Denver Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Over $75 Million Recovered. J. Todd Tenge Personally Handles Every Case.
Drunk driving crashes are among the most devastating on Colorado roads. When a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs chooses to get behind the wheel, everyone nearby faces the risk of catastrophic injury or wrongful death. Victims have rights, including the right to pursue financial compensation from the party responsible for the crash, regardless of what happens in the criminal courts.
At Tenge Law Firm LLC, we’ve represented Colorado accident victims since 1992, recovering more than $75 million in verdicts and settlements across wrongful death, brain injury, and personal injury matters. Our boutique trial firm intentionally limits its caseload so that J. Todd Tenge personally manages every case we accept, giving each client direct access to the attorney leading their claim. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, we can help from our offices in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins.
Contact Tenge Law Firm LLC at (720) 818-9044 to schedule a complimentary consultation with our drunk driving accident attorneys in Denver.
Colorado DUI, DWAI Law & Your Civil Claim
Colorado recognizes two levels of alcohol-related driving offenses. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) applies when a driver has consumed alcohol or drugs to the point of substantial incapacity to operate a vehicle safely, which under Colorado law corresponds to a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above 0.08%. Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) covers a lower threshold: a BAC above 0.05% but below 0.08%, or any level of impairment that affects a person to the slightest degree, making them less able to drive safely than they ordinarily would be.
Criminal penalties and civil compensation are separate tracks. Fines, jail time, and license consequences imposed in a criminal DUI or DWAI case don’t pay medical bills or replace lost wages. A civil claim is the mechanism for financial recovery, and we pursue that compensation independently of the criminal matter.
In a typical Denver crash involving an impaired driver, a criminal case moves forward in county or district court while we focus on the civil injury claim. The civil burden of proof is lower than the criminal standard, so a civil claim can succeed even if the driver isn’t ultimately convicted. From the start of our representation, we gather police and toxicology records, coordinate our civil strategy with the timing of any parallel criminal proceedings where appropriate, and build a case that seeks to hold the drunk driver financially accountable for the harm they caused.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a crash protects both your health and your legal rights. The actions you take in the first hours can make a meaningful difference in the strength of your civil claim.
- Call 911: Report the accident right away. Police and emergency responders can document the crash and provide medical help.
- Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms appear hours or days later. Get checked by a doctor.
- Move to safety: If possible, move away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
- Gather evidence: Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, road conditions, and any visible signs of the other driver’s impairment.
- Get witness information: Ask anyone who saw the crash for their name and contact details.
- Cooperate with police: Provide truthful information, but avoid admitting fault. The police report can be critical to establishing liability.
- Exchange information: Collect the other driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle details.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly and stick to the facts.
- Consult a personal injury attorney: Speak with a lawyer before giving any recorded statement to an adjuster. An attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering from the outset.
How Liability Works in Denver Drunk Driving Accident Cases
After a crash with an impaired driver, fault can seem obvious, but Colorado liability rules add real complexity. In many Denver collisions, multiple parties and insurance policies are involved. Beyond the drunk driver, liability may extend to the vehicle’s owner and, in some cases, to a bar, restaurant, or other licensed alcohol vendor under Colorado’s dram shop statute, which applies when a licensed vendor willfully and knowingly serves a visibly intoxicated person or a minor who then causes a crash. We review the facts with you and identify every potentially responsible party so you aren’t limited to a single policy for recovery.
Colorado’s minimum auto liability coverage is $25,000 per person, which rarely covers the full cost of serious DUI crash injuries. Investigating all available sources, including the at-fault driver’s policy, the victim’s own underinsured motorist coverage, and any applicable dram shop vendor insurance, is an important part of any civil claim. Colorado also follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means an insurer may argue that you share some responsibility for the crash. We push back on that argument by carefully analyzing the police investigation, field sobriety results, and breath and toxicology test results, along with any available video or witness accounts, to build a clear picture of how the impaired driver’s choices contributed to the collision.
Over $75 Million Recovered
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Confidential-Multiple Millions Electric scooter crash resulting in quadriplegia
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Resolved for a confidential amount Product Liability
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$3,250,000 Rollover auto accident involving defective roof and serious injuries
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$1,500,000 Tire blowout on I-70 causing serious injuries
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$1,475,000 Auto accident with head, neck and back injuries
Hundreds of 5-star Reviews. Exceptional Results
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"Definitely made it a stress-free experience"
Brenda was my attorney. She was amazing, helped me through the whole process. Definitely made it a stress-free experience, especially after going through something so traumatic! Was extremely attentive and always kept me updated on how my case was going! I would 1000% recommend them to everyone and anyone!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
- Zitlaly O. -
"They treated me like family"
Todd, Liz and Nina were amazing. They handled my case very professionally. I recommend this law firm to anyone looking for a great firm. They treated me like family
- Jenn K. -
"Would highly recommend to anyone!!"
Tenge Law Firm helped me out when I was in a accident that involved my whole family. They were great and fast with the entire process, and were awesome at keeping me updated throughout the entire process. Would highly recommend to anyone!!
- Zack K. -
"They were extremely responsive and answered my questions very well."
Paige and Nina were a delight to work with. They were extremely responsive and answered my questions very well. They made me feel like I was in good hands and could trust them!
- Rachel V. -
"Everyone is extremely nice & very efficient"
I highly recommend this law firm! They take care of everything in a timely manner & alleviate any harassment while you recover from injuries. Everyone is extremely nice & very efficient...if you need an attorney, Tenge Law is the place to go!
- Betty C. -
"Thank you for all you did for me!"
Thank you for your dedication to justice, communication, and serving others. I am so grateful to have Nina and the entire Tenge Law Firm on my team. Thank you for all you did for me! Everyone was so kind, caring and just a joy to work with.- Autumn F.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
When someone under the influence of alcohol gets behind the wheel, the results can be devastating. Common injuries from drunk driving accidents include:
Drunk driving accounts for approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities nationally. Wrongful death and traumatic brain injury cases are among the most serious outcomes we handle, and we bring that same focused attention to every drunk driving claim we accept. If you have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, contact attorney J. Todd Tenge at his Boulder, Fort Collins, or Denver office. No amount of money can undo that loss, but we provide compassionate, personalized representation and pursue available avenues of justice, including monetary compensation, on your family’s behalf.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Potential damages include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical care related to the accident.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: If injuries prevent a victim from working, they may recover lost wages. Long-term disabilities may also support a claim for reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Victims can seek damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall effect the accident has had on their quality of life.
- Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle damaged in the accident can be included in a claim.
- Punitive Damages: Colorado law allows victims to pursue punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence, such as driving under the influence. These damages are evaluated based on the specific facts of the driver’s conduct and are designed to penalize the at-fault driver and deter similar reckless behavior.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident is three years from the date of the crash. If the accident resulted in a fatality and the victim’s family wishes to file a wrongful death claim, the deadline is two years from the date of death. Dram shop claims against licensed alcohol vendors carry their own separate deadline, just one year from the date the alcohol was served, which makes contacting an attorney promptly important to preserving those options.
Missing any of these deadlines typically results in dismissal and the permanent loss of the right to seek compensation. Certain exceptions, such as cases involving minors or hit-and-run accidents, may alter the applicable deadline. Speaking with a car accident attorney as soon as possible can help protect your ability to take legal action within the required timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have a Case If the Drunk Driver Was Not Convicted?
Yes. A civil injury claim is possible even if the impaired driver isn’t convicted of DUI or DWAI. The criminal case must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, while a civil claim uses a lower burden of proof. Evidence such as officer observations, witness statements, and medical records can support a claim for compensation in a Colorado court regardless of the criminal outcome.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company Before Speaking With a Lawyer?
You’re generally required to report the crash to your own insurer, but you don’t have to give a detailed recorded statement before consulting a lawyer. Adjusters may ask questions that seem routine but are designed to limit what they pay. Speaking with a drunk driving attorney in Denver first can help you understand what to share and protect your rights from the start of the claims process.
How Long Does a Drunk Driving Injury Claim Take in Colorado?
The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries, the length of medical treatment, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Many claims resolve through negotiation once treatment stabilizes and damages can be fully documented. If a fair offer isn’t reached, filing in a Colorado court may be necessary, which can extend the process.
Contact Tenge Law Firm LLC or call (720) 818-9044 to get started with our drunk driving accident attorneys in Denver.
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Reviews
When our clients are happy, they say so. Whether we’re being described for how well we communicate, our responsiveness, or the quality of our service, we’re consistently rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by those we represent.
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Ratings
As an industry leader in the field of personal injury, we're proud to maintain a superb 10.0 out of 10.0 rating on AVVO.com, have a preeminent AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and have recently been awarded Client Champion Platinum status from Lawyers.com.
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Results
In the last ten years, we've recovered $75 million on behalf of our clients. Our motto is simple - our clients focus on recovering, while we handle the rest.
At the Tenge Law Firm LLC, we feel a profound responsibility to ensure our client’s physical and emotional well being during one of the worst times of their life. We've put together a page of resources to help you gain legal expertise and education about the law.
Why Choose Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Denver?
J. Todd Tenge has led Tenge Law Firm LLC since 1992, and he personally manages every claim our firm accepts. That structure means you work with the attorney driving your case from day one, not intake staff or rotating associates. Our firm is recognized by Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and Attorney and Practice Magazine, and we’ve earned hundreds of 5-star client reviews built on over $75 million recovered for Colorado accident victims.
Civil drunk driving cases require careful analysis of toxicology evidence, field sobriety test results, and police investigation records to establish that the driver’s impairment contributed to the collision and the victim’s injuries. Because we limit the cases we accept, we have the time to examine those details closely rather than moving claims through a high-volume pipeline.
Here’s how our Denver team supports clients after a drunk driving crash:
- Limiting our caseload: We intentionally take on a manageable number of claims so we stay closely involved at every step.
- Providing direct access: You work with J. Todd Tenge and our small, coordinated team rather than being handed off to different departments.
- Coordinating with local providers: We work with Denver-area doctors, physical therapists, and other professionals to document how the collision has affected your daily life.
- Reviewing all available coverage: We map out every applicable insurance source, including the drunk driver’s policy, your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and any potential dram shop vendor coverage, so no avenue for recovery is overlooked.
- Keeping you informed: We update you through calls, texts, and emails so you know where your claim stands and what comes next.
If you’re looking for a drunk driving accident attorney in Denver who will be reachable and engaged from the first call through resolution, we’re ready to talk.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Denver Today
If you or a family member has been injured in a drunk driving accident, or if you have lost a loved one, attorney J. Todd Tenge can help. We serve clients in Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder, and communities throughout Colorado. Our complimentary consultations give you the opportunity to discuss your case in detail and understand the options available to you.
Contact us online or call (720) 818-9044 to speak with our Denver drunk driving accident attorney. We serve Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder, and communities across Colorado. Consultations are complimentary.
