Have you or a loved one been injured in a Sevierville drunk driving accident? At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we understand what you’re going through. We know you’re likely struggling with serious injuries, mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress – all because someone made the decision to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you or a loved one have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you might be wondering how much compensation you can recover for your losses and damages.

Now, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for this. However, we’re here to walk you through all you need to know about settlements for DUI accident cases.

Understanding drunk driving accidents

Drunk driving is a serious problem across the country, and Tennessee is no exception to this. The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security reports that hundreds of DUI-related crashes happen every year, leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. They also note that one out of every three fatal collisions involves a DUI.

Here in Tennessee and across the country, a driver is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, even a lower BAC can impair driving and cause an accident. Because driving under the influence is considered gross negligence, drunk drivers can be held criminally and civilly liable for any injuries or deaths they cause.

Victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to pursue compensation for their damages. But how much can you actually recover? There is no hard and fast calculation for a drunk driving accident, and it’s important to remember that no two cases are the same. You can take a look at our successful settlements and verdicts here.

What factors might affect my settlement amount?

Several factors can influence how much compensation you’re entitled to after a drunk driving accident in Tennessee:

• The more serious your injuries, the higher your settlement will likely be. For example, a minor whiplash injury will not be valued the same as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage.
• Your settlement should cover all your current and future medical costs, including emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and long-term care.
• If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost wages. If your ability to work in the future is affected, you may also seek damages for lost earning capacity.
• Drunk driving accident victims often experience chronic pain, emotional trauma, and psychological distress. This pain and suffering play a key role in settlement calculations.
• Tennessee allows punitive damages in cases of gross negligence, like drunk driving. These damages are meant to punish the offender and deter future reckless behavior. These damages can significantly increase your final settlement amount.
• The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits may cap how much you can recover from them. If their policy doesn’t fully cover your damages, our attorneys may explore other options, such as suing the driver personally or seeking compensation from your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
• The state of Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re found partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, in drunk driving cases, this is rarely a major issue, since the impaired driver is typically at fault.

How can I maximize my drunk driving accident settlement?

To make sure you receive the highest possible settlement, consider these actions after you’re injured in a drunk driving accident.

• Get immediate medical attention. Prompt medical care creates a documentation of your injuries.
• Gather evidence by taking pictures of the accident scene, collecting witness statements, and obtaining a copy of the police report.
• Consult with the car accident attorneys at Delius & McKenzie, PLLC. Our skilled Sevierville DUI accident lawyers can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
• Avoid talking to insurance adjusters alone. The insurance company may try to lowball your claim. Our attorneys can handle all insurance company communications.
• Take all your damages into consideration. Don’t forget about future medical expenses and the long-term effects of your injuries.

How can your Sevierville drunk driving accident lawyers help with my case?

At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we know how to help drunk driving accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Here’s how we can assist you with your case:

• We launch a thorough investigation, gathering important evidence like surveillance footage, medical records, and expert testimony.
• We negotiate with insurance companies, helping ensure they don’t pressure you into accepting a low offer.
• Whether through settlement or trial, we fight for every dollar you deserve for your injuries and losses.
• We handle the legal process for you so you can focus on your healing and recovery.

Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, yet they continue to cause people serious harm. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a drunk driver in Tennessee, you deserve fair compensation. At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we’re committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping victims recover the compensation they need. Don’t let the insurance company shortchange your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s fight for your rights together. Call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule your consultation.