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Advocating And Protecting Your Rights For Over 45 Years

Livonia Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Last updated on October 14, 2025

If you have injuries because of a drunk driving accident, you deserve help. You need someone on your side. You deserve Bahrie Law, PLLC.

We have helped the injured people of Michigan since 1979. We combine deep compassion with fierce courtroom readiness. Our Livonia car accident attorneys have more than 45 combined years of experience, plus settlements and awards totaling millions of dollars. We have a thorough knowledge of the roads near I-275 and Six Mile, the high traffic from the I-96 and Schoolcraft freight corridors. We promise clear communication and strong advocacy as we represent you in your drunk driving claim.

Understanding The Administrative, Civil And Criminal Systems

Michigan addresses drunk driving accidents through three separate systems. Each one has different goals and follows different timelines. It is important to understand the distinctions:

  • Criminal system: The criminal system is about the state punishing the accused driver. In Livonia, criminal drunk driving cases take place in the 16th District Court.
  • Administrative: The administrative system deals with the driver’s license. This process is independent of the criminal case.
  • Civil: The civil system is where you, the victim, seek financial recovery through a personal injury lawsuit.

You can pursue this civil claim while the criminal case or the administrative case against the driver moves forward. As your DUI accident lawyers in Livonia, we can assist you with your civil case. We are familiar with local law enforcement and can keep you informed of any criminal charges against the driver and how they will affect your claim, if at all.

Gathering Evidence As Your OWI Injury Attorneys In Livonia

The strength of your civil case depends on the evidence. Our drunk driving accident team needs to move quickly so we can build an undeniable case for negligence. We focus on key documents and witness testimony, such as:

  • Police reports: The Livonia Police Department’s official report details the scene.
  • BAC test results: Results from the breathalyzer or blood test.
  • Field sobriety test (FST) results: The officer’s notes on the roadside tests.
  • Witness statements: Eyewitnesses to the crash or to the driver’s behavior.
  • Receipts or surveillance: Financial transactions and surveillance video help to trace the driver’s steps.

Preserving this evidence for a personal injury case right away is vital. Delays can lead to lost testimony or destroyed records, so contact counsel as soon as possible.

How Does Insurance And Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work?

Michigan is a no-fault state. This means that your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance generally pays for your medical bills and lost wages after a car accident. So, what happens if the drunk driver has little or no insurance? Your own uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) policy may offer a critical safety net:

  • Uninsured motorist: Protects you if the at-fault driver has no car insurance.
  • Underinsured motorist: Helps when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are too low to cover your full damages.

Our job is to maximize your compensation after a drunk driving accident. We will review your entire insurance policy and look for every possible source of recovery. This includes pursuing the driver’s liability coverage and any potential UM/UIM coverage you possess.

Steps To Filing A DUI Personal Injury Claim

The process of seeking civil justice can seem complicated. We take the lead in this complex legal journey. The steps generally follow this order:

  1. Seek medical attention
  2. File a police report
  3. Collect evidence
  4. File the civil lawsuit
  5. Discovery to exchange information and evidence
  6. Negotiation attempts for a settlement
  7. Trial, if necessary

We stand with you every step of the way to protect your rights. We want you to focus on healing after a drunk driving accident while we take on the legal battle.

Do I Need A DUI/OWI Conviction To Win My Civil Injury Case?

No. A criminal conviction is not required to bring a civil claim for a drunk driving accident. We use police reports, BAC or field test evidence, witness statements and other proof to establish liability in civil court, regardless of the criminal outcome.

Can I Sue A Bar Or Restaurant That Overserved The Driver (Dram Shop)?

Michigan’s dram shop law may allow a claim against a licensed alcohol server. This is possible if we can prove visible intoxication at the time of service. We must also meet strict notice and timing rules.

Will My No-Fault PIP Cover Me If The Drunk Driver Is Uninsured?

Your PIP generally covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to your policy’s selected limits. For drunk driving accident injuries and losses beyond PIP, UM/UIM can be critical. Michigan law may also allow for limited punitive aspects if the defendant’s conduct was malicious or willful.

Contact Us To Seek Justice And Recovery Today

Now is the time to pursue justice and financial recovery. At Bahrie Law, PLLC, we offer compassionate counsel and powerful representation. Contact us toll-free at 888-473-1289 or send us an email to schedule a free drunk driving accident case review. We do not charge any fees unless we recover compensation.