What Happens When You Get Hit by a Drunk Driver in Denver, CO? 2024

If you are hit by a drunk driver in Denver, it can be very scary and have serious physical, mental, and financial consequences. Accidents involving drunk drivers are often more severe because intoxicated drivers struggle with making good decisions and typically have a slower reaction time. It’s important to know what happens when you get hit by a drunk driver in Denver, CO, as victims can suffer injuries, incur medical expenses, lose their jobs, and have their property damaged.

What Happens When You Get Hit by a Drunk Driver

The sequence of events following a drunk driving accident depends on a number of factors. While most accidents follow a similar timeline, the severity of the accident will sometimes dictate how things are handled afterward. For instance, a drunk driving accident involving multiple drivers, a pileup, severe property damage, or catastrophic injuries or death will likely require additional steps, whereas a minor fender bender will likely be simpler.

What To Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

It’s important to stay calm and act quickly after being hit by a drunk driver. Remaining composed will help you think clearly and make informed decisions about your next steps. After the accident, you should generally do the following:

• Make sure you are safe and get medical help. Your safety is the most important thing. Check for injuries on yourself and others, and call for emergency medical services if needed. Even if you don’t feel injured, you should still see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, might not be apparent at first.
• Call the police. Always call the police after an accident, especially if someone is driving drunk. The police will assess the accident, document their findings, and make an official police report. This record is very important for showing that the other driver was intoxicated and will be helpful if you need to file an insurance or legal claim later on.
• Collect down evidence. Get as much information as you can at the scene, if possible. Take pictures of the cars, the accident scene, and any visible injuries sustained. Get the names and numbers of the other driver and any witnesses.
• Don’t talk to the drunk driver. You might feel angry or upset if a drunk driver hits you, but it’s important to remain calm. Do not seek any official statements or declarations from the other driver, especially if they are visibly intoxicated. Let law enforcement handle it.
• Get in touch with a Denver car accident lawyer. If you were hurt or suffered other damages in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you should talk to a lawyer who has experience with these kinds of cases. With the help of a Denver car accident attorney, you can protect your rights, secure the compensation you deserve, and navigate the court process.

Filing a Claim Against Drunk Drivers

You can file a personal injury claim in Denver against the drunk driver to recover damages for your injuries and losses. Generally, you should follow these steps to do so:

• Get in touch with your insurance company. Tell your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Colorado follows a fault-based system, which means that the driver who caused the crash (in this case, the drunk driver) has to pay for the damages. You can file a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company, and your lawyer can help you get a fair payment.
• Gather evidence for your case. Your lawyer will help you find proof to back up your claim. This could include medical records, witness testimonies, police reports, and any other evidence that demonstrates the driver was drunk and the extent of your injuries and damages.
• Negotiate a settlement. Typically, your lawyer will speak with the insurance company on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement. Insurance companies, however, may try to downplay the significance of your claim. If you can’t come to an agreement that’s fair, your lawyer may suggest taking your case to court.
• File a claim. If negotiations don’t work out, you can file a claim against the drunk driver for damages. Your case may go to trial, where the court will decide the appropriate amount of compensation based on the evidence provided.

FAQs

What Are the Consequences of Drunk Driving in Colorado?

In Colorado, drunk driving is illegal and can lead to fines, license revocation, and even jail time. For first-time offenders, punishments may include having to go through drinking education, performing community service, and having an ignition interlock device put in their car. People who break the law more than once are given harsher punishments, such as longer jail terms, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.

What Happens When You Get Your First DUI in Colorado?

When you get a DUI for the first time in Colorado, you could face fines, community work, or even jail time. Additionally, you could have your driver’s license revoked and be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car. The driver will also have to attend classes to learn about or treat alcoholism. The penalties for a DUI are severe and increase with each subsequent violation.

How Do I Report a Drunk Driver in Colorado?

In Colorado, you can report a suspected drunk driver by calling the police and providing important details like the driver’s behavior, the description of the car, and the driver’s location. You should stay on the line and give as much information as you can, but don’t follow the driver or talk to them.

What Is a Persistent Drunk Driver in Colorado?

A “persistent drunk driver” (PDD) in Colorado is someone who has been caught driving while drunk more than once or whose blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.15% or higher for one offense. A person could also be a PDD if they refuse a chemical test when they are pulled over for DUI.

Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard

If you were in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may have options available to you to be compensated for your damages. Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today to get started.