Auto accident in Tennessee kills 1 and injures another

Drunk driving fatalities accounted for approximately 29 percent of traffic deaths last year in Tennessee. Despite the known dangers of drinking and driving, alcohol related crashes continue to occur. Alcohol appears to have played a role in a recent auto accident that claimed the life of one young man and has left another hospitalized.

A drunk driver is believed to be responsible for a single vehicle auto accident recently in Meigs County. According to Tennessee Highway Patrol officers, the 24-year-old male driver of a Honda CRV left the road and struck a fire hydrant before running up an embankment and ultimately striking a tree. The accident took place around 4:40 a.m. as the car was traveling westbound on a local roadway.

The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead on scene. An occupant of the vehicle, a 26-year-old male, was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Information regarding his injuries and condition have not been released at this time. Officers say neither of the young men were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Should the investigation into the fatal auto accident suggest that the driver acted negligently, the injured victim may elect to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver’s estate in civil court. In Tennessee, injured victims reserve the right to seek financial redress for losses suffered as a result of another party’s negligence. Unexpected medical expenses as well as other costs stemming from an accident often leave victims with heavy financial burdens. A successfully litigated personal injury claim may help to offset these costs and ensure the victim’s financial recovery.

Source: timesfreepress.com, One dead, one injured in Meigs County crash, Ben Benton, March 18, 2014