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Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in Denver. Such accidents can result in serious bodily injury or even death. Victims of a drunk driving accident may be left with expensive vehicle repairs, hospital bills, lost wages, and permanent injury. Even after an injury, the victim is expected to deal with the insurance company and law enforcement to seek compensation for their injuries. Contacting an experienced Denver car accident attorney can help you through the process and take the pressure off you so you can focus on healing.
Drunk Driver Accidents In Denver
Nearly 1 out of every 3 traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve a driver under the influence of alcohol. However, increasingly, impaired driver accidents are not limited to alcohol. More drivers are getting behind the wheel under the influence of marijuana, prescription painkillers, illegal narcotics, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
Driving under the influence has a direct correlation with being involved in a car accident. Drugs and alcohol can slow down a driver’s reaction time, impair judgment, alter motor function, and impair the driver’s sense of depth perception. This can lead to speeding, driving the wrong way, crossing over the center median, failing to abide by traffic signals, and other forms of reckless driving.
How The Driver’s Criminal DUI Charge Affects Your Claim
In a typical vehicle accident, the victim can generally file a personal injury lawsuit after the accident to seek compensation. They may file a claim for damages related to lost wages, property damage, medical bills, pain, and suffering. However, filing a civil lawsuit can be more complicated as a result of the criminal charges related to drunk driving crashes.
Impaired driving is a criminal offense, and may also give rise to a civil claim. However, a victim may have to wait until the criminal case is concluded before they can take their case to court. Unfortunately, this creates some problems for the victim.
Criminal court cases can take a long time to reach a conclusion, especially if the defendant wants to take their case to trial. It could take 6 months or more before a DUI arrest ends up with a jury verdict. The impaired driver may have also spent a lot of their money to pay for a criminal defense attorney, leaving fewer resources to compensate the victim.
Drunk Driver Accident Damages
The damages involved in an impaired driver accident depend on a number of factors. Many accidents only result in property damage, including damage to parked cars, hitting a building, or damaging city property.
However, more serious accidents can involve injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Head injury
- Neck or back injury
- Burns
- Internal injuries
The impaired driver’s liability insurance coverage or company coverage should pay for your damages in the event of an accident. However, if the insurance company does not want to pay or they only offer a portion of your damages, contact an attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Before accepting a settlement offer, make sure you understand your legal rights so you do not sell yourself short.
In some cases, an impaired driver does not have car insurance because of a suspended license and prior DUIs. In Colorado, drivers are required to have a minimum amount of uninsured/underinsured coverage, unless they waive this coverage. This includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident coverage. However, just because you are covered by your own insurance does not mean your insurance company will be willing to pay you for the full extent of your damages. Talk to an attorney if your claim has been denied, held up, or only partially approved.
Losing a loved one in an accident with an impaired driver is a tragic event. While no amount of money can bring them back, a wrongful death lawsuit may allow the family to cover the funeral and burial costs and ensure their children will be cared for. Through a wrongful death claim, surviving family members can seek damages for loss of support or loss of companionship. It will also hold the impaired driver accountable for their actions.
Contact a Denver DUI Accident Lawyer for Help After An Accident
If you have been injured in an automobile accident with an impaired driver, the Olson Personal Injury Lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We will provide you with the personal attention you expect and deserve and always keep the lines of communication open. It is our dedication and commitment that makes the Olson Personal Injury Lawyers one of Denver’s preeminent law firms. Contact our office today.
Denver Drunk Driving FAQs
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU REPORT A DRUNK DRIVER?
CAN YOU REPORT A DRUNK DRIVER AFTER THE FACT?
It’s best to let the police know about a drunk driver as soon as possible, but your most important job is to stay safe. You can report a drunk driver after you get home and are safely off the road.
CAN I ANONYMOUSLY REPORT A DRUNK DRIVER?
You are not required to give your name when reporting a drunk driver.
COULD THERE BE REPERCUSSIONS FOR REPORTING A DRUNK DRIVER?
You could be asked to testify against a drunk driver if you reported them, but if you make your report anonymously, there are usually little to no repercussions for reporting a drunk driver.
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