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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., we are honored to help accident victims in their time of need, and take our responsibility as personal injury lawyers incredibly seriously. We know how important it is for victims to secure the full and fair compensation they need following a serious accident, and that is why we take a hands-on, personalized approach to every case we handle.
awarded to a woman who was a victim of a car crash. The woman was driving the highway when the other driver approaching from the opposite direction lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center line and hit her head on. She suffered multiple broken bones, including her hip, pelvis, leg, and right arm. She missed several years of work as a result of her injuries. Read More
awarded to a woman who was the victim of a t-bone car crash. The client suffered multiple injuries. The most significant of which was a head injury. While she was ultimately able to return to work on a part-time basis, Plaintiff was never able to return to work on a full-time basis. Read More
settlement awarded to a lady who suffered a head injury. She slipped and fell in a slanted parking lot at her place of employment. Evidence demonstrated that the owner of the building had constructed a fence shading the parking lot such that ice was allowed to continuously accumulate during the winter months. Multiple people had fallen on the ice prior to the client’s fall. As a result of her injuries, Plaintiff was forced to take early retirement. Read More
awarded to a man whose vehicle was hit from behind by a semi. The injured party suffered back pain and rotator cuff tears in each shoulder and was forced to retire from his job doing road repair four years earlier. Read More
settlement (policy limits) awarded to a young man who lost his eye when another child shot an arrow into the air. Read More
settlement obtained for a man who was injured in a rear end automobile accident. He suffered a herniated disc in his low back which was not well resolved by surgery forcing him to leave his employment as an apartment maintenance manager. Read More
awarded to a gentleman in association with a workman’s compensation case. He initially sustained a head injury at work when attacked by a patient. Several years later, his condition worsened resulting in his inability to return to work in his usual job. Read More
settlement achieved in a legal malpractice case. The client initially suffered a herniated disc in her neck in association with an automobile accident. The attorney failed to file the lawsuit in a timely manner and the Plaintiff was initially denied her ability to achieve any monies from the original lawsuit. Read More
settlement awarded to a man who was a victim of an automobile accident. Plaintiff was a passenger who was rear-ended by another driver. Following the accident, he suffered a long term back injury. Read More
settlement awarded to a lady who aggravated a pre-existing back condition when she slipped and fell at the entrance to a casino. Read More
awarded to a woman who suffered a rotator cuff tear from an automobile accident. Read More
$1,250,000.00 –awarded to a woman who was a victim of a car crash. The woman was driving the highway when the other driver approaching from the opposite direction lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center line and hit her head on. She suffered multiple broken bones, including her hip, pelvis, leg, and right arm. She missed several years of work as a result of her injuries.
$1,200.000.00 –awarded to a woman who was the victim of a t-bone car crash. The client suffered multiple injuries. The most significant of which was a head injury. While she was ultimately able to return to work on a part-time basis, Plaintiff was never able to return to work on a full-time basis.
$450,000.00 –settlement awarded to a lady who suffered a head injury. She slipped and fell in a slanted parking lot at her place of employment. Evidence demonstrated that the owner of the building had constructed a fence shading the parking lot such that ice was allowed to continuously accumulate during the winter months. Multiple people had fallen on the ice prior to the client’s fall. As a result of her injuries, Plaintiff was forced to take early retirement.
$425,000 –awarded to a man whose vehicle was hit from behind by a semi. The injured party suffered back pain and rotator cuff tears in each shoulder and was forced to retire from his job doing road repair four years earlier.
$300,000.00 –settlement (policy limits) awarded to a young man who lost his eye when another child shot an arrow into the air.
$300,000.00 –settlement obtained for a man who was injured in a rear end automobile accident. He suffered a herniated disc in his low back which was not well resolved by surgery forcing him to leave his employment as an apartment maintenance manager.
$250,000.00 –awarded to a gentleman in association with a workman’s compensation case. He initially sustained a head injury at work when attacked by a patient. Several years later, his condition worsened resulting in his inability to return to work in his usual job.
$250,000.00 –settlement achieved in a legal malpractice case. The client initially suffered a herniated disc in her neck in association with an automobile accident. The attorney failed to file the lawsuit in a timely manner and the Plaintiff was initially denied her ability to achieve any monies from the original lawsuit.
$150,000.00 –settlement awarded to a man who was a victim of an automobile accident. Plaintiff was a passenger who was rear-ended by another driver. Following the accident, he suffered a long term back injury.
$125,000.00 –settlement awarded to a lady who aggravated a pre-existing back condition when she slipped and fell at the entrance to a casino.
$75,000.00 –awarded to a woman who suffered a rotator cuff tear from an automobile accident.
Easy
to talk to. They made my experience very comfortable through my whole journey.
My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the whole staff at Hull & Zimmerman. Thank
you
- 
– R. Hamilton
I
would just like to send a “thank you” to you and your staff. You have been the
most professional and efficient law office if have ever dealt with. I will
continue to tell people about the wonderful job you have done for me and my
family. Mr. Zimmerman you are the most professional lawyer and I truly
appreciate all you have done. Again Thank you
– D. Hassoun
would
just like to send a “thank you” to you and your staff. You have been the most
professional and efficient law office if have ever dealt with. I will continue
to tell people about the wonderful job you have done for me and my family. Mr.
Zimmerman you are the most professional lawyer and I truly appreciate all you
have done. Again Thank you.
– Jason B.
I was
injured in a fall and the nightmare began. I found Mike Zimmerman on the
internet, read his background history and contacted his office. The Office Staff
was wonderful, patient, and helpful, even though I was probably a pain to them.
Mike is a no nonsense kind of guy. He will tell you exactly what he feels about
your case and will not sugar coat it. You will know exactly what to expect and I
appreciated the honesty! I would recommend Mike to anyone who has their life
spinning out of control because of an accident. He help me get my life back.
– Mary T.
Working through divorce and custody issues is an extremely difficult and
emotionally trying experience. Mike Zimmerman represented my interest in a
highly professional manner and protected my rights as a parent at a level that
exceeded my highest expectations. This firm’s expertise, ability and
professionalism earned my respect as well as my continued business for any legal
issues I encounter in the future.
– Michael D.
We
came across mike Zimmerman when we were involved in an accident awhile back, we
had been negotiating with the insurance company for some time and getting
nowhere with a settlement. Never knowing Mike Zimmerman when we had gone and
seen him it really surprised us that he made us feel right at home and that he
was really concerned for his clients. Mike was very upfront with us a our
lawyer, and advised us every step of the way. His associates were very
professional and office personnel was very friendly also. Mike got almost double
the settlement we were expecting and we just were very satisfied and would
highly recommend him to anyone that needs a good honest lawyer.
– Clarencec & Joy W.
We
were hit by an uninsured driver in 2006 and my husband was unable to work for
some time. Initially our own insurance really didn’t want to help us. On the
recommendation of a friend, we contacted Mr. Z and with his advice, suggestions
and hard work, we were able to get the what we needed from our insurance to help
us with our bills and medical costs. His staff was very patient with us as well
and was always available to reassure us and to answer our questions. We hope
nothing like this ever happens again, but if it was to happen, we would contact
Mr Zimmerman in a heart beat.
– G. & B O.
Rick –
Smart and nice! We were nervous and Rick put us at ease. Kept us informed. Never
thought we made a bad choice. Also, the first time I called, I talked to
Rick…impressed us very much.
– D. & S. Bratrovsky
Exceeded expectations!
– T. Thiel
I
liked the fact that I was kept up to date throughout the process. When the
accident first happened, Rick went to bat for me right away to make sure that I
was compensated for my loss of transportation. The end result in my case
exceeded my expectations and I was very pleased.
– D. Hughley
I
appreciated the effort Rick Hull presented during the difficulties that occurred
throughout the settlement and following. I felt completely at ease during the
whole process.
– Michele Wolf
I
appreciated the fact that Rick Hull always explained everything to me. No matter
how insignificant I thought the question was, he encouraged me to ask and was
very patient when I didn’t understand some aspect of the legal procedures. I
also appreciated the fact that Rick was a real person, he wasn’t stiff or
unapproachable. He was easy to talk to, to understand, and get along with. In
addition, he explained certain aspects of Colorado law thoroughly to me so that
I could make an informed decision that best suited my needs.
10:16 pm
January 27th, 2011