Deadly Crash Blamed On Intoxicated Driver

When a person is intoxicated, coordination, judgment and reaction time are impaired. To legally drive in Tennessee, a person cannot have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) greater than .08. Yet, even if a driver is below the legal BAC limit, his or her judgment and self-control can still be affected. There is never a good reason to drink and drive.

Driver Charged

An alleged drunk driver is now facing charges after a crash in Knoxville that claimed the life of a young man. The incident happened on Highway 39 near the Interstate 75 entrance ramp. Apparently, a vehicle was headed east on Highway 39 and the driver attempted to make a left turn onto the I-75 entrance ramp. According to police reports, the vehicle failed to yield the right of way and pulled into the path of a vehicle traveling west on Highway 39, causing a collision.

Reports said the driver of the westbound vehicle was killed in the crash. Troopers on the scene said they noticed slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol on the other driver. The driver also failed sobriety tests and was placed under arrest, authorities said. Reportedly, the driver was charged with vehicular homicide, violation of implied consent, reckless endangerment and more.

Legal Recourse

Losing a loved one at the hands of a drunk driver may be one of the most painful things to experience in life. Those in Tennessee who suffer injuries or the loss of loved ones in motor vehicle accidents caused by negligence can get help by speaking with a skilled litigator. Victims and families may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, incurred medical expenses and other documented monetary losses.