Salt Lake City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Primary Item (H2)
Salt Lake City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving accidents are devastating and, sadly, preventable. These accidents often cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities, leaving victims with long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Families are left struggling to cope with medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain of losing a loved one. At Lance Bingham, P.C., we are dedicated to helping accident victims hold drunk drivers accountable for their reckless actions.

Our Salt Lake City drunk driving accident lawyer provides compassionate yet aggressive representation, aiming to secure the maximum compensation for our numerous clients. We know these cases are complex, but we are committed to fighting for you. Our goal is to guide and support you through every step of the legal process.

Our Salt Lake City Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Fights for Your Justice

At Lance Bingham, P.C., we advocate for victims of drunk driving accidents. We understand the seriousness of these accidents and are committed to helping you seek justice. Our team investigates each crash, gathering key evidence like police reports, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results, and witness statements. We also identify all liable parties, including potentially negligent establishments under Utah’s dram shop laws.

It's common for an insurance company to offer you a low settlement. However, this amount is often less than you should rightfully receive. We work to get you a full and fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you’ve suffered injuries, we make sure your personal injury protection and medical records support your claim.

Our goal is to ensure your current and future needs are met while holding the responsible party accountable. Let us handle your car accident claim, so you can focus on recovering. We’re here to support you through your personal injury case.

The Catastrophic Consequences of Alcohol-Related Driving Incidents in Utah

The Catastrophic Consequences of Alcohol-Related Driving Incidents in Utah

Drunk driving accidents are a major problem in Salt Lake City and across Utah. Alcohol-related crashes often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Impaired driving reduces a driver’s ability to react, making accidents more likely to be dangerous. These accidents affect not only the victims but also their families, causing financial strain from medical bills, funeral expenses, and other losses.

We understand the impact and offer a free initial consultation to help you seek justice. Our law firm is dedicated to providing financial support, pursuing compensation for injuries sustained, and holding liable parties accountable for their actions.

Common Injuries in DUI Collisions

The high-energy nature of DUI crashes often leads to life-altering, catastrophic injuries. These accidents can cause serious injuries and emotional pain. For many victims, the effects can last a lifetime. If you’ve been involved in a DUI accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Below are some common injuries we see in DUI collisions:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The violent impact of a DUI crash can result in severe head trauma. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common in these types of auto accidents and can have long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional effects. Victims may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and, in severe cases, permanent disabilities. The recovery process for a TBI is often lengthy, requiring ongoing medical care and therapy.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A DUI accident can cause severe and lasting harm. Victims often suffer serious spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis. This is a permanent disability that makes returning to a normal life very difficult. Furthermore, the injury requires lifelong care, which also deeply affects the victim's family.

Internal Organ Damage

High-speed collisions, especially those involving drunk drivers, can cause blunt force trauma to internal organs. Internal injuries, like bleeding or organ damage, are often not visible but can be life-threatening. For this reason, getting immediate medical attention is critical to prevent serious complications.

Fractures and Amputations

Severe fractures and traumatic amputations are common in DUI accidents. The violent nature of these crashes can cause bones to break or be crushed under the force of the impact. In serious cases, an injury can be so severe that the limb must be amputated. Fractures often require surgery and long recovery periods, while amputations can lead to permanent physical and emotional challenges.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Beyond the physical harm, a DUI accident often causes lasting emotional and psychological pain. Victims may experience severe anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The fear of driving, flashbacks, and the long-term emotional impact of the accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Emotional support and therapy are often necessary for victims to heal fully after a serious DUI accident.

We fight for those who have suffered serious injuries in DUI accidents. If you or a loved one has been in a drunk driving crash, we offer a free legal consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay legal fees if we win your car accident case. We can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team is here to support you through every step of the process.

Utah Dram Shop Law: Holding Establishments Accountable

Utah’s Dram Shop Law (Utah Code § 32B-15-201) states that a bar or host can be held responsible if they serve alcohol to someone who is clearly intoxicated. If that person then causes a drunk driving accident, victims can seek compensation from the establishment. By over-serving alcohol or failing to monitor patrons, they contribute to the risk of accidents.

To file a claim, the victim must prove that the person who was served alcohol was visibly intoxicated and that the intoxication led to the car crash. A dram shop claim is important because it can provide extra compensation beyond what the drunk driver’s insurance covers.

We have extensive experience handling these complex motor vehicle accident cases. We work to hold all responsible parties accountable, ensuring victims get the compensation they deserve. We also help surviving family members seek justice in wrongful death cases caused by someone else’s negligence.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Salt Lake City

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Salt Lake City

If you've been involved in a drunk driving accident in Salt Lake City, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health, legal rights, and potential claim. Here’s what we recommend doing right after the crash:

  • Ensure Safety: Check for injuries to yourself and others. Call for medical help if needed.
  • Call the Police: Report the accident to the police officers. A police report is critical for establishing liability.
  • Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene. Be sure also to photograph any vehicle damage and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
  • Seek Medical Treatment: Even if you feel fine, it's essential to consult a doctor. Injuries from a drunk driving accident may not be immediately obvious.
  • Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault to the other driver or the police. Let us determine liability.
  • Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Call us for a free consultation, and we can help you understand your legal options. Then, we'll begin the process of seeking compensation.

By following these steps, you can protect your health and ensure the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim. Our team is here to guide you through every stage of your case.

Recoverable Compensation in a Drunk Driving Accident Case

When pursuing a claim after a drunk driving accident, the goal is to make the victim whole again. This means seeking compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. In certain cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver and discourage others from similar conduct. We are dedicated to fighting for the complete compensation you deserve.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial losses. They are easy to measure because they have a specific monetary value. These include:

  • Medical Expenses: Historical and prospective costs associated with treatment, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Lost Wages: Earnings forfeited as a result of time taken off work for recuperation or hospitalization.
  • Loss of Future Earning Capacity: In the event that the accident renders you incapable of resuming your former job or profession.
  • Property Damage: Expenses incurred for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal belongings that were damaged in the accident.
  • Costs of Life Care: If your injuries require long-term care, the costs of in-home nursing, medical equipment, or other services will apply.

These expenses can quickly add up and impact your financial stability. Our experienced attorneys work to ensure you receive fair compensation for these measurable losses.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages encompass the intangible losses that are harder to quantify but equally significant. These include:

  • Pain and Suffering: The accident caused both physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Emotional Distress: Feelings of anxiety, depression, or PTSD that arise from the trauma associated with the accident. Loss of
  • Enjoyment of Life: If the accident hinders your ability to engage in hobbies or activities that you previously found enjoyable.
  • Permanent Disability: Any enduring impairment, whether it be physical or mental, that is a serious consequence of the serious accident.
  • Loss of Consortium: If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse, this may be a consideration in the claim.

These damages are vital to ensuring the long-term well-being of victims, and we fight to ensure they are fully accounted for.

Punitive Damages

In Utah, you may seek punitive damages for extremely reckless acts such as drunk driving. The goal is to punish the driver and prevent similar misconduct in the future. This differs from compensatory damages, which compensate a victim for their actual losses. Our firm fights to secure maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us for a free evaluation if you've been in a drunk driving accident to discuss your legal choices.

Why You Need Lance Bingham, P.C. for Your DUI Accident Claim

Why You Need Lance Bingham, P.C. for Your DUI Accident Claim

Handling a DUI accident claim on your own is complicated and overwhelming. Insurance companies often try to settle for the lowest amount. They may use tactics to reduce your compensation. We are here to help you fight for what you deserve.

Drunk driving is a form of gross negligence because the driver recklessly disregards the safety of all other road users. This is a serious criminal offense that can result in severe criminal charges, the loss of their driver's license, and major consequences for their future.

Our legal team has a strong record of success in these complex cases. We fight for maximum compensation from all responsible parties. This includes pursuing "dram shop" claims against bars that over-served the driver. We also navigate multiple insurance policies to find every source of recovery.

We have the resources to build a powerful case for you. We hire experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals. They help prove the full extent of your injuries and losses. Our team provides compassionate support throughout the entire process. We work to hold the at-fault party fully accountable.

FAQs

What is the statute of limitations for a drunk driving accident claim in Utah?

You have up to four yearsfrom the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, it is crucial to begin gathering evidence as soon as possible.

What if the drunk driver doesn't have insurance?

You may still get compensation through your own uninsured motorist(UM/UIM) coverage. We will also look into all other potential sources to ensure you recover what you are owed.

How can a lawyer prove the driver was drunk?

We use the official police report, blood alcohol content (BAC) test results, witness statements, and footage from bars or body cams as evidence.

Can I sue the bar that served the drunk driver?

Yes, under Utah's dram shop law. This applies if the establishment served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated. We investigate this in every case.

Will my case go to trial?

While many cases settle, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to ensure you receive the full justice and compensation you deserve.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

It varies based on the severity of the injury and the complexity of the case. We work efficiently to resolve it fairly, ensuring you receive the maximum value.

Contact Our Salt Lake City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer For a Free Case Evaluation

Contact Our Salt Lake City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer For a Free Case Evaluation

Sustaining injuries due to a drunk driver can significantly change your life, resulting in physical suffering, emotional turmoil, and financial difficulties. We are dedicated to advocating for the justice you are entitled to following a car accident caused by another person's irresponsible actions.

Contact us for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your accident and options, with no obligation. We recommend acting promptly to preserve evidence and protect your claim for compensation.

Our team will work to hold every responsible party accountable. This could be the at-fault driver, an uninsured motorist, or a negligent business. You should not have to pay for someone else's mistake. Let us fight for the justice you deserve. Call us now to get started.

Schedule Your
Free Consultation

chevron-down