Getting hit by a drunk driver is terrifying. One minute you’re driving home. The next, you’re in pain, scared, and unsure of what to do next.
At Colorado Springs Personal Injury Lawyers®, we’ve helped many clients in your shoes. We know how overwhelming this moment feels. If you’re injured, we’ll guide you through the next steps and help protect your rights.
This guide breaks everything down in simple steps.
Drunk Driving Is a Serious Problem in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is one of the worst cities in the nation for fatal drunk driving crashes. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the city ranks among the top for deadly drunk driving incidents.
In fact, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Colorado Springs ranked 24th among the 300 largest U.S. cities for the highest rate of fatal drunk driving accidents. Between 2018 and 2022, the town saw 10.49 fatal drunk driving crashes per 100,000 people.
That means more innocent people are being injured or killed by impaired drivers. It’s a growing problem, and it’s not just statistics—it’s real lives turned upside down.
As Colorado Springs car accident attorneys, we’ve seen the damage firsthand. We’ve helped victims recover after being hit on major roads like Academy Boulevard, Powers, and I-25. These cases can be complex, and often, insurance companies fight hard to reduce payouts. That’s why having an experienced legal team on your side can make a big difference. That’s why having an experienced legal team can make a big difference.
Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving crashes often involve high speeds or reckless behavior. That leads to serious injuries. Here are the most common ones we see:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts and bruises
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
These injuries often require more than just a trip to the ER. Some victims need physical therapy, surgery, or long-term medical care. Others may be unable to return to work or struggle with daily tasks. A Colorado Springs car accident attorney will take your full situation into account—not just the obvious injuries.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Crash
If a drunk driver hits you, what you do next is important. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Call 911 Right Away
You need medical help and a police report. Let the officers know you suspect the other driver was drunk.
2. Get Medical Care
Even if you feel “okay,” get checked. Many injuries show up hours or days later. Medical records also help your case.
3. Take Photos and Gather Info
If you can, take photos of the scene, the cars, your injuries, and anything that looks important.
4. Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Yet
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they don’t work for you. Call a Colorado Springs car accident attorney first.
5. Contact a Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorney
A skilled legal team will deal with the legal side while you focus on healing.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In many drunk driving cases, more than one party may be responsible. Your attorney can help figure out who should be held accountable. That may include:
- The drunk driver
- The bar or restaurant that overserved them (dram shop claim)
- A host who provided alcohol to a minor
We’ll examine surveillance footage, bar receipts, and witness statements to determine whether anyone else shares responsibility. A skilled Colorado Springs car accident attorney will investigate all possible sources of compensation to ensure no stone is left unturned.
Damages You Can Recover
After an accident with a drunk driver, you are entitled to more than just your medical bills. We help clients pursue:
- Hospital bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (car repairs or replacement)
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In drunk driving cases, punitive damages may also be available. The court awards these damages to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior and discourage others from doing the same. A well-prepared claim can maximize the financial support you receive to rebuild your life.
How to Cover Your Damages
After a drunk driving crash, the costs can feel endless. Medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and emotional distress all add up fast. The good news is that there are multiple ways to seek financial recovery.
1. Insurance Claims
The most common route is filing a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company. If they have coverage, it may pay for your injuries and damages. If they don’t have enough insurance, you might use your own policy’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to fill in the gap.
2. Civil Lawsuits
You also have the option to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver. This is often necessary if the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount. In a lawsuit, we can seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including pain and suffering.
3. Dram Shop Claims
In some cases, we can also file a separate claim against a bar, restaurant, or social host that served the driver—especially if they overserved someone who was clearly intoxicated.
As your Colorado Springs car accident attorney, we’ll help you choose the right path based on the facts of your case. We’ll handle the paperwork, talk to insurers, and build a strong claim—so you can focus on recovery.
What If the Accident Was Fatal?
If the accident was fatal, surviving family members may also be able to file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit can help recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, future lost income, and emotional grief.
Wrongful death claims are filed by close family members, such as a spouse, child, or parent of the victim. Our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys can guide you through this process with care and respect, making sure your family’s rights are fully protected.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Colorado, you generally have two years to file a car accident lawsuit. But don’t wait.
Important evidence can disappear fast. Witnesses forget. Dashcam footage gets erased. The sooner you call a Colorado Springs car accident attorney, the better.
Early action gives us time to build a stronger case and deal with the insurance company before they try to push a lowball settlement. Acting quickly can also help you access medical care and financial support sooner.
What If the Drunk Driver Was Arrested?
If the driver was charged or convicted, that helps your case. But even if the police didn’t arrest them, you can still file a civil claim.
Our legal system separates criminal and civil cases. One punishes the driver. The other gets you compensated.
Even without conviction, we can still build a strong case. We use:
- Police reports
- Blood alcohol test results
- Witness statements
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
We focus on the facts and the evidence—not just what happened in court. Civil claims give victims the chance to recover, no matter the criminal case’s outcome.
What If the Drunk Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?
Unfortunately, not every drunk driver has proper insurance. Some carry only the minimum coverage—or none at all.
If that happens, you may still be protected. Your own auto policy might include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys can review your policy, help file your claim, and deal with your insurer. You deserve compensation, even if the other driver was irresponsible.
What Makes Drunk Driving Cases Different?
Drunk driving accidents aren’t like ordinary crashes. These cases involve reckless, often criminal behavior. That means the stakes—and the damages—can be higher.
You may also receive punitive damages in addition to regular compensation. These are designed to punish the driver and discourage similar behavior.
A DUI conviction can also strengthen your civil claim. Our team knows how to use this to your advantage.
Understanding Colorado’s Drunk Driving Laws
Colorado takes drunk driving seriously. Law enforcement can charge a driver with DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 or higher.
But even lower BAC levels can lead to charges if the driver is impaired. Some drivers are also under the influence of drugs, not just alcohol.
If you suspect drug use played a role, your attorney can request toxicology reports and expert reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Injury Claims
Can I sue even if the driver wasn’t convicted?
Yes. Criminal and civil cases are separate. You can still win compensation even if there’s no conviction.
How long does a drunk driving injury case take?
Some cases settle in a few months, while others take longer if they go to court. Each case is unique.
Do I need a police report to file a claim?
It’s helpful, but not required. We can build a strong case using witness statements, medical records, and photos.
Why Expert Guidance from an Attorney Matters
Insurance companies know how to protect their money. You need someone to protect yours.
After a drunk driving accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by paperwork, deadlines, and calls from adjusters. That’s where an experienced attorney makes a difference.
Our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys know the local courts, judges, and insurance tactics. We bring in experts when needed and gather the right evidence to strengthen your case.
Most importantly, we take the pressure off you. We’ll keep you informed, explain your options, and help you avoid mistakes that could cost you.
Whether negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial, we fight for what you’re owed—so you can focus on recovery.
Call Colorado Springs Personal Injury Lawyers® for a Free Consultation
If a drunk driver hit you or a loved one, don’t wait. Talk to a Colorado Springs car accident attorney today.
We offer:
- Free consultations
- Clear, honest advice
- No fees unless we win
- A proven record of success
Our law firm has served the Colorado Springs community with dedication and compassion. We’re proud to help accident victims get the justice they deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s talk about your case and how we can help you move forward with confidence.
