What Is the Process for Filing a Drunk Driving Injury Lawsuit in Colorado Springs?

Because DUI crashes involve reckless conduct, injury victims often have strong legal standing to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Colorado law supports holding impaired drivers accountable through both criminal prosecution and civil litigation.

The process for filing a drunk driving injury lawsuit in Colorado Springs involves proving the driver was impaired, documenting your injuries, and pursuing compensation through an insurance claim or civil lawsuit. 

Work with a Colorado Springs drunk driving accident lawyer to help ensure each step is handled properly and that your legal rights are protected from day one.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Report the Crash

The first and most important step after any DUI-related accident is to prioritize your safety. Even if your injuries appear minor, medical evaluations help establish a record of harm, which becomes vital to your case.

You should also:

• Call 911: Reporting the crash ensures law enforcement will respond and investigate.
  
• Cooperate with the police: Officers may conduct field sobriety tests or arrest the impaired driver at the scene.
  
• Request a copy of the police report: This often includes critical details about the driver’s impairment, citations, or arrest.

At Matlin Injury Law, our Colorado Springs car accident lawyers use this foundational documentation to start building a case immediately.

Step 2: Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer

The next step is to contact a qualified attorney experienced in drunk driving injury cases. At Matlin Injury Law, we represent victims in Colorado Springs who have been harmed by intoxicated drivers.

Early legal involvement allows us to:

• Preserve evidence from the crash
  
• Coordinate witness statements
  
• Monitor the outcome of any criminal DUI case
  
• Begin preparing your civil claim while law enforcement investigates

Our Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers also handle all insurance communication so that you can focus on your recovery instead of dealing with adjusters.

Step 3: Gather Evidence of Impairment and Damages

Presenting the right evidence is a critical element of the process for filing a drunk driving injury lawsuit in Colorado Springs. To succeed in a civil lawsuit, we must prove two things: that the other driver was negligent due to impairment and that their actions caused your injuries. 

Our legal team collects a range of evidence to support your claim, including:

• Police reports and arrest records: These may show blood alcohol content (BAC), citations, or criminal charges.
  
• Surveillance footage or dashcam video: Useful for showing the driver’s behavior before and during the crash.
  
• Eyewitness testimony: Passengers or bystanders may have observed slurred speech, stumbling, or open containers.
  
• Medical records: We document your injuries, treatment, and long-term effects.
  
• Expert testimony: In some cases, we work with accident reconstructionists or toxicologists to clarify complicated evidence.

Step 4: File a Claim With the Insurance Company

Most DUI injury cases begin with an insurance claim. We submit a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider outlining the following:

• The cause of the crash (DUI)
  
• Your documented injuries
  
• Medical costs and ongoing care
  
• Lost income from missed work
  
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

Because DUI cases involve particularly reckless conduct, insurance companies are often motivated to settle. However, they may still offer less than you deserve, which is why negotiation by an experienced attorney is essential.

Step 5: If a Fair Settlement Isn’t Reached, File a Drunk Driving Injury Lawsuit in Colorado Springs

If the insurance company refuses to offer full and fair compensation, Matlin Injury Law is prepared to file a formal lawsuit in civil court. This step includes:

• Drafting and filing a complaint: You must submit a legal document outlining the basis of your claim.
  
• Serving the defendant: The at-fault driver must be officially notified of the lawsuit.
  
• Discovery process: Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and prepare for trial.
  
• Negotiation or mediation: Many cases settle during this phase before going to court.
  
• Trial (if necessary): If no agreement is reached, your case may proceed before a judge or jury.

Our firm has the litigation experience to take your case as far as needed to secure the results you deserve.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These can include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications
  
• Lost wages: Time missed from work or long-term impact on your earning capacity
  
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
  
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Particularly in cases involving permanent disability
  
• Punitive damages: Additional damages awarded in rare cases to punish especially reckless behavior

We work to account for every form of loss so you can move forward with financial stability.

Why Choose Matlin Injury Law

At Matlin Injury Law, we understand the life-changing impact that drunk driving accidents can have. Victims deserve justice, not just through the criminal court system but also through full and fair civil compensation.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Over $25 million recovered for injury victims across Colorado
  
• More than 50 years of combined legal experience
  
• Daily updates through our custom case-tracking app
  
• Contingency fee structure that means you pay nothing unless we win
  
• Access to medical care and financial support through trusted partners

We’re proud to offer compassionate, client-focused service from the first call through resolution.

Get Help From a Colorado Springs DUI Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, don’t wait to take action. The legal process for filing a drunk driving injury lawsuit in Colorado Springs can be complex, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Contact Matlin Injury Law today to schedule a free, no–obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you begin the path toward recovery. Let us stand up for you and hold impaired drivers accountable.