Denver Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

After a drunk driving accident in Denver, life can feel unfamiliar and unfair. Victims often find themselves juggling medical appointments, unexpected expenses, and calls from insurance companies. Injuries may keep you from enjoying your regular routines or even working to provide for your family. If someone else’s poor and illegal decisions caused you injuries, you may be able to recover compensation. 

An Aurora personal injury lawyer experienced with drunk driving cases can answer your questions and protect your rights when you need help the most. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.

When someone under the influence causes an accident and you suffer injuries, it’s not fair for you to face the expenses and burden all by yourself. Fortunately, there are lawyers who can help you seek justice. Clients turn to Ridder Law because:

• The firm has delivered over $50 million in results to help accident survivors move forward.
• You speak directly to an attorney every step, not just a staff member or assistant.
• Our attorneys understand Colorado law because we call this community home.

When you work with us, you’ll find an attorney who cares about your case and will fight for what you need to be able to move forward. 

How a Denver Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Serious Collision 

Drunk driving accidents bring challenges nobody asks for, from physical injury to significant medical expenses. A dedicated attorney can handle the legal and insurance aspects while you focus on healing. 

• They will review police reports and see if anyone was cited for drunk driving.
• A lawyer can subpoena chemical testing that may show the other driver was impaired.
• They’ll calculate your losses, which likely include property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Attorneys handle all conversations with the insurance company and defendant so you have the best chance at getting paid for your actual losses.

When you work with a lawyer during this difficult time, you’re giving yourself a chance to obtain the compensation and justice needed to move forward. 

What Evidence May Help Prove a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?  

When you’re building a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident, strong evidence can make all the difference. An attorney typically works to gather specific proof showing how intoxication led to the crash and the harm that followed. 

• Police Reports: Official law enforcement documents might describe the other driver’s condition, whether alcohol was suspected, field sobriety or breathalyzer test results, and any traffic citations or arrests at the scene.
• Witness Statements: Statements from bystanders, passengers, or other drivers who noticed behaviors like slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, or erratic driving can connect the accident to impaired driving.
• Photos and Videos: Pictures of open containers, injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, and dashcam or surveillance videos all provide a snapshot of what happened and often help show impairment at the time of the crash.
• Medical Records: Documentation linking your injuries to the crash, such as ambulance reports and emergency room records, illustrates the seriousness of the impact and establishes timing consistent with the accident.

Gathering and preserving this evidence early strengthens your case and can also help make your recovery process a little smoother.

Can You File a Civil Claim if the Driver Faces DUI Charges?

Yes, you can file a civil claim even if the driver faces DUI charges. A criminal DUI case focuses on whether the driver broke the law and may result in penalties like fines or jail, but it does not automatically provide financial compensation for victims. If you were injured by a drunk driver, your personal injury claim is separate and can be filed in civil court or through the driver’s insurance, regardless of what happens in the criminal case.

Civil claims are about helping injured people recover medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. You’re still able to pursue a civil case even if the criminal charges are reduced, dismissed, or the driver is acquitted. Your opportunity for compensation is independent of the outcome of the driver’s criminal process.

Who Can Be Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?

In a drunk driving accident, multiple parties can be held liable for the accident.  

The Drunk Driver

The person who chose to drive under the influence is usually the main party at fault. Their impaired decision-making and inability to control their vehicle are direct causes of the crash and any resulting injuries or property damage.

Employers

If an employee was acting within the scope of their job when they caused a drunk driving accident, for example, at a work-sponsored event or after-hours on a company errand, the employer could face liability for injuries or damages. 

The Victim (Comparative Negligence)

Sometimes, the injured person (victim) may carry part of the blame. For example, claims of speeding, distracted driving, or not wearing a seatbelt could mean it wasn’t just the drunk driver who caused the accident. 

In Colorado, any compensation awarded can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the victim. The victim can recover damages as long as their share of fault is less than 50%.

Bars/Businesses – Dram Shop liability in Colorado Drunk Driving Cases 

Colorado’s dram shop law determines when those who sell or serve alcohol, like bars, restaurants, or liquor stores, may be legally responsible for injuries someone causes after drinking. An establishment that sells alcohol can face a civil claim in limited situations:

• If the staff knowingly serves alcohol to someone under 21 years old.
• If the staff provides more alcohol to a person who is “visibly intoxicated” – for example, someone who is slurring, losing balance, or has clear signs of impairment.

Legal Requirements and Who Can Sue

Bringing a dram shop claim has strict requirements:

• These lawsuits must usually be filed within one year of the date the alcohol was served.
• The law does not allow the intoxicated person who was served to use the dram shop law to actually sue for their own damages.

Social Host Liability

Colorado’s law mostly protects private individuals from lawsuits if they serve alcohol at a party or event. The exceptions:

• Social hosts can be liable if they knowingly serve someone under 21.
• They may also be liable if they knowingly allow underage drinking at their home or property.

Looking beyond the driver ensures every possible pathway for recovering losses is explored.

An Award-Winning Law Firm With Colorado Roots

Speak With a Denver Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Ridder Law Today

Financial strain and physical pain often come hand-in-hand after a serious drinking and driving crash. Having an attorney by your side won’t change what happened, but it lets you hand off the stress related to any potential legal claims you’re pursuing. Committed legal guidance can help you get justice and accountability. Call us today to schedule a confidential case meeting at 303-835-3104.