A man was killed in a head-on collision in Rutherford County shortly before 6:30 a.m. on June 25. The collision took place in the 4200 block of Lascassas Pike, which is near Shady Lane. Investigators say that the driver who allegedly caused the crash will likely face charges since she was apparently under the influence of drugs. She was also tested for alcohol intoxication.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the fatal collision happened when a Mitsubishi that was headed west on Lascassas Pike crossed the double yellow lines and collided head-on with an eastbound Ford Ranger. The 33-year-old Murfreesboro man who was driving the Ranger had attempted to avoid a collision with the Mitsubishi by pulling into the shoulder.
The driver of the Ranger was declared dead at the scene of the accident. The 31-year-old Murfreesboro woman driving the Mitsubishi was taken to an area hospital to receive treatment for injuries suffered in the accident. If the driver truly was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the fatal accident, this information might be used to establish negligence if any family members of the deceased driver consider filing a wrongful death claim.
If a wrongful death claim is successful in Tennessee, the family of the decedent might receive remuneration for the funeral and burial expenses they incurred. The family might also be compensated for any financial losses experienced due to the person’s death, such as support and services. The first step in many wrongful death claims is proving that there was an act of negligence involved, which may be easier if any at-fault parties are facing related criminal charges.
Source: News Channel 5, “33-Year-Old Man Killed In Rutherford County Head-On Crash“, June 25, 2014