Key Takeaways:
- New Year’s Eve is one of Utah’s most dangerous nights for alcohol-related crashes, especially along I-15 and busy city streets.
- Victims may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
- Knowing what to do immediately after the crash can protect your rights and strengthen your injury case.
New Year’s Eve should be a night of celebration, but for far too many Utah families, it becomes a night marked by tragedy. Alcohol-related crashes surge across Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and along the Wasatch Front as impaired drivers flood the roads after midnight.
If you were hit by a drunk driver on New Year’s Eve, you may feel overwhelmed, shocked, and unsure of what to do next. Injuries from these collisions are often severe, and the legal process is complicated by criminal charges, insurance disputes, and time-sensitive evidence.
At Steele Adams Hosman, we help Utah accident victims navigate some of the toughest cases, including crashes involving drunk drivers. This guide covers the essential steps to take, your legal rights, and how to protect your future after a life-changing collision.
Why New Year’s Eve Is Especially Dangerous in Utah
New Year’s Eve is consistently one of the deadliest holidays for drunk-driving crashes nationwide, and, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recent data shows December drunk driving deaths are the highest in 15 years. Alcohol consumption increases throughout the night, and late-night driving combines fatigue, distraction, and winter road conditions.
In Utah, these dangers intensify due to:
- Icy roads and early darkness across the Wasatch Front
- Heavy traffic around Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo
- Out-of-town visitors unfamiliar with Utah roads
- High-risk locations, including I-15, I-80, State Street, 700 East, and Foothill Drive
Drunk-driving victims often suffer catastrophic injuries because impaired drivers:
- Speed excessively
- Drift across lanes
- Fail to brake
- Drive the wrong way
- Ignore traffic signals
These reckless actions lead to high-impact collisions with devastating consequences.
Common Injuries After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Collisions involving impaired drivers tend to be more violent and more severe than typical accidents. Victims often experience injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations
- Long-term mobility and nerve damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
These injuries can require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and major lifestyle adjustments. Families may also face financial strain from medical expenses and lost income.
This is why it’s so important to protect your rights and pursue every available source of compensation.
What to Do Immediately After a Drunk-Driving Accident
Your actions in the minutes, hours, and days following the crash can make a significant difference in your legal case.
1. Call 911 Immediately
A police report is essential. When alcohol is involved, officers will conduct field sobriety tests and gather evidence for criminal charges and civil claims.
2. Seek Emergency Medical Care
Even if you feel “okay,” adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Medical records help document the severity of your condition.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (if safe)
Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- The drunk driver’s car
- Skid marks, debris, and traffic signals
- Your injuries
Get contact information for witnesses, too.
4. Do Not Speak with the Drunk Driver’s Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your injuries or shift blame, even when the other driver is clearly intoxicated. Politely decline statements until you have legal representation.
5. Contact a Utah Car Accident Attorney
A skilled attorney can preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Your Legal Rights After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Victims of drunk driving crashes have strong legal protections in Utah. You may pursue multiple types of compensation, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Reduced quality of life
Punitive Damages
In drunk-driving cases, Utah courts often award punitive damages (additional compensation meant to punish reckless behavior and deter future harm).
An experienced attorney from Steele Adams Hosman can evaluate your case and pursue every available avenue for recovery.
Criminal Case vs. Civil Case: What’s the Difference?
Even if the drunk driver is arrested or charged with DUI, this does not provide compensation to victims. Criminal charges punish the offender, but they don’t pay your medical bills or help you recover.
A civil claim is separate and focuses on your injuries, losses, and long-term needs. You may pursue:
- A personal injury claim
- A wrongful death claim (for families who have lost a loved one)
- A dram shop claim, if a bar overserved the driver
Your attorney will help you navigate the civil process while prosecutors handle the criminal side.
Dram Shop Liability: Can Bars or Restaurants Be Held Responsible?
Utah law allows victims to hold alcohol-serving establishments accountable if they overserved a visibly intoxicated person who later caused harm.
A dram shop claim may apply if:
- The driver was slurring speech, stumbling, or showing obvious intoxication
- The bar continued to serve them
- They then caused a crash that injured you
These cases require careful investigation, receipts, witness interviews, and sometimes surveillance footage, all of which Steele Adams Hosman can help collect.
Insurance Complications in Drunk-Driving Cases
Insurance companies know drunk-driving collisions often lead to major payouts, so they begin building their defense immediately. You may encounter tactics such as:
- Minimizing the extent of your injuries
- Pressuring you into a quick settlement
- Claiming you were partially at fault
- Failing to disclose available coverage
This is why representation matters. A dedicated attorney can push back against unfair tactics and ensure the insurer pays what you’re legally owed.
How Steele Adams Hosman Helps Drunk-Driving Victims
Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatic physically, emotionally, and financially. At Steele Adams Hosman, our attorneys offer comprehensive support, including:
- Full investigation of the crash
- Collection of evidence, including BAC results and police reports
- Consultation with medical and financial experts
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
- Trial-ready litigation, if needed
- Compassionate guidance throughout your recovery
We’ve helped Utah families rebuild their lives after devastating holiday crashes, and we’re ready to help you, too.
Injured by a drunk driver on New Year’s Eve? Call Steele Adams Hosman today for a free consultation and learn your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I sue a drunk driver even if they were arrested?
Yes. The criminal case is separate from your personal injury claim. You may pursue compensation regardless of the driver’s criminal status.
2. What if the driver fled the scene?
You may still have a case. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or third-party liability may apply. An attorney can help track down additional sources of compensation.
3. How long do I have to file a claim in Utah?
Utah’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally four years, but acting quickly helps preserve evidence.
4. Can I recover punitive damages?
Yes. Utah courts often award punitive damages in drunk-driving cases due to the reckless nature of the behavior.
5. What if a bar or restaurant overserved the driver?
You may be able to file a dram shop claim against the establishment, especially if staff continued serving a visibly intoxicated person.
