Even knowing of the fragility of life, the sudden death of a loved one is typically always difficult for family members. Often when the loss is the result of a preventable accident, families find it even more difficult to come to terms with their loss. Unfortunately, a family in Tennessee may be considering their legal options — including filing a wrongful death lawsuit — after a fatal car accident.
The incident reportedly happened during the early morning hours of a day in late September. Many of the details regarding the cause of the accident are unclear. However, the vehicle apparently caught fire after the crash.
The flames coming from the vehicle trapped the deceased victim, a 20-year-old man. Although he was transported to an area hospital, he passed away from the injuries he suffered in the crash. Reports indicate that one of the vehicle’s occupants was ejected during the crash, and officers pulled two others from the car. The driver’s identity has not been released. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
As police in Tennessee work to fully understand the details of the crash, a family is left planning their loved one’s funeral. Unfortunately, those who lose loved ones in crashes such as this must not only face the emotional ramifications of their loss but also the financial complications often created by funeral expenses and lost wages. As a result, some turn to the civil court for relief. If they successfully establish through applicable evidence in a wrongful death lawsuit that the negligence of another led to the death of their loved one, they may receive an award of damages to help them cope with the bills and other financial consequences stemming from an accident such as this.
Source: wate.com, “Vigil held in honor of Knoxville crash victim“, Madisen Keavy, Sept. 29, 2017