Civil Car Accident Cases Versus Criminal DUI Cases in Knoxville – How Can Knoxville DUI Car Accident Victims Get Compensation from the Drunk Drivers that Injured Them?

There is no doubt that there simply is just no excuse for drunk driving in Knoxville, or anywhere for that matter. From the moment that Knoxville drivers get behind the wheel as teens, the messaging far and wide is that drunk and intoxicated driving is simply unlawful, dangerous, and extremely unnecessary and senseless. However, despite the fact that all Knoxville drivers know better than to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs, the fact that doing so can lead to criminal charges, and the fact that countless lives have been lost by drunk and intoxicated drivers, some Knoxville drivers still decide to get behind the wheel after getting “wasted” on alcohol or drugs.

The harsh reality is that drunk and intoxicated driving is virtually an epidemic in Knoxville and throughout many American cities. The good news is, however, that there are mechanisms under both Tennessee civil laws and Tennessee criminal laws to hold drunk and intoxicated drivers accountable. But what is the difference between DUI criminal laws and civil personal injury laws in Knoxville, and what can injured Knoxville DUI car accident victims do to get justice against the drunk and intoxicated drivers that injure them? We answer those questions here.

DUI and Intoxicated Driving Cases Under Tennessee Criminal Laws

Under Tennessee criminal laws, a drunk or intoxicated driver can be criminally charged for a DUI offense. DUI and intoxicated driving offenses in Knoxville are serious offenses, and a criminal DUI conviction under Tennessee criminal laws can lead to jail time, fines, and revocation of the perpetrator’s driver’s license, even for the first offense. Knoxville residents who are convicted of DUI offenses may also be required to undergo drug education programs and may be required to fit their vehicles with an Ignition Interlock Device. DUI and driving while intoxicated on drugs offenses are no joke in Knoxville.

DUI and Intoxicated Driving Cases Under Tennessee Civil Personal Injury Laws

In addition to Tennessee criminal laws, Tennessee civil laws hold drunk drivers in Knoxville accountable, and provide compensation to Knoxville DUI car accident victims. Under Tennessee personal injury laws, Knoxville DUI car accident victims can file a case in court for money compensation for their injuries and losses against the drunk or intoxicated driver that injured them. Importantly, there is a limited time to bring a personal injury case under Tennessee personal injury laws in Knoxville, so it is best to speak to an experienced Knoxville personal injury lawyer as soon as possible about your rights and options.

The experienced Knoxville DUI accidents lawyers at the law firm Fox Farley Willis & Burnette, PLLC are here to help Knoxville DUI accident victims get justice against the drunk and intoxicated drivers that injured them. Do not hesitate to speak to an experienced Knoxville DUI accidents lawyer about your case today. Contact Fox Farley Willis & Burnette, PLLC and speak to a lawyer about your case now.