Southfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Southfield, MI

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an impaired driver, you need to hire an experienced Southfield drunk driving accident lawyer from Wigod & Falzon. Our team helps victims navigate the complicated intersection of Michigan’s drunk driving accident laws and the no-fault insurance system with experienced and compassionate guidance every step of the way. Crashes caused by impaired drivers frequently result in catastrophic harm, and an experienced Southfield traumatic brain injury lawyer on our team can make sure the full extent of those injuries is reflected in your claim.

About Us

With a 25-year legacy of legal excellence, Wigod & Falzon has helped clients in over 50 Michigan cities, and in 2023, our award-winning team secured more than $7.5 million in damages. We’re dedicated to standing by our clients and to working hard to achieve the most favorable results possible.

The No-Fault Rule for Vehicle Accidents in Michigan

Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurer is typically required to pay certain benefits after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. While this framework is designed to streamline claims, it can be confusing for victims who were hurt by drunk drivers. A clear overview of how Michigan’s no-fault law works can help you better understand what your own insurer is required to cover and where those benefits end. Understanding the no-fault structure is essential when evaluating whether a claim is even possible and how it fits alongside criminal charges.

Under Michigan’s no-fault rules, injured drivers and passengers can seek Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. These benefits exist separately from any claim against the drunk driver, and they’re meant to provide immediate support.  Some of the key benefits of Michigan’s no-fault coverage include:

• Payment for allowable medical treatment related to the accident, often without a deductible
• Coverage for a portion of lost income if your injuries prevent you from working
• Reimbursement for help with household tasks that you can no longer perform because of your injury
• Compensation for transportation to medical appointments and in-home care when needed

Even with these benefits, however, no-fault insurance doesn’t always fully compensate victims for their losses. When injuries meet Michigan’s serious impairment of body function threshold, you can then pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. At Wigod & Falzon, our Southfield drunk driving accident attorneys can evaluate whether your injuries qualify and how drunk driving accident laws can affect liability and damages in your drunk driving case.

Additional Compensation You Could Be Entitled to

Victims of drunk driving accidents could be entitled to many different kinds of compensation depending on the severity of the injuries involved and how the case is pursued. While no-fault benefits provide an important foundation in any claim, they don’t account for the long-term impact that a serious injury could have on your life. Drunk drivers also frequently cause high-impact collisions, and a skilled Southfield head-on collision lawyer can help build a strong case when that type of crash is involved.

When a claim against the intoxicated driver is permitted, compensation could include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate the measurable losses, while non-economic damages compensate the non-measurable losses. Some of the most common types of compensation include:

• Pain and suffering damages. This is monetary recognition of physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Excess medical costs. This is the recovery of medical expenses that exceed the available no-fault coverage.
• Future care and rehabilitation. This is compensation for anticipated medical needs, therapies, or assistive devices.
• Lost earning capacity. These are damages for those whose ability to earn an income has been impacted.
• Wrongful death damages. In 2023, there were 12,429 drunk-driving fatalities, which equaled 37 deaths per day. Because of this, financial recovery is available for families who have lost a loved one due to an impaired driver. Families who have lost a loved one to an impaired driver should understand what happens when you get hit by a drunk driver in Michigan and what legal options are available to them. Because of this, financial recovery is available for families who have lost a loved one due to an impaired driver.

Because drunk driving involves reckless conduct, insurance companies often defend these claims very aggressively. At Wigod & Falzon, our Southfield drunk driving accident attorneys can help gather evidence, work with medical providers, and present a compelling narrative that aligns with Michigan’s drunk driving accident laws.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: Why Local Legal Help Matters

At Wigod & Falzon, we know that local experience can make a real difference in the outcome of your drunk driving accident case. That’s why it’s important to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer with ties to where your accident took place. Our team lives and works right here in Southfield, and we regularly practice in the 48th and 44th District Courts and the Oakland County Circuit Court. This insight means we’re familiar with local judges, court procedures, and law enforcement practices, allowing us to build drunk-driving accident claims that resonate with the local legal community.

When you work with us, you get a Southfield drunk driving accident attorney who’s committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

How Does a Criminal DUI Charge Affect Civil Injury Claims?

A criminal DUI charge can affect a civil injury claim even though they’re both separate proceedings. That’s because a conviction can provide helpful evidence in a civil claim. However, a criminal conviction isn’t required for you to pursue compensation. Civil cases focus on financial responsibility rather than punishment. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, and toxicology results can support a civil claim.

What if the Drunk Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured, you could still have options when it comes to recovering compensation. Many Michigan auto insurance policies include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which can step in when the other driver can’t pay. However, these claims involve their own rules and notice requirements, so having our team review your policy is very important.

Can Passengers Who Were Injured by a Drunk Driver File Claims?

Yes, passengers who were injured by a drunk driver can file claims. Passengers have the same rights as drivers when seeking fair compensation, and when their injuries are serious, they can pursue additional compensation. Fault is typically not attributed to passengers, which can make liability issues much more straightforward in such cases.

When Should I Take Legal Action After a Drunk Driving Accident?

The amount of time that you have to take legal action after a drunk driving accident depends on the time limits set forth by Michigan law. No-fault benefit applications and civil claims against an at-fault driver each have their own deadlines, so it’s important to reach out to our team as soon as possible. Once it’s determined that you can pursue additional compensation, you typically have 3 years from the day of the accident to file a civil claim.

Contact a Southfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Wigod & Falzon

At Wigod & Falzon, we’re dedicated to helping victims of impaired drivers protect their rights and pursue the full and fair compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.