In Colorado, individuals who drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher are breaking the law. They violate the trust we place in motorists to operate vehicles safely and legally, contributing significantly to the number of drunk driving car accidents in Grand Junction and across the state.
Accidents caused by drunk drivers frequently result in catastrophic injuries or death because they often occur at high rates of speed. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the incident.
Veritas Injury Lawyers has the knowledge and experience to maximize the compensation you receive in these cases. We also have locations in Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Telluride, and Montrose.
Contact our talented car accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
Understanding Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries often occur when the brain is subjected to a violent blow or jolt, often leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Victims may need extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life. These injuries often require long-term medical care, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a drunk driving collision can cause multiple fractures and broken bones, leading to significant pain and requiring surgeries, casts, and rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, like damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs, are common in severe drunk driving accidents. These injuries can be life-threatening and necessitate immediate medical attention.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth motion, and other soft tissue injuries could cause chronic pain and limit mobility. These injuries often require physical therapy and pain management.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: The effect of a drunk driving accident is not limited to physical injuries. Victims often experience emotional and psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues may require counseling and therapy to address.
Steps to Take When Pursuing a Lawsuit Against a Drunk Driver
To pursue a civil lawsuit against a drunk driver, there are several essential steps to consider.
These steps are crucial in seeking financial recovery for losses resulting from accidents caused by intoxicated drivers:
- Gather Evidence: Collect evidence to establish the driver’s intoxication at the time of the accident. This can include police reports, witness statements, and any available documentation of the driver’s impairment.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney who specializes in drunk driving accident cases. A lawyer can assess the circumstances of the accident, advise on the legal process, and provide personalized guidance.
- File a Lawsuit: With the assistance of your lawyer, file a lawsuit against the drunk driver. This legal action initiates the formal process of seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
- Negotiate Settlement or Litigation: Your lawyer will engage in negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company or legal representation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation, where it will be presented before a court.
- Litigation Process: If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent your interests in court. During this process, evidence will be presented, witnesses may testify, and legal arguments will be made to support your claim for compensation.
- Resolution and Recovery: If successful, the resolution of the lawsuit may involve receiving a settlement or a court-ordered award. This financial recovery aims to compensate for the losses incurred due to the drunk driving accident.
Parties Responsible in a Drunk Driving Accident
We always explore the possibility that additional parties may be named in a personal injury case involving a drunk driver.
Dram shop liability laws hold bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and other businesses responsible in DUI cases. Establishments serving alcohol may be held accountable for the damage caused in a drunk driving accident if alcohol was knowingly sold or served to a person who was visibly intoxicated, or if the alcohol was knowingly sold or served to a minor.
If you or a loved one were injured by a drunk driver, our attorneys can answer your questions and recommend the next steps to take. You may need extensive medical care while awaiting the outcome of your case. Fortunately, we are often successful in making arrangements with medical providers on your behalf. Our team will work with the medical providers and attempt to reach an agreement so you can continue to receive treatment and compensation for your injuries while we work on your case.
The Veritas Injury Lawyers team will work with you throughout your drunk driving accident case, even going to trial on your behalf if necessary. By working with us, you can be confident that you will receive the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and pain and suffering—not to mention justice. We will not rest until the drunk driver and other parties responsible for your accident are held accountable for their reckless actions.
