This is how accident victims in Denver can decide if they need to sue a drunk driver

Denver, CO – Driving after consuming drugs or alcohol is illegal in Colorado. Some of these intoxicated drivers will cause traffic collisions before they are apprehended by law enforcement. If this happens, victims of the driver can potentially sustain serious losses such as crippling injuries and significant amounts of property damage. The civil court system allows people who have been harmed in such a way to take action and receive money from the person responsible, even when there is a separate criminal case. 

Attorneys near me can provide the best advice regarding how to handle the aftermath of a crash involving an intoxicated driver. There are a few different factors that can help determine whether it is necessary to bring a civil case or not. 

The ability of the defendant to pay out

Some drivers may not have any insurance or any financial ability to pay the victim, even if there is a judgment against them. There are also situations where the victim was involved in an accident with a commercial driver, meaning the employer likely has a high risk insurance policy that is capable of paying out any damages. This is a practical concern that Denver accident lawyers can address early on in the process to decide if a lawsuit is warranted based on the finances and insurance of the driver at fault.  

Compensation for the crash

Regardless of what happens in terms of the disposition of the criminal case, the victim will want to discuss their options to receive compensation with a lawyer. This can be done through a civil case against the driver responsible, which argues that their negligence was the cause of the collision and their injuries. Drunk drivers can possibly be responsible for medical treatment, the person’s lost income, their pain and suffering, and any other losses that are directly associated with the accident. The driver can potentially be sued even when they are never convicted of any crimes related to DUI in criminal court.

The specifics of the accident

Denver DUI accident lawyers can advise whether the specific drunk driving accident in question warrants action. In some situations, minor crashes may be able to be resolved through the insurance process. There are other accidents that may create significant expenses which are too large to be covered through a standard insurance claim. Each accident is different, so it is important that the situation is reviewed carefully and options to pay for the damage are explored.  

Finding a local law firm after a drunk driving crash in Colorado

USAttorneys.com is a site that can assist people with their search for a local lawyer with relevant experience. The listings are organized by state and practice area to get residents in Denver and other cities connected with the right legal professional.