A Tennessee senior citizen is dead after a fatal early morning car crash just outside of Rhea County. Police are investigating the circumstances and report that they have plans to file criminal charges.
Around 7 a.m. on Oct. 22, a 45-year-old Lenoir City man and his 83-year-old father were driving in a 2005 Ford 5LM on State Hwy. 68. Near the border of Rhea County, a Chevy Silverado pickup driven by a 38-year-old Clarkrange man was traveling in the opposite direction. As the two vehicles neared each other, the pickup suddenly crossed the median of the highway. The man in the Ford swerved across into the opposite lane to avoid the pickup. The pickup driver then corrected, turned back into his own lane and collided with the Ford.
Three ambulances from Cumberland County Emergency Services quickly arrived at the scene, along with first responders from the Cumberland County Fire Department. The Ford driver’s father was killed in the collision. The condition of the two living drivers is unknown. The highway was closed for an hour due to the crash, while Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers investigated the incident. According to reports, authorities are planning to file charges, and an investigation is still underway.
The driver who lost his father may have a claim for wrongful death against the driver at fault, as well as for any injuries and damage suffered during the accident. An attorney who has experience in automobile accident cases may be able to help with an investigation into the circumstances and properly assign liability for the crash. The attorney may then be able to file a lawsuit in civil court to recover compensation for the loss.
Source: Crossville Chronicle, “Dayton man identified as crash victim”, Michael R. Moser, October 25, 2013