Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Grand Haven
If you’ve been hurt in a Grand Haven drunk driving accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Barrix Law Firm will guide you through your no-fault or at-fault claim and fight for the fair resolution that you need to make a full recovery.
Reach out today for a free consultation with a trusted local attorney.
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Helping Ottawa County With DUI Accident Claims
If you were injured in a traffic collision caused by a drunk driver in Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, or surrounding areas, you are not alone. Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem in Ottawa County and across West Michigan. Individuals who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol leave local families with large repair bills, long-term medical needs, and in the case of wrongful death, inconsolable grief.
At Barrix Law Firm, we are dedicated to pursuing justice and fair compensation for victims of drunk driving accidents and their families. With over 30 years of proven results in criminal and civil law, drunk driving injury attorney Jason Barrix is ready to put his experience to work for you.
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Ottawa County Drunk Driving Stats & Facts
According to the Michigan State Police, there were over 8,500 alcohol-involved traffic collisions statewide in 2024. Although the number of drunk driving accidents has decreased slightly over the past several years, the number of fatalities has increased by 3%. The state reported 239 alcohol-involved crashes in Ottawa County alone according to the Statewide Traffic Crash Data Year End Report. This includes:
- 143 property damage collisions.
- 94 injury accidents affecting 132 motorists.
- 3 deaths in 2 fatal collisions.
Insurance Claims for Drunk Driving Accidents
Being in a car accident is stressful enough, but when the other driver is intoxicated, it adds another layer of complexity and confusion. Additionally, Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance laws have specific requirements for which insurance you must go through before you can pursue the next option. That’s where a Grand Haven drunk driving injury lawyer can be a big help. Here are the main ways to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that your own auto insurance will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to policy limits regardless of who was at fault. These are called first-party benefits. However, if your injuries are severe, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to secure third-party liability benefits.
What happens if the drunk driver who hit you doesn't have insurance or has very little coverage? That’s when uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can be a lifesaver. This optional coverage may pay for damages in the following situations:
- The accident was caused by a drunk driver who had no insurance or left the scene.
- The drunk driver did not have enough coverage to pay for all your damages.
Given that Michigan has one of the nation’s highest rates of uninsured drivers according to the Insurance Information Institute this coverage can provide valuable benefits in the event of a drunk driving accident or other car collision.
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It’s important to note that the insurance claims process can vary depending on whether you were walking, driving a vehicle, or riding a bicycle or motorcycle. Speak to a DUI accident attorney in Ottawa County to understand your rights and determine which coverage is available to resolve your claim.
What Compensation Is Available for DUI Accidents?
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical care
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Household services
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship/consortium
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How Does Michigan's Severe Injury Threshold Affect Your Case?
To sue the at-fault drunk driver for non-economic damages that cover pain and suffering and emotional trauma, the accident must have caused a death or serious impairment of body function per MLC 500.3135. The state has 3 requirements for qualifying injuries:
- The impairment must be observable and perceptible.
- The injury must affect an important body function.
- It must affect the person’s ability to lead a normal life.
To see if your injury may qualify as a severe impairment, get in touch with Barrix Law Firm today. We can assess the severity of your injuries and calculate potential compensation during a free case review.
Filing a Dramshop Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident
In some cases, the drunk driver may not be the only party responsible for your injuries. Grand Haven is a popular lakeshore destination. The community has numerous bars and restaurants that may increase the risk of encountering a drunk driver on local roads. This can lead to a dramshop liability claim under the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998.
Michigan's dramshop law allows the public to recover damages from bars, restaurants, and other licensed establishments if they serve a visibly intoxicated patron or furnish alcohol to a minor. This means that if a bar overserves a patron who then gets behind the wheel and causes a crash, the victim may be able to file a claim against the drunk driver and the establishment that sold the alcohol.
To file a dramshop claim, you must meet the state’s 2-year time limit described in MCL 436.1801. Your DUI accident lawyer must provide advance notice of your intent to sue within 120 days of establishing an attorney-client relationship. To avoid missing these deadlines, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your case.
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What Evidence Is Needed in Drunk Driving Lawsuits?
Any lawyer will tell you that a strong drunk driving lawsuit is built on solid evidence. Our legal team works diligently to gather all necessary evidence to prove your claim and show negligence on the part of the other driver or the business that provided alcohol to the impaired driver. Helpful evidence may include:
- Police Reports: The official police report may contain valuable information about the accident, including the at-fault driver's blood alcohol content (BAC).
- Field Sobriety Results: The results of any field sobriety tests conducted at the scene can be used to prove the other driver's impairment, as can a history of similar violations.
- Witness Statements: Statements from anyone who witnessed the accident can be very helpful when proving fault.
- Medical Records: Medical records provide clear evidence about the length of your treatment and the severity of injuries caused by the accident.
- Photos and Videos: Photos of the accident, your injuries, and property damage can help to demonstrate the severity of the impact. In some cases, videos may be available from traffic cameras or surveillance footage.
- Expert Testimony: In some cases, we may hire accident reconstructionists or medical experts to provide testimony supporting your case.
Grand Haven Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
Yes, drunk driving can affect the value of your personal injury case. However, damages are typically based on the severity of your injuries rather than the fact that the other driver was intoxicated or impaired. Unfortunately, drunk driving injury cases can be more complex than other car accidents, so the insurance process may take longer and be more complicated.
No, you do not need to wait for pending criminal charges to be resolved before suing the drunk driver or filing for insurance benefits. Due to strict time limits, especially for dramshop claims, it’s wise to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Michigan does not provide punitive damages in traditional car accident cases. However, courts often award exemplary damages in wrongful death lawsuits. Drunk driving generally meets the standard of recklessness or gross negligence needed to recover these benefits.
In Michigan, you generally have 1 year from the date of the accident to file a claim for no-fault PIP benefits. Any residual medical bills must be filed within 1 year of the date of treatment.
If you’re filing a third-party claim against the at-fault driver, you generally have 3 years from the date of the accident, which is similar to most other personal injury claims.
Contact a Grand Haven Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, don't wait to get the legal help you need. Barrix Law Firm is here to fight for you. We offer free in-depth case reviews to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain the next step on the road to recovery. Contact our Grand Haven office or complete our online intake form to schedule a convenient appointment with a drunk driving accident lawyer.
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