It’s football time in Tennessee: the Titans, Vols, Commodores, and Blue Raiders are all well into their seasons. Saturdays and Sunday game day rituals often begin with a bloody mary and sausage balls during tailgate set-up and progress to hotdogs, chili and beer before game time. Once inside the stadium, many fans continue to imbibe. After the game, fans routinely tailgate some more while traffic congestion clears. The result is a long day of drinking. And unfortunately, too many intoxicated or buzzed fans will pack up their tailgate and drive home.
In Tennessee, first time drunk driver offenders will serve a minimum of 48 hours in jail and a maximum of 11 months, 29 days. With a BAC of .20 or higher, the minimum jail time is 7 consecutive days. In addition, the offender will lose his or her driver’s license for 1 year. The offender must participate in alcohol and drug program, pay fines, pay higher insurance rates, pay towing expenses, pay bail and for an attorney. The offender might also be ordered to install an Ignition Interlock at cost of roughly $1,000.00. Without question, even if you are not involved in an accident, DUI is a costly mistake.
But, if a drunk driver causes a crash and injures someone, the real cost is paid by the victim in the form of medical bills, lost wages, permanent impairments, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and injuries that could change a the life of the victim and his or her family forever. So enjoy the tailgating and the game, but remember a cab fare is down right cheap compared to the cost of drinking and driving. You do not want to live the rest of your life knowing that you harmed another human being in a drunk driving accident.
To read more about the rights of victims of drunk drivers and our representation of those victims click on the link.
The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. offers free consultation for people injured by drunk drivers who want to understand their legal rights. Call us at 866-812-8787 (or 615.742.4880) to set up a free consultation. Or, fill out our Contact Form and we will call you. Go to our website to learn more about the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. and how we serve our clients.