Law enforcement across Colorado are ramping up their efforts to combat drunk driving during the holidays.
“The holidays should be a memorable time for our community, but not because it marks the loss of a loved one due to an impaired driving crash,” Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew Packard said in a Dec. 2 announcement. “We will be actively looking for people who fail to plan for a sober ride after using drugs or alcohol.”
The CSP is working with the Colorado Department of Transportation and local law enforcement agencies to increase DUI policing, according to the announcement. They are specifically targeting Denver, Colorado Springs and Thornton, the areas that saw the most fatal accidents involving drunk drivers last year.
The effort comes as drunk driving accidents are on the rise in Colorado. The state saw 168 fatal accidents involving an impaired driver in the first 10 months of this year, up 14% from the same period last year. That is despite significantly less vehicle traffic statewide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported earlier this year that drivers were engaging in more risky behavior behind the wheel during the early height of the pandemic. That includes speeding and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Meanwhile, state officials are also encouraging people to find sober rides during the holidays by offering Lyft credit codes worth $10 apiece.
Legal Rights for People Injured in DUI Accidents
More than 20,000 people are arrested for DUI in Colorado each year, according to the Department of Transportation. A total of 171 people were killed in accidents involving impaired drivers last year, roughly one-third of all traffic accident deaths statewide.
Anyone who is injured in a car accident in Colorado has the right to seek money damages, including compensation for medical bills, property damage, missed wages and any reduction in earning capacity caused by the injuries. In the tragic case that a person dies in a car accident, his or her loved ones can also sue for wrongful death.
Drivers owe everyone else on the road a “duty of care,” which requires them to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. Those who do not live up to this standard – including by getting behind the wheel while intoxicated – are considered negligent and legally liable for any injuries that happen as a result.
How a Denver Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or other accident in Colorado, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced Denver auto accident lawyer. A seasoned attorney can help you identify those responsible and ensure that they are held liable for their actions.
At Levine Law, our personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience helping people injured in drunk driving and other accidents get the full compensation available under the law. We are dedicated to guiding clients through the legal process with experience and personalized attention. Our firm has a strong track record of success for the people that we represent in the courtroom and through a negotiated settlement.
Our lawyers are pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver auto accident lawyer.
