Detroit Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney In Detroit, MI

While most drivers in Detroit know that I-96 and other major roads in Detroit can be dangerous, it’s possible for drunk driving accidents to happen on any road with no warning. If you have been injured in such an accident, it’s crucial to speak with a skilled Detroit drunk driving accident lawyer right away to discuss your legal options. When you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer, you’re more likely to maximize your recovery.

Representing Injured Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Detroit, MI

The attorneys at Wigod & Falzon have more than 25 years of experience representing injured accident victims in Detroit and the surrounding areas of Michigan, and we are confident we can help you recover from a recent drunk driving accident. You’re likely to have many difficult questions in the aftermath of the accident, and our firm can provide the answers and support you need. Our goal in every case we accept is to maximize our client’s recovery.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there are about 34 deaths from drunk driving every day in the United States. In 2023, 12,429 people died because of intoxicated driving throughout the country, which means drunk driving is one of the leading preventable causes of fatal accidents in the United States each year.

The Michigan State Police’s 2024 Statewide Traffic Crash Summary reported 288,880 crashes throughout the state in 2024. A total of 8,542 alcohol-involved crashes were recorded in 2024, and fatalities from alcohol-involved accidents increased from 297 in 2023 to 307 in 2024. There are numerous critical steps and considerations that victims must address immediately following such incidents, and being informed about these important procedures can help you navigate the complex legal and insurance processes that follow. Drivers who cause these accidents not only face liability for the damages they inflict on others, but also criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI).

The team at Wigod & Falzon can help you understand your legal options in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. Fault for the accident may seem obvious, but under Michigan’s no-fault system for car accidents, it may seem like your recovery options are limited. Our team will carefully review the details of your accident and your damages to determine your optimal path to recovery, and trust us to defend you through each stage of your legal proceedings.

Understanding Michigan’s No-Fault Rule for Vehicle Accidents

Michigan is one of the few states that enforces a no-fault rule for vehicle accidents. Under this rule, a driver must have their own auto insurance policy that includes personal injury protection, and when an accident happens, they file a claim against their own policy regardless of who was at fault for the accident. It’s possible for a claimant to receive compensation up to the coverage limits of their policy.

While this may seem unfair, especially after a drunk driver was clearly to blame for your recent accident, you do have the ability to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver if your damages exceed the scope of coverage available with your policy. Generally, you would have grounds for legal recourse against the at-fault driver if you suffered a serious injury that causes some type of long-term or permanent harm, such as loss of a bodily function.

Your Detroit drunk driving accident lawyer can determine the full extent of your recovery options following an accident caused by an intoxicated driver. Your no-fault insurance claim may provide compensation for vehicle repair costs and medical expenses, but you would have grounds to claim compensation for any losses that your insurance won’t cover, such as medical expenses in excess of the coverage cap of your policy and your pain and suffering. Michigan’s complex insurance system presents unique challenges, especially when dealing with drivers who lack proper coverage, making it essential to understand how these situations impact your recovery options before proceeding with your claim.

Filing Your Personal Injury Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident

If you are eligible to file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver who caused your accident, success with this case is more likely when you have a skilled attorney representing you. In any personal injury case, the injured plaintiff must identify the defendant who caused their injury, prove how they caused it, and then show the full extent of the resulting damages. The plaintiff has the right to claim compensation for economic and non-economic losses.

It’s important to remember that you may have grounds for legal recourse against parties other than the drunk driver. For example, your attorney might prove that an establishment continued to serve that driver alcohol after they were visibly intoxicated, in which case you could have grounds to pursue a dram shop claim. This is just one example of how complicated these cases can be and why securing experienced legal representation is crucial. Many accident victims benefit from understanding the key factors that determine whether professional legal help is necessary for their specific situation.

What to Expect From Your Detroit Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

When you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to represent you, they can not only help you file a no-fault insurance claim but also explore alternative avenues of recovery you may not have known were available to you. The attorneys at Wigod & Falzon can help you accurately calculate the total damages you sustained in your accident, prepare your no-fault insurance claim, and help you prepare for a personal injury case against the drunk driver if this is a viable option for you.

Our firm takes a client-focused approach to personal injury counsel. This means we develop an individualized legal strategy for each client we represent because we know that every client’s situation is unique. Trust us to address your specific needs and concerns and do everything we can to maximize your recovery as efficiently as possible.

When you choose Wigod & Falzon to represent you, we can immediately begin gathering evidence to support your case. We will help you file your no-fault insurance claim and resolve any disputes raised by the insurance carrier. Most insurance companies will try to minimize claim payouts as much as possible, but when you have an attorney representing you, the insurance company is more likely to handle your claim in good faith and deliver a fair offer.

Ultimately, the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be challenging to navigate, but with the right attorney on your side, you have a significantly better chance of reaching a positive conclusion to your case. Wigod & Falzon are committed to helping our clients recover as fully as Michigan law allows, so reach out to our team at your first opportunity to learn more about the legal services we offer.

FAQs

What Are the Penalties for Drunk Driving in Detroit?

The penalties for drunk driving in Detroit can include fines, driver’s license suspension, jail time, and civil liability for any damages caused to others. Additional penalties can be assigned at the court’s discretion, such as mandatory substance abuse counseling, probation, and more. Penalties for DUI in Michigan increase with subsequent convictions and/or if the defendant has caused a serious accident resulting in bodily harm or death.

What Is a Drunk Driving Accident Claim Worth in Detroit?

The value of a drunk driving accident claim in Detroit depends on the severity of the damages you suffered. It’s possible for you to recover compensation for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and the pain and suffering you experienced if you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to handle your case. Some of your damages may be recovered with a no-fault insurance claim, while others must be sought with a personal injury case.

How Does a Criminal Case Against a Drunk Driver Affect My Civil Case?

The criminal case against the drunk driver could affect your civil case in various ways. You may have an easier time establishing liability for your damages if you have grounds to file a personal injury case, and it is possible to receive punitive damages at the court’s discretion to account for the defendant’s illegal behavior. However, this criminal case focuses on punishing the defendant, not compensating the victim. Your attorney can explain what to expect.

Why Should I Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer because resolving your case is likely to be more challenging than simply filing a no-fault insurance claim. You could face a very difficult series of legal proceedings, and if you suffer severe injuries, it is crucial to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer with proven experience so you can have the greatest chance of maximizing your recovery.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Detroit Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

The cost to hire a Detroit drunk driving accident lawyer may not be as expensive as you might think if you choose Wigod & Falzon to represent you. We take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no attorneys’ fees from our team unless we recover compensation for you. We only charge a percentage of the final settlement or case award, and if there is no recovery for our client, they pay no fee.

The attorneys at Wigod & Falzon have successfully helped many injured accident victims recover from all types of accidents in the Detroit area, including those resulting from intoxicated driving. If you believe a drunk driver is responsible for causing your recent accident, we can help you pursue accountability. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Detroit drunk driving accident lawyer to learn how we can help with your case.