Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem across the United States, and Michigan is no exception. The consequences of these accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries, emotional trauma, and even loss of life.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Michigan drunk driving accident attorney can help guide you through the legal process, ensuring that justice is served and you receive the compensation you deserve.
We are here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding the role and importance of a drunk driving accident attorney, the legal process in Michigan, common concerns, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Let’s begin.
The Role of Our Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
When you or a loved one is injured in a drunk driving accident, the road to recovery can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance claims, and physical pain, you may not know where to turn.
Our Michigan drunk driving accident attorney steps in to handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on healing.
Investigating the Accident
One of the first steps our attorney will take is to thoroughly investigate the accident. This involves:
- Reviewing police reports and accident details
- Gathering witness statements
- Examining evidence such as dashcam footage or traffic camera recordings
- Consulting with experts (such as accident reconstruction specialists)
This investigation helps build a strong case proving the drunk driver’s negligence and establishing liability.
Proving Negligence
To win a civil case, our attorney must prove that the drunk driver was negligent. In Michigan, negligence in a drunk driving accident typically involves demonstrating:
- The Duty of Care: All drivers have a responsibility to follow traffic laws and avoid behaviors that could endanger others.
- Breach of Duty: By driving under the influence of alcohol, the drunk driver breached their duty of care.
- Causation: The driver’s impaired state directly caused the accident.
- Damages: The victim suffered actual harm (physical, emotional, and financial) as a result of the accident.
Our Michigan drunk driving accident attorney will gather evidence to establish these points and hold the drunk driver accountable.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the payout to accident victims. Without proper legal representation, you may end up accepting a settlement that is far below what you deserve.
An experienced attorney negotiates on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement that covers all medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations with the insurance company fail to result in a fair settlement, our attorney may file a lawsuit and take the case to court. While many cases are settled before going to trial, having an attorney who is prepared to litigate can put pressure on the responsible party and their insurer to offer a better settlement.
How Does Our Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm Make a Difference?
Dealing with the consequences of a drunk driving accident can be so stressful and devasting, and finding the right legal support is essential for securing the justice and compensation you deserve. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we offer unparalleled expertise, dedication, and genuine care to every client we serve.
Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for drunk driving accident claims:
- Extensive Knowledge of Michigan Drunk Driving Laws: Our legal team possesses comprehensive knowledge of Michigan’s drunk driving and personal injury laws. This lets us create a strong and convincing case tailored to your unique situation, ensuring all angles are covered.
- Strong Track Record of Success: We have a proven history of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts for drunk driving accident victims. Our consistent results demonstrate our commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
- Personalized Legal Representation: At the CEO Lawyer #Personal Injury Law Firm, you’re more than just a case file. We prioritize individual attention, taking the time to understand your needs, concerns, and goals so you feel supported at every step.
- Equipped to Handle Insurance Companies: With our extensive resources and access to expert witnesses, we are prepared to take on even the largest insurance companies. We won’t back down, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
- Determined to Maximize Your Compensation: We don’t settle for less. Our team works tirelessly to pursue the full compensation you deserve, considering your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term impact on your quality of life.
- Compassionate Guidance Throughout Your Journey: We recognize the emotional strain that follows a drunk driving accident. Our attorneys provide empathetic support, guiding you through the legal process while connecting you with resources to aid your physical and emotional healing.
Let the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm be your advocate, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
The Devastating Impact of Drunk Driving in Michigan
Drunk driving is not just illegal; it is a reckless and life-threatening act. According to statistics from the Michigan State Police, alcohol-related crashes account for a significant number of road fatalities and injuries each year.
In 2020 alone, Michigan saw over 9,000 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in more than 300 deaths and countless injuries.
Drunk driving accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Paralysis
- Fatalities
For victims and their families, the effects of a drunk driving accident can last a lifetime, both physically and emotionally. That is why it is critical to seek legal assistance from a knowledgeable Michigan drunk driving accident law firm to pursue justice and compensation.
Michigan Drunk Driving Laws: An Overview
Michigan has strict laws in place to combat drunk driving, aiming to reduce accidents and protect road users. Understanding these laws can help victims understand the legal basis for holding drunk drivers accountable.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits in Michigan
In Michigan, it is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is:
- 08% or higher for drivers aged 21 and older
- 02% or higher for drivers under 21 (zero-tolerance law)
- 04% or higher for commercial vehicle drivers
These limits are designed to ensure that drivers are not impaired while operating a vehicle. Even a BAC slightly above the legal limit can impair judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, leading to accidents.
Penalties for Drunk Driving in Michigan
Drunk driving is considered a serious offense in Michigan, and the penalties vary depending on the arrest circumstances and any previous convictions.
- First Offense: Up to 93 days in jail, a fine of $100 to $500, and community service.
- Second Offense: Five days and one year in jail, fines of $200 to $1,000, and up to 90 days of community service.
- Third Offense: A felony charge, with up to five years in prison, fines between $500 and $5,000, and a potential lifetime suspension of driving privileges.
While these penalties focus on punishing the drunk driver, they do little to compensate victims for the damages caused by the accident. This is where our Michigan drunk driving accident attorney becomes beneficial.
Civil Lawsuits for Drunk Driving Accidents
In addition to criminal penalties, victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A successful lawsuit can help victims recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages (current and future earnings)
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses (in fatal cases)
Our attorney will guide you through filing a civil lawsuit, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
Initial Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your health and your legal rights.
Here are the essential steps to take after the accident:
Get Medical Attention
The most important things are your health and safety. It’s crucial to consult a doctor immediately following the accident, even if you feel good right away. Certain traumas, such as concussions or internal bleeding, could take time to manifest symptoms.
Obtaining a medical evaluation guarantees that any injuries are found and treated right away, and it also produces documentation that can be utilized as evidence in court.
Call the Cops
Always report a drunk driving accident to the police. When the authorities arrive, they will create an official police report and gather evidence such as breathalyzer results, witness statements, and the at-fault driver’s information.
This police report will be a key piece of evidence in proving the driver’s intoxication and negligence.
Record the Scene
Take as many photos and videos as possible of the accident scene, documenting any visible injuries, vehicle damage, road conditions, and other relevant details. Obtain the contact details of any witnesses who observed the collision happen.
Their statements may support your account of what happened.
Exchange Information
Get the contact and insurance information of the other driver involved in the accident. However, avoid engaging in any conversations about who is at fault. Let the evidence speak for itself.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system means your own insurance will initially cover your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
However, in cases of severe injury, you may need to pursue additional compensation through a third-party claim against the drunk driver.
Consult a Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm:
After ensuring your immediate safety and health, contact our Michigan drunk driving accident attorney. An experienced attorney will guide you through the legal process, investigate the accident, and handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing parties.
Call Our Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Now!
Drunk driving accidents are tragic and avoidable, often leaving victims with severe injuries and emotional scars. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a drunk driver, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can help you navigate the legal system and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
By holding drunk drivers accountable, you not only secure financial relief for yourself and your family but also contribute to making Michigan’s roads safer for everyone.
Call us today at (616) 612-2707 for a free, no-obligation case review. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve – and remember, you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
