If a drunk driver hurt you or someone you love in Sevier County, you have the right to pursue compensation for what the crash cost you, no matter what happens in the driver’s criminal case. Tennessee law lets accident victims recover for injuries caused by another person’s impaired, reckless choices. A Sevierville DUI accident lawyer at The Terry Law Firm can help you hold that driver accountable.

We are a small-town firm with big-city know-how, and we have helped injured people across East Tennessee rebuild their lives since 1960. Reach out online or call The Terry Law Firm for a free consultation about your DUI accident case.

What Is Considered Drunk Driving in Sevierville?

Tennessee law defines drunk driving as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above the legal limit. Most drivers hit that limit at 0.08, but stricter limits apply to some groups. A driver may be charged if a breath, urine, or blood test shows a BAC of at least:

  • 0.08 for drivers 21 and older
  • 0.04 for commercially licensed drivers operating a commercial vehicle
  • 0.02 for drivers under 21

Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents

Intoxication impairs judgment, perception, and reaction time, which leads to speeding, running red lights, and drifting between lanes. The resulting car accidents can cause lacerations and scarring, broken bones, dislocated joints, sprains and strains, soft tissue injuries, back injuries, whiplash, nerve damage, internal injuries and bleeding, burns, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and amputation.

Suing for Damages After a DUI Accident in Sevierville, TN

You can pursue compensation by filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the drunk driver. If that driver had no insurance or too little to cover your losses, your own uninsured motorist coverage may help. That compensation may include money for:

  • Medical and rehabilitation expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, prescriptions, and physical therapy
  • Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earnings and job benefits if a permanent disability keeps you from working
  • Pain and suffering
  • Visible scarring or disfigurement that affects your quality of life

If your case goes to trial, you may also be entitled to punitive damages when the drunk driver’s conduct was especially egregious, such as driving while intoxicated despite prior DUI convictions. Punitive damages punish that conduct rather than compensate a specific loss.

What Happens if the Drunk Driver Is Acquitted or Never Charged?

You may still recover compensation even if the driver is never charged, has the charges dismissed, or is acquitted. A drunk driving injury case is a civil matter with a lower standard of proof than a criminal case. A prosecutor must prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt. In your civil case, you only need to show it was more likely than not that the other driver was impaired and caused the crash. An acquittal does not erase civil liability: a driver can be found not guilty of DUI and still be held responsible for your injuries.

I’m the Victim of a DUI Accident. What Do I Do?

  1. Call the police or 911 right after the crash. Do not confront a driver you believe is intoxicated.
  2. Take photos or videos of the scene, including skid marks, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any physical evidence such as open containers.
  3. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, so your injuries are documented and linked to the crash.
  4. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, so the insurer cannot argue you made your injuries worse.
  5. Request copies of the police report and your medical records.
  6. Keep every bill, invoice, and receipt tied to the crash.

Then consult a DUI accident lawyer at The Terry Law Firm as soon as you can, so we can start investigating and building your claim.

Contact Our Sevierville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one was injured by an impaired driver, compensation may be within reach. Contact The Terry Law Firm today for a free consultation with a Sevierville DUI accident lawyer.