Being injured in a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accident can result in serious medical, legal, and financial challenges.
In Denver, Colorado, victims have the right to seek compensation, but the steps taken immediately after the crash can affect the outcome of a claim. It is important to prioritize medical care, notify law enforcement, and document everything related to the accident.
Insurance companies will require detailed information, and legal deadlines apply. Taking the correct steps early helps protect your health and your legal rights.
Get Medical Help Immediately After the Crash
If you are injured in a crash caused by a driver under the influence (DUI – Driving Under the Influence), your first step must be to get medical attention.
Do not assume your injuries are minor or that they will improve on their own. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen quickly if untreated.
Always call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible after the accident.
In Denver, emergency medical personnel can assess your condition at the scene and determine whether you need transport to a medical facility.
Even if you decline an ambulance, you should still seek an evaluation from a doctor within 24 hours. Documenting your injuries is not just important for your health—it also creates a medical record that can be used as evidence in any insurance claim or legal case.
Delaying medical treatment can lead to two problems: your injuries may worsen, and the other party’s insurance company may argue that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the accident. Getting medical care right away helps protect both your health and your legal rights.
Keep copies of all medical reports, test results, treatment plans, prescriptions, and receipts. These records will support your claim for compensation and help your attorney calculate damages.
If you miss work due to your injuries, request documentation from your employer. Every piece of medical and financial evidence matters in a DUI-related injury case.
Call the Police and Report the DUI Accident
You must report a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accident to the police immediately after it occurs. In Denver, failure to report a crash involving injuries may result in legal penalties.
More importantly, a police report serves as a key piece of evidence in both criminal and civil proceedings.
When you contact law enforcement, provide accurate and factual information about the crash. Explain what happened, describe any visible signs of impairment from the other driver, and identify any injuries.
Officers will investigate the scene, take statements from involved parties and witnesses, assess damage, and often perform field sobriety or breath tests on the suspected impaired driver.
The police report will document critical facts, such as the condition of the vehicles, location of the crash, weather conditions, and the behavior of all drivers involved. If the officer suspects impairment, this may also be included in the report, along with test results and charges filed.
Make sure to obtain the report number from the responding officer and request a copy once it becomes available. In Denver, police reports are typically accessible through the Denver Police Department Records Division or their online portal.
Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault, and do not argue with the other driver. Let law enforcement handle the investigation. If possible, take photos of the scene and note anything relevant before evidence is moved or cleaned up.
A police report linking the accident to impaired driving strengthens your legal case. It establishes liability and can support your claim for compensation through insurance or a personal injury lawsuit.
Notify Your Insurance Company and Start a Claim
After receiving medical attention and reporting the crash to the police, your next step is to notify your insurance company. You should contact your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of the accident.
Delayed reporting can create complications or lead to denial of coverage.
Provide your insurance representative with accurate information about the accident. This includes the date, time, location, names of other drivers involved, witness contact details, and the police report number.
Be factual and do not speculate about fault or make assumptions. Your insurer will conduct its own investigation.
If the at-fault driver was arrested or cited for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), mention this to your insurer. It is especially relevant if you intend to file a claim against their liability insurance policy.
Colorado follows a fault-based system, which means the impaired driver’s insurance is generally responsible for your damages. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
During this process, keep records of all communications with your insurance company. Save emails, letters, and claim reference numbers.
If an insurance adjuster contacts you, do not provide a recorded statement without first speaking to a lawyer. Insurers may use these statements to reduce or deny your claim.
Filing an insurance claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and pain and suffering. However, settlement offers are often lower than what victims are legally entitled to receive.
Legal counsel can review the offer and negotiate on your behalf to pursue full compensation.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case
If you were injured in a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accident, speaking with a personal injury attorney should be a priority.
A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, handle communication with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
In Denver, an experienced attorney will review your medical records, police reports, and any available evidence to build a strong case. If the other driver has been charged with DUI, this strengthens your position in seeking compensation.
Colorado law allows additional claims in certain cases, such as when a bar or restaurant overserves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person. Your lawyer can identify all available sources of recovery and ensure deadlines are met.
The consequences of a DUI accident can affect your health, finances, and long-term well-being. Acting quickly improves your chances of securing a fair outcome.
Call Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. at 303-825-1075 for a free consultation. Our attorneys handle DUI injury cases across Denver and know how to protect your rights. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next step toward recovery and compensation.