According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, over 8,000 Tennessee auto accidents involved drivers who were under the influence in 2008 many of those were Knoxville DUI accidents. Driving under the influence (DUI) in Knoxville or anywhere in Tennessee can apply to people under the influence of prescription medications, illegal drugs or alcohol.
Most DUI cases in Knoxville TN involved alcohol. It is illegal for a driver to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Injuries from Tennessee DUI Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can have life-altering effects on their victims. These accidents can leave their victims with debilitating injuries.
Common injuries sustained from Knoxville DUI accidents include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Paralyzed DUI victims may not be able to return to work, causing financial stress for them and their loved ones. These individuals may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the inebriated driver seeking financial compensation.
DUI Fatalities in Tennessee
According to the NHTSA, 283 people were killed in Tennessee alcohol-related crashes in 2010. If you have lost a loved one in DUI accident, you may have legal and financial recourse. It is imperative for families of DUI victims to have a skilled lawyer handling their case.
Filing a Drunk Driving Lawsuit
Drunk driving victims may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. Depending on the circumstances of the case, there are additional forms of damages that may be available for the injured victims and their families.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are generally available in personal injury cases. A Knoxville DUI Lawyer can help you receive compensation. These damages are meant to compensate the injured individual for their losses. Compensatory damages allow victims to recoup any financial losses they may have including, medical expenses, medication costs, ongoing treatment, lost wages and other financial suffering. Plaintiffs may also seek compensation for the loss of life quality and pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
The point of punitive damages is to punish the drunk driver and to provide an award for the victim of who has suffered from the drivers misbehavior. In drunk driving cases, punitive damages are sometimes awarded if the driver had an extremely high BAC.
Third Party Damages
When a person is injured or killed in a DUI accident, the driver may not be the only party responsible for the crash. Tennessee laws allow individuals to name drinking establishments as defendants in some cases; this is known as a Dram Shop Act.
The law is meant to hold drinking establishments responsible for serving visibly intoxicated individuals or individuals under 21, who cause the personal injury or death of another person due their alcohol consumption. Consult a Knoxville DUI Lawyer for assistance.
Knoxville DUI Lawyers
A DUI accident can be a life-changing event for the victim and their relatives. If you or a loved has been injured in a drunk driving crash, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Contact the Knoxville DUI attorneys at Greg Coleman Law to discuss your legal options. To receive a Free Case Review, fill out the contact form on this page.
