Knoxville Teen Faces Charges After Crash: A Knoxville DUI Accident Lawyer Explains Victims’ Rights

DUI accidents in Knoxville can leave victims with serious injuries and many questions about what happens next. When criminal charges are filed against an alleged drunk driver, Knoxville DUI accident victims may understandably assume that the criminal case will also address the harm they suffered. However, in Tennessee, the criminal case and an injured victim’s right to pursue compensation are two different matters.

According to local news reports, an 18-year-old Knoxville driver is facing numerous charges after a police chase allegedly ended in a head-on collision. Police said the driver reached speeds of around 80 mph before losing control and crashing into another vehicle. The driver, a passenger, and the driver of the other vehicle were reportedly taken to the hospital.

The 18-year-old was charged with several offenses, including two counts of vehicular assault, reckless driving, underage consumption, and underage driving while impaired. The charges will be addressed through the criminal justice system. But what about the victims injured in an alleged Knoxville DUI accident? Here we discuss how an experienced Knoxville DUI accident lawyer can help victims pursue justice through a civil claim.

Criminal Charges and a DUI Accident Claim Are Different

A criminal case and a personal injury claim serve different purposes. Criminal charges are brought by the government and may result in criminal penalties if the person charged is convicted. A civil claim, on the other hand, gives a Knoxville DUI accident victim a way to seek compensation for the harm they suffered. This is important because the fact that criminal charges have been filed does not necessarily compensate a victim for their medical bills, lost income, or other losses resulting from the accident.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Knoxville DUI Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, an injured Knoxville DUI accident victim may be able to seek compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from their injuries.

The amount and types of compensation available will depend on the particular accident and injuries. An experienced Knoxville DUI accident lawyer can review what happened and help determine what damages may be available.

Do You Have to Wait for the Criminal Case to End?

A Knoxville DUI accident victim may think the criminal case must be resolved before taking action. However, criminal prosecution and a civil injury claim are separate matters, and Knoxville DUI accident victims should not simply assume that they need to wait.

Statutes of limitation also apply to civil drunk driving accident claims in Knoxville. Accordingly, Knoxville drunk driving accident victims should speak with an experienced Knoxville DUI accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand their rights, options, and next steps.

A Knoxville DUI Accident Lawyer Can Fight for Victims

Criminal charges can hold an impaired driver accountable through the criminal justice system. However, injured Knoxville DUI accident victims may also have the right to seek compensation through a separate civil claim.

The experienced Knoxville DUI accident lawyers at Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC investigate drunk driving car accidents, help determine what compensation may be available, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the rights of injured victims. If you or a loved one were injured in a DUI accident in Knoxville, contact Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC today to discuss your case.