DUI Accidents Are Worse; Here’s Why

Car accidents are always serious, but when alcohol is involved, everything changes. Drunk driving crashes aren’t just run-of-the-mill traffic mishaps—they’re events that carry a unique blend of consequences, legal implications, and human costs. At the O’Sullivan Law Firm we’ve seen first-hand how these cases stand apart. Here’s why.

1. Negligence Isn’t the Question—It’s a Certainty

In most car accidents, determining fault may be tricky. There might be questions about road conditions, driver distraction, or split-second decisions. But in drunk driving accidents, there’s little room for doubt: the driver made a reckless, illegal decision to get behind the wheel while impaired.

Under Colorado law, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal, and any impairment from alcohol dramatically increases the likelihood of an accident. The decision to drive drunk is an act of negligence that puts others at unnecessary risk—plain and simple. This can lead to harsher legal consequences for the at-fault party and often strengthens the case for the victims seeking compensation.

2. Punitive Damages Come Into Play

In most car accident cases, compensation is focused on economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, along with non-economic damages like pain and suffering. But drunk driving accidents add another layer: punitive damages.

Because a driver who chooses to drink and drive is engaging in particularly reckless behavior, Colorado law allows victims to pursue punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault driver and deter others from making the same dangerous decision. The potential for punitive damages makes drunk driving accident cases different from standard car accidents, where punitive damages aren’t typically a factor.

3. Criminal and Civil Cases Overlap

In a standard car accident, the focus is primarily on civil liability—figuring out who is responsible for covering the cost of damages. But in a drunk driving case, the driver is also facing criminal charges. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a criminal offense in Colorado, which means the drunk driver may be dealing with jail time, fines, or a revoked license on top of the civil lawsuit for personal injury.

While the criminal case is handled by the state, district, or even federal government level (in the case of drunk driving that occurs in National Parks or military bases), the outcome can heavily influence the civil lawsuit. For example, a criminal conviction for DUI can serve as powerful evidence in the civil court, making it easier for victims to secure a favorable outcome in their personal injury claims.

4. The Human Toll is Often Greater

Drunk driving accidents are, by their nature, often more severe than regular accidents. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and diminishes coordination, making crashes more violent and deadly. The O’Sullivan Law Firm has seen cases where innocent people—other drivers, pedestrians, even cyclists—suffer catastrophic injuries from DUI accidents, including brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, or worse.

For families and victims, the emotional toll of knowing that their lives were turned upside down because of someone’s choice to drink and drive can be devastating. These accidents feel different because they are different—preventable tragedies that should never have happened in the first place.

5. Insurance Companies Play Defense

In a typical car accident, insurance companies might argue about who was at fault or how much a claim is worth. But in drunk driving cases, they’re often on the defensive from the start. Insurance companies know that juries (and judges) have little sympathy for drunk drivers. As a result, they might try to settle quickly, knowing they are at risk of losing big if the case goes to court.

However, fast settlements aren’t always in the victim’s best interest. It’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney who understands how to negotiate these cases to ensure that you’re getting the full compensation you deserve—not just a quick payout.

Accountability and Advocacy

Drunk driving accidents are different because they are a result of reckless choices that could have been avoided. At the O’Sullivan Law Firm, we’re committed to holding drunk drivers accountable and advocating for victims who are forced to deal with the aftermath. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a drunk driving accident in Colorado, reach out to our experienced team. We’ll fight to make sure you’re compensated for your losses and that justice is served.