In many contexts, we discuss the topic of car accidents caused by negligence. These cases involve a driver who fails to operate with care or caution. Even though drivers should always be careful, they don't always intend to cause an accident. This is, however, not to say that negligent drivers shouldn't be held accountable.
At the same time, drunk driving accidents are a little different. Becoming intoxicated and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle doesn't happen by accident. Instead, drinking and driving represents a willful action.
When a person is seriously or fatally injured by a drunk driver, there may be an added sense of frustration for victims and loved ones. After all, this is an incident that could have been prevented.
Interestingly enough, a recent Associated Press report indicates that a loophole in Tennessee law may essentially let drivers who cause a fatal DUI accident off easier than someone who is arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. In fact, some drunk drivers who caused fatalities have avoided jail time entirely in Tennessee. Without doubt, this seems patently unfair to the victims' loved ones.
Our firm keenly understands the struggle that victims of drunk driving go through. We know that motor vehicle accidents fueled by alcohol are not like others. As such, victims may be entitled to punitive damages, which seek to punish drunk drivers for their actions.
At the same time, it's understandable how sensitive drunk driving accident cases can be. In the wake of this kind of trauma, victims and their loved ones may be eager to heal and move forward.