attached.

If a drunk driving crash results in a fatality, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim. These are handled through a separate civil action with their own evidentiary and procedural requirements.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Crash in DeKalb County

What you do in the days after the crash directly affects the strength of your claim. Evidence disappears quickly, and early missteps can give an insurer grounds to undervalue what you’re owed.

  • Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries feel minor. Medical records created close in time to the crash document your condition and support the claim.
  • Contact law enforcement and obtain the police report, which will reflect whether the at-fault driver was charged with DUI.
  • Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries before vehicles are moved or repaired.
  • Collect witness contact information at the scene.
  • Don’t give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
  • Contact a drunk driving accident attorney in Sycamore promptly. Illinois personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years of the accident date. Missing that deadline can bar the claim entirely.

Once we’re involved, we handle the investigation, preserve evidence, manage communications with the insurer, and file everything required so you can focus on getting better.

Sycamore Office, DeKalb County Cases

Turner Law Group maintains a Sycamore office and represents clients throughout DeKalb, Kane, and Kendall Counties and across Northern Illinois. Civil personal injury cases arising in DeKalb County are heard at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore, the county seat. We know this courthouse and the procedures that govern cases filed there.

Talk to a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Sycamore for Free

Consultations are free with no obligation to retain us afterward. We maintain open communication throughout every case, and if your injuries prevent you from traveling, we can come to you. Rick Turner and Margie Komes Putzler work with clients directly from intake through resolution.

To speak with a drunk driving accident attorney serving Sycamore, IL and DeKalb County, call us at (800) 653-0198 or reach out through our online contact form.

Real People, Real Results

Over Millions Recovered for Those Injured
  • $1.1 Million Auto Accident
  • $1.125 Million Auto Accident
  • $647,500 Auto Accident
  • $450,000 Auto Accident
  • $1.3 Million Auto Accident
  • $625,000 Auto Accident

Get Personalized Representation

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FAQs

Common Answers To Your Questions
  • What qualifies as a personal injury?

    A personal injury generally refers to any bodily injury sustained in an accident, from minor bruises to severe brain trauma. The most common personal injury claims arise from harm sustained from traffic wrecks, slip and fall accidents, defective products, dangerous property conditions, and medical malpractice.

  • What is the personal injury statute of limitations in Illinois?

    Under state law, the statute of limitations (or deadline) for most personal injury claims in Illinois is two years from the date of the accident. However, for claims against governmental agencies, there are special limitation periods that may be as short as a year. You should always consult with an attorney on what particular limitations period might apply to your claim. You should seek legal help immediately, as a delay may be fatal to your claim. Unless you have a special exception, your claim will be thrown out if you attempt to file after the limitations period has passed.


    Because every personal injury claim is different, it is difficult to determine an average settlement. A victim who lost a limb will likely need to receive more in medical expenses than someone who broke an arm, for instance. Although personal injury claims tend to average anywhere between $3000 to $75,000—an extremely broad range—there may be significant economic and noneconomic factors in your individual case that may indicate that your particular claim would be valued at a significantly higher figure at trial in front of a jury. An attorney can help you estimate your unique losses based on the facts of your case. The knowledge of an attorney experienced in jury verdict value is extremely important. You should be entitled to make up for your specific losses at the very least.
     

  • What evidence is needed for a personal injury claim?

    Necessary evidence can vary case by case depending on the specifics of your situation. However, one of the most helpful pieces of evidence is your medical records. If you can prove that you sought medical attention for a serious injury after an accident, you are more likely to receive compensation to cover the expenses associated with said injury. Other helpful evidence includes any photographs of the accident scene, accident reports, witness statements, insurance forms, receipts, and any other physical evidence related to the injury.

  • What is the average settlement for a personal injury?

    Because every personal injury claim is different, it is difficult to determine an average settlement. A victim who lost a limb will likely need to receive more in medical expenses than someone who broke an arm, for instance. This means that personal injury claims tend to average anywhere between $3000 to $75,000—an extremely broad range. An attorney can help you estimate your unique losses based on the facts of your case. You should be entitled to make up for your specific losses at the very least.