Drunk Driving Accident in Detroit

Injured from a drunk driving accident in Detroit?

Every 90 seconds, someone is injured due to a drunk driving accident. In fact, in 2012 there were 5,471 alcohol-related crash injuries and 259 deaths associated with drunk driving in Michigan. That was a 1.2 percent increase from the previous year. Sadly these Michigan car accidents, which are entirely preventable, result in serious injuries not only to driver but to innocent victims.

At Goodman Acker P.C., our Detroit drunk driving car accident lawyers are actively fighting to ensure innocent victims, just like you, are compensated for their pain and suffering due to the reckless behavior of someone else, as well as holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions. We have over 150 years of experience in handling these types of cases. We can help you obtain the maximum compensation you need and deserve for your

Auto Accidents – Helpful Resources

What Constitutes Drunk Driving Under Michigan Law?

Under Michigan law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle at or above a .08 Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level. Michigan’s .08 BAC per se law was set to expire in 2013, but fortunately, the law has been extended until 2018. Therefore, any person who causes a Michigan car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol of a BAC level at or above .08 is considered negligent and will be convicted of a DUI.

Legal Options for DUI Victims & Surviving Family Members

Injured victims or family members of those killed in drunk driving accidents do have legal rights and may be able to pursue several avenues of potential reimbursement for an individual’s injuries or death.

In Michigan, injured victims or their surviving family members may be able to pursue:

• Personal injury lawsuit – This type of lawsuit is filed against the individual drunk driver for the injuries that arose out of the accident. Injured victims can sue for compensatory (pain and suffering) and punitive damages (damages intended to deter the negligent driver from engaging in similar conduct again)
• Michigan dram shop lawsuit – This type of lawsuit is brought under and controlled by the Michigan Dram Shop Law. Dram shop lawsuits are filed against the retail liquor licensee that sold the alcohol to the drunk driver. A retail liquor licensee can include a bar, restaurant, or generally any establishment that served alcohol to the drunk driver. In these claims, our attorneys are able to help clients obtain a significant amount of additional compensation for their injuries.
• Michigan no-fault insurance lawsuit – Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning persons injured in a motor vehicle accident (this would include pedestrians involved in a drunk driving crash) are entitled to valuable economic benefits from their own insurance company. Valuable economic benefits can include coverage for medical bill expenses, wage loss, replacement services (help with household chores), attendant care services (in-home nursing care), and more. Even if you do not have insurance, you still may be entitled to such benefits depending on your situation.
• Wrongful death lawsuit – This type of lawsuit is brought by the family members of the deceased victim and seeks compensation and damages for loved one’s medical bills and hospitalization costs, funeral expenses, lost future wages, and loss of companionship.

Retain the Skilled Representation of Our Detroit Personal Injury Lawyers

The laws in Michigan for cases related to drunk driving accidents are very complex and require the knowledge of an experienced attorney who understands the law and regularly handles these types of claims. Having the right personal injury attorney on your side can change the outcome of your case entirely.

Our legal team has significant experience in handling these cases and is not afraid to go to trial for our clients. We work for you and will lead you through the entire process, including documenting evidence, investigating and finding witnesses, filing a claim, and building value to your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. We have obtained million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients over the years.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well.