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Drunk Driving and Dram Shop Liability

Knoxville Lawyer Representing Car Accident Victims Against Liquor Businesses

Across the country, each day, about 28 people die due to a drunk driving accident. These fatal or catastrophic accidents are devastating to victims and their families. Although there has been a concerted effort to reduce drunk driving, many people continue to drink and drive in Tennessee and elsewhere. Unfortunately, some of these drunk drivers are uninsured or commit hit and runs. However, you may still be able to recover compensation. If you were injured or a loved one was killed by a drunk driver, Knoxville car accident attorney Mark C. Hartsoe may be able to counsel you on potential dram shop liability issues.

Drunk Driving and Dram Shop Liability

You may sue a drunk driver directly for damages if you suffered injuries or your loved one was killed by the driver’s intoxication. In cases in which insurance is available, the insurer may offer you a settlement, or in more complicated cases, it may decide to go to trial. The civil case will be separate from any criminal case. But what if the coverage is insufficient to compensate you for your injuries or the death of a loved one?

You may also be able to sue a business or third party that supplied the drunk driver with alcohol under Tennessee's dram shop law, which is Tennessee Code 57-10-102. This law allows you to recover damages from a business that sold the driver alcohol if the business sold the alcohol to the drunk driver, whoever bought the alcohol was less than 21 years old or was visibly drunk, and the sale directly caused your injuries. For example, if a 17-year-old was drinking beer at a restaurant and became increasingly drunk, slurring his speech and stumbling around, but the server continued to bring him the drinks that he requested, and he later T-boned your car, you might be able to hold the restaurant liable.

Damages to which you may be entitled if you are successful include medical costs, lost wages, household services, property damage, and pain and suffering. Additional damages may be available in a wrongful death lawsuit. You will need to file your lawsuit within one year of the accident.

This law does not apply to social occasions but only to instances in which the alcohol is actually sold. Accordingly, you may not sue the host of a party who serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated guest, but you may still sue the guest if the guest injures you.

Protect Your Rights by Enlisting a Car Accident Attorney in Knoxville

If you have been struck by a drunk driver, you may be able to recover compensation. At the Hartsoe Law Firm, Knoxville car accident lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can advise you on dram shop liability and represent you in a lawsuit for damages. Call the Hartsoe Law Firm at 865-804-1011 or contact us via our online form to set up a free appointment with a drunk driving accident lawyer. We assist injured parties and their families throughout East Tennessee, including in Knox, Blount, Monroe, Loudon, Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke, Campbell, Hamblen, Greene, Anderson, Cumberland, and Fentress Counties.


Client Reviews
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I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson
★★★★★
I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder
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I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger
★★★★★
I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter
★★★★★
Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar
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