Provo Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

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This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Dustin Lance following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Dustin Lance, the Founding Partner, has handled many types of personal injury cases and is licensed in Utah and Idaho.

If you were injured by an intoxicated driver on University Avenue or near Provo Canyon, a Provo drunk driving accident lawyer at Lance Bingham Law can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Utah has the nation's strictest blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at 0.05%, making it illegal for motorists to operate any private car or commercial vehicle while impaired. 

Our firm understands how to investigate police reports and witness statements to prove a driver’s negligence after a T-bone accident or rollover crash. We assist victims in Utah County by pursuing claims for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Call our office today at (801) 869-6800 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated personal injury attorney.

How Lance Bingham Law Can Help After a Drunk Driving Accident in Provo

Lance Bingham Law provides aggressive legal representation for individuals whose lives have been upended by an impaired driver. Our personal injury lawyer team knows that these car accidents often involve catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical attention. We take a proactive approach to every case, ensuring that insurance companies do not take advantage of your situation.

Our trial lawyers have spent decades advocating for the rights of injured residents in Provo and across Utah. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients, helping them cover the high medical costs associated with a brain injury or permanent disability. This litigation experience allows us to navigate the legal process with confidence, whether in negotiations or before a jury.

A personal injury attorney at our firm manages every detail of your claim, from reviewing accident reports to interviewing witnesses. We focus on securing the maximum recovery for your specific losses, including future treatment and loss of earning capacity. By hiring our firm, you gain an advocate who understands the local courts and the unique legal landscape in Utah.

We believe in a client-first approach, with communication and transparency as top priorities. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today to learn how our advocacy can help you rebuild after a devastating collision involving a drunk driver.

How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Provo, Utah?

Alcohol-related accidents continue to be a significant threat to public safety throughout the state of Utah. Even with strict laws, drunk drivers still choose to get behind the wheel, leading to many preventable car accidents each year. Our accident lawyer team stays informed on local traffic trends to better assist victims in our community.

Provo often sees an increase in impaired driving incidents during holiday weekends and special events near University Avenue. These crashes frequently involve a loss of control, resulting in high-speed collisions or motorcycle crashes. Utah’s decision to lower the BAC limit to 0.05% under HB 155 was a direct response to the persistent danger of drunk driving.

Type of ViolationUtah Legal Limit / ClassificationPotential Legal Impact
Standard BAC Limit0.05%Per Se Negligence in civil cases
DUI (First Offense)Class B MisdemeanorLicense suspension and fines
DUI with InjuryClass A MisdemeanorIncreased liability for medical costs
Felony DUIThird offense or severe harmBasis for significant punitive damages

Data from the Utah Department of Public Safety shows that many fatalities on our roads involve at least one impaired driver. Whether the crash involves a commercial truck or a recreational vehicle, the impact on families is always devastating. We work tirelessly to identify the negligent party and hold them accountable for their reckless choices.

State law enforcement remains vigilant in conducting field sobriety tests to keep impaired drivers off the streets. However, criminal charges alone do not provide the financial relief a victim needs for their recovery. Our firm bridges this gap by pursuing civil claims that focus on the victim’s needs and rights.

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What is My Provo Drunk Driving Case Worth?

The value of a personal injury case involving a drunk driver depends on the severity of your injuries and the conduct of the defendant. Victims of drunk driving often have higher claim values because they can pursue punitive damages in addition to standard medical bills. We evaluate every medical record to ensure we are seeking a fair settlement for your suffering.

Standard compensatory damages cover your actual financial losses, such as lost income and medical expenses. Because Utah is a no-fault insurance state, you must first reach a $3,000 PIP threshold under Utah Code § 31A-22-309 before suing the at-fault driver. Once this threshold is met, you can seek a full recovery for all non-economic harms.

  • Medical Costs: Current and future bills for surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
  • Lost Income: Reimbursement for the salary you lost while unable to work after the crash.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical agony and mental distress caused by the incident.
  • Punitive Damages: Extra awards meant to punish the defendant for willful or reckless behavior.

Unlike a typical car accident, drunk driving cases often allow for punitive damages under Utah Code § 78B-8-201. These damages are intended to punish the impaired driver for their extreme disregard for others' safety. Our firm uses expert testimony to justify these higher awards and maximize your total recovery.

Establishing the true worth of a case requires a deep understanding of future medical needs and economic impacts. We work with vocational experts to calculate how a traumatic brain injury will affect your lifelong earning capacity. This thorough preparation ensures that the insurance companies treat your claim with the seriousness it deserves.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Drunk Driving Victims?

Victims of impaired driving can pursue various forms of financial relief to cover their losses. These awards help you manage the sudden costs that follow a serious collision. Our firm identifies every possible damage category to ensure you receive a full recovery.

  • Medical Expenses: This covers your current hospital stays and future rehabilitative care.
  • Lost Income: You can recover the money you missed while being unable to work.
  • Catastrophic Injuries: Special awards are available for permanent harm, such as a brain injury.
  • Wrongful Death: Families may seek support if they lost a loved one to a drunk driver.

Utah law allows you to seek payment for both your clear bills and your physical distress. If the driver’s behavior was especially reckless, you might also qualify for punitive damages. We work to ensure that no part of your struggle goes uncompensated during the legal process.

Our team will help you document how the accident has changed your daily life. We use this evidence to build a strong case for the maximum settlement possible. Having the right support ensures that you are prepared for a stable financial future.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Drunk Driving Accident in Utah?

Insurance companies often try to shift fault onto the victim to avoid paying a fair settlement. They may claim you were speeding or distracted at the time of the crash. However, you can still recover money under the modified comparative fault rule in Utah.

According to Utah Code § 78B-5-818, you can seek damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Your final check will simply be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are 10% at fault, you still get 90% of the award.

Our firm uses police reports and witness statements to prove that the other driver was the primary cause. We fight against unfair claims that accuse you of responsibility for the collision. Protecting your legal rights is our top priority when dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters.

Do not let an allegation of fault stop you from seeking the justice you deserve. We have the experience to counter these tactics with clear evidence from the scene. Our goal is to ensure the negligent party is the one held truly accountable.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Drunk Driving Injuries

Lance Bingham Law provides aggressive representation for those suffering from catastrophic injuries. We understand that a high-speed crash can cause life-altering harm that requires years of medical care. Our team is dedicated to securing the resources you need for a complete recovery.

Compensation for Medical Bills and Future Healthcare Expenses

The cost of treating multiple fractures or a traumatic brain injury can be overwhelming for any family. We pursue full payment for your initial emergency care and any surgeries you may need. We also account for the cost of future physical therapy and long-term medical support.

Lost Wages and Impact on Earning Capacity

Being out of work creates immediate financial stress for a household. We fight to recover your lost income and any future earnings you lose if you cannot return to your job. If your injury prevents you from working in the same role, we seek damages for your reduced earning capacity.

Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress

Physical pain is only one part of the trauma caused by a drunk driver. You have the right to seek compensation for the emotional distress and mental agony following a crash. We help juries understand the full impact the accident has had on your quality of life.

Pursuing Civil Claims Against Negligent Food Providers

In some cases, the business that served the alcohol is also liable under dram shop laws. Utah Code § 32B-15-201 allows victims to sue a bar or restaurant if the bar or restaurant overserved the driver. We investigate every detail to ensure all responsible parties pay for their actions.

Securing a fair settlement requires a deep knowledge of Utah's unique insurance matters. We provide the legal representation needed to take your civil case all the way to a jury trial if necessary. Lance Bingham Law is committed to helping you find a path forward after a tragic event.

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What Causes Most Drunk Driving Accidents in Provo, Utah?

Most alcohol-related crashes happen because a driver experiences a total loss of control over their vehicle. Alcohol slows down reaction times and makes it difficult to judge distances on the road. These errors frequently lead to high-speed rollover crashes or t-bone accidents.

  • Impaired Judgment: Drivers may take risks they would otherwise avoid, such as speeding or running red lights.
  • Distracted Driving: Alcohol often makes it harder for a driver to stay focused on the road ahead.
  • Driver Fatigue: Impairment can cause a driver to fall asleep or lose focus during a long trip.
  • Mechanical Defects: While rare, a car's failure can make a drunk driver’s reaction even more dangerous.

We also see cases where a commercial truck or a private car causes a crash due to intoxication. Whether it is on a busy street or a quiet road, the results are often deadly for innocent people. Identifying these causes helps our accident lawyer team prove exactly how the driver failed in their duty of care.

Proving the cause of the crash is a vital part of building your legal claim. We review accident reports and chemical BAC test results to show that the driver was over the limit. This evidence makes it much harder for the defense to deny their responsibility for the harm.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Drunk Driving Accident in Provo?

Proving negligence means showing the other driver breached their duty of care to others on the road. You must demonstrate that this breach was the direct cause of your injuries and financial losses. Our firm uses various types of evidence to build a compelling case for the jury.

  1. Police Reports: These provide official documentation of the crash and any arrests made at the scene.
  2. Chemical BAC Test: Lab results showing the driver’s blood alcohol content are powerful evidence in court.
  3. Witness Statements: People who saw the crash can provide key details about the driver’s behavior.
  4. Medical Records: These show the direct link between the crash and your physical injuries.
  5. Expert Testimony: We use accident reconstructionists to explain how the collision occurred.

Utah’s implied consent law means that drivers must submit to a BAC test if they are suspected of a DUI. If a driver refuses, their license is suspended, and this refusal can sometimes be used in your civil case. We work to gather all these details to ensure your claim is as strong as possible.

Proving liability is the most important step in securing the punitive damages you deserve. We show the court that the driver’s choice to drink was a reckless act that endangered the community. This thorough approach helps you get the maximum support for your recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Drunk Driving Accident in Utah?

Every legal claim has a deadline known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this date, you lose the right to sue the negligent party for your injuries. In Utah, most car accident claims must be filed within four years of the date of the crash.

However, the timeline differs when filing a wrongful death claim. These cases generally have a two-year deadline from the date of the person’s passing. It is vital to consult with a personal injury attorney early to avoid missing these critical dates.

  • Negligence Claims: 4 Years
  • Wrongful Death: 2 Years
  • Dram Shop Claims: 2 Years

Waiting to start your case can make it harder to find witnesses or gather fresh evidence. Police records can sometimes be lost, and people’s memories of the event will fade over time. We recommend reaching out to an accident lawyer as soon as you are stable enough to do so.

Our team manages all these deadlines, so you never have to worry about the paperwork. We ensure that your case is filed correctly in the right court to protect your future. Let us handle the legal clock while you focus on your healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Claims in Provo

What is the BAC limit in Utah?

The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is 0.05% for all drivers in Utah. This is the strictest limit in the United States to help prevent drunk driving.

Can I sue the bar that served the drunk driver?

Yes, under Utah's dram shop laws, you can sue a business that overserved an intoxicated person. This helps you seek additional compensation if the driver’s insurance is insufficient.

How do I get a copy of the police report?

You can request police reports from the local department that responded to your crash. Our legal team can also help you gather these accident reports for your case.

What are punitive damages?

Punitive damages are extra awards meant to punish a defendant for reckless behavior. They are common in drunk driving cases to discourage others from drinking and driving.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?

Hiring an accident lawyer is recommended if you have serious injuries or high medical bills. We help you manage insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement.

What happens if the driver is charged with a felony DUI?

A felony DUI charge can make your civil case much stronger. It provides clear evidence of the driver's criminal negligence and supports your claim for more serious damages.

Serious injuries demand serious representation
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Contact a Provo Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you have been hurt by an intoxicated motorist, contact a Provo drunk driving accident lawyer at Lance Bingham Law. Our team is ready to help you hold the responsible parties accountable for their choices. We have the experience needed to handle complex car accidents and secure the recovery you deserve. You should not have to face the aftermath of a crash alone when help is available.

Call our office at (801) 869-6800 to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated personal injury attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Let us use our litigation experience to protect your family and your future. Our commitment to justice for Provo residents ensures that your voice will be heard in the legal system.

Dustin Lance
Personal Injury Lawyer

Dustin specializes in serious accident and injury cases in Utah and Idaho, practicing in State and Federal Courts. He's recognized as "Utah's Legal Elite," a "Mountain States Rising Star," and a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. He holds an Avvo Superb Rating and is actively involved in legal associations, serving as a judge pro tempore for the Utah Supreme Court. A Utah native, Dustin earned his degrees from the University of Utah. He lives in Farmington with his wife and three children, enjoying family time, flying, and various outdoor activities.

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