As most Tennessee residents know, alcohol and driving don't mix. A motorist who decides to drink and drive puts him or herself and his or her passengers, as well as other motorists, at great risk. A recent single-car accident that is believed to have been caused by a drunk driver claimed the life of the passenger and may serve as grounds for a wrongful death claim by the decedent's remaining family members.
According to the Memphis Police, it was around 7:15 a.m. on a recent Sunday morning when a man lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle then spun, left the roadway and crashed into a tree. Shortly thereafter, it struck a second tree on the passenger side of the vehicle. It was only 15 minutes later that the female passenger was pronounced dead.
The driver was taken to a local medical center in non-critical condition. Due to his combative and intoxicated state, he was intubated. Memphis Police later arrested and charged him with multiple offenses, including but not limited to DUI, reckless driving and vehicle homicide.
A successfully navigated wrongful death claim cannot begin to erase a parent or loved one's grief. However, it can help to provide some relief from the financial burdens that typically accompany a tragic death such as this one. If granted, the compensation derived may be used to help with medical bills and/or funeral costs. A Tennessee family who is grieving the loss of one of their own because of negligence typically consults an experienced personal injury attorney who can advocate for their needs, which allows them to focus on rebuilding their lives as well as mourning their loved one.
Source: myfoxmemphis.com, "MPD: Man charged with DUI in accident that kills passenger", Aug. 9, 2015
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