Illinois lawmakers have expanded the alcohol related offenses for which the police may immediately seize your vehicle. Under the amended law, the police may seize your vehicle if it is operated by a driver who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or similar intoxicants and the driver’s license has been revoked or suspended for the same reasons.
If the driver was in a car accident that was the proximate cause of personal injury that resulted in death, great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement the police may take steps to seize your vehicle. That’s not all-if it is your third violation for driving under the influence and you don’t have a driver’s license-say good-bye to your car. Lastly, if you knew or even “should have known” that the vehicle was not covered by a liability insurance policy.
What this means for the victims of these car accidents is unclear but could only operate to help assure that the intoxicated driver has liability for the victims injuries and will help prevent him or her from getting behind the wheel again. Alcohol and autos do not mix and the more laws to prevent and deter drivers from drinking and driving the safer the roads for all of us.
More than ever, it is important that you consult your Chicago Injury Attorney to understand and advocate on your behalf whenever a car accident results in personal injury or property damage. Follow Grazian and Volpe (now Lloyd Miller Law) on TV, YouTube and Facebook to make sure that you know your rights and duties!