Lehi DUI Accident Lawyer

Our team is dedicated to helping DUI accident victims navigate the complexities of the legal process with care and determination. Contact us now to get started on your case and take the first step toward recovery.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a DUI driver in Lehi, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages, and suffering. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our experienced DUI accident lawyers are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping victims get the justice they deserve. 

DUI accidents can lead to serious injuries and long-term consequences, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Whether you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma, we’ll fight for the compensation you need to move forward. 

Since 1993, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks has been a trusted advocate for injury victims throughout Utah, operating from our offices in Provo and South Jordan. As the first law firm south of Salt Lake County to focus exclusively on personal injury law, we have built a legacy of dedicated representation. 

With a combined 150 years of experience, our trial attorneys have successfully fought  for countless’ clients rights, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. We take pride in standing by the injured, providing skilled legal guidance, and relentlessly pursuing justice on their behalf. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your rights are protected.

Overview of DUI Accidents in Lehi

DUI accidents are a significant problem in Lehi, as impaired driving continues to pose serious risks to both drivers and pedestrians. DUI accidents occur when a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs their ability to drive safely. 

These accidents can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. The consequences of DUI accidents are often devastating, and the legal process to seek compensation can be complex.

In Lehi, like the rest of Utah, driving under the influence is illegal and considered a criminal offense. Unfortunately, despite strict laws, impaired drivers continue to put others at risk. 

DUI accidents can occur for various reasons, such as speeding, failure to yield, or simply a lack of awareness due to the impairing effects of alcohol or drugs. The severity of the accident can vary, from minor collisions to catastrophic crashes that result in permanent injury or loss of life.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident in Lehi, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. Victims of DUI accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

A skilled Lehi DUI accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Common consequences of DUI accidents include:

• Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or head trauma
• Psychological trauma and emotional distress
• Medical expenses and long-term rehabilitation costs

If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, seeking legal counsel is the first step toward holding the responsible party accountable.

Utah’s DUI Laws and Penalties

Utah has strict DUI laws in place to ensure that impaired drivers are held accountable for their actions and to reduce the risk of accidents caused by alcohol and drug impairment. DUI stands for “driving under the influence,” and in Utah, it covers both alcohol and drug impairment. The state’s DUI laws are particularly strict compared to other states, with low blood alcohol concentration limits and harsh penalties for offenders.

In Utah, the legal limit for BAC is 0.05%. This is significantly lower than the 0.08% limit found in many other states. If a driver’s BAC is found to be above this threshold, they can be arrested for DUI. 

However, it’s important to note that a DUI charge can still occur even if a driver’s BAC is below the legal limit if alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both impair their ability to drive safely.

Penalties for a DUI conviction in Utah may include:

• Fines ranging from $700 to $2,000, depending on the severity of the offense
• License suspension for a period of time, often up to 18 months
• Mandatory alcohol education and treatment programs
• Possible jail time, especially for repeat offenders or cases involving aggravated circumstances
• Installation of an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle

For those involved in a DUI accident, the consequences can be even more severe. If a DUI accident results in injury or death, the driver may face felony charges, increased penalties, and a longer prison sentence.

Victims of DUI accidents need to understand that Utah’s DUI laws can significantly impact the legal process. Not only is the impaired driver criminally liable, but they may also face civil liability for the injuries and damages caused. A DUI accident lawyer can help victims navigate this complex legal landscape and seek the compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of DUI Accidents

DUI accidents occur when a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, impairing their ability to drive safely. 

These accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, and understanding the common causes can help in both prevention and legal action following such an incident.

Alcohol Impairment:
One of the most common causes of DUI accidents is alcohol impairment. When a driver consumes alcohol, it affects their coordination, reaction times, and judgment. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair a person’s ability to make quick decisions on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents such as rear-end collisions, lane drift, and failure to yield.

Drug Impairment:
Driving under the influence of drugs, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances, is another major cause of DUI accidents. 

Drugs can impair cognitive functions, affect decision-making, and lead to erratic driving behavior. Common drugs involved in DUI accidents include marijuana, prescription painkillers, and stimulants like cocaine.

Combining Alcohol and Drugs

The combination of alcohol and drugs can have a more pronounced effect on impairment, making a driver more susceptible to accidents. This combination often leads to severe drowsiness, slowed reaction times, and difficulty concentrating, resulting in dangerous driving behavior.

Speeding and Recklessness
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs often engage in reckless or negligent driving behavior, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or aggressive driving. This behavior increases the risk of accidents, especially in high-speed areas or congested traffic.

Distraction
Impaired drivers are more likely to become distracted by their surroundings or engage in other risky behaviors, such as using a cell phone, failing to pay attention to traffic conditions, or failing to yield to pedestrians.

Victims of DUI accidents in Lehi can seek compensation for their injuries with the help of an experienced lawyer, who will investigate the causes of the accident and ensure the responsible party is held accountable.

Steps to Take After a DUI Accident in Lehi

If you’ve been involved in a DUI accident in Lehi, taking the right steps after the incident is crucial to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and build a strong case for compensation. Here’s what you should do:

Ensure Your Safety:
Immediately check yourself and others for injuries. If it’s safe, move to a secure location away from traffic to avoid further harm. If necessary, call 911 for medical assistance.

Call the Police:
Contact the police and report the DUI accident. A police report is essential for documenting the incident and will be necessary for insurance claims and legal actions. When the police arrive, provide a clear and factual account of the accident.

Gather Evidence at the Scene:
Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This can include:

• Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
• Contact information of any witnesses
• The other driver’s insurance information and license details
• Statements from the police officer or notes on the police report
• Video footage, if available, from nearby surveillance cameras

Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you don’t feel injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical care will also create a record of your injuries, which will be vital documentation for legal and insurance purposes.

Notify Your Insurance Company:
Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but avoid making detailed statements until you consult with an attorney. It’s important not to accept blame or admit fault at this point. 

Consult an Experienced DUI Accident Lawyer:
Consult with one of our Lehi DUI accident lawyers to protect your legal rights and maximize compensation. We will guide you through the process and help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Taking these steps will help ensure that you’re prepared to navigate the aftermath of a DUI accident and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Determining Liability in DUI Accident Cases

Determining liability in DUI accident cases can be complex, but it is critical for securing the compensation you deserve. Liability refers to the legal responsibility for the accident, and in DUI cases, the intoxicated driver is typically the primary liable party. However, various factors and evidence must be considered to establish fault and support a claim.

Primary Liability: The Intoxicated Driver
In most DUI accident cases, the intoxicated driver is automatically considered the at-fault party. If the driver is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are generally held accountable for the damages caused by the accident. 

However, liability must still be established through evidence such as:

• Police reports documenting DUI charges
• Sobriety tests or breathalyzer results
• Witness statements confirming impaired driving behaviors, like swerving or running red lights

Comparative Fault
In some cases, liability may be shared between the DUI driver and another party, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Utah follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning if both the victim and the intoxicated driver are partially responsible for the crash, the victim’s compensation may be reduced according to their percentage of fault. 

For instance, if the victim was jaywalking when struck, their compensation might be reduced, but they can still recover damages as long as they are less than 50% responsible.

Third-Party Liability
Occasionally, liability may extend beyond the intoxicated driver. Suppose the DUI driver was working at the time of the crash. In that case, their employer may be held responsible under vicarious liability if the driver was acting within the scope of their employment. 

In certain cases, a bar or social host who served alcohol to an already intoxicated person might also be partially liable. For example, if a bar in Lehi’s Thanksgiving Point area continued serving alcohol to a visibly impaired patron who later caused a drunk driving accident on Timpanogos Highway, the establishment could be held responsible under Utah’s dram shop laws.

Establishing liability requires thorough investigation and expert testimony. Consulting with an experienced DUI accident lawyer ensures all avenues are explored and you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Compensation Available for DUI Accident Victims

If you or a loved one have been involved in a DUI accident in Lehi, understanding the compensation available to you is essential for covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. DUI accidents often result in severe injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardship. Fortunately, victims of DUI accidents can pursue various types of compensation to help alleviate these burdens.

Types of Compensation Available in DUI Accident Cases

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for tangible, measurable losses incurred as a result of the accident. These damages may include:

• Medical expenses: This includes immediate hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and future medical care related to the injury.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income during recovery.
• Property damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your vehicle, as well as personal belongings damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are awarded for intangible losses that do not have a specific monetary value but still significantly affect the victim’s quality of life. These include:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury, including anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Loss of consortium: If the accident has negatively impacted your relationship with a spouse or family member, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.
• Emotional distress: The trauma and emotional toll the accident places on victims and their families can be compensated.

Punitive Damages

In certain DUI accident cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar reckless behavior in the future. While not common in every case, punitive damages are typically awarded when the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, such as:

• Driving with an extremely high blood alcohol content
• A history of repeat DUI offenses
• Drunk driving that caused significant harm or fatalities

Punitive damages are meant to go beyond compensating the victim and serve as a deterrent to prevent future DUI-related accidents.

Compensation for Long-Term Injuries

If a DUI accident causes long-term or permanent disabilities, the compensation could be substantial, as it accounts for the lifelong impact of the injury. This includes:

• Long-term medical care: You may require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or assistive devices like wheelchairs or prosthetics.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries impair your ability to work in the future, compensation may cover the income you would have earned.
• Vocational rehabilitation: If the injury prevents you from returning to your previous occupation, compensation may cover retraining or education for a new career.

Steps to Maximize Compensation

Gather Evidence

To strengthen your claim, it’s essential to collect as much evidence as possible, such as:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Witness statements and video footage (if available)
• Photos of injuries, the accident scene, and property damage

Consult with an Experienced DUI Accident Lawyer

An experienced lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process, help you understand your rights, and negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. A skilled attorney will fight for your best interests and ensure that you receive the full extent of damages you deserve.

Compensation for DUI accident victims can cover a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the case. 

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a DUI Accident

After a DUI accident in Lehi, dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most stressful parts of the process. While insurance is intended to protect you after an accident, the reality is that insurance companies are primarily focused on minimizing payouts and protecting their bottom line. 

As a result, navigating the insurance claims process after a DUI accident requires careful attention and strategy.

Understanding the Role of Insurance in DUI Accidents

Insurance coverage plays a significant role in DUI accident cases, as the at-fault driver’s insurance policy should cover the costs associated with your injuries and damages. 

However, because the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, there may be complications in dealing with their insurance company. Insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay your injuries or shift the blame in order to reduce the payout.

It’s important to understand the different types of coverage that may apply, including:

• Liability insurance: Covers injuries and damages caused by the at-fault driver. This is the primary insurance for a DUI accident case.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage: If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient or if they do not have coverage, your own policy may cover the remaining damages.
• Personal injury protection (PIP): If you have PIP coverage, this can help cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

Challenges You May Face with Insurance Companies

Minimizing Liability

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the compensation they offer by questioning the extent of your injuries or attributing fault to you. In DUI cases, they may try to argue that your injuries are exaggerated or that other factors, such as speeding or distracted driving, played a more significant role.

Delays in Processing Claims

Insurance companies may delay the claims process in an effort to wear down victims and encourage them to accept a lower settlement.

Settlement Offers

Initially, you may receive a settlement offer that seems generous. Still, it often falls short of covering the full extent of your damages, especially when long-term medical treatment or emotional distress is involved.

How to Protect Yourself When Dealing with Insurance Companies

• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, repairs, and any communications with insurance companies. This information will be vital when negotiating a fair settlement.
• Avoid Making Statements: Be cautious about making statements to the insurance adjuster, as anything you say could be used against you to reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Only provide basic details, and avoid admitting any fault.
• Consult a Lawyer: Consulting an experienced DUI accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance companies. Our team of lawyers will work on your behalf to ensure you’re not taken advantage of by adjusters and that you receive fair compensation.
• Don’t Settle Too Quickly: Insurance companies often push for quick settlements, but this may not cover all of your medical expenses or long-term costs. Consult with your lawyer before agreeing to any settlement offer.

Dealing with insurance companies after a DUI accident can be frustrating and overwhelming. By understanding the role of insurance, documenting your injuries, and consulting a skilled lawyer, you can protect your interests and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. 

If you’ve been involved in a DUI accident in Lehi, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced lawyer for help with your claim.

How Our Firm Assists DUI Accident Victims in Lehi

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a DUI accident can take on a victim and their family. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation for those injured in DUI accidents in Lehi. 

With years of experience handling complex accident claims, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation and Investigation

When you contact our firm, we begin by thoroughly evaluating the details of your case. We listen carefully to your story, gather evidence, and assess the full extent of your injuries. DUI accident cases are often complicated because they involve multiple parties, including the at-fault driver, their insurance company, and potentially other third parties, such as bars or restaurants that served alcohol to the driver. 

Our team will conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances of your accident to ensure that we have all the facts needed to support your claim. This includes:

• Collecting police reports and accident scene evidence
• Interviewing witnesses and experts
• Reviewing medical records to determine the full impact of your injuries

Fighting for Fair Compensation

After a DUI accident, victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care expenses. In many cases, these costs can be overwhelming, especially if your injuries require long-term treatment or rehabilitation. 

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our goal is to help you recover not only for your immediate medical expenses but for all the long-term financial impacts of your injuries. We assist DUI accident victims by:

• Pursuing full compensation for medical expenses, including past, present, and future treatments
• Recovering lost wages for the time you’ve missed from work due to your injuries
• Seeking compensation for pain and suffering as a result of the physical and emotional toll caused by the accident
• Addressing property damage to your vehicle or other property

Navigating Insurance Companies

One of the most challenging aspects of DUI accident claims is dealing with insurance companies. Insurers are often focused on minimizing their payouts, and in DUI cases, they may attempt to place blame on you, minimize your injuries, or offer an inadequate settlement. 

Our firm has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and will handle all communications with them on your behalf. We work diligently to ensure that you receive a fair settlement, and if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable payout, we are prepared to take your case to court. We provide:

• Aggressive negotiation with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
• Assistance with your own insurance if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured
• Expert legal representation in court if a settlement cannot be reached

Protecting Your Rights and Interests

Our team is committed to protecting your rights throughout the entire legal process. We understand that being involved in a DUI accident can be overwhelming, and the legal process may seem confusing. 

We prioritize explaining your rights, answering your questions, and keeping you informed about your case’s progress. By choosing Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, you gain a dedicated legal team that will:

• Provide personalized support and guidance every step of the way
• Ensure your rights are upheld throughout the legal process
• Advocate for you with compassion and understanding, allowing you to focus on healing

Why Choose Our Firm?

No one should have to face the aftermath of a DUI accident alone. Our firm’s reputation for handling DUI accident cases in Lehi and securing favorable client outcomes speaks for itself. With our proven track record of success, we offer:

• Experienced legal representation in DUI accident claims
• Personalized attention to each client’s unique situation
• A commitment to achieving justice and the best possible outcome for your case

If you or a loved one have been injured in a DUI accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks. Our skilled attorneys are here to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.  

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accident Claims in Lehi

When involved in a DUI accident in Lehi, victims often have many questions about their rights, the legal process, and how they can recover compensation for their injuries. Below are some common questions that DUI accident victims may have, along with helpful answers.