Tennessee Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After a Collision
If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving car accident in Tennessee, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and options. Drunk driving accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, long-term medical expenses, and emotional trauma. At Tennessee Accident Law, a Tennessee drunk driving car accident lawyer specializes in helping victims seek justice and compensation. Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to providing aggressive representation and guiding you through every step of the legal process.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 615-212-9866 to get the legal help you need.
Why You Need a Tennessee Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving accidents are preventable, but unfortunately, they happen every day. When a driver chooses to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put everyone on the road at risk. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages, and pain and suffering.
A Tennessee drunk driving car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you are facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, or long-term recovery costs, an experienced attorney can help you secure the financial support you need.
Drunk Driving Laws in Tennessee
Tennessee has strict laws in place to deter drunk driving and protect the public. The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers over the age of 21. However, even drivers with a BAC below 0.08% can still be held accountable for an accident if their impairment contributed to the collision.
Under Tennessee law, a drunk driver who causes an accident may face criminal charges as well as civil liability for the harm they cause. This dual legal approach is beneficial for victims, as it provides multiple avenues for pursuing compensation. A Tennessee drunk driving car accident lawyer can help you understand both the criminal and civil aspects of your case and develop a strategy to maximize your recovery.
The Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
A drunk driving accident can have a profound and lasting impact on your life. The injuries sustained in these accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening or permanent disabilities. Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries – These injuries can be catastrophic, often leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries – Spinal injuries may result in paralysis or other serious complications.
- Broken bones – Fractures from drunk driving accidents can require extensive surgery and physical therapy.
- Internal injuries – Internal bleeding and organ damage can result from a severe impact.
- Emotional distress – The trauma of a drunk driving accident can lead to long-term emotional and psychological issues.
The recovery process from these injuries can be both physically and emotionally draining. In addition to the immediate costs, you may face long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and loss of income. A Tennessee drunk driving car accident lawyer can ensure that you are compensated for all of these expenses and more.
How a Tennessee Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
When you hire a Tennessee drunk driving car accident lawyer from Tennessee Accident Law, you gain access to a dedicated legal team with years of experience handling cases like yours. We will:
- Investigate your case thoroughly – Our attorneys will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review police reports to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Handle communication with insurance companies – Dealing with insurance adjusters can be stressful, but we will manage all communications with the insurance companies so that you can focus on your recovery.
- Calculate the full value of your claim – We will assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
- Negotiate a fair settlement – Our team will work tirelessly to secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and damages.
- Represent you in court – If necessary, we will take your case to trial and fight for your rights in the courtroom.
Compensation for Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Tennessee
Victims of drunk driving car accidents may be entitled to a wide range of compensatory damages. These can include:
- Medical expenses – This includes both past and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you have lost and any future earnings you may lose as a result of your injuries.
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life can all be compensated in a personal injury claim.
- Property damage – If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Punitive damages – In cases where the drunk driver’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded as a way to punish the driver and deter future misconduct.
At Tennessee Accident Law, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
The Legal Process for Drunk Driving Car Accident Claims
When pursuing a claim for a drunk driving car accident, the legal process typically follows several steps:
- Consultation with an attorney – During your initial consultation, our lawyers will listen to your story, evaluate the details of your case, and explain your legal options.
- Investigation and evidence collection – Our team will gather all relevant evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions.
- Filing a claim – We will file your claim with the appropriate insurance company or directly with the court, depending on the circumstances of your case.
- Negotiation of settlement – Our lawyers will negotiate with the insurance company or opposing party to reach a fair settlement.
- Trial (if necessary) – If a settlement cannot be reached, we will represent you in court and fight for a favorable verdict.
The entire process can be complicated and time-consuming, but with the guidance of a skilled Tennessee drunk driving car accident lawyer, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
How Tennessee Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyers Prove Liability
Proving liability in a drunk driving car accident case can be complex, but a skilled Tennessee drunk driving car accident lawyer has the expertise to handle the intricacies involved. Establishing that the at-fault driver was indeed intoxicated at the time of the accident is crucial in securing a successful claim.
Gathering Evidence of Intoxication
To prove the driver’s intoxication, our legal team will gather evidence from various sources, including:
- Breathalyzer tests – If the driver was tested by law enforcement at the scene of the accident, the breathalyzer results will be a critical piece of evidence.
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) testing – In cases where the driver was not immediately tested at the scene, medical records may indicate BAC levels that show impairment.
- Field sobriety tests – If the driver was subjected to field sobriety tests by law enforcement, the results of these tests can be used to establish intoxication.
- Witness testimony – Eyewitnesses to the accident or those who observed the driver’s behavior before the crash may testify to the driver’s erratic driving or signs of intoxication.
- Police reports – The police officer’s report from the scene of the accident will often note signs of intoxication, such as the driver’s speech, coordination, and appearance.
By compiling all of this evidence, a Tennessee drunk driving car accident lawyer can effectively establish that the driver’s impairment caused the collision. This proof of intoxication is a critical step in building your case and securing the compensation you deserve.
Proving Negligence in a Drunk Driving Accident
In addition to proving the driver’s intoxication, the lawyer must also demonstrate that the driver’s actions were negligent and directly led to the accident. Negligence can be proven by showing that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle. This includes:
- Reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, swerving, or running red lights while under the influence.
- Failure to stop at the scene or cooperate with authorities after the accident.
- Ignoring traffic signals or driving erratically, which can be particularly dangerous when combined with impaired judgment.
By demonstrating both intoxication and negligence, a Tennessee drunk driving car accident lawyer strengthens the case and increases the likelihood of a successful claim for damages. Proving liability is a key factor in securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Tennessee Accident Law for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving car accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The Tennessee Accident Law team is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. We offer a free case evaluation form to assess the details of your case and provide personalized legal advice. Don’t wait—call us now at 615-212-9866 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Sources:
- Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security – Information on Tennessee’s laws regarding DUI and impaired driving. Visit here.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Provides data and research on drunk driving accidents and the importance of preventing impaired driving. Visit here.
- MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) – A leading organization that works to reduce drunk driving and support victims of drunk driving accidents. Visit here.
