Don’t Let a Drunk Driving Accident Spin Your Life Out of Control

When a stranger decides to get behind the wheel of any vehicle after they’ve been drinking, their decision to drive drunk can impact entire families or households in the blink of an eye. Drunk driving claims the lives of nearly 17,000 Americans every year, with about 500,000 people also being injured in these accidents. 

 

The drunk driving accident lawyers at Schofield & Green Law understand how your life can be instantly transformed as you’re now navigating mountains of medical bills, unable to live life without pain, and trying to cope with the emotional suffering following the trauma you’ve endured.

Breaking Down Drinking and Driving and What Kinds of Cases We See

Our accident law firm handles drunk driving accidents where you or someone you love was injured or died as a result. We don’t take cases that are simply drunk driving or driving under the influence charges. We side with victims and their families who have been injured following these common types of drunk driving accidents:

Head-On Collisions

Drunk drivers can fall asleep at the wheel and veer off into another lane or opposing traffic, wrecking other vehicles.

Rear-End Collisions

Drunk drivers can have impaired judgment and reaction time that makes it difficult to stop when the person in front of them does so quickly.

Pedestrian Accidents

Drunk drivers with impaired vision may not see pedestrians, especially at night, and this can lead to severe injuries and fatalities.

Broadside Collisions

The same UC Berkeley report found that 12.1% of DUI crashes involved broadside collisions or a one-sided T-bone crash.

How is Drunk Driving Defined in Colorado?

In Colorado, like most parts of the United States, drunk driving is typically defined by a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC). Here’s everything else you need to know:

How We Prove Who’s Responsible for Accidents from Drunk Driving

To get fair compensation for your drunk driving accident claim, a personal injury attorney in Colorado has to establish liability or what party was legally responsible for damages caused by their breach of duty of care to operate a motor vehicle safely. This duty of care in operating a motor vehicle safely is something we all agree to when we sit in the driver’s seat of any automobile, motorcycle, or truck. Here’s what’s likely to occur for you following an incident with a driver who’s intoxicated:

Comprehensive Investigation

After a drunk driving accident, a thorough accident investigation is crucial to proving liability under Colorado drunk driving laws. A large amount of information must be collected quickly to comply with the Colorado statute of limitations of how long you have to file a claim, which is generally three years.

Sharing the Proof

Typically, proof of negligence is sufficient to hold a driver liable for damages. However, additional evidence is often necessary to file a lawsuit against a drunk driver. Proof that the driver had a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher at the time of the accident is required in Colorado.

Determining the Liability

The drunk driver’s criminal defense attorney will likely try to pin some blame on you to limit their liability. They may question the breathalyzer results or claim police misconduct. This can significantly jeopardize your claim — and your ability to obtain the compensation you need to recover fully. Our attorneys will use police report data, eyewitness accounts, and other forensic evidence to build a strong case for you.

Understanding Colorado Express Consent Laws

Determining liability can hinge on the extent or role Colorado’s Express Consent Law can play in your potential drunk driving accident case. The law requires any driver to consent to a chemical test if a law enforcement officer believes a person is driving under the influence. The police officer can also do the same if they suspect someone‘s ability is impaired because of alcohol, drugs, or both. A drunk driving suspect may have to submit one or all of these that can be used as part of your claim to determine the level of alcohol or drugs in the driver’s system.

Refusing to take a test when asked by an officer could result in severe consequences, including:

License Revocation

Your driving privileges could be revoked for one year for a first-time refusal. For a second refusal, the revocation period could increase to two years; for a third or subsequent refusal, you could lose your license for three years.

Interlock Ignition Device Requirement

After a period of revocation, drivers who have refused testing will be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicles. This device requires the driver to provide a breath sample free of alcohol before the car starts.
It’s important to note that the Express Consent Law is separate from any criminal charges a driver might face for DUI or DWAI. This means you could still lose your license under this law, even if you are not ultimately convicted of a DUI or DWAI offense.

Drunk Driving Accidents Cause These Common Injuries Our Car Wreck Attorneys Can Help With

Drunk drivers drive recklessly and take unnecessary chances. They may accidentally run a stop sign or drive the wrong way down a one-way street. What happens next can be an accident or incident you and your family never saw coming. DUI car accidents can be extremely catastrophic, resulting in serious, often life-threatening injuries such as:
These are injuries to the brain caused by a blow, jolt, or other traumatic injury to the head. The severity can range from a mild concussion to severe brain damage, with symptoms including headaches, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, fatigue, behavioral or mood changes, and problems with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking. Severe cases can result in prolonged unconsciousness or amnesia. TBIs can have long-lasting or even permanent effects.
Spinal injuries are injuries to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. The severity of the injury can vary, but in many cases, it causes changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury. This can result in full or partial paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), along with other issues like pain or sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms, or problems with bladder or bowel control. Spinal injuries are very serious and require in-depth care.
Amputation refers to the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. In the context of accidents, it often refers to an injury that requires the surgical removal of a limb or appendage, such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot. Amputations can significantly impact a person’s mobility and ability to perform tasks and may require long-term physical therapy and the use of prosthetics. Amputation or losing a limb as a result of a drunk driving accident will support your claim for fair financial compensation to help you move on.
Disfigurement is any alteration in a person’s appearance, often due to an injury, that makes them look different from societal norms or their previous appearance. This can result from a variety of injuries, including burns, lacerations, or injuries that result in amputation or scarring. Disfigurement can have profound effects on a person’s self-image, psychological well-being, and social interactions and may require reconstructive surgery or other treatments. The long-term effects are felt for years following your accident.
When a significant amount of force is applied to a bone, it can break or fracture. Broken bones, also known as fractures, are a common injury in many types of accidents, including those involving vehicles. Depending on the severity of the break, symptoms can range from moderate pain and swelling to visible deformity or protrusion of the bone through the skin (known as a compound fracture). Fractures commonly occur in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.
These are injuries that occur inside the body, often as a result of blunt force trauma or penetration by a foreign object. In the context of car accidents, internal injuries can affect organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines, or other structures like blood vessels. Symptoms can vary widely and may include pain, bleeding, bruising, or swelling in the affected area, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and shock. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Getting Justice for Your DUI Accident Case is What We Do Best

When you’ve gone through a DUI accident — after the dust settles — you might be able to collect compensation for your injuries or time you missed from work that insurance companies don’t want to pay. We can’t tell you exactly how much you could be owed in your drunk driving accident settlement until you speak with us during a free case evaluation. This is where we discuss these options with you:

Wrongful Death Damages

If you have lost a loved one in a DUI car accident, you might also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Loss of companionship and loss of future earnings are additional potential recoverable damages in this situation.

Punitive Damages

You could also be eligible to collect punitive damages, which are intended to punish the responsible parties. Typically, the monetary value of punitive damages far exceeds the actual dollar amount lost by a victim. We can also hold bars or restaurants accountable for these damages. 

Common Recovery Damages

The most commonly collected damages are recovery for property damage, medical bills, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering caused by someone else’s decision to drink and drive. We’ll help you figure out a fair amount for these damages.

See What Compensation We’ve Secured for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Our settlements and court wins all have special meaning to our personal injury lawyers, who specialize in helping drunk driving accident victims. The amount we win for you isn’t something we take lightly or agree to quickly. You’ll get compensation for your injuries that’s fair and deserved for what you’ve had to endure.

Here are some of the previous results our clients were awarded for their personal injury claims:

Intersection
Collision

$1.1M

Settlement

Bicycle
Accident

$1.3M

Settlement

Head-On
Collision

$1M

Settlement

Pedestrian Vs. Car Accident

$1.2M

Settlement

Call On Compassionate Drunk Driving Crash Lawyers in Colorado

Schofield & Green Law wants to show you what it can be like to work with drunk driving accident attorneys who are entirely dedicated to advocacy for victims. You can rely on a team that understands that being involved in a drunk driving accident can be a life-altering experience, filled with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress. See how we are committed to standing by victims of drunk driving accidents, offering steadfast support and relentless pursuit of justice. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to hold drunk drivers accountable.

Specialized Expertise in Drunk Driving Cases

Schofield & Green Law has extensive experience in handling drunk driving accident cases. Our specialized knowledge in this area allows us to navigate the legal system efficiently and effectively, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We are well-versed in the nuances of DUI laws, accident reconstruction, and dealing with insurance companies, which positions us to build a strong case on your behalf.

Aggressive Representation for Maximum Compensation

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. Our attorneys are aggressive advocates for our clients, fighting for maximum compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We are fearless in taking on insurance companies or pursuing litigation if it means achieving your best possible outcome.

Personalized and Compassionate Approach

At Schofield & Green Law, we treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve. We understand that each case is unique and tailor our approach to meet your needs. From the moment you contact us, we take the time to listen to your story, understand your situation, and provide personalized legal guidance. We aim to make you feel supported and informed throughout the legal process.

Proven Track Record
of Success

Our firm has a proven track record of success in drunk driving accident cases. We have helped countless clients secure substantial settlements and favorable verdicts, ensuring they receive the justice and financial recovery they need to move forward with their lives. Our results speak for themselves and demonstrate our commitment to excellence.

Transparent and Open Communication

Effective communication is a cornerstone of our practice. We believe in keeping our clients informed at every stage of their case. You can count on us to explain complex legal concepts in plain language, provide regular updates on your case’s progress, and be available to answer any questions you may have. We are here to guide you through this challenging time with clarity and support.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win for You

We operate on a contingency fee basis for drunk driving accident cases, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. This ensures that you can access top-tier legal representation without worrying about upfront costs. Our commitment is to achieve the best possible outcome for you, and we are motivated to secure a successful resolution.

Read Real Testimonials Praising Our Dedication and Expertise

Our clients consistently praise our dedication, expertise, and the positive results we achieve. Families who have turned to Schofield & Green Law for help after a drunk driving accident often commend our compassionate approach, unmatched legal knowledge, and unwavering support.

Answers to Your Drunk Driving Accidents Frequently Asked Questions

Drunk driving accidents account for thousands of serious injuries and fatalities across the United States every year, most of which could have been avoided using an Uber or a designated driver. Here are the common questions our personal injury lawyers get asked about handling drunk driving accident cases and clients.

You can’t wait forever to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim following a drunk driving accident in Colorado. Like any personal injury lawsuit, you must take your matters to court three years from the accident date. This means that if you are injured in a drunk driving accident, you have three years from that fateful day your incident occurred to recover potential damages.

 

For property damage claims, such as damage to a vehicle, the statute of limitations is three (3) years from the accident date. These time limits can be critical to your case as if you do not file your lawsuit within the appropriate statute of limitations, the state may permanently ban you from seeking compensation for your injuries or property damage.

When you put alcohol or drugs into your body or bloodstream, it can end up having a big effect on your ability to make good judgments. Sometimes, your body can’t function properly, even though you think you feel perfectly fine to drive. These things are essential for good driving and should never be overlooked or passed off as unimportant:

 

  • Reaction time 
  • Coordination
  • Hearing
  • Vision
  • Balance

 

When an impaired or drunk person is behind the wheel of any type of vehicle, it could cause unnecessary swerving, unsafe lane changes, driving down one-way streets, or passing out. 

It’s because of this reckless impairment that drunk driving car accidents often result in more damaging and deadly impacts, causing severe injuries and fatalities, including rear-end impacts, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, pedestrian injuries, and multi-vehicle pileups.

Drunk driving accidents are a significant concern in the United States, causing thousands of fatalities and injuries each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

 

  • Daily Occurrence: On average, approximately 28 people die in drunk driving accidents every day in the U.S. This translates to one person every 52 minutes.
  • Annual Statistics: In 2019, there were 10,142 deaths as a result of drunk driving accidents, accounting for nearly 28% of all traffic-related fatalities.
  • Injuries: In addition to fatalities, countless individuals suffer serious injuries in drunk driving crashes, leading to long-term physical, emotional, and financial repercussions.

 

These statistics highlight the prevalence and severity of drunk driving accidents, emphasizing the importance of legal action and support for victims. At Schofield & Green Law, we are dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring that victims of drunk driving accidents receive the compensation and support they deserve.

Not every DUI case we take at Schofield & Green Law ends before a judge and jury. We like to let our clients know that many drunk driving accident cases are resolved quickly through settlements agreed upon by both parties outside the courtroom. 

 

However, what if a fair settlement cannot be reached? In that case, our personal injury attorneys, who specialize in assisting drunk driving victims, are prepared to take your case to court to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

When a DUI car wreck impacts your personal and professional life, there’s no law saying you have to hire a personal injury lawyer. You can try to settle a case on your own, but we don’t recommend it, and it’s not because we don’t think you can’t win. It has to do with the fact that a DUI case differs significantly from a typical car accident case. Fighting for you in drunk driving accident litigation is much more complicated, with factors that need to be addressed where most people simply don’t know any better. 

 

What’s worse is that without an attorney, insurance companies see this as their opportunity to lowball you with an offer you’ll eventually have to agree to if you want anything. Any average person wouldn’t know what a good amount of money for a settlement would be, allowing insurance companies to take advantage of you and your family during a crisis. Sometimes, insurance companies will misrepresent how much insurance is available, requiring some extra homework only an experienced drunk driving accident attorney can provide you.

Yes, you can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault. Colorado follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your fault percentage may reduce your compensation. Schofield & Green Law will work to minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.

 

To make the most of your time with us and get fair compensation, contact one of our personal injury attorneys for a free consultation right away following any drunk driving incident. Working together to have early legal intervention can help preserve critical evidence, ensure timely claims filing, and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

Don’t Let a DUI Accident Destroy Your Joy and Livelihood

Don’t let the fallout from a drunk driving accident overwhelm you. Our drunk driving accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims like you navigate the legal process, ensuring you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can have and will stand by your side every step of the way. With our experienced legal team, we can turn this challenging situation into a chance for justice and recovery.


Helping injured victims obtain justice after an accident is our only concern. We work tirelessly to hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions. If you or someone you love has been injured in a DUI car accident, we can help because you don’t have to face this alone.