While many individuals who fall victim to drunk driving accidents are, in fact, in vehicles themselves, the reality is that no one is safe from drunk drivers. Drunk driving can affect pedestrians, homes or buildings if the driver is unable to control the vehicle. It is important to know the options available to you if you or a loved one are injured or killed due to a drunk driver.
Contact personal injury lawyers in Tennessee today for a case evaluation if you or someone you love were involved in an accident with a drunk driver. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, you may be entitled to file for damages and recover compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim if the accident took the life of a loved one.
Belle Mead Officer Nearly Hit by Drunk Driver
On November 28, 2013, law enforcement arrested a driver in Belle Meade after he hit a patrol car and nearly ran over an officer. The officer had stopped another car for speeding and was discussing details with the driver when police reported that another car hit hers. The officer’s patrol car was pushed into the vehicle that she had pulled over. Fortunately, the officer was able to jump out of harm’s way before the second vehicle ran her over.
After the crash, the officer chased the driver, and additional police personnel were called in to finish the investigation. After taking the man into custody, the man admitted to consuming three glasses of wine and had difficulty speaking coherently. He was subsequently charged with drunk driving.
Unfortunately, no one, including police officers, are safe from drunk drivers. It is crucial to know your legal options and rights should you find yourself in an unfortunate situation. There are many factors that must be taken into account in determining if you are eligible to pursue a claim against a drunk driver, and personal injury lawyers in Tennessee can further explain the legalities of these situations.
Drunk Driving Statistics in Tennessee
According to Tennessee’s Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there were 7,310 alcohol-impaired traffic accidents in the state in 2012, and 5542 alcohol-related crash injuries in drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .01 or higher. As of June 2013, there were already 3,058 crashes involving alcohol in Tennessee.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), there were 295 drunk driving fatalities in 2012, representing 29 percent of all total traffic deaths. This is a 14 percent increase from 2011. There were over 29,000 DUI arrests and more than 25,900 DUI convictions. Tennessee taxpayers’ subsidy of fatalities due to drunk driving was over $1.3 billion. Unfortunately, 60,000 drivers were third-time offenders and 17,000 drivers were five-time offenders.
MADD also reports that Tennessee became the 19th state to enact an all offender ignition interlock law. The law was placed into effect in July 2013. Contact personal injury lawyers in Tennessee to learn more about the state’s most recent laws and regulations pertaining to driving under the influence.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Tennessee Can Help You Today
If you or someone you love were injured or killed by a drunk driver, contact a personal injury lawyers in Tennessee today. At Attorney Group for Tennessee, we understand the devastating consequences drunk driving accidents can have on families and their loved ones. We will provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation and help you to determine if you have a valid claim. We will connect you with our affiliated personal injury lawyers in Tennessee who will handle your case and help you to seek the compensation to which you are entitled.
