Lyft Driver Charged in Fatal Crash with Intoxicated Driver

 Posted on July 02, 2018 in DUI/DWI

Both a driver for the rideshare company Lyft and another motorist are facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) after a fatal crash last month.

One man was driving and crossed over the center line, according to WGN9 Chicago. He collided with the Lyft driver head-on. The passenger in the Lyft was not injured and is in good condition. Unfortunately, the female passenger in the first driver’s vehicle was killed as a result of the crash. She was taken to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.

The motorist was charged with a felony aggravated DUI that resulted in the accident and death and is also facing a misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs charge. The Lyft driver is facing charges of driving under the influence of drugs. Again, this is a misdemeanor charge.

Illinois takes DUI charges very seriously because they can have a devastating impact on more than just the driver of a vehicle. As such, it is imperative that you understand Illinois DUI law in case you are facing a DUI charge.

What is a DUI?

According to Illinois law, a person can be charged with a DUIwhendriving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, intoxicating compounds, or a combination of substances. If a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is greater than .08, thenhe or she will becharged with a DUI. In order to be charged with a DUI in Illinois, the driver must be in “actual physical control” of the vehicle.

DUIs in Illinois are handled on a sliding scale. The more DUI convictions on a person’s record, the harsher the punishmenthe or she will receive. Even a first-time DUI offender will be punished— the state wants to deter drivers from operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs and being a public safety hazard.

The following includes a classification of DUI penalties:

• Class A Misdemeanor: The first DUI offense results in a short jail sentence, license suspension, and fines;
• Class 2 Felony: This may lead to fines, probation, prison time, and even suspension of driving privileges;
• Class 1 Felony: This may lead to a lifetime suspension of driving privileges and vehicle registration, along with other penalties; and
• Class X Felony: A Class X felony results following the sixth or greater. This can result in up to 30 years in prison.

Contact an Attorney for Help

A DUI conviction can drastically alter your life. You want to have an attorney who is on your side and ready to fight for you. The skilled Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorneyat The Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley is awaiting your callto work diligently to get you the best possible outcome.

Sources:

http://wgntv.com/lyft-passenger-killed-in-logan-square-crash-driver-charged-police-say/

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501