Suspected DUI Crash Shuts Down Lanes of I-65
An early morning serious crash on Interstate 65 caused by a driver suspected of DUI left several lanes of the highway shut down and a female passenger in the hospital in critical condition. According to police, Terry C. Jones was driving his 2002 Buick LeSabre northbound on Interstate 65 at around 2:30 a.m. when he rolled his vehicle near mile marker 86. The car crashed into a light pole and came to rest in a ditch on its roof, wedged against a retaining wall. Witnesses who ran over to aid the driver and passenger reported that the female passenger was found unresponsive at the scene.
News outlets have stated that officials suspect Mr. Jones, who was previously arrested for DUI in 2011, of DUI in this incident as well. Officers at the scene determined that Mr. Jones did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash due to it being revoked for habitual offender status. He was arrested and charged as a habitual vehicle offender and is expected to appear in court later this month.
Habitual Vehicle Offender
According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-616, it is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle in Tennessee while a court order finding that person to be a habitual motor vehicle offender and prohibiting them from driving is in effect. Anyone convicted of driving while restricted in this manner commits a Class E felony. In Tennessee, a Class E felony carries a minimum sentence of one year in prison, with a maximum of six years and up to a $3,000 fine.
Compensation for Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers
Car crashes caused by drunk drivers can cause physical, mental, and emotional damage. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for these damages, including funds for:
– Past, present, and future medical bills;
– Lost wages and impaired earning ability;
– Disability payments;
– Rehabilitation;
– Pain and suffering;
– Emotional distress;
– Loss of enjoyment of life; and
– Loss of consortium.
In the instance where a suspected DUI crash causes property damage as well, you may also be able to recover funds to cover that damage, in addition to other costs that are reasonably related to the damages caused by the crash.
Contact a Nashville Lawyer Today
Don’t wait to contact an lawyer if you have been involved in a crash caused by a drunk or impaired driver. It is crucial to have an experienced advocate in your corner to help establish the driver’s fault for causing the accident and prove all the facts necessary to show the extent of your injuries in order to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury caused by a driver suspected of DUI, contact the experienced Nashville lawyers at Calhoun Law, PLC today for a free and confidential consultation. Our personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of car accident cases and will work with you from start to finish.
