Category: Car Accidents

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

Holiday occasions such as New Year’s Eve can be an enjoyable time to spend with family and friends in order acknowledge a special occasion. Unfortunately, holidays are not exempt from the risk of individuals being involved in a car accident. In fact, as many people may be on the roadways at times that they normally would not be, holidays could potentially lead to an increased risk of such an accident occurring.

An accident in Tennessee took place in the early hours of New Year’s Day that resulted in a fatality. Reports indicate that the driver of the single vehicle involved lost control of the car and struck a pole. The crash resulted in a 22-year-old man sustaining fatal injuries and another passenger having to be transported from the scene by helicopter. The driver was reported as receiving minor injuries. Another passenger was not injured, and a fifth occupant of the vehicle reportedly left the scene before authorities arrived.

At this time the investigation into the accident is ongoing. No charges have been filed in relation to the event, but a blood sample from the driver was taken and sent for testing. Because the accident resulted in a fatality, the driver could potentially face serious charges.

The family of the young man who was killed is likely seeing the event as a tragic way to begin the year. As a result, they may wish to explore their options concerning legal action they may be able to take against the driver deemed at fault for the fatal car accident. Tennessee state laws dealing with wrongful death claims could allow the family to gain knowledge on how to utilize such a claim and whether they could possibly be entitled to compensation.

Source: WGNS Radio, UPDATE on Fatal Accident in Murfreesboro New Year’s Day- Names Released and One Passenger Unaccounted For, No author, Jan. 1, 2014

When a crash leaves death and injury in its wake, many lives may be permanently impacted. People will either be left grieving or suffering from emotional and physical trauma. Sadly, three people were injured and one person died recently after a tragic car accident on U.S. Highway 231 in Tennessee. For those who were injured, life may never be the same.

The crash occurred on Dec. 28 as a Chevrolet Cruze was traveling westbound on Lamar Alexander Parkway in Blount County. Suddenly, a Chevrolet Astro pulled out right into its path. The impact from the crash sent both vehicles into the median. The 73-year-old driver of the Astro died at the scene.

Three occupants of the Cruze were injured. The 47-year-old driver and a 16-year-old passenger were flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Another passenger, who was 18, was taken to the same hospital by ambulance. The nature of their injuries was not reported but were said to be serious. According to reports, the two injured passengers in the Cruze were not restrained, but air bags did deploy in the vehicle.

Deputies from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating the details of the car accident. As the three survivors recover from their injuries, they are likely awaiting the results of the investigation to decide on their next steps. In Tennessee, they may be able to file a civil claim for personal injury against the decedent’s estate if the investigation shows that she acted in a negligent manner that led to the crash. Such a claim, if successful, may help compensate them for medical expenses resulting from the crash as well as give them the emotional closure they need to move forward with their recovery.

Source: ABC 6 WATE, 1 fatality in car accident on Lamar Alexander Pkwy, No author, Dec. 28, 2013

Chrysler owners in Tennessee may receive a recall notice. The company has revealed that it will recall around 5,600 vehicles sold in the United States and Canada due to the possible failure of the 8-speed automatic transmission. The filing says that the output of the transmission shaft could fracture, which may cause power loss. Hyundai is also under investigation by the National Highway Safety Administration to see if a previous recall from the automaker should have included more vehicles.

Chrysler says that it found about the issue that led to the recall from transmission warranty claims from ZF Group, the manufacturer of the transmission. The recall affects the 2013 year of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Ram 1500 and Dodge Charger. According to the filing that the automaker made with the NHTSA on Dec. 5, the vehicles included are those with a V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and either 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

In the separate action, Hyundai issued a recall in March that affected 186,000 Elantra vehicles from the 2011-13 years. The issue was that a side curtain airbag may release a metal support bracket from the headliner if it deploys during a crash. The metal bracket could hit the occupant and cause a head injury. The NHTSA said in a new report that it learned that the 2009-12 years of the Touring models of the Elantra used a similar design as those that were recalled. It is investigating to find out if Hyundai should have recalled 52,000 Touring models as well.

There could be questions as to if any car accidents occurred as a result of the defective equipment that was in the recalled vehicles. If an injured party is able to prove that this was the cause of a car accident, the individual may qualify to receive compensation from the automaker, parts distributor or parts manufacturer.

Source: NY Times, “Chrysler to Recall 5,600 Vehicles; N.H.T.S.A. Investigates Hyundai“, Christopher Jensen, December 09, 2013

A multi-car accident involving several injuries and one fatality held up traffic for several hours on Dec. 6. The car accident occurred in Clinton around 4:30 p.m. on Lewallen Bridge, according to the Clinton Police Department.

A 21-year-old Knoxville man was accused of drinking and driving in the accident. Police said that being under the influence of alcohol played a role in the man losing control of his truck and causing the crash. After the vehicle went out of control, it crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with two vehicles. The man was charged with DUI and vehicular homicide.

The accident threw the passenger in the man’s vehicle out of the truck. The 40-year-old woman died from her injuries a short time later. Four other people suffered injuries as a result of the accident. Three others from cars involved in the wreck weren’t injured. The bridge was shut down for several hours as authorities worked to clean up the accident.

Accident victims may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver by filing a personal injury lawsuit or by having a lawyer negotiate on their behalf with the insurance companies involved. In this case, if the family of the deceased woman chooses to file a wrongful death claim and it is successful, they may receive compensation for any accident-related damages, such as lost wages and any final expenses their loved one may have had. Such compensation may help provide financial stability to any children or spouse who may have depended upon the victim’s income.

Source: WATE, “1 person killed, several injured in DUI related crash“, December 06, 2013

Tenessee vehicle owners may need to exercise caution as more than 2,529 Nissan NV200s from the 2013 model year were being recalled by the automaker’s North American division. Concern that a car accident could result from the crossovers stalling out in traffic due to a battery terminal fuse blowing led to the recall, which affected vehicles manufactured in 2013 between February and August. Information about the Nissan action was reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The safety agency said that the problem stemmed from the routing of a wiring harness in the engine of the affected NV200s. That routing, which connects the battery fuse terminal to the fusible link, could possibly wear through its protective coating, the NHTSA reported. Should those exposed wires touch the bracket holding the fusible link, a short circuit could possibly be created. This would force the fuse to blow, stopping the fuel pump, which would cause the car to stall out. Should this happen in traffic, the NHTSA concluded, a collision could result.

Despite the potential for an auto accident, a Nissan spokesman said, no injuries or accidents caused by the issue had been reported. Starting in the middle of December 2013, mechanics at Nissan dealers would reposition the wiring assembly and recoat the wires with their protective covering.

An automobile accident may lead to an insurance claim that is turned down. Individuals suffering from a personal injury due to an accident may seek a financial settlement in a court of law. An experienced attorney may be of service in this situation, working on clients’ behalf following a crash. Such assistance could be in the form of helping to arrange compensation for broken bones, a brain injury or other serious injuries. Property damage may also be covered in a court settlement.

Source: Auto World News, “Nissan Recall: 2,500 2013 NV200 vehicles called back over stalling issues“, Matt Mercuro, December 02, 2013

Movie fans in Knoxville, Tennessee, were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of 40-year-old actor Paul Walker. Walker, who starred in the ‘Fast & Furious” movies, died recently in a car accident. He was riding as a passenger in a car driven by a teammate on his racing team. The crash occurred a short distance from where he was hosting a charity event.

The afternoon crash happened not far from a car shop owned by the driver of the car. Witnesses described the vehicle as a high- performance Porsche that apparently slammed into a light pole at a high rate of speed before bursting into flames. Guests at the charity event claimed to have heard the sound of the car accident and raced to the scene in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the trapped occupants from the vehicle.

Law enforcement officials said the impact of the crash knocked over the light pole and turned the $450,000 vehicle into an unrecognizable mass of charred and twisted metal. Flames prevented rescuers from getting to the two men. Firefighters and emergency personnel worked for hours to extract the bodies from what was left of the vehicle.

Family members of car accident victims who die from the trauma of an automobile accident might be entitled to compensation for the loss of their loved one. A cause of action for personal injury and wrongful death might be available against a negligent driver if it can be proven that the driver’s conduct was the cause of the accident and the resulting death. Even in situations where the person responsible for the accident is killed, a personal injury attorney might help family members of an accident victim in determining if a wrongful death action could be brought against the estate of the deceased driver.

Source: CNN, “‘Fast & Furious’ star Paul Walker killed in car crash“, Alan Duke, December 02, 2013

A 19-year-old Dyersburg man was killed in a head-on auto crash on Nov. 17. He was allegedly not wearing a seat belt at the time of impact, which occurred on Nov. 17 at about 6:30 p.m. in the 6000 block of Highway 78 in Dyer County. The accident also left five others injured, including two children.

The young man who died was the single passenger of a 2006 Suzuki driven northbound by a 20-year-old man from Ridgely. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports that, at the same time, a 2002 Ford F1S was approaching in the opposite direction. The Ford was driven by a 52-year-old man also from Ridgely who was carrying three passengers. Allegedly, the Suzuki veered across the centerline into the path of the Ford.

Upon seeing the accident scene, a third vehicle, a 1995 Ford THL, driven by a 19-year-old Lake County man, reportedly lost control and skidded through the crash scene. He managed to avoid making contact with the other vehicles, and he and his passengers were not injured.

The drivers of the Suzuki and Ford F1S, and the passenger who was killed, were transported to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. A 40-year-old female passenger of the Ford also was treated at the same facility. A 10-year-old passenger was sent to Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center in Memphis and a six-year old was treated at the scene and released.

By law, drivers must exercise reasonable care to all others on the road. When a fatal automobile accident occurs as the possible result of the apparent lack of such care, the driver may be held legally liable. In this case, the family of the person who died, with the help of an attorney, may be able to file a legal claim for wrongful death.

Source: State Gazette, “THP investigating deadly Sunday crash“, November 19, 2013

Tennessee residents who own or drive a Chevy Malibu should be aware that General Motors recalled approximately 60,000 of the midsize vehicles. According to the report, the company will fix window defrosters that may be faulty and power seat wiring that could potentially cause the vehicle to catch fire.

Approximately 44,000 Malibus from 2014 were recalled for the faulty window defrosters. The automaker stated that the computer responsible for the vehicle’s ventilation system could default to previous settings, even if the driver attempts to set the controls to defrost. GM warned that, if this happens, the driver could potentially lose the ability to see where they are driving. The company stated that dealers will reprogram the computers at no charge to the Malibu owner. GM was not aware of any crashes that occurred as a result of the issue.

Approximately 15,000 Malibus from the 2013 model year are also being recalled due to the faulty wiring beneath the front seats. According to GM, the fires can potentially be caused when the wires rub against the frames of the seats. The continual rubbing could eventually wear away the insulation, causing the wiring to short circuit and spark. GM was aware of two fires that went out on their own, but was unaware if any injuries had occurred. GM will also repair the wiring at no cost to Malibu owners.

While many car owners assume that their vehicles are safe, faulty wiring could cause issues that may cause the driver to become involved in a car accident. In these cases, those who are injured as a result may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the automaker, especially if there is evidence that the accident was caused by a faulty vehicle.

Source: MSN, “GM to recall nearly 60,000 Chevy Malibus“, November 15, 2013

In Tennessee and across the nation, young drivers can present a challenge in road safety. While teen drivers usually possess excellent reflexes, sharp vision and acute hearing, they might not use good judgment, thinking they know more than they actually do. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 2,000 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 died in accident-related fatalities across the nation in 2011. This is an increase of nearly 20 deaths, or one percent, from 2010. In addition, 180,000 young people suffered injuries in crashes in 2011.

One doctor and professor with Vanderbilt Emergency Medicine gave road safety tips on preventing car accidents for young drivers. First, she emphasized that drivers shouldn’t text on the road. While this can apply to adults, teens generally seem more focused than grown-ups when it comes to staying connected via technology. Second, they shouldn’t drink and drive. In 2012, almost 10,000 people of all ages lost their lives in alcohol-related car accidents in this nation.

Third, always buckle up and enable airbags. Just over three out of four people ejected from a vehicle in a crash will die. In 2010, if everyone over the age of 4 had put on their seatbelt, 3,000 lives would have been saved in crashes. Fourth, drivers should keep a safe distance between themselves and the car in front of them. Space distances of about three seconds should allow enough time for a an emergency stop, although that space will need to increase in inclement weather. Finally, drivers should focus on the road and avoid distractions.

If someone is the victim of a negligent driver, they might wonder if they have any legal recourse. A personal injury attorney might be able to help clients pursue financial compensation.

Source: Epoch Times, “Top 5 Survival Rules for Young Drivers“, Paul Darin, September 25, 2013