Detroit DUI Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving is illegal; however, it is prevalent. When someone gets behind the wheel while they are buzzed, they pose a danger to everyone on the road. Drunk driving accidents often result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

If you or a loved one was the victim of a drunk driving accident, contact a Detroit DUI accident lawyer right away. You need someone on your side willing to fight back against the insurance companies who might try to deny financial liability.

Call Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC at (313) 462-7979, or use our online contact form to reach out for a free consultation.

How Drunk Driving Accident Cases are Different Than Other Car Accidents

Drunk driving accident claims are not handled the same way as typical car accident cases. When alcohol or drugs are involved, the legal and evidentiary issues become more complex, and the potential value of the claim often increases.

In a DUI accident case, the at fault driver has already violated Michigan law. This violation can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim and make it easier to prove negligence.

Unlike standard auto accident cases, DUI injury claims often involve:

Criminal evidence that supports your civil case

Police reports, breathalyzer results, blood alcohol concentration testing, and arrest records can all be used to establish liability in your injury claim.

Stronger proof of fault

A drunk driver’s impairment often removes common insurance defenses such as shared fault, sudden emergency, or unavoidable accident.

Higher insurance exposure

Insurance companies are more likely to contest DUI claims aggressively because damages are often higher due to severe injuries, long term medical care, or fatalities.

Potential third party liability

In some cases, Michigan’s dram shop laws may allow injured victims to pursue compensation from the bar, restaurant, or establishment that served alcohol to the drunk driver.

Greater emotional and financial damages

Drunk driving crashes frequently result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or loss of life, increasing the scope of recoverable damages.

Because DUI accident cases involve both criminal and civil proceedings, it is critical to work with a Detroit drunk driving accident lawyer who understands how these cases intersect and how to leverage criminal evidence to maximize compensation.

Why You Need a Detroit Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving accidents are somewhat different than standard motor vehicle crashes. You will have to deal with the criminal court process and file an insurance claim and personal injury lawsuit, which is a civil court process.

You should work with an experienced attorney familiar with the law, the court process, and local courts to make your life easier.

Maurice Davis Knows the Law

Maurice Davis knows both sides of the law. He knows how the police will investigate the case, and he will be able to work closely with prosecutors to collect evidence to support your personal injury claim.

We Handle the Court Process

With experience handling all types of car accident cases, we understand how an insurance claim begins and how a personal injury trial ends. We can quickly and efficiently move your case through the system. We will draft and file all your legal documents without missing any deadlines.

We Know Local Courts

When you file a drunk driving accident case in Detroit, you will file a Complaint in the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan. This court handles matters that involve claims of more than $25,000, which include auto negligence and personal injury. We know the judges and court personnel in these Civil courts, and we have a good relationship with them.

What Are My Rights if a Drunk Driver Hits Me?

When a drunk driver causes a wreck, you have several rights. First, you have a right to see them held criminally accountable. They will likely be arrested at the scene, and you will have an opportunity to testify against them in court. They may end up pleading guilty, and your testimony will not be necessary.

Second, you have a right to collect compensation for any of your losses. You can file an insurance claim against their automobile policy to recover compensation to cover any economic or noneconomic losses you have experienced.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

The value of your claim depends on many factors. The severity of your injuries, property damage, and insurance policy limits are some of the primary determinants of how much your case is worth. Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC can help you get compensation to cover the following:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Loss of consortium (spousal relationship)
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Property damage
• Mental distress
• Pain and suffering

How We Handle The Insurance Companies Post Accident

There is a chance that the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to deny liability after your wreck. They may say the driver acted intentionally and should be held accountable on their own.

However, it is much harder to obtain compensation from an individual than it is from an insurance company. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a DUI accident attorney who will fight for you.

We Negotiate with Insurance Companies for You

Attorney Maurice Davis will begin by issuing a letter of representation to the insurance company. This lets them know that if they want to talk to you, they must go through him to do it. This will relieve some of the stress off your shoulders. Then, he will make a demand for a reasonable amount of money.

If they refuse your claim or try to delay Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC isn’t afraid to go to court.

Michigan Drunk Driving Statistics

Drunk driving is a problem everywhere, especially in Michigan. The highways around Detroit, including I-75 and I-94, can be dangerous. When driving, you should be aware of swerving and other telltale signs of an intoxicated driver.

Don’t become one of Michigan’s drunk driving statistics.

According to ALCOLOCK, ignition interlock experts, Michigan sees more than 3,000 alcohol-related crashes every year. Nearly 5,000 people are injured in those crashes annually, and 187 people die as a result.

Drugged driving is also a problem in Michigan. There were 542 crashes involving drugs and alcohol, and 799 people were injured in those crashes. Approximately 128 people died in crashes involving both drugs and alcohol.

FAQs about Detroit Drunk Driving Accidents

Can I file a DUI accident claim if the drunk driver was not convicted?

Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil injury claim. Civil cases can succeed based on evidence like the crash report, witness statements, dashcam or surveillance footage, toxicology records, and accident reconstruction, even if the criminal case is reduced or dismissed.

What if the drunk driver was uninsured, underinsured, or fled the scene?

You may still have recovery options through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, Michigan no-fault benefits, and potentially other applicable policies. A lawyer can review all available coverage sources, including household policies, vehicle policies, and any umbrella coverage.

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Michigan?

In many cases, Michigan’s deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the crash. Certain situations can change the timeline, so it’s important to confirm the applicable deadline early.

Can my injury case move forward while the drunk driver’s criminal case is pending?

Often, yes. A civil claim does not have to wait for the criminal case to conclude. In some situations, evidence developed during the criminal case can also strengthen the civil claim, such as admissions, test results, or officer testimony.

Can a passenger injured in a drunk driving crash file a claim?

Yes. Passengers can typically pursue claims against the impaired driver and any other responsible drivers, and may also have benefits available through applicable auto insurance policies. This applies even if the drunk driver was a friend or family member, because insurance usually pays the claim.

What if I had been drinking too, or the insurance company says I share fault?

Michigan uses comparative fault rules in many negligence cases. Depending on the facts, you may still recover damages even if you share some responsibility. DUI cases can still be strong because impairment evidence may heavily weigh fault toward the drunk driver.

Can I sue the bar or restaurant that overserved the drunk driver?

Possibly. Michigan dram shop claims can apply in specific circumstances and have strict requirements and notice issues. If there is a viable dram shop angle, it can add another source of recovery beyond the driver’s insurance.

What evidence matters most in a Detroit DUI accident injury claim?

Common high-impact evidence includes bodycam footage, dispatch logs, crash reconstruction, BAC or toxicology testing, field sobriety observations, witness statements, phone records when distracted driving is also suspected, and video from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after a drunk driving accident?

As soon as possible. Time sensitive evidence like video footage, witness memory, vehicle data, and criminal case records can become harder to obtain or preserve with delay.

What questions should I ask a DUI accident lawyer during a free consultation?

Ask how they identify all insurance coverage, whether they screen for dram shop liability, how they coordinate with the criminal case for evidence, how they handle medical billing and liens, and what the communication cadence looks like during the claim.

Call Your Michigan DUI Accident Lawyer Today

Davis Law Group, PLLC has the experience and knowledge to take your case from insurance claim through personal injury verdict, if necessary. We will work on getting you a drunk driving accident settlement and show the insurance company that you deserve compensation for your injuries.

Call us today at (313) 462-7979 or use our online contact form to reach out.