The THP and Columbia Police Department were on the scene of an accident that killed two men on Dec. 23. A 45-year-old man and a 26-year-old man were apparently trapped in their vehicles after the collision. Once responders removed the men from the wreckage, they were transported to an area hospital, but they both died from their injuries.
Three vehicles were involved in the wreck that occurred 3 miles west of Interstate 65 on Bear Creek Pike about 4:30 a.m. Authorities determined that a Ford pickup, which was eastbound on the road collided first with a car and then a van. The unidentified driver of the car suffered minor injuries and was transported to Maury County Regional Hospital.
The Highway Patrol led the accident investigation, but they did not believe alcohol was a factor in this fatal accident. However, the investigators' reports were pending test results. Police did not state which man had been operating which vehicle.
When a fatal car crash like this occurs, and there are no immediate clear-cut answers, the investigators may take quite some time to complete their analysis of the entire incident. An accident reconstruction team may be called in to help, and an inquiry of the events leading up to the crash may be conducted as well.
The families of the deceased in a case like this may choose to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney who might help sort through what could be extensive reports and advise them on possible actions. If one of the deceased drivers is determined to be at fault, family members of the other driver may choose to file a wrongful death claim against the man's estate. An attorney might also help negotiate insurance settlements.