A drunk driving accident can change your life in an instant. The reckless decision of an intoxicated driver can leave you with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. While Michigan enforces strict DUI laws, these crashes continue to cause devastation on our roads.
At The Clark Law Office, we fight for victims of drunk driving accidents and hold negligent drivers accountable. If you were hit by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our car accident lawyers have decades of experience handling DUI crash cases, and we know how to maximize your claim.
We take on insurance companies, negligent drivers, and even bars or establishments that served alcohol irresponsibly. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Drunk Driving Accident?
A drunk driving accident occurs when a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leading to a crash. These accidents are entirely preventable but continue to cause serious injuries and fatalities on Michigan roads every year. Under Michigan law (MCL 257.625), a driver is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, even lower BAC levels can impair judgment, slow reaction time, and increase the risk of accidents. Drunk driving crashes often involve:
Unlike other accidents, DUI crashes come with both civil and criminal consequences. If a drunk driver caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation even if the driver faces separate criminal charges.
Michigan Drunk Driving Laws & Your Rights
Michigan has strict DUI laws to prevent impaired driving and hold intoxicated drivers accountable. If you were injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, understanding these laws can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation. Here’s an overview of Michigan’s drunk driving laws and penalties:
If a drunk driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Even if the driver avoids criminal charges, you can still file a personal injury lawsuit against them in civil court.
Who Is Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
Determining liability in a drunk driving accident isn’t always straightforward. While the impaired driver is usually responsible, other parties may also be held accountable under Michigan law. Here’s a breakdown of who may be liable in a drunk driving crash:
Even if the drunk driver is convicted of a DUI, you will need to file a civil claim to recover compensation. An experienced Michigan drunk driving accident lawyer can help you hold all liable parties accountable and maximize your financial recovery.
Compensation Available to DUI Crash Victims
A drunk driving accident can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term suffering. While Michigan’s No-Fault insurance covers some expenses, it does not compensate for pain and suffering or other damages caused by a reckless drunk driver. If your injuries meet the state’s legal threshold, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The table below outlines the compensation available to victims of drunk driving accidents in Michigan.
Since drunk driving is considered gross negligence, victims may also be eligible for punitive damages which go beyond standard compensation to hold reckless drivers accountable. If you were injured by an intoxicated driver, a Michigan DUI accident lawyer can help ensure you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving accident, you might assume that proving fault is easy since the other driver was intoxicated. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame to reduce their liability. Having an experienced Michigan drunk driving accident lawyer can make a significant difference in securing full compensation. A lawyer can:
Michigan has strict laws against drunk driving, but insurance companies don’t automatically pay what you’re owed. A skilled lawyer levels the playing field, ensuring you receive the compensation needed to move forward after a serious crash.
FAQs About Drunk Driving Accidents in Michigan
Drunk driving accidents often raise complex legal questions for victims. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about Michigan DUI crashes and your rights to compensation.
Contact a Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
A drunk driving accident can turn your life upside down, leaving you with serious injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future. You shouldn’t have to fight for fair compensation alone—we’re here to help. At The Clark Law Office, we provide personalized legal representation that big firms can’t match. You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who will fight for maximum compensation and guide you through every step of the legal process. Call now for a free consultation and let’s discuss your case. We’re ready to fight for you.
Learn how DUI-related crashes relate to other types of collisions in our guide to common accident types.