Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer in Knoxville, TN
Some people drive while under the influence or while intoxicated, increasing the risk of car accidents within Knoxville, TN. Statistics show that at least 20 people out of 100,000 involved in DUI accidents in Tennessee lose their lives.
If you or a loved one gets involved in a drunk-driving car accident, it is imperative to seek legal help. Read on to learn how a Knoxville drunk driving accident attorney such as The Myers Law Firm can help.
Tennessee Drunk Driving Laws
Tennessee has several laws governing drunk driving. The state laws prohibit a driver from driving while intoxicated. It is imperative to understand these laws to help you make informed decisions. Here are the two laws that could get you into trouble in Knoxville, TN:
- Driving under the influence of marijuana or any drug.
- Driving with a blood alcohol content of 08% or higher and more than 04% if driving a commercial vehicle.
If convicted of drunk driving or driving while intoxicated, it is vital to seek legal council from an experienced Knoxville drunk driving accident attorney such as The Myers Law Firm to advise and guide you through the process.
Tennessee DUI Penalties
DUI convictions penalties in Tennessee differ based on the offense committed. But generally, the judge issues penalties based on the number of offenses the defendant committed within the past ten years; some judges backdate to 20 years. Below are the penalties in Knoxville, TN:
- First offense- Attracts a jail term from 48 hours to 11 months, fines ranging from $350 to $1,500.
- Second offense- The offender risks 45 days and 11 months in jail and a fine between $600 and $3,500.
- Third offense- You risk between 120 days and 11 months jail term or a fine ranging from $1,100 to 10,000.
It is worth noting that the offender can get a work release permit to continue working and return to jail in the evening after work. Additionally, if the offender serves their jail term, the judge can suspend the remaining part of the jail term. However, the offender must complete a substance abuse assessment as expected by the law. A Knoxville drunk driving accident attorney such as The Myers Law Firm can negotiate the penalties and protect your rights.
<h2″>Driver’s License Sanctions
The offender’s driver’s license may be suspended by the judge based on the conviction. For a first offense, the license will be suspended for one year. The second offense attracts a two-year driver’s license suspension, while a third offense attracts a six-year suspension for the driver’s license. The judge could order the total revocation of the license if the driver was driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the accident.
<h2″>Implied Consent and Refusing to take Chemical or Breath Test in Tennessee
When you get arrested for drunk driving in Tennessee, you must perform a breath test. If you refuse to take the test, your license could be suspended for one year for a first offense and two years for a second offense.
<h2″>Why Alcohol-Related Car Accidents Cause Severe Injuries
People can suffer severe injuries, and others lose their lives in drunk-driving-related accidents because the drivers are intoxicated and can easily lose control of the vehicle, hit another car, pedestrians, or debris, and crash. The victims suffer catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, or even death. The accidents occur because of (but not limited to) the following reasons:
- Driving the wrong way
- Driving a car at an excessive speed
- Swerving across the road
- Turning without looking at both sides of the road
Drivers in Knoxville, TN, need to be sober to avoid causing property damage and severe injuries that can affect the lives and wellbeing of others.
Contact a Knoxville DUI Lawyer Today
If you’re involved in a DUI case, seek legal advice from The Myers Law Firm, an experienced Knoxville drunk driving accident attorney, to guide and advise you. We have our clients’ best interests in mind and will do all it takes to protect their legal rights. With over 35 years of experience in handling similar cases, we are confident to provide the best legal counsel to all our clients in Knoxville, TN. Contact us today for further information concerning your DUI case.