Ann Arbor Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Strategic Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Ann Arbor, MI

While tougher laws against driving drunk have helped reduce the number of accidents, these senseless tragedies still happen on a daily basis in Michigan, ruining the lives of innocent victims and families.

Intoxicated drivers may face criminal punishment, but that doesn’t heal the injuries or pay your family’s bills. At the Ann Arbor law firm of Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, we focus on civil justice for the victims of drunk driving accidents. Our Ann Arbor drunk driving accident lawyers work to maximize compensation through all applicable sources to help clients rebuild their lives.

To speak with one of our Ann Arbor drunk driving injury attorneys, call us today at 734-545-8421. We have handled drunk driver accidents throughout Michigan.

Drinking and driving is still a big problem. Alcohol or drugs are a factor in more than 10,000 Michigan auto crashes each year, contributing to over 4,000 injuries and 200-plus fatalities. — Source: Michigan State Police

Justice For Victims Of Drunk Driving Accidents in Ann Arbor, MI

Alcohol-related crashes often involve severe or catastrophic injuries, especially when a drunk driver weaves into an oncoming lane, jumps a curb, runs a red light or rear-ends another vehicle. Such injuries take a heavy toll physically, emotionally and financially.

Our experienced trial lawyers pursue lawsuits against intoxicated drivers for their unforgivable decision to get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, those drivers do not always have sufficient liability insurance or personal assets to cover the losses. We also explore:

• Dramshop and social host lawsuits — Under Michigan law, establishments that sell alcohol may be liable for serving a “visibly intoxicated” person who then causes an accident. Bars, restaurants and liquor stores, and adults who host parties, can also be sued for furnishing alcohol to a driver under the age of 21.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist — Under your own auto policy, your insurer pays for your losses if the drunk driver had no insurance, or makes up the difference if that driver carried minimal insurance.
• Punitive damages — If the drunk driver’s actions are deemed wanton or reckless, you may be entitled to an award of punitive damages, over and above the damages for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.

The standard of proof is very high for dramshop liability and punitive damages, and insurers often deny uninsured motorist claims. Our Ann Arbor drunk driving accident attorneys will determine if these claims have merit and will fight for every dollar of compensation to cover your family’s losses.

Answers. Results. Justice.

An accident caused by a drunk driver motivates us. Call our Ann Arbor law office at 734-545-8421 to arrange a free consultation, or use our online form to tell us about your accident.

Serving Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, Michigan

A serious accident can leave an injured person facing hospitalization, rehabilitation, lost income, property damage, and uncertainty about the future. When another driver, business, or individual causes preventable harm, obtaining fair compensation may require more than filing an insurance claim. Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC represents injured people and grieving families throughout Ann Arbor, applying decades of experience in serious personal injury and wrongful death litigation.

The firm handles claims arising from car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, distracted-driving, and drunk-driving accidents, as well as cases involving brain injuries, spinal injuries, burns, broken bones, and other catastrophic harm. Civil injury lawsuits arising in Washtenaw County may be handled through the Washtenaw County Trial Court in downtown Ann Arbor, while other accident-related matters may involve the appropriate district court or local agencies. The firm investigates how an accident occurred, gathers medical and financial evidence, and addresses insurance-company efforts to dispute responsibility or minimize the value of a claim.

Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC serves residents throughout Downtown Ann Arbor, Kerrytown, Burns Park, Water Hill, the Old West Side, Arbor Hills, and nearby communities including Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and Pittsfield Township. Accidents may occur along Interstate 94, U.S. Route 23, M-14, Washtenaw Avenue, Plymouth Road, or heavily traveled streets near the University of Michigan. Whether a client has suffered a disabling injury or lost a family member, experienced legal representation can make the difference between accepting an inadequate insurance outcome and pursuing compensation that reflects the full consequences of the accident.

Helping Injury Victims Throughout Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor combines busy interstate corridors, university traffic, pedestrian and bicycle activity, residential neighborhoods, and growing commercial districts. From the University of Michigan campus and downtown streets to areas surrounding Briarwood Mall and the Washtenaw Avenue corridor, serious crashes can occur in many settings. Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC helps injured residents and families pursue accountability while addressing the medical, financial, and personal effects of an accident.

Ann Arbor, MI Drunk Driving Accident Law Additional Resources:

• Drugged Driving May Become a Bigger Problem in Michigan
• Marijuana May Increase Risk of Motor Vehicle Accident
• Michigan Car Accident Statistics
• Most Dangerous Roadways in Michigan
• What Should I Do After a Car Accident?