Posted in Car Accident,Drunk Driving on October 13, 2014
Earlier this month in a tragic accident out of Wilson County, a family of four was killed on Interstate 40 as they were driving from Kentucky to Gatlinburg. According to a report by the Tennessean, the family was driving I-40 eastbound when they ran into two cars that were inexplicably stopped in the middle of the highway.
Evidently, the two cars were stopped in the middle of the road when four other cars crashed into them. While it is uncertain why the two cars were in the middle of the road, what is known is that the driver of one of the other four cars was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence.
It isn’t clear how the accident happened, and to what extent drunk driving may have played a role in the accident. However, the Tennessee highway Patrol is currently conducting an investigation into the accident and expect toxicology reports back sometime in the next few weeks.
As of right now, the suspected drunk driver is the only one who was arrested for their role in the fatal accident. However, as the investigation progresses, THP may determine other parties were at fault as well.
Tennessee Drunk Driving Accidents
Unfortunately, despite the known dangers of drunk driving, people continue to get behind the wheel after they have had too much to drink. Each year in Tennessee, there are an average of between 6000-8000 alcohol related traffic accidents. Thus far in 2014, there have already been 4,500, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. These accidents result in between 300-400 Tennesseans losing their life each year.
Holding Those at Fault Responsible
Criminal sanctions help hold drunk drivers responsible for their actions, but do little for the accident victims themselves. Therefore, many accident victims choose to file civil lawsuits against the drunk drivers that injured them.
In Tennessee, these lawsuits proceed under the legal theory of “negligence,” which requires that a plaintiff show that the other driver owed them some duty of care that was violated and resulted in their injuries. However, when it comes to drunk-driving accidents, the plaintiff’s job is made easier because there is already a law prohibiting drunk driving. This means that the drunk-driving plaintiff need only show that the driver was drunk and that they caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Have You Been Injured in a Tennessee DUI Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Tennessee DUI accident, you may be entitled to recover monetary damages to help compensate your for your injuries or losses. However, be aware that insurance companies are often involved in these types of lawsuits, and will fight tooth-and-nail in order to prevent paying out on the claim. Therefore, it is advised that you consult with a dedicated Tennessee personal injury attorney before filing your case. The skilled lawyers at Matt Hardin Law have years of experience recover for clients in all kinds of Tennessee car accidents, including DUI accidents. To schedule a free initial consultation today call 615-200-1111.
See Related Blog Posts:
Possible DUI Accident Claims One Man’s Life in Cheatham County, Nashville Injury Lawyer’s Blog, published August 18, 2014.
New Analytical Tool Helps Law Enforcement Predict Where Accidents Will Occur, Nashville Injury Lawyer’s Blog, published September 18, 2014.
