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NST Law Attorney

Nashville
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Champions for the Injured
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NST Law Attorneys Corey Trotz and Alex Saharovich
NST Law Attorney
National Law Firm with Local Roots

The experienced Nashville attorneys at NST Law have worked on injured people’s behalf for over 30 years. NST Law’s Nashville drunk driving accident lawyers know local driving regulations and ordinances. We can help you seek compensation for your property damage and personal injury losses. Our team will handle all aspects of a drunk driving case, including gathering evidence, consulting experts, negotiating with insurers, and advocating for your rights. 

Impaired driving is a serious offense in Tennessee, but criminal charges alone do not always make up for the damage caused by a drunk driving accident. If you have lost a loved one from drunk driving or suffered an injury or property damage, you can file a civil lawsuit. 

Tennessee is a comparative fault state, which means the other driver has to be more than 50 percent at fault for you to recover damages. The other side might fight hard to shift responsibility, so working with a Nashville drunk driving attorney at NST Law who knows local laws can help you achieve a fair result.

Table Of Contents

NST Law: Your Trusted Partner in Nashville Drunk Driving Accident Cases

NST Law has worked on behalf of injured people in Nashville since 1990. The firm enjoys a nationwide reputation for excellence but holds its Nashville roots dear. Our lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the local legal landscape and a long history of fighting for injured people in Nashville, elsewhere in Tennessee, and in neighboring states.

Our attorneys handle complicated drunk driving accident cases, striving to help vulnerable people and their families achieve fair outcomes. Our record of success in auto accident claims includes:

$1,000,000

for a man seriously injured in a motorcycle collision

$1,500,000

for a woman seriously injured in a car accident while on the job

$675,000

for a man injured in a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler

Drunk Driving Accidents in Nashville

In 2020, there were 7,332 crashes involving a driver impaired by drugs or alcohol in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Impaired driving was 14 times more likely to result in fatalities than crashes that did not involve impaired drivers.

There are many reasons why impaired driving is dangerous. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol: 

  • Impaired drivers are four times more likely to speed
  • Impaired drivers are 10 times more likely to not wear a seatbelt
  • Impaired drivers in urban areas are 5.7 times more likely to hit a fixed object

A couple of factors commonly contribute to Nashville drunk driving incidents. The city boasts a thriving tourism industry, with many visitors who might be unfamiliar with Nashville’s layout and roads. When alcohol is thrown into the mix, accidents become more likely.

Nashville is also home to Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and other noted universities and colleges, bringing many young people into the area. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a significant number of young adults were under the influence in those 7,332 impaired driving crashes: 

  • 1,229 drivers between the ages of 25 and 29
  • 996 drivers between the ages of 30 and 34
  • 934 drivers between the ages of 21 and 24
  • 514 drivers between the ages of 18 and 20

NST Law has a Nashville office to help those harmed in a drunk driving accident. Our lawyers offer clients legal representation and guidance during a challenging and stressful time. 

Drunk Driving Accident Legal Services from NST Law

NST Law possesses extensive knowledge of Nashville’s driving ordinances and regulations. This expertise helps our drunk driving accident attorneys develop strong legal cases for our clients. 

We can address all of your legal questions and issues. For instance, Nashville’s statute of limitations sets a one-year deadline for filing suit after a drunk driving accident. We can analyze your case and advise you on how that deadline impacts your legal options.

At NST Law, we know the recovery process is challenging after an accident. We offer information regarding hospitals and medical resources to help you attend to your medical needs.

Car keys behind a shot of liquor

Guiding You Through Nashville's Drunk Driving Accident Legal Process

Drunk driving is a criminal offense in Tennessee, but a criminal conviction won’t help you recover your losses after a drunk driving accident. You might still have a physical injury, property damage, and emotional distress from the collision.

Here are some steps you should take after a drunk driving accident in Nashville:

  • Report the accident. The law requires you to report an accident resulting in death, injury, or property damage of more than $400 to the Department of Safety.
  • Seek medical attention immediately. Try to get care from on-site medical teams or visit your nearest emergency room, even if you think you’re not injured. 
  • Speak only to the police. You should answer questions asked by the responding officers. However, it is best to speak to a lawyer from a firm like NST Law before communicating with insurers or the other driver. Be careful not to admit fault when talking to anyone about the accident. 

NST Law’s drunk driving accident lawyers can handle the next steps for pursuing a legal claim. They will do the following:

  • Gather evidence from the accident scene
  • Interview witnesses
  • Obtain expert testimony to help recreate the cause of the crash
  • Help determine who was at fault for the crash
  • Negotiate fair settlements with insurers for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
  • Represent client interests in court

To recover compensation, you must show the other driver was mostly responsible for the crash, meaning you must be less than 50 percent at fault. 

If you were partly responsible but less than 50 percent at fault, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your fault. For example, if you were 30 percent at fault and had $100,000 in damages, you can recover about $70,000. 

Drunk Driving Rules in Nashville, TN

In Tennessee, someone driving a noncommercial vehicle is impaired if their blood alcohol content is 0.08. The fines and penalties for drunk driving offenses increase the more a person is caught driving drunk. It’s a Class D felony to cause serious injury to another person while driving drunk. The police report showing the other driver was over the legal limit can be an important piece of evidence proving fault. 

According to the Open Container Law, no driver in Tennessee can consume or possess an open container of alcohol or beer while driving. 

A city skyline in the evening

Securing Compensation for Nashville Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Even if a drunk driver faces criminal fines and penalties, you still can file a claim against the driver to recover your losses. 

You can ask that a settlement cover your losses, including:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future income
  • Cost of future care
  • Loss of companionship or consortium
  • Property damage 

According to the state’s Financial Responsibility law, Tennessee drivers must carry liability car insurance. 

Promoting Safe Riding To Reduce Nashville Drunk Driving Accidents

You can help prevent drunk driving accidents by taking some safety precautions:

If A Drunk Driver Has Harmed You, Contact Us

Nashville is a popular tourist destination and college town, which increases the likelihood of drunk drivers. Tennessee takes drunk driving seriously by imposing heavy fines, penalties, and jail time for major offenses. 

If you have suffered a loss or injury from a drunk driving accident in Nashville, NST Law might be able to help. Call us today at 615-249-1946 or contact us online for a free consultation.

NST Law Attorneys Corey Trotz and Alex Saharovich

Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.

OUR NASHVILLE OFFICE

2323 21st Avenue South
Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-235-0766

Fax: 615-257-6797

Testimonials
- Climas B.
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"They stayed with my case until everything was resolved. My situation was complicated and they ensured things were in check from start to finish."
- Vicki L.
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"From start to finish it was a good experience. They listened and handled my case with compassion and care. I highly recommend them."
- Tasha S.
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"I was involved in a auto accident with my mother and she suggested NST to handle the case for us. Everything was handled professionally and in a timely manner."
Client Successes
$3,000,000.00
Obtained in tractor-trailer accident case for a husband and wife that suffered traumatic injuries.
$2,200,000.00
Recovered in car accident case against construction company in which our client suffered a traumatic brain injury.
$1,500,000.00
Received for a woman injured in car accident while on the job, who sustained numerous fractures and underwent several surgeries.