Knoxville, TN (April 24, 2025) – A violent early morning collision on April 23 along North Broadway resulted in the death of a young man and led to DUI charges for one of the drivers involved.

Just after midnight, Knoxville Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of North Broadway following multiple emergency calls reporting a vehicle rollover and fire. When officers arrived, they discovered a black Jeep lying on its side and engulfed in flames. The scene was chaotic, with emergency crews quickly working to extinguish the fire and assist those involved.

Investigators said the incident occurred when a Kia sedan attempted to turn left into the Kenjo gas station and crossed into the path of the Jeep, which was unable to avoid the collision. The impact caused the Jeep to flip and eject its passenger, a 22-year-old man from Knoxville, who died at the scene.

Police identified the driver of the Jeep as William Gavigan, 22, also of Knoxville. Gavigan reportedly told officers he was en route to Taco Bell from his Fort Sanders residence. Officers noted signs of intoxication and transported him to UT Medical Center for evaluation before placing him under arrest. He now faces charges for driving under the influence, as well as violations related to vehicle registration and financial responsibility. The driver of the Kia, a 32-year-old man, declined medical transport from the scene. Knoxville Police crash reconstruction investigators continue to lead the investigation.

We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.

Car Accidents in Tennessee

Motor vehicle accidents are a regular concern throughout Tennessee. In 2023, the Tennessee Department of Safety reported over 180,000 crashes statewide, with more than 1,200 fatalities. Factors such as distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding continue to contribute significantly to these numbers. While cities see a high frequency of collisions, rural areas often experience more severe outcomes due to higher speeds and delayed emergency response times.

When it comes to driver impairment, the consequences can be life-altering. Here are a few key issues connected to DUI crashes:

• Loss of Life and Severe Injury: Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time, often leading to high-speed crashes that cause serious or fatal injuries. Victims of these crashes may suffer permanent disabilities, and families are left dealing with irreplaceable losses.
• Criminal Charges and Civil Liability: Drivers found to be under the influence face criminal penalties and may also be liable in civil court. This includes paying damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, and wrongful death claims filed by victims' families.
• Insurance Challenges: DUI arrests complicate insurance claims and can result in denial of coverage, particularly when the driver is uninsured or underinsured. This can leave victims struggling to pay for treatment and damages out of pocket.
• Mental and Emotional Impact: Survivors of DUI crashes often experience post-traumatic stress, depression, or anxiety. The psychological effects may last long after physical wounds heal, requiring therapy and long-term care.
• Higher Future Risk: Statistics show that individuals charged with DUI are at greater risk of repeat offenses. This endangers not only their lives but also everyone they share the road with.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a crash like this, it's important to seek legal guidance right away. Call our Knoxville wrongful death attorneys for help understanding your rights.

Having a trusted Knoxville car accident attorney on your side makes a real difference after a serious wreck. It's essential to begin the process of collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, and ensuring insurance companies do not take advantage of you. The earlier an attorney is involved, the better the chances of building a strong case. An experienced attorney can help estimate long-term costs, pursue fair compensation, and handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.

At DZ Law, we understand how overwhelming a car accident can be. That's why we offer free consultations to discuss your case. Our team is committed to helping injured victims and their families get the support they need. We're available to answer your questions, explain your options, and fight for the outcome you deserve. Call our office today at 865-259-0020 to speak with someone ready to listen. Whether it's gathering police reports, negotiating with insurers, or filing a claim, DZ Law is ready to advocate for you. Let's get started.

Notes: This post was compiled using information from secondary sources, including but not limited to local news outlets, state and local police reports, social media, and eyewitness accounts related to serious accidents in Eastern Tennessee. While DZ Law strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we have not independently verified all details of this incident. If you believe any information in this post is inaccurate, please contact us immediately so we can make corrections and ensure accuracy. Additionally, we are happy to honor requests to remove this post if necessary.

Disclaimers: This accident update is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended as a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Please note that the content in this post should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the image accompanying this post is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the accident described.