If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Denver, you know firsthand how devastating these accidents can be. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress caused by impaired drivers are overwhelming and often life-changing. At Bell & Pollock, we believe no one should suffer because of another person’s reckless choice to drink and drive.
Our team of experienced Denver drunk driving accident attorneys has built a reputation for fighting tirelessly on behalf of victims. We know the local laws, the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying fair compensation, and how to present a powerful case that secures justice. If you are looking for a compassionate yet aggressive Denver DUI accident attorney, our firm is ready to stand by your side.
Impaired Driving Laws in Denver, Colorado
In Denver, Colorado, impaired driving occurs any time a motorist operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. This impairment reduces the driver’s ability to think clearly, react quickly, and safely control a vehicle. Alcohol slows reflexes and decision-making, while drugs, both illegal substances and prescription medications, can dull coordination and alter judgment. Together, these effects create dangerous conditions that frequently lead to devastating Denver drunk driving accidents.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A driver is considered to be driving under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. At this level, Colorado law presumes the driver is impaired, even if they insist they feel fine. In DUI cases, the impaired motorist can face criminal charges such as fines, license suspension, and jail time. But for victims, the criminal penalties imposed on the driver do not cover the cost of medical bills, lost income, and suffering. This is where a Denver DUI accident attorney steps in to pursue a civil claim on your behalf and secure the compensation you deserve.
Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
Colorado also recognizes a lower-level offense known as Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI). This applies when a driver’s BAC is between 0.05% and 0.08% or when any drug use, even legally prescribed medication, hinders their ability to drive safely. Though DWAI carries lighter penalties than DUI, the behavior is no less dangerous for those sharing the road. A DWAI driver can cause the same devastating crashes, leaving victims with catastrophic injuries. Whether a driver is charged with DUI or DWAI, the victims retain the right to seek full damages with the help of an experienced Denver drunk driving accident attorney.
The distinction between DUI and DWAI is important because it demonstrates that Colorado takes all forms of impairment seriously, even at lower BAC levels. Unfortunately, many drivers underestimate how just “a couple of drinks” or certain medications can impact their driving. For victims, the result is often the same: life-altering injuries and financial hardship.
The Scope of the Problem in Colorado and Denver
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reports that in 2023,
nearly 1 in 3 of all fatal crashes statewide involved an impaired driver. Denver consistently ranks among the top counties for these tragic incidents, reflecting the unique challenges of a busy urban area with heavy nightlife and traffic congestion. These statistics show that impaired driving is not a rare occurrence; it’s a widespread, ongoing problem. Holding drunk drivers accountable through civil claims is one of the most effective ways to discourage this reckless behavior and secure justice for victims.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, it is essential to consult with a skilled Denver DUI accident attorney who understands both the criminal and civil implications of impaired driving laws.
Common Injuries in Denver DUI Accidents
Drunk driving crashes tend to be more severe than other car accidents because impaired drivers often make no attempt to avoid collisions. Unlike alert drivers who may brake or swerve, impaired drivers may speed, run red lights, or drift across lanes without realizing it. As a result, victims of Denver drunk driving accidents frequently suffer catastrophic injuries that can affect every aspect of their lives. Some of the most common injuries in Denver DUI accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A sudden blow to the head during a collision can cause concussions, brain hemorrhages, or long-term traumatic brain injuries. Victims may experience memory problems, difficulty speaking, changes in personality, or permanent cognitive impairment. These conditions often require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and support, making TBIs one of the costliest outcomes of a Denver DUI accident.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The violent forces of a crash can fracture vertebrae or damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. For many victims, spinal cord injuries mean a lifetime of medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications. A Denver drunk driving accident attorney will ensure these lifelong costs are fully calculated into your claim.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are especially vulnerable during high-speed impacts. Broken bones can take months to heal, often requiring multiple surgeries, metal plates, or pins. These injuries can also keep victims out of work for extended periods, adding financial stress to physical recovery.
- Internal Organ Damage: Blunt-force trauma from seatbelts, airbags, or direct impact can damage internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries are not always visible immediately after a crash, making them especially dangerous. Without prompt treatment, internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Even when bones are not broken, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be severely damaged in a drunk driving accident. Whiplash is common in rear-end collisions, while torn ligaments in the knees and shoulders may require surgery and physical therapy. These “invisible” injuries can still cause long-term pain and reduced mobility.
- Psychological Injuries: The trauma of being struck by a drunk driver can extend far beyond physical injuries. Many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Some may develop a fear of driving or riding in cars, which can significantly disrupt daily life. A compassionate Denver DUI accident attorney will include these emotional and psychological harms in your claim to ensure you are fully compensated.
Long-Term Impact of Injuries
The consequences of these injuries often last long after the crash. Victims may face mounting medical bills, an inability to return to work, and permanent changes in lifestyle. That is why it is crucial to work with an experienced Denver drunk driving accident attorney who can prove the full scope of your damages, not just the immediate costs.
How Can Bell & Pollock Help After a Drunk Driving Accident?
When you’ve been injured in a Denver drunk driving accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is battling with insurance companies or navigating Colorado’s complex legal system. That’s where Bell & Pollock comes in. Our mission as your trusted Denver DUI accident attorneys is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Building a Strong Case
Drunk driving accidents are different from other motor vehicle crashes because they involve both criminal and civil elements. Prosecutors may pursue DUI or DWAI charges against the impaired driver, but those cases are separate from your right to recover compensation in civil court. At Bell & Pollock, we know how to connect the dots between the criminal evidence and your civil injury claim.
Our attorneys build strong cases by:
- Investigating police reports and BAC test results to show the driver was legally impaired.
- Collecting witness statements and accident reconstruction evidence that establish exactly how the crash occurred.
- Reviewing surveillance video and medical records to link the driver’s impairment to your injuries.
- Working with toxicologists and crash experts who can testify about the impact of alcohol or drugs on driving ability.
- Identifying all possible sources of liability, including bars or restaurants that may have overserved the drunk driver (dram shop liability).
By assembling comprehensive evidence, we strengthen your position in negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, in front of a Denver jury.
What Compensation Is Available After a DUI Accident?
The consequences of a Denver DUI accident often linger long after the crash. Victims may face overwhelming medical costs, time away from work, and emotional challenges that impact their quality of life. At Bell & Pollock, our attorneys pursue every form of compensation available to ensure you and your family are fully protected.
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can include emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any long-term medical care you require. Ongoing therapy, prescription medications, and assistive equipment should also be covered.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Many victims miss work while recovering, and some are left unable to return to their previous jobs. A claim can account for both your immediate income loss and your reduced earning capacity in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the financial costs, you may also recover damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries.
- Property Damage: Victims are entitled to compensation for repairing or replacing their vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Wrongful Death Damages: When a drunk driving accident results in the loss of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided through a wrongful death claim.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by blaming the victim, questioning the severity of injuries, or offering quick settlements that fail to cover long-term costs. Having a skilled Denver drunk driving accident attorney on your side ensures these tactics are challenged and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Bell & Pollock?
If you are searching for a drunk driving accident attorney in Denver, you already know there are many firms offering representation. What sets Bell & Pollock apart is the combination of results-driven advocacy, personalized attention, and a deep understanding of Colorado law.
Our proven track record includes substantial verdicts and settlements in serious auto accident cases. We have successfully represented victims facing life-changing injuries and have earned a reputation for standing up to insurance companies when they refuse to act fairly. This history of success is why so many clients trust us as their Denver DUI accident attorneys.
Equally important is our commitment to client service. At Bell & Pollock, you’ll work directly with your attorney, not be passed off to staff or left in the dark about your case. We take the time to explain the process, keep you informed with regular updates, and provide the compassionate support you need during recovery.
Finally, our extensive local knowledge gives us an advantage. Having practiced in Denver for decades, we know how local courts operate, how defense lawyers approach DUI claims, and how Colorado’s impaired driving laws affect your case. This insight allows us to craft strategies that maximize your chances of success both in settlement negotiations and in the courtroom.
Additional Legal Services
While our attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving crashes, our work extends across a wide range of personal injury matters. At Bell & Pollock, we fight for individuals and families harmed by negligence in many different situations. If you or a loved one needs legal support beyond a DUI accident claim, our team is here to help.
We also handle cases involving:
No matter the type of injury, our mission remains the same: to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives.
Contact Bell & Pollock if You’ve Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a Denver DUI accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you involve an experienced Denver drunk driving accident attorney, the better your chances of recovering full and fair compensation. Evidence can disappear quickly, and deadlines to file a claim are strict under Colorado law.
At Bell & Pollock, we’re ready to fight for you.
Call us today or connect with us online to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Denver DUI accident attorney. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you pursue justice against the driver who caused your injuries.
If you believe your car, truck or motorcycle wreck was caused by a drunk or drugged motorist, you can turn to a Denver drunk driving accident attorney at Bell & Pollock, P.C. for experienced help advocating your rights and pursuing justice.
Call (303) 539-5425 or email our firm using the contact form on this page to speak with one of our lawyers and discover more about how we can help you.
From offices in Denver, our lawyers provide the highest quality legal services to injured riders throughout the Denver metro area, Arapahoe County, Routt County and the state of Colorado.
