Tennessee Drunk Driving and the Dram Shop Act
Determining who is responsible for a drunk driving accident is not as simple as it may seem, and in some cases can be very challenging. While responsibility for a crash often rests with the intoxicated driver, Tennessee laws also recognize another possibility -- Tennessee's Dram Shop Act.
The Tennessee Dram Shop Act establishes liability for the irresponsible sale of alcohol to a person who is obviously intoxicated and subsequently kills or injures another person. This means that clubs, bars and restaurants can be held responsible if it they serve alcohol to a person who was already clearly intoxicated and that person then causes an accident.
The Dram Shop Act also allows vendors to be held responsible if they knowingly sell alcohol to a person who is under the age of 21. The term “dram” refers to a unit of measurement once used to serve alcohol.
Drunken driving accidents in Tennessee are all too common. In 2008, a full 37 percent of traffic fatalities occurred in crashes involving alcohol. Among 1,035 traffic deaths, 386 involved the use of alcohol. When a drunk driving tragedy is caused in part by the irresponsible alcohol sales at a bar or restaurant, a lawsuit can help put a stop to that kind of reckless conduct.
Building a successful dram shop case is challenging and requires a special type of investigation that often includes extensive interviews and evidence collection. But when done correctly, a dram shop claim can be the best avenue for obtaining compensation for your injuries and holding the responsible parties accountable. If your case is successful, you may be entitled to:
- Medical bills;
- Lost income;
- Loss of pension;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of household services;
- Loss of healthcare benefits;
- Loss of consortium – damage to family relationships resulting from the accident.
The quality, skill and reputation of your attorney will affect your chances of recovering the financial compensation you need. The attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton have an impressive track record of success and we are ready to represent you in a dram shop case. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to conduct the required investigation and build a successful case.
If a drunk driver has injured you or a loved one, do not delay. It may be necessary to begin an investigation immediately. Call the Tennessee dram shop lawyers today at 1-800-518-3779 or use our online contact form to arrange a free consultation. We have almost 50 years of experience representing the injured and will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Our firm helps accident victims across East Tennessee, including Hamblen, Hawkins, Greene, Sevier, Knox, Washington, Sullivan and Cocke counties and the communities of Greeneville, Morristown, Sevierville, Dandridge, Rogersville, Newport, Knoxville, Kingsport, Johnson City and Jefferson City.
If a drunk driver has injured you or a loved one, don’t delay. Call Terry, Terry & Stapleton today at 1-800-518-3779 or use our online contact form to arrange a free consultation.
