Every day we see the devastating consequences of drunk driving accidents. A car accident is a serious matter that causes tragedy in the lives of victims and their families.
If a drunk driver has injured you or someone you love, you need a Colorado car accident lawyer who will aggressively represent you. You deserve fair and equitable compensation for the pain and suffering someone else’s negligence has caused you. In addition, if you lost a loved one to the accident, you may be able to bring forth a wrongful death claim.
Drunk Driving Statistics: An Epidemic in Colorado & Across the Country
The sad truth about drunk driving is that it is pervasive in Colorado and all across the US. In both urban and rural areas of Colorado and the entire country, we see drunk driving accidents almost every day.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 10,000 deaths a year are caused by drunk drivers in the US. Hundreds of those cases happened in the state of Colorado alone.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reported tens of thousands of DUI violations in 2018. Of those, 188 were fatalities. The total number of deaths in the US from drunk driving accidents was 10,511.
Colorado is one of the few states that does not implement an automatic felony after multiple DUI charges. Other states, for example, impose a felony conviction and a prison sentence after several DUI charges. The tragedy of this is that repeat offenders cause many DUI-related accidents. Despite the driver’s number of arrests, you and your loved ones deserve justice for the negligent party’s carelessness.
Tips for Spotting a Drunk Driver
Drunk driving accidents happen almost every hour in the US. Alcohol-related accidents cause 1 out of every three traffic deaths. While we can make responsible decisions on the road, we can’t do the same for others. You may be on the road with another driver who is drunk or impaired. The best thing to do is to stay out of their way and report them to the local authorities.
Here are some possible signs to help you identify a drunk driver on the road:
- Zig-zagging or drifting in and out of traffic lanes
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving without lights on at night
- Not using turn signals
- Driving unusually slow
- Tail-gating
- Braking unexpectedly and erratically
- Stopping at green lights or other unusual driving behaviors
- Driving recklessly or speeding excessively
If you spot a drunk driver, call 911 immediately. Do not try to pass the suspected drunk driver, as this could put your safety at risk. If necessary, pull over to keep a safe distance from the driver. Do not try to approach the driver or talk to them, as this is the job of the police. No matter what, remember that your safety should always be your top priority.
Why Hire a Colorado Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?
Our Colorado drunk driving accident lawyers are knowledgeable and have extensive experience in numerous drunk driving cases. We know how complex these cases can be and how to get you the total compensation you deserve. However, if you try to pursue your claim independently, you might not be aware of all the damages you are entitled to.
Another factor that can further complicate your case is the lack of or minimal insurance coverage. Many people who choose to drive drunk are uninsured or carry minimal coverage. Hiring a Colorado drunk driving accident lawyer will make navigating the cumbersome insurance conditions easier. In addition, a skilled lawyer will help you find all the proof you need to win your case. It’s advisable to consult with a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to help ensure you receive the proper settlement you deserve.
Insurance companies are notorious for settling a case with victims as early as possible and for less than they really deserve. This is because they want to avoid future expenses that will likely come up if the claim pursues.
For example, let’s say you start having symptoms from the accident injuries that appear years later. Insurance companies want to settle as early as possible to avoid having to pay for your ongoing medical bills, physical therapy, or lost wages. These are hefty bills that can persist for years after the accident. If you make the mistake of accepting an unjust insurance settlement too early, you could find yourself struggling to cover these costs down the line.
How to Choose the Best Colorado Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving accidents usually have separate criminal and civil cases. Therefore, you must work with an attorney proficient with the interplay between the criminal and civil cases of drunk driving accidents. Our Colorado drunk driving accident attorneys will ensure that the criminal case works to benefit your civil trial.
When it comes to drunk driving accident claims, our lawyers will fight aggressively on your behalf. We will help ensure that the negligent party is held accountable for their reckless conduct. It would be best if you had a Colorado drunk driving accident lawyer who is informed and experienced enough to handle your unique case. We will protect your rights and make sure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident
If you or someone you know has been injured due to a drunk driving accident, we are here to help you win your case. Contact a drunk driving accident attorney today to evaluate your case and get a free initial consultation.
You could be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit and win financial compensation. Make sure you find the right attorney who can represent you fully and fairly. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or while impaired in any way is a dangerous business. DUI charges can follow someone for a lifetime, but so can injuries from a drunk driver’s negligence.
