Getting Injured in a Drunk Driving Car Accident in Knoxville – How Long Does a Knoxville Drunk Driving Car Accident Victims Have to File a Case in Court for Money Compensation?
There is no doubt that being injured in a drunk driving car accident in Knoxville can completely upend a car accident victim’s life. A Knoxville car accident victim must not only heal from their potentially serious – sometimes nearly fatal – injuries, must face work or school and family obligations head-on with a serious injury, and must navigate the stressors of everyday life, such as finances, sorting out a new car, and figuring out how to get food on the table, all while recovering from a serious car accident. Indeed, for a person who has been seriously injured in a drunk driving car accident in Knoxville, the thought of bringing a lawsuit on top of everything else can seem daunting, and out of reach. However, as challenging as life becomes after a car accident in Knoxville, a Knoxville car accident victim needs to be aware of the time limits imposed by law on their potential claims for compensation. But how long does a Knoxville car accident victim have to bring a case against the drunk driver that injured them? And where can Knoxville car accident victims go if they are searching for an experienced lawyer to help fight for them? We answer those questions here.
The Statute of Limitations in Knoxville Drunk Driving Car Accident Cases under Tennessee Laws
Generally speaking, under Tennessee civil laws, a Knoxville car accident victim only has 1 year to bring a case in court for compensation for their car accident injuries and losses. However, there are some exceptions to this. Under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104 (2)(A), “A cause of action…shall be commenced within two (2) years after the cause of action accrued, if…Criminal charges are brought against any person alleged to have caused or contributed to the injury….” Accordingly, while Knoxville car accident victims typically only have 1 year to file a case in court for compensation, if criminal charges, such as DUI charges, are brought against the driver who caused the victim’s car accident in Knoxville, the drunk driving car accident victim has an additional year (for a total of 2 years) to bring their lawsuit in court. However, Knoxville car accident victims should be aware of the fact that if they skirt the statute of limitations in their case, they may be barred from ever bringing a case for compensation related to their drunk driving car accident injuries in court.
Finding an Experienced Knoxville Car Accidents Lawyer
If you are in the Knoxville area and you were injured by a drunk or negligent driver, contact the experienced Knoxville car accident lawyers at the law firm Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC. The experienced Knoxville car accident lawyers at the law firm Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC are here to fight for victims of serious car accidents in Knoxville. Do not hesitate to speak to an experienced attorney about your case today. Contact the Knoxville car accident lawyers at the law firm Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC now.
