At Lance Bingham, our West Jordan drunk driving accident lawyer helps you hold an impaired driver accountable after a serious crash. We build a strong personal injury claim using police reports, blood alcohol concentration evidence, and witness statements. These cases often involve severe injuries, high medical bills, and aggressive insurance adjusters. When needed, we file a civil lawsuit to seek full compensation.
Drunk driving is not just another car accident. It can involve reckless driving, dram shop claims against those who served the driver alcohol, and life-changing harm. You can start with a free consultation and learn your legal rights.
A drunk driving accident can turn a normal day into a long recovery. You may be hurt, shaken, and suddenly dealing with insurance companies. In West Jordan, you have legal options to seek justice and compensation.
Impaired driving remains a serious danger on Utah roads. West Jordan sees car crashes tied to poor reaction times and reckless choices. Many of these wrecks happen in seconds, but the harm can last for years.
Drunk drivers may drift lanes, speed, or run red lights. Weather conditions can worsen it, especially at night. Multi-vehicle collisions can happen when one driver loses control.
Law enforcement may conduct field sobriety tests and obtain breath or blood test results. Police records and accident reports can become key evidence later. These details matter when insurance adjusters try to downplay fault.
Drunk driving is not rare, and it is not harmless. It puts families at risk on busy routes like Redwood Road. It also strains medical care systems and households.
A drunk driving crash often causes harder impacts. Impaired drivers don’t brake in time. They also misjudge speed and distance.
These car accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries and even death. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries are common. Even fender benders can cause neck and back injuries.
Drunk driving also brings a second legal path: potential dram shop claims against those who may have overserved the driver alcohol.
Your civil case is about your losses. It can seek payment for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain. It can also address property damage and future care needs.
Insurance companies may still fight hard. They may argue about treatment or claim comparative fault. Strong proof and a clear lawsuit plan can help.
This is not a normal accident claim. It involves a choice to drive under the influence. That choice should not leave you carrying the cost alone.
Impaired driving harms people in ways that go far beyond vehicle damage. The injuries can be severe, and the recovery can be long. In West Jordan, these crashes often result in significant medical bills and legal action.
Drunk driving is driving after drinking too much alcohol. DUI is the legal term used in Utah for driving under the influence. Impaired driving can also include drugs, including some prescription medications.
Police may look for signs of impairment at the scene. They may use field sobriety tests and collect breath or blood test results. Blood and urine tests may also be used in some cases.
A key term is blood alcohol content, also called blood alcohol concentration. BAC can help show impairment, but it is not the only proof. Police reports can also note slurred speech or poor balance.
These facts matter in a civil claim. They can help prove negligence and reckless driving. They can also support arguments for more serious damages.
Drunk driving car accidents often involve high speeds and late braking. That means greater impact and more severe injuries. Many accident victims require emergency care immediately.
Common injuries include:
Some injuries require surgery and a long rehabilitation process. Others require physical therapy and months of follow-up care. Some victims need mobility aids or home changes.
Motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians can be hit hard in these crashes. They have little protection in a collision. A drunk driver can cause life-changing harm in seconds.
The harm is not always visible. Many people develop anxiety after a drunk driver crash. Some struggle with sleep and the fear of driving.
PTSD can also happen after violent collisions. The stress can affect work, parenting, and relationships. Counseling and mental health care may be part of recovery.
Money stress adds another layer. Medical bills arrive fast, and lost wages add up. Transportation expenses and caregiving costs can rise, too.
Some DUI crashes end in tragedy. Families may lose a loved one without warning. These cases often involve deep grief and sudden financial loss.
Wrongful death claims can seek payment for funeral costs and loss of support. They can also address the loss of companionship and guidance. Utah’s wrongful death statute is Utah Code § 78B-3-106.
These cases require careful proof. Police records and crash reports help establish fault, while income records can help show financial loss.
Wrongful death cases are painful, but you do not have to face them alone. We handle the legal burden with care and respect. You focus on your family and healing.
Drunk driving cases involve both traffic laws and injury laws. The criminal case may punish the driver, while your civil case pays for your losses. Knowing how these paths work can help you make better choices.
Negligence is the legal word for carelessness. In a DUI crash, negligence often means choosing to drive while impaired. You still must show that the choice caused your injuries.
We prove negligence with clear evidence. Police reports can describe signs of impairment and driving behavior. Witness statements can confirm swerving, speeding, or delayed braking.
BAC evidence can also help. Blood alcohol concentration levels may come from a breath or blood test. Body camera footage and 911 audio can also support the timeline.
Negligence is about cause and harm. The driver’s conduct is one part; the crash's impact on you is the other.
A DUI crash can trigger a criminal case. Prosecutors may seek criminal penalties, fines, or license suspension. A court may also require an ignition interlock device.
Your civil case is different. It is a personal injury claim for monetary damages. It can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
The cases can run concurrently. A criminal conviction can help show fault. But you can still pursue a civil case even without a conviction.
Insurance companies sometimes hide behind the criminal case. They may say, “Wait until it’s over.” You do not have to wait, and deadlines still apply.
A civil lawsuit can also unlock evidence. Discovery can help obtain police records and lab details. It can also secure sworn testimony about what happened.
Criminal court punishes, while the civil court pays. Your focus is recovery and fairness.
Utah has strict DUI rules, including lower BAC limits than many states. These laws live in Utah Code Title 41, which covers motor vehicles and traffic laws.
Law enforcement uses these laws to investigate impaired driving. That includes traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing. The resulting accident reports often become key in civil cases.
Utah law also affects your lawsuit timeline. Many personal injury claims have a four-year filing deadline under Utah Code § 78B-2-307.
Insurance rules can matter too. Underinsured motorist coverage may help when the drunk driver has low limits. Policy language can be tricky, so we review it closely.
Utah laws set the framework, but facts still win cases. A ticket alone is not enough. Strong evidence is what moves settlement offers.
Sometimes, the drunk driver is not the only problem. A bar or restaurant may overserve alcohol to an already impaired person. In limited cases, that may raise a dram shop issue.
Utah has regulations that may affect claims related to alcohol service. These cases are fact-heavy, and they require fast evidence collection. Receipts, witness accounts, and surveillance footage can be relevant.
Social host issues can also come up. For example, a party host may serve alcohol in risky ways. These claims depend on who served, who drank, and the specific setting.
These cases are not automatic. They require careful legal review. When they apply, they can open more insurance coverage.
Insurance companies still try comparative fault in DUI cases. They may claim you were speeding or not paying attention. Even small fault shifts can reduce your recovery. Utah’s comparative negligence rule is in Utah Code § 78B-5-818.
Here is the simple rule:
This is why evidence matters so much. Crash photos, witness information, and traffic cam data can help fight blame. Accident reconstruction experts can also help in complex crashes.
Comparative fault does not erase the drunk driver’s choices. It just changes the math. We work to keep that math fair.
Local help can make a big difference after a DUI crash. It affects how fast evidence is gathered and how smoothly the legal process moves. It also affects the support you feel while you recover.
West Jordan cases often involve local roads and local patterns. Crashes can happen on major routes, side streets, and busy intersections. Knowing the area helps when tracking cameras, witnesses, and reports.
Local experience also helps with timelines. We know how to request accident reports and supporting records. We also know how to push for fast evidence preservation.
Some cases need additional proof. Multi-vehicle collisions can raise hard fault questions. Accident reconstruction specialists may be needed to map the impact.
A local lawyer also understands how insurers handle claims in West Jordan. Adjusters may use familiar tactics and delays. We know what to watch for and how to respond.
Local knowledge is not magic, but it is practical. It helps with speed and organization. Those two things often shape outcomes.
After a drunk driver accident, you deserve real support. You should not feel like a claim number. You should feel heard and guided.
At Lance Bingham, we keep communication clear. We explain what is happening and what comes next. We also answer questions without jargon.
We help you stay organized, too. That includes medical records, treatment plans, and billing. It also includes work notes and proof of lost wages.
We also handle insurer contact. You do not have to argue with insurance adjusters. You can focus on medical treatment and recovery.
Personalized support reduces stress. It also prevents mistakes. A calmer process helps you heal.
Legal fees worry many people after a crash. Medical bills and missed work already strain budgets. A contingency fee can remove upfront pressure.
With a contingency fee, you pay no attorney's fee at the start. The fee comes from the recovery. If there is no recovery, there is usually no attorney's fee.
This also aligns goals. We have a reason to fight for full value. You get legal representation without hourly billing.
We explain fees clearly before you sign. You will know what the arrangement means. You can ask questions before moving forward.
A lawyer can act fast to protect your case. We can request records before they disappear. We can also guide you around common insurer traps.
Insurance companies may call quickly. They may push a recorded statement. They may offer a fast check.
We handle those contacts for you. We also review insurance policies for limits and underinsured motorist coverage. This matters when bills exceed coverage.
If the case needs a lawsuit, we can file it on time. Utah’s general filing deadline is four years under Utah Code § 78B-2-307.
Early legal help also supports your recovery. It reduces stress and keeps the process organized. It can also improve settlement talks.
What should I do if I am involved in a drunk driving accident in West Jordan?
Get medical attention, call 911, and collect basic evidence if safe. Get witness contacts and the accident report number. Avoid recorded insurance statements until you get legal advice.
What are the legal consequences of being involved in a drunk driving accident in West Jordan?
The drunk driver may face criminal penalties, license suspension, and fines. Your civil case is separate and focuses on payment for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
What laws regulate drunk driving incidents in West Jordan, Utah?
Utah DUI rules are in Utah Code Title 41. Other laws may affect deadlines and fault in civil claims. A lawyer can explain how they apply to your crash.
When should I contact a West Jordan drunk driving accident lawyer after an incident?
As soon as possible. Early contact helps preserve evidence, manage insurers, and protect deadlines. It also helps you avoid mistakes that can weaken a claim.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Possibly. Utah’s comparative negligence law may reduce your recovery. If you are 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.
What if the drunk driver does not have enough insurance coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage may help, and other liable parties may exist. A lawyer can review insurance policies and pursue all available sources of compensation.
If a drunk driver in West Jordan hurt you, you should not have to fight insurance adjusters alone. Lance Bingham offers a free consultation to help you understand your legal rights and your options for a civil claim. We will review the accident reports, medical records, and key facts, then explain what your case may be worth.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step forward. If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and fight for the result you deserve.
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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