Drunk driving accidents can turn your life upside-down in moments, as the peaceful hum of an ordinary trip gives way to the crushing sounds of metal on metal. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden can feel overwhelming. You might not know what to do next or feel panicked about paying your bills. But remember, you don’t have to manage this challenging journey alone.
At London Harker Injury Law, our Sandy car accident lawyers have decades of experience representing victims of drunk driving accidents. Our compassionate attorneys can guide you through the legal landscape, explain your rights, and stand beside you every step of the way. If you choose us as your representatives, we will work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and more.
Call us at 77CARCRASH today or complete our online form for a complimentary case review.
Types of Drunk Driving Accident Cases We Handle
When it comes to drunk driving accidents, our law firm has seen the heartbreaking variety of scenarios that can occur on the roads of Sandy, Utah. These situations often lead to severe injuries and loss, leaving victims and their families overwhelmed and uncertain. Here are some of the types of drunk driving accident cases our cases are based on:
- Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents: A peaceful walk or bike ride can instantly turn tragic due to a drunk driver. If you followed the rules of the road yet became a victim of a drunk driver, our team can fight for your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
- Rear-end crashes: When intoxicated, a driver’s reaction time slows significantly, often leading to rear-end crashes. These can cause serious injuries, including whiplash and spinal damage.
- Head-on crashes: An impaired driver might drift out of their lane into the path of an oncoming car and cause a collision. These are some of the most dangerous drunk driving accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or even death.
- Intersection accidents: Drunk drivers often disregard traffic signals and signs, leading to devastating intersection accidents. Whether it was the intoxicated driver’s failure to yield, running a red light, or any other negligent behavior that caused the crash, they could be held liable.
- T-Bone accidents: Drunk drivers can easily cause these side-impact crashes by running stop signs or red lights or failing to yield the right-of-way. Such accidents can lead to severe injuries, especially if the impacted vehicle lacks side airbags.
- Sideswipe accidents: When drunk drivers swerve or drift out of their lane, they can sideswipe other cars, causing significant damage and injuries.
- Hit-and-run accidents: Leaving the scene of an accident is not just irresponsible; it’s against Utah law. If they can be found, they can be held accountable for your injuries and losses. If not, there are other ways to cover your medical bills.
- Wrongful death cases: In the most tragic cases, drunk driving accidents can lead to the loss of a loved one. Our empathetic attorneys can guide you through filing a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking compensation for the unimaginable loss you’ve experienced.
Sandy, UT, Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Despite strict laws against drunk driving and decades of public information campaigns to warn drivers of its dangers, impaired drivers still wreak havoc on Sandy roads. According to research from the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were 31 drunk driving crashes within Sandy city limits during one recent year, while Salt Lake County more broadly recorded 445 drunk driving crashes. Those 31 crashes in Sandy included nine crashes with injuries and none with fatalities, while Salt Lake County recorded 148 injury crashes and 15 fatal crashes.
How Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Being involved in a drunk driving accident can be a harrowing experience, bringing about physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial strain. However, with a skilled personal injury attorney from our firm at your side, you don’t have to handle the complicated aftermath alone. Our attorneys play a crucial role in helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. Here’s how we can help:
- Gathering and Analyzing Evidence: We can meticulously collect and scrutinize every piece of evidence that might prove the drunk driver’s fault, from police reports and medical records to witness testimonies and traffic camera footage. This strong foundation of evidence is crucial for building a convincing case.
- Proving Liability: Once we have gathered all the evidence, we can use our legal knowledge and experience to establish that the drunk driver was at fault. This involves demonstrating that the driver was intoxicated, that their impairment directly led to the accident, and that the accident caused your injuries.
- Calculating Losses: It’s essential not to underestimate the financial impact of a drunk driving crash. We can carefully calculate your current and future expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and costs associated with ongoing care or therapy. We also consider non-economic losses, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize the amount they pay out. We’ll vigorously fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement that truly reflects your losses.
- Litigation: If the other driver or their insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, we can take your case to court. We have extensive trial experience and will passionately advocate for you, presenting a compelling case to the jury.
Who’s Liable for a Drunk Driving Crash in Sandy, UT?
Establishing liability, or legal responsibility, in a drunk driving accident is critical when pursuing a personal injury claim. Here’s who could potentially be liable for a drunk driving crash:
- The Drunk Driver: The driver who chose to drink and get behind the wheel is usually the primary party at fault in a drunk driving accident. Their negligent behavior directly led to the accident, making them responsible for the resulting losses and injuries.
- Dram Shop Liability: In some cases, Utah’s dram shop laws might come into play. Under these laws, businesses such as bars, restaurants, or liquor stores can be liable for a collision if they sold or provided alcohol to a clearly intoxicated person or a minor who then caused a drunk driving accident. It’s worth noting that these cases can be challenging to prove, but our seasoned attorneys have the skills to navigate this complex area of law effectively.
- Social Host Liability: Utah law also says social hosts – individuals hosting a party or gathering – can be held responsible for a crash if they provide alcohol to a minor who subsequently causes a drunk driving accident.
Compensation for a Sandy Drunk Driving Crash
If you’ve suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident, it’s crucial to understand that you have a right to compensation, or damages, for a wide range of losses. These losses can be broadly categorized into economic and non-economic losses. Here’s what they include:
Economic Losses
These are the tangible, out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident and injuries. They include:
- Medical Expenses: This can cover everything from emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy to future medical costs for ongoing care or rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries forced you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn, you could recover compensation for those lost wages. If your injuries impact your future earning capacity, you may also seek compensation for future lost earnings.
- Property Damage: This includes the costs to repair or replace your vehicle or any other property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Losses
These are more intangible losses, yet they can be just as, if not more, impactful than economic losses. They include:
- Pain and Suffering: Money for pain and suffering compensates for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve experienced due to the accident and your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Accidents can lead to significant emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. You deserve compensation for this psychological impact.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, recreational activities, or any other aspects of life that you used to enjoy, you could receive compensation for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may seek compensation for loss of companionship, affection, and comfort.
Deadline to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Utah
In Utah, as in all states, you don’t have an indefinite period to file a lawsuit after a car accident. The statute of limitations in Utah sets a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party after a crash.
For personal injury claims – including those arising from drunk driving accidents – you have four years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the liable party. However, bear in mind that crucial evidence can quickly disappear or deteriorate, so act quickly after a crash. Hire an attorney so you miss no critical deadlines.
Our Sandy, UT, Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Are Here for You
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. The experienced team at London Harker Injury Law is ready to support you every step of the way, advocating fiercely on your behalf and ensuring your rights are protected. Call us today at 77CARCRASH or complete our contact form for a free case review. Let us help you regain control of your life.
