Stopping a vehicle on the side of the road can be dangerous, especially at night or in places where vision may be obscured. Should the driver be unable to park a safe distance from the road, everyone inside could be placed in harm's way, as other drivers might have insufficient time to react and avoid collision upon approaching the area. A recent accident that sent three individuals to the hospital has left a 45-year-old man facing drunk driving charges in Tennessee.
The accident reportedly took place on a recent Sunday after the driver of a car decided to pull off the road to help a passenger. The driver reportedly claims that one of his friends became sick. While parked by the road, the vehicle was suddenly struck by a nearby car, and all three occupants in the first vehicle were taken to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries shortly thereafter.
While investigating the accident, police allegedly determined the man who caused the collision was traveling at excessive speeds shortly before it occurred. They also claim that he was exhibiting signs of intoxication at the time, and he was arrested soon thereafter. He now faces multiple charges following the crash, including drunk driving, speeding, and aggravated assault.
The penalties for a conviction for drunk driving are serious and only increase in severity should a collision involving injuries occur. Those who stand accused of similar charges could benefit from consulting with an attorney early on for guidance on what to expect from the process and the best course of action to take. An attorney can examine the charges and evidence against a client in Tennessee and assist in pursuing the most favorable outcome achievable during legal proceedings.