Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuits
The holiday season is always full of fun and festivity, but too often people drink more alcohol than they can handle and attempt to drive the vehicle home. Many people are just casual drinkers and believe that they “are good enough to drive,” when in fact their blood alcohol levels are over Michigan’s legal limits. When this happens, they are considered a drunk driver under Michigan law.
Besides the potential criminal charges facing drunk drivers, many drunk drivers cause devastating accidents due to their impairments and poor judgments in operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor. A drunk driver who injures another will not only face severe criminal penalties, but may also be the subject of a civil lawsuit seeking money damages from the injured person or his family.
In addition to the drunk driver, the bar, restaurant or establishment that furnishes a visibly intoxicated person alcohol before an accident can also be sued by the injured person. This is called a “dram shop case.” A social host who furnishes alcohol to an intoxicated person may also be sued in a civil court by the injured person. In Michigan, the injured person must send out a retention letter, usually by an attorney, to the person or business that furnished the alcohol within thirty days of the accident or the claim will be barred by statute. Therefore, it is important to contact a lawyer immediately after an accident caused by a drunk driver to preserve your rights.
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