Boesen Law handles cases for those who were injured during a DUI related accident across Fort Collins with a focus on building clear, evidence-backed claims. Our drunk driving attorneys work directly with victims and their families to secure medical documentation, analyze police reports, and negotiate with insurers. We’re committed to full financial recovery—and we don’t get paid unless you do.
In Colorado, those injured by drunk drivers can seek compensation through a civil claim regardless of any criminal conviction. Whether the driver is charged or not, you can still recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering under Colorado personal injury law.
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.
Why Choose Boesen Law After a DUI Accident?
In a year alone, over 27% of all fatal crashes statewide involved alcohol impairment, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Yet even if criminal charges are filed—or dismissed—victims still have the right to file a civil lawsuit for medical costs, lost wages, and long-term personal harm. The outcome of a criminal case doesn’t control your right to compensation under Colorado personal injury law.
- Proven experience: Our Fort Collins personal injury lawyers have spent decades handling drunk driving and catastrophic injury cases, giving us a deep understanding of how to build solid cases for maximum compensation.
- Strong local presence in Fort Collins: We know the streets, courts, and opposing attorneys in Northern Colorado, helping us anticipate problems and move cases efficiently.
- 24/7 support, no upfront costs: We’re here when you need us—day or night. And you won’t pay a dime unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
- Custom legal strategies: We build strong claims using crash evidence, expert testimony, and financial analysis to pursue the best possible outcome, whether by settlement or trial.
Boesen Law has secured over $4 million for motor vehicle accident victims throughout Colorado and knows the specific legal steps required to hold drunk drivers and other responsible parties accountable. Our Fort Collins attorneys focus on preserving critical evidence like blood alcohol tests and bar receipts—often before it’s lost forever.
Having the right legal representation can make all the difference. A car accident lawyer from Boesen Law can assess your case in a free consultation and outline the fastest path to compensation.
Understanding the Dangers of Drunk Driving Accidents in Fort Collins
Local data reveals the threat is real. Fort Collins police reported over 504 DUI arrests in a year alone, showing how often impaired drivers are caught on the road.
Drunk driving remains a persistent danger in Fort Collins, particularly in areas surrounding CSU, downtown bars, and late-night corridors. Alcohol impairs a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and motor skills, making speeding and swerving far more likely.
Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1301, operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08% or higher is a criminal offense. Criminal penalties aside, victims of these crashes have a legal right to pursue compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and other damages.
What to Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver in Fort Collins
- Call 911 immediately to request both police and medical responders at the scene.
- Get evaluated by paramedics or ER staff, even if you feel okay—some serious injuries aren’t obvious right away.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and visible injuries.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or providing recorded statements until your attorney has reviewed your case.
Contact Boesen Law Immediately
After a drunk driving incident in Fort Collins, we secure critical evidence such as BAC lab results, video footage, and police body-cam data before it’s lost or overwritten. Additionally, our attorneys coordinate with investigating officers, file required notices, and handle every legal formality so you can concentrate on recovery.
Jon Boesen advises: “I tell my clients the outcome of the criminal case isn’t the same as getting your life back. Even if a DUI charge is dropped, the driver can still be held accountable in civil court. We move quickly to secure blood alcohol records, bar receipts, and even credit card data that might vanish if we wait too long. That’s how you protect your claim.”
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?
The Intoxicated Driver
The intoxicated driver faces primary civil liability and may owe punitive damages due to reckless disregard for safety.
Bars or Establishments That Overserved (Dram Shop Liability)
Under Colorado’s dram shop law (C.R.S. § 12-47-801), a bar, restaurant, or other alcohol-serving business may be held liable if it knowingly serves alcohol to someone who’s visibly intoxicated and later causes injury or death. In these cases, written notice must be provided within 60 days of hiring legal counsel to avoid losing the right to sue.
Vehicle Owner or Employer
If the at-fault driver was operating a work vehicle or performing job duties, their employer may be legally responsible under vicarious liability. In the case of Uber or Lyft accidents, Boesen Law helps clients file claims against the applicable rideshare insurance policy, which may provide up to $1 million in coverage.
Common Injuries in DUI Collisions
Alcohol-related crashes often cause high-energy impacts that qualify as catastrophic injuries, making full compensation critical to protect your financial stability.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can alter cognition and require lifelong therapy.
- Spinal cord damage may lead to paralysis and rehabilitation costs.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage demand emergency surgery and extended ICU care.
- Multiple fractures, amputations, and burns result in significant recovery time and medical bills.
- Psychological trauma, PTSD, and anxiety can persist long after physical wounds heal.
Your Right to Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving accident, you can pursue damages that encompass current and future losses, such as:
- Medical bills include emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatments confirmed by treating physicians or care planners.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity are calculated using tax returns, pay stubs, and expert vocational evaluations.
- Pain and suffering covers physical pain and mental distress, with limits set by C.R.S. § 13-21-102.5.
- Loss of enjoyment of life applies when injuries disrupt hobbies, daily routines, or meaningful relationships.
- Property damage includes vehicle repairs, totaled car value, and lost personal items like phones or medical equipment.
- Punitive damages may apply when a driver acts with extreme recklessness, such as driving while heavily intoxicated.
What If the Drunk Driver Has No Insurance or Is Underinsured?
If the drunk driver lacks insurance or carries only minimal coverage, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. Boesen Law reviews all available insurance options and builds a strategy to access every potential source of recovery, so no opportunity is missed.
The Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Injury Claims in Colorado
Under C.R.S. § 13-80-101, you have three years to file a drunk driving injury claim involving a motor vehicle. If a government vehicle is involved, written notice must be sent within 182 days under C.R.S. § 24-10-109.
Missing these deadlines means losing your right to pursue compensation altogether, so make sure you contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the incident.
Why Drunk Driving Cases Require Experienced Legal Representation
Drunk driving cases involve complex evidence like BAC test results, police reports, and potential third-party liability. Furthermore, insurance companies often downplay damages or shift blame to avoid paying full compensation.
An experienced lawyer from Boesen Law can preserve key evidence, handle aggressive insurers, and pursue all available compensation sources while protecting your rights throughout negotiations or litigation.
Start the Path to Justice Today
If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver in Fort Collins, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Boesen Law is ready to review your case, explain your options, and fight for the full compensation you’re owed. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Let’s start your path to recovery. Schedule a free case evaluation now.
FAQs About Drunk Driving Accidents in Fort Collins
How often do DUI crashes happen in Fort Collins?
In 2022, Fort Collins Police reported over 360 DUI arrests, per the Fort Collins Police Services Annual Report. Many incidents occur in nightlife zones like Old Town or College Avenue, especially during weekends and after major events. Attorneys at Boesen Law familiar with Fort Collins injury claims know how to secure local police data, BAC tests, and downtown surveillance footage to support civil cases.
Can I still sue the drunk driver if they weren’t charged or convicted?
Yes. Even if criminal charges are dropped or result in an acquittal, you can still bring a civil claim. Civil cases only require proof by a preponderance of evidence, not the higher criminal standard. Our lawyers often secure bar receipts, toxicology reports, and witness statements before they’re lost, which is crucial in Larimer County where evidence can be destroyed quickly under local retention schedules.
Can I sue the bar that served the drunk driver in Fort Collins?
Under Colorado’s dram shop law (C.R.S. § 12-47-801), bars and restaurants may be liable if they knowingly serve someone visibly intoxicated who later causes harm. Fort Collins bars in high-traffic areas are frequent subjects of dram shop claims. There’s a strict 60-day notice requirement after hiring a lawyer, so immediate action is critical to preserve your rights and secure bar surveillance footage.
What if the drunk driver fled the scene in Fort Collins?
A hit-and-run DUI crash complicates matters, but you can still pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Fort Collins law enforcement uses downtown cameras, license plate readers, and bar security video to identify fleeing drivers. Injury lawyers coordinate evidence requests and preserve video before it’s deleted, which often happens in as little as 30 days.
How long do I have to file a drunk driving injury claim in Colorado?
For most DUI crashes, you have three years to file under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. If a government vehicle is involved, you must provide notice within 182 days under C.R.S. § 24-10-109. Fort Collins attorneys help ensure these deadlines are met and secure time-sensitive BAC reports and police data critical for your case.
Do I have to testify in court if I sue a drunk driver in Fort Collins?
Not always. Many DUI accident cases settle when insurers see strong evidence like high BAC results or bar receipts showing over-service. However, if a trial becomes necessary, witness testimony may be required. Our lawyers with trial experience often reduce courtroom stress by preparing clients thoroughly and using medical records and expert testimony to prove damages without requiring long hours on the witness stand.
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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