When Tennessee residents hear of personal injury accidents, it is usually motor vehicle accidents. However, with summer well underway here in Tennessee, boating accidents may take the forefront of the news. In some of these cases, just like with car accidents, accidents out on the water can result in wrongful death.
A University of Tennessee student was recently killed after his jet ski collided with the jet ski of another student at the same college. When authorities arrived at the scene, the 21-year-old driver who had caused the accident was on the dock with his passenger of the same age. Neither of them had any injuries. At the same time, medical treatment was being provided to the 21-year-old victim who was hit. Unfortunately, he passed away the next morning from the injuries he had sustained in the crash.
The officer says that he detected a strong alcohol odor coming from the driver who is believed to have caused the watercraft accident. There is an affidavit that says the man admitted to having around five beers. He was arrested and taken for blood samples at the local hospital.
Whether on or off the water, extreme intoxication can have deadly consequences. It can lead to incredibly poor judgment calls, which can then result in fatal accidents. When an individual is killed as a result of someone else’s negligence, his or her family may be entitled to compensation that can be obtained via a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. A successful claim could help the family pay for final expenses.
Source: tennessean.com, “Ravenwood grad faces BUI charge in fatal boating crash“, Jordan Buie, June 23, 2015
