Nashville DUI and Insurance
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One often overlooked consequence of a Nashville DUI is insurance, both life insurance and car insurance.
I will first address the issues regarding car insurance as it relates to your DUI in Nashville Tennessee. Upon conviction of a first offense DUI you are eligible for a restricted license, however you must first obtain SR-22 Insurance first, One might ask what is SR-22 insurance? The answer quite simply is high risk insurance, once you obtain that and meet the other requirements of the court you may apply for your restricted license under the laws of Tennessee.
A Nashville, Tennessee DUI can effect life insurance, under a policy purchased through your work, often referred to as an ERISA policy, if your death is a result of your intoxication, (ie drunk driving), it is no longer considered an accidental death under Federal Law. The result means that although it was a car wreck, (an accident), under an ERISA life insurance policy there will be no accidental death benefits paid out to your family. The Federal Courts have determined it is not an accident to drink and drive, and your death as a result will not trigger the double indemnity portion of your life insurance policy.
Some state courts have determined that your death resulting from your drinking and driving is an accident, and thus the life insurance policy may still pay the double indemnity to your family. However, many insurance policy now have seen the actions of the state courts and have written into their policies clear and concise language that specifically excludes your death from drunk driving to pay double indemnity, under the accidental death portion of your life insurance policy.
Should you have life insurance questions concerning the wrongful witholding of benefits, please give me a call, I will put my insurance knowledge and dui knowledge to work for you. Please feel free to phone us anytime, You may reach the firm at toll free 1 (877) 271-2633.
