Denver Drunk Driving Injury Lawyers

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Head and Brain Injuries

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Alcohol-related crashes often involve high-speed impacts that can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to concussions or more severe TBIs.
• Skull fractures: Direct blows to the head can fracture the skull.
• Cognitive impairments: Victims may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or permanent neurological damage.

Neck and Spine Injuries

• Whiplash: Rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck can stretch muscles and ligaments.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
• Herniated discs: Sudden impact can push discs out of place, causing chronic pain and nerve issues.

Broken Bones

• Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are commonly broken in collisions.
• Compound fractures: Severe accidents may push bones through the skin, increasing infection risk and requiring complex surgeries.

Internal Injuries

• Organ damage: Spleen, liver, and kidney injuries can occur from blunt trauma.
• Internal bleeding: Often life threatening and may require emergency surgery.

Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations

• Facial lacerations: Broken glass and metal can cause deep cuts.
• Contusions: Heavy impacts can leave significant bruising across the body.
• Soft tissue injuries: Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage is common.

Psychological Injuries

• PTSD: Surviving a drunk driving accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Anxiety and depression: Emotional trauma from the accident may require therapy.

Hit by a Drunk Driver?

If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, you are undoubtedly experiencing a difficult time and may even face expensive medical bills as a result of any sustained injuries.

To seek compensation, you will file a civil case against the drunk driver and likely deal with either his or your own insurance company. Most insurance companies will be quick to settle for as little as possible, but you do not have to accept it.

Many people are unsure where to start after a collision, especially if they were taken from the scene by ambulance or are still in treatment at a Denver hospital. It is helpful to gather what information you can, such as the police report number, contact details for any witnesses, and copies of your medical records and bills. Keeping a simple journal about your pain levels, missed work, and how the crash has affected daily activities can also support your claim and give a more complete picture of your losses.

As your case moves forward, you will likely need to communicate with an insurance adjuster about repairs, medical payments coverage, or liability decisions. These conversations can be stressful, and adjusters may ask for recorded statements or broad medical authorizations that are not in your best interest. Before signing documents or agreeing to a settlement, many people choose to speak with a drunk driving accident attorney Denver residents trust so they can understand the long-term impact of the offer and whether it truly covers their future needs.

How a Denver Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You

After a serious crash, most people have never been through the legal process before and are unsure how a lawyer can make a difference. A drunk driving accident lawyer in Denver can take over the heavy lifting by investigating the collision, preserving critical evidence, and dealing directly with insurance companies on your behalf. This gives you space to focus on your medical care while someone who understands Colorado personal injury law tracks deadlines and builds your claim.

Our team can review the police reports, interview witnesses, and, when needed, work with accident reconstruction professionals to clarify how and why the wreck occurred. We also gather medical records, employment information, and input from treating providers to document the full scope of your injuries and how they affect your ability to work and enjoy daily life. By organizing this material early, we are prepared to respond quickly when an insurer disputes fault or questions the seriousness of your condition.

Another important role for a lawyer is to help you understand what your case may be worth under Colorado law and to identify every potential source of recovery. In a drunk driving case, this can include the impaired driver’s insurance, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and, in some situations, claims under Colorado’s dram shop statute against a bar, restaurant, or other establishment that overserved the driver. Because we try cases in Denver-area courts, we are familiar with how local juries and judges may view these issues and can use that knowledge when advising you about settlement offers.

Potential Compensation in a Colorado Drunk Driving Case

Every drunk driving crash is different, and the compensation available in your case will depend on the severity of your injuries, how long you are out of work, and whether you will need ongoing care. In general, Colorado law allows injured people to request payment for medical expenses, lost income, damage to their vehicle, and other out-of-pocket costs. You may also pursue compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact the accident has on your relationships and daily activities.

When alcohol is involved, there may also be a claim for punitive damages if the facts support that type of recovery under Colorado statutes. These damages are meant to punish especially reckless conduct and to discourage similar behavior in the future. A detailed review of the police investigation, including any blood alcohol test results and prior driving history, is often necessary to evaluate whether this type of claim is appropriate.

In cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, it is particularly important to work with counsel who understands how to project future medical costs, attendant care needs, and long-term loss of earnings. Our team draws on medical and financial professionals to prepare these assessments and to explain them clearly if your case proceeds in a Denver District Court. Having this information documented and ready often strengthens negotiations with insurers and can help you avoid settlements that fail to account for future needs.

Who May Be Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident in Denver?

The impaired driver is often the most obvious person at fault, but drunk driving cases can involve multiple responsible parties. In addition to the driver, there may be claims against the owner of the vehicle, an employer if the driver was on the job, or a business that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron in violation of Colorado’s dram shop laws. Identifying all potential defendants early can be critical to making sure there is adequate insurance coverage to address the harm you have suffered.

Determining liability usually starts with a close review of the law enforcement investigation, including any citations, arrest reports, and witness statements. From there, additional inquiries may be needed into where the driver had been drinking, whether they were operating a company vehicle, and if prior complaints or safety issues were known. This process can involve subpoenaing records, taking sworn testimony, and working with experts who understand how alcohol affects driving behavior.

Because many serious crashes in the Denver metro area occur on busy corridors, questions can also arise about road design, signage, or construction zones. While government-related claims follow different rules and strict notice requirements, they may be relevant in limited circumstances. A careful, methodical review of all these factors helps build a stronger case and places you in a better position when negotiating with the various insurers involved.

Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Denver Today

Stephen W. Wahlberg obtained the largest jury verdict in Colorado on behalf of a photographer seriously injured by a drunk driver. Mr. Wahlberg secured $2,750,000 for his client, taking care of her medical expenses, past and future.

The skilled legal team at Denver Trial Lawyers ® is committed to justice and safety. When we choose to represent a client, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring the best possible outcome for you, putting our combined experience of 175 years to work to win your case.

Tell us about your accident. Our Denver drunk driving accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation and submit a demand letter describing your injuries and the way the accident changed your life. Begin a free case evaluation by calling Denver Trial Lawyers today at (303) 647-9990!

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