Nashville DUI Attorney

Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Tennessee

Car accident lawyer Stanley A. Davis has heard the frightening experiences of driving under the influence (DUI) accident victims, and he knows the grief these crashes cause families who lose loved ones in fatal collisions. With every case he takes, Stan puts the needs of his clients first and helps victims of negligent drivers find reasons to rejoice again.

Call the Law Office of Stanley A. Davis today at (615) 866-3938 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our DUI lawyer in Nashville.

Tennessee Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the latest drunk driving statistics for Tennessee show that:

• Of the total number of fatal vehicle accidents in the state, drunk driving caused about 29 percent or 295 deaths
• Alcohol-related collisions, or accidents that involve drivers with a .01 blood alcohol content or higher, injured approximately 5,500 people
• While the total number of arrests for driving under the influence in Tennessee was 29,000, only about 26,000 people were convicted
• Of those convicted, roughly 59,000 were noted as 3-time DUI offenders
• The subsidy for drunken driving deaths cost taxpayers over $1 billion

Compared to prior data, MADD noted that many of these statistics are increasing each year despite the many public safety campaigns about drunk driving dangers. With that in mind, what kind of action can someone involved in an accident with a drunk driver or the family of someone killed by a drunk driver take to make those who choose to drink and drive change their ways?

Common Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: TBIs can occur when a victim's head strikes an object or is subjected to a violent jolt. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim's capacity to lead a normal life. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and adaptive devices.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a drunk driving accident can cause fractures and broken bones. These injuries may need surgical intervention and prolonged periods of immobilization, affecting the victim's mobility and ability to perform daily activities.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, like damage to organs or internal bleeding, are common in high-impact collisions. These injuries can be life-threatening and may not be directly apparent, requiring prompt medical attention and ongoing treatment.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are common in drunk driving accidents.
• Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of a drunk driving accident can be profound. Victims could experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges that require professional counseling and support.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

These damages can include:

• Medical Expenses: Medical expenses often form a substantial part of a drunk driving accident claim. This includes the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care that may be required because of long-term or permanent injuries.
• Lost Wages: Injuries from a drunk driving accident can result in time away from work, leading to lost earnings. Victims can claim compensation for their lost income during their recovery period. If the injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability that affects earning capacity, victims may also be entitled to compensation for future lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by the victim due to the accident and their injuries. This can include trauma, anxiety, depression, and any reduction in the quality of life.
• Property Damage: Accidents caused by drunk drivers often result in substantial damage to the victim's vehicle and other personal property. Compensation for property damage can cover repair or replacement costs of the vehicle and any other damaged items.
• Punitive Damages: Courts may granted punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence, like drunk driving. These are intended to punish the at-fault party and prevent similar behavior in the future.

Do I Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

If you have been involved in an accident involving an intoxicated driver, Stan will treat you and your family with compassion during this difficult time. As a Tennessee Civil Trial Specialist, he will do whatever it takes to gain the maximum compensation you need to begin healing.

Seeking a drunk driving lawsuit that includes punitive damages or damages that aim to deter the driver from making the same reckless choice in the future is essential when hoping to force the driver to make lasting change. Most car insurance companies do not cover punitive damages, and the responsibility to pay this amount will fall to the motorist convicted of drunk driving. While bringing punitive damages can be a complex legal action, gaining the assistance of a car accident lawyer can result in a recovery that will likely increase the value of the settlement or verdict significantly.

When selecting an attorney after a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes a collision, it is important to choose a lawyer with not only the experience needed to gain a fair recovery but also one who is compassionate about the situation. Whether this wreck was with another motorist, pedestrian, or cyclist, the best questions to ask an attorney after a drunk driving accident include:

• What do I need to know about drunk driving accidents?
• Why is a lawyer important after a drunk driving accident?
• How much does an attorney cost for a crash caused by a drunk driver?
• How long does a lawsuit against a drunk driver take?

Contact Our Nashville DUI Lawyer Today

Stan Davis has fought tirelessly to uphold the rights of those injured by a drunk driver, and their families have to gain the compensation they deserve. While this money cannot repair all that has happened, it is what the justice system allows you to gain, and you have a right to obtain the maximum amount possible.

Stan has experience helping accident victims and their families seek accident compensation in addition to punitive damages to cover expenses like medical bills, pain and suffering. He can also pursue compensation for possible dram shop violations if a bar, liquor store, or other business served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated driver. In the sad event that the accident caused the wrongful death of a loved one, Stan will fight with all his heart to bring justice to the mourning family.

Reach out to our Nashville DUI attorney today to set up a free initial consultation to discuss your case and begin the recovery process.