A 32-year-old man from Friendsville, Tennessee, has been charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and possession of heroin after a fatal car crash on September 30.
The Knoxville Police Department received notice of a three-vehicle accident around 6:45 p.m. The location was on Woodland Avenue under the I-275 overpass. Upon arrival and preliminary investigation, it was determined that a vehicle had driven off of I-275, down an embankment and crashed into another vehicle, which was eastbound on Woodland Avenue. The driver of the vehicle on Woodland Avenue, a 65-year-old Knoxville man, was pronounced dead at the scene. It is unclear how the third vehicle was involved, but none of its occupants were injured.
In searching the vehicle which was driven off of the interstate, law enforcement found heroin and drug paraphernalia. The driver was also found to be intoxicated and taken into custody.
The family of the deceased party in an accident such as this one could have a wrongful death claim. A personal injury attorney can attempt to help determine whether the circumstances fit the standard of proof, and file a lawsuit as necessary. However, a wrongful death claim does have a statute of limitations. Therefore, time is of the essence. Financial compensation that may be obtained from a wrongful death lawsuit can help a grieving family move forward from such a traumatic event. They should never need to worry about funeral expenses, debts or other financial matters while attempting to heal. Seeking the assistance of experience legal guidance can help individuals in these situations.