What To Do When You Encounter A Drunk Driver In Nashville
Nashville Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You File A Claim If You’ve Been Injured By An Intoxicated Driver
While the driver made the decision to get behind the wheel drunk, those who sell alcohol to overly intoxicated individuals can also face a lawsuit if the impaired driver injures an innocent motorist.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to the negligence of an intoxicated driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any damages. Our Nashville car accident lawyers at Mitch Grissim & Associates can help you with your claim.
Drunk Driving Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated the following statistics about drunk driving:
- Every day, 29 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This is one death every 50 minutes.
- The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion.
- 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.
Impaired driving is a continuous issue not only in Tennessee but across the United States.
How Can I Spot A Drunk Driver?
Driving while intoxicated can negatively impact a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely and can result in an auto accident. To help you spot drunk drivers, be on the lookout for these dangerous actions on the roads. Drunk drivers commonly:
- Swerve in and out of lanes
- Drive without lights on in the dark
- Have slow reaction time
- Tailgate
- Drive the opposite direction of oncoming traffic
- Accelerate suddenly
These are a few examples of how you can spot a drunk driver but there are numerous other signs that can indicate a driver is drunk. In some cases, drivers are uncertain about what to do if they notice an intoxicated driver.
If I Encounter A Drunk Driver, Should I Report It?
If you believe a driver on the road is drunk, it’s best to report it to prevent a possible automobile accident. Preventing a collision is one way you can help keep roads safe for you and other drivers.
When you report a drunk driver, make sure to describe the vehicle, the type of driving behavior, and the location of the vehicle. The location of the vehicle is an imperative detail to include, so the police can easily detect the location of the drunk driver. For example, you can share the intersection or any nearby road signs or street names to help the operator better understand the location.
If you’re in an accident with a drunk driver, there are certain steps you should take if you decide to file a claim.
What To Do If You’re Hit By A Drunk Driver
How you proceed after a car wreck can significantly impact your claim if you decide to file against the drunk driver. Listed below are suggestions you can implement if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident with a drunk driver.
Remain Calm
It can be difficult to stay calm after a sudden accident. Remaining calm can help you make rational decisions about the accident.
Call Emergency Responders
Even if no one appears to be injured, it’s in your best interest to still contact emergency responders.
Take Photos Of The Car Accident
It’s imperative to take photographs of the scene of the accident because they can be used as evidence to support your claim.
Ask For Contact Information
Make sure you ask for the other driver’s contact information such as their phone number and insurance information.
Contact Our Attorneys
It can be difficult to seek compensation from an insurance company for the damages and injuries you’ve experienced. Our team of knowledgeable and trusted Nashville car accident lawyers can guide you through the strenuous legal process and help you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What Is The Dram Shop Law?
The dram shop law, which can be found in section 57-10-102 of the Tennessee Code, allows a victim who was injured by an intoxicated person to seek damages from the company that sold alcohol to the intoxicated individual.
The injured victim can file a dram shop claim in Tennessee if:
- The person who bought the alcohol was under the age of 21 or was visibly intoxicated.
- The company or vendor sold the alcohol to the intoxicated individual.
- The sale of alcohol caused an injury to occur.
Types Of Compensation Available
If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a direct result of a drunk driver, you may be eligible to seek compensation for the pain you endured. Compensation can cover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Wrongful death
If you are unsure if you have a case, contact our team of reliable attorneys to help you determine what legal options may be available for your unique case.
Allow Our Team To Seek Justice On Your Behalf
Mitch Grissim & Associates has handled countless cases involving car accidents, and we can help you with your injury case. At our law firm, we treat every client with the utmost respect and as a top priority.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident caused by an intoxicated driver, our team can assist you with your case. We are knowledgeable and experienced with the laws surrounding drunk driving. We will review the specific details of your case including photos of the accident, witness statements, and any other evidence that may help us build a strong case.
Call our office today at 615-255-9999 or fill out our free consultation form.
