According to Michigan State Police, there were 25,318 drunk driving arrests in Michigan in 2024. This is down from 26,408 in 2023 and represents an overall decline in arrests by nearly 30% since 2014.
While this is good news, the decline in arrests could partially be due to the time-consuming nature of DUI stops, as well as shortages in law enforcement staffing.
Whatever the case, alcohol-related accidents remain a serious concern. This is no less true in the traffic-heavy city of Southfield. So if you’re suffering an injury from a Southfield drunk driving accident, it’s time to reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer at Kajy Law who can get you the justice you deserve.
What’s Considered Drunk Driving in Michigan?
In Michigan, drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) in the range of 0.08% – 0.17% are considered legally drunk. If the BAC is above 0.17%, the driver is considered legally drunk and could be subject to harsher penalties.
First-time offenders who register a BAC of 0.08% – 0.17% can receive 6 points on their driver’s license, can be fined up to $500, have their driver’s license suspended for up to 180 days, be assigned up to 360 hours of community service, and possibly spend up to 93 days in jail.
The penalties for blowing a 0.17% or higher for first-time offenders may include 6 points on their driver’s license, a fine up to $700, a possible one-year suspension of their driver’s license, up to 360 hours of community service, mandatory enrollment in a drug or alcohol treatment program, installation of an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, and up to 180 days in jail.
Any subsequent drunk driving offenses quite often result in more severe penalties.
How Do No-Fault Benefits Work After a DUI Car Crash?
Michigan is a no-fault insurance state. That means that every automobile driver is required by law to be covered by a no-fault insurance policy.
The benefits drivers receive from this policy are referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. So, assuming you have this coverage, your benefits include, but are not limited to, payment of medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care services, medical mileage, and household services.
Interestingly, under Michigan law, an injured drunk driver is eligible to receive no-fault benefits.
What to Do After a Car Accident with a Drunk Driver in Southfield, MI
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Southfield, you should call the police immediately to report the accident and to establish that the other driver is drunk. Take note or snap a picture, if possible, of the other vehicle’s license plate, make, model, and color.
Also take pictures of your vehicle to document the damage and prove it was done on the day of the accident. And talk to any witnesses and get their personal information so your attorney from Kajy Law can contact them later should you need them to provide testimony on your behalf.
It is always advised to seek medical care for your injuries as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel you’ve been injured, hidden injuries can show up later and it will be harder to prove they were the result of your accident.
Finally, contact Kajy Law to connect with an experienced Southfield car accident attorney. In Michigan, you typically have three years from the date of a drunk driving accident to file your lawsuit against the drunk driver. Securing an attorney to conduct comprehensive investigations and gather evidence such as police reports, witness testimonies, medical records, and accident scene analysis can greatly increase the chances of you getting the compensation you deserve.
Proving Liability for a Southfield Drunk Driver Car Accident
Collecting damages on a drunk driving claim comes down to proving negligence on the part of the drunk driver. To do this, you and our lawyers will need to be able to show the following:
- First, you must show that the drunk driver owed you a duty of care. This is a term for the legal responsibility each of us has to prevent one another from harm. With the proper evidence, this is relatively easy to prove because Michigan has strict drinking and driving laws by which motorists are expected to abide.
- Second, you must demonstrate that the driver breached their duty of care. The moment the drunk driver got behind the wheel of the car and began driving, they did just that. They failed to live up to the responsibilities and duties required of them by law.
- Third, you have to prove that the defendant’s actions caused the accident. This can be dicey if the drunk driver (who has acted unlawfully) claims someone else caused your accident. If that’s the case, their illegal actions won’t matter for your lawsuit.
- Finally, after you’ve established that the driver was negligent and they caused the car crash, you must show that the drunk driver’s actions caused measurable damages. This is the legal term for the compensation you’ll get in the lawsuit. And it needs to be enough to get you started on your journey to healing. This is where hiring a highly experienced car accident lawyer in Michigan will make all the difference.
Get Justice After a Southfield Drunk Driving Car Accident
Are you struggling to get back on your feet after sustaining an injury from a Southfield drunk driving accident? Then it’s time to get legal help.
Call Kajy Law at 877-KAJY-CARES. Or fill out our online form to set up your free consultation. With a keen understanding of the intricate laws and regulations that govern drunk driving accidents, our team of expert car accident attorneys can offer you extensive legal representation.
That way, as we handle the legal aspects of your case, you can focus on healing and recovering.
