If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, the road to recovery can be long and challenging.
At Good Guys Injury Law, our dedicated Draper drunk driving accident lawyer is committed to helping victims navigate the aftermath of such devastating incidents. We know how destructive these car accidents can be on individuals and their families.
Overcoming legal obstacles after a drunk driving accident requires expertise and persistence. Our law firm has extensive experience in handling personal injury cases resulting from drunk driving. We are deeply familiar with the laws in Utah and use our knowledge to fight for our clients‘ rights.
By choosing Good Guys Injury Law, you’re not just getting a lawyer; you’re gaining an ally who will stand by you every step of the way.
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Our Draper Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Knows the Dangers of Driving Drunk
Drunk driving poses a huge threat to everyone on the road. The impaired judgment and slowed reaction times of drunk drivers can lead to catastrophic accidents. Our Draper drunk driving accident lawyer has seen firsthand the damage and heartbreak these accidents cause.
Alcohol dramatically decreases a driver’s ability to make sound decisions and react quickly to road conditions. This impairment can turn a routine drive into a deadly encounter. Our law firm is committed to educating the community about the dangers of drunk driving and providing aggressive representation to victims. While drunk driving accidents are criminal law cases, our car accident lawyers can also fight for you through civil litigation.
What Makes Driving Drunk So Dangerous?
- Impaired coordination. Alcohol affects motor skills and balance, making it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles successfully.
- Slowed reaction times. Drunk drivers react more slowly to traffic signals, sudden stops, and other unexpected road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Reduced concentration. Alcohol can cause drivers to lose focus on the road, leading to poor judgment and increased chances of missing critical cues or warnings.
- Poor vision. Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to see clearly, affecting their depth perception and peripheral vision, which are critical for safe driving.
- Increased risk-taking. Alcohol can make drivers more likely to take dangerous risks, such as speeding, aggressive driving, or running red lights, which can lead to dangerous accidents.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents
- Overconsumption at Social Events. Many drunk driving accidents occur because individuals fail to plan how they’ll get home after drinking at parties, bars, or restaurants.
- Underestimating alcohol effects. Drivers often do not realize how impaired they are, thinking they are sober enough to drive when their abilities are highly diminished.
- Lack of alternative transportation. In areas with limited public transportation or expensive taxi services, people may choose to drive themselves, even when intoxicated.
- Peer pressure. Especially among younger drivers, peer pressure can lead to making poor decisions about drinking and driving.
- Repeated offenses. Individuals who have driven drunk before and not been caught or faced drastic consequences are more likely to repeat the behavior, thinking they can avoid detection again.
What Are Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries?
- Head injuries. Drunk driving accidents can cause concussions or more grievous traumatic brain injuries, affecting victims’ cognitive functions.
- Broken bones. The force of a drunk driving accident can fracture bones, requiring long recovery periods and sometimes leaving permanent disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can be particularly grave, leading to partial or full paralysis and a lifetime of medical needs.
- Internal injuries. Internal organs can be damaged in collisions, leading to life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.
- Cuts and lacerations. Glass from shattered windows and metal from twisted car frames can cause serious cuts and scars.
- Emotional trauma. The psychological effect of being involved in a drunk driving accident can be as debilitating as physical injuries, leading to conditions like PTSD.
- Fatalities. Unfortunately, many drunk driving crashes result in fatalities, leaving families to grieve the loss of loved ones.
What Should You Do if You Get Hit by a Drunk Driver?
- Check for injuries. Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.
- Stay safe. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Stay clear of the road to avoid further accidents.
- Call the police. You should have a police report for legal and insurance purposes. The police will document the scene and perform necessary sobriety tests on the suspect.
- Exchange information. Get the contact and insurance information from all parties involved, but limit conversation about the accident to avoid misstatements.
- Document the scene. Snap pictures of the crash scene, your vehicle, and any injuries. These can be essential for your case.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries appear hours or days later. A medical report also serves as important documentation.
- Consult with our lawyer. Before speaking to insurance companies, consult with a Draper drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your rights and options.
Call Your Insurance Company After a Drunk Driving Crash
After ensuring your safety and getting medical help, contacting your insurance company is important. Be factual about the incident, but avoid accepting blame or making definitive statements until you speak with your lawyer. Your insurance company must know about the accident before starting the claims process.
You should also be aware of your insurance coverage. Your policy may include uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection, which is vital in drunk driving accidents. Our law firm can help review your policy to ensure you know your coverage and rights.
Cooperate With Law Enforcement in DUI Investigations
When law enforcement arrives, it’s important to cooperate fully. Provide any information they request, but remember your rights not to self-incriminate. The police report from a DUI investigation will be key evidence in your claim.
Continued cooperation with the police can also ensure the drunk driver is held accountable. Our law firm works closely with law enforcement to gather all required evidence for building a strong case on your behalf.
Good Guys Injury Lawyers Can Help You Take Civil Action After You Get Hit by a Drunk Driver
Taking civil action against a drunk driver is vital in earning the compensation you deserve. Our experienced lawyers are skilled in navigating the complexities of personal injury cases. We focus on getting you the maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
Civil action can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Good Guys Injury Law team will take care of every facet of your case, from investigating the crash to negotiating settlements or going to trial. Let us pursue a personal injury case to recover compensation for your medical bills.
How We Prove Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents
Proving liability in drunk driving car accidents involves demonstrating that the other driver was impaired and at fault. We gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and breathalyzer results. Our firm’s thorough approach ensures we build a strong case to support your claim.
Establishing liability is key to securing compensation. We work tirelessly to show that the drunk driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries and losses. Our detailed familiarity with Utah laws helps us competently advocate for your rights.
Let Us Negotiate With the Insurance Company on Your Behalf
Fighting with insurance companies can be a major hassle. Our law office takes on the burden of negotiation to ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve. We know the tactics insurers use and are prepared to counter them effectively.
We fight to get you a fair settlement that covers all your losses. If the insurance company does not offer a reasonable amount, we are ready to take your case to trial. Our priority is your best interest, and we fight to protect it.
We Can File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against the Drunk Driver
If negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement, submitting a personal injury lawsuit might be necessary. We handle all aspects of the lawsuit, from filing to representing you in court. Our aggressive representation is designed to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Filing a lawsuit can be a robust tool for getting the compensation you need to recover. Our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers have a long history of successful settlements and verdicts, proving that justice is served under our watch.
Potential Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
- Medical expenses. Compensation can cover both current and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost wages. If your injuries stop you from returning to work, you could be compensated for lost wages and earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. Non-economic damages such as emotional trauma are also compensable.
- Punitive damages. After some accidents, punitive damages can be granted to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior.
- Wrongful death. If a loved one died in a drunk driving crash, you might be eligible for damages through a wrongful death claim.
Common Challenges in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
- Proving impairment. It can be challenging to prove the driver was legally impaired during the accident.
- Insurance issues. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, requiring aggressive negotiation tactics.
- Multiple responsible parties. Sometimes, liability may extend beyond the drunk driver to include bars or hosts who served the driver.
- Severe injuries. Severe injuries can complicate the calculation of damages, requiring expert testimony.
- Legal deadlines. Navigating the legal deadlines for filing claims is consequential but can be complex without professional help.
Good Guys Injury Law Has Unparalleled Expertise in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
At Good Guys Injury Law, our team has years of experience and a proven track record in handling drunk driving accident cases. We know the massive toll these crashes have on victims and their families.
Our Utah personal injury lawyer is ready to fight for you if you have been involved in a car accident in the Salt Lake City area. See a doctor after all car and motorcycle accidents. Then, contact our Draper auto accident lawyer for a free consultation.