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

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

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