Recovering Damages After an Accident Caused By a Drunk Driver

 Posted on September 02, 2021 in Car Accident

The average driver does not expect to get in a car accident. However, when a driver chooses to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, they are making their chances of causing an accident substantially greater. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another person’s impaired driving, a personal injury attorney can assist you in recovering damages and holding the at-fault parties accountable.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

The adverse impact alcohol has on an individual’s ability to drive makes drunk driving incredibly dangerous. Alcohol-related car accidents resulted in 192 Colorado fatalities in 2018 according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The consumption of alcohol negatively affects a person’s ability to make rational decisions and react quickly, as well as their overall coordination. Drivers who get behind the wheel when intoxicated are also much more likely to speed or even drive on the wrong side of the road.

This behavior puts everyone on the road, including the drunk driver, other drivers, and all passengers, at risk of some sort of collision. Certain injuries arise more often than others in the event of a drunk driving accident. Some of the more commonly sustained injuries include fractured and broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, and internal organ damage.

Both physical and emotional damage can result from accidents caused by drunk driving. An additional factor in all car accidents is the burden of medical expenses. When a victim of a car accident requires surgeries, rehabilitative therapy, and hospital stays, the medical bills can pile up. Furthermore, it can also be costly for the loved ones who step up to care for the injured victims including the potential loss of income.

Pursuing a Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident

The process of proving the drunk driver liable for your sustained injuries can be fairly straightforward, especially if the at-fault driver was charged with DUI after the crash. However, there are still important things to do to give yourself a better chance of recovering full compensation.

After an accident, regardless of whether drunk driving was a factor, all individuals involved should seek medical attention. It is important that all involved parties receive examinations from a medical professional to determine any injuries, even when injuries are not immediately apparent.

Providing ample documentation when pursuing an injury claim after a drunk driving accident is also very important for receiving maximum compensation. When injured passengers and drivers visit health facilities for medical attention, they should preserve documentation of those visits. Additionally, victims and their loved ones who had to take time off work should document any loss of income.

Contact Our Fort Collins Car Accident Injury Attorney Today

Because drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, it is important to hold drivers accountable when they choose to drive intoxicated. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident can help you gather the evidence you need to demonstrate negligence and file a claim for the full amount of your damages. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Larimer County car accident attorney, contact Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. today by calling 970-225-2190.

Sources:

https://www.responsibility.org/alcohol-statistics/state-map/state/colorado/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-releases-2019-crash-fatality-data