A 35-year-old driver has been arrested and is facing several charges after his vehicle allegedly struck a motorcyclist and he fled the accident scene. Tennessee officials have filed vehicular assault charges and additional accusations related to this incident. If he were to be convicted on these charges, he would likely face harsh punishments and other consequences.

The accident reportedly occurred when the accused driver made a turn into a shopping area around 10:30 p.m. He purportedly made the turn directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle that was operated by a 26-year-old man. The biker was dislodged and tossed several feet away. He suffered neck and spine injuries as well as broken bones and severe cuts to his lower extremities.

Witnesses say that the driver continued on without stopping after the impact. The motorcycle rider was airlifted to the University Medical Center in Knoxville. Cumberland County officers later located the driver, and he was placed under arrest. Officers claimed that the man’s vehicle had paint and other signs that indicated it had been involved in the collision.

This Tennessee man is also being charged with driving under the influence. Officers have alleged that the man stated he fled the crash because he had been drinking that evening. He and his defense team may seek to challenge the admissibility of certain evidence offered by the prosecution, including the statements purportedly made by the accused man himself. As these charges now head to criminal court, the defense will surely focus on making certain that his legal rights are protected and that his right to a fair trial before an impartial court is fully honored. No punishments may be rendered absent proof of guilt that meets the court’s stringent requirements.

Source: crossville-chronicle.com, “Crash sends one to jail, cyclist to UT”, Michael R. Moser, July 29, 2014