Denver DUI Accident Lawyer

Denver Drunk Driver Accident Attorneys

It’s an unfortunate reality that driving under the influence (DUI) continues to be one of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in Colorado. It is also a leading cause of serious vehicle accidents throughout the state each year. If you or a loved one recently experienced such an accident, it is crucial that you connect with a Denver DUI accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your case could be more challenging to resolve than a standard car accident claim.

Experienced Legal Representation for Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Denver, CO

Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has years of professional experience handling a wide range of complex personal injury cases, including those pertaining to vehicle accidents. While most vehicle accidents in Denver happen because of driver negligence, they can also occur because of illegal acts like intoxicated driving. When such an accident happens, it can lead to both civil and criminal court proceedings.

Our firm approaches every personal injury case we accept with the goal of helping our clients recover the maximum amount of compensation possible for the damages they suffered. Resolving a vehicle accident case in Denver typically requires navigating the auto insurance claim-filing process, and filing a personal injury claim is necessary when insurance will not fully cover the victim’s damages.

However, when a vehicle accident results from an illegal act, the injured victim may face a more difficult series of legal proceedings in their efforts to recover their losses. The criminal case against the defendant could extend the time it takes for them to resolve their civil claim, but it may also open avenues to additional recovery in the form of punitive damages and/or restitution ordered by a criminal court judge.

Whatever your case entails, you can trust the team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard to represent you through all stages of your proceedings. We have successfully resolved many car accident claims in Denver, including those arising from incidents of intoxicated driving. We can explain the implications that the at-fault driver’s illegal actions could have on your case.

What to Do After a DUI Accident in Denver

The first steps you take in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident in Denver can have major repercussions on your recovery efforts. If you are severely injured, remain calm and contact 911 if you are able to do so. You should not move and risk making your injuries worse. If you are able to move around safely, do so carefully, and report the accident to the police if no one else has already done so.

Taking photos of the scene of the crash could be vital to your case. You should photograph your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the positions of the vehicles on the road. Once the police arrive, they will want to arrange medical care for injuries and interview everyone involved. If a driver is suspected of being intoxicated, they will be taken for medical care and then arrested. Even if you believe that you only sustained minor injuries, you should still seek medical treatment.

Once the police have allowed you to leave and you have received medical care for your injuries, you should speak with a Denver DUI/drunk driver accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you gather any evidence you may need to build your case, and they can guide you through the initial stages of your recovery process. This usually begins with an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver.

Filing Your Auto Insurance Claim After a Drunk Driver Accident

Colorado law requires all drivers to have liability coverage with their auto insurance for bodily injuries and property damage. When an accident happens, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for the injured driver’s damages. Fault must be established before any compensation can be claimed. When a driver has caused an accident through intoxicated driving, fault is typically quite clear at the outset of this process.

Your Denver DUI/drunk driver accident lawyer can guide you through the insurance claim-filing process, gathering any documentation you need to prove the full extent of the damages that the at-fault driver caused. You can rely on your attorney to help you resolve any unexpected disputes raised against your claim and ensure that you receive a fair settlement offer. If insurance will not pay for all your damages, you can file a personal injury claim.

Claiming Compensation With a Personal Injury Case in Denver

The objective of a personal injury claim is for the injured plaintiff to recover the compensation they need to be “whole” again after being injured by a defendant’s negligence or misconduct. When insurance does not fully compensate your losses from a drunk driver accident, your attorney can help you build a civil claim that aims for maximum recovery.

Colorado’s personal injury statutes enable an injured plaintiff to seek repayment of any economic damages they suffered because of the defendant’s actions. These economic damages typically include property losses, medical expenses, and lost wages. Additionally, the plaintiff has the right to claim compensation for any future costs that result from the accident, such as ongoing medical treatment costs and lost earning potential, if they were permanently disabled.

In addition to the plaintiff’s economic damages, they also have the right to seek compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced. Colorado law limits pain and suffering compensation in most personal injury claims, but this could still form a sizeable portion of an injured plaintiff’s total recovery. Your Denver DUI/drunk driver accident lawyer can help you claim the maximum possible amount of pain and suffering compensation to reflect the severity of your condition.

Resolving Drunk Driver Accidents in Denver

The driver who caused your accident will likely face criminal prosecution, and their penalties could be enhanced to reflect the harm they inflicted on you in the accident. This could also translate to additional compensation in the form of punitive damages or restitution ordered by the court. Cheney Galluzzi & Howard can help clarify the details of your case and guide you through the difficult legal proceedings ahead of you until you recover fair compensation.

Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with a Denver DUI/drunk driver accident lawyer and learn more about the legal services we provide. We can listen to your story and provide our first impression of your legal options for recovering your damages.