Average Settlement Hit by Drunk Driver in Salt Lake City, UT
Wondering What a Drunk Driving Accident Claim Might Be Worth?
Getting hit by a drunk driver is more than just another car accident—it’s a reckless, avoidable act that leaves real people facing serious injuries, medical bills, and lost time from work.
If you’re searching for the average settlement when hit by a drunk driver, you’re probably trying to figure out what your case is worth and what to expect next.
The truth? Every case is different. But at West Injury Law, we’ve helped DUI crash victims across Salt Lake City recover the compensation they deserve—and we know what factors drive settlement amounts higher. This post breaks down real numbers, what affects them, and how we help clients maximize their recovery after a drunk driving crash.
Is There an Average Settlement for Being Hit by a Drunk Driver?
Not really—and any article claiming otherwise is oversimplifying a complex, case-specific process.
At West Injury Law, we’ve seen DUI injury settlements in Utah range anywhere from $10,000 to $500,000, depending on the specifics. When the injuries are severe and the driver’s behavior was especially reckless, total compensation can climb well over $1 million.
Settlement values depend heavily on:
-
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or PTSD
- Punitive damages (often awarded in DUI crash cases)
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Often Lead to Higher Settlements
Here’s what makes DUI injury claims different: intentional recklessness.
Drunk drivers make a conscious choice to get behind the wheel impaired. Under Utah law, this opens the door to punitive damages—additional compensation designed to punish and deter dangerous behavior.
That’s why settlements in DUI cases often exceed the norm compared to a typical car accident. Insurance companies know juries are less sympathetic to drunk drivers, which puts more pressure on them to settle for a fair amount—or risk losing big in court.
What Victims in Salt Lake City Should Expect
Salt Lake City and surrounding areas like West Valley, Sandy, and Ogden are no strangers to DUI crashes. If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Utah, you’re entitled to seek full compensation for your losses.
Here’s a snapshot of what your settlement could include:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, physical therapy, prescription meds, lost income, home modifications, future surgeries
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, reduced quality of life
- Punitive damages: If the drunk driver’s conduct was egregious, a jury may award additional money
At West Injury Law, we fight for every dollar you deserve—and we’re not afraid to take on the insurance giants.
What If the Drunk Driver Wasn’t Insured?
Utah has a significant number of uninsured or underinsured drivers. If the drunk driver who hit you doesn’t have enough coverage, you still have options:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Your own insurance may step in to cover the gap
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Utah is a no-fault state, so your PIP will cover initial medical bills
- Dram Shop Lawsuits: In rare cases, bars or establishments that overserved the drunk driver could be held partially liable
Don’t Settle for the Insurance Company’s First Offer
Insurance companies want to protect their bottom line—not your best interests.
They may:
- Downplay the seriousness of your injuries
- Try to shift blame or deny liability
- Offer a quick, lowball settlement before you realize the full extent of your damages
That’s why it pays to work with a skilled Salt Lake City drunk driving accident lawyer. At West Injury Law, we don’t just “handle” your case—we fight for it.
How Our Salt Lake City Injury Lawyers Help
From the moment you contact us, we go to work building your case:
- Preserving evidence (dash cams, police reports, BAC levels)
- Working with medical experts to document your injuries
- Calculating damages accurately, including future care and wage loss
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Preparing for trial if they won’t do the right thing
You focus on healing. We’ll focus on securing maximum compensation.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, time is critical. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries
- Get witness contact info
- Request a copy of the police report
- Call West Injury Law before speaking with any insurance company
The sooner we can step in, the better your chances of recovering full damages.
Talk to a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Salt Lake City Today
Every day you wait, evidence disappears—and the insurance company gains an advantage.
At West Injury Law, we’ve helped victims across Utah get justice after being hit by a drunk driver. Whether your case involves mild injuries or life-changing trauma, we’re ready to stand beside you—and go toe-to-toe with insurers trying to shortchange your pain.
Call us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Located in Salt Lake City. Serving all of Utah.
You didn’t ask to be hit by a drunk driver. But you can demand justice. Let’s make it happen.
