It is always tragic when a promising high school student’s life is cut short, particularly when it happens during the holiday season. Sadly, a Tennessee family and a community is now grieving the loss of a high school junior after she was struck by a tractor-trailer as she was crossing a street in Nashville. While no charges have been filed yet against the semi driver, the outcome of the investigation may lead to a wrongful death claim.
It was approximately 1 p.m. on Dec. 19 when the 17-year-old girl was struck as she was in the crosswalk. The driver claims that he did not see her. First responders found the girl pinned beneath the truck, but attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.
The investigation into the tragic accident is ongoing, and details about the incident will be sent to the Davidson County District Attorney. Authorities do not know yet if the victim was crossing against the signal. The semi driver was reportedly turning on a green light at the time he hit her. According to reports, he has prior traffic violations on his criminal record.
The girl’s family, classmates and teachers must now prepare to say their final goodbyes as they wait for the results of the investigation. If evidence shows that the accident was caused by any negligence on the part of the semi driver, the victim’s family may have a strong case for wrongful death. In Tennessee, a successful wrongful death claim can result in financial compensation for the victim’s family, which can help them pay funeral and burial costs. In addition, pursuing a civil action may help the family feel that justice has been served and allow them to move on.
Source: The Tennessean, Hume-Fogg student struck, killed by tractor-trailer in downtown Nashville, Brian Wilson, Dec. 20, 2013