Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

A collision with a drunk driver is not a "car accident." An accident implies a mistake. Getting behind the wheel after drinking is a criminal act of selfishness. When a drunk driver smashes into you on I-75 or a rural road in Whitley County, they shatter your life in an instant.

At Freeman Childers, we take these cases personally. We believe that drunk drivers should pay for every dime of damage they cause—and then some. We aggressively pursue not just compensation for your medical bills, but Punitive Damages designed to punish the driver and send a message to the community.

Punitive Damages: Making Them Pay

In a normal car wreck, you get money for your bills and pain. In a Drunk Driving case, we sue for Punitive Damages.

• The Goal: To punish the wrongdoer for "gross negligence" and "reckless disregard for human life."

• The Result: These verdicts can be significantly higher than standard accident settlements because juries hate drunk drivers. Insurance companies know this, and we use it as leverage to demand a maximum payout.

"Dram Shop" Liability: Suing the Bar

Sometimes, the drunk driver isn't the only one at fault. If a bar, restaurant, or liquor store continued to serve alcohol to a person who was obviously intoxicated, and that person then drove off and hurt you, the business may be liable.

• In Kentucky (KRS 413.241): We investigate if a "reasonable person" would have known the driver was already drunk. Did the bartender keep pouring shots for someone who was slurring their words or stumbling?

• In Tennessee: The law is strict. We must prove the sale was the "proximate cause" of the injury and that the driver was "visibly intoxicated."

We subpoena bar receipts, security camera footage, and witness statements to prove the establishment prioritized profit over your safety.

Criminal vs. Civil Court

Clients are often confused by the two legal tracks:

• The Criminal Case: The police arrest the driver. The state prosecutor tries to put them in jail. This does not get you money.

• The Civil Case (Our Job): We sue the driver's insurance (and the bar's insurance) to get you paid.

  • Crucial Note: Even if the driver "beats the DUI" in criminal court on a technicality, we can still win your civil case. The burden of proof is lower for us. We just have to prove it was "more likely than not" that alcohol caused the crash.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) & Drunk Driving

With the rise of Uber and Lyft, we see complex cases where:

• The Uber Driver was Drunk: We sue Uber's $1 Million insurance policy.

• A Drunk Driver Hit Your Uber: You are an innocent passenger. We pursue claims against both the drunk driver and the rideshare company's Underinsured Motorist policy.

Hit by a Drunk Driver?

Don't settle for a quick check. Make them pay for what they did. Call 606-528-1000 to start the investigation.