1 killed in Tennessee head on collision

One person was killed in a head-on collision in Erin on Nov. 3. The fatal accident took place just before 6 p.m. on Highway 49, about 70 miles northwest from Nashville.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the fatal auto accident occurred when a 45-year-old Erin woman, driving a Dodge Ram, and headed west on Highway 49, crossed the centerline into the path of the eastbound traffic. The Dodge collided head-on with a Nissan Maxima, driven by a 23-year-old White Bluff man. The impact caused the roof of the Nissan to be ripped off. The Nissan also overturned at least one time and eventually landed on the right shoulder of the highway.

The driver of the Nissan was killed during the accident. The THP reported that alcohol had been involved in the crash and that the driver of the Dodge had been drinking prior to the accident. However, they did not release the results of the woman’s blood alcohol level tests. Charges against the woman are pending as police continue to investigate the incident.

In cases where the liable driver was drinking prior to the accident, police may determine alcohol had played a role in the incident. Information from the police report, the results of BAC tests and the charges brought against a driver in a criminal case might be used as evidence to show negligence if the family of a decedent chooses to file a wrongful death claim. In Tennessee, a successful claim might result in awards for both economic and non-economic damages. Non-economic damages might include loss of companionship. Economic damages might include the expenses incurred by the family due to the injury and death, such as medical and funeral and burial costs, as well as loss of financial support.

Source: WKRN, “Head-on crash in Erin leaves White Bluff man dead”, November 04, 2014