DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accidents occur typically when drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Alcohol is the most common substance involved in a DUI Accident, but drugs, other illegal substances and even prescribed medication also contribute to impairment resulting in a DUI. These accidents can result in serious consequences including injuries, fatalities, property damage and legal consequences for the impaired driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 37 deaths a day in the United States caused by a drunk driver. That is one death every 39 minutes.
Traffic collisions: DUI accidents often involve collisions between vehicles, including head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, side-impact collisions and single-vehicle accidents that may involve driving off the road or striking objects like utility poles, fences, trees, curbs and medians, parked vehicles, signs and traffic signals, roadside structures and ditches or embankments.
Injuries and fatalities: DUI accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma, including fractures and broken bones, whiplash and soft tissue injuries, internal injuries, burns and lacerations, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. In the most tragic cases, DUI accidents result in fatalities for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists involved in the collision.
Property damage: DUI accidents can result in significant property damage to vehicles, infrastructure (such as guardrails or traffic signs) and private property (such as buildings or fences).
Legal consequences: Drivers who cause DUI accidents may face serious legal consequences, including arrest, criminal charges (such as DUI or vehicular manslaughter), fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory participation in alcohol education programs and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the accident and the laws of the jurisdiction.
What is impaired driving?
Impaired driving refers to the act of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of substances that affect and impair one’s ability to drive safely. The substances can include alcohol, illegal drugs, prescribed medications and over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness or impairment. Driving while impaired as it influences the driver’s judgment, coordination, reaction time and ability to maintain focus, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Driving under the influence is a serious offence and illegal in most jurisdictions.
Impaired Driving in Colorado
In Colorado alone, last year one out of every three traffic deaths involved an impaired driver. In 2023, Colorado lost 716 lives to traffic fatalities, in which 218 of those lives were lost due to impaired driving. Additionally, the age group with the highest number of arrests were individuals between the ages of 25 to 34. Law enforcement agencies in Colorado typically employ various measures to detect and deter impaired driving, such as conducting sobriety checkpoints or field sobriety tests, patrolling roads, and using breathalyzers. Through the combination of preventive measures, enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, police aim to reduce the incidence of DUIs and enhance road safety for all drivers.
What To Do After a DUI Accident?
If you’re involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, prioritize your safety and the safety of others.
Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location, if possible, away from traffic and any immediate dangers. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers to the accident.
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately for medical assistance.
Call 911: Call the police to report the accident. Provide them with details about the location, any injuries, and the suspected impaired driver, if known.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Obtain their name, phone number, address, license plate number, vehicle information, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or landmarks. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Witness Information: If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their testimony may be crucial in determining fault and proving the extent of the damage.
Do Not Confront the Driver: Avoid confronting the impaired driver or engaging in any arguments or confrontations. Remain calm and cooperative while waiting for law enforcement to arrive.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t believe you’re seriously injured, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
Report to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary details and cooperate with their investigation.
Consider Legal Options: If you’ve been injured or incurred significant damages due to the drunk driving accident, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
Dealing with the aftermath of a DUI accident can be overwhelming, but following these steps can help ensure your safety and protect your interests in the aftermath of the incident.
Preventing a DUI Accident:
Preventing DUI accidents requires a combination of individual responsibility, community efforts, and effective enforcement. If you plan to drink or use drugs that impair judgment, it is important to designate a sober driver before going out or plan alternative transportation such as a rideshare service or public transportation. Take personal responsibility for your own actions and make a commitment to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Support law enforcement efforts to enforce DUI laws through sobriety checkpoints, increased patrols and targeted enforcement campaigns. Advocate for stricter penalties for DUI offenses to deter impaired driving and hold offenders accountable for their actions. Get involved in community organizations or volunteer groups that focus on preventing impaired driving and supporting victims of DUI accidents. Support the development and implementation of technology solutions, such as alcohol detection systems in vehicles or smartphone apps that help people find safe transportation options.
Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers at FIEDLER Trial Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a drunk or impaired driver FIEDLER Trial Lawyers can help. Our experienced, dedicated personal injury litigators serve the people of Illinois, Colorado and elsewhere, including Denver suburbs Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, and Littleton, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Broomfield, Englewood, Castle Rock, Parker, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Greenwood Village, Lone Tree, Commerce City, Evergreen, Morrison, Louisville, Lafayette.
FIEDLER Trial Lawyers is a Denver personal injury law firm. We understand that every case is unique and takes thorough due diligence and personal attention to every client.
Call our Denver, Colorado personal injury law firm. With offices in Denver, Colorado and Chicago, Illinois, we have a team of experienced, dedicated trial lawyers here to help you win the compensation you deserve.
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If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights
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After being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you actually need to hire a personal injury lawyer. You would want to consult with an attorney, because in most cases, there will be an opposing party in your case that will be working against you. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important to ensure you receive the best possible representation and outcome. Hiring a Denver Personal injury lawyer that specializes in that area of law is crucial, to ensure that you are getting proper representation, and your case is in good hands. Having an experienced lawyer like FIEDLER Trial Lawyers is helpful and provides powerful representation.
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The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. However, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Here’s how the contingency fee structure typically works and other potential costs to consider:
Contingency Fees: Percentage of Recovery: If the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, they will take a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount you receive if you win your case. This percentage is typically around 33% to 40% but can vary depending on the lawyer and the jurisdiction.
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In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, also known as damages, to address the losses and injuries you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The types of compensation typically fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here’s an overview of each:
Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate you for actual financial losses resulting from the injury:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatment. READ MORE…
The value of a personal injury case can vary greatly depending on several factors unique to your situation. Since each case is different, there is no standard formula to calculate the exact value. However, here are some key factors that generally affect the worth of a personal injury case:
Severity of Injuries: The more serious and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. This includes considering whether your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement.
Medical Expenses: Your case will take into account all medical expenses you have incurred, as well as future medical costs related to your injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: The case can include compensation for lost income due to time off work and any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.READ MORE…
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