Losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident is devastating. Those involved in severe collisions are left searching for answers. What happened leading up to the accident? Was there anything that could have been done to prevent the deadly turn of events? Although there are sometimes no easy answers to these questions, fatal accidents can often be attributed to the negligence of another driver on the road. In these cases, the family of a deceased person may be entitled to compensation to help them through the difficult times ahead.
A Tennessee woman recently lost her 13-year-old son in a fatal collision while her car was stopped on the side of the interstate. The 47-year-old mother had pulled her vehicle to the shoulder of the road as the result of a flat tire. She and her 12-year-old daughter were standing on the road’s shoulder while the son changed the tire. Reportedly, another motorist, lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the boy. The young teenager was killed by the out-of-control car.
The mother was also struck by the vehicle, which subsequently fled the scene of the accident. Police later arrested the 33-year-old driver and charged her with two counts, including vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that drugs may have been involved in the accident. The driver who fled the scene was previously charged with reckless endangerment while driving her car in another incident.
Families who have lost someone in an accident could benefit from familiarizing themselves with the legal options available to them. A wrongful death case may provide financial compensation to help with medical expenses, funeral expenses and pain and suffering related to the accident. Obtaining counsel familiar with Tennessee laws surrounding fatal motor vehicle accidents is the first step toward finding resolution.
Source: The Tennessean, “Suspect in deadly hit-and-run charged with homicide,” Adam Tamburin and Brian Wilson, April 11, 2014