The decision to work as a public servant charged with protecting residents is seldom undertaken without full consideration of the risks involved. In spite of the inherent danger of police work, it is often the ordinary dangers that take the greatest toll on the lives of both law enforcement and civilians. Recently, a Tennessee police officer became the latest victim of fatal car accidents involving law enforcement.
The fatal collision occurred at an intersection as the four-year veteran of the Nashville Police Department was responding to a call. His service vehicle was struck by a 17-year-old driver who was purportedly fleeing from a traffic stop. The impact killed the 28-year-old man at the scene. The teen’s passenger was critically injured in the crash while the driver suffered only minor injuries for which she was treated and later released.
The driver is facing several serious charges, including vehicular homicide caused by recklessness, driving on a suspended license and a felony count of evading arrest. She is being held as a juvenile and is awaiting further court proceedings. The officer killed is the third victim of vehicular assaults involving law enforcement officials nationwide so far this year.
These types of tragic car accidents occur without warning and change the lives of survivors forever. This particular victim leaves behind a toddler son who will have to grow up with his father due to a senseless crash. Nothing can completely undo the harm that has been inflicted, including the financial losses that may have been incurred through medical bills, loss of income and final expenses. Victims of Tennessee accidents may have a basis for filing a civil lawsuit to recoup the documented monetary damages that they have sustained.
