Drunk Driving Accidents

Accidents that involve drunk drivers can be especially tragic. Whether the impaired driver was drinking, using drugs, or in some other way inebriated, justice needs to be served to all affected parties.

Medical bills, property damage, losing the ability to work…all of these things add up to a significant losses on the part of those involved in accidents with impaired drivers. At The Law Offices of Mitchel S. Drantch, we only represent individuals involved in automobile or other motor vehicle accidents, and we are especially knowledgeable when it comes to Colorado law pertaining to drunk driving.

First and Foremost: Know Your Rights

Did you know that you have the right to pursue compensation for any medical costs or injuries that were sustained in an accident with a driver that was driving under the influence?

Did you also know that, unless you know what specific legal actions need to be taken to pursue this compensation, it’s possible that you may end up having to pay for all of the damages and lost income yourself?

And, did you know that drunk driving is one of the most common causes of serious injury and death in the State of Colorado?

Understandably, many who are involved in an accident with a drunk driver don’t know what to do in the days and weeks following the incident. Their lives have been turned upside-down, and they’ve been so shocked by the accident that confusion and trauma start to affect their decision-making abilities.

It’s during this crucial time period that it’s especially important to retain the services of a highly qualified, proven drunk driving accident attorney who knows how to fight for the compensation and justice that drunk driving accident victims deserve.

If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver, Can You Sue?

We get this question a lot, and it’s one of the easiest questions to answer: yes. Yes, you can sue the at-fault party or insurance company for compensation related to injuries, lost wages, or other damages. However, very few cases require going to trial in a civil court to accomplish this.

A good DUI lawyer will know exactly how to seek a settlement that is adequate without having to spend the time, money, and energy required in taking a case to trial.

A good DUI lawyer will take the time to assess the facts of the case, collect the necessary evidence, and advise the client of the best next steps to take so that compensation can be obtained quickly, confidentially, and completely.

Remember that drunk drivers who cause accidents can be liable in two different courts of law: criminal and civil.

Criminal DUI Prosecution

Only an attorney representing a government authority can bring criminal charges against anyone. An example of this is a District Attorney who represents the State of Colorado. After a DUI accident has occurred, the DA will work with local law enforcement to collect evidence and bring a criminal case against the DUI offender.

It’s important to remember that the results of a criminal trial are punitive—this means they are meant to punish the offender through the assignment of fines, jail time, or license revocations and suspensions. Criminal DUI cases do not award compensation for injured victims of the crash aside from restitution typically for property damage. For that, a civil lawsuit is required.

Civil DUI Prosecution

At-fault drivers involved in DUI crashes are legally responsible for making things right for the victims they’ve affected. However, in order to pursue compensation from either the driver him- or herself or the DUI drivers insurance company, a civil DUI lawsuit may be required.

Civil courts operate independently from criminal courts, and the rules of engagement are, therefore, much different. As we’ve already mentioned, many cases don’t require a full trial in order to receive just compensation—in fact, it’s desirable to reach an out-of-court settlement before even stepping foot into a civil courtroom.

This is why it’s so critical to have an expert attorney by your side, advising you on what actions to take in your case.

Contact Our Offices Today for a Free Case Review

We’ve seen first-hand just how badly lives can be disrupted because of an impaired driver causing a car accident. Every day, we work hard to fight for the rights of our clients, doing everything Colorado law allows us to do to obtain righteous compensation for those whose very well-being has been negatively impacted due to a drunk driving accident.

To inquire about scheduling a free case review with the legal team at the Law Offices of Mitchel S. Drantch, contact us today.