Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City, UT
Driving under the influence of alcohol is always an unwise and dangerous decision, but unfortunately, people do it every day. It only takes a moment for a serious accident to happen, and if you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you know this firsthand. When you have suffered losses because of a drunk driver, you can pursue compensation with the help of a Salt Lake City drunk driving accident lawyer.
Why Choose Garner Law Firm?
At Garner Law Firm, we have the legal knowledge and courtroom-tested experience it takes to represent our clients well and help them secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives after an event like a drunk driving accident. Our attorneys have been advocating for their clients for a combined two decades. We are conveniently close to our Salt Lake City clients at our South Jordan office, located at 406 South Jordan Parkway West.
no risk to you,
no fee unless we win.
Insurance companies have lawyers you should have them too.
Drunk Driving Statistics
Sadly, drunk driving claims thousands of lives in the United States every year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that an average of 32 people are killed in the U.S. every day by drunk driving accidents. In 2024, the total number of recorded drunk driving deaths was 11,904. In the same year, Salt Lake City police reported 88 drunk driving accidents.
In most states, the legal blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, limit is 0.08% for driving. However, Utah is different. Utah is one of a few states where the legal BAC limit is 0.05%. At that blood alcohol concentration, most people exhibit effects from alcohol, including lowered inhibitions and slower reflexes.
Compensation for Injuries From Drunk Driving Accidents
If you have been injured because of a drunk driver, you may feel like your life has fallen apart. You may be dealing with increasing medical bills, financial strain because of lost wages, and the psychological trauma that accompanies a traumatic event like a car accident. The good news is that you have legal options to move forward and pursue the compensation you need to put your life back together.
When a person is injured in a car accident, the first option for compensation is usually a car insurance company. In Utah, car insurance policies must include personal injury protection coverage, which covers medical bills and lost wages up to the limits of the policy. If an injured person’s losses exceed the limits of the personal injury protection coverage, the next step is to file a personal injury claim against the driver who was at fault for the accident.
When you file a personal injury claim, you can pursue compensation in the following categories:
- Medical expenses. The cost of medical care is prohibitively high for many people, even with medical insurance. A fair personal injury settlement should offset all of your medical expenses, beginning with emergency room care and ending with your final physical therapy appointment.
- Lost wages. If you are seriously injured in a car accident, it is likely that you’ll be out of work for some time. The pay you lose can represent a significant financial burden for your family, so your compensation should offset those losses.
- Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering represent another typical element of a personal injury settlement. This includes both physical pain from your injury and psychological pain and suffering.
Why You Should Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Sometimes, injury victims wonder if it is really necessary to hire an attorney. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you should absolutely hire a drunk driving accident lawyer at your earliest convenience. Your lawyer can help you file your initial insurance claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and file your personal injury claim if you need to do so. Although most personal injury claims do not result in a trial, if your case does go to court, your attorney can represent you there, too.
FAQs
Does Personal Injury Protection Still Apply if I Am at Fault for the Accident?
Yes, your personal injury protection coverage will help pay for medical costs and lost wages, up to the limit of your policy, even if you were fully or partially responsible for the accident that caused the injury. If you want to pursue further damages, your liability may affect the amount you can recover, but you should be eligible for some compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Utah?
Following a personal injury incident, including a car accident, you have four years to take legal action. This is called a statute of limitations, and it is in place to prevent frivolous claims or claims without substantiating evidence. After four years have passed, you usually cannot file a claim, so it is important to secure legal representation and take action quickly.
How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated in Personal Injury Claims?
It may seem strange to try to assign a number to your pain and suffering, but it is a standard part of personal injury compensation. Usually, pain and suffering are calculated using either the per diem method or the multiplier method. In the per diem method, an injury victim’s pain and suffering are calculated based on the victim’s typical daily earnings. In the multiplier method, their total financial losses are multiplied by a number chosen based on the overall impact on the victim’s life.
What If I Am Worried About Paying for a Lawyer?
It is understandable that you might be concerned about paying for an attorney in your case. At Garner Law Firm, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis. Rather than asking for an up-front fee, we collect a percentage of whatever settlement you receive in your case. You do not pay anything unless we are successful.
Need Representation? Contact Garner Law Firm
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you have the legal right to pursue compensation to restore your life, as much as possible, to the way it was before the accident. At Garner Law Firm, we have the knowledge and experience it takes to advocate for you. Contact us to discuss your case and find out how we can help.
