Intoxicated individuals operating vehicles on the highways of Tennessee are responsible for thousands of wrecks each year. Sadly, drunk driving accidents often involve some of the most catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered harm because of an intoxicated driver, reach out to a dedicated attorney at Yates & Wheland. Our lawyers are experienced in handling Chattanooga drunk driver accidents and could advise you on holding the wrongdoer accountable for your losses.
Intoxicated drivers are unable to safely operate their motor vehicles and often cause high-speed crashes. Alcohol or drugs can impair a person’s reaction time and decision-making abilities, putting them at greater risk of causing accidents.
Many wrecks involve an intoxicated individual failing to obey a red light or stop sign and proceeding into an intersection where other vehicles have the right-of-way. A driver under the influence may also have difficulty staying in their lane, leading to head-on collisions. These collisions are often catastrophic and can lead to fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or even death.
In civil cases involving drunk driving, juries will often award significant compensation for pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages. To prevent this, most insurance companies will pay out the policy limits associated with the drunk driver’s insurance policy to avoid further liability in a bad faith failure to pay. By paying policy limits, the insurance companies often leave their insured to defend themselves and their personal assets from potential judgment from the other side.
An experienced Chattanooga lawyer could help efficiently navigate these difficult claims to recover the maximum amount of financial compensation for the victim of a drunk driving accident. One crucial step is to ensure that the attorney can obtain information on all relevant insurance policies that may come into play. Stacking those insurance policies on top of each other can help maximize the coverages available to the victim for paying medical bills, recovering lost wages, and compensating for pain and suffering.
These cases often present situations where the damage to the client far outweighs the coverage available at first glance. However, a skilled attorney could investigate any hidden or unknown coverages to minimize the financial harm a person faces after a collision with a drunk driver.
A dedicated lawyer in the area could also negotiate with the medical providers of a health insurance company to reduce the outstanding debt for a client. Legal counsel knows how to deal with the health insurance companies, medical providers, and Medicare to protect a victim’s financial future after a serious DUI crash.
If you were injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, you deserve restitution to cover your losses. Drunk driving is dangerous and irresponsible, and there are legal avenues for holding the negligent motorist accountable for their actions.
At Yates & Wheland, our legal team is experienced in handling Chattanooga drunk driver accidents. Our attorneys could handle negotiations with insurance companies and defense lawyers to tirelessly protect your best interests. Call us today to discuss your situation and get the legal guidance you need.