About Rick Houghton

Rick is an attorney in the firm’s litigation division. He prides himself on providing excellent client service, communication, and protecting the rights of injured auto crash victims. Rick and Brandon Hewitt partnered to achieve the largest pain and suffering jury verdict for a car accident in Ottawa County history – a trial verdict that was over 10 times the defendant’s final offer.

Rick practices in Michigan Auto Law’s West Michigan office, located in downtown Grand Rapids.

Client Testimonials

One ordinary Friday commute home changed my life forever when I was involved in an auto accident. I researched attorneys for a long time before I decided to even talk to anyone. I reached out to Michigan Auto Law and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Rick Houghton is an extremely knowledgeable and compassionate attorney. He always treated me with respect and answered all of my questions. For two years, Rick Houghton was always the first person to contact me about any of my doctor’s appointments. He helped me through a situation I wish I was never involved in. He truly cared about my well being and his number one goal wasn’t money but me being as pain free as possible. He fought hard for me and I got a great settlement! If you find yourself looking for an attorney after an auto accident I 100 percent recommend Rick. Thank you for all you did for me!

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 10

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 has been named to Grand Rapids Magazine’s list of Top Lawyers in 2021 – 2023. He has also been selected to the 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 2.5 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.

Legal Seminars

• Speaker, “Leveraging Demand Letters to Obtain High Settlements in Auto Accident Cases,” Strafford Webinars; National; May 15, 2024
• Speaker, Winning the Minimal Impact Soft Tissue Car Crash Case; 360 Advocacy’s Auto, Truck, Damages Extravaganza; Las Vegas, NV; June 6, 2023

Notable Cases

• $1.225 Million Car Accident Wrongful Death Settlement – Confidential
• $1.25 Million Motorcycle-Auto Wrongful Death Settlement
• $1 Million Wrongful Death Settlement – Confidential 

Client Testimonials

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May 9, 2024, Cynthia

Tim Holland, Jason Hodge, Rick Houghton and Brandon Hewitt represented me in a wrongful death case that four other lawyers turned down. They helped me secure a satisfactory result to bring closure to a very difficult time in my life. They stayed in contact with me and answered my questions. They were tenacious in my representation and treated me like family. Not only were they zealous advocates for me, they were caring and showed me that | was more than just another client during the most difficult time in my life. They acted with integrity and compassion at all times. | would recommend them for any case in the future, but highly recommend them if you have any difficult or tricky matter.

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Aug 17, 2023, Candy Barringer from Mongo, IN

I can't say enough about Michigan Auto Law and my Attorney Rick Houghton. I am so Grateful to them for representing me. Took the worry of how I was going to handle my medical expenses away. Been in a car accident, get ahold of Rick Houghton and his associates at Michigan Auto Law and relax. Thank you all for your help and understanding.

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Jul 13, 2023, Troy

Rick Houghton and team went beyond their means to get everything you deserve plus more. I would recommend them to anyone in need. Just call Mich Auto Law for help

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Jun 28, 2023, Deborah Roberts from Petoskey, MI

Rick Houghton and Tim Holland were outstanding!!! They were both very professional, friendly, thorough, knowledgeable and did a wonderful job helping me understand everything about the process. They gave me great advice on how to proceed but also allowed me to make my own decisions. They were incredibly determined to make sure I received what I deserved and really fought for me!!! Their support staff was equally amazing!! I would HIGHLY recommend them and Michigan Auto Law!!!!

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Jun 23, 2023, Candy Barringer from Mongo, IN

After my car accident I wasn't sure what I should. Being hurt and having to worry about bills flowing in was stressful. I saw Michigan Auto Law on line and gave them a call. I felt comfortable with my Lawyer. He was very polite and made me feel at ease right outa the gate. Him and his team kept me well informed with the process. I would recommend Michigan Auto Law to anyone without hesitation. Thank you for handling my case so quickly.

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May 16, 2023, Jake Olmstead

I recently had the pleasure of engaging with Rick Houghton and Tim Holland, and I must say that my experience with their communication was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, their team exhibited a level of professionalism and responsiveness that exceeded my expectations. One of the standout qualities of Rick Houghton and Tim Holland is their remarkable ability to maintain clear and prompt communication throughout the entire legal process. They demonstrated a genuine commitment to keeping me informed and involved, ensuring that I always felt like a valued client. Whenever I had questions or concerns, they were incredibly attentive, providing timely and insightful responses that put my mind at ease. I was particularly impressed by their approachable and friendly demeanor. Despite their expertise and extensive legal knowledge, Rick Houghton and Tim Holland always made me feel comfortable discussing even the most complex legal matters. They took the time to explain intricate legal concepts in a way that was easy to understand, empowering me to make informed decisions. This level of clarity and transparency greatly contributed to my overall satisfaction with their services. Furthermore, the efficiency of their communication processes was remarkable. Rick Houghton and Tim Holland consistently displayed excellent organizational skills, promptly returning phone calls and emails. They demonstrated a keen attention to detail, ensuring that no important information was overlooked. This level of reliability and timeliness truly set them apart, allowing me to navigate the legal proceedings smoothly and efficiently. Not only did Rick Houghton and Tim Holland excel in communicating with me as their client, but they also demonstrated exceptional teamwork and collaboration within their own firm. This seamless coordination among their team members made me feel confident that my case was being handled by a group of professionals who were dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. In conclusion, I highly recommend Rick Houghton and Tim Holland for their outstanding communication skills. Their unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, approachability, promptness, and ability to convey complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner are truly commendable. If you are seeking legal representation that goes above and beyond, you can trust Rick Houghton and Tim Holland to deliver exceptional service. Thanks Jake Olmstead

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May 15, 2023, Shawn Riani from Parma, MI

Rick, Tim, Jason, Megan, Emily and Stephanie have all been great handling my lawsuit! Always checking in, and keeping me updated on each step of the process. I always felt that I was in good hands, and had a professional team that had my best interests. I couldn't recommend them more! Thank you!

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Apr 4, 2023, Helen Villa from Grand Rapids, MI

Mr. Houghton was very helpful and was always there to answer questions . Thank you so much happy everything is settled!

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Feb 3, 2023, Michael Zimmerman from Charlevoix, MI

Amazing lawyer very easy experience working with him. I am 100% satisfied with the results of my case.

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Nov 10, 2022, Kaila DeGroot

I thought I was going to be fine but when my pain wouldn't go away and my family noticed how much trouble I was having, my husband reached out to Michigan Auto Law for help that I wasn't willing to call for myself. I'm not a confrontational person, so the last thing I thought to do was hire an attorney for a lawsuit. I just wanted to make sure my medical bills and time missed from work were taken care of. Tim Holland and Rick Houghton took care of everything for me and even a pain and suffering claim that I didn't know I was entitled to. I appreciate everything Tim, Rick, and everyone at Michigan Auto Law have done for me and will be happy to recommend them to others.

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Nov 3, 2022, Shelly Lopez

I was referred to Michigan Auto Law and Brandon Hewitt through my doctor who trusted them to take care of me. Rick Houghton and Tim Holland were amazing, fighting with State Farm to make sure my medical bills were paid. I am continuing to recover and happy to have had my attorneys there with me through this difficult time.

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Oct 10, 2022, AJ

My dad helped me find Michigan Auto Law through researching on the internet. Being from Battle Creek, we wanted a firm that both had the resources and experience to help us through the loss of my mother. We interviewed at least a dozen firms and Michigan Auto Law stood out for their compassion and understanding. I have no doubt this was a complicated process, but Rick Houghton and Tim Holland made it as easy as possible with their experience and knowledge. Our case moved along faster than expected and I know we received the maximum compensation we could have. Nobody wants to deal with insurance companies and difficult claims processes while trying to grieve, thankfully with Michigan Auto Law we didn't have to and we could focus on our family.

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Sep 13, 2022, Theresa Kuhns from White Cloud, MI

MI Auto Law did an excellent job of representing me. The auto insurance companies were held accountable and made to pay. Not only for current treatments but for all future medical expenses as well. Thank you Michigan Auto

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Jul 19, 2022, Kathy

Thank You, Rick Houghton!...You helped me through what I consider the biggest test of my well-being, quality of life, and happiness that I was trying to be robbed of. My life is not perfect, but I can at least make the most of it knowing I will not be burdened the rest of my life with medical bills that I could no longer work to pay for. Your legal experience in fighting for my health care gave me quality of life back and peace of mind for a future that is worth struggling through daily pain for. Thank you so much for fighting for me, justice, and the right thing. Peace to you and yours always.

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Feb 15, 2022, Rosemary Soto from Battle Creek, MI

Choosing a attorney is hard u want someone to look out for you and im glad i chose michigan auto law Rick houghton is awesome and he will fight for you and make sure u get the best outcome so thank you again for helping me with my case. I reccommend this law firm to anybody that needs help you wont regret it .

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Feb 6, 2022, patricia dixon

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Feb 2, 2022, Patricia Dixon from Utica, MI

Rick Houghton was my attorney, very professional and to the point, but not in a bad way. Just honest, if he could not answer your question that is what he would tell you. I always felt comfortable talking with him, asking questions and expressing any concerns I may have had I am very pleased at the way he handled my case and I would highly recommend Michigan Auto Law. Patricia Bolton Dixon

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Jan 7, 2022, Heather Calvin from Grand Rapids

Very helpful, communicates well and keeps you informed if every step. Overall the whole staff are superb!!!

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Dec 31, 2021, Amy Mieras from Grand Rapids, MI

Process was handled professionally and expedited quickly.

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Nov 18, 2021, Terry Luke from Grand Rapids

Michigan auto law did a really good job setting my auto accident case.I would definitely recommend them to others.

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Nov 18, 2021, Matthew Rogers from Grand Rapids, MI

My experience with Michigan Auto Law was great. From day one they were extremely supportive. After my accident I wasn’t able to move from the couch and they came to me. Not only did Rick Houghton give great legal advise and direction, he also helped with giving me knowledge on how to advocate for myself and seek the best care possible for myself in a medical system that isn’t the most supportive.

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Nov 4, 2021, Shawn Riani from Parma, MI

So far, I believe that Michigan Auto Law has done great at handling my automobile accident claim. Everyone I have interacted with has been helpful, professional and informative when I have had questions.

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Nov 1, 2021, Dao Mortensen from Comstock Park, MI

Thank you

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Oct 14, 2021, Latisha O'Brien from Union City, MI

This firm has been nothing but helpful and devoted in my case from beginning to end.

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Apr 15, 2021, Madelyn Precour from Alpena, MI

We couldn’t have had a more compassionate, hard working, thorough lawyer representing us than we had with Rick. We greatly appreciate all he did for us, and the time and effort he put forth to help us. Thank you, Rick, for everything.

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Dec 14, 2020, Breanne VanAmberg from Muskegon Heights, MI

Amazing

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Jul 13, 2020, Luka Davis from Kentwood, MI

Rick was very patient and understanding throughout this whole process. I feel very fortunate to have had him as my attorney.

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May 22, 2020, Robert Suggs from Benton Harbor, MI

Great results.

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Jan 31, 2020, Carl Berridge from Rockford, MI

You are Most Excellent!!!#!! God Bless

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Dec 11, 2019, Theresa Kuhns from White Cloud, MI

Rick Houghton was extremely helpful.

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Aug 22, 2019, Rachel Kroeze from Holland

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!

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Aug 8, 2018, Delores Parker

You were great Thank You.

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Jun 5, 2018, Don Schwartzbauer

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.

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33 Testimonials

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