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Author: Anthony Proffitt

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

Possible drunk driving car accident injures 3

Sunday afternoons are a time when many families decide to visit with each other, go out to lunch or just go for a drive to sightsee. It is also a time when many tourists to the Tennessee area pack up to return home. Regardless of the reason for being on the road, Sunday afternoons are not typically thought of as a time when a driver needs to be vigilant, because the risk of a drunk driver sharing the interstate with him or her is likely. However, as proven by a recent car accident, an accident caused by an alleged drunk driver can occur at any time.

Police report that a woman driving north on Interstate 75 was hit from behind by another vehicle. The force of the impact caused the first car to leave the roadway and to flip several times before coming to rest in a wooded area. The car that hit her bounced off the inner wall of the interstate and proceeded to flip as well.

There were a total of three women involved in this accident, and all three were airlifted to a nearby hospital. The woman who was driving the car that was hit suffered serious injuries, and her condition has been reported as critical. The driver who hit her, along with a passenger in this driver’s car, also required medical attention; however, their current condition is not known.

While the exact circumstances leading up to this car accident have not been determined yet, Tennessee police have stated that they believe alcohol was involved. Charges against the driver who caused the accident have yet to be filed and will most likely depend on the outcome of the investigation. Even so, the others who were injured in this accident will be facing numerous medical expenses, lost time from work and other financial and emotional losses. A civil claim may be their best option for addressing these issues.

Source: wate.com, 3 women airlifted after accident on I-75, No author, Feb. 9, 2014

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Fatal accidents in Tennessee could lead to wrongful death claims

An accident that results in a fatality can be devastating for everyone involved. Sadly, fatal accidents seem to be an all too common occurrence, and the surviving family members of the victims of such accidents are left picking up the pieces and trying to move forward. Unfortunately, that is much easier said than done. Sadly, a recent accident in Tennessee is responsible for the untimely death of a young man from Chattanooga.

This crash, involving only one vehicle, was caused when the driver of the car, a 26-year-old female, somehow left the roadway. After leaving the road, the car struck a culvert then rolled several times before coming to a stop. The car apparently caught on fire and a passenger, a 20-year-old male, was trapped inside. Sadly, the passenger died as a result.

Local authorities are still investigating this accident. However, the driver has been arrested and faces charges, including vehicular homicide. Speeding and alcohol are suspected to have been contributing factors in the cause of the crash.

Fatal accidents can leave surviving family members looking for answers and wanting justice for the loss of life. If they choose to do so, they may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver. If the individual responsible is found negligent or liable in the cause of the victim’s death, a Tennessee civil court could award financial compensation to the victim’s family. Such compensation could be beneficial in providing for any final expenses on behalf of the victim and may also provide some sense of closure for his or her family.

Source: clevelandbanner.com, Woman charged in car crash fatality, Greg Kaylor, Feb. 5, 2014

Categories
Truck Accidents

Tennessee driver injured in a semi-truck accident

Passing semi-trucks on the highway can make one nervous for good reason. A 52-year-old Tennessee man found this out when he was traveling down Interstate 40 recently, and a tractor-trailer collided with his car. Often times, a semi-truck accident can cause serious injury. Luckily in this instance, the man is expected to recover.

Shortly after 7am, a Shark Lines 2007 Freightliner pushed a 2003 Toyota Camry into a concrete median barrier. The Camry was under the semi-truck when it came to a rest against the barrier. The driver of the Camry was trapped in the car for over an hour while emergency workers tried to free him. While being cut out of his car, the driver was able to communicate with the rescue personnel.

After he was extracted from the Camry, the motorist was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injures. The accident remains under investigation. The driver of the semi-truck, a 49-year-old male, was cited for failure to exercise due care. He was transporting lawnmowers at the time of the accident. All paperwork and equipment checked out after an inspection of the rig by the Highway Patrol Officer.

Although the exact cause of the semi-truck accident remains unclear, the driver of the Camry still has rights under Tennessee law. The price of hospital bills can be steep even with non-life threatening injuries. Having the right legal advice will help determine if compensation can be received to lessen the costs associated with the truck accident. The driver may be able to receive help, not only with his medical bills, but also for lost wages.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, Motorist survives after being pinned in I-40 wreckage, Don Jacobs, Jan. 30, 2014

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Phone use possible factor in 1 of Tennessee’s fatal accidents

Distracted driving is become much more prevalent in Tennessee car accidents. More often than not, the driver is distracted with his or her cell phone. It looks as though this could be the case for one of Tennessee’s recent fatal accidents.

A 22-year-old reportedly looked at her phone as it vibrated. The phone fell into the seat next to hear, at which time she realized that there was a stopped vehicle ahead of her with no warning or brake lights illuminated. She was able to stop her car from hitting this vehicle, but was unable to avoid colliding with another vehicle after she swerved over the median. That vehicle was driven by a 49-year-old woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Currently, the investigation is ongoing, as there are numerous factors that are in play. The accident is being reconstructed by specialists so they can get a clearer idea of exactly what happened that day. The police have currently not charged the driver, nor have they issued any citations; however, it is still possible that criminal charges could arise.

Whether the driver’s cell phone use had anything to do with this accident is still up in the air with police, but this story goes to show the potential dangers of distracted driving. Fatal accidents occur every day in Tennessee and all over the country, causing families of victims to suffer both emotionally and financially due to their losses. For some families, charges against the responsible driver are filed, but it does little to ease their pain. Some families find relief in knowing that there is legal recourse available that may result in financial compensation for their pain and suffering.

Source: Columbia Daily Herald, Police continue to probe fatal wreck, Chris Moorman and Kate Coil, Jan. 29, 2014

Categories
Truck Accidents

Tennessee college student killed in a truck accident

The local Middle Tennessee State University student who was recently killed in a truck accident has been identified. The college student was killed as he was crossing the street in his wheelchair. The student suffered from the impact and was taken to a local hospital. He was later declared dead from the injuries sustained in the tragic truck accident.

The Tennessee student was crossing the street when he was struck, but it is not clear if the student or the dump truck had the right of way at the moment of impact. The student was paralyzed in a previous car accident. There was no report of any criminal charges filed against the trucker, although the official investigation was said to be ongoing.

The student had previously lost his parents and his grandfather. Depending upon what evidence and documentation can be provided from accident, a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and/or the driver’s employer may be appropriate. It is important to know all options before pursuing claims for financial recompense, but a case evaluation is the best way to determine these options.

The truck accident that claimed the life of the young student was tragic and seemingly senseless. For the surviving family members to be successful in filing a wrongful death claim, they will need to establish the trucker was negligent in a manner that caused or contributed to the accident and death that resulted. While a monetary award for financial losses cannot undo the grief of a family, it may help offset the cost of unexpected medical and end of life expenses.

Source: dnj.com, MTSU student killed in dump truck wreck identified, No author, Jan. 24, 2014

Categories
Car Accidents

A man was struck and killed in a car accident in Tennessee

An Oliver Springs man was struck and killed by his own vehicle in a bizarre and tragic car accident. The death of the Tennessee resident came as a result of two crashes that occurred back to back on the same stretch of Pellissippi Parkway. The first car accident occurred around 8:12 a.m. and the second occurred at approximately 8:15 a.m.

The first accident occurred when a Honda Accord struck a pickup truck. The Accord driver claims that he was blinded by the sun and was unable to see the truck until he put his visor down. At the moment he was able to see the truck, it was too late to avoid the collision.

After the first collision, the driver of the pickup got out of his vehicle. Shortly after he got out, a Toyota Matrix hit the pickup truck, which in turn struck the unprotected man. He died as a result of the impact. The second driver states that he was also blinded by the sun at the time of the crash. There is no indication if either Tennessee driver will be considered at fault for either of the accidents.

A closer investigation may reveal if the surviving family of the deceased victim could be eligible for wrongful death compensation. Even in situations where the death was accidental, it is possible that recompense could be ordered if the other driver is proven liable. Civil liability is typically based upon proof of negligence by another party or parties that is deemed to have caused or materially contributed to the accident and death that resulted. The best way to learn about this option is by a close and careful evaluation of all evidence regarding the car accident.

Source: oakridger.com, OS man killed in crash on Pellissippi, Donna Smith, Jan. 14, 2014

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

People in Tennessee less likely to be in an automobile accident?

With car accidents among the leading causes of death in the United States, driving safety has become increasingly important. An automobile accident can completely change the lives of those involved, whether they were responsible or not. Tennessee, in particular, has been cracking down on the enforcement of driving laws as they strive to reduce the number of traffic fatalities.

For the last 50 years, Tennessee roads have had over 1000 people die every year but four. 2013 was one of the four years to break this trend with just 988 deaths from vehicular collisions. As officials continue to move toward the goal of fewer fatalities, the enforcement of seat belt laws and an increase in DUI arrests have proven to be highly effective. The number of arrests made for driving under the influence has almost doubled since 2010, while the amount of deaths from accidents involving a drunk driver has gone down by almost 30%.

The concentrated effort to lower the amount of intoxicated drivers on the road is simply one way authorities have made driving safer. Another aspect state troopers have been focusing on is the enforcement of seat belt and child restraint use. In 2013, over 70,000 citations for unrestrained motorists were issued. Unfortunately, the number of deaths involving pedestrians has increased, but officials are now seeking ways to decrease this statistic as well.

Driving under the influence is a major cause of car crashes and fatalities not just in Tennessee, but also across the U.S. Not following road safety laws, such as proper seat belt use, also increases the likelihood of serious injury in an automobile accident. However, collisions can sometimes be unavoidable. If someone is involved in an accident and suffers injury or even death, that individual or surviving relatives may have the right to file civil claims for negligent driving or wrongful death.

Source: WBIR-TV, 988 people died on Tennessee roads in 2013, No author, Jan. 2, 2014

Categories
Car Accidents

Woman dies in Tennessee car accident

Whenever cars switch lanes or cross a lane of opposing traffic to reach a destination, there are safe and legal ways to do so. However, if other drivers are not paying attention or are unaware of what is going on around them, a car accident can occur. Recently in Tennessee, a car accident took the life of a mom as her son was driving and crossed traffic.

The driver who was with his mother crossed into another lane in front of a church. As he did so, a Toyota came along and hit the passenger side of their vehicle. Then, another vehicle rear-ended the Toyota after the initial crash.

The 49-year-old woman died from her injuries in the crash. She suffered blunt force trauma. Because of the three-vehicle wreck, traffic had to be rerouted. Police said they were surprised there were no other fatalities given the severity of the crash. It is unclear at this time if the driver who hit the car as it crossed the road will face any kind of charges.

If an investigation determines the other driver committed a traffic offense or was driving in an unsafe or inattentive manner, there may be cause for the family to pursue legal action. Preliminary evidence suggests the vehicle came over a rise in the roadway at a speed that made it impossible to stop in time to avoid the collision. When someone is killed in a car accident as a result of the negligence of another driver, the surviving family of the victim can file a wrongful death suit in a Tennessee civil court. They may garner monetary damages if their suit is successful. Any damages awarded can help families deal with funeral costs, lost wages or other financial losses incurred after a losing a loved one in a car accident.

Source: timesdaily.com, Marion mom dies in wreck, Tom Smith, Jan. 9, 2014

Categories
Car Accidents

Car accident in Tennessee leaves girl in coma

Tragedy can bring a community together, as is the case in a town in Tennessee. A recent car accident has had devastating consequences for a local family and has brought an outpouring of support from friends, family and other community members. The accident resulted in the death of one woman and injured two girls, one of them having suffered severe brain injuries.

The accident occurred while the girls and their mother were heading home from visiting grandparents. Their car was apparently struck head-on by another vehicle. The mother died in the accident, and both girls were transported to a local hospital for treatment. One of them has already been released from the hospital. The other suffered severe trauma to her brain on top of other injuries and has been in a coma since the accident.

The cause of the accident hasn’t been reported. However, their car was supposedly the second car that was hit by the driver deemed responsible. It is unknown if any charges are pending in this case. It is also unknown if this is still an open investigation.

Sadly, a car accident can have life-altering effects that can come at a significant expense. Both girls now have to cope the loss of their mother and one of them will also need long-term rehabilitation to recover from the injuries she sustained. Medical and funeral expenses can create a significant financial burden in a time already filled with serious challenges. A wrongful death claim (with regard the loss of the mother’s life) and personal injury claims (on behalf of the daughters) may be appropriate against any party whose negligence caused or substantially contributed to the crash. If liability is established, a Tennessee civil court could order any parties found responsible to pay monetary damages to help ease the financial burden this family is facing as a result of the tragedy.

Source: themountainpress.com, Family touched by community support for injured daughter, Jeff Farrell, Jan. 7, 2014

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Tennessee saw decrease in fatal accidents in 2013

Most people are aware of the dangers that come with traveling on our nation’s roadways. Whether it is inclement weather, distracted driving or some other type of hazard, the risk for injury or death always exists. The good news is, there were fewer fatal accidents on Tennessee roads last year. Compared to 2012 figures, traffic deaths in 2013 fell by 2.7 percent.

Preliminary figures show that there were 988 traffic-related fatalities in our state last year, compared to 1,015 the year before. This is reportedly only the fourth time in the past 50 years that there have been fewer than 1,000 fatal accidents. However, this number is still above 2011’s figure of 937. While the lower number is a sign of improvement, state officials are worried about the 25 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities. Last year, there were 85 pedestrian deaths in Tennessee, which is considerably higher than the 68 fatalities in 2012.

The decrease in deadly accidents is likely due in part to several traffic safety initiatives being conducted by law enforcement. These include cracking down harder on drunk drivers and individuals who are not wearing seatbelts. Since 2010, DUI accidents have decreased by 26.7 percent, while arrests of intoxicated drivers have increased by 90.4 percent. In 2013, law enforcement also issued 135.1 percent more citations for seat belt and child restraint violations than they did in 2010.

Even with better traffic law enforcement, fatal accidents will always be a problem on Tennessee roadways. When an individual dies in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, the loved ones of the deceased may wish to find out more about their options under our state’s personal injury laws. They may be able to pursue a claim for wrongful death, which, if successful, can provide some much-needed financial assistance and peace of mind as they try to cope with their loss.

Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press, Traffic deaths down in Tennessee, Andy Sher, Jan. 3, 2014