Michigan DUI Accident Lawyer
Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Being hit by a drunk driver is a traumatic experience that is, unfortunately, not uncommon. In 2016, the most recent year for which such statistics are available, the CDC reports that 10,497 people died in alcohol-related automobile crashes — that’s 29 people per day or one death every 50 minutes.
At Lipton Law, we find these statistics particularly alarming. That’s one of the reasons we fight so hard to get victims of drunk driving accidents the compensation they deserve, the justice they desire, and the results they need.
Our DUI accident lawyers will work diligently to give you the edge you deserve. Contact our team at 248-557-1688 today to schedule your free consultation.
Injured in a Michigan Drunk Driving Accident?
Drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause widespread destruction. Drunk driving accidents often involve head-on collisions with other motor vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists, which can be especially serious. Drunk driving is even one of the most common causes of fatal boating accidents.
In the immediate aftermath of a drunk driving crash, it can be difficult to determine the full financial impact of the injuries.
Our DUI accident attorneys have represented countless injury victims, so we know how to assess these types of claims. We routinely work with medical experts and other professionals to determine economic and noneconomic damages that are fair. With their assistance, we present compelling arguments before judges and juries.
What accident claims are — from broken bones and spinal cord injuries to amputations and brain injuries, it can be hard to see how long the injuries will last, how severe they are and how they will impact your life.
What to Do After Drunk Driving Crashes in Michigan
Drunk driving accident victims face a distressing and often traumatic experience that can have long-lasting impacts on their physical and mental health. Immediately after a crash, it is most important to ensure everyone’s safety and seek medical attention. Contact emergency services for injured victims. This will also help document the accident for legal purposes.
Then, as far as you are able, gather evidence from the scene. Obtain contact and insurance information from the at-fault driver. Collect eyewitness accounts and contact information, as well as photographic and video evidence. This type of evidence is invaluable when filing a claim with the insurance company.
It is also critical to seek legal advice from a seasoned drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. An attorney can provide support and help you seek compensation for injuries, medical bills, and other damages. The Michigan drunk driving accident lawyers at Lipton Law have considerable experience with DUI accidents. We will help you understand your rights, navigate complex legal procedures, and negotiate settlements or pursue litigation if necessary.
Michigan DUI Injury Victims Can Seek Compensation
If a drunk driver hurts or kills another person, the experienced Michigan car accident attorneys at Lipton Law will hold that driver accountable for his or her recklessness.
In the state of Michigan, injured parties have the right to seek compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished future income
- Scarring and/or disfigurement
- Seat belt syndrome
- Physical impairment
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
- Pain and suffering
- Any other related expenses
If the person responsible for the accident was a minor, you may also hold the person or establishment who served the driver alcohol responsible under Michigan dram shop laws.
How Can a Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Help You?
Pursuing a civil claim against a drunk driver who has harmed you or a loved one is different than pursuing criminal charges.
In civil claims, your Michigan DUI accident attorney prosecutes the case on your behalf. The goal isn’t to seek out a conviction but rather to secure financial compensation for all of the physical, mental and financial damages incurred.
Who Can You Sue if Injured in a Michigan Drunk Driving Accident?
If you’ve been injured because someone was driving under the influence, you can and should hold that person accountable.
However, the drunk driver isn’t always the only party responsible for the damages. At Lipton Law, our Michigan DUI accident lawyers will carefully review your case to determine whether other parties should be held liable for your injuries, as well.
These can include, but aren’t limited to:
- The store, bar, or restaurant who sold alcohol to the drunk driver. Under the Michigan Dram Shop Law, you have the right to file a claim against any business that provided alcohol to a visibly intoxicated consumer who then caused an accident that injured or killed someone.
- The employer. In certain cases, employers can be held responsible for any harm their employees did during the course and scope of their employment. So, for example, if a delivery driver was having a few cocktails while making a delivery, the employer may be held responsible.
- Social host that provided alcohol to a minor. If someone threw a party and served alcohol to a non-related minor, who then, in turn, caused an accident, the social host may be held responsible under certain conditions.
Drunk Driving Statistics Michigan
According to data from 2020, approximately 30% of all fatal car accidents in Michigan were related to alcohol use. There were also 4,034 drunk driving accidents in Michigan in 2020. The highest number of crashes generally occurred between 9 PM and 10 PM in 2020. The holiday that saw the most DUI accidents in 2020 was Labor Day.
What Percentage of Accidents Are Caused by Drunk Drivers?
It is difficult to determine an accurate percentage of accidents that were drunk driving crashes. Some studies estimate that as much as 15% of accidents are caused by drunk drivers, but this figure varies widely. There is significantly more data available for fatal drunk driving crashes than non-fatal crashes.
How to Find a DUI Accident Attorney in Michigan
Finding the best drunk driving accident lawyer requires careful consideration and research. You can seek recommendations from trusted sources like family and friends, or search online. Review each attorney’s background and experience to find those with a successful track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for their clients. Consider their years of experience and special certifications or accolades as well.
Schedule a free consultation with each DUI accident lawyer you are considering, and ask about their experience handling DUI claims. Also, note how well they listen to your questions and concerns. A good DUI lawyer should be able to clearly explain the legal process and address any questions or concerns you have.
Ultimately, the best DUI accident attorney for you will be someone who not only possesses the necessary skills and experience but also demonstrates empathy, dedication, and a commitment to achieving justice on your behalf. Trust your instincts and choose an attorney who instills confidence and provides reassurance during this challenging time.
DUI Accident FAQs
What Is the Legal Drinking Limit in Michigan?
For drivers 21 and older, the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08%. For drivers of commercial vehicles, this limit is cut in half to 0.04%. If a driver is under 21 years old, any percentage of alcohol in the blood is considered intoxicated driving. Drivers under 21 who are found with any alcohol in their system could face administrative penalties or criminal charges.
Will Insurance Cover DUI Accident in Michigan?
Yes, in most cases, insurance companies will cover DUI accidents in Michigan. In other states, the victim would file a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company. However, because Michigan is a no-fault state, victims would file a claim with their own insurance company regardless of fault.
What Are the Consequences of Driving Under the Influence?
Driving under the influence can lead to severe consequences, both legally and personally. Legal repercussions may include hefty fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory attendance at alcohol education programs, and even imprisonment. This is particularly true for repeat offenders or in cases involving accidents resulting in injury or death.
Additionally, DUI convictions can have long-term effects on one’s driving record, insurance premiums, and employment opportunities. Beyond the legal ramifications, a DUI car crash can cause significant harm to oneself and others, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and emotional trauma for all involved parties.
What Does Alcohol Do to Your Driving Skills and Judgment?
Alcohol impairs the driving skills and judgment of drunk drivers in several ways. Physically, drunk driving slows reaction times, reduces coordination, and impairs vision, making it harder to perceive and respond to hazards on the road accurately. Mentally, alcohol affects cognitive functions such as concentration, decision-making, and risk assessment. This leads to poor judgment and an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors while driving.
Additionally, alcohol can create a false sense of confidence or invincibility, leading individuals to underestimate their level of impairment and take greater risks behind the wheel. Overall, alcohol significantly diminishes a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, increasing the likelihood of accidents and endangering the lives of both the driver and others on the road.
How Can I Report a Drunk Driver?
To report a drunk driver in Michigan, simply dial 9-1-1. By contacting emergency services and reporting DUI accidents as soon as possible after they happen, individuals increase the chances that police officers can respond to the crash quickly enough. Additionally, individuals can report suspected drunk or reckless drivers before a crash occurs to potentially prevent crashes.
What Happens When You Get a DUI in Michigan?
In Michigan, a drunk driver may face serious penalties depending on the severity and nature of the offense. Any prior record of drunk driving can also affect the severity of the penalties. Potential penalties include fines, license suspension or revocation, jail time, community service, or probation.
How Long After an Accident Can You Be Charged With DUI in Michigan?
Back in 2006, a Michigan court statute went into effect that required the resolution of all drunk driving accident cases within 91 days. However, this rule has since been amended to allow 126 days for either a court decision or a guilty plea.
How Much Does a DUI Accident Lawyer Cost?
In general, almost every personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that the initial consultation is completely free, and the attorney only takes a percentage of the final judgment or settlement if the case resolves in the victim’s favor. At Lipton Law, our Michigan personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. So, you won’t pay a cent unless we secure a recovery on your behalf.
Why Choose Lipton Law for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?
At Lipton Law, our drunk driving accident lawyers have considerable experience representing victims of drunk driving. We are incredibly passionate about fighting for the rights of injured victims and their family members. Auto accidents are one of our main practice areas, meaning we have the knowledge and resources you need for your case. When you work with the Michigan car accident lawyers at Lipton Law, you work with a team that is dedicated to upholding the law and seeing injured victims compensated for their losses.
Contact the Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers at Lipton Law
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, consult with one of our experienced attorneys. In addition to conducting a thorough investigation into your case, we can determine whether Michigan’s Dram Shop Act applies. This law prohibits employees at restaurants, bars, or taverns from selling alcohol to an underage or intoxicated driver.
To learn more about your legal options, please contact us online or call our office in Southfield at 248-557-1688. We offer no-cost consultations to all potential personal injury clients.
