Drunk driver in Denver arrested after crashing stolen car
Denver, CO – A 24-year-old man was arrested on Dec. 6, after crashing a stolen car into an ambulance. The police were investigating a stolen car case when they noticed the missing Jeep near W. Colfax Avenue and Reed Street. When the police approached the vehicle on foot, the two suspects inside decided to flee the scene. A few blocks away the Jeep smashed into an ambulance, which, fortunately, had no patient on board. However, two paramedics inside were injured when the ambulance tipped over on its side following the collision.
The two suspects were also injured in the crash, but their lives are not in danger. When they took the suspects to the hospital, the police were shocked to discover that the driver was also intoxicated at the time. The man is now facing charges including vehicular assault, drunk driving, and aggravated motor vehicle theft.
Who pays damages if you are hit by a stolen car?
This is a nightmare scenario. If you were injured in a crash involving a stolen vehicle you should look up the best Denver car accident lawyers right away. Recovering damages in such a case is a very complex matter and you may not get the compensation you deserve without legal representation.
Your best option is to try and get damages from your own insurance provider. However, this can only work if you have purchased uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Even so, your insurer may refuse to cover your damages. They are not allowed to do so, so talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
In certain situations, you may be able to claim damages under the thief’s insurance, if they have one. Such cases are rare as guys who resort to stealing cars usually don’t bother to get insurance for their own vehicles.
Is the car owner liable for damages?
If the car was reported as stolen, the owner cannot be held accountable for any damages caused by the thief.
On the other hand, if the owner of the car allowed someone else to drive it, they will be held liable for any damages caused. The insurance company may try to avoid liability on various pretexts, so it’s best to seek counsel from knowledgeable Colorado accident lawyers before filing a claim.
If the other driver is facing criminal charges do I still need to sue?
If the driver that hit you is facing DUI charges or any other type of criminal charges, you still need to sue to recover damages.
A criminal trial will decide if the driver will go to jail or pay a fine. It has nothing to do with the damages you are owed. If you were injured in a car accident in Colorado, you must file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurer or sue him.
On the other hand, if the driver is looking for a plea bargain, your lawyers may use the opportunity to make damages a condition of this arrangement. This way you may be able to avoid all the hassle of pursuing a claim or a lawsuit.
If you were recently injured in a car accident in Denver, you should contact a knowledgeable lawyer at the Bryan & Terrill law firm to see how you can recover damages.
Contact info:
333 W. Hampden Ave., #420B
Englewood, CO 80110
(720) 923-2333
