Let Us Help You Seek Justice After Being Injured In A Drunk Driving Accident
There are certain types of auto accidents – such as those related to bad weather – that are difficult to predict or prevent. Unfortunately, there are a disproportionate number of car accidents caused by negligent drivers who knowingly make bad choices. Drunk driving is perhaps the strongest example of irresponsible driving behavior. It is responsible for hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries on Michigan roads each year.
If you’ve been seriously injured or lost someone you love in a drunk driving accident, our experienced lawyers at Bahrie Law, PLLC, can help you seek accountability and compensation from the at-fault driver.
Proving Negligence In Alcohol-Related Crashes
Most personal injury claims in Michigan are based on allegations of negligence. All drivers owe a duty of care to obey traffic laws and to drive in a manner that minimizes the risk of harm to others. A driver who violates this duty of care and causes an injury accident is said to be negligent.
If a driver injured you while breaking a traffic law relevant to the accident, it is what’s known as “negligence per se.” Therefore, if a blood or breath test revealed that the at-fault driver was over the legal limit, it is easy to establish negligence in a personal injury lawsuit.
That being said, drivers can still be dangerous and negligent even if they were below the legal blood-alcohol content limit. Whether the driver who struck you was legally drunk or under the limit but impaired, our attorneys will help you present compelling evidence of their negligence.
The Drunk Driver May Not Be The Only Liable Party
When someone drives drunk, they are obviously to blame for any injuries or deaths they cause. But under Michigan law, victims may also be able to sue the restaurants and bars that supplied the alcohol to the driver.
Michigan’s dram shop law makes alcohol-serving establishments liable for any injuries or deaths that result from serving alcohol to a minor or continuing to serve a visibly intoxicated patron. When our firm takes your case, we will fully investigate the details leading up to the crash to identify all legally responsible parties. In going after both the drunk driver and an irresponsible alcohol vendor, we may be able to prevent others from suffering similar harm in the future.
Types Of Damages Available In Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Because Michigan is a no-fault state for auto accidents, your own insurer will cover initial expenses related to the crash. However, injuries and expenses in drunk driving crashes can easily exceed the limits of many policies. Therefore, you’ll have the opportunity (as well as the need) to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Our attorneys will help you fight for any additional damages not covered under your no-fault policy, including damages for:
- Medical bills and treatment (current and future)
- Lost wages from time spent unable to work
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Vehicle damage and property loss
If you lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, our lawyers can help you file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault parties. In addition to the damages above, you may be able to recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of lifetime earnings and loss of companionship.
Discuss Your Case With Us During A Free Initial Consultation
Bahrie Law, PLLC, has offices in Lansing and Metro Detroit, and we serve clients throughout Michigan. In personal injury and wrongful death matters, we offer free initial consultations and charge no legal fees until we help you recover money. To get started, you can reach out online or call 888-473-1289.