(PUEBLO, Colo.) — A Pueblo County jury has awarded a woman over $1 million in damages after she suffered a traumatic brain injury when a drunk driver hit her.
The case was tried in Pueblo and concluded after a four-day trial. The jury found that Amrie Mares, the defendant, had been driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.16 and was speeding at 57 mph in a 35-mph zone when she lost control of her car and struck Pueblo local Christine Sanchez. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, 0.08% is the legal limit for a DUI.
When Mares struck Sanchez’s car at the intersection of West 4th Street and Abriendo Avenue, her car overturned and landed on its roof following the collision.
Sanchez suffered a traumatic brain injury, in addition to injuries to her neck, ribs, collarbone, right shoulder, and upper back.
“This jury sent a clear message,” said counsel for Ms. Sanchez. “Drunk driving will not be tolerated in Pueblo. This community values the health and safety of its citizens—especially those whose health is taken from them through no fault of their own.”
According to her lawyer, Sanchez continues to face ongoing treatment and physical and cognitive impairments.
Sanchez received $1.36 million in damages, including $60,000 in punitive charges.

