Colorado drivers could face civil and criminal penalties after an accident. The reasons behind the accident play a role in determining who is liable for the victim’s injuries. These reasons could equate to criminal infractions such as DUI. An auto accident attorney in Fort Collins can help accident victims make these distinctions.
Reviewing Comparative Fault
Comparative fault would play a role if the victim committed moving violations during the accident. They include but aren’t restricted to speeding and reckless driving. The judge will evaluate these allegations and determine if they are valid. If they find the victim at fault, they will apply a percentage. The settlement will be decreased according to the applied percentage.
What Are Serious Injuries?
Serious injuries could equate to a higher settlement or award. Serious injuries include traumatic brain injury, disfigurement, broken bones, and a loss of limb. Any conditions that equate to a permanent disability could lead to a larger award if the victim cannot work anymore. In these cases, the judge may receive a projected value for the victim’s lifetime earnings when assigning an award. If they have dependents, the value could be increased according to their total number of children.
Examining Wrongful Death
Wrongful death would come into play if the circumstances were avoidable. In an auto accident, wrongful death is valid if the driver’s actions led to the fatality. This doesn’t include unavoidable road conditions that caused the accident. It includes circumstances such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving while intoxicated.
If DUI was the cause, the judge will review the blood-alcohol content reading. Aggravated DUI could increase the criminal and civil penalty. Additionally, the presence of controlled substance could increase these penalties. The age of the victim as well as if they left behind orphaned children could increase the civil penalty.
Colorado drivers could face severe penalties after an auto accident. For some drivers, increased insurance premiums are the least of their worries. If a fatality occurs, they could face involuntary manslaughter charges as well as criminal penalties. Accident victims who need to review these circumstances should contact an auto accident attorney in Fort Collins by Visit the website
