A tragic car accident in Denver recently left one person dead, another seriously injured and a third under arrest for DUI.
An unidentified 19-year-old driver was arrested in August on suspicion of DUI following the fatal crash. He faces possible jail time, the suspension of driving privileges, and fines, among other penalties.
The accident occurred shortly after midnight when the driver lost control of the vehicle, according to the Denver Police Department. The car struck a light pole, killing a backseat passenger and injuring the person in the front passenger seat.
Roughly one-third of all traffic crash fatalities across the country involve drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 10,000 people are killed in drunk driving accidents each year.
Legal Rights for People Injured in Colorado DUI Accidents
The car accident and arrest is yet another reminder that drunk drivers are a threat to everyone on the road. Slowed reaction time and impaired decision making are a recipe for disaster when a driver gets behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Anyone who is injured in a drunk driving car accident in Colorado has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash.
Drivers owe others on the road a “duty of care” that requires them to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. That means obeying traffic laws, maintaining appropriate speeds and avoiding risky behavior like drinking and driving. A driver that does not live up to this responsibility is likely to be liable for any accidents that happen as a result.
The money damages often available in these cases include compensation for medical bills, property damage, missed wages and any impact on your earning capacity. In the tragic case that a person is killed in an accident, his or her loved ones have the right to seek similar compensation from a wrongful death.
Money damages will not undo the accident, but the compensation can ease some of the pain and stress that comes with being involved in a vehicle collision. An experienced Denver auto accident lawyer can help you identify those responsible and build the strongest possible case.
Speak with a Denver Auto Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or other accident in Colorado, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced Denver auto accident lawyer.
At Levine Law, our personal injury attorneys combine decades of experience helping people injured in drunk driving, and a wide range of other accidents get the money they deserve. We are dedicated to guiding clients through the legal process with experience and personalized attention. Our firm has a strong track record of success for the people that we represent in the courtroom and through a negotiated settlement.
Our lawyers are pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins, and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver auto accident lawyer.
