Tennessee DUI Accident Lawyers
Drunk and impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of catastrophic car crashes in Tennessee. Every year, innocent people are seriously injured or killed because someone chose to get behind the wheel while under the influence. At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, we represent victims and families devastated by drunk driving accidents. As experienced Tennessee DUI accident lawyer advocates, we fight to hold negligent drivers fully accountable and recover the compensation our clients deserve for their injuries, losses, and pain.
Understanding DUI Accidents in Tennessee
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime that carries both criminal and civil consequences. While the state may prosecute the offender, victims also have the right to pursue civil damages for the harm caused. Our firm focuses on the civil side—helping injured victims and families recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering.
We handle DUI-related accidents involving:
- Alcohol-impaired or drug-impaired drivers
- Commercial or rideshare drivers under the influence
- Fatal collisions and wrongful death claims
- Pedestrian or bicyclist injuries caused by drunk drivers
- Accidents involving underage or repeat offenders
Our attorneys work alongside investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical experts to uncover all contributing factors and prove liability.
What to Do After a DUI Accident in Tennessee
After a crash involving a suspected impaired driver, it’s important to take steps that protect your health and legal rights.
- Call 911 immediately and request police and medical assistance.
- Seek medical treatment even if injuries appear minor.
- Ensure law enforcement documents the driver’s impairment.
- Gather witness names and contact information if possible.
- Contact our attorneys before speaking with insurance companies.
We take over the investigation quickly, preserving evidence such as police reports, toxicology results, and surveillance footage to strengthen your case.
Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Crashes
DUI accidents often occur at high speeds or in intersections, causing some of the most severe injuries seen on Tennessee roads. Victims may experience traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, burns, internal bleeding, or permanent disabilities. Families who lose loved ones in fatal crashes face devastating emotional and financial hardships. Our firm works with medical and financial experts to document the true extent of your injuries and long-term needs so we can pursue complete compensation.
Compensation Available to Victims of Drunk Driving
If a drunk or drug-impaired driver caused your injuries, Tennessee law allows you to recover damages for both financial and personal losses. These may include:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Property damage and vehicle repair
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
In cases involving gross negligence, such as repeat offenders or extremely high blood alcohol levels, we may also pursue punitive damages to punish and deter reckless behavior.
Proving Liability in a Tennessee DUI Accident
While criminal prosecution focuses on punishment, civil lawsuits aim to make victims whole. Our attorneys build strong civil cases by obtaining police reports, toxicology tests, and witness statements to prove impairment. We also examine whether bars, restaurants, or event hosts may share responsibility under Tennessee’s dram shop laws if they overserved the intoxicated driver. By holding all responsible parties accountable, we maximize the recovery available to our clients.
Why Choose Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette
Choosing the right Tennessee injury lawyers is critical when you’re facing the aftermath of a drunk driving crash. Our firm has decades of experience representing accident victims and families in complex negligence cases. Clients choose us because we bring deep understanding of Tennessee DUI and injury law, personalized legal strategies, open and honest communication, proven success in high-stakes cases, and genuine compassion for those rebuilding after tragedy. We are dedicated to providing powerful legal advocacy and the personal attention each client deserves.
Time Limits for Filing a DUI Accident Claim
In Tennessee, most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within one year of the date of the crash. Evidence such as breath test results and video footage can be lost quickly, so acting fast is essential. Our attorneys immediately gather documentation, file all required paperwork, and ensure your case stays on track from start to finish.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle DUI cases quickly to minimize payouts. They may offer far less than your case is worth or dispute the extent of your injuries. Our firm handles all communication, negotiation, and litigation with insurers to ensure you receive full compensation. We know the tactics they use—and how to counter them effectively.
Tennessee DUI Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a claim?
You generally have one year from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit in Tennessee.
What if the driver was arrested?
A criminal case can proceed separately from your civil lawsuit. You can still pursue compensation regardless of the criminal outcome.
Can I sue a bar or restaurant that served the driver?
Yes, under Tennessee’s dram shop laws, alcohol vendors may be held liable if they overserved a visibly intoxicated person who caused an accident.
What damages can I recover?
You may recover for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the crash.
Can I seek punitive damages?
Yes, in cases involving extreme recklessness or repeat offenders, punitive damages may be awarded.
How do attorney fees work?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Will my case go to trial?
Many DUI accident cases settle, but we prepare each one as if it will go before a jury to ensure the strongest possible result.
Serving Clients Across Tennessee
- Clinton
- Gatlinburg
- Maryville
- Pigeon Forge
- Sevierville
- Knoxville
- Nashville
- Chattanooga
- Oak Ridge
- Memphis
- Kingsport
- Johnson City
Contact Our Tennessee DUI Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash caused by a drunk or drug-impaired driver, you deserve justice and accountability. At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, we fight for victims of impaired driving throughout Tennessee, helping them recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled Tennessee DUI accident lawyer who will stand up for your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.