Lakewood DUI/DWAI Law Blog

Driving in the winter can be dangerous, even in the warmer states. For those living around Lakewood, Colorado, however, the chance for serious winter road conditions is a very real threat. While the average city in the Unites States sees a little over 25 inches of snow every winter, the Lakewood area averages nearly three times more, with almost 77 inches of snow each winter.

That much accumulation means that driving during the winter can be particularly dangerous. Snow on the roads can lead to a host of dangerous conditions, including black ice in areas where snow melts and re-freezes onto the pavement and white-outs caused by drifting and blowing snow.

Even the best drivers on the road incur some risk when getting behind the wheel. Although you may be able to drive very well and avoid most dangerous situations, you can't control how other people drive. Sadly, distracted driving and exhausted driving are both very common. People can easily lose focus while driving, choosing to talk on a phone, apply makeup, eat, send texts or scroll through social media instead of looking at the road. Even if this is done while stopped at an intersection, these behaviors increase the risk of a serious accident. Someone else's mistake could end up changing your life.

Getting into a car accident caused by someone else is terrifying. You may not even see the collision coming before it happens. In an instant, you go from your daily commute to struggling with serious injuries and unable to work. Other people in your vehicle may also be severely injured or even killed. Through no fault of your own, you're suddenly looking at a ton of medical bills, as well as lost wages due to missed work and expenses related to repairing or replacing your vehicle. Although you have vehicle insurance, you may find yourself in a difficult financial situation.

Going through the claims process after a car accident can be chaotic but it's important that you maintain proper communication with the agent assigned to your claim. The insurance agent handling your claim will investigate all parties involved with the accident to determine how compensation will be rewarded.

How long does it take to settle a claim?

Many people are actually surprised to learn that there are several different charges associated with drunk driving under Colorado law. In fact, there is driving while ability impaired (DWAI), driving under the influence (DUI) and even a charge known as DUI per se.

While these alleged offenses may sound similar, they are actually distinct. Therefore, it is a good idea to know the differences between these offenses should you ever face a drunk driving arrest: