If you were recently involved in a drunk driving accident in Colorado and you were injured, it is your right to receive compensation for your injuries. You should not hesitate to reach out to an attorney to talk about the accident and the injuries to get started with your legal claim.
Being involved in an accident with a drunk driver can be incredibly traumatic, especially if you receive injuries.
While considering legal action, you may start to wonder what the average settlement for a drunk driving accident is.
At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, we know how frustrating it is to be involved in an accident with a drunk driver.
Our skilled car accident attorneys are passionate about helping you hold intoxicated drivers accountable for their negligent actions.
To speak with a member of our team, contact us today at (303) 647-3384 to schedule your free consultation.
The Truth Behind Drunk Driving Lawsuit Settlements
Before pursuing any type of personal injury lawsuit, it’s important to determine if the potential settlement outweighs the legal costs.
Since the circumstances of each case vary widely, it’s nearly impossible to come up with an average drunk driver settlement that matches your situation.
In Colorado, some drunk driving lawsuits may settle for as little as a few thousand dollars, while others may result in a multi-million dollar settlement.
There are several factors that may affect the potential settlement of a drunk driving lawsuit, including:
- The severity of the injury,
- The degree of fault for each driver,
- The losses sustained, and
- The amount of exemplary damages.
While some of these factors may be calculable within the first month following an accident, others are more difficult to determine.
If you have questions about a potential settlement for a drunk driving accident, reach out to the car accident attorneys at Tenge Law Firm, LLC today,
Calculating Damages in Drunk Driving Lawsuit Settlements
To estimate the potential value of your drunk driving lawsuit settlement, you must first calculate your damages.
There are three types of damages that may impact the total amount of your settlement: economic damages, non-economic damages, and exemplary damages.
1. Economic Damages
Also known as special damages, economic damages are any tangible losses you incur as a result of the accident.
This includes medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more. Your total economic damages typically depend on the severity of your injury and whether it causes permanent disability.
For example, if your injury results in paraplegia, you may need to factor in future medical costs and accessibility conversions for your home.
If you have questions about your personal injury accident, call Tenge Law for a free consultation. With experience in cases settling in the millions, our firm has built a strong reputation in Colorado. Call (303) 622-0944 today.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, commonly referred to as general damages, are intangible losses that can’t be calculated using receipts or bills.
This usually includes mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, loss of companionship, etc.
A common way of determining non-economic damages is by multiplying the total economic damages by a special multiplier, typically between 1 and 5. However, this method may not be used by all attorneys.
3. Exemplary Damages
Exemplary damages are occasionally awarded in cases where the defendant demonstrates gross negligence that completely disregards the safety of others.
Rather than compensating the victim for their losses, exemplary damages are calculated to punish the at-fault driver.
While these damages aren’t guaranteed in a drunk driving lawsuit, it’s possible that the court may decide to award them.
Injured by a Drunk Driver? Contact a Top Colorado Lawyer in Denver, Fort Collins, and Boulder
If you sustain an injury in an accident with a drunk driver, you don’t have to fight alone.
Contact us online or give us a call at (303) 647-3384 to schedule a free consultation. Our Colorado personal injury attorneys will advocate for you so you can focus on recovery.
We are proud to serve clients throughout the state of Colorado from our offices in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins.