The legal options available to injury victims of drunk driving accidents vary depending on the circumstances of the case. However, there’s no mistaking that those who have been hurt have a lot of questions about what to expect during the process.
When individuals seek compensation, those damages are most often broken down into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. One covers the monetary losses while the other is focused on the pain and suffering and physical limitations of the victim.
What about punitive damages, though?
What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are available to injured parties in situations where the cause of the crash is considered shown to be a wanton disregard for the safety of others. These damages are more about punishing the negligent party.
Punitive damages serve as a message to the responsible individual, as well as others who may be guilty of drinking and driving that if you cause harm, you may not only be responsible for compensating the victims for their injuries, but you will also be responsible for an amount of money that will teach a lesson to the Defendant.
Who Can Receive Punitive Damages in Colorado?
For a victim of drunk driving crashes in Colorado, you may not request that punitive damages be included in the claim. If the courts deem that these types of damages are warranted, they may allow the victim to ask a jury for these types of damages. However, punitive damage awards are rare.
In order to be eligible for punitive damages, it must be shown that the responsible party disregarded a known safety risk, commonly by being drunk and breaking the law, and that the crash was most likely preventable.
At Denver Trial Lawyers ®, our team is dedicated to the rights of individuals injured as a result of negligence. Our Denver drunk driving accident lawyers work hard to put together a strong and compelling case with the goal of seeking compensation and seeking justice.
When you’ve been hurt as a victim of a drunk driving accident, turn to a team committed to giving you peace of mind every step of the way.
To discuss your case in a free consultation, contact our firm today at (303) 647-9990.
