Most drivers in Tennessee and across the country are taught to drive defensively. With such a mentality, drivers may be less likely to be the cause of car accidents. Unfortunately, it may be impossible to avoid a crash if not everyone on roadways are making smart decisions. For example, police believe that a recent fatal crash was caused by a driver who was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The incident happened at approximately 5:30 one evening on a day in mid-March. According to reports, a 69-year-old man was driving a car east on an interstate in Tennessee. He allegedly lost control, causing his vehicle to strike a median before going airborne and landing on a sedan driven by a 22-year-old man in the westbound lanes. Two other vehicles were ultimately involved in the accident.
An occupant of the first vehicle, a 54-year-old woman, passed away at the scene. The drivers of the first and second vehicles suffered life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital by helicopter. The younger man died days after the crash. Police suspect that drugs and alcohol played a role in the collision, and criminal charges are expected to be filed against the driver of the eastbound vehicle.
Unfortunately, many lives are lost or significantly altered due to car accidents caused by drivers who do not make safe choices. For those suffering from the financial and emotional consequences of another driver’s negligence in Tennessee, there are options. In this case, the surviving family members of the deceased victims have the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver believed to have caused the accident. If negligence can be proved, they could receive an award of damages that leave them better able to cope with funeral expenses and lost wages, among other documented financial losses recognized by our personal injury laws.
Source: wate.com, “Drugs, alcohol factors in Knox County crash that killed 2”, March 16, 2017