Daniel Thomas Arrested in Memphis DUI Accident
Daniel Thomas faces vehicular homicide charges after striking pedestrian standing near disabled vehicle
A woman was killed Thursday night when an allegedly impaired driver struck her as she stood behind her disabled vehicle on Union Avenue in Memphis, according to police.
Daniel Thomas, 67, faces charges of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, public intoxication and reckless driving. He was also charged with driving without a license or insurance and is being held without bond pending a Monday court appearance.
The eastbound vehicle was driving in the far-right lane just before 9 p.m. when it hit the pedestrian. Witnesses told investigators the disabled car had its hazard lights flashing at the time of the collision.
An officer at the scene noted a strong odor of alcohol. The driver reportedly admitted to consuming multiple drinks before the crash.
Tennessee recorded 1,198 traffic death in 2024, with alcohol impairment remaining a leading cause of statewide roadway deaths. The crash remains under investigation.
How does criminal prosecution affect civil liability in Memphis?
The sudden loss of a loved one to an impaired driver on Union Avenue leaves the victim's family navigating both a criminal prosecution and a complex civil framework. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "When I hear about high-speed collisions, I think about the profound grief those families carry. In these crashes, the margin for error disappears, turning ordinary mistakes into deadly consequences."
What role do dram shop laws play in Tennessee DUI crashes?
In fatal collisions where the at-fault driver lacks insurance, investigators often look beyond the driver to determine where the alcohol was served prior to the crash. Bond added, "Separate from criminal charges, a victim's family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from a crash scene, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that a drunk driver is held accountable for their reckless actions."
Families facing these dual tracks of justice frequently need guidance to preserve evidence, such as the disabled vehicle's hazard light functionality, while the criminal case proceeds. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, of Counsel at Counsel at Bond Legal. "Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights."
Tennessee wrongful death statute
Under Tenn. Code § 20-5-106, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Tennessee applies modified comparative fault (50% bar). The statute of limitations is 1 year.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish.