If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Tennessee, you understand the profound impact such an event can have on your life. At Tennessee Accident Law, we are dedicated to helping victims of DUI accidents seek justice and secure the compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys specialize in handling cases related to driving under the influence (DUI) accidents, also known as DWI (driving while intoxicated) accidents, throughout Tennessee.
Call us now at 615-212-9866 to speak with an experienced attorney about your truck accident case.
DUI Accidents in Tennessee
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, impaired driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities in the state. In 2023 alone, Tennessee lost 371 lives in alcohol-related crashes, marking a 28% increase from 2019. This statistic underscores the critical need for legal representation for victims of DUI accidents.
Common Causes of DUI Accidents
DUI accidents can occur for various reasons, including:
- Alcohol Impairment: Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are considered legally impaired in Tennessee.
- Drug Impairment: This includes impairment due to prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances.
- Combination of Alcohol and Drugs: Some drivers may be impaired by a combination of substances, increasing the risk of accidents.
Injuries Resulting from DUI Accidents
Victims of DUI accidents may suffer a range of injuries, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Resulting from blunt force trauma to the head.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis or long-term disability.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Common in collisions involving high speeds.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs that may not be immediately apparent.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s life, both physically and financially.
Legal Rights of DUI Accident Victims
As a victim of a DUI accident in Tennessee, you have specific legal rights, including:
- Right to Compensation: For medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Right to Pursue Legal Action: Against the impaired driver and potentially other parties, such as bars or restaurants that served alcohol to the driver.
- Right to Seek Punitive Damages: In cases where the driver’s conduct was particularly egregious.
Our attorneys at Tennessee Accident Law are committed to ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Steps to Take After a DUI Accident
If you are involved in a DUI accident, consider taking the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked by a healthcare professional.
- Report the Accident: Notify local law enforcement and file a police report.
- Gather Evidence: Collect contact information from witnesses, take photos of the scene, and keep records of medical treatments.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a skilled Tennessee DWI accident lawyer to discuss your case and legal options.
At Tennessee Accident Law, we offer a free case evaluation form to help you get started on the path to justice.
How Tennessee Accident Law Can Help
Our team at Tennessee Accident Law brings extensive experience in handling DUI accident cases. We provide:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: Assessing the details of your accident to determine the best legal approach.
- Aggressive Representation: Negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court to secure maximum compensation.
- Personalized Attention: Understanding the unique circumstances of your case and providing tailored legal solutions.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Statute of Limitations for DUI Accident Claims in Tennessee
In Tennessee, it is crucial for victims of DUI accidents to be aware of the statute of limitations when pursuing a personal injury claim. Generally, victims have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained in a DUI accident. Failing to file within this time frame can result in the case being dismissed, preventing you from recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or situations where the injured party was incapacitated, which can extend the filing period. Because the rules can be complex, it is essential to consult a skilled Tennessee DWI accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected.
At Tennessee Accident Law, our attorneys act quickly to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and gather critical documentation to build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us through our free case evaluation form or call us at 615-212-9866 to discuss your case before the statute of limitations expires.
Call to Action
If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, don’t navigate the legal complexities alone. Contact Tennessee Accident Law today for a free case evaluation form or call us now at 615-212-9866. Our experienced attorneys are here to fight for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Traffic Safety Facts
Provides federal data and statistics on alcohol-impaired driving crashes across the U.S., including Tennessee.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Impaired Driving: Get the Facts
Offers information on the public health impact of impaired driving and strategies to prevent alcohol-related crashes.
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving/index.html - Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security – Traffic Safety
State-specific data on DUI incidents, fatalities, and prevention programs in Tennessee.
https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/driver-license-violations/dui.html - National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) – Alcohol and Road Safety
Research and resources related to alcohol impairment, crashes, and public health initiatives.
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-and-road-safety
