In Michigan, victims of drunk driving crashes often face serious injuries that require long-term care and significant financial support. Unfortunately, this is all to common—in 2023, more than 40% of deaths on Michigan roads involved alcohol and/or drugs.
At Fieger Law, our experienced Michigan drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions and will fight for the compensation all victims deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help, and in the meantime, we want to share a bit more about Michigan drunk driving laws and your rights.
Michigan Drunk Driving Laws and Victim Rights
Michigan law is appropriately strict when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08%, and anyone caught driving above this limit can face serious criminal penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Drunk driving is indeed a criminal offense, but victims of these accidents have the right to pursue compensation through civil action, even when criminal charges are pending against the at-fault driver. Holding drunk drivers accountable for their reckless behavior can help you recover compensation for your injuries while sending a message that drunk driving will not be tolerated.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Drunk Driving Accidents
Because of the reckless and unpredictable nature of drunk driving accidents, they often result in catastrophic injuries. Victims can suffer from a wide range of injuries that include:
- Broken Bones: Fractures, in the arms, legs, ribs, etc. These are common due to the force of impact.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions or more severe brain injuries can occur when a victim’s head strikes the dashboard, window, steering wheel, or are struck with flying debris.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or long-term pain and discomfort.
These injuries often require emergency medical care, hospital stays, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. In many cases, the emotional and financial burden on victims can be just as devastating as their physical injuries.
Seeking Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to different types of compensation, including:
- Medical Costs: Coverage for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work due to recovery or permanent disability.
Though rare, in some DUI cases, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish the drunk driver for their egregious behavior and hopefully deter others from doing the same.
Proving Liability in DUI Accident Claims
Proving liability in a drunk driving accident case requires solid evidence. The types of evidence that can strengthen your claim include:
- Police Reports: These reports typically detail the circumstances of the accident and may include information about the driver’s sobriety test results.
- Breathalyzer Results: Evidence of a driver’s BAC level can be crucial in proving intoxication at the time of the crash.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness testimony can help corroborate your version of events and provide another helpful and detailed perspective.
Also, Michigan’s no-fault insurance system includes compensation for certain costs regardless of fault — but pursuing a claim outside of the no-fault system for pain and suffering requires providing solid proof a crime was committed.
The Role of Michigan’s Dram Shop Law in DUI Accidents
Under Michigan’s dram shop law, businesses serving alcohol such as bars and restaurants, can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or underage.
If those visibly drunk individuals later cause an accident, victims may have the right to seek additional compensation from the establishment. Our team can help you investigate all these details around your case and take legal action against those who may have contributed to the accident.
How Fieger Law Can Help
At Fieger Law, our car accident lawyers provide the following when handling drunk driving accident cases:
- Full Support: From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, we handle ALL aspects of your case.
- Aggressive Representation: We fight for maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other applicable damages.
- Expert Knowledge of DUI Cases: Our team knows Michigan’s drunk driving laws and can hand all the legal complexities on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if the drunk driver is facing criminal charges?
Yes, even if criminal charges are filed against the drunk driver, you can still file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
In Michigan, you may still be able to recover compensation, even if you share some degree of fault for the accident. Your recovery may be reduced proportionally based on your level of fault.
How long do I have to file a DUI-related claim in Michigan?
In Michigan, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected.
Contact Our Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you must act quickly. Contact Fieger Law today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Michigan drunk driving accident lawyers. Drunk driving is a serious crime. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
