Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Pontiac
Taking the right steps immediately after a drunk driving accident can make a significant difference in your recovery and your legal rights. The first priority is to ensure your safety and seek prompt medical attention for any injuries, regardless of how minor they may seem. Contact the Pontiac Police Department or the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office so an official accident report can be generated; this documentation is crucial, particularly if alcohol impairment is suspected and field sobriety or BAC tests are conducted at the scene.
Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene. This means taking photographs of the vehicles, property damage, injuries, and the surrounding area. Exchange contact information with any witnesses, as their testimony can be critical for your claim. Notify your insurance company about the incident but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting early settlements before consulting with a drunk driving accident attorney in Pontiac. The team at Bashore Green Law Group will help you communicate with adjusters and navigate all steps required under Michigan personal injury law. It is essential to act quickly, as certain evidence and notifications are time-sensitive and may affect your ability to succeed in a claim within the Oakland County court system.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Drunk Driving Accidents?
The drunk driver who caused your accident is typically the primary liable party. As a result, both the driver and their insurance company are responsible for providing compensation for your losses.
Pursuing a drunk driving accident claim in Pontiac often involves understanding the broader chain of responsibility and how liability is proven under Michigan law. Besides the at-fault driver, other entities—like businesses that provided alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person—may also be liable. Insurance companies often attempt to limit their exposure by shifting blame or downplaying your losses, which complicates these cases. Working with our drunk driving accident lawyer in Pontiac ensures you understand your legal options and how to hold all appropriate parties accountable within the local legal system.
Many cases in Pontiac involve a mix of insurance policies, including the at-fault driver’s coverage and possibly third-party liability insurance. Because cases are typically litigated in Oakland County courts, it is vital to work with attorneys who know local procedures. At Bashore Green Law Group, we use our knowledge of the regional court rules to meet all deadlines and requirements unique to drunk driving lawsuits in Pontiac and the surrounding area.
Recoverable Damages in Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuits
Michigan law allows victims of drunk driving accidents to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Commonly recovered damages include:
- Medical costs: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and ongoing rehabilitation
- Lost wages: Income you've lost due to time off work or long-term disability
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress resulting from your injuries
- Permanent disabilities: Compensation for lasting impairments or conditions
Establishing that the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident is a crucial component of any claim. Always call 911 if you suspect the other party is impaired so a police report is generated. Police records and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results are important evidence we use to support your case. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Pontiac know how to gather this documentation and build a strong claim for full compensation.
Can Bars Be Liable for Drunk Driving Accidents?
Michigan’s dram shop law sometimes allows drunk driving accident victims in Pontiac to hold a bar or alcohol vendor partially liable for damages—not just the intoxicated driver. This additional option is important because it can provide more complete compensation, especially when the driver’s own insurance is insufficient.
Businesses liable under the dram shop statute can include bars, restaurants, or any establishment in Pontiac or nearby that serves alcohol. Staff are required to follow responsible beverage service protocols and recognize signs of intoxication. If they violate these standards, the consequences may include sharing financial responsibility for an ensuing accident. Our attorneys carefully assess your situation to determine whether a local establishment improperly served a customer, and help hold those parties accountable under state law.
Pursuing a dram shop claim means collecting evidence such as witness statements, surveillance video, and purchase receipts. In some cases, Bashore Green Law Group consults with investigators or subject matter professionals to clarify whether Michigan licensing or local regulations have been violated. Our familiarity with both Oakland County ordinances and state statutes ensures every legal angle is pursued in seeking damages for your drunk driving accident claim.
A vendor can be held liable for an accident if it sold alcohol to someone who was:
- Visibly intoxicated; or
- Under the age of 21
Businesses covered by the dram shop law include bars, restaurants, and other establishments—but not social hosts who serve alcohol in private residences. Significantly, under Michigan law, a business may be liable even if an underage drinker used a fake ID to obtain alcohol, placing strong responsibility on businesses to properly check identification and follow all legal protocols.
What If the Drunk Driver Fled the Scene?
When a drunk driver flees the scene of a crash they caused, it creates additional complications for injured victims. Contact law enforcement immediately and provide as much information as possible about the vehicle, driver, and the circumstances. Police can utilize accident scene evidence and nearby surveillance footage—especially in busy areas of Pontiac—to help track down the responsible individual.
Knowing what to do after a hit-and-run drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with injuries and uncertainty. Crashes in high-traffic areas or near well-known businesses may involve surveillance cameras or witnesses who can help identify the driver. Our law firm works quickly with victims to collect accident reports and preserve every critical detail, increasing the likelihood of successful recovery in Oakland County cases.
Uninsured Motorist Claims for Drunk Driving Hit-&-Run Accidents
If the drunk driver cannot be found, victims may turn to their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for compensation. UM insurance can pay for accident-related damages, up to the policy’s limits, when the responsible driver is unidentified or uninsured. Because these claims involve reporting deadlines and insurance-specific requirements, it’s important to work with a drunk driving accident attorney in Pontiac who knows how to properly file and support your claim, increasing the likelihood of approval and a full financial recovery for your losses.
If the driver is never identified, you may use your uninsured motorist insurance policy to seek coverage, provided you have this type of protection. UM insurance typically covers damages to the extent of your policy cap if you are hit by an uninsured or unknown motorist. Be sure your coverage includes UM benefits, as these are sometimes offered only as optional add-ons to standard auto insurance policies.
How Michigan Law Handles Drunk Driving Accidents
Michigan imposes strict consequences for driving under the influence, and these state laws directly affect your civil drunk driving accident claim in Pontiac. Drivers found operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater can face criminal penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. In addition to the criminal prosecution, injured victims maintain the right to file a civil case seeking compensation for their injuries, even if a criminal conviction is not obtained. Outcomes in criminal court can provide persuasive evidence for your civil case but are not required for you to pursue damages.
Understanding how these laws apply locally is important. Pontiac drunk driving cases are typically handled through the Oakland County court system, where prosecutors and judges routinely address impaired driving matters. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Pontiac leverage police reports, court findings, and chemical test results to build strong claims, ensuring every aspect of your case is supported by credible evidence. This approach maximizes your chances of success in both negotiations and, where needed, trial hearings within Michigan’s courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Pontiac, MI?
Michigan law requires that drunk driving accident victims file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the accident date to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. This statute of limitations applies whether you are bringing your case against the at-fault driver or a liable third party, such as a bar under dram shop law. For cases involving government vehicles or agencies, even shorter deadlines and special notice filings may apply, so prompt action is necessary. Insurance policies may impose even faster reporting deadlines for claims. In Pontiac and Oakland County, crowded court dockets further underscore the need to act swiftly. By contacting a drunk driving accident attorney in Pontiac at Bashore Green Law Group, you ensure the prompt gathering of evidence and timely filing of all necessary documentation so your right to compensation is protected.
How Does Comparative Fault Affect My Drunk Driving Accident Case in Pontiac?
Michigan uses a modified comparative fault system in drunk driving accident cases, meaning your compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for an accident, your damages award is reduced by that amount. If your fault exceeds 50%, you may not recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In most drunk driving cases, the intoxicated driver is primarily liable, but insurance companies might try to shift some blame to you to limit their own payouts. At Bashore Green Law Group, our drunk driving accident lawyers in Pontiac review all facts, challenge unfair assignments of fault, and present compelling evidence to demonstrate the true responsibility for the crash. We use our deep understanding of Michigan personal injury law and local court practices to pursue fair compensation for injury victims throughout Pontiac and Oakland County.
Can I Recover Damages If I Was a Passenger in a Pontiac Drunk Driving Accident?
Passengers injured in Pontiac drunk driving accidents are generally eligible to seek compensation from the driver at fault—regardless of whether the driver was operating their own vehicle or the vehicle in which the passenger was riding. Michigan law allows injured passengers to make claims against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy and, in certain cases, against alcohol vendors under the dram shop law. Insurance carriers may scrutinize the facts to determine if the passenger knowingly accepted a ride from an impaired driver, but unless you knowingly endangered yourself, you remain eligible for compensation. Bashore Green Law Group, as your Pontiac drunk driving accident attorney, assesses all possible insurance coverages and claim types, providing step-by-step guidance tailored to your specific situation. We thoroughly document your injuries, communicate with involved parties, and advocate on your behalf in both negotiations and, when necessary, in the Oakland County courts to maximize your recovery as a passenger.
Your Case Deserves Powerful Representation
Let our Pontiac drunk driving accident lawyers help you determine the best path forward after being hit by an impaired or intoxicated driver. Multiple legal options may be available, and we are committed to helping you choose the strategy with the strongest chance of success. Contact us online or call us at (248) 487-1887 today to discuss your legal options and receive guidance.
We support accident victims at every stage—no matter if your crash happened near downtown Pontiac, along city routes, or in metro Detroit. Our local knowledge allows us to address unique concerns Pontiac residents face, such as complying with court schedules, understanding law enforcement protocols, and dealing with area-specific insurers. Wherever your accident occurred, we provide attentive representation focused on your immediate and long-term needs after a drunk driving accident.
As your advocate, we prioritize empowering you with clear explanations of your legal rights, procedural steps, and realistic timelines based on Oakland County’s current court system. With Bashore Green Law Group, you gain a dedicated legal ally who is just a phone call away—committed to guiding you through insurance negotiations and prepared to represent your best interests in the local courts when necessary.
Our law firm speaks English, Arabic, Spanish, Lebanese, Russian, and Ukrainian.
