A 20-year-old man faces felony reckless endangerment charges in Tennessee after reportedly causing an accident that killed a doctor on Aug. 5. The driver is also facing a citation for failing to yield to a traffic signal. Authorities allegedly discovered evidence that the man was under the effects of drugs and alcohol. A witness reported that the driver stumbled when he exited his vehicle after the car crash. A blood test was ordered but the results are not yet known.
Tennessee Highway Patrol said the man drove into an intersection instead of yielding to a traffic light. He crashed into the side of a car which sent both vehicles into a ditch. Reportedly, this is not the first violation that the man has had in relation to drugs or alcohol. In 2013, he faced a controlled substance charge. At the time of the incident, the driver was also on probation for drinking alcohol underage.
The vehicle that was hit was operated by a 59-year-old oncologist. He was said to have died instantly. A witness reported seeing a man unmoving with his head against the steering wheel in a 911 call. The accident occurred around 9 p.m. at the intersection of South Mt. Juliet Road and Stewarts Ferry Pike. Reports indicated that the accident investigation is still ongoing. The driver of the other vehicle may face additional charges.
Auto accidents involving intoxicated drivers can lead to instances of wrongful death. Families of victims may be entitled to compensation in order to assist with expenses and lost financial support. An attorney could gather information, work with independent investigators and negotiate on behalf of victims' families to get the resources they require.