A drunk driving accident can leave victims with more than just physical injuries. Medical bills, lost income, and property damage quickly add up, while emotional trauma lingers far longer. One of the most pressing questions victims ask after a crash is: who is financially responsible?

In Tennessee, liability is not always limited to the impaired driver. Insurance coverage, dram shop laws, and negligent entrustment may all come into play. Understanding how these factors work is essential to pursuing fair compensation.

If you have been injured in a Murfreesboro DUI accident, call the Law Office of Gritton & Gritton, PLLC at (615) 285-5472 for a confidential consultation.

Drunk Driving in Tennessee: The Legal Framework

Tennessee law defines a driver as legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for those under 21, it drops to 0.02%.

Driving while impaired is a criminal offense. Penalties include fines, jail time, and license suspension. Beyond the criminal consequences, however, drunk drivers face civil liability if their conduct causes injuries.

Tennessee follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver and their insurer are generally responsible for damages. Still, compensation does not always end with the intoxicated driver.

The Drunk Driver’s Responsibility

At the center of any DUI accident claim is the impaired driver. Tennessee law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance:

• $25,000 for injury or death per person
• $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

These minimums often fall short in severe accidents, where medical expenses and lost wages quickly surpass basic coverage. When this happens, victims must look to additional sources of recovery.

When Insurance Is Not Enough: UM/UIM Coverage

If the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured, victims may turn to their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

Tennessee law requires that insurers offer UM/UIM coverage, although drivers may decline it. If included in your policy, UM/UIM can cover expenses the impaired driver’s insurance does not. This protection is often critical in DUI cases, since many impaired drivers carry little or no insurance.

Can Other Parties Be Held Liable?

While the drunk driver is the primary source of liability, Tennessee law recognizes situations where third parties may also be held responsible.

Dram Shop Liability

Bars, restaurants, and stores can be liable if they serve alcohol to:

• A minor, or
• A visibly intoxicated person who later causes an accident.

For example, if a bartender continues serving drinks to someone who is clearly impaired, the establishment may share in the responsibility for the resulting crash.

Social Host Liability

Generally, social hosts are not liable for adult guests. But under Biscan v. Brown, hosts who provide alcohol to minors may face civil liability if the minor later causes an accident.

Negligent Entrustment and Family Purpose Doctrine

If the impaired driver was operating someone else’s vehicle, the owner may be liable in certain cases:

• Negligent Entrustment: Allowing an impaired or unfit person to drive your car.
• Family Purpose Doctrine: Holding an owner accountable when a family member causes a crash while using a vehicle maintained for family use.

These doctrines expand the pool of potentially liable parties and increase the chances of full compensation.

Punitive Damages in DUI Cases

Compensatory damages cover losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In contrast, punitive damages are awarded to punish reckless or malicious behavior.

Because drunk driving is often deemed reckless, Tennessee courts may award punitive damages in certain cases. However, they require clear and convincing evidence of outrageous conduct and are subject to statutory caps.

Criminal Restitution vs. Civil Compensation

It is important to distinguish between restitution ordered in criminal court and compensation available through civil claims.

• Criminal restitution may reimburse victims for specific financial losses, such as property damage or medical bills.
• Civil claims go further, covering pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term care costs.

For complete recovery, victims often need to pursue a civil personal injury claim in addition to relying on restitution.

The One-Year Statute of Limitations

Under Tennessee law, victims have just one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is a shorter deadline than in many other states.

Failing to act in time can bar recovery entirely. Prompt action also helps preserve critical evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.

The Costs Victims Face After a DUI Crash

The financial toll of a drunk driving accident is often staggering. Victims may face:

• Emergency medical bills and hospitalization
• Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Emotional trauma and psychological distress

These losses typically exceed insurance minimums, which is why exploring every available source of compensation is essential.

How a Murfreesboro Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Insurance adjusters often approach victims quickly, offering settlements that rarely reflect the full value of a claim. A Murfreesboro personal injury attorney provides critical protection by:

• Investigating the accident and securing evidence
• Identifying all responsible parties (driver, establishment, vehicle owner)
• Negotiating with insurers for a fair settlement
• Filing suit when necessary to protect your rights
• Pursuing punitive damages in appropriate cases

At the Law Office of Gritton & Gritton, PLLC, we are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring victims are not left to bear the financial burden of someone else’s reckless choice.

Protecting Your Rights After a Murfreesboro DUI Accident

Determining who pays after a drunk driving accident is rarely simple. While the impaired driver is the primary source of liability, Tennessee law may extend responsibility to bars, social hosts, or vehicle owners. Insurance coverage, UM/UIM benefits, and punitive damages can all factor into recovery.

Because Tennessee imposes a one-year deadline and insurers often push for early settlements, it is crucial to act quickly and secure experienced legal representation. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a DUI crash, call the Law Office of Gritton & Gritton, PLLC today at (615) 285-5472 to discuss your legal options.