West Jordan DUI Accident Lawyer

Drunk drivers cause devastating accidents and life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one was injured in a DUI crash in West Jordan, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks will hold the negligent party accountable. Call (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation today.

Driving through West Jordan should be a safe and routine experience, but accidents caused by drunk or impaired drivers can change everything in an instant. A collision like this can leave you with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and emotional trauma that lingers long after the crash. On top of that, dealing with insurance companies can be confusing and frustrating, especially if they try to minimize or deny your claim.

Drunk and drug-impaired driving is one of the most preventable causes of accidents, yet it continues to put innocent people at risk. Many victims find it difficult to get fair compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and other damages, making an already stressful situation even harder.

The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone. A West Jordan DUI accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we have the experience to handle tough cases and negotiate with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

Common Causes of DUI Accidents in West Jordan

Many DUI accidents share common threads. While each situation is unique, certain patterns frequently emerge in West Jordan:

Alcohol Impairment

When people consume alcohol, their motor skills, reaction times, and judgment degrade, even at relatively low blood alcohol levels. Utah’s legal BAC limit stands at 0.05%, currently one of the strictest in the nation. Drivers who exceed this limit may struggle to stay in their lane, misjudge distances, or fail to stop in time for traffic signals. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns, alcohol-related crashes continue to harm residents, sometimes resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Drug Impairment

Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. Illegal drugs like marijuana, methamphetamine, or opioids can profoundly affect coordination and reaction times. Even prescription medications, especially those that cause drowsiness, can lead to dangerously reduced alertness behind the wheel. Proving drug-related impairment may require blood tests, police observation, and expert testimony, making these cases particularly complex.

Repeat Offenders

In some unfortunate scenarios, the driver causing a DUI accident is a repeat offender. They may have prior DUI convictions and continue to drive under the influence, jeopardizing everyone’s safety on the road. Repeat offenders often face harsher criminal penalties, but that doesn’t erase the suffering inflicted on victims who may face long recoveries and steep financial hardships.

Understanding the root cause of an accident can help victims hold the at-fault driver accountable. Whether you were struck by someone severely over the legal limit or blindsided by a driver impaired by drugs, a West Jordan DUI accident lawyer can help pinpoint liability, gather compelling evidence, and pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Utah law.

Utah DUI Laws and Penalties and How They Apply in West Jordan

Utah enforces some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, aiming to reduce alcohol- and drug-related collisions. Residents of West Jordan need to know these laws to understand how fault and liability are determined after an accident:

1. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits: Utah made headlines as the first state to lower its BAC limit from 0.08% to 0.05%. Drivers who exceed this threshold can be arrested and charged with DUI. If a driver involved in an accident tests above 0.05%, it can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in a civil claim for damages.
2. Drugged Driving: Utah’s DUI statutes also cover drugged driving, whether it involves illegal substances or prescribed medications. The main question is whether the driver was impaired to the extent that it hindered their ability to drive safely.
3. Criminal Penalties: Those convicted of DUI may face fines, license suspensions, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time, especially for repeat offenses. For instance, a first DUI offense might result in up to 6 months in jail and a $1,310 fine, while subsequent convictions carry harsher penalties. These criminal proceedings often run in parallel to any civil personal injury claims the victim may pursue.
4. Enhanced Penalties for Severe Outcomes: If a DUI accident causes serious bodily injury or death, felony charges and increased fines or prison sentences may apply. Though criminal penalties focus on punishing the offender, they can also bolster a victim’s civil case by demonstrating the defendant’s recklessness.

While the criminal justice system aims to penalize the intoxicated driver, it doesn’t automatically address a victim’s financial and emotional harm. That’s where civil legal action can help. A West Jordan DUI accident lawyer may use evidence from the DUI charges, like blood test results or police testimony, to strengthen a personal injury claim for damages.

Determining Liability in DUI Accident Cases

When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they usually bear significant responsibility if they cause a crash. Still, establishing liability in a West Jordan DUI accident case involves gathering evidence and identifying all contributing factors. Below are some key points:

• The Impaired Driver: Generally, the intoxicated individual is at fault if they violated Utah’s DUI standards. Proof could include a police officer’s testimony, field sobriety test results, or laboratory data on blood alcohol content. Even if the driver’s BAC is below 0.05%, a civil claim can argue that any level of impairment played a role in the collision.
• Comparative Negligence: Utah’s comparative negligence system allows multiple parties to share fault. If the accident victim is found partially responsible, perhaps by speeding or ignoring traffic signals, their compensation might be reduced proportionally. However, an experienced attorney can help minimize any unfair allocation of blame.
• Third-Party Liability: Occasionally, a third party shares responsibility. For instance, if a bar or restaurant over-served a visibly intoxicated patron who later caused a crash, the establishment might face partial liability under Utah’s dram shop laws. Proving such cases can be intricate, requiring evidence that the server knowingly gave alcohol to someone already drunk.
• Vehicle Owner or Employer: If the DUI driver was using someone else’s vehicle or driving as part of their job, the vehicle owner or employer could share fault under certain conditions, such as negligence in lending a car to an unfit driver or failing to enforce safe driving policies.

Establishing liability can directly affect the settlement or court award a victim receives. By conducting a thorough investigation, collecting witness statements, analyzing crash reports, and reviewing the DUI arrest details, a West Jordan DUI accident lawyer from Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can help demonstrate how the driver’s impairment caused your injuries, leading to stronger grounds for a claim.

Steps to Take After a DUI Accident in West Jordan

If you’ve been involved in a DUI-related crash, knowing what to do right afterward can safeguard your well-being and legal rights:

• Call 911: Your first priority is getting medical help for anyone injured. Request the presence of West Jordan police, as the officer’s report and any suspected DUI observations can be critical later.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor promptly. Some symptoms, like internal bleeding or whiplash, might not be obvious at the scene.
• Gather Evidence: If you’re able, take pictures of the cars, skid marks, any traffic signals, and your injuries. Note the contact details of the witnesses. If the other driver shows signs of intoxication, like slurred speech or difficulty balancing, record those observations.
• Limit Communications: Cooperate with law enforcement but avoid making statements like “It’s partly my fault.” Such remarks can be misconstrued by insurance adjusters or used against you.
• Notify Insurers: File a claim with your insurance, but be wary of giving detailed recorded statements until consulting a lawyer. The at-fault driver’s insurer might seek reasons to downplay or deny your claim.
• Contact a DUI Accident Lawyer: A local West Jordan attorney can handle conversations with insurance carriers, determine liability, and help push for full and fair compensation while you recover.

Compensation Available for DUI Accident Victims

DUI crashes cause more than mere vehicle damage; they often leave victims in physical pain, struggling financially, and dealing with lasting emotional harm. Under Utah law, those injured by an impaired driver have the right to seek various types of compensation. Here are the most common categories:

Medical Bills

From initial hospital visits and surgeries to follow-up treatments, rehabilitation, and prescription medications, these costs can snowball quickly. Victims may also require specialized care or long-term therapies for severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or fractures. An attorney can tally all past and anticipated medical expenses as part of your claim.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

If you miss work while recovering or must reduce hours due to lasting injuries, those lost wages can be recoverable. More severe accidents might permanently reduce your ability to earn a living; perhaps you can’t perform the same job or need to switch to a lower-paying role. Compensation for diminished earning capacity addresses these losses.

Property Damage

Collisions often result in vehicle damage or total loss. If personal belongings, like a phone or laptop, are destroyed in the crash, you can request reimbursement for repairs or replacements.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond financial hits, accidents involving intoxicated drivers can inflict mental anguish, PTSD, and other emotional burdens. Utah recognizes the importance of non-economic damages, awarding compensation for pain, emotional distress, and the negative impact on your everyday life.

Punitive Damages

In especially egregious cases, like when a driver has an extremely high blood alcohol content or is a repeat offender, Utah courts may impose punitive damages. These are meant to punish the defendant’s reckless behavior and deter similar conduct, rather than simply compensating the victim. While punitive damages are rare, they can significantly increase the total award when granted.

Your West Jordan DUI accident lawyer can help you put together a thorough claim that documents each of these damage types. Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks has secured notable settlements, including multimillion-dollar awards in wrongful death and major personal injury cases, underscoring our focus on winning fair compensation for every victim we represent.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a DUI Accident

When a DUI accident disrupts your life, speaking with insurance providers is often one of the most daunting hurdles. Multiple factors, like the impaired driver’s coverage, your own auto policy, and possibly an employer’s or bar’s policy, might be in play. Below are some strategies you can employ to handle these encounters effectively:

1. Notify Your Insurer: Promptly inform your insurer of the crash, even if another driver was clearly at fault. Your policy might offer benefits such as personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Provide basic details, like the time and location of the accident, but avoid making statements about fault or injury severity until you’ve consulted an attorney.
2. Beware of Recorded Statements: Adjusters often ask for a recorded statement, suggesting it’s “routine.” However, they might twist your words to reduce liability. Politely decline until you’ve spoken to a West Jordan DUI accident lawyer. If you do provide a statement, stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about your injuries or your role in the crash.
3. Document Everything: Keep a dedicated folder for accident-related materials. This includes medical bills, photos of your injuries and vehicle damage, police reports, and communication logs with insurance representatives. Organized records allow you or your attorney to respond quickly if an insurer challenges a claim.
4. Understand Coverage Limits: Utah requires minimum liability coverage, but an impaired driver’s policy might not be sufficient for your losses if injuries are severe. If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage, you might tap your own underinsured motorist policy. Having a lawyer evaluate coverage can help identify all possible sources of compensation.
5. Negotiation Tactics: Insurance companies often propose initial offers that are less than you deserve, hoping you’ll accept a quick settlement under financial pressure. A legal advocate can push back by providing solid evidence, medical records, rehab costs, even testimony from financial experts about future expenses. Most adjusters avoid litigation if faced with a strong, well-prepared case.
6. Dealing with Denials: Even if an impaired driver was obviously at fault, insurers may deny claims, citing alleged policy exclusions or questioning the severity of injuries. An experienced attorney can review policy language, gather additional evidence, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to prove the insurer is acting in bad faith.
7. When to File a Lawsuit: Some claims resolve quickly through negotiations, but others stall because the insurer won’t offer a fair amount. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean you’ll definitely go to trial, as many cases still settle. However, taking that step shows you’re serious about pursuing full compensation.

Navigating insurance negotiations can be overwhelming, especially if you’re grappling with physical injuries. By enlisting a West Jordan DUI accident lawyer, you can level the playing field. Our attorneys at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks handle communications with adjusters, gather the documentation needed to validate your claim and explore all insurance options so you receive the coverage you deserve.

How Our Firm Assists DUI Accident Victims in West Jordan

The aftermath of a DUI accident can leave you feeling helpless and uncertain about your future. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand the emotional and financial strain you’re under, especially when you or a loved one is injured because of another person’s reckless decision to drink or use drugs before driving. Here’s how we step in to support victims in West Jordan:

Personalized Initial Consultation

We begin every case with a thorough conversation about your experience and concerns. We’ll ask about the collision’s timing, any police involvement, your medical treatments, and how the crash has impacted your life. This initial fact-finding helps us shape a legal strategy tailored to your unique situation. Our firm has consistently earned a reputation for listening with empathy and offering transparent advice.

Comprehensive Investigation

Our attorneys conduct a deep dive into the circumstances of your crash. This might involve:

• Reviewing police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts who can clarify how the collision unfolded
• Gathering medical records to link your injuries to the accident
• Investigating whether dram shop or third-party liability might apply, for instance, if a bar served a visibly intoxicated patron who then caused the crash

By assembling this evidence, we set a firm foundation for demonstrating the at-fault driver’s negligence.

Handling Insurance Communications

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be overwhelming, particularly if they question the extent of your injuries or push the blame onto you. Our firm manages these negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you aren’t pressured into a quick, unfair settlement. Instead, we methodically document your financial losses, like medical bills and lost wages, and the intangible effects, such as pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.

Calculating Full Damages

DUI accidents often lead to serious injuries requiring extensive recovery time. We work closely with medical professionals to gauge the future costs of rehabilitation, surgeries, or assistive devices. If you can’t return to your prior job or need to reduce hours, we include lost earning capacity in our demands. Our objective is to secure compensation that truly reflects your immediate and long-term needs.

Litigation if Needed

While many of our cases are resolved through settlements, we don’t shy away from litigation. If an insurer refuses to offer a fair amount, we’ll prepare to file a lawsuit. Our attorneys, including Mark T. Flickinger and Brett R. Boulton, have a wealth of courtroom experience, and we are prepared to take your case to trial if that is what it takes to get you a fair outcome.

Compassionate Client Care

Throughout the process, we maintain open lines of communication. You’ll receive updates on negotiations, potential settlement offers, and any new developments. We recognize that injuries from DUI crashes can disrupt every facet of your life, from finances and family routines to your sense of security on the road. Supporting your emotional well-being while fighting for justice is a responsibility we take seriously.

A Record of Results

Our history includes multimillion-dollar outcomes for personal injury victims, reflecting the diligence and tenacity we bring to each case. These results don’t guarantee a specific dollar amount for you, but they do underscore our commitment to seeking the highest compensation possible under Utah law.

If a drunk or drugged driver in West Jordan has derailed your life, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks stands ready to guide you back on track. We’ll shoulder the legal burdens, so you can focus on healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accident Claims in West Jordan