Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents across the United States, leaving devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Castle Rock, a vibrant town known for its scenic beauty and close-knit community, is not immune to the dangers posed by impaired driving.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident contact our Castle Rock car accident lawyer at Casares Injury Law today. Our team will fight for your rights and get you the most possible compensation for the damages you suffered in the accident. Call us today at (303) 688-7474 or contact us online to see how we can help you.
What To Do If A Drunk Driver Has Hit Me in Castle Rock?
Here at Casares Injury Law we understand that you might be uncertain about your legal options if you have been injured in a drunk-related accident. Only a few things are more traumatizing and overwhelming than being a victim in a drunk driving accident. After seeking medical attention, your next step should be finding a knowledgeable car accident lawyer to advise you on your legal rights. Even if you don’t sustain any visible injuries, please make it a priority to visit a hospital. Although you may worry about the medical costs, it is vital not to skip needed care.
Unfortunately, impaired driving can lead to severe injuries, disability, or death. Following the accident, contacting the local authorities and requesting a crash report is imperative. If possible, document the aftermath of the drunk driving accident. Take as many pictures as possible, preserve your clothes, take videos, get witness details, and contact your insurance company. Evidence can disappear immediately following the car accident, so gather as much evidence as possible.
Focus on your healing and get in touch with our drunk driving accident lawyer at Casares Injury Law to represent you and hold the liable parties accountable. While most victims of drunk driving accidents hesitate to pursue any legal actions due to financial constraints, our law firm works on a contingency fee basis and takes no payment until we win your case.
You may not be aware of the immediate effects of your injuries due to adrenaline. Some injuries may appear only after the accident, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, neck injuries, internal bleeding, ruptured discs, or fractures. So, if the other driver was drunk when hitting you, you are eligible for compensation. Your financial damages shouldn’t have to come out of your pocket due to someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving in Castle Rock
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of drunk driving:
- Impaired Judgment: Alcohol consumption impairs cognitive functions, leading individuals to underestimate their level of intoxication and overestimate their driving abilities. This can result in distracted driving accidents in Castle Rock.
- Social Drinking Culture: Social norms and events often encourage alcohol consumption, and without proper planning for transportation, individuals may choose to drive under the influence.
- Lack of Awareness: Some drivers are unaware of how even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving skills, leading them to make unsafe decisions.
- Underestimation of Risks: A belief that they can handle their alcohol or that short distances won’t pose a danger can lead individuals to drive after drinking.
Consequences of Drunk Driving in Castle Rock
The repercussions of drunk driving are severe and multifaceted:
- Fatalities and Injuries: Drunk driving significantly increases the risk of traffic accidents, often resulting in fatalities or serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.
- Legal Penalties: Individuals caught driving under the influence face stringent legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and potential imprisonment. These penalties vary by state but are universally severe to deter such behavior.
- Financial Costs: Beyond legal fees, drunk driving can lead to increased insurance premiums, medical expenses, and compensation for victims, imposing a substantial financial burden on the offender.
- Emotional and Social Impact: Accidents caused by drunk driving can lead to lasting emotional trauma for victims and their families, as well as social stigma and personal guilt for the driver.
Impact of Castle Rock Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often result in devastating physical consequences for those involved. Drunk driving accidents cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures.
- Bone Fractures: Broken arms, legs, ribs, and hips.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and collapsed lungs.
- Facial and Dental Injuries: Cuts, broken teeth, and facial fractures.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and paralysis.
- Psychological Injuries: PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress.
These injuries often lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences, emphasizing the critical need for prevention and responsible decision-making.
Fatalities are a tragic and all-too-common outcome of drunk driving accidents. Families lose loved ones suddenly and senselessly, leaving a void that can never be filled. The physical trauma extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting emergency responders and healthcare workers who witness and manage the aftermath. If you or a loved one have sustained serious injuries from a drunk driver, contact our drunk driving accident attorney in Castle Rock to seek compensation today.
Financial Consequences
The financial aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be crippling for victims and their families. Medical expenses often skyrocket, including emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatments, and physical therapy. For those who suffer long-term disabilities, the costs of adaptive equipment and home modifications add to the burden.
Property damage is another significant financial strain, especially when vehicles are totaled, or homes and infrastructure are involved. Legal fees can pile up for those pursuing justice or compensation, adding stress to an already overwhelming situation. Additionally, lost wages or the inability to work due to injuries can plunge families into financial hardship.
Drunk Driving Statistics
Alcohol is a leading cause of car accidents, no doubt about it. Drivers are illegally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. Depending on gender and weight, the number of drinks to reach the BAC level varies. However, the average is two-three drinks per standard pour. According to the NHTSA, some essential driving while impaired statistics include:
- Driving while impaired accidents are responsible for more than 10,000 deaths yearly and about one-third of all traffic-related deaths.
- Drunk driving costs more than $44 billion annually in damages and deaths.
- Drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur in the summer months in June, July, and August.
- Based on NHTSA data, nearly 68% of alcohol-related car accidents occur at night, while 28% happen during the daytime.
- Over 230 children were killed in drunk-driving car accidents last year.
- The consequences of impaired driving are severe, as a first-offense DUI is punishable by $10,000 in fines and legal fees.
- 26,8% of drivers who were seriously injured or killed in a car crash in 2020 had alcohol in their bloodstream.
- Young people are the most at-risk for driving under the influence. Moreover, NHTSA data shows that men are more likely to drive while impaired than women. According to FBI data, men account for almost 81% of people arrested for DUI, compared to only 19% of women.
- The average DUI driver has been drunk driving 80 times before being arrested.
- In drunk driving accidents, someone is injured every two minutes in the United States.
Suppose you were injured in a car accident in Montana, Idaho, or Colorado caused by a drunk driver. In that case, you might have a right to seek compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, or other accident-related expenses. Do not pay the medical cost of injuries that another driver has caused you. Instead, speak to our experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Castle Rock to help you obtain the best possible compensation for your case.
Why Should You Contact a Castle Rock Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?
Being involved in a car crash with an impaired driver may bring you a significantly greater settlement than most insurance companies offer. Under no circumstances should you agree upon the first deal you got. Please get in touch with an experienced car accident attorney in Colorado, Montana, or Idaho to help you understand the details of your case, evaluate your injuries, and ultimately take on the insurance companies for the best possible compensation.
Here at Casares Injury Law we understand how overwhelming it is when insurance companies are offering you way less than you deserve. That is why we are using our claims adjustor experience to efficiently mediate with the insurance companies and help you get back on your feet. We are familiar with the settlement tactics insurance companies tend to use so they can reduce claim payouts. Once you are working with us, you can have peace of mind that someone has your best interest in mind.
If a drunk-driving accident due to someone else’s negligence injured you, our team can help you get the compensation you deserve. We can help you whether you live in Idaho, Montana, or Colorado. When you contact us, you can rest assured that we’ll handle all the legal and insurance matters while you can focus on recovery and healing. Call us now for a free, no-obligation personal injury consultation, and let us find a path forward from your car accident and get your life back. We are here to hear your story and find the best legal options.
Start Your Case with Casares Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Casares Injury Law is here to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team is dedicated to supporting you through every step of the legal process. Take the first step towards recovery by filling out our online contact form or calling us directly at (303) 688-7474. Let us fight for you so you can focus on healing. Your road to justice starts here.