The Legal and Personal Consequences of DUI: Insights from a Utah Personal Injury Lawyer in 2024

In Utah, driving under the influence or DUI is a serious offense with far-reaching consequences, both legally and personally. As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact that DUI-related accidents can have on individuals and their families. In this blog post, we’ll explore the legal ramifications of driving under the influence, the potential personal injuries that can result from DUI accidents, and the importance of seeking legal recourse if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver.

 

Man Killed in Salt Lake City This Past Sunday

Before we dive deeper into this blog, let’s discuss a recent unfortunate case that happened in Utah this past weekend. For more detailed information on the article please click this link ksltv.com.

This past Sunday at 6:30am, a father and a son were returning from a father-son-trip when a wrong-way driver slammed into them on the highway. The father, who was the driver, tried to swerve out of the way of the incoming vehicle, but was unable to avoid the accident. Very regrettably, the son who was in the passenger seat, died instantly at the scene, and his father suffered significant injuries requiring immediate medical attention.

After further investigating, it was determined the wrong-way driver was driving under the influence at the time of the crash. The victims family is devastated and speaking out with the hope that whoever listens to their message will never get behind the wheel if intoxicated.

We would like to send many prayers to the victim’s family. Information provided from ksltv.com.

 

Understanding Utah’s DUI Laws:

After seeing the consequences as a result of a DUI accident above, it is always important to have a basic understanding of the laws governing Driving Under the Influence offenses.

In Utah, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher. Additionally, impairment by drugs, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances, can also lead to DUI charges and further penalties.

Let’s dive a little deeper and into more detail on the legal consequences and personal injuries that can result from accidents caused by impaired drivers.

 

What are the Legal Consequences of DUI in Utah?

1. Criminal Penalties:

   DUI is considered a criminal offense in Utah, and those convicted can face fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory substance abuse education or treatment, community service, and even jail time.

2. Civil Liability:

   In addition to criminal charges, individuals who cause accidents while driving under the influence can be held civilly liable for damages. This includes compensating victims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the accident.

3. Ignition Interlock Device (IID):

   Utah requires all DUI offenders, including first-time offenders, to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver’s BAC exceeds a certain threshold.

 

What are Some Personal Injuries Resulting from DUI Accidents?

1. Physical Trauma:

   This is the most common consequence. Victims of DUI accidents may suffer a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage.

2. Emotional Distress:

   The emotional toll of a DUI accident can be profound, leading to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological issues for both victims and their families.

3. Wrongful Death:

   Tragically, like the case we discussed above, DUI accidents can result in fatalities, leaving families grieving the loss of loved ones and facing unimaginable emotional and financial challenges.

 

So What Should You Do if You or Someone You Know is a Victim of a DUI Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a DUI-related accident in Utah, it’s essential to seek legal recourse to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We, at Symco Injury Law Group, can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests in court if necessary.

As a personal injury attorney in Utah, I’m committed to advocating for victims of DUI accidents and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. We can help you whether the accident happened in West Valley City, Draper, Salt Lake City, Farmington or Ogden.

 

Contact Us!

If you or a loved on need help or have a question or concern, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation via our website Symco Injury Law Group or call or text us anytime at 801-738-9999.