Accidents caused by drunk drivers can often be much more severe in nature than other car crashes. A driver’s intoxication may lead them to behave recklessly behind the wheel, resulting in collisions that cause serious or even fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a wreck caused by another motorist’s intoxication, reach out to a skilled auto wreck attorney right away. A Boulder drunk driving accident lawyer could investigate the factors surrounding the crash and help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
When a person is driving under the influence of alcohol, they may be unable to react quickly to sudden changes in driving conditions. Intoxicated driving can often lead to head-on crashes due to impaired spatial awareness and the inability to keep the wheel straight. Head-on collisions may result in catastrophic injuries and severe vehicle damage.
Boulder is a college town, so evenings, weekends, and holidays are often times of heavy traffic in the city. Surrounding areas near bars and restaurants are especially susceptible to drunk driving crashes. Regardless of where or why an intoxicated driving wreck occurs, it is wise to reach out to a local attorney as soon as possible to begin building a case against the at-fault motorist.
Those injured in drunk driving accidents could be able to pursue compensation for the damages they incurred as a result of another driver’s negligence. These damages may include:
A plaintiff may also be able to recover additional compensation for physical impairment or disfigurements because of aggravated liability. Aggravated liability applies in accidents where the at-fault driver was not only negligent, but also reckless.
Punitive damages, often referred to under state law as “exemplary damages,” intend to punish the at-fault party for their actions and deter them from acting similarly in the future. Punitive damages often come into play in drunk driving cases because the negligent driver knowingly behaved in a way that was especially harmful. A knowledgeable Boulder attorney could help an individual pursue punitive damages after an impaired driving crash.
After a drunk driving collision, the local police will likely pursue a criminal case against the at-fault motorist. An injured driver does not necessarily have to be involved or press charges on their own, although the district attorney may ask them to testify at the trial or hearing, depending on the facts of a case. An attorney could make sure that the injured person is adequately represented in the instance that they are called to testify.
A civil case against an intoxicated driver will be handled independently of any criminal proceedings pursued by law enforcement. These matters are completely separate, with different burdens of proof and evidence. However, if a criminal case does occur, a Boulder attorney could potentially use testimonies from the trial to bolster the civil case against the drunk motorist.
As long as the majority of fault in a crash is assigned to the drunk driver, the injured party will still be able to recover in an accident where they were partially at fault. An injured party may be considered partially liable if they were texting while driving, speeding, or otherwise contributing to the collision.
The state follows contributory negligence laws, meaning that a person’s contribution to a wreck will diminish the amount they can collect in damages. A seasoned attorney could explain Boulder’s comparative negligence laws in more detail as they relate to intoxicated driving collisions.
The aftermath of an impaired driving wreck can be highly stressful. You may be dealing with medical bills, long-term treatment, damage to your vehicle, and more. The additional pressure of a civil case is not something that you have to face alone.
A Boulder drunk driving attorney could handle the legal process for you, investigating the facts of your case and pursuing a damages award that fairly compensates your injuries. Let our compassionate legal team help you through this time. Call today to see what we could do for you.
