About Rick
Client Testimonials
Rick was absolutely amazing to work with. He was so helpful and able to answer any questions or concerns I may have had. Definitely made my whole experience with MAL a lot easier!
I was rear ended by a drunk driver on my way home from work in August 2017. My life changed forever and so did that of my family on that fateful night. Michigan Auto Law stepped in and helped us navigate all the ins and out that comes with being in a car accident. Brandon Hewitt & Rick Houghton stepped in, answered all our questions, and communicated with our insurance company on our behalf. They, along with their staff, Tonya & Lori, met with us several times, answered all our emails, and questions quickly and truthfully. They presented information from several perspectives and then let my husband and I decide what way we wanted to go. When we settled our first party case regarding medical bills, lost wages, medical miles, and replacement services; Brandon and Rick once again stepped up! They negotiated a great deal for me. Then they personally spoke with all my medical providers on my behalf getting all my medical bills covered at a reasonable cost. Lastly, with the third party part of this Court matter coming up later this year, there is no one I trust more to take care of me during this scary process. Brandon, Rick, Lori, and Tonya will continue to take care of myself and my family with dedication, honesty, integrity, and most of all deep concern for my well-being. I recommend them to one and all when faced with an auto accident. Let them handle your case and you will be well taken care of, just like I was.
Brandon Hewitt and Rick Houghton went above and beyond. At the request of my family, they came to my hospital room to meet me for the first time. They kept in touch by phone and email as my case progressed. They gave me simple suggestions for things I could do that allowed them to keep their fees lower and therefore increase my settlement. Ultimately, they were able to give me the only justice I would be able to get. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has been injured by another driver.
i was in a car accident in 2016 work with Brandon and his team they were great . Brandon and Rick did a wonderful job for me
You were great Thank You.
Everyone at Michigan Auto Law was wonderfully helpful! I am so grateful for their assistance, and I honestly couldn't have expected a better outcome. I can't believe I considered going through this process without an attorney. They were so helpful every step of the way, and I would have been very confused and stressed without them.
I was hit on my motorcycle by an uninsured motorist and Rick did a tremendous job helping our family through a very difficult time. Not only did he get the maximum award possible, he handled all aspects of the case including hospital bills and insurance claims. Rick went above and beyond what was required and my family and I cannot thank him enough.
Working with Rick
As an avid rider, Rick also works with many injured motorcyclists. Recently, Rick won a $400,000 settlement for an injured motorcyclist who was hit by a negligent driver, where the insurance company was refusing to take responsibility, disputing both how the crash occurred and the extent of his client’s injuries.
Education
University of Minnesota School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Cum Laude
- Dean’s List
Willamette University College of Law
- Top 20
Universita Commerciale Luigi Bocconi – Milan, Italy
- Studied EU Law
Michigan Technological University, Bachelor of Science – Marketing and Management
Published Articles
Negligent Entrustment After Bennett, The Grand Rapids Lawyer – March/April 2018
Mitigating Property Damage: The Duty v. The Ability, Minnesota Trial – Fall 2014
Future Medical Expenses to a Reasonable Degree of Certainty? Is that the Standard?, Minnesota Trial – Spring 2013
Honors
Rick was selected to the Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Stars list annually since 2014. Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The honor is limited to the top 5 percent of lawyers in each state.
Memberships and affiliations
Grand Rapids Bar Association
Michigan Association for Justice
Professional Licenses
State Bar of Michigan
State Bar of Minnesota
Federal:
- Western District of Michigan
- District of Minnesota
Legal experience
Rick has considerable experience as a personal injury attorney. Before joining Michigan Auto Law as a trial and litigation attorney, he practiced in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a premier personal injury firm where he obtained millions in total settlements for the people he was helping.
Extensive Pro Bono Work
Rick began his legal career as a volunteer attorney at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, in St. Paul, Minnesota, helping low income clients with housing matters. Rick tried multiple eviction and rental repair cases on behalf of his clients, at no cost to them.
