DUI Accident Lawyer

As a victim, you may have claims against more than just the drunk driver. Damages collected after a drunk driving accident may include compensation for property damage, past and future medical expenses, loss of current or future income, disfigurement, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. If you believe that you or someone you care about has been the victim of a drunk driving accident, we urge you to act quickly and contact an expert Colorado personal injury attorney.

Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are a serious concern in Colorado, resulting in devastating consequences for victims and their families. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, drunk driving accidents account for a significant percentage of all traffic fatalities in the state. These accidents can occur at any time, but the risk is notably higher during nights and weekends when intoxicated drivers are more likely to be on the road.

Several factors contribute to drunk driving accidents, including:

• Excessive Drinking: Consuming too much alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, affecting their judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
• Reckless Behavior: Drunk drivers often engage in dangerous behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, and failing to yield to other drivers, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
• Lack of Attention: Intoxicated drivers may not be fully aware of their surroundings, leading to a higher risk of accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Drunk driving accidents can result in severe injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries. Prompt medical care can make a significant difference in your recovery and the success of any subsequent legal claims.

Steps to Take after a Denver Drunk Driving Accident

If you’re involved in an accident with a drunk or impaired driver, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your legal right to compensation:

Stop and Remain at the Scene

After you’ve assessed the situation and tended to any passengers, call 911 for police and emergency medical services.

Gather Information

Write down the other driver’s name, phone number, and insurance information. You should also get the names and contact information of any passengers who were involved and any witnesses who saw the collision.

Document the Accident

Take pictures of the scene of the accident and any damage you see to either vehicle. Depending on your location, you could also try to find and access video footage of the accident.

Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible

Even if your injuries don’t appear to be life-threatening, you should still visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some impact injuries have latent symptoms, and delaying treatment could put your health at risk. Putting off your medical evaluation may also give the opposing party the opportunity to argue that you’re partially responsible for the severity of your injuries.

Work with an Experienced Lawyer

After a severe injury or the devastating loss of a loved one, your focus should be on healing for yourself and your family, not fighting insurance companies. Your attorney can take these tasks off your hands so that you can rest and recover.

The drunk driver who hit you may be arrested at the scene and could face criminal charges and legal punishments, including jail time, fines, and driver’s license suspension. Once you’ve filed a civil lawsuit, your attorney will gather evidence to show the extent of your compensatory damages, which are meant to repay you for your losses, and guide you through the personal injury lawsuit process.

Proving a Drunk Driving Case in Colorado

Proving a drunk driving case in Colorado requires meticulous gathering and preservation of evidence. This evidence is crucial in establishing the liability of the intoxicated driver and securing the compensation you deserve. Key pieces of evidence include:

• Police Reports: These reports provide valuable information about the accident, including the driver’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) and any citations issued at the scene.
• Witness Statements: Independent accounts from witnesses can corroborate your version of events and help establish the drunk driver’s liability.
• Crash Scene Photos and Videos: Visual evidence from the scene can help reconstruct the accident and demonstrate the severity of the damage.
• Blood Test Results: These results offer conclusive proof of the driver’s BAC at the time of the accident, strengthening your case.

A skilled drunk driving accident lawyer can assist in gathering and preserving this evidence, ensuring that your case is robust and well-documented. Their expertise can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

What Is Denver’s Dram Shop Liability?

Drunk driving cases aren’t always the sole responsibility of the intoxicated driver; in some instances, victims can bring claims against those who have contributed to the driver’s intoxication. In dram shop cases, an entity that supplied alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who then got behind the wheel of a vehicle may also be held liable for a drunk driving accident.

It's important to remember that the statute of limitations for pressing charges in a dram shop liability case is limited to only one year. If you're considering pursuing compensatory damages, you should consult an experienced drunk-driving lawyer about your legal options quickly.

Injuries and Compensation for Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents can result in a wide range of severe injuries, including:

• Head Trauma: Injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in paralysis, numbness, and tingling, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Bills: Coverage for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income, both past and future, due to the inability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident.

A knowledgeable drunk driving accident lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Denver

Tragedy often strikes as the result of a drunk driving crash. If your loved one was wrongfully killed in a DUI accident, pursuing legal action can feel like an insurmountable hurdle. However, when someone dies in a drunk-driving car accident, a loved one or personal representative may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

A personal representative is someone named in a will or trust as the executor or administrator of a deceased person's estate. This individual has the authority to carry out the deceased person's wishes and act as a fiduciary for the beneficiaries of their estate. If you are your loved one's representative, an attorney can fight for you to recover damages from your loss. 

Contact the Expert Denver Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys at Mintz Law Firm

If you or a loved one were involved in a drunk driving accident, it's essential to act quickly and seek a reputable lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Dealing with insurance companies, medical care, and all the other stressors that come with legal matters can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the experts at Mintz Law Firm have made this process easy for you. 

Drunk driving accident cases require knowledgeable legal expertise, so they should be left to professionals. With over 150 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Mintz Law Firm understand the ins and outs of Colorado personal injury law. We will help you achieve the best results possible for your case. Our team of lawyers has the compassion to empathize with those suffering from harm done by others and will work tirelessly to protect your rights. For a free consultation, give us a call at (303) 462-2999 or complete our contact form today.