Drunk Driving Accidents

Hartsoe Law Firm is an experienced Maryville car accident law firm. We are a full-service firm committed to providing compassionate legal service to victims injured by negligence. Our Maryville office is conveniently located in the heart of the city, across from Target, and serves as a resource for personal injury clients throughout Tennessee.

Car accidents caused by drunk driving are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Tennessee. DUI is not the only punishable offense, but rather one of many involving impairment while operating a car. The impaired driving may be caused by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. All Tennessee drivers have given their implied consent to submit to a test of their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) if suspected of drunk driving. The legal limit in Tennessee is .08 percent or 8 grams of alcohol per 100 mL of blood. Impairments in driving caused by intoxication include:

• Delayed reaction time
• Impaired coordination
• Lack of depth perception
• Limited peripheral vision
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Loss of reflex, motor skills
• Stupor, amnesia, blackouts

Tennessee law provides harsh punishments for drunk drivers and repeat offenders. This is because a split-second decision to get behind the wheel can ruin lives forever. In addition to extensive property damage, drunk-driving accidents cause severe injuries, including:

• Burns, scars
• Severed limbs
• Spinal cord injury
• Concussion, coma
• Paraplegia, paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Impaired cognitive function
• Amputation, organ removal
• Fatal injury or wrongful death

Motorists who operate their cars while impaired, in any way, are liable for negligence under personal injury law. Intoxicated drivers are clearly negligent because they breach a legal duty to safely operate their cars. When drunk driving causes an accident resulting in injury, the at-fault party is responsible for damages. This may require compensating the injured victim for property damage, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages arising from the crash. Negligent drivers may face liability even if they are not drunk. Minors, for example, may be convicted of DUI with BAC levels far below .08 percent. Parents may also be liable for accidents caused by their intoxicated children, especially if they knew that drunk driving might occur.

When a loved one dies in a drunk-driving accident, bereft families may be looking for justice. Surviving family members can recover damages against the liable party by bringing a wrongful death suit. A wrongful death action allows eligible family members to recover the same personal injury damages, including those associated with the loss of relationship with the deceased. Drunk drivers who kill a parent or child must compensate the family for lost companionship, guidance, and support.

If you or a loved one was injured by drunk-driving, contact the diligent personal injury lawyers of Hartsoe Law Firm today. We are professionals committed to providing caring and compassionate representation to victims and families across Tennessee. Our proven track record and loyal clients are testaments to our legal experience and commitment to service. At Hartsoe Law Firm, we have successfully handled all types of car accident cases involving drunk driving. Let us work to maximize your recovery at trial or through settlement. As always, our first priority is helping you get back on your feet. For a free consultation at our Maryville office, call 865-804-1011 or contact us online.