Many Tennessee residents own a motorcycle, perhaps as their main method of transportation or maybe simply to ride for leisure. As everyone knows, typically, motorcycles are smaller than most other motor vehicles. Not only do drivers of larger vehicles sometimes fail to see them on the road, often resulting in a collision, but also, when a collision does happen, motorcyclists tend to fare more poorly than others involved, sometimes ending up seriously injured or worse. Nevertheless, all drivers are responsible to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, including the presence of smaller vehicles. Sadly, a motorcyclist was killed recently in Nashville when a pickup truck collided into him, and the driver believed responsible now faces several serious charges.
Pickup Truck Collides with Motorcycle
The incident happened on a Sunday morning at Murfreesboro Pike and Glengarry Drive. According to the investigation report, an 18-year-old man driving a pickup truck was making a left turn when his vehicle collided with a motorcycle. The 39-year-old motorcyclist, an Antioch resident, was transported to a local hospital, where he died shortly afterward. The pickup driver was taken to the same medical facility for treatment of injuries not considered critical.
Driver Admits to Drinking Before Driving
Reportedly, the pickup driver fled the scene following the collision, but he later called the police to report the incident. Apparently, police had smelled alcohol on him, and he had told police he had been drinking at a party prior to the crash. He has since been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, failure to render aid, and driving without a license.
Unfortunately, a man’s life has ended much too soon, seemingly as a direct result of one person’s irresponsible choice to drink and drive. Although the driver faces criminal charges, according to Tennessee law, he could also be held accountable within the civil justice system. An attorney experienced in this area of the law could sit down with the victim’s family and explain their options, including the possibility of a wrongful death lawsuit. The outcome could help cover some of the various expenses they may have encountered, such as lost income and funeral expenses, as well as provide them comfort as they grieve their loss.