Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers

Drunk drivers continue to cause many catastrophic automobile accidents. Our firm has successfully pursued numerous drunk drivers who have recklessly injured our clients. Tennessee drunk driving laws have been toughened over the years, but intoxicated drivers continue to be a major source of tragic accidents. In addition, drivers who are impaired by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol continue to cause accidents at an alarming rate.

In Tennessee, a person injured by a drunk driver or a driver impaired by drugs can recover damages for his or her personal injuries. In addition, punitive damages can be awarded to further punish the wrongdoer. Punitive damages are often available when a person intentionally or recklessly injures another person. It is important to understand that punitive damages are in addition to the normal amount of damages that would be awarded to an injured person. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the injured party for his or her injuries, but are meant to further punish the wrongdoer and to discourage reckless behavior.

In Tennessee, it is illegal to serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person. If a bar or restaurant serves such a person, then they may be held partially responsible for injuries caused by the intoxicated driver. Such cases are known as dram shop cases. It is also illegal to serve alcohol to minors. If an impaired minor injures another person, the person or entity furnishing the minor alcohol may be held responsible. In cases where alcohol is illegally served to an individual, eyewitnesses are often the key to proving the condition of the person being served. As such, it is critically important that a thorough investigation be done promptly.

If you or a loved one has been injured because an intoxicated or impaired driver, we look forward to helping you obtain fair compensation. For more information about automobile accidents in general, see our questions and answers under automobile accidents.