KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Authorities are investigating a fatal head-on accident that happened May 5 on Millertown Pike near Brandville Road. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene around 10:15 p.m.
Mason Shumate, 20, suffered injuries in the accident. Emergency personnel transported him to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Officials later charged him with vehicular homicide, stating he was under the influence at the time.
Witnesses reported seeing a black truck cross the centerline multiple times before the accident. They attempted to alert the driver by flashing their lights.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Law enforcement urges anyone with relevant information to contact authorities.
Mason Shumate charged after Knox County DUI-related vehicle accident
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
This accident was clearly preventable. Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and can senselessly ruin people’s lives.
“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,’’ explained Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
She added, “Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”
According to the National Safety Council, 10 percent of all fatal automobile accidents are caused by drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medications. These accidents are the second-leading cause of automobile fatalities in this country.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of a victim could be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected,” Formica added.
If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
