Four people were killed on Monday, in a fatal car accident on I-80 in Hazel Crest. The accident was the second wrong-way accident this year that involved a drunk driver. As a Chicago personal injury lawyer and DUI crash victim, many of my readers know that I am passionate in all matters regarding drunk drivers. I am passionate about keeping drunk drivers off our roads and passionate about helping drunk driving victims. I became a lawyer after suffering my own personal injuries as a result of a drunk driving crash. I have dedicated my career to assisting victims of drunk drivers receive compensation for their injuries or loss.

The tragic drunk driving car crash occurred on Interstate 80 after 2:00 on Monday morning. According to reports from the Illinois State Police, the driver of a 1996 Infiniti was driving the wrong-way on the highway's westbound lanes. The car struck a 1999 Ford killing the driver instantly. The head-on collision ignited both vehicles. Several of the victims were burned beyond recognition. Three of the four passengers in the Infiniti were killed in the fatal accident. A third passenger in the Infiniti was treated at a local hospital. According to police reports, test results showed that the driver of the Infiniti was under the influence of alcohol when the fatal crash occurred.

One of the most serious types of car accidents is a head-on collision. Injuries resulting from a head-on collision can be catastrophic or can result in death. Under normal conditions, a head-on collision is unavoidable. They happen in a split second, and usually there is no way to avoid it. The causes of a head-on collision can be varied. A driver could cross over several lanes of traffic. The driver could be distracted, texting or talking on their phone, falling asleep, or driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Cars that are involved in a head-on collision are generally hit at a higher rate of speed. The sudden and severe impact can cause your body to lunge forward and back quickly. This can lead to catastrophic injuries to the head, neck, shoulder and torso. Today's cars are equipped with front and side impact air bags. When a head-on collision occurs, the airbags will automatically deploy, preventing some types of injuries or prevent death. It is not guaranteed that this will occur. Sometimes the opposite happens and people are injured from the impact of the airbag. Head-on car accidents can cause many types of injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, fractures and burns.

For over two decades, I have been involved in the fight against drunk driving. Whether it was speaking for MADD, educating their victim advocates or helping with community service programs. I served on the Board of Directors for the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) for over three 3 years. I have educated hundreds of future drivers on the consequences of drinking and driving. Let us all remember, that crashes involving a DUI should not be labeled as a car accident.

This fatal wrong way drunk driving car crash could have been avoided, if the driver chose not to drink and drive.