DUI Accident Lawyer Johnson City TN
One person dies every 50 minutes in a drunk-driving crash, resulting in over 10,000 fatalities each year. Those who survive often suffer debilitating, long-term injuries that can affect their ability to work, family life, and financial stability. Car accidents can be horrendous enough when an accident is not your fault. What can make it worse is finding out that an at-fault driver was operating a vehicle under the influence at the time. Fortunately, drunk drivers who cause car accidents in Tennessee not only face criminal charges, but victims can also initiate a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for injuries and losses.
If you or a family member was injured in a drunk-driving accident (or you lost a loved one), we urge you to call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to schedule a free consultation. We can listen to the facts of your case, explain your legal rights and options, and help you fight for the fair and full compensation to which you are rightfully entitled. Further, you needn’t be concerned about how you will afford our quality legal counsel, as we represent injured victims on contingency.
What Is The Difference Between a Criminal and Civil DUI Lawsuit in Tennessee?
After an individual is involved in a drunk driving accident, the police usually place the driver under arrest at the scene of the accident. The driver will then likely face criminal charges for driving under the influence of alcohol, which can result in penalties, such as:
- Steep Fines
- License Revocation
- Alcohol Classes
- Community Service
- Incarceration
Unfortunately, all of these penalties do little to nothing to help accident victims who are facing debilitating injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To hold a drunk driver liable for these and other losses, an individual can file a personal injury complaint in civil court (also known as a civil lawsuit).
Regardless of the type of case, adequate evidence must be presented to show that a guilty party was drunk at the time of an accident. However, while a criminal and civil case are separate, a DUI conviction during a criminal trial can help prove negligence in a civil lawsuit. This means a victim may not need to present as much evidence in court about accident causation . For over three decades, Johnson City DUI accident lawyer Mark Hurt has been helping innocent victims pursue the maximum compensation possible for their injuries. He understands both the criminal and civil sides of DUI cases and can work to utilize evidence from a criminal case to your advantage.
Is a Drunk Driver Who’s Involved in a Car or Truck Accident Always At Fault?
Tennessee is an at-fault state, meaning that a driver who causes an accident is legally responsible for the damages and injuries caused. In a DUI accident lawsuit, a victim must still prove fault. For a plaintiff, showing that another person was drunk is not itself enough to prove fault; however, a driver’s intoxication level generally increases the likelihood that a driver will be found at-fault for an accident.
As insurance companies are often on the financial hook for injuries sustained in a drunk-driving accident, they will typically do everything within their power to limit liability, including offering low settlements, hiring aggressive attorneys, or utilizing questionable tactics to coerce victims into accepting less than they are entitled. If you are unsure whether to file a lawsuit, consult with our experienced Johnson City drunk driving accident lawyer. It is critical to speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer by an insurance company, as they are usually lower than what a case is worth.
Why Should I Hire An Experienced Johnson City DUI Accident Lawyer?
The insurance claims process can be challenging and emotionally taxing, and it is critical to ensure that a claim is handled correctly from the outset, as small mistakes can easily compromise the outcome of a settlement. Insurance companies and offending parties are typically represented by lawyers; thus, it is often in an individual’s best interest to hire an experienced attorney to level the playing field.
When you hire The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, you can rest assured that you will have a team on your side whose sole mission is to maximize your compensation. Further, we will fight tenaciously to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions and for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Additionally, we can help with the following:
- We Monitor Deadlines. When filing a DUI accident complaint, a victim has a limited time frame (known as the statute of limitations) to file a lawsuit. If an individual files after the deadline, a court will likely refuse to hear a case, meaning they will no longer have a chance to seek compensation in court, no matter how bad the injuries or damages are. In most cases, a victim has only one year from the date of an accident to file, making it crucial to contact our office as soon as possible.
- We Won’t Let Insurance Companies Push You Around! Car insurance companies spend millions of dollars each year on ads to convince buyers that they are on their side. Unfortunately, like most large corporations, their main goal is to make money, and every dime they pay an injury victim is a dime out of their profits. Consequently, they typically use every advantage to entice accident victims into taking lower offers. However, when you hire our aggressive Johnson City drunk driving accident lawyer, their ploys become far less effective, as they know we do not let our clients get pushed around.
- We Work With Top Experts. Not only will we put forth the most robust and persuasive case possible, but we also regularly work with top medical practitioners and experts who can document and show the full value of your injuries.
Call Our Office To Schedule a Complimentary Consultation with an Experienced Johnson City TN Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer.
Undoubtedly, the legal process following a DUI accident can be complicated and overwhelming, especially when an individual sustains injuries, lost income, medical expenses, and possible disabilities. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, our experienced team can be by your side every step of the process, providing compassionate support and tenacious representation. We can help you navigate the claims and assist in dealing with insurance companies and other attorneys.
Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with Johnson City drunk driving accident attorney Mark Hurt. He will personally handle your case, and you will only pay a fee if we are successful in recovering compensation on your behalf.
