West Valley City DUI Accident Lawyer

Drunk drivers pose a major hazard on Utah roads. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to a drunk driver, Let Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks stand by your side. Call us at (801) 500-4000 for a free, confidential case review.

Getting into an accident with a drunk driver can completely change your life. You might be dealing with serious injuries, emotional stress, and expensive medical bills. What makes it even harder is knowing that someone else’s bad choice to drink and drive caused your suffering. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone while trying to heal and figure out how to move forward.

Insurance companies might try to rush you into a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your needs. It can feel like no one is looking out for you. Without the right help, you might not know your rights or how to get the fair compensation you deserve.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand how tough this is. We’ve been helping accident victims in West Valley City for over 30 years. Our team is here to fight for you with care and dedication. We’ll be by your side every step of the way, making sure you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Common Causes of DUI Accidents

Driving under the influence (DUI) accidents are a serious issue that put lives in danger in West Valley City and all over Utah. To reduce the frequency of these incidents, it’s important for the public to understand the factors that cause them. Here are some of the most common reasons behind DUI-related crashes in the area:

• Drunk Driving: The primary cause of DUI accidents in West Valley is drunk driving. Consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and makes it harder to notice hazards on the road. In a busy city like West Valley, even a minor mistake can have devastating consequences. Alcohol can blur vision, delay responses to sudden stops or changes in traffic, and puts both the driver and others in danger. Even a small amount of alcohol can significantly impact driving ability.
• Drug-Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs, whether prescription medications or illegal substances, is another major factor in many accidents. These substances can cause drowsiness, confusion, and reduced awareness, making it harder to drive safely. Many drivers underestimate how drugs affect their ability to operate a vehicle. When cognitive and physical coordination are impaired, the risk of a crash increases significantly.
• Speeding: Speeding is a dangerous habit that worsens any driving mistake. Driving faster than the posted limit reduces reaction time and makes it harder to avoid obstacles or sudden changes in traffic. When combined with alcohol or drugs, speeding can turn a minor mistake into a serious accident. Higher speeds lead to more forceful collisions, often resulting in severe injuries.

DUI-related accidents have severe consequences, but they can be prevented. By staying focused, following traffic laws, and making responsible choices, drivers can help keep themselves and others safe on the road.

Utah DUI Laws and Penalties for Drunk Drivers

Utah has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, designed to hold offenders accountable and protect the public. Some of these laws and penalties include:

• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits: Utah has one of the nation’s lowest BAC limits. Any driver over 21 who exceeds this limit can face fines, license suspension, or jail time.
• Zero Tolerance for Underage Drivers: Utah enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. Any trace of alcohol in their system can result in a DUI charge. This law ensures young drivers gain experience safely while protecting themselves and others on the road.
• License Suspension and Revocation: One of the most serious penalties for a DUI conviction is losing driving privileges. The suspension duration often depends on BAC level and previous offenses. While this protects public safety, losing a license can significantly impact daily life, from work to family responsibilities.
• Mandatory Alcohol Education Programs: After a DUI conviction, attendance at alcohol education or treatment programs may be required. These programs help offenders understand the dangers of drinking and driving and are typically necessary before the offender can get their license back.
• Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders: Those charged with a second or third DUI face more severe consequences, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended license suspensions. The law makes it clear that repeated violations will not be tolerated.
• Implied Consent Law: Under Utah’s implied consent law, drivers automatically agree to breath or blood tests when pulled over. Refusing to comply can lead to additional penalties.
• Ignition Interlock Device Requirements: For some DUI offenses, an ignition interlock device may be required. This device prevents a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
• Probation and Community Service: In certain cases, offenders may be ordered to serve probation or perform community service, allowing them to demonstrate responsible behavior while serving their sentence outside of jail.

Utah enforces strict DUI laws to keep roads safe and prevent the dangers of impaired driving. Harsh penalties ensure that offenders face serious consequences for their actions. Keeping communities safe starts with enforcing these laws and preventing drunk driving altogether.

Choosing to drive sober is the only way to protect lives and avoid the severe consequences of a DUI.

Determining Fault in a DUI Accident

If you were involved in a DUI accident, understanding how fault is determined can help you get the compensation you deserve. In DUI cases, fault is typically determined by looking at four key factors. These factors include:

• Duty of Care: Every driver has a duty of care to drive safely and follow the law to protect others on the road. This includes staying sober, paying attention, and following traffic signals. When someone drives under the influence, they are not meeting this responsibility and are putting others at risk. If you were injured by a drunk driver, proving they failed in this duty is the first step in showing they are at fault.
• Breach of Duty: To prove fault, you must show that the driver did not follow their duty of care. In DUI accidents, this is often clear because driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous. Evidence like police reports showing a high blood alcohol level, witness statements, or traffic camera footage can help prove the driver was drunk.
• Causation: After proving the driver was careless, you need to show that their actions directly led to the accident. It’s not enough to show they were drunk, you need to connect their drunk driving to the crash. For example, if they ran a red light because they were intoxicated and hit your car, their decision to drive drunk directly caused the accident. Proving this link is essential to establish fault.
• Damages: Once you’ve shown that the driver’s actions caused the accident, you need to prove the damages you suffered. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain, and emotional suffering. Keeping records of your injuries, expenses, and the impact on your daily life helps you seek fair compensation.

Understanding how fault is determined in a DUI accident can help you protect your rights and take the necessary steps to get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a DUI Accident

Being involved in a DUI accident is overwhelming. You’ll likely feel shocked and confused, but taking the right steps immediately can protect your rights and strengthen your case. Here are some of the steps you should take to protect your rights:

• Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: After a DUI accident, your first priority should be safety. You need to check yourself and others for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you or anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Getting medical help ensures your health and creates an official record of your injuries, which you’ll need if you pursue compensation later.
• Contact the Police: You should call the police to report the accident. In West Valley City, officers will document the scene and determine if the other driver was under the influence. Their report can be critical evidence when you pursue a claim. Make sure you get a copy of the report for your records.
• Gather Evidence and Exchange Information: If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene, including your vehicle damage and any visible injuries. You’ll need to exchange information with the other driver, including their name and insurance details. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. This evidence will support your claim when you establish liability.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: You need to inform your insurance company about your accident, but be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts and avoid giving detailed statements that might hurt your case. Insurance companies may use your words against you to minimize your compensation.
• Consult a DUI Accident Lawyer: Navigating the legal process after your accident can be overwhelming, especially while you’re dealing with injuries. An experienced West Valley City DUI accident lawyer will protect your rights and handle insurance negotiations, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They can help you secure fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Properly handling the aftermath of a DUI accident can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal claim. By following these steps, you increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Hhh

Compensation Available for DUI Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident in West Valley City, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Here are some of the types of compensation you may be able to recover:

• Medical Expenses: If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident in West Valley City, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses. This includes immediate costs like emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and medication. Many DUI accident injuries require ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy or rehabilitation. In serious cases, you may need assistive devices or home modifications. You can pursue compensation for both current medical bills and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: Serious injuries from a DUI accident can prevent you from working, leading to lost wages. If you missed work while recovering, you can seek compensation for the income you would have earned. In more severe cases, your injuries may impact your ability to return to your previous job or perform the same duties. This could affect your long-term financial stability.
• Pain and Suffering: DUI accidents don’t just cause physical injuries, they can also result in emotional pain. You may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, or a decreased quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses these non-economic damages. In West Valley City, calculating this involves considering the severity of your injuries and how your life has changed since the accident. An experienced lawyer can help determine a fair amount.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the DUI accident, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs. This includes repairing your car or replacing it if totaled, as well as reimbursement for other damaged personal items. Document the damage by taking pictures and keeping repair estimates.
• Punitive Damages: In DUI accident cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. Unlike compensation meant to cover your losses, punitive damages punish the at-fault driver for their reckless behavior. These damages are typically awarded when the driver’s actions were particularly negligent, such as driving with an extremely high blood alcohol level or being a repeat DUI offender.

Pursuing fair compensation after a DUI accident in West Valley City can be daunting, particularly while dealing with injuries and emotional stress. A skilled DUI accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and fight to secure the full compensation you deserve for your losses.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a DUI Accident

After a DUI accident in West Valley City, dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and stressful. Insurers often try to minimize payouts or delay claims, making it difficult to get the compensation you deserve. Here are some important steps to take to protect yourself and your claim.

• Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately: After a DUI accident in West Valley City, contact your insurance company promptly. Provide basic details like date, time, and location. Avoid discussing fault or injuries, as statements can be used against your claim. Keep communication brief and don’t give recorded statements without consulting a lawyer.
• Limit Communication with the Other Driver’s Insurance: Don’t provide statements to the other driver’s insurance. Their goal is minimizing their payout and they may use your words against you. Politely direct them to your lawyer to avoid accidentally admitting fault or downplaying injuries. Having your lawyer handle all communication protects your rights.
• Keep Detailed Records: Collect all evidence related to the accident, including photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Save medical bills, repair estimates, and insurance communications. Detailed documentation supports your claim for full compensation.
• Hire a DUI Accident Lawyer: An experienced lawyer understands insurance tactics and will fight for your rights. They’ll handle communications, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. Local legal representation in West Valley City can significantly improve your chances of fair compensation.

Dealing with insurance companies after a DUI accident can be stressful, but taking these steps can help protect your claim. With a skilled DUI accident lawyer on your side, you can avoid mistakes, handle negotiations properly, and focus on your recovery.

How Our Firm Helps DUI Accident Victims in West Valley City

A DUI accident can change your life in an instant. From serious injuries to emotional distress and financial hardships, the impact can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident in West Valley City, you deserve legal support from a firm that understands your challenges and is committed to fighting for your rights.

With over 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases, our team at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks knows what it takes to get justice for accident victims. We have helped countless clients in West Valley City navigate the complex legal process, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Here’s how we can help you:

Standing Up to Insurance Companies

After a DUI accident, insurance companies often make quick settlement offers that rarely cover all damages. Our attorneys, Mark Flickinger and Brett Boulton, know the tactics these companies use to undervalue claims. We carefully review every detail to ensure you receive full compensation for current expenses, future medical care, lost earning potential, and long-term recovery costs. We’ve successfully recovered millions for accident victims in West Valley City.

Gathering Strong Evidence

Winning a DUI accident case requires detailed evidence. Attorney Kevin Robson personally oversees the investigative process for many West Valley City clients. We work with accident reconstruction experts who understand specific traffic patterns in high-risk areas like Redwood Road, 3500 South, and Bangerter Highway. Our team gathers key evidence including police reports and toxicology results proving intoxication. We collect surveillance footage from nearby businesses. We obtain witness statements supporting your version of events. By building a solid case from the start, we make it difficult for insurance companies to deny or minimize your claim.

Handling All Legal Paperwork and Deadlines

After an accident, dealing with legal paperwork can add to your stress. Our team is here to take that burden off your shoulders. Attorney Zeb Weeks and our dedicated staff make sure that all documents are filed correctly and on time with West Valley City courts and Utah state agencies. You do not have to worry about missed deadlines or confusing legal forms. We keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring that you know exactly where your case stands. This careful attention to detail helps prevent any mistakes that could weaken your claim.

Representing You in Court When Necessary

While many DUI accident cases settle out of court, we’re prepared to take your case to trial when necessary. Attorneys Daniel Woods and Bruce Franson have successfully represented numerous West Valley City residents in Salt Lake County courts. Our firm’s reputation for trial readiness often forces insurance companies to offer better settlements before reaching court, but we won’t back down from trial if needed to get you fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accidents