High speeds are involved in about half of all drunk driving crashes, making these collisions some of the worst we’ve seen in Hazel Park, the wider Metro Detroit area. A drunk driver who runs a red light at John R Road and E Wattles going 65 mph is a potential death threat to anyone in the area.
All it takes is a driver’s reckless choice to get behind the wheel while intoxicated to alter a person’s life forever or leave a family grieving the sudden loss of a loved one. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, contact Kajy Law Firm for a free consultation with a Hazel Park drunk driving accident lawyer.
Our team has helped victims of motor vehicle accidents, including DUI-OWI collisions, obtain the compensation they need to make the best recovery possible. We handle car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases exclusively, helping families throughout Metro Detroit recover over $100 million.
Injured in an Accident? Call Kajy Law Now!
Why Do I Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Hazel Park?
Drunk driving cases typically involve both criminal proceedings against the driver and a separate civil claim for damages. A DUI (driving under the influence) or, as authorities say in Michigan, OWI (operating while intoxicated) accident attorney protects your interests while the criminal case plays out.
The criminal case focuses on punishing the drunk driver. Your civil case focuses on getting you compensated. These are two different legal tracks with different rules, timelines, and goals.
Insurance companies know drunk driving cases carry strong liability evidence. But they still fight to minimize payouts. They may argue about the extent of your injuries or blame pre-existing conditions. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Hazel Park know how insurance companies operate and how to fight back. We don’t just aim to settle your case. Our goal is to maximize your recovery.
Why Hazel Park Trusts Kajy Law Firm for Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Lawrence Kajy built this firm on a simple principle: do more work, get better results. That means more staff on every case and constant communication from day one until settlement.
After a drunk driving crash, you need more than a law firm that “handles cases.” You need a team that takes control of the situation, protects your claim from day one, and pushes for the full compensation you’re owed.
Focused Practice on Motor Vehicle Accidents
Kajy Law Firm handles car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases, and nothing else. That focus means your Hazel Park drunk driving accident lawyer understands Michigan’s no-fault system, third-party claims, and insurance tactics at a deep, practical level. We stay locked in on cases like yours.
Results That Reflect Real Case Experience
Our firm has recovered over $100 million for injured clients across Metro Detroit, with a 98% success rate. These successes reflect years of negotiating with insurers and litigating serious injury cases. When insurance companies see our name on a case, they know they’re dealing with a firm that prepares every claim as if it could go to trial.
Built to Handle Serious Injury Claims
Drunk driving crashes often lead to high-value claims involving long-term injuries. We structure our cases accordingly:
- Early evidence preservation, including BAC results and crash reports
- Coordination with medical providers to document long-term impact
- Strategic use of expert testimony when needed
This approach positions your claim for maximum value, not a quick settlement.
Consistent Communication From Start to Finish
You won’t be left wondering what’s happening with your case. With a team of 10 attorneys and over 35 staff members, we intentionally limit caseloads so every client receives attention. You’ll get updates, answers to your questions, and a clear understanding of where your case stands.
Local Experience in Oakland County Courts
We regularly handle cases throughout Oakland County, including Hazel Park. That familiarity matters. We know the local courts, judges, and procedures. We also know the roads and traffic patterns where these crashes happen, which helps us investigate and build stronger claims.
No Upfront Costs. You Pay Only If We Win
You don’t pay anything out of pocket to get started. We cover all case expenses during the process. Our fee comes from your recovery, and only if we secure compensation for you. That structure allows you to focus on your recovery while we focus on your case.
Who Pays Damages in a Michigan Drunk Driving Accident?
Michigan's no-fault insurance system means your own auto policy covers initial medical expenses and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the crash.
Beyond PIP benefits, you may pursue a third-party claim against the drunk driver for pain and suffering, excess medical costs, and other damages. If the driver was underinsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide additional recovery.
In some cases, other parties share responsibility for the crash. Our attorneys investigate every potential source of compensation, including:
The Drunk Driver
The intoxicated driver is the primary defendant. Their auto liability insurance covers damages up to policy limits. A criminal conviction for DUI strengthens your civil case, but it is not required to prove negligence.
Bars and Restaurants Under Michigan's Dram Shop Law
Michigan's Dram Shop Act allows victims to sue establishments that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or to a minor who later caused a crash. These claims add a layer of insurance coverage beyond the driver's policy.
Social Hosts
Homeowners or party hosts who serve alcohol to minors may face liability if that minor causes a drunk driving crash. Michigan law limits social host liability in most cases involving adults, but exceptions exist.
Our Hazel Park DUI accident lawyers evaluate all potential defendants to maximize your recovery.
Drunk Driving Crashes in Michigan: The Numbers
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a serious problem throughout Oakland County and Metro Detroit. According to a recent Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Report, alcohol-involved crashes killed 61 people and injured 6,709 people in Oakland County alone in one recent year.
Hazel Park's location along I-75 and near major entertainment districts in Ferndale, Royal Oak, and downtown Detroit means drunk drivers frequently travel through or near the city. Oakland County sees hundreds of alcohol-involved crashes each year.
Young drivers between 21 and 34 account for a disproportionate share of drunk driving crashes. But impaired drivers of all ages cause accidents in Hazel Park and throughout Metro Detroit.
What Compensation Is Available After a Drunk Driving Crash?
Michigan's no-fault system provides PIP benefits for medical expenses and wage loss. A third-party claim against the drunk driver can recover additional damages if your injuries meet the serious impairment threshold.
Recoverable damages in drunk driving cases include:
- Pain and suffering from your injuries
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Lost earning capacity if disabilities affect future work
- Medical expenses exceeding your PIP coverage
- Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of daily activities
In cases involving extreme recklessness, Michigan courts may award exemplary damages in addition to standard damages. Drunk driving with a very high blood alcohol level or a history of OWI offenses may support such claims.
Steps to Protect Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim
After receiving medical treatment, there are additional steps that strengthen your claim and protect its value.
- Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer immediately. Evidence from the criminal case against the driver can help your civil claim. An attorney preserves police reports, BAC test results, and witness statements before they become harder to access.
- Keep all medical appointments. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies reasons to question the severity of your injuries. Consistent care creates documentation that supports your claim.
- Document your daily experience. Keep a journal or video log of your pain levels, limitations, and emotional state. These records demonstrate non-economic damages months later, when details fade.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurance adjusters. Adjusters contact injured parties quickly, hoping to get statements they can use against you. Let your attorney handle all insurer communication.
- Request a copy of the police report. The crash report documents the driver's BAC level, field sobriety test results, and the officer's observations. This evidence supports both criminal charges and your civil claim. If you don’t have a copy when you have your initial consultation, we can obtain one for you.
What Injuries Often Result from Drunk Driving Accidents in Hazel Park?
Drunk drivers often travel at high speeds and fail to brake before impact, a combination that leads to violent collisions and serious injuries.
Common injuries in DUI crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from head impact or sudden deceleration
- Spinal cord damage causing partial or complete paralysis
- Multiple bone fractures requiring surgery and extended recovery
- Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders
Our attorneys work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life.
Recovery from drunk driving crash injuries often takes months or years. Some victims face permanent disabilities that change every aspect of daily life. Compensation must account for both current and future losses.
Where Do Drunk Driving Accidents Occur Around Hazel Park?
Hazel Park borders entertainment districts where alcohol consumption is common. Drunk drivers leaving bars in Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Madison Heights frequently travel through the area.
Late-night hours on weekends pose the greatest risk. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning reports that drunk driving crashes peak between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., with Saturdays seeing the highest volume.
High-risk locations include:
- I-75 between 8 Mile and I-696, especially late at night
- Woodward Avenue where drivers return from bars and restaurants
- 9 Mile Road intersections near John R and Dequindre
- Residential neighborhoods where impaired drivers cut through to avoid police
Our knowledge of local roads and traffic patterns helps us investigate crashes effectively and build strong cases.
Injured in an Accident? Call Kajy Law Now!
The Criminal Case vs. Your Civil Claim: Key Differences
When a drunk driver causes a crash, two separate legal processes begin. The criminal case is the state's effort to punish the driver. Your civil case is about recovering compensation for your losses.
In criminal court, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil court, you only need to show the driver was negligent by a preponderance of evidence. This lower standard makes it possible to win civil cases even if criminal charges are reduced or dismissed.
The timing of each case also differs. Criminal cases often take months to resolve through plea bargains or trials. Your civil case can proceed on its own timeline, though evidence from the criminal case may help.
Criminal restitution orders rarely cover full damages. Even if a court orders the drunk driver to pay restitution, those payments often fall far short of actual medical expenses and lost income. A civil lawsuit pursues compensation from insurance policies and personal assets.
Our attorneys coordinate with prosecutors when possible to access evidence from the criminal case. BAC test results, officer observations, and witness statements collected for criminal proceedings strengthen your civil claim.
Blood Alcohol Limits and Liability Under Michigan Law
Michigan law sets the legal blood alcohol concentration limit at .08 for drivers over 21. Commercial drivers face a stricter .04 limit. Drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance standard of .02.
A driver with a BAC at or above .17 faces enhanced criminal penalties under Michigan's super drunk law. In civil cases, a high BAC level provides strong evidence of recklessness that may support claims for exemplary damages.
However, you do not need BAC evidence to prove a drunk driving claim. Witness observations, slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, failed field sobriety tests, and erratic driving all establish impairment. Our attorneys build cases using all available evidence.
FAQs About Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Hazel Park
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Michigan?
You have one year to file for PIP benefits and three years to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence becomes harder to obtain over time. Contacting an attorney quickly helps preserve crucial records, video, reliable witness statements, and other evidence.
Does a DUI conviction help my civil case?
A criminal conviction for DUI provides strong evidence of negligence in your civil case. However, you do not need a conviction to pursue compensation. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases.
What if the drunk driver has no insurance?
Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide recovery. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Hazel Park also investigate whether a bar or restaurant served the driver while visibly intoxicated, which could provide another insurance source.
How much is my drunk driving accident case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, available insurance coverage, and the impact on your daily life. Kajy Law Firm’s Hazel Park DUI accident lawyers provide honest assessments during free consultations without making promises about specific outcomes.
What does a drunk driving accident lawyer cost?
Kajy Law Firm’s Hazel Park drunk driving accident attorneys take a contingency fee approach. We front all expenses, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, hourly fees, or charges if we don't win your case.
If a Drunk Driver Injured You, Our Hazel Park Attorneys Will Fight for You.
The drunk driver made a reckless decision, and now you're paying the price. Our Hazel Park drunk driving accident lawyers are ready to pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
We offer free consultations at our office or wherever works for you. If you cannot travel, we will come to you. There is no pressure and no obligation. We simply review your case and explain your options.
Call 248-702-6641 or contact us online to schedule your free case review. With over 150 years of combined experience and $100 million recovered, we have the resources to take on insurance companies and fight for your full and fair compensation.