Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Nashville
Fighting for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Tennessee
Car accident lawyer Stanley A. Davis has listened to the frightening experiences of those harmed by drunk drivers and understands the grief these crashes cause families who have lost loved ones in fatal collisions. With every case, Stan puts clients' needs first and helps victims of negligent drivers find reasons to move forward.
If you have suffered injuries in a crash caused by a drunk driver, working with a legal team that knows the Nashville community can make a real difference. Local insight helps navigate courts, understand how Tennessee judges view these cases, and keep your interests front and center. Our commitment goes beyond legal knowledge, we focus on giving support and guidance specific to what Nashville families need most after a serious accident.
Call the Law Office of Stanley A. Davis, LLC today at (615) 866-3938 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drunk driving accident attorney 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
Drunk driving accidents often result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries due to the high-speed and reckless nature of the collisions. Victims may face physical, emotional, and financial challenges that require long-term care and support.
Here are some of the most common injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Emotional trauma
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Tennessee may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. These damages are intended to help cover losses, support recovery, and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Common recoverable damages include:
- Medical Expenses: Medical expenses cover ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehab, and future medical care for long-term injuries.
- Lost Wages: Lost wages refer to compensation for income lost during recovery, as well as future earnings if the injury affects your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering includes physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, and any loss in quality of life caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Compensation for property damage can include reimbursement for repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Punitive Damages: This is awarded in cases of extreme negligence, like drunk driving, to punish the offender and deter similar conduct.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Nashville
Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatic and often overwhelming, but taking the right steps afterward can protect your health, your legal rights, and your chance at full financial recovery. Whether the crash occurs on I-40, downtown Nashville, or a residential street, swift action is crucial.
Here’s what to do after a drunk driving accident:
- Call 911 immediately: Wait for Metro Nashville Police to arrive so they can create an official crash report and assess signs of driver impairment.
- Seek medical attention promptly: Even minor injuries should be evaluated, as some symptoms may not appear until hours or days later.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and anything that might indicate intoxication.
- Collect driver information: Record the other driver’s license, license plate, insurance, and contact information.
- Gather witness details: Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the crash happen.
- Obtain the police report: Request a copy of the official crash report for your records and insurance claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly, but avoid giving a recorded statement before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer: A Nashville drunk driving accident attorney can help protect your rights, handle insurance negotiations, and pursue compensation.
- Follow your treatment plan: Attend all medical appointments and follow prescribed care to support both your recovery and legal claim.
Taking these steps not only protects your well-being but also strengthens your case if you decide to pursue legal action. Our qualified drunk driving accident lawyer in Nashville can help you navigate the process and fight for the justice you deserve.
Do I Need to Hire 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 seek 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.
What Questions Should I Ask a Drunk Driving Lawyer?
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?
Injured? Contact Our Nashville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
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.
FAQs
What is the difference between a civil lawsuit & a criminal case after a drunk driving accident?
A criminal case seeks to penalize the impaired driver for breaking the law, while a civil lawsuit filed by victims or families seeks financial compensation for losses and injuries.
Can I seek damages if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes. Under Tennessee’s modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. Any compensation awarded will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Are there deadlines for filing a drunk driving accident claim in Tennessee?
Yes. Most personal injury claims must be filed within one year of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation, so consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Your Success Is Our Success
Real Injuries. Real Recoveries.
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$240,228 Verdict Soft-Tissue Injuries
Our Nashville truck accident lawyer gained a jury verdict for a truck accident that caused soft tissue injuries. The amount was reduced by 27 percent, which accounts for the victim’s comparative fault.
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$193,500 Verdict Soft-Tissue Injuries
Our Nashville car accident attorney gained a jury verdict for a soft tissue injury sustained in a car accident. This case included close to $20,000.00 in medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and lost wages.
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$224,619 Verdict Rear-End Collision
An elderly woman was traveling from Chicago to Florida for a family vacation when the vehicle she was in was rear-ended by a Defendant driver. Plaintiff suffered a broken collar bone with significant pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
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$425,000 Settlement Injury & Property Damage
Our Nashville auto accident lawyer handled a car accident settlement for a 70-year-old man hit by a young girl who failed to yield the right of way in Nashville, Tennessee, resulting in a car crash with moderate property damage.
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$250,000 Settlement Tractor-Trailer Accident
A middle-aged man was driving in Rutherford County, Tennessee when a tractor-trailer driver entered his lane of traffic. He was forced to take evasive maneuvers and was run off the road causing this automobile/tractor-trailer crash.
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$3.0 Million Verdict Severe Injuries & Property Damage
Plaintiff was cautiously and carefully traveling on a two-lane rural road when he saw a camel suddenly come onto the roadway toward his vehicle. Despite evasive action, the camel charged his vehicle causing a significant crash and causing Plaintiff to suffer severe injuries and property damage.