In Tennessee, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. It is presumed a drunk driver is liable to pay compensation for any injury or death caused by driving while intoxicated since it is an act of reckless driving. However, there are some cases in which determining liability for causing a DUI-related car accident may not be so easy. Tennessee is one of 30 states that observe a Dram Shop Liability statute, which can place responsibility for DUI accidents on restaurants and/or bars depending on the circumstances.

What Is the Dram Shop Liability Statute?

Under Tennessee law, a licensed establishment that sells alcohol to a person who is may be held liable for damages in an alcohol-related car accident. They may be required to pay compensation for any personal injury or wrongful death caused in the accident as a result of the consumption of alcohol sold. Tennessee limits this “Dram Shop Liability” statute to cases in which restaurants or bars sell alcohol to a clearly intoxicated person or a minor under the legal drinking age.

Roads and highways can be dangerous places, whether someone is driving for work, for pleasure, or as part of their daily routine. The large number of automobiles on the road increases the risk of car accidents, and one of the primary factors that can lead to deadly collisions is fatigued driving. Truck drivers should especially be careful of driving while tired, since they are often on the road for long hours and during overnight shifts. If a vehicle collides with a larger vehicle like a truck, the results can be catastrophic.

According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, fatigued driving results in 1.2 million crashes and over 5,000 fatalities every year. Victims of car accidents involving fatigued drivers may be entitled to receive financial compensation for their damages.

The warm weather is upon us, which means more motorcyclists are hitting the pavement. Like people who drive cars, motorcyclists are expected to take several precautions to stay safe while driving. However, motorcycle accidents can happen even when all safety measures are taken. Since motorcycles are smaller, they are often harder to see on the road, and they can occur because other drivers do not respect a motorcyclist’s right of way. Collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles often result in personal injury, and an injured cyclist may be eligible to receive compensation for injuries or damage to their motorcycle.

What To Do After an Accident

If an accident happens, the driver who is at fault for the incident is responsible for paying for any damage experienced by others involved in the accident, including costs related to injuries and repairs for damages to vehicles. Therefore, if you are a motorcyclist involved in an accident, you should assess your injuries and the damage to your motorcycle while still at the accident site.

With approximately 2 million tractor-trailers on the road, truck drivers and motor vehicle drivers should be aware of ways to avoid truck accidents. Truck drivers are responsible for earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL) before operating a commercial vehicle and motorists are responsible for being extra vigilant when in the presence of big rigs.

Truck Driver Safety

After earning a CDL, the best way to stay safe on the road is also the most basic: know how to operate and keep control of your vehicle. According to the commercial driver’s license manual, all trucks should be inspected before, during, and after each trip. These inspections must be logged in case a truck needs to be repaired.

In the state of Tennessee, there were more than 497,000 reported motor vehicle collisions throughout 2017, including over 30,000 in which at least one passenger suffered injuries. Tragically, more than 1,000 people ultimately died due to injuries suffered in car accidents, statewide. 

If you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle collision, the related expenses, including vehicle damage, loss of work hours, and medical bills, can be significant. After being involved in a car accident, the first step is to check the medical condition of all passengers and to seek medical treatment for any injuries suffered. It is important to act quickly after an accident to help your chances of securing financial compensation for your injuries.