Aurora Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Injured in an Aurora Drunk Driving Accident? We’re Here to Help.
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident in Aurora, Colorado, you’re likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties. The pain, suffering, and financial strain can feel overwhelming. As you grapple with medical bills, lost wages, and the long recovery process, you might wonder how you’ll ever move forward.
During this trying time, you need a compassionate Aurora drunk driving accident lawyer who understands the challenges you face.
At Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C., we’re here to support and guide you throughout the claims process and fight hard for the compensation you deserve.
Our dedicated team has helped countless individuals just like you hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions and secure full and fair compensation after a life-altering DUI accident.
Don’t let the burden of a drunk driving accident weigh you down any longer. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us show you how we can help you reclaim your life and future.
Aurora Drunk Driving Accidents Guide
- What You Should Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Aurora to Protect Yourself
- Why Is Contacting a Car Accident Lawyer So Important?
- Why Choose Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C. to Handle Your Aurora DUI Accident Claim
- How We Can Help You Get Compensation
- Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Aurora, CO
- Get Help from an Experienced Aurora Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Now
Understanding Drunk Driving in Colorado
Colorado considers a driver legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08% or higher.
However, even lower levels of alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. The state recognizes this fact and allows for charges of Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) for BAC levels between 0.05% and 0.08%.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
The Colorado Department of Transportation reports sobering statistics regarding the drunk driving problem in Colorado:
- Around 33% of all traffic fatalities in Colorado involve an impaired driver.
- In 2023, 218 people died due to traffic accidents involving an impaired driver.
- Law enforcement in Colorado made more than 6,700 DUI-related arrests in 2023.
- Around 18% of impaired drivers who tested positive for alcohol also tested positive for other intoxicating substances, such as THC in marijuana.
These statistics underscore the pervasive nature of drunk driving and its devastating consequences on our communities. They also highlight the importance of hiring a personal injury attorney if a drunk driver causes an accident that hurts you or a loved one.
Car Accident Colorado
Head-On Collision. Colorado
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Intersection Collision. Aurora
Why Are Drunk Drivers So Dangerous?
Drunk drivers endanger everyone due to:
- Impaired judgment: Alcohol affects the brain’s ability to make sound decisions and assess risks accurately.
- Slowed reaction time: Intoxicated drivers take longer to respond to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
- Reduced coordination: Alcohol impairs motor skills, making it difficult to steer, brake, or accelerate properly.
- Blurred or double vision: Alcohol can affect eyesight, making it harder to see clearly and judge distances.
- Decreased concentration: Drunk drivers often have difficulty focusing on the task of driving and may become easily distracted.
- Increased aggression: Some individuals become more aggressive or reckless when drunk, leading to dangerous driving behaviors.
- Drowsiness: Alcohol can cause fatigue, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Impaired multitasking: Driving requires simultaneous attention to various tasks, which becomes much more difficult when intoxicated.
These factors combined significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, often with severe or fatal consequences. This is why Colorado and other states made drunk driving illegal and why those convicted of DUI face such heavy penalties.
What You Should Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Aurora to Protect Yourself
Take action immediately after the accident:
- Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Gather information: Collect contact and insurance details from all involved parties.
- Identify witnesses: Get contact information from any witnesses present.
- Avoid admitting fault: Be careful not to make statements that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Plus, you need documentation that you got medical treatment for your injuries to pursue compensation.
If you’re reading this while recovering at home or in the hospital:
- Focus on your health: Follow your doctor’s instructions, attend all follow-up appointments, and complete your treatment plan. Don’t end your treatment prematurely, as the insurance company could use this to assert your injuries weren’t as serious as you claimed.
- Document your recovery: Keep a journal of your symptoms, treatments, and how the injury affects your daily life. This can document valuable evidence your attorney can use to pursue non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Preserve evidence: Save all medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident. This is important for your attorney to prove economic damages.
- Avoid social media: Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries online, as this could potentially harm your case.
- Don’t communicate with the other party’s insurance company: Direct all inquiries to your attorney.
- Contact a car accident lawyer: This is a crucial step in protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation.
Why Is Contacting a Car Accident Lawyer So Important?
An experienced attorney can:
- Protect you from unfair tactics used by insurance companies
- Ensure you don’t miss important deadlines for filing claims
- Accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including future costs
- Handle all legal paperwork and procedures, allowing you to focus on recovery
- Negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if necessary
Remember, the sooner you involve a lawyer, the better. Early legal intervention can help preserve crucial evidence and strengthen your case.
Why Choose Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C. to Handle Your Aurora DUI Accident Claim
When dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, you need a law firm that combines legal knowledge with genuine care for your well-being.
Here’s why Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C. stands out:
- Local Knowledge: We have an intimate knowledge of Aurora’s streets and neighborhoods, from the bustling corridors of East Colfax Avenue to the residential areas near Cherry Creek State Park. Whether your accident occurred on the high-traffic stretches of I-225, along Hampden Avenue, or near the Aurora Mall, our attorneys are familiar with the local factors that can influence your case.
- Proven Track Record: With years of experience handling DUI accident claims in Aurora and the greater metro area, we have a strong history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Our firm understands the nuances of Colorado’s DUI laws and how they apply to accident cases in Aurora.
- Comprehensive Support: We offer a full range of legal services to support you through every stage of your claim. From investigating the accident scene on Parker Road to negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf, we’re with you every step of the way.
- Community Commitment: As members of the Aurora community, we’re deeply invested in making our roads safer. We’ve handled cases stemming from incidents near major local landmarks like the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the Aurora Reservoir. We’re committed to holding drunk drivers accountable.
- Resources and Expert Testimony: Our firm has the resources to thoroughly investigate your case. This includes collaborating with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze incidents on tricky intersections like Airport Boulevard and Tower Road.
- Personalized Attention: We understand that each DUI accident case is unique, whether it happened in a residential neighborhood like Saddle Rock or a commercial area like the Southlands Shopping Center. We provide individualized attention to ensure your specific needs are met.
- No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only accept attorney fees if we recover damages for you. This allows you to focus on recovery while we secure the compensation you deserve.
Choosing Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C. means selecting a dedicated legal advocate who’s looking out for your best interests.
How We Can Help You Get Compensation
After successfully navigating your Aurora DUI accident claim, our attorneys can recover compensation for you, including:
- Current and future medical costs related to your injuries
- Income you lost due to your inability to work during recovery
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to earn in the future
- Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Loss of consortium for spouses or family members affected by your injuries
If a drunk driver caused a crash that killed a close family member, we can recover damages such as funeral costs, final medical expenses, and loss of income and support. In cases of extreme negligence, we may seek additional damages to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior.
Our process for obtaining compensation involves several key steps:
- Free initial consultation: We’ll discuss your case and explain your legal options.
- Investigation: Our team will gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Case building: We’ll construct a solid legal argument to support your claim.
- Negotiations: We’ll engage with insurance companies and other parties to seek a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If necessary, we’ll take your case to court to fight for your rights.
- Settlement or verdict: We’ll work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Throughout this process, we’ll keep you informed and involved, ensuring you understand each step and feel empowered in your legal journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Aurora, CO
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident in Aurora?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accident injury claims is generally three years from the accident date. However, there are exceptions to this rule. You must consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
What if the drunk driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options for compensation. These could include filing a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage or pursuing a personal lawsuit against the driver. An experienced attorney can help you explore all available avenues for recovery.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages as long as you’re found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How is fault determined in a drunk driving accident case?
We can determine fault through a thorough investigation of the accident. This may include analyzing police reports, witness statements, physical evidence from the scene, and expert testimony. The drunk driver’s impairment is a significant factor, but your attorney can consider other elements of negligence.
What if the drunk driver pleads guilty in criminal court? Does that affect my civil case?
A guilty plea in criminal court can benefit your civil case, as it can serve as strong evidence of the driver’s negligence. However, your attorney still needs to prove the extent of your damages in your civil claim. They can help you leverage the criminal case outcome to strengthen your civil claim.
Get Help from an Experienced Aurora Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Now
You’ve gone through enough already. Don’t face the aftermath of a drunk driving accident alone. At Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C., we’re ready to stand by your side and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our team of dedicated Aurora personal injury attorneys understands the complexities of drunk driving accident cases and the profound impact they can have on victims and their families. We’re committed to providing you with compassionate support and aggressive representation to ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Don’t wait to begin the process of reclaiming your life and securing your future. Contact Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C. today at (303) 757-3300 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and guide you on the best path forward.
Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers – Aurora Office
14426 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
P: (303) 757-3300
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
We Fight to Win Your Case or It Is FREE!
YOUR RIGHTS TO COMPENSATION
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Payment of Medical Bills
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Ongoing Medical / Care Expenses
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Lost Income
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Loss of Earning Capability
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Pain and Suffering
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Property Damage and Loss
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Out-of-Pocket Expenses
We Can Help You With:
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Free telephone, home or hospital consultation that carries no obligation to you
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Compiling evidence for your case
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Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf and setting up claims
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Fighting for the best settlement for your injury claim
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Assisting you to arrange temporary transportation and getting your car fixed
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Assisting you to receive timely medical treatment for your accident injuries
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Helping you understand every step throughout your case