Drunk driving is well known for being extremely dangerous and likely to cause an accident, yet many people every day get behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking. It doesn’t matter if they believe they are able to drive or they just don’t think about it because they’ve had too many drinks, the result can be the same. Auto accident attorneys in Fort Collins help those who have been injured because of a drunk driver.
Criminal and Civil Case After a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk drivers who cause an accident can be the defendant in a criminal and a civil case. The injured party will be able to bring a civil case against the drunk driver to obtain compensation for their injuries. The state will bring a criminal case to ensure the drunk driver is punished for their decision to drink and drive and for recklessly causing an accident that could have easily been prevented.
Waiting for the Criminal Case to Be Finished
An attorney might recommend their client waits for the criminal case to conclude before they start the civil case, so long as the statute of limitations doesn’t run out. Criminal cases are harder to prove because they require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Civil cases only require a preponderance of the evidence. If the person is found guilty of drunk driving and causing an accident, this can be enough proof for a civil case as well.
Determining the Amount of Compensation Needed
The attorney will base the amount of compensation on the injured person’s physical injuries, vehicle damages, lost wages, and any other expenses they needed to pay out of pocket to recover from the accident. Because drunk driving accidents can lead to significant or permanent injuries, the amount of compensation the person can receive might be incredibly high. The attorney will work to get them as much compensation as possible to ensure they do not need to pay anything out of pocket.
Auto accident attorneys in Fort Collins are there to help those who are injured in any auto accident, including those where a vehicle is hit by a drunk driver. Visit the website of an attorney today to learn more about how they can help or to find an attorney to take your case.
