There has been a steady decline of alcohol-related fatalities and accidents in Colorado over the past two decades. Drunk driving, however, still remains a serious problem. Even though numerous enforcement programs are in place statewide, such as the Heat is On Campaign, targeted toward drunk drivers, half of all traffic fatalities in Colorado are still alcohol-related. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI or drug-related motor vehicle accident, you may be able to get compensated for injuries sustained during the accident.
Drunk drivers face stiff penalties, which include fines, jail time and loss of their driving privileges if convicted. Injured drivers or passengers involved in alcohol- or drug-related accidents may be able to sue at-fault drivers for their losses and pain and suffering. A Colorado personal injury attorney can advise car accident victims of their rights and legal options.
Colorado DUI Laws
Colorado has two primary levels of alcohol-related driving offenses: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) and driving while ability-impaired (DWAI). Both are partially based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels in a driver’s body.
A DUI is the more serious offense, which can result in huge fines, prison time and suspension of your driver’s license. A driver with a BAC level of more than .08% can be charged with DUI. A DWAI is a lesser offense but still with a significant fine and harsh penalties. A driver can be charged with DWAI if he has a BAC of .05% but less than .08%.
Another offense is driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). A driver can be charged with DUID if he drives while impaired by illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs. These types of cases can be hard to prove, because by the time certain chemicals tests are conducted for evidence of drugs in a driver’s bloodstream, the drugs may still be in the bloodstream but not cause impairment. Also, most police officers are not trained in identifying certain characteristics of impairment, so attorneys may have to rely solely officer testimony to the behavior of the driver.
Talk to an Attorney First
A person injured in a car accident, whether it is DUI and/or drug-related or not, may seemingly walk away with barely a scratch. Then days or weeks later, he may begin to feel physical effects of injuries he sustained at the time of the accident–by which time his recollection of the events surrounding the accident are not as clear. Insurance companies, and experienced Colorado personal injury attorneys, are well aware of this. An insurance company may try to pressure you into making a statement, usually recorded, as soon as possible–before you realize the extent of your injuries. Furthermore, your statement can be used against you during negotiations and in the courtroom. All the more reason why having an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney is crucial.
The qualified and experienced attorney’s at the O’Connell Law Firm, P.C., have the strong litigation and negotiation skills to deal with insurance companies. Contact them for a free initial consultation to discuss your case before you talk to the insurance company. Better yet, let these capable attorneys deal with insurance companies so you can focus on putting your life back together after a DUI or drug-related accident.
