Royal Oak Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Royal Oak, MI

If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver, you need a Royal Oak drunk driving accident lawyer who understands both the law and the profound impact these crashes can have on your life.

At Wigod & Falzon, our legal team represents victims and families who were harmed by intoxicated drivers throughout Royal Oak and the surrounding communities. Our knowledgeable Royal Oak drunk driving accident attorneys can help you pursue accountability, protect your rights, and seek full compensation after a devastating collision.

About Us

Wigod & Falzon brings over 25 years of legal experience to communities all across Michigan. Serving clients in more than 50 cities, our firm has earned a reputation for strong advocacy and measurable results, including $7.5 million recovered in 2023 alone.

Drunk Driving Accident Laws in Royal Oak, MI

Criminal charges that develop out of drunk driving accident laws are only part of the picture, as victims often need to file a civil drunk driving accident case to recover financial compensation for their losses. In 2023, there were over 12,400 drunk driving fatalities across the United States. More than 2,000 of those were under the legal limit. Our experienced Royal Oak car accident lawyer can explain how to hold a negligent driver liable for your damages even if they avoid a criminal conviction.

Our Royal Oak drunk driving accident attorneys can explain how drunk driving accident laws affect both criminal proceedings and civil claims, and some of the key principles include:

• No-fault insurance system. Michigan’s no-fault system requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. These benefits can pay medical expenses and lost wages, without regard for who caused the crash.
• Third-party liability claims. If your injuries meet Michigan’s serious injury threshold, you might be eligible to pursue a civil claim against the at-fault driver.
• Dram shop liability. In some situations, a bar or restaurant that overserved alcohol could share liability.
• Wrongful death claims. Families who lose a loved one can bring a wrongful death drunk driving accident case.

Because drunk driving accident laws involve both no-fault insurance rules and traditional negligence principles, working with a Royal Oak drunk driving accident attorney is critical. At Wigod & Falzon, our experienced Royal Oak drunk driving accident lawyers can analyze police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements to establish fault and get you fair compensation. You can learn what happens when you get hit by a drunk driver to better understand the immediate steps necessary for your claim.

Compensation You Could Be Entitled To

Suffering injuries from a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, leaving victims to deal with medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. Understanding what you might be able to recover is an important step in any drunk driving accident case. Our team can help you evaluate your losses and make sure every aspect of your claim is addressed. Depending on your circumstances and injuries, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses not covered by PIP
• Lost wages not covered by PIP
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

Working with a Royal Oak drunk driving accident attorney can make a significant difference in your drunk driving accident case. The experienced team at Wigod & Falzon is dedicated to helping victims understand the drunk driving accident laws that apply to their case and to helping them achieve fair compensation for all of their damages.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: Why Local Representation Matters

After a crash caused by an impaired driver, you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer who knows the local courts and procedures that can make a difference to the outcome of your case. At Wigod & Falzon, we not only understand Michigan’s drunk driving accident laws and how they’re applied in local courts, but we also live and work right here in Royal Oak. That means we know the local legal community, which allows us to advocate fiercely for our clients.

Our team regularly handles cases in the 44th District Court, the 6th Circuit Court, and the 43rd District Court, which means we know how judges handle cases, local filing rules, and insurance practices. This knowledge allows us to anticipate challenges and move your case forward without delays.

FAQs

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

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those from drunk driving accident cases, is three years from the date of the accident. However, certain claims could have shorter notice requirements or deadlines. Unfortunately, missing a deadline means giving up your legal right to file, which is why it’s so important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Can I Still Get Compensation Beyond PIP if I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, you can still get compensation beyond PIP if you were partially at fault. Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can be assigned a percentage that reflects your level of responsibility. Later, your compensation is reduced by that same percentage. However, you can only be compensated under the condition that your percentage of responsibility is not more than 50 percent.

What Happens if the Drunk Driver Wasn’t Convicted of a Crime?

If the drunk driver wasn’t convicted of a crime, you can still pursue a civil personal injury claim. Criminal cases and civil claims have different standards of proof, with the standard being higher in criminal cases. There’s a lower burden in civil cases, where the court focuses on negligence and the injuries caused by that negligence. This means proving negligence is the focus of a civil claim.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?

No, you shouldn’t accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer without subjecting it to a careful review first. That’s because an initial settlement offer tends to be lower than the true value of your claim, as their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Before agreeing to any settlement, it’s wise to have an attorney evaluate the offer to make sure it adequately covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term needs.

Take Action Today

At Wigod & Falzon, our team is ready to stand by you after a drunk driving collision and guide you through every step of your drunk driving accident case.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Royal Oak, MI Drunk Driving Accident Resources

• Navigating the Legal Road: Your Guide to a Car Accident Injury Lawsuit
• Understand the Michigan no-fault law
• Find out what to do after a car accident in Michigan
• Discover the average car accident settlement in Michigan
• See Michigan car accident statistics