A Tennessee man was severely burned after a car drove into an Exxon station and struck a gas pump on the Fourth of July. The pump exploded, sending flaming gasoline throughout the station. A man who was walking past the pump at the time of the accident caught fire. Luckily the man rolled to help contain the flames instead of running in a panic. According to the Nashville Assistant Fire Marshal the victim’s quick thinking may have saved him from worse injuries.
Although his injuries were likely reduced by his efforts to contain the flames, the man is still severely injured. Reports from NY Daily News found that over 40 percent of his body was burned. The victim underwent surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The cause of the accident is under investigation. Blood was taken from the driver, who sustained minor injuries from the accident, but results will not be available until August.
If results indicate the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol he could be held both criminally and civilly liable for the injuries sustained by the victim. It is illegal for driver’s in Tennessee to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. If in violation, criminal charges including driving under the influence (DUI) may apply.
Criminal penalties could include imprisonment and fines as well as a driver’s license suspension. Civil penalties could include damages to cover the cost medical and rehabilitative costs as well as pain and suffering and lost wages.
Source: NY Daily News, “Tennessee man suffers burns over 40% of his body in fiery July 4 gas station accident,” David Boroff, July 9, 2013
