Harlene Labrum | July 3, 2025 | Car Accident Lawyer Near Nashville Tennessee
Injured in a DUI Crash in Nashville on the 4th of July? Here’s What You Should Do Next
The Fourth of July is a time of celebration, fireworks, and family gatherings—but it’s also one of the most dangerous holidays on American roads. Every year, DUI-related crashes surge during this holiday weekend as festivities involving alcohol and impaired driving lead to tragic outcomes. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a DUI crash in Nashville.
Knowing what to do can make a significant difference in your recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact an experienced Nashville car accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
The Risks of a Holiday DUI Crash in Nashville
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that the Fourth of July weekend is consistently among the deadliest times of the year for DUI-related crashes. In fact, nearly 40% of all traffic fatalities during this holiday involve alcohol-impaired drivers.
DUI crashes during this time are often more severe due to a combination of factors. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, diminished judgment, and frequently drive at higher speeds.
This creates a perfect storm for devastating accidents such as:
- Head-on collisions: which are among the most fatal
- Rear-end crashes: especially at stoplights or traffic congestion
- Sideswipes: often caused by drivers veering out of their lanes
These types of accidents can cause life-altering injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and emotional trauma.
What to Do Immediately After the Crash
If you are involved in a suspected DUI crash in Nashville, your safety and the preservation of evidence are top priorities. Follow these steps:
- Call 911 Immediately – Report the accident and ask for both medical and police assistance. Prompt emergency response helps ensure that injuries are treated quickly and that the scene is legally documented.
- Request Medical Attention – Even if your injuries appear minute, get a thorough check by a medical professional. Some symptoms, like internal bleeding or concussions, can be delayed.
- Document the Scene – Take photographs of vehicle damage, your injuries, road conditions, and any clear signs of alcohol use (open containers, erratic driver behavior). Get contact information from witnesses who saw the crash.
- Avoid Admitting Fault – Be polite and cooperative, but don’t make statements about who was at fault. These comments can be used against you later.
- Inform the Police if You Suspect Impairment – If you noticed the other driver swerving, slurring speech, or behaving erratically, let the responding officer know. This can be key in building a DUI case.
Understanding Tennessee DUI Laws and Liability
Under Tennessee law, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers—and just 0.04% for commercial drivers. A DUI is a serious criminal offense in the state, with both criminal and civil consequences.
From a civil standpoint, an impaired driver who causes a DUI crash in Nashville is usually considered automatically negligent, making it easier for injury victims to pursue compensation. This concept, known as negligence per se, can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim.
In addition to facing criminal penalties such as jail time or license suspension, a drunk driver may be held personally liable for damages they caused.
How a DUI Affects Your Personal Injury Claim
When a crash involves an impaired driver, it often opens the door to punitive damages—a form of financial compensation meant to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct. These are awarded in addition to standard damages like medical bills or lost wages.
However, getting full compensation isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or shift some blame to you. A personal injury attorney can help ensure your rights are protected by gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and building a solid case.
In some cases, dram shop liability laws may also apply. Under Tennessee law, bars, restaurants, or even private hosts can be held liable if they served alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated, and that person went on to cause a DUI crash in Nashville. An experienced Nashville car accident lawyer can determine whether this additional avenue of compensation applies to your situation.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a DUI Crash in Nashville
To get compensation for your injuries, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim within Tennessee’s statute of limitations—one year from the date of the accident. This short timeline makes it essential to act quickly.
To support your claim, strong evidence is necessary. This includes:
- Police reports documenting the DUI and fault
- Toxicology results showing the driver’s BAC
- Medical records detailing your injuries and treatment
- Photographs, witness statements, and crash reconstruction reports
A successful claim can cover a wide range of damages, including:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Property damage
In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may significantly increase the total value of your compensation.
How Labrum Law Firm Can Help if You’ve Been Injured By a Drunk Driver
At Labrum Law Firm, we understand the devastation that follows a DUI crash—especially when it happens during a time that should be filled with celebration. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping injury victims hold reckless drivers accountable.
We start by thoroughly investigating your case, securing police and toxicology reports, interviewing witnesses, and assessing all liable parties—including any establishment that may have overserved the drunk driver. Our legal strategy is tailored to maximize your compensation while minimizing stress for you and your family.
Dealing with insurance companies after a DUI crash can be intimidating. We take that burden off your shoulders by handling all communications and negotiations, ensuring you’re not taken advantage of.
Best of all, you don’t pay unless we win your case. We offer a free initial consultation, so there’s no risk in speaking with us to explore your legal options.
Injured in a DUI Crash in Nashville? You Deserve Justice & We Are Here to Help.
If you’ve been injured in a DUI crash this Fourth of July—or any time of year—you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden can be overwhelming, but the law is on your side.
At Labrum Law Firm, we fight for victims of drunk driving accidents with compassion, determination, and a commitment to justice. Let us help you take the next step toward recovery and the compensation you deserve. Call us today (615) 265-0000 for your free consultation, and let our experienced team start working for you.
