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Denver Drunk Driver Accident Attorney  

A single bad decision made by another driver could change your life forever. Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol can render a driver unable to make sound decisions or properly control a motor vehicle. Due to no fault of your own, you may be left with serious or permanent injuries after a drunk driving accident…or worse, the devastating loss of a loved one.

Dormer Harpring fights for justice on behalf of drunk driving accident victims and their families in Denver and throughout Colorado. Our Denver DUI attorneys have years of experience and are passionate about helping crash victims rebuild their lives as much as possible after these disasters. Schedule a free consultation with a Denver car accident attorney today to find out how we can help.

Do I Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

If you get injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, you may need all the help that you can get to pick up the pieces, seek justice against the driver and move forward. While you are not responsible for bringing criminal charges against a drunk driver, it is up to you to file a car accident claim in pursuit of compensation for your injuries. Hiring an attorney from the very beginning of your case can make the legal process easier.

Hiring an attorney can allow you to rest, relax and focus on what is most important, such as healing from your injuries and spending time with your loved ones. Meanwhile, your attorney will thoroughly investigate your accident, collect available evidence against the drunk driver and negotiate a fair settlement from an insurance company. If the driver receives DUI criminal charges or registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) level at or above the legal limit, your lawyer can make sure this is used as evidence in your Denver car accident case.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

After a drunk driving accident in Denver, try to stay calm and resist the urge to confront the intoxicated driver. Instead, call the police to notify law enforcement of the accident. Explain that you believe the other driver is under the influence and request paramedics if anyone has been injured. The police can visit the scene of the crash and look for signs of drunk driving. They can also perform chemical and field sobriety tests. If the other driver gets arrested for DUI, this will be included in the accident report.

While you are still at the scene of the crash, take photographs and gather information about the other driver and his or her vehicle. Then, go to a hospital in Denver immediately for medical care for your injuries. The other driver’s insurance company will look for ways to reduce your payout, even while its policyholder is facing DUI charges. If you delay medical care, this could hurt your ability to collect compensation. When you are ready to pursue an injury claim, contact an attorney at Dormer Harpring for a free consultation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?

Liability, or legal and financial responsibility, for a drunk driving car accident is not always as simple as the drunk driver. In some cases, a third party is responsible for a DUI crash. An attorney can help you identify all liable parties in your case to help you maximize your financial recovery. This may include:

  • The drunk driver. All drivers in Colorado must carry minimum amounts of liability insurance to pay for any injuries and property damage they cause. Driving under the influence can be enough to prove negligence per se, meaning the driver was negligent without requiring further evidence.
  • A dram shop. Colorado has a dram shop law that states that a vendor of alcoholic beverages can be held responsible for a drunk driving accident and injuries caused by an intoxicated person due to the sale or service of an alcoholic beverage to the individual, if the dram shop willfully and knowingly sold alcohol to someone under the age of 21 or someone who was visibly intoxicated.
  • A social host. State law also allows a civil action to be brought against a social host for injuries caused by an intoxicated driver, as long as it can be proven that the social host knowingly served an alcoholic beverage to a person who was under the age of 21 or provided a place for this person to consume alcohol.

You may be able to hold multiple parties liable for your drunk driving accident in Denver. Seeking coverage from more than one insurance policy can lead to a greater financial recovery for you and your family after a DUI crash.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

Filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit for a DUI accident in Denver could help you pay for the crash and plan for your future with greater financial peace of mind. Securing compensation from the drunk driver or another party can also hold someone accountable for the crash, hopefully giving you a sense of closure after a traumatic collision.

You may be eligible for the following types of financial compensation as a drunk driving accident victim:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Out-of-pocket costs
  • Lost quality of life
  • Permanent disability
  • Wrongful death damages, if applicable
  • Loss of consortium

In addition, a drunk driving accident case in Denver could result in punitive damages. Unlike the damages listed above, punitive damages are meant to punish a defendant rather than reimburse a crash victim. They can be awarded in Colorado if a defendant acted in a willful and wanton manner. This includes making the reckless decision to drive while intoxicated.

Contact Dormer Harpring for a Free Drunk Driving Accident Case Review

If you have been injured or a loved one tragically lost his or her life in a drunk driving accident in Denver, the law firm of Dormer Harpring can help. Our Denver DUI accident lawyers offer free consultations, where you can tell your story and receive tailored legal advice. If we offer to represent you during a personal injury claim against a drunk driver or another party, we will aggressively negotiate for the financial compensation that you deserve. Learn more about how our accident lawyers can help you. Call (303) 747-4404 or contact us online today.