What to Do After You’re Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident in Colorado?

After being injured in a drunk driving accident in Colorado, crucial steps include protecting your health, calling the authorities, and documenting everything to safeguard your rights. In Colorado, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense. As an injured victim, you have legal options for holding the at-fault driver accountable.

But the hours and days after the crash are critical. What you do now can significantly impact your recovery, insurance claim, and ability to secure compensation. If you’ve been injured, a Colorado drunk driving car accident lawyer on our team can help with the legal process.

Call 911 Immediately After a Drunk Driving Crash

Your first move after any drunk driving accident should be to call 911. It is critical to notify emergency services for both your safety and your legal protection. Paramedics can assess injuries on the scene, and police officers can secure the area and evaluate the suspected drunk driver.

Drunk driving is a criminal offense in Colorado. Law enforcement will:

• Conduct field sobriety tests
• Gather evidence of intoxication (such as slurred speech, odor of alcohol, or open containers)
• File a formal police report

A crash report is essential. It not only documents what happened but may also confirm the other driver’s impairment, which could support your injury claim or lawsuit. Avoid arguing with or confronting the other driver. Let the authorities handle it. Focus on getting help, staying calm, and ensuring everything is officially documented.

Get Medical Attention for Your Accident Injuries Right Away

Car accidents can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and severe burns or lacerations. Prompt treatment protects your health. It also creates a clear medical record that directly links your injuries to the accident.

Delaying care can harm your recovery and may give insurance companies a reason to downplay or deny your claim.

Be thorough with your medical care:

• Describe all symptoms to the doctor
• Follow up as recommended
• Keep records of every appointment, diagnosis, and expense

Remember, your medical records are among the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim. Seeking immediate care shows that you took the incident seriously and establishes the full extent of the harm caused by the impaired driver.

Document the Crash Scene if You Can

If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, gather as much evidence from the scene as possible before it’s cleared. Start by taking wide and close-up photos of the vehicles, road conditions, debris, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Capture anything that may indicate impairment, such as open alcohol containers or erratic behavior by the other driver.

Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Their statements can verify what happened and support your version of events. While the police report is vital, your documentation provides real-time evidence that can be crucial during insurance claims or legal proceedings.

If you are unable to take these actions, your lawyer can take many of them on your behalf.

Understand Colorado’s Drunk Driving Laws and Victim Rights

Colorado takes drunk driving seriously. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense, and if an impaired driver causes injuries, you have legal rights that extend beyond the criminal charges they may face.

Colorado law allows you to seek compensation for both economic losses (such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage) and non-economic losses (including pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life).

Additionally, under Colorado’s dram shop law, you might be able to file a claim against a bar or restaurant that knowingly served alcohol to the at-fault driver while they were visibly intoxicated. Though limited in scope, this law can open additional avenues for financial recovery.

Notify Your Car Insurance Company

Even though the other driver was at fault, you should still report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies require prompt notification to activate certain benefits, like uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can cover medical costs up front.

When speaking with your insurer, stick to the basic facts of the accident. This should include time, location, and the parties involved. Do not admit fault or downplay your injuries. If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement without consulting a lawyer. Their goal may be to minimize what they owe you.

Clear, early communication with your insurer helps preserve your claim.

How a Lawyer Can Help After a Drunk Driving Injury

When a drunk driver injures you, the legal process can quickly become complex. Choosing a car accident lawyer to represent you could allow you to manage this process while you focus on recovery.

Your personal injury attorney can gather evidence from police reports, traffic cameras, and witness accounts to build a strong case. They’ll also assess whether additional parties may share liability. Most importantly, your lawyer will fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims quickly and cheaply, even in cases involving drunk driving. A lawyer levels the playing field by negotiating assertively on your behalf and taking the case to trial if needed. Having professional guidance ensures your rights are protected and your voice is heard throughout the legal process.

Contact a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Today

Being injured by a drunk driver is a life-altering event, but you don’t have to try to hold them accountable on your own. Remember that you have rights under Colorado law and a clear path toward recovery. One of our attorneys can figure out what you should do after being injured in a drunk driving accident in Colorado.

The Matlin Injury Law legal team can help you take meaningful steps toward healing—physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact us today to get started on your case with a free initial consultation.