Someone hit you and they do not have insurance? What now…..?

In spite of the stricter laws and harsher punishments meted out to drunk drivers, drunk-driving accidents happen at an alarming rate in throughout the US including Tennessee. Often times, accidents involve drivers who are uninsured.

This is like walking outside with just your underwear on – driving without insurance is not smart. Even Ferris Bueller drove with insurance and he took over the microphone in a huge Chicago day parade risking him being caught by his principal!

However and furthermore, this does not mean that victims of DUI accidents lose hope of receiving compensation. There are various other avenues through which the victims can obtain compensation and Knoxville, TN drunk driving accident lawyers will be involved.

Turn to your own insurance company

If you are injured by a drunk driver who has no insurance, you can file a claim with your own insurance company.

Often the amount paid by your insurer is less than satisfactory but at the same time it is sufficient to pay your medical bills, loss of wages, and can at least make you financially stable until the time you get back on your feet and resume work – if you have work during this ongoing recession. You can resume looking for work or working part time and so on. If your insurer refuses to pay your accident claim without a sound or rational reason, you can bring a bad faith lawsuit against your insurance provider and drunk driving accident attorneys in Tennessee will be right there alongside you.

The uninsured driver can be made liable

Uninsured drivers might have substantial assets and the court can seize those assets to pay the victim/s which would be. Often at-fault drivers declare bankruptcy. However, legal experts say that under federal bankruptcy laws a driver cannot escape liability by claiming bankruptcy. If the driver is responsible for the accident the courts will make him or her pay compensation.

Pay up! That is like the ridiculous Hans Solo character in those obsolete Star Wars movies who always owed people money. Pay up Hans! Stop being irresponsible!

Businesses and individuals who have over-served may be named in a lawsuit

In accordance with dram shop laws the victim can name businesses and individuals who have served liquor to a driver who was clearly showing signs of intoxication. For example, if a bar or a restaurant continues serving an individual who exhibits slurred speech, unsteady gait and blood shot eyes then they can be held liable for an accident the individual caused after leaving the joint. For the most part, party hosts too can be named if they fail to stop a guest from over-consuming alcohol.

Manufacturers of cars, SUVs, and pickups can be held responsible

These claims are referred to as ‘crash-worthiness’ claims according to Knoxville, TN drunk driving accident lawyers. For instance, the accident may have been caused by a drunk driver but you were seriously injured because safety features failed to secure you during the accident. In such a situation, the accident is attributed to a defect in the vehicle which is a rare case and this will take a long time to resolve as well. Sometimes occupants sustain grave injuries when seat belts fail to restrain the occupant properly, or due to an ABS malfunction or airbags not deploying properly, due to which the occupants in a vehicle can sustain serious injuries such as brain damage and a spinal cord injury. This is pretty rare though.

If you are injured by an uninsured drunk driver, there are still several ways to claim compensation. However, the first step is to consult a drunk-driving accident lawyer in Tennessee. Your legal counselor will determine the best way you can be adequately compensated as soon as possible. Claims and lawsuits must be filed within a stipulated date so make sure to act fast. Do not sign any paper work with the opposing insurance company as well!  

You need a legal counselor!

You need to click right here: Drunk-Driving-Accident.USAttorneys. Contact us if you have to. Use this site to find a legal professional. With this site, legal help is right around the virtual corner.