No. Legal errors or poor advice may involve malpractice, not misconduct, and are handled separately.
Preserve records, review engagement terms, and seek guidance promptly to understand available options.
Refusing a breathalyzer test is not recommended for either juveniles or adults. Utah’s implied consent law means refusal can lead to additional penalties, including longer license suspension.
Juvenile records are usually sealed, but exceptions exist. Adult court transfers create permanent records.
Parents are not generally criminally liable but must ensure compliance with court orders. If the parents gave the juvenile the alcohol that led to the DUI, they may be criminally liable for unlawful sale, offer for sale, or furnishing an alcoholic product to a minor. Any sale of alcohol to a minor may also lead to federal charges in addition to state charges.
You should collect the driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance information, and vehicle details. If possible, get contact information from witnesses as well.
You can provide basic information, but be cautious. The other insurer’s goal is to minimize payouts. It’s often best to consult a car accident attorney before giving a recorded statement.
Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear and document all treatment.
In most cases, Utah’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years.
Most personal injury attorneys, including Christensen & Jensen, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they recover compensation for you.