Officer Death: Impaired Driving May Have Been a Factor

 Posted on November 14, 2024 in Car Accidents

Three Golden, CO police officers responded to an accident on Highway 58 in early November. They were walking through and investigating the scene when a driver reportedly suspected of being under the influence struck two of the officers, killing one immediately and seriously injuring another. This tragic event reminds us that Colorado law requires drivers to move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles and highlights the dangers of drunk driving and pedestrian accidents.

Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist, motorist, or passenger, if a drunk driver causes an accident that injures you, you may be eligible for compensation. A skilled Denver lawyer from The Gold Law Firm can advocate for you to get as much as you deserve.

What Is Impaired Driving?

Various substances, including alcohol, illegal drugs, and over-the-counter or prescription medications, can cause impairments that make driving unsafe. Fatigue can also cause similar impairments, such as:

• Blurred vision

• Poor coordination

• Difficulty focusing

• Poor decision-making

• Delayed reactions

• Poor depth perception

• Lowered alertness

These impairments often cause motorists to drive erratically and increase the likelihood of causing collisions. Swerving, inconsistent speeds, sudden braking or steering, and weaving between lanes are common. In Colorado, it is illegal to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including cannabis. Even if a motorist is not ticketed or charged with a moving violation, he could still be liable for your damages if he injures you in an accident because driving while drunk or high is negligent.

What Is Negligence in Personal Injury Cases?

The legal concept of negligence, meaning failure to behave like a reasonable person would in the same circumstances, is the foundation for most personal injury cases. Drivers have a duty of care to drive safely to reduce the risk of harming others. You must have evidence to prove that:

• The impaired driver owed you a duty of care.

• That driver breached his duty.

• You were injured in an accident.

• The driver’s breach was the direct cause of your accident, injuries, and damages.

In Colorado, you can obtain compensation from other at-fault parties as long as you are less than 50 percent to blame for your collision. However, your damages will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 15 percent at fault, you can only collect 85 percent of your damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to reduce your payout even further.

What Are Damages in Car Accident Claims?

Along with your injuries, your car collision likely caused other losses, called damages. The compensation you may receive could include damages for:

• Property damage

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Lost ability to enjoy life

Working with an experienced lawyer from The Gold Law Firm significantly increases your chance of getting the highest available amount of compensation.

Call Our Denver, CO Drunk Driving Lawyers

When you are injured by someone else’s negligence, they need to be held accountable, and you deserve compensation. Call our dedicated Denver, CO car accident attorneys to schedule your free consultation.