Being injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver is traumatic and unfair. Victims often face painful injuries, medical expenses, time away from work, and the frustration of dealing with insurance companies that prioritize profits over people. At the same time, many wonder how to protect their rights and pursue justice.
At The Boyle Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this situation can feel. For nearly 25 years, we have represented Coloradans harmed by negligence, including those injured in drunk driving accidents. We combine litigation experience, personal attention, and insight into insurance company tactics to help clients secure fair compensation.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Being involved in a crash with an impaired driver can leave you shaken and uncertain about what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can make a meaningful difference in your health, your recovery, and your ability to bring a strong claim.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your well-being comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, get medical care right away. Some conditions, such as concussions or internal trauma, do not appear immediately. Prompt treatment also creates medical records that support your personal injury claim.
Contact Law Enforcement
Always call the police after a suspected drunk driving accident. Officers can investigate, test the driver for impairment, and prepare a crash report. This official report is often essential evidence in both criminal and civil cases.
Gather Evidence at the Scene (If Possible)
If you are able, collect information that may later support your claim, including:
- Photographs of the vehicles, roadway, and visible injuries;
- Names and contact information of witnesses; and
- The other driver’s license and insurance details.
If your injuries prevent you from gathering evidence, the police report and later investigation can provide important documentation.
Avoid Speaking Directly to Insurance Adjusters
Insurers often contact crash victims quickly and may request recorded statements. While adjusters may sound cooperative, their goal is to reduce payouts. Politely decline detailed discussions until you have consulted an attorney. Anything you say could be used to limit your recovery.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
You may be wondering, Do I need a lawyer after a DUI accident in Colorado? The answer is almost always yes. These cases may involve multiple insurance policies, parallel criminal proceedings, and significant medical costs. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
Taking these steps will not erase the trauma of the crash, but they can help you regain control and lay the foundation for recovery. With guidance from a knowledgeable lawyer, you can move forward knowing your rights are being protected.
How to File a Claim After a Drunk Driving Crash in Colorado
When you are ready to take legal action, you generally file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver. In some cases, claims may also involve your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or a third party that overserved alcohol.
The process often includes:
- Investigating the accident and preserving evidence;
- Calculating damages such as medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering;
- Sending a demand letter to the insurance company;
- Negotiating for a fair settlement; and
- Filing a lawsuit if settlement talks fail.
Having a lawyer familiar with Colorado courts can make this process smoother and ensure deadlines are met.
Drunk Driving Accident Statute of Limitations in Colorado
Colorado law limits the time you have to bring a lawsuit after an accident. For most personal injury cases, the deadline is two years. For claims involving motor vehicle collisions, including drunk driving accidents, you generally have three years.
Missing the drunk driving accident statute of limitations usually means losing your right to pursue compensation. Because exceptions are rare, it is important to act quickly. An attorney in the Centennial or Castle Rock area can help ensure your claim is filed properly and on time.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses such as emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and prescriptions;
- Lost wages during your recovery;
- Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work;
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries limit your daily activities.
The value of a claim depends on your injuries, your prognosis, and the available insurance coverage. A lawyer can evaluate your case and fight for a recovery that reflects your true losses.
Factors That Can Influence a Drunk Driving Accident Settlement
Every drunk driving accident case is unique, and the compensation available depends on several considerations. Important factors include:
- Insurance policy limits. Coverage from the impaired driver, your uninsured or underinsured motorist policy, or other applicable policies can affect the amount of recovery.
- Severity of injuries. Serious or permanent injuries typically lead to higher settlements because of ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes.
- Overall prognosis. Your ability to heal and return to work or daily activities impacts the damages calculation.
- Identity of defendants. In some cases, more than one party may be responsible, such as a bar or restaurant that overserved alcohol in violation of Colorado’s dram shop laws.
- Quality of evidence. Thorough medical records, crash reports, and witness statements can strengthen your claim and influence negotiations.
Because these cases may involve multiple defendants and complex insurance issues, working with an experienced lawyer helps ensure every potential source of compensation is explored.
Why Legal Representation Matters
When the impaired driver faces criminal charges, it is easy to assume justice will follow. However, the criminal case focuses on punishment, not on your financial recovery. A personal injury claim is separate and is the only way to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
The Boyle Law Firm provides experienced representation with a personal touch. Unlike large firms that rely heavily on staff, we give clients direct access to their attorney. This approach ensures your questions are answered, your concerns are addressed, and your case receives the focused attention it deserves.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
Knowing what to do after a drunk driving accident in Colorado can make the difference between financial uncertainty and a fair resolution. From getting medical care to filing a claim within the statute of limitations, each step plays a role in protecting your future.
At The Boyle Law Firm, we bring decades of personal injury experience and a strong understanding of how insurance companies operate. We are committed to fighting for fair compensation while supporting you through every stage of the process. Contact us online or call us at (720)-379-5480 for a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.
