Warren Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Warren, MI

If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about what comes next. That’s where a skilled Warren drunk driving accident lawyer can step in.

At Wigod & Falzon, we understand what you’re going through. Our team helps victims of impaired drivers pursue fair compensation for their losses by providing compassionate support, experienced advocacy, and a strong knowledge of both local courts and drunk driving accident laws to protect your future.

About Us

At Wigod & Falzon, results matter. With more than 25 years of legal experience, our firm has built a reputation for obtaining strong results for clients all across Michigan. We serve individuals across more than 50 cities statewide and recovered more than $7.5 million in 2023 alone.

Drunk Driving Accident Laws in Michigan

In 2023, there were over 12,400 drunk driving fatalities across the United States. Because of this, Michigan has strict drunk driving accident laws aimed at deterring impaired driving and protecting the public, but while criminal charges focus on punishing the offender, a civil drunk driving accident case is about compensating the victim. You can learn what happens when you get hit by a drunk driver to better understand the differences between these legal proceedings.

This means even if a driver is acquitted in criminal court, they can still be held liable in civil court under a lower burden of proof. Some key aspects of Michigan’s drunk driving accident laws include:

• No-fault insurance system. Michigan uses a no-fault system, which means your own auto insurance typically provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which are meant to handle medical expenses and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash.
• Third-party liability claims. If your injuries meet Michigan’s serious impairment of body function threshold, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and any excess economic losses not covered by your PIP.
• Dram shop liability. In some situations, a bar or restaurant that overserved a visibly intoxicated person could also be held liable.
• Comparative fault rules. Your compensation could be reduced if you’re found partially at fault.

A skilled Warren personal injury lawyer from Wigod & Falzon can apply drunk driving accident laws in straightforward and complex scenarios. From catastrophic injuries to wrongful death actions, careful legal analysis can make a significant difference in the outcome of your drunk driving accident case.

Compensation You Could Be Entitled To

A serious crash caused by an impaired driver can affect nearly every aspect of your life. Through a properly filed drunk driving accident case, you could also recover various forms of compensation under Michigan law. Because of this, depending on the specific circumstances of your accident, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses that go beyond what PIP covers, like surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical care
• Lost wages that go beyond what PIP covers, like back pay for missed promotions, lost bonuses, and diminished earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job or career
• Pain and suffering, which covers physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
• Wrongful death damages, which cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship for surviving family members
• Property damage, like the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property, is not covered by insurance

At Wigod & Falzon, we can calculate all your losses, handle negotiations with insurers, file necessary court documents, and advocate for you at trial, if needed. The right legal strategy can significantly influence the value and resolution of your drunk driving accident case.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer from Warren, MI: Why Local Representation Makes a Difference

At Wigod & Falzon, we know that when you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer, local representation can make a real difference in the outcome of your case. As a Michigan-based law firm, we regularly practice in the 37th District Court in Warren, the Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens, and the 41-A District Court in Shelby Township.

This means that we’re intimately familiar with local expectations, procedures, and judicial preferences that shape your results.

Being local also means we can meet with you in person, respond quickly, and provide hands-on advocacy every step of the way. We handle investigations, gather evidence, consult trusted professionals, and prepare each accident case as if it’s going to trial to give you the strongest chance at securing a favorable outcome.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident in Michigan?

In Michigan, the amount of time you have to file a claim after a drunk driving accident is governed by the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file. However, certain exceptions and notice requirements could apply depending on the specifics of your case, so it’s important to reach out to the team at Wigod & Falzon as soon as possible. However, it is wise to check the Michigan statute of limitations for personal injury as certain exceptions may apply.

What if the Drunk Driver was Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured, you could still have options. After your own PIP is exhausted, you might be able to pursue additional losses through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. However, if you don’t have this additional coverage, our Warren drunk driving accident lawyers could pursue other avenues of compensation, depending on the facts of your case.

Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Yes, you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for the accident. Michigan is a no-fault state for auto accidents, which means your PIP coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages. However, if you qualify to file a civil claim, you can be assigned a percentage of responsibility for your part in the accident, and your compensation is then reduced by that percentage. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you could be barred from recovery.

Do I Always Have to Go to Court to Resolve My Case?

No, you don’t always have to go to court to resolve your case. Many car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations without needing to go to trial. Insurance companies often prefer to settle when presented with strong evidence of liability and damages. However, if a fair agreement can’t be reached, filing a claim and going to court can protect your rights.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

With Wigod & Falzon, you gain advocates who are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the fair compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Warren, MI Drunk Driving Accident Resources

• Understand the car accident settlement process

• See the latest Warren car accident statistics

• Find out what to do after a car accident in Michigan

• Discover the average car accident settlement in Michigan

• How to Claim Lost Wages from a Car Accident in Michigan