Aggressive Legal Advocacy for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

Despite endless law enforcement efforts, drunk driving is a persistent danger on roads and highways throughout the United States, including here in Michigan. Each year, nearly one-third of car accident fatalities nationwide are attributed to alcohol-involved crashes.

If you’ve been injured or lost someone you love to an accident caused by a drunk driver, Vahdat Weisman Law is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We have a strong record of success on behalf of our clients, and we work hard to demonstrate that we care about your case as much as you do.

The High Costs of an Impaired Driving Crash

Choosing to drive drunk is a supremely selfish act that shows no regard for the safety of others. Sadly, the physical consequences are often far worse for victims than for the drunk drivers. Victims may face injuries that include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones, cuts and bruises
• Neck and back injuries
• Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
• Disfigurement
• Permanent disabilities

When you work with our firm, we will take the time to assess the full extent of your injuries, medical bills, property damage, lost wages and other costs. We may be able to pursue other noneconomic damages as well, like pain and suffering. Then, we will aggressively pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance company.

Holding Alcohol Sellers Liable for Your Injuries

The drunk driver was to blame, first and foremost, for the accident and your injuries. But there are cases in which businesses can also be held liable for supplying the alcohol that the drunk driver consumed.

Michigan is among many states with “dram shop laws” on the books. Under Michigan’s laws, you may be able sue a bar or other liquor-serving establishments if it served alcohol to the defendant before they drove drunk and caused the accident (resulting in injuries, death and/or property damage). This establishment can only be held liable, however, if an employee served drinks to someone who was already visibly intoxicated or to someone who was under the age of 21.

Criminal Charges Won’t Negatively Impact Your Civil Lawsuit

Drunk driving is a crime, and any DUI incident that results in injury is very likely to lead to criminal charges for the at-fault party. This is certainly appropriate, but criminal charges are not enough to provide you with adequate compensation for your injuries.

The good news is that you can file a personal injury (or wrongful death) lawsuit regardless of what happens in the separate criminal case. If the driver is convicted in criminal court, it could ultimately strengthen your case. If there is a problem that results in the driver being acquitted, your case can go forward regardless. Unlike criminal court, which requires guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” civil cases require guilt based on “a preponderance of the evidence,” which is an easier standard to meet.

Get Started With a Free Consultation

Vahdat Weisman Law is located in Livonia, and we serve clients throughout the Detroit metro area. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced and caring attorneys, fill out our online contact form or call 866-342-3901.