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Drunk Driving Accidents

Tennessee Supreme Court will hear DUI case

The Tennessee Supreme Court will soon hear a case that may determine whether police officers have the right to arrest a person for driving under the influence after the individual passes a field sobriety test. Drunk driving may cause a car accident with serious injuries or death, so police have generally been given a great deal of leeway in probable cause to arrest potentially dangerous drunk drivers, but challenges to those practices have led to questions about the rights of the police when they make drunk driving arrests.

The case stems from a 2009 incident in which a driver was pulled over for driving on the wrong side of the road. Police suspected that he was drunk, but the man was able to pass six field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests are informal assessments of a driver’s ability to walk and talk; they may include asking the suspect to repeat certain sentences or to perform various physical maneuvers.

The individual’s lawyer objected to his subsequent DUI arrest, claiming that the police did not have probable cause to do a blood alcohol test after the man successfully passed the field sobriety examination. The individual in question was found to have a blood alcohol content of almost twice the legal limit when a blood test was performed. The Tennessee Attorney General has asked the state’s Supreme Court to rule on the issue.

Those who have suffered injuries from DUI accidents may want to consult personal injury attorneys. With the assistance of attorneys, injured parties may be able to collect damages for their injuries and pay for medical bills and other expenses.

Source: NWTN Today, “Tennessee Supreme Court agrees to hear DUI test case,” Sheila Burke, March 26, 2013

Categories
Car Accidents

Why some drivers flee the scene of an accident

Hit-and-run accidents in Tennessee are all too common, but why do some people leave the scene after they hit a pedestrian or cause a crash? Two of the most common reasons someone would leave a car accident are blaming the victim and fear of legal consequences. According to a forensic clinical specialist, some individuals feel the other person should have been paying better attention and not gotten in their way.

The specialist does not believe these are malicious or premeditated attacks, but it does show a lack of empathy and the good moral judgement that should have been imparted when during childhood. Another common reason for drivers to leave the scene of a collision is that they were driving on a suspended license, they were texting and driving or driving under the influence. They may initially think about the victim, but they will eventually choose themselves.

It is also common for hit-and-run drivers to downplay the harm they have caused. They will tell themselves that the person they hit was not that badly injured, so it is not a big deal if they leave. The forensic specialist thinks that many people who would leave the scene of a crash they caused have personality issues.

When someone is in a car accident, insurance companies will often try to marginalize the injuries someone suffered to lower payouts for medical bills. If someone has been in an accident, they may benefit from speaking with an attorney who might be able to help defend their rights and help them receive just compensation.

Source: NBC10, “Why Hit-and-Run Drivers Flee,” Vince Lattanzio, March 29, 2013

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Tennessee couple killed in deadly collision

An accident in Lawrenceburg on March 17 involving a motorcycle and several cars resulted in two fatalities and several injuries. The car accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. near David Crockett State Park east of Ezell Drive.

According to authorities, a motorcycle with a rider and passenger that had stopped or slowed with the flow of eastbound traffic on Highway 64 was struck from behind by a SUV. The force of the crash sent both vehicles into the westbound lane, where they collided head-on with another vehicle. 

The passengers on the motorcycle, a 66-year-old man and his 62-year-old wife, were killed. The driver of the SUV, a 35-year-old woman also from Lawrenceburg, was transported to Vanderbilt Hospital via helicopter. Two people in the third vehicle, a 18-year-old women and a 21-year-old man, were transported to Crockett Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The accident is still under investigation.

The families of those who were killed or injured may be preoccupied with making final arrangements or monitoring the condition of their loved ones in addition to dealing with grief or other intense emotions. However, eventually, the families involved will want to know how and why the accident occurred, if not just for the sake of closure, but to determine if the accident could have been prevented. In accidents where negligence is involved, impacted families have the right to seek compensation for expenses and mental anguish. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist those who have suffered losses with understanding the legal process and help them receive compensation for medical expenses and other costs.

Source: WDXE, “The investigation continues into that deadly traffic accident Sunday,” March 18, 2013

Source: WHNT 19, “Husband and Wife Killed On Motorcycle In Lawrenceburg, TN,” Claire Aiello, March 18, 2013 

Categories
Truck Accidents

Caffeine may help reduce Tennessee automobile accidents

According to a recent Australian study published in BMJ, long-haul truck drivers who consume caffeine are less likely to end up in an accident. While one of the researchers of the study states that truck drivers cannot rely on caffeine only to prevent a truck accident, it may be a part of the larger picture. This indicates the importance of Tennessee truck drivers remaining cautious and following the rules of the road.

The study looked at two sets of long-haul drivers who drove tractor units with one, two or three trailers. The group who had been in an accident in the last 12 months numbered 530 drivers and those who had not numbered 517. The researchers interviewed both sets of drivers and looked at age, health, driving experience and caffeine consumption, along with numerous other factors. After making adjustments to take these issues into account, it appeared that those who consume caffeinated substances are 63 percent less likely to end up in an accident. 

Long-haul drivers who use caffeine to stay awake are more alert, but this is only a short-term solution. Drivers will still need to get appropriate amounts of sleep to maintain alertness and their overall health, but drinking caffeinated beverages may be helpful.

Long-haul truckers are often behind the wheel for extended periods of time, and they carry enormous cargo. It is essential that they stay alert and aware of what is going on around them to prevent massive damage and injury in a collision. If someone has been in an accident caused by a long-haul trucker, they may want to consult a personal injury attorney to find out what their legal recourse is.

Source: New York Times, “Caffeine May Boost Driver Safety,” Nicholas Bakalar, March 21, 2013 

Categories
Car Accidents

Hit-and-run victim speaks about the impact of the accident

On March 7, two men were walking along the side of Highway 126 in Sullivan County after their vehicle ran out of gas when one man was allegedly hit by a car. The men, who were cousins, claim they had been watching the road for oncoming traffic and were moving farther to the side of the roadway when cars approached. On the way back from a nearby gas station, a vehicle struck one of the men in the back, they claim. The 23-year-old man said he landed at the bottom of a ditch, and the vehicle drove off.

The man stated that he felt like he had been left on the side of the road “like a dog” after the car accident. He required medical care for a fractured pelvis and a back injury. The driver of the vehicle is still at large, and police continue to search for a light-colored SUV that may be missing a side view mirror.

According to the victim, this car accident has resulted in numerous medical bills, and he continues to receive treatment for his injuries. He requested that the driver responsible for the accident come forward so that justice could be served. When the driver involved in this car accident is identified, the victim may seek punitive damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

A car accident such as this one may cause the victim to experience financial burden associated with medical expenses and lost wages. Victims of accidents such as these may seek financial compensation for these expenses in civil court. A Tennessee personal injury lawyer may be able to help by establishing that the victim’s condition was worsened due to lack of immediate medical attention as well as potentially demonstrate that the driver was negligent in the first place when he or she hit the victim.

Source: WCYB, “Victim from highway 126 hit and run speaks out,” Megan Brantley, March 12, 2013

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Former 49er Dalenie Walker impacted by drunk driving accident

Newly signed Tennessee Titan Delanie Walker lost his aunt and uncle in a drunk driving accident shortly after Super Bowl XLVII. His aunt and uncle had attended a 49ers post-game party with him a few hours before the car accident occurred. The couple had pulled off of Louisiana’s Interstate 10 when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle.

Police said that the vehicle that struck the couple was traveling in excess of 100 mph. Upon the collision, both vehicles ignited in flames, and the couple was found dead inside after the fire was put out. The driver responsible for the car accident had a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit of .08 percent. She has been charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless operation and two counts of vehicular homicide.

Mr. Walker stated that he was close to his aunt, and he wants to take steps to keep their memory alive in a positive way. He recently participated in a fundraising event for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and he plans to start a foundation to help support the couple’s eight children. The family of a wrongful death victim, such as in this case, could file a lawsuit against the driver responsible for the accident to seek punitive damages.

Those affected by a drunk driving-related car accident may be faced with expenses related to funeral costs, lost wages and medical bills, and a civil lawsuit may be filed against the driver to obtain financial compensation for these expenses. This is an option that may be pursued regardless of the outcome of criminal charges. Those who would like to learn more about this option may contact a personal injury lawyer.

Source: The Tennessean, “Tennessee Titans’ Delanie Walker motivated by tragedy,” Jim Wyatt, March 17, 2013

Categories
Car Accidents

Some spinal cord injuries may be prevented

Injuries to the spinal cord may result in temporary or permanent damage to the spine and may present with various symptoms. Depending on the location of the injury on the spine as well as its severity, symptoms may include difficulty moving, numbness or tingling, a burning sensation and paralysis. Symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury takes place. Some develop slowly as swelling or bleeding occurs around the spinal cord.

These injuries may be caused by trauma related to a car accident, sports injury, fall or other event. Tennessee residents with injuries of this nature are often burdened by significant expenses in addition to pain and suffering. Some injuries, however, might have been prevented, or the severity of the injury could have been minimized. For example, car accidents that are caused by negligence may have been prevented by safer driving habits. Wearing a seat belt and using defensive driving techniques could also aide in the avoidance of an accident. 

Spinal cord injuries may require treatment by a doctor, and severe injuries may dictate the need for emergency medical assistance, hospitalization and surgery. These injuries may also require medication, rehabilitation and ongoing or long-term health care services. Families of those who lost a loved one as a result of this type of injury or related complications might also be burdened with the financial responsibility of funeral costs.

When spinal cord injuries are caused by a car accident, they may be preventable in certain instances. Those who have been affected by this type of incident may file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party in a civil court to seek punitive damages. Financial compensation could be used to pay for related medical expenses, to cover lost wages and to pay for funeral costs in the event of a fatality. Victims and their families can contact a Knoxville personal injury lawyer to explore their legal options.

Source: Oakridge, “Dealing with spinal cord injuries,” March 8, 2013

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclist Liberty Restoration Act faces opposition

A mother wrote a letter to two state legislators in Tennessee to announce her concerns for the new motorcycle legislation that they are sponsoring. The letter was written to State Representative Kelly Keisling from Byrdstown and Senator Mark Green from Clarksville and was in regards to the Motorcyclist Liberty Restoration Act.

The mother stated in her letter that her 20-year-old son is a motorcyclist. The new law would provide motorcyclists with the freedom to choose whether to wear a helmet or not. According to the mother, a motorcycle accident can occur at any time, and helmets offer protection that may save the motorcyclist’s life. She stated that some accidents might be caused by drivers who don’t see motorcyclists on the road.

Motorcyclists who are involved in a car accident might be seriously or even fatally injured. Helmets and other protective gear may be worn with effective results. However, any motorcycle accident could result in injury or death despite the use of protective gear, and those who are involved in a motorcycle accident may have to deal with financial expenses related to medical bills, property damage and lost wages. Families who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident could also be faced with funeral costs.

When a motorcycle accident in Knoxville, Tenn., is caused by the actions of another party, victims and their families may seek punitive damages in a civil court by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Punitive damages received from a civil lawsuit might decrease the financial burden that victims and their families experience after such an event. They may contact a Tennessee personal injury lawyer for more information about their legal rights.

Source: Oakridger, “Letter: Protect bikers with helmet laws,” Kim Hobson, March 4, 2013

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

Police investigating a four-vehicle collision in Tennessee

Tennessee Highway Patrol officers are investigating a collision involving four vehicles that took place during the night on March 1, 2013. The cause of the car accident has not been identified, but a patrol vehicle for the Knoxville Police Department was involved in the incident. In addition, an off-duty law enforcement officer was involved.

The incident took place near the intersection of Andersonville Highway and East Emory Road. No injuries were reported from the accident. The patrol car involved in the collision was able to be driven away from the accident. However, a 24-year-old male driver has been charged with a DUI in connection with the accident. 

Because an investigation is still being conducted by law enforcement officials, it is not clear whether the driver who was operating his vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol was responsible for the accident. While injuries were not reported at the scene of the accident, some car accident injuries may become apparent in the days following the event. Those who were victims in the car accident may face expenses associated with vehicle repairs, medical expenses and lost wages. Under civil law, they may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person who may have been responsible for the accident.

Victims of a car accident in Knoxville, Tenn., may experience a financial burden as a result of accident-related expenses. When a car accident is caused by the intentional or negligent actions of another party, victims may seek punitive damages by filing a lawsuit in a civil court. Those who would like to learn more about their legal options after a car accident may find it helpful to contact a Knoxville personal injury lawyer.

Source: WATE, “Driver charged with DUI after four car crash involving police cruiser,” March 1, 2013

Categories
Car Accidents

Three-vehicle accident on I-40 sends one person to hospital

Part of Interstate 40 was shut down on the evening of Feb. 28 due to a three-vehicle accident. This car accident occurred near mile marker 227 close to a construction area. According to officials, an inattentive driver did not notice that traffic was slowing down while approaching the construction area, and this may have caused the accident.

This driver’s vehicle rear-ended another vehicle, which then caused both vehicles to rollover. As a result of the collision, a third vehicle was also hit. Two of the people involved in this car accident were reported to have sustained injuries. While the injuries to one were reported to only have been minor, the other was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for the treatment of non-life threatening injuries. 

A car accident such as this one may have been caused by a driver’s negligence, and it may result in considerable expenses for the victims. These expenses may be in relation to vehicle repairs, lost wages, medical bills and other costs associated with the accident. Under civil law, the victims in such a car accident may be able to pursue financial restitution in a personal injury case against the responsible party.

As in all busy cities, car accidents are a common occurrence in Knoxville, TN. However, accident victims need not suffer under the expenses and hardships caused by a negligent driver without help. By filing a personal injury lawsuit in a civil court, victims may seek punitive damages for these expenses as well as for their pain and suffering. Financial compensation may ease their financial burden and provide closure after a car accident. Those who have been a victim in a car accident may contact a Knoxville personal injury lawyer to learn more about their legal rights.

Source: News Channel 5 WTVF-TV, “One Injured In Three-Car Crash On I-40 In Wilson County,” Feb. 28, 2013