Most people understand that (as is the case with almost any daily activity) there is an inherent risk involved with driving. That said, few in Tennessee likely give the task of taking to the state’s roads and highways a second thought. This is probably due to them assuming that the other motorists around them practice responsible driving in the same manner they do.
Sadly, that assumption does not always prove to be correct. There will inevitably be people who drive recklessly or while impaired, putting both themselves and others at risk. However, in many cases, it is the “others” who suffer the direst consequences of their actions.
Catastrophic accident occurs in Frayser
Such an outcome occurred in a recent accident in Frayser. According to the local CBS News affiliate, local law enforcement authorities have a man in custody after he allegedly caused a catastrophic collision at a local intersection. Per reports, the man drove his Nissan Altima into a Hyundai Accent carrying a couple and their two young children. First responders pronounced both parents dead at the scene; a local hospital received both children for treatment of serious injuries (one later died). The driver responsible (for whom reports did not indicate whether he sustained any injuries) reportedly had an expired license.
Civil action alongside a potential criminal case
One might reasonably assume that in cases such as this, criminal charges await those responsible for causing them. This may give pause to accident victims (who might assume that they need to wait until a criminal case concludes before they can seek compensation). However, that is not the case; lawmakers allow civil and criminal cases, in the same manner, to occur concurrently.