Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Franklin

Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Experience, Working for You

A crash caused by an impaired driver isn’t a routine traffic case. It produces two separate legal proceedings at the same time: a criminal DUI prosecution brought by the state against the driver, and a civil injury claim that you pursue independently to recover compensation. Because my practice at Julia E. Stovall Attorney At Law spans both criminal defense and personal injury, I can help you understand how those two tracks interact and what that means for your claim in Franklin, Tennessee.

I’ve represented clients in Franklin, Brentwood, and throughout Williamson County since 1988. That background matters in drunk driving cases, where evidence from the criminal side, including police reports, breath test results, and field sobriety tests, can directly support your civil claim.

If you or a family member was hurt by a drunk driver, don’t wait to get legal guidance. Call Julia E. Stovall Attorney At Law at (615) 239-1374 to schedule a free consultation. I’m available 24/7 and offer virtual consultations for clients who can’t meet in person.

What to Expect When You Work with Me

Every drunk driving crash is different. The severity of injuries, whether the driver was underinsured, and whether a bar or restaurant may share liability: these details shape the strategy. I take time to understand your specific situation before recommending a path forward, and I stay focused on your goals throughout.

You’ll have consistent access to me as your case moves forward. Clients can reach my firm any time, day or night, and I offer virtual consultations so geography isn’t a barrier. My commitment is to go beyond the basics and give you the thorough, attentive representation this kind of case demands.

Dram Shop Liability in Tennessee

In Tennessee, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher is legally impaired, and civil liability for the crash may fall on that driver. But in some cases, a second party may also bear responsibility.

Tennessee’s dram shop statute, Tenn. Code Ann. § 57-10-102, allows an injured victim to pursue a claim against a vendor that sold alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or someone under 21, when that sale directly caused the injury. This is a significantly higher bar than most states impose: a jury must find beyond a reasonable doubt that the alcohol sale was the proximate cause of the harm, not merely a contributing factor. A social host who furnishes but doesn’t sell alcohol is generally not liable under this law, except in limited circumstances involving underage drinkers.

Whether a dram shop claim applies to your situation depends on the specific facts. It’s worth discussing before assuming the at-fault driver’s policy is your only source of recovery.

Ready to Talk Through Your Options?

Drunk driving accident claims can move quickly, and Tennessee’s filing deadlines are strict. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more options you may have.

I offer a free initial consultation with no obligation. Virtual appointments are available, and you can reach my office any time. Call Julia E. Stovall Attorney At Law at (615) 239-1374 to get started.

Tennessee Comparative Fault & Insurance Complications

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule: you can recover damages only if your own share of fault is less than 50%. At exactly 50% or more, the law bars any recovery from the other party. Below that threshold, your award is reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault.

In drunk driving crashes, the impaired driver’s conduct is often the dominant factor in any fault analysis. Even so, insurance adjusters sometimes raise comparative fault arguments to reduce a payout. Understanding the rule means those arguments won’t catch you off guard.

A second complication: drunk drivers are more likely than average to carry minimal insurance or none at all. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may become an important source of compensation. Reviewing your policy early in the process can reveal options you didn’t know you had.

How the Criminal Case Relates to Your Civil Claim

When a drunk driver is arrested, the state pursues a criminal DUI prosecution on its own timeline and under its own standard of proof. Your civil injury claim is entirely separate. It proceeds under a lower standard, preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt, and its outcome doesn’t depend on a criminal conviction.

Civil personal injury lawsuits arising in Williamson County are filed in the Williamson County Circuit Court in Franklin, part of Tennessee’s 21st Judicial District. Tennessee generally requires a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within one year of the accident under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104. Missing that deadline can forfeit your right to recover, regardless of how strong your claim is.

Evidence That Supports a Drunk Driving Injury Claim

Building a civil claim after a DUI crash starts with the police report. Officers at the scene typically document observed signs of impairment: slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, erratic behavior, and the results of any field sobriety tests administered. Breath or blood alcohol concentration results, when available, provide direct confirmation of impairment at the time of the crash.

Physical evidence, including vehicle damage patterns, skid marks, traffic camera footage, and witness accounts, can all reinforce the liability picture. Some of this evidence degrades or becomes harder to obtain over time, so acting promptly can give your case a stronger foundation.

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Why Choose Julia E. Stovall Attorney At Law?

Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator
Client-Centered Legal Counsel
Trusted by Thousands of Clients
Over 30 Years of Legal Experience

Trusted by Thousands of Clients in Franklin, Tennessee

With 30+ years of legal experience to my name, thousands of clients have trusted Julia E. Stovall Attorney At Law to defend them. My in-depth knowledge of Tennessee criminal law and my sophisticated defense strategies have helped many clients overcome their criminal charges. I am ready to not only assist you throughout the criminal justice system but to educate you about your rights during the criminal defense process. It is important that you understand your options, know what is at stake, and realize the consequences of each one.

Contact my law office online to schedule a free case evaluation with a criminal defense attorney serving Franklin. We also serve clients in Brentwood, Tennessee!

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