A DUI is a crime that
could very often involve victims apart from the offender. This is precisely why
a DUI suspect may find that not only is he persecuted by state prosecutors but
also by his victims in a civil lawsuit. The criminal proceeding that is set off
by the state is a separate proceeding altogether and is not related to the
civil lawsuit filed (if there is one).
According to Brentwood,
TN drunk driving accident lawyers who can be reached on this powerful website which
also serves as a legal resource center for so many, the criminal proceedings
filed by the state are with the objective of punishing the person that
perpetrated the crime and also to deter others from driving drunk by
demonstrating that strict action will be taken against them. However, a person
that is injured or affected by such a driver is protected by law and has the
right to file a civil lawsuit against the driver.
This is not unlike what
happened to OJ Simpson in the mid-90s when he was acquitted of killing his
estranged wife Nicole Brown Simpson. He faced no jail time but he was taken to
the cleaners financially by Nicole’s family.
Tennessee drunk driving
accident attorneys enjoy spouting that the purpose of this lawsuit is so that
victims\plaintiffs are awarded the compensatory damages that they rightfully
deserve. They can do the same thing for you as what happened to OJ!
Damages in a Civil Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit
Victims of drunk
drivers can claim economic damages, non-economic damages and punitive damages. Economic
damages are meant as compensation for any financial losses that the victim may
have faced as a result of the drunk driving accident. This includes medical
expenses, loss of ability to earn wages, loss of past and future wages,
expenses to repair damages to property, and legal fees.
Non-economic damages
are meant as compensation for damages that one cannot really put a price tag
on. These could include mental anguish, distress, loss of consortium, and more.
(obviously it is not possible to objectively put a value in terms of money on
such losses). Some states enforce limitations or caps on how much can be
awarded in terms of non-economic damages.
If you go by what
Brentwood, TN drunk driving accident lawyers say, punitive damages are unique
as they do not necessarily compensate the victim for any loss. These damages
are meant exclusively to punish the perpetrator and make him or her pay for
their wrong doing. This also acts as a deterrent and discourages people from
driving under the influence.
Wrongful Death in a Drunk Driving Accident
Nearly 4,000 Americans
are killed every year in drunk driving accidents, an unfortunate truth that
every state has to bear with. Between 2003 and 2012 as any as 3,423 people were
killed in drunk driving crashes in Tennessee according to the CDC. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to a drunk driver then
you are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the perpetrator.
Paying for the Future
For the most part,
wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits are similar. A wrongful death
lawsuit is meant to allow the surviving family members of a dead victim to
receive some financial stability. Like personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death
lawsuits can also seek economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Just make
sure to work with a prolific Tennessee drunk driving accident lawyer to make sure
your rights are protected.
Your car is smashed.
The other guy is drunk. The police believe everything you say. You are hurt.
You may be thinking that a giant check is going to be mailed to you at any
time. Wrong! http://dui-lawyers.usattorneys.com/tennessee/
- this website is about to be your new BFF. Get off Twitter! You need legal
help. No one is going to give you anything if you do not follow legal protocol.
You need to use this site to find that lawyer that can help get you the
financial restitution you deserve.
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