Many collisions that occur on Nashville’s roads are the result of accidents. Even if drivers take every possible precaution to prevent a crash, incidents can and do occur.
However, in limited situations, people make choices that they know will place others in greater danger of harm. A prime example of this idea is drunk driving. Not only is drunk driving against the law in Nashville, but it also exposes drivers to civil liability for any resulting damage or injuries.
If you have suffered harm because of a drunk driver, a Nashville drunk driving accident lawyer may be able to help you. The legal team at The Cochran Firm – Nashville strives to protect your legal rights and to seek out the compensation that you deserve. Call (615) 651-7451 today for your free consultation.
Drunk Driving Is a Criminal Offense in Tennessee
One of the most reckless things that a person can do is drink and drive. On its own, driving is a dangerous activity that requires a person’s full attention. Having even a small amount of alcohol or drugs in a person’s system can significantly decrease reaction times and cloud judgment. This makes accidents far more likely.
Every state makes it illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol. Specifically, Tennessee Code §55-10-401 says that it is against the law to drive while under the influence of any intoxicant that impairs the driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Convictions under this law carry a fine of at least $350, a minimum jail sentence of 48 hours, and a license suspension of at least one year, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security.
While this does not have any direct impact on your claim for compensation, whether the other driver in the accident was drunk or high at the time of the crash is an important question. A Nashville drunk driving accident lawyer could work to investigate whether there is a suspicion of drunk driving involved in your collision.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Ashville, call 615-651-7451
Tying a Drunk Driving Conviction to a Claim for Compensation
When you are pursuing a claim for compensation after a car crash, you always bear the burden of showing that another driver’s actions led to the incident. Normally, this requires you to show that the other driver was negligent while behind the wheel. Especially in cases that devolve into a he-said-she-said argument, proving negligence can be a complex undertaking.
Fortunately, the presence of criminal charges that allege DUI may simplify a claim for compensation. A conviction for DUI in criminal court means that the courts have recognized the fact that a driver was not taking proper care to protect you. As a result, courts are likely to assume that the drunk driver was negligent and liable to provide compensation for your losses. The legal team at The Cochran Firm – Nashville wants to help you to determine if the outcome of a criminal drunk driving case may serve as evidence of negligence in your civil suit for damages. Call (615) 651-7451 today to learn more.
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Typical Physical Injuries that Result from Drunk Driving Cases
There is no doubt that collisions involving drunk drivers can have catastrophic consequences. Drunk drivers may be behind the wheels of vehicles that can weigh multiple tons. The weight of these vehicles can come into direct contact with other drivers, bike riders, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
The resulting physical injuries can be substantial. It is possible for the victims of drunk driving collisions to endure:
- Broken bones
- Separated joints
- Concussions
- Burns
- Brain damage
- Paralysis
These are only a few of the possible injuries you may sustain in a drunk driving accident. From an initial trip to the emergency room to surgery, to hospitalization and physical therapy, the physical impact of a collision may last for months or years. One goal of a claim for compensation is to obtain the payments needed to cover the costs of all necessary medical treatment.
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Working with You to Evaluate the True Impact of the Accident on Your Life
As severe as your physical injuries may be, the full value of your claim may include other losses. One common non-economic damage is “pain and suffering.” In short, this is the pain that follows from a physical injury as well as how that injury has impacted your quality of life. An inability to drive again, flashbacks, the lost ability to pursue a hobby, and changes in personality all fall under this umbrella.
Many claims for compensation also demand payments for lost wages. If you have missed time at work to seek medical care or are now dealing with a permanent reduction in your ability to work, your claims for compensation must reflect this fact. A Nashville drunk driving accident attorney may be able to help you determine the full value of your case and its impact on your present and future.
Even so, potential claimants need to take caution. There is a strict time limit on claims for compensation arising from car crashes. According to Tennessee Code §28-3-104, you may have as little as one year after the date of the collision to demand payment in court. However, if a criminal case is currently ongoing against an allegedly drunk driver, this time limit may extend into the future. The legal team at The Cochran Firm – Nashville may be able to help you to pursue your case on time.
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Reach Out to Our Firm Today
People who make the choice to drive while drunk endanger not only themselves but also everyone they may meet while behind the wheel. As a result, these drivers should be responsible to provide compensation for any damage that they may cause.
A Nashville drunk driving accident lawyer at The Cochran Firm – Nashville may be able to help you to pursue your case to recover all appropriate compensation. This may include discovering the full impact of the incident on your life, helping you to gather relevant evidence, and forming persuasive demand packages that protect your legal rights. Contact us today at (615) 651-7451 for your free consultation.
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