Given the serious nature of drunk driving accidents, holding the responsible parties accountable becomes essential to prevent further harm and provide victims with the resources they need to recover. With the help of our Aurora car accident lawyers, you can build a strong case and pursue legal action to recover the damages you’re entitled to.
At Boesen Law, we know each drunk driving accident presents unique challenges. We strive to create a personalized legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances to maximize your compensation. With decades of experience handling personal injury cases across Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, we have what it takes to efficiently handle each aspect of your claim.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
How Boesen Law Can Help with Your Aurora Drunk Driving Accident Claim
In Aurora, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reports thousands of alcohol-related incidents annually. If you unfortunately find yourself in such circumstances, you don’t have to bear the costs of someone else’s reckless behavior alone. As a dedicated DUI accident law firm, Boesen Law offers:
- Decades of experience handling complex civil litigation involving Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) evidence and toxicology reports.
- Deep understanding of Aurora’s legal landscape, including procedures at the Arapahoe County Justice Center and Aurora Municipal Court.
- A proven track record of securing maximum compensation, including punitive damages.
- Personalized legal representation tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
Our drunk driving accident attorneys are dedicated to ensuring negligent drivers are held responsible for their actions. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we’ll stand by you every step of the way, handling aggressive insurance adjusters and legal paperwork while you focus on recovery.
The Difference Between Criminal DUI Charges and Civil Claims
It is important to understand that a DUI accident lawyer Aurora handles the civil side of your case, which is separate from the criminal proceedings. The state prosecutors may charge the at-fault driver with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) under Colorado law. While a criminal conviction punishes the driver with jail time or fines, it does not automatically compensate you for your medical bills.
However, our Aurora drunk driving accident attorney team can utilize the evidence from the criminal case – such as police body cam footage, breathalyzer results, and police reports – to strengthen your civil claim for financial recovery.
Common Injuries Sustained in Drunk Driving Accidents
High-speed collisions caused by impaired drivers often result in catastrophic physical trauma. Victims are frequently transported to local trauma centers like The Medical Center of Aurora or UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. We represent clients suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries, causing paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Orthopedic injuries, including compound fractures and crushed limbs.
- Internal hemorrhaging and organ damage (spleen, liver, kidneys).
- Severe lacerations and permanent disfigurement.
- Psychological trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
Depending on the incident’s severity, these injuries can result in long-term consequences requiring life-care planning. In these cases, pursuing compensation through a legal claim is essential to ensure you can properly recover.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?
To secure full justice, our Colorado drunk driving accident lawyer team investigates all potential avenues of liability. In a drunk driving accident, different parties can share responsibility:
- The Drunk Driver: The individual responsible for operating the vehicle while above the legal limit (0.08% BAC in Colorado) or impaired by drugs.
- Bar or Establishment (Dram Shop Liability): Under C.R.S. § 44-3-801 (Colorado’s Dram Shop Act), vendors who knowingly sell alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor can be held liable if that individual subsequently causes an accident.
- Car Owner (Negligent Entrustment): If the driver was operating someone else’s vehicle, the owner may share responsibility if they knowingly allowed an intoxicated person to drive their car.
- Rideshare Companies: If the impaired driver was on the clock for Uber or Lyft, corporate insurance policies may come into play.
To uncover all sources of compensation, our team at Boesen Law focuses on conducting thorough investigations to gather evidence and establish liability.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Aurora
If you’ve been involved in a collision with an impaired driver, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights:
- Call 911 immediately: Ensure law enforcement arrives to document the scene and administer sobriety tests.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Visit an emergency room or urgent care for a full evaluation, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline often masks pain.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and the other driver’s behavior (slurred speech, stumbling).
- Gather witness info: Collect names and numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
- File a Police Report: Ensure a report is filed with the Aurora Police Department or Colorado State Patrol.
- Do not sign insurance settlement offers: Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for low amounts.
- Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer: Call Boesen Law to discuss your case before speaking to the other driver’s insurance company.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
Victims of drunk driving accidents can seek several types of compensation. As your car accident attorney Aurora CO, we fight for:
- Economic Damages: This includes past and future medical expenses (surgeries, physical therapy, medication), lost wages, and loss of earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and personal items.
- Exemplary (Punitive) Damages: In Colorado, if the defendant’s actions were accompanied by “willful and wanton” conduct – which is common in high-BAC DUI cases – the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed by a drunk driver, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim for funeral costs and loss of consortium.
Dealing with Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists (UM/UIM)
Sadly, many drunk drivers carry minimum liability insurance or no insurance at all. If the at-fault driver cannot cover your damages, we can help you file a claim against your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy. This coverage is crucial in hit-and-run scenarios or when the drunk driver lacks assets.
The Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accident Claims
In Colorado, car accident claims must typically be filed within three years for motor vehicle accidents (C.R.S. § 13-80-101), though general personal injury is two years. However, Dram Shop claims against bars must be filed within one year. Because these timelines can be confusing and strictly enforced, it is vital to consult with a DUI accident law firm Aurora immediately. Failing to file your claim within the required timeframe could result in losing your right to compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Aurora
Do I need an Aurora drunk driving accident lawyer if the driver was already arrested for DUI?
Yes. It is important to understand that the criminal case against the drunk driver only addresses their violation of the law, resulting in fines or jail time. It does not automatically compensate you for your losses. An experienced Aurora drunk driving accident lawyer handles the civil side of your case, fighting to secure financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, which the criminal court does not manage.
Can I sue the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver?
Potentially, yes. Under Colorado’s “Dram Shop” laws (C.R.S. § 44-3-801), a licensed vendor can be held liable if they knowingly served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor who subsequently caused an accident. However, these cases have a strict one-year statute of limitations. Our DUI accident law firm can investigate whether the establishment is partly responsible for your injuries.
What if the drunk driver who hit me does not have insurance?
Sadly, many impaired drivers lack adequate insurance. If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to file a claim under your own insurance policy’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Boesen Law can review your policy and handle negotiations with your insurance provider to ensure they pay the benefits you have paid premiums for.
How much does it cost to hire a DUI accident lawyer in Aurora?
At Boesen Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront legal fees or out-of-pocket costs. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or court verdict. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This allows everyone access to a top-tier DUI accident lawyer Aurora regardless of their current financial situation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident in Colorado?
Generally, the statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents in Colorado is three years from the date of the crash. However, if you are pursuing a Dram Shop claim against a bar, you only have one year. Because evidence like security footage and toxicology reports can disappear quickly, it is vital to contact a Colorado drunk driving accident lawyer immediately to preserve your rights.
Can I recover punitive damages in a drunk driving accident case?
Yes, punitive damages are more common in DUI cases than standard car accidents. These are damages awarded specifically to punish the defendant for “willful and wanton” conduct and to deter others from driving drunk. While not guaranteed, our Aurora car accident lawyers will aggressively pursue these additional damages if the evidence shows the driver acted with reckless disregard for human life.
How Our Aurora Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help – Free Consultation
Our reputation in Aurora speaks volumes about our dedication to justice. We’ve helped countless individuals and their families recover rightful compensation for accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. Whether you need an Aurora drunk driving accident lawyer to negotiate with insurers or litigate in court, Boesen Law is ready to serve you.
If you are looking for a drunk driving accident lawyer near you, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
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