Do I Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident Injury in Colorado?

While it is not necessary to have a lawyer to file your personal injury claim for you, there are many reasons why a lawyer can be helpful during the process. A Colorado drunk driving car accident lawyer can handle negotiations, ensure that your accident is thoroughly investigated, and identify all liable parties. 

In this article, we’ll explain some of the benefits of having a lawyer after a drunk driving accident injury in Colorado.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Colorado?

The short answer is no. You do not need a lawyer to pursue compensation. However, when you’re dealing with injuries and the financial and emotional stress of an accident, having legal representation can take the legal burden off your shoulders. 

Insurers deny claims for all sorts of reasons, including incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. Your lawyer will ensure that your paperwork is complete and well-supported with evidence. They will also follow any state or federal laws that govern your case.

Statute of Limitations

One such law is Colorado’s statute of limitations. Per CO. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101, you generally only have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit for an accident involving a motor vehicle.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Another important law to consider is Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule, which may bar you from recovering compensation if you are 50% or more at fault. Your lawyer can use evidence to push back against insurance companies who argue you were more at fault than you were.

Can a Lawyer Investigate a Colorado Drunk Driving Accident?

To be successful in your car accident claim, you must show that someone else was negligent. While this may sound simple, proving negligence is often complex. For example, if the other driver refused a breathalyzer at the accident scene or if testing was delayed, the other driver’s attorneys could question whether their client was inebriated at the time of the accident.

Your drunk driving accident lawyer will gather evidence to support your claim, such as:

• Eyewitness statements
• Police reports, which may include the responding officer’s observations of the other driver’s intoxication
• Physical evidence, such as a lack of skid marks 
• Video footage, such as from a dash cam, a nearby business’ security cameras, or traffic cameras
• Official documents, such as blood alcohol tests, phone records (if the other driver was distracted as well), and medical records
• Expert testimony, such as from an accident reconstructionist

Some evidence may be time-sensitive, so it’s helpful to get started on your case as soon as possible. 

Your lawyer will also ensure that all liable parties are held accountable. While in many cases, the drunk driver is solely responsible, there are exceptions where other parties also hold blame. For example, if the other driver was on the job when the accident occurred (such as a truck driver), then their employer may be vicariously liable.

A Lawyer Can Pursue Fair Compensation

Drunk driving accident injuries can be severe and may include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, burns, and lacerations. In addition to physical injuries, you may also have been traumatized, face expensive vehicle repairs, and be unable to work. Our lawyers will carefully examine your losses so that we can advocate for the maximum compensation available for your case. 

What Compensation You May Qualify to Receive?

We may try to recover compensation for the following losses:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity if a permanent disability will keep you from returning to work
• Property damage
• Home modifications if you need them to address new mobility issues
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of quality of life

Our lawyers may consult medical and financial experts about the long-term impacts of your injuries. We will enter negotiations fully prepared to argue for the fair compensation you deserve.

Can You Afford an Attorney for Your Drunk Driving Accident Injury Case in Colorado?

Many accident victims are already facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other financial stresses. You may be concerned that taking on the cost of legal representation will just be another financial burden. However, affording legal representation is not out of reach. Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.

On a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing upfront. Instead, your lawyer is only paid if they recover compensation for your case. At that point, their fee is taken as a preapproved percentage of your settlement.

How Else Can a Lawyer Help With Your Drunk Driving Injury Case?

In addition to investigating the accident and gathering evidence, ensuring that paperwork is filed and all legal deadlines are met, and fighting for fair compensation, there are many reasons to hire a car accident lawyer. If your claim is denied, your lawyer can file an appeal on your behalf. They can also take your case to trial, if necessary, and ensure you feel prepared.

When insurance adjusters come to talk to you after the accident, your lawyer will be by your side to protect your legal rights. In fact, we can handle all communications with the parties involved so you can focus on recovering.

Additionally, your lawyer offers you support and guidance throughout the legal process. When you have a question, we’ll answer quickly and ensure you understand what’s happening with your case. After an accident, you may feel like you’re entirely on your own, but you don’t have to be.

Contact a Colorado Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer Today

After a drunk driving accident, it can be hard to get back in control of your life. You may be dealing with intense physical pain, worrying about how your future will be with a new disability, or struggling with financial stress. Our Colorado drunk driving car accident attorneys will help you seek the fair compensation you deserve.

At Matlin Injury Law, we fight for our clients with dedication and compassion. With over 50 years of combined experience and over $25 million recovered for our clients, we understand what you’re up against. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs for you. Contact our legal team today.