Don’t Let a Tennessee Drunk Driver Get Away With It

No matter how stiff the penalties or how outraged the citizens are, drinking and driving in Tennessee continues to happen. And when someone gets behind the wheel after drinking, lives are lost, people are seriously disabled, and families are devastated.

The Facts About Drinking and Driving:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) in 2010:

• Every 51 minutes someone in the U.S. died in alcohol-related crashes.
• All 50 states had set a BAC limit of .08 or higher to define drunk driving.
• 82% of the deaths happened to either the drunk driver or a passenger in his or her car.
• 18% of the fatalities occurred to the occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants.
• There were a total of32,885 fatalities in alcohol-related automobile accidents.
• Fatalities caused by drivers with a BAC over .08 represented 31% of all traffic deaths that year.

And perhaps most important to Tennessee auto accident victims, 1,031 of the total drunk driving fatalities in 2010 happened in our state. In fact, Tennessee ranks 17th overall in DUI deaths in the country.

Tennessee DUI Victims’ Rights:

Any Tennessee resident who has suffered at the hands of a drunk driver has clear rights. And perhaps most important is the right to sue the driver who chose to drink and drive and put the lives of others at risk.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury or even death as the result of a Tennessee alcohol-related car accident, you should consider the following:

• Wrongful death cases allow the surviving family members of a victim to hold the driver responsible and demand restitution in civil court.
• The State may also file criminal charges against the defendant, but these charges are separate from and do not affect a civil case.
• No matter what the outcome of a criminal trial, you are still entitled to recover damages for the losses you and your family have endured.
• There is a statute of limitations in which a civil case may be filed. It is best to consult a Tennessee automobile accident attorney as soon as you can.

At Bailey & Greer, in Memphis, we understand the confusion and heartbreak a drunk driving accident can cause for its victims. We can offer you comprehensive, aggressive representation in your DUI accident case. Call us today toll free at 901-680-9777 or fill in the simple form on this page to request your free consultation.