Drunk driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), is a serious offense that poses significant risks to public safety.

Drunk drivers are a common danger on the road and can cause an accident without warning. Because of their delayed reaction time, drunk drivers are likely to run red lights, fail to notice pedestrians and obstacles, or otherwise put others at risk of being seriously injured or killed in an accident.

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you need an attorney that you can count on to pursue the compensation you need. Contact the Denver car accident lawyers of Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., at (303) 423-1770 to discuss your legal rights and options.

Common Drunk Driver Behaviors

Even with highly publicized anti-drunk driving ads and crackdowns by police, driving while intoxicated is still a persistent problem in many areas. Fortunately, there are signs that you can watch for to help you identify and avoid a potential drunk driver. Some common behaviors to be aware of include:

• Driving with headlights off
• Drifting into other lanes or off of the road
• Erratic driving
• Excessive braking
• Improper signaling
• Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign

Drunk drivers can exhibit numerous dangerous driving behaviors, so it’s always important to stay focused and responsible while you’re behind the wheel.

If you notice a driver behaving oddly, they may be drunk and could be a danger to you and others. Never try to pass or approach a driver who appears to be drunk or intoxicated as they can behave carelessly, causing an accident before you can react to avoid it. Instead, maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle and call 9-1-1 to report the driver. Give a description of the vehicle and its license plate number, if possible. Reporting a drunk driver could save a life.

Drunk Driving Statistics in Colorado

Here are some general statistics related to drunk driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Colorado:

DUI Arrests: According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), there were 131,854 DUI arrests in Colorado between 2018 and 2022. The number of DUI arrests has been declining in recent years, with a slight increase in 2022.

Fatalities: Drunk driving-related accidents can result in severe injuries and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 26% of all traffic fatalities in Colorado, with a total of 156 deaths. The report also states that Colorado had the 10th highest rate of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 people in the United States in 2019. It is important to note that these numbers are based on data reported by law enforcement agencies, so they may not be entirely accurate. However, they do provide a general overview of alcohol-impaired driving in Colorado.

BAC Limits: In Colorado, as in most states, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This is considered Driving Under the Influence (DUI). For commercial drivers, the limit is set at 0.04%, Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI): A BAC of 0.05% to 0.079%, and for drivers under the age of 21, a BAC limit of 0.02%, considered zero tolerance, applies.

Penalties: Colorado imposes strict penalties for drunk driving offenses. These penalties could include fines up to $10,000, license suspension of up to 1 year, mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, community service, probation, and even jail time of up to 12 months. It’s important to note that these are just the basic penalties for DUI and DWAI in Colorado. The actual penalties faced will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.

It’s always advisable to refer to the latest data from official sources such as the Colorado Department of Transportation or the NHTSA for the most up-to-date and accurate information on drunk driving statistics in Colorado.

What To Do If You’re Hit By a Drunk Driver

Getting in a car accident is scary and stressful; this can be even more upsetting when the other party is oblivious to their actions due to alcohol or other controlled substances. If you are involved in a collision with an intoxicated driver, follow these steps to ensure your safety and rights are supported.

Step 1: Make sure the surrounding area is safe for and from other drivers and yourself

Step 2: Call the police immediately, do not approach the other driver

Step 3: If the other driver flees, do not pursue; stay put and wait for the police

Step 4: Write down any relevant information related to the driver, their vehicle, and the accident- this will help you remember later when you need it

Step 5: If you’re in a safe setting and are able, take pictures of your car and the surroundings

Step 6: Call an experienced attorney

If you’ve been injured due to a drunk driver, you have options, including suing for damages such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Working With an Experienced DUI Attorney

After a car accident, you should meet with a lawyer as soon as possible. Accidents involving drunk drivers can be complex and carry many consequences, especially if the incapacitated driver is a repeat offender.

Although the drunk driver may be liable, you will still need to prove your case to get the damages you deserve. Working with a knowledgeable attorney will help you file and establish your case, and allow you to focus on other matters.

Your attorney will navigate the legal process and may be able to get you a healthy settlement from the drunk driver’s insurance company.

Should there be a legal filing, you can be compensated for the following:

• Past, current, and upcoming medical bills related to the accident
• Lost income due to past and future missed work
• Costs associated with damaged or replaced property
• Fees associated with a rental car
• Mental, physical, and emotional pain and suffering

Collecting these damages is a way to help the victim get through the losses they’ve encountered because of the accident. Your car crash claim is likely worth more if hit by a drunk driver; your car accident attorney will be able to give you valuable insight on how to get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Can the Family of a DUI Victim Get Compensation?

Traumatic drunk driving accidents don’t only affect those physically involved. Loved ones can also pay a significant price. From missing out on quality time together to losing financial means, the family of those in a collision may also be able to receive compensation, depending on the severity of the losses.

For instance, if your loved one is paralyzed, can no longer communicate or perform, has significant brain damage, or has been killed, you may have the right to seek damages.

In cases where the victim dies, a wrongful death case may be filed against the negligent driver on behalf of the victim’s family. Seeking advice from a compassionate wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after the accident will help you get through the legal process smoothly.

Contact Us

Our Denver drunk driving accident attorneys are committed to representing injured victims of accidents caused by the negligence of another. To learn how we can help you fight for the compensation that you need, contact the law office of Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., today by calling (303) 423-1770.