Driving through Colorado can be pleasurable, whether cruising down Federal Avenue in Denver or winding through the Million Dollar Highway.
However, when a drunk driver crosses your path, it can quickly become a terrifying experience. In 2023, one in three fatal crashes in Colorado involved a drunk driver. Drunk driving remains a
serious issues across the state, often leaving victims with severe, life-changing injuries.
Have you or a loved one been involved in a drunk driving accident in Colorado? If so, the process of recovering compensation can feel overwhelming. At Zobel Legal Group, we’re dedicated to helping victims like you get the compensation they deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case with our Colorado drunk driving accident lawyer.
Choose Zobel Legal Group for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case in Colorado
When you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, the right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Zobel Legal Group, we don’t just see you as another case. We’re here with you every step of the way to make your life better.
Our Colorado DUI accident attorney approaches each case with empathy and open communication. To serve you, we must first understand your unique situation. Therefore, we listen to all your concerns and clearly explain the legal process, including the benefits and challenges in your case. With this understanding, we create a tailored plan to meet your needs.
With over a decade of experience handling drunk driving cases, we know how to build a compelling case to maximize your compensation.
Don’t just take our word for it—hear what our clients have to say about our Denver drunk driving accident attorney:
“I was referred to Mr. Zobel by a friend of mine when my wife and I were struck by a drunk driver in the middle of the night. We never needed a lawyer before and were apprehensive when contacting him. We were immediately put at ease. Both my wife and I had sustained serious injuries in the accident and needed medical specialists. Mr. Zobel helped us through every step, from dealing with the medical and car insurance companies to finding the medical specialist we needed. We would highly recommend Mr. Zobel for anyone in need of a personal injury attorney.” — Craig A.
“My wife was t-boned by a stolen truck who ran a stop sign and was taken to the ICU while the driver escaped and was never caught. We called Wade for help and support, and he immediately got to work helping us through the process of dealing with medical bills and all the insurance challenges. He was very caring and supportive of my wife while she returned to health. His knowledge and ability to clearly articulate what we needed to do were a saving grace. He’s a genuine person, legitimately cares about his clients, and is a seasoned veteran in the personal injury space. Highly recommend contacting him. It was the best decision we could have made.”— Tommy H.
Fill out our contact form today to speak with our experienced car wreck lawyers in Colorado. Let us hold the liable parties accountable and get you the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Colorado Drunk Driving Accident Laws
The specific laws you must navigate to recover compensation depend on your situation. However, here’s a breakdown of the laws that apply to every drunk driving crash in Colorado.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit Determines If the At-Fault Driver Was Drunk
In Colorado, the level of intoxication determines if the at-fault driver was legally drunk:
- 0.08% or Higher: If the driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher, the law considers them drunk. They are not allowed to drive with that BAC.
- 0.05% to 0.08%: A BAC between 0.05% and 0.08% falls into the category of Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI). While this isn’t legally drunk, it indicates impairment. The driver might argue that the alcohol did not affect their ability to drive. But if there are signs of impairment, this level can be considered when proving fault.
- 0.04% for Commercial Drivers: Commercial drivers have a stricter BAC limit because they have more responsibility. A BAC of 0.04% or higher is considered legally drunk.
- 0.02% to 0.05% for Underage Drivers: Colorado enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. Even a slight amount of alcohol, resulting in a BAC of 0.02% to 0.05%, can lead to charges of Underage Drinking and Driving (UDD).
Dram Shop Laws
Dram Shop Laws can allow you to seek damages not just from drunk drivers but also from alcohol sellers. If a bar serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver who then causes an accident, that establishment could be held responsible.
At-Fault Laws
Colorado operates under an at-fault system. Therefore, being drunk doesn’t automatically make someone completely liable for an accident. For instance, if a drunk driver caused your injuries by running a red light, their negligence can make them responsible for your losses.
If both drivers have some degree of negligence, the modified comparative negligence rule applies. This rule allows anyone less than 50% at fault to recover damages. But the law reduces their compensation by the percentage of their fault. So, you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault.
Statute of Limitations For Drunk Driving Crashes
In Colorado, the deadline for filing a drunk driving accident lawsuit is typically three years from the date of the crash. However, if you’re filing a claim against a bar or establishment, you only have one year.
If the crash was fatal, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit for your loved one’s death. Missing these deadlines likely results in losing your right to compensation, so you must act as quickly as possible.
What Damages Can You Recover for a Drunk Driving Accident in Colorado?
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Colorado can be entitled to various types of compensation. Here’s a breakdown of the damages for which you can recover compensation:
Economic Damages
These are tangible, out-of-pocket expenses, including:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you missed from work while recovering from your injuries.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other damaged property.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are more subjective and cover the impact of the accident on your quality of life, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, the law also compensates you for this loss.
- Emotional Distress: This includes compensation for anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the accident.
Punitive Damages
If the behavior of a drunk driver was particularly reckless—such as driving at high speeds or fleeing the scene—you may also be awarded punitive damages. They are to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior from others.
Zobel Legal Group: Your Partner in Pursuing Full Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Injuries in Colorado
At Zobel Legal Group, we’re not just your lawyers. We’re your advocates. We know the physical, emotional, and financial toll a drunk driving accident can take. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation.
Our drunk driving crash lawyer in Colorado is dedicated to fighting tirelessly on your behalf. We handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with a drunk driver’s insurance company to taking your case to trial if necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
The sooner you take action, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—call us now to speak with an experienced Colorado impaired driving attorney or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Colorado
Can I recover damages if I’m partly at fault for my crash in Colorado?
Yes, you can still recover damages even if you share some fault for the accident as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the court found you 20% at fault, you would get 80% of the compensation amount.
What compensation can I recover for my drunk driving accident injuries in Colorado?
You can recover compensation for economic damages (like medical expenses and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering and emotional distress). In some drunk driving cases, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver.
How to prove that the other driver was drunk to recover maximum compensation?
Evidence like police reports, eyewitness testimony, and BAC test results are crucial in proving the other driver was drunk. Additionally, expert testimony and any video footage (from traffic cameras or dashcams) can also help build a strong case for maximum compensation. Feel free to contact us for further Colorado DWI legal assistance.