Hamilton County Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been in an accident with an intoxicated driver, consider speaking to a Hamilton County drunk driving car accident lawyer. Injuries from such accidents are often and unfortunately grave. Legal counsel understands the emotional and financial stress that the accident has brought into your life.
Digging yourself out from beneath a crippling mountain of medical bills is not something you should face alone. An attorney could help appraise your case and determine whether you may be able to bring a successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit to recoup losses and obtain compensation for the pain and suffering you or a loved one have experienced.
Who Is Involved in Hamilton County Drunk Driving Accidents?
Hamilton County measures impaired driving by a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. Under the law, drunk driving is operating a motor vehicle or bicycle with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. Additionally, more stringent criminal penalties attach to drivers who have a BAC of 0.20 or higher.
For underaged minors, the state has a zero-tolerance policy. Under this policy, they may not legally drive with a BAC higher than 0.02.
Should any victim sustain an injury caused by an impaired motorist, he or she should consult with an experienced Hamilton County drunk driving car accident lawyer for legal assistance.
Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Accidents
When people injured in a Hamilton County drunk driving accident bring a lawsuit, they seek civil damages. Damages try to compensate victims for their losses.
Their purpose is to restore victims, as nearly as possible, to the position they were in previously. Damages include compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and in some instances, punitive damages.
Tennessee law governs when punitive damages may be awarded and in what amounts. Compensatory damages are meant to address the harms suffered by the injured person, whereas punitive damages punish the wrongdoer in instances of extreme misconduct.
Under Tenn. Code § 29-39-104, punitive damages are available in a Hamilton County drunk driving accident civil action when the defendant acted recklessly or maliciously. The plaintiff must show that he or she is entitled to these damages by “clear and convincing” evidence. In other words, there must be little doubt that a fact-finder, either a judge or jury, would agree.
Depending on the circumstances of a client’s case, an attorney could advise as to whether punitive damages are achievable. The limit of punitive damages is the greater of either two times the total of compensatory damages or $500,000.
Consult a Hamilton County Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney Today
Your losses may be substantial after involvement in a drunk driving accident. An attorney could help you make a clear-headed decision about whether and how to proceed with legal action.
A lawyer could work with you in a patient and efficient manner to bring resolution to your case. Reach out to a Hamilton County drunk driving car accident lawyer today to learn more about how you could pursue a favorable resolution.
