Police Officer Injured In Waukegan Car Accident With Driver Opening Beer

Chicago Sheriff’s Deputy Injured In Waukegan Car Accident With Pickup Truck Driver Opening Beer

Police Officer Injured In Waukegan Car Accident With Driver Opening Beer

WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS (March 1, 2023) – A Chicago sheriff’s deputy was seriously injured in a Waukegan car accident with a pickup truck driver opening a beer in their vehicle.

Lake County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:10 p.m. on Sunday. A 59-year-old man was driving a pickup truck when he went through a stop sign and hit a Chicago sheriff’s deputy vehicle with emergency lights and sirens.

The driver later told authorities that the last thing that he remembers is opening a beer prior to the crash. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

The female sheriff’s deputy was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Waukegan Car Accidents

Driver intoxication is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the NHTSA, “Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 45 minutes. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2019.” There are a number of substances besides alcohol that could potentially impair a driver.

  • Benzodiazepines
  • Prescriptions
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • THC

It is illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No person shall operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher under Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-501. If a driver hits another vehicle while intoxicated, they can be held liable through the doctrine of negligence per se. Victims of car accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:

  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Organ damages

Many accident victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months after a collision. Any person that is injured due to the negligent actions of a driver may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is very important that all evidence is properly preserved after any collision.

Investigating A Lake County Car Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the Chicago sheriff’s deputy injured in this crash. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable collision that should not have taken place. There needs to be some accountability for what happened. 

Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the negligent actions of an intoxicated driver? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.