Bradley County Family Killed in Head On Car Accident on Christmas Leaving Children Without Parents

A Bradley County family was torn apart on Christmas day when Patricke Conley crossed the median killing the 33 year old parents of three young children, Brittany Dillard and her husband, Dustin Dillard. Tennessee Code Annotated section 29-39-102 defines a catastrophic injury or loss as the "wrongful death of a parent leaving a surviving minor child or children for whom the deceased parent had lawful rights of custody or visitation."

Catastrophic injuries or loss have a maximum value in Tennessee of $1,000,000 according to Tennessee Code Annotated section 29-39-102: "All noneconomic damages awarded to each injured plaintiff, including damages for pain and suffering, as well as any claims of a spouse or children for loss of consortium or any derivative claim for noneconomic damages...shall not exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000)."

However, "the limitation on the amount of noneconomic damages...shall not apply to personal injury and wrongful death actions" when "the defendant's act or omission results in the defendant being convicted of a felony under the laws of this state, another state, or under federal law, and that act or omission caused the damages or injuries."

Patricke Conley was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of vehicular assault. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-13-213 vehicular homicide would be a Class B felony if Patricke Conley was intoxicated, intoxication being defined as "alcohol intoxication as defined by § 55-10-411(a), drug intoxication, or both." Vehicular homicide would be a Class C felony if Mr. Conley "created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to a person" by his actions. According to Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-13-106 vehicular assault is a Class D felony.

If you or your family ever lose a loved one or are injured in a traffic accident in Tennessee or Georgia or are facing a criminal or family law scenario like this, please do not hesitate to contact Advice Law Firm 24 hours a day. First and foremost, Advice Law Firm is sorry for your loss. The firm has access to and works with a network of attorneys who have extensive experience in car accident injuries and cases similar to this as well as family and criminal law and can provide comprehensive legal care. If you want more than a firm to help during difficult times, contact Advice Law.