Drinking and driving is a regrettably common occurrence in the Saginaw, MI area. Statistics reveal a persistent issue: according to the Michigan State Police, there were 8,817 alcohol-related crashes in the state in 2023, 272 of them fatal. Despite widespread awareness campaigns and stringent laws, drunk driving remains a serious problem, posing a danger to everyone on the road.
While the prevalence of drunk driving may create a false sense of normalcy, it’s important to remember that each incident can lead to devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and even loss of life. At Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C., we fight for those injured in drunk driving accidents by using our experience, skill, and deep sense of justice to win the compensation they deserve.
Why Hire Us for Your Saginaw Drunk Driving Claim?
At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C., we understand the catastrophic impact a drunk driving accident can have on your life. While we can’t change what happened to you, our team of dedicated lawyers will demand full and fair compensation for your injuries and other financial losses. When you choose us to represent you in your Saginaw drunk driving claim, you benefit from the following:
- Over 50 Years of Experience: Founded by personal injury attorney Lee Steinberg in 1973, our firm has a long-standing history of success. With over five decades of experience in personal injury law, we have the skill and knowledge necessary to handle even the most complex cases.
- Proven Track Record of Success: We have built a reputation for achieving excellent results for our clients. Our attorneys have tried cases to verdict in various jurisdictions throughout the country and consistently secured substantial settlements and verdicts. Our success is reflected in the satisfied clients we have represented over the years, many of whom refer their friends and family to us.
- Direct Attention and Support: We understand that being injured in a drunk driving accident can be a traumatic experience. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the compassionate attention you deserve.
- Resources and Dedication to Win Your Case: As one of the largest personal injury law firms in Michigan, we have the resources necessary to ensure your case is properly handled. Our team of lawyers, investigators, and experts work collaboratively to build a strong case, leaving no stone unturned.
- Free Consultations and No Fees Unless We Win: We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. Our “No Fee Unless You Win” guarantee ensures that you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs or financial risk.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Contact the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-866-503-3043) today for a free consultation. Let us work hard for you, so you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life.
What is Drunk Driving in Michigan?
Michigan’s drunk driving laws specify that it is illegal to drive under the following conditions:
- While intoxicated or impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, and some prescribed medications.
- With a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or more.
- With any amount of cocaine or a Schedule 1 controlled substance in your body.
- For drivers under age 21, it is against the law to drive with a BAC of 0.02 or more, or with any presence of alcohol in your body except for that consumed at a generally recognized religious ceremony.
During an investigation, police officers will administer a breathalyzer test and perform roadside sobriety tests to determine whether the driver was intoxicated. If the driver was unlawfully intoxicated, the police will make an arrest for OUI (Operating Under the Influence) or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated).
No-Fault Benefits After a Drunk Driving Accident
Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, meaning every automobile must be covered by a no-fault policy. This insurance provides valuable benefits, referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), to anyone injured in an auto accident. These benefits include payment of medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care services, household services, medical mileage, home modification, and other benefits.
You may be entitled to these benefits even if you do not own a car or have your own auto no-fault insurance policy. In some cases, a civil lawsuit can be filed to seek compensation from the driver and owner of the vehicle for injuries and harm caused by the accident.
What Are the Michigan Dram Shop Laws?
Michigan’s Dram Shop laws are designed to hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable for serving alcohol to minors or adults who are visibly intoxicated. As a result of these laws, victims of impaired driving accidents can seek compensation from establishments that contributed to the intoxication of the driver.
Here’s what you should know about the dram shop laws:
- Under Michigan law, it is illegal for establishments to serve alcohol to anyone who is visibly intoxicated or under the legal drinking age of 21. If an establishment violates this law, it can be held liable for any injuries or damages that result.
- To establish liability under Michigan’s Dram Shop laws, it must be proven that the establishment served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor and that this service directly contributed to the accident and resulting injuries. This often involves gathering evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and transaction records.
- Michigan’s Dram Shop laws require that the injured party or their legal representative provide written notice to the establishment within 120 days of retaining an attorney or within 180 days of the accident, whichever is sooner. This notice must inform the establishment of the intent to file a dram shop claim and include specific details about the incident.
- Liability under the Dram Shop laws is not limited to bars and restaurants. It can also extend to social hosts who serve alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated guests at private parties or events. If alcohol consumption at a private gathering leads to an accident, the host can be held accountable under the Dram Shop Laws.
The statute of limitations is different in a dram shop case versus the drunk driver. While you may have up to 3 years to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver and/or the owner of the vehicle, you only have 2 years to file a lawsuit against the bar or establishment. See MCL 436.1801(3).
Our team of drunk driving accident lawyers frequently hires private investigators to interview witnesses and other bar patrons to prove that the establishment served alcohol to the intoxicated motorist shortly before the accident. If you were injured by someone who was overserved, this can be a key factor in winning your case.
Compensation in a Saginaw Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving accident settlement amounts vary from case to case. There is no “average” or “typical” settlement, and the amounts often depend on the severity of your injuries as well as the insurance policy limits available for the compensation payout. The types of recoverable economic damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to your medical treatment, such as hospital bills, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery period. This also includes loss of future earning capacity if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for necessary rehabilitation services, such as occupational therapy, can also be included in your compensation claim.
Non-economic damages compensate for the more subjective, non-financial impacts of the accident. These can include:
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and discomfort you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
- Emotional Distress: This is compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities and hobbies you once loved, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: This applies to the negative impact your injuries have had on your relationship with your spouse or family.
If you need assistance with your claim, contact a qualified attorney to discuss your case and explore your options for pursuing compensation.
FAQS
How Much Time Do I Have to Sue a Drunk Driver in Michigan?
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim against a drunk driver is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to initiate legal proceedings to seek financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
While the three-year rule applies to most personal injury cases, there are some exceptions that may extend or shorten this time frame:
- If the victim of the accident is under the age of 18 at the time of the crash, the statute of limitations may be extended. In such cases, the three-year period typically begins when the minor turns 18, giving them until their 21st birthday to file a lawsuit.
- If a loved one has died as a result of a drunk driving accident, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is also three years from the date of death. This allows the family to seek compensation for their loss and related damages.
- If the accident involves a government vehicle or a government employee, different rules may apply. In such cases, there are often shorter time frames for providing notice of the claim and filing a lawsuit. It is important to consult with an attorney promptly to understand these specific requirements.
How Much Does a Saginaw Drunk Driving Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers, including those handling drunk driving cases, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront fees for legal services. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount that they secure for you. If you do not win your case, you do not owe any legal fees. This arrangement provides access to legal representation without the burden of upfront costs, making it easier for victims to pursue compensation.
In addition to the contingency fee, there may be other costs and expenses associated with your case. These can include:
- Costs for filing legal documents with the court.
- Charges for experts who provide testimony or analysis to support your case.
- Expenses related to gathering evidence, such as hiring private investigators or accident reconstruction experts.
- Costs for obtaining copies of your medical records.
- Costs for travel, postage, and other administrative expenses.
Most personal injury law firms will cover these costs upfront and deduct them from your settlement or award at the end of the case. This means you do not have to pay these expenses out of pocket during the course of your case. Your lawyer will provide an itemized list of costs and expenses when your case is resolved.
Injured by a Drunk Driver? Speak to a Saginaw Drunk Driving Lawyer Today
At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C., we understand how devastating a drunk driving accident can be for victims and their families. Medical bills and long-term care costs can be extremely high, and those who lose a close relative may inherit large financial burdens as well. We will fight to hold the negligent driver responsible so you win the financial settlement you need and have access to ongoing medical care. For more information or to schedule an initial consultation with a drunk driving attorney, please call 989-300-0775 or contact our Saginaw office online today.
