On September 2, 2026, Knoxville Police issued criminal warrants for Marlon Jiminez-Galo, 25, following a fatal crash in East Knoxville that left one person dead. According to KPD, Jiminez-Galo fled the scene on foot after the crash and remains at large. The charges filed include vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving without a license. For the victim’s family, the criminal investigation is only one part of a larger picture, as Tennessee law gives families independent legal rights to pursue civil justice. OEB Law serves East Tennessee families navigating exactly this kind of situation. In this blog post, Knoxville attorney Tim Elrod discusses what legal options the victim’s family may have, including wrongful death claims and hit-and-run insurance coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Warrants are active. Knoxville Police issued criminal warrants against Marlon Jiminez-Galo for vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving without a license following a fatal East Knoxville crash on September 2, 2026.
- A civil wrongful death claim is independent of the criminal case. The victim’s family can pursue a civil lawsuit under T.C.A. § 20-5-106 even if Jiminez-Galo has not yet been apprehended.
- Tennessee’s wrongful death limitations period is generally one year, so the family should act quickly to preserve its rights. Under T.C.A. § 28-3-104, wrongful death claims in Tennessee are generally subject to a one-year filing deadline, so the family should consult counsel immediately.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage may provide an important recovery path when the at-fault driver is unlicensed, uninsured, or has no collectible assets, under T.C.A. § 56-7-1201.
Knox County Accident Report
East Knoxville Fatal Crash — September 2, 2026
East Knoxville, Knox County, TN • Reported: WATE 6 On Your Side • One fatality confirmed / Suspect fled on foot / Three criminal warrants issued
According to the Knoxville Police Department, criminal warrants were issued charging Marlon Jiminez-Galo, 25, with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving without a license following a fatal crash in East Knoxville on September 2, 2026. KPD confirmed that Jiminez-Galo fled the scene on foot after the crash and remained at large as of initial reporting. East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is assisting KPD in locating the suspect, and tips can be submitted to 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), per WATE.
What this means for victims:
- The victim’s family can file a civil wrongful death claim right now under Tennessee law, without waiting for the suspect to be caught or for any criminal trial to conclude.
- Because the suspect was charged with driving without a license, he likely had no auto insurance, making the victim’s own Uninsured Motorist policy a critical source of financial recovery.
- Tennessee’s one-year filing deadline began on September 2, 2026, and missing it permanently bars the family from civil compensation, so contacting an attorney immediately is essential.
Call or text OEB Law 24/7: (865) 546-1111 — free consultation, no fee unless we win.
Source: WATE 6 On Your Side, Knox County (September 2, 2026)
Yes, the victim’s family in a fatal Tennessee hit-and-run can file a civil wrongful death claim under T.C.A. § 20-5-106, even if the at-fault driver has not been caught, has no insurance, and has no assets. Tennessee law allows families to pursue Uninsured Motorist (UM) benefits through their own auto insurance policy as a primary recovery path when the responsible driver is unlicensed or uninsured. Acting quickly is critical because Tennessee’s wrongful death limitations period is strictly enforced.
To Discuss Your Case, Call or Text Our Team Standing By 24/7: (865) 546-1111
About OEB Law, Your Knoxville Legal Team
This guide is provided by the experienced attorneys at OEB Law, led by Managing Attorney Timothy G. Elrod. Founded in Knoxville in 2004, our firm has over 50 years of combined experience navigating East Tennessee’s legal system.
We have successfully represented thousands of personal injury clients, developing deep expertise in Tennessee’s complex wrongful death and accident laws. As East Tennessee natives, we have a direct understanding of the local court systems, law enforcement agencies, and community needs. Our commitment is to provide trusted, authoritative information to our neighbors in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee communities. However, this information does not constitute legal advice. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or needs legal help, call us today for a free, no obligation, initial consultation.
What Happened in East Knoxville
According to the Knoxville Police Department, warrants were issued charging Marlon Jiminez-Galo, 25, with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving without a license following a fatal crash in East Knoxville. KPD reports that Jiminez-Galo fled the scene on foot after the crash. Investigators and East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers are actively seeking information on his whereabouts. Anyone with tips can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
What Charges Does Jiminez-Galo Face?
The KPD warrants include three separate charges, each carrying its own legal weight:
- Vehicular homicide: causing the death of another person through criminally negligent or reckless operation of a vehicle
- Leaving the scene of an accident: fleeing after a crash that caused death or serious injury
- Driving without a license: operating a vehicle without a valid Tennessee driver’s license
These criminal charges are what the State of Tennessee pursues. However, the victim’s family has a separate and independent right to pursue civil justice, regardless of when or whether Jiminez-Galo is apprehended.
Understanding Tennessee Wrongful Death Law
Under Tennessee law, when a person is killed through the wrongful act or negligence of another, the surviving family members have the right to file a civil wrongful death claim. This right exists under T.C.A. § 20-5-106 and is entirely separate from the criminal prosecution. The criminal case punishes the offender on behalf of the State. The civil wrongful death case compensates the family for what they have lost.
The priority order for who may bring a wrongful death claim under Tennessee law is: the surviving spouse first, followed by the victim’s children, and then the victim’s next of kin if no spouse or children survive. An attorney can help identify who holds legal standing and file on their behalf immediately.
Recoverable damages in a Tennessee wrongful death case may include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred before death, the decedent’s lost future earning capacity, and the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering before death.
Can the Family Sue Even If the Suspect Has Not Been Caught?
Yes. A civil wrongful death lawsuit does not require an arrest or criminal conviction to proceed. An attorney may be able to file the lawsuit using an unknown defendant designation and later amend the case if permitted by applicable procedural rules. Evidence preservation begins immediately and does not wait for the criminal case to resolve.
“The criminal case and the civil case operate on separate tracks. The victim’s family does not have to wait for police to catch the suspect, and they certainly do not have to wait for a criminal trial to protect their rights and begin building their civil case.” – Knoxville attorney Tim Elrod
Hit-and-Run Recovery Flowchart: Your Options When the Driver Has No Insurance in Tennessee
Consult OEB Law Immediately
1-year statute of limitations under T.C.A. § 28-3-104 is running.
What Happens When the Driver Has No Insurance and No Assets
The fact that Jiminez-Galo was charged with driving without a license is significant. Drivers without a valid license very commonly have no auto insurance either. When the at-fault driver is uninsured, unlicensed, or has no money to collect, Tennessee law provides a critical lifeline: Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.
Under T.C.A. § 56-7-1201, Tennessee requires auto insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage, and related policy language may also address underinsured motorist coverage. When the at-fault driver cannot pay, the victim’s own insurance policy steps in to cover damages up to the policy limits. This coverage can apply even in hit-and-run crashes, which is a critical point for families of passengers who may be covered under the vehicle owner’s policy or their own household’s auto policy.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
UM coverage works like this: your own insurance company pays compensation for damages that the at-fault driver would owe but cannot pay. The family may make a UM claim under the victim’s auto policy, and the insurer may be responsible for paying covered damages up to the policy limits. The family is not limited to small policy limits in every case. An attorney can help identify all applicable UM policies, including household policies and the vehicle owner’s policy if the victim was a passenger.
What If There Is No UM Coverage at All?
Options narrow considerably without UM coverage, but they do not disappear entirely. Families may still pursue a civil judgment against Jiminez-Galo. That judgment can be collected in the future if he ever acquires income or assets. Additionally, if the facts support a dram shop claim, a business that illegally sold alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person may face potential liability under Tennessee’s alcohol-server liability statute. For a car accident claim in Knoxville involving an uninsured driver, consulting an attorney immediately is the most important step. If you have been injured, experienced attorneys can evaluate your potential avenues for compensation.
Tennessee Wrongful Death at a Glance: Key Facts for Families
| Legal Concept | Criminal Case | Civil Wrongful Death Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Who files? | State of Tennessee (prosecutors) | Victim’s family (surviving spouse, children, parents per T.C.A. § 20-5-106) |
| Standard of proof | Beyond a reasonable doubt | Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) |
| Outcome if successful | Jail time, fines, probation | Financial compensation for the family |
| Does it require arrest? | Yes | No, can proceed even if suspect is a fugitive |
| Timeline | Depends on arrest and trial schedule | Must file within 1 year of death (T.C.A. § 28-3-104) |
| Damages available | N/A (criminal penalties) | Medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, punitive damages |
The Clock Is Already Running for Wrongful Death Claims
Tennessee wrongful death claims are generally subject to a one-year limitations period under T.C.A. § 28-3-104, so families should seek legal help immediately. The limitations clock should be evaluated immediately based on the specific facts of the case, including the date of death and the underlying injury. Missing the applicable deadline can bar the family from filing a civil wrongful death claim, so counsel should evaluate any exceptions immediately.
Many families assume they can wait for the criminal case to conclude before taking civil action. That assumption can be costly. Evidence critical to a civil wrongful death case disappears fast in the days immediately after a crash.
Why Immediate Evidence Preservation Matters
Acting now gives an attorney access to evidence that will not exist in a few days. The civil case can proceed while the criminal investigation is ongoing:
- Security camera footage near the East Knoxville crash site may be overwritten quickly, so an attorney should request preservation immediately.
- Witness memories fade rapidly and become harder to obtain over time.
- Vehicle forensic evidence must be preserved before it is moved or destroyed.
- The KPD accident report and any toxicology records need to be formally requested.
- A private investigator can be deployed independently of the police search to locate Jiminez-Galo.
Additionally, the alleged conduct may support arguments that the driver acted recklessly, depending on the evidence. That behavior may support a claim for punitive damages if the evidence meets Tennessee’s statutory requirements. Families can use our settlement calculator to begin estimating the potential value of a wrongful death claim.
“Evidence disappears fast. Business security cameras near East Knoxville overwrite footage in days, not weeks. The sooner a family contacts an attorney, the more tools we have to build a strong case, regardless of where the suspect is.” – Knoxville attorney Tim Elrod
Knoxville, TN Car Accidents: By the Numbers
Reported crashes, 2015–2026 · Source: OEB Law’s database of Tennessee traffic-crash records
Where crashes cluster in Knoxville, TN
Roads with the most reported crashes, 2015–2026.
| Road | Crashes | Fatal | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-40 | 13,422 | 89 | 349 |
| Kingston Pk. | 6,919 | 15 | 136 |
| N. Broadway | 3,791 | 23 | 123 |
| Chapman Hwy. | 3,035 | 19 | 128 |
| Western Ave. | 2,813 | 22 | 92 |
| I-75 | 2,729 | 16 | 106 |
| Clinton Pk. | 2,083 | 9 | 86 |
| Middlebrook Pk. | 1,852 | 11 | 66 |
About 87% of crashes in Knoxville, TN involved two or more vehicles, most often rear-end. Contributing factors: 23% involved a teen driver, 7% involved a truck or bus, 2% involved alcohol, 1% involved a motorcycle, 1% involved a pedestrian.
Even when no one is taken from the scene by ambulance, injuries such as whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue damage often surface hours or days later once the adrenaline fades. If you were involved in a crash here, it is wise to be checked by a doctor and to speak with an attorney about your options.
Why Choose OEB Law After a Fatal Hit-and-Run in East Knoxville
When a crash involves a suspect who fled the scene, has no license, and likely carries no insurance, the legal path forward requires more than general knowledge of personal injury law. It requires familiarity with Tennessee’s UM statutes, Knox County court procedures, and the evidence-gathering strategies that apply when a defendant is missing. OEB Law has represented thousands of personal injury clients across East Tennessee, including families navigating exactly these kinds of uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. The firm knows how to preserve evidence, file UM claims, and pursue civil judgments on parallel tracks with criminal proceedings, protecting the family’s rights at every stage.
Timothy G. Elrod and the experienced legal team at OEB Law understand that in hit-and-run wrongful death cases, time is the most critical resource. Tim Elrod founded OEB Law on the principle that families deserve immediate, knowledgeable help, not a call back during business hours. There is no fee unless OEB Law wins your case.
Who is OEB Law and Why Are They Good for the Community?
Led by Managing Attorney Timothy G. Elrod and Our Experienced Legal Team
Founded in 2004 in Knoxville, Tennessee, OEB Law has grown over nearly two decades to serve clients across East Tennessee. Tim Elrod established the firm with a simple but powerful mission: we care and we help people. Today, our team brings over 50 years of combined experience representing clients throughout Tennessee in personal injury and criminal defense cases.
Our Legal Expertise
Our attorneys have built their reputation through:
- Successfully representing thousands of personal injury and criminal defense clients
- Developing specialized knowledge across all types of accident and injury cases
- Mastering the complexities of Tennessee’s legal system through decades of practice
Why Trust Us
At OEB Law, our reputation speaks for itself:
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered significant compensation for our clients through both settlements and courtroom verdicts
- Client Satisfaction: Our numerous 5 Star Google Reviews showcase our commitment to responsive, caring, and effective legal representation
- No Fee Unless We Win: You don’t pay attorney fees unless we successfully secure compensation in your case
- Local Knowledge: As East Tennessee natives, we understand our community and care deeply about the people we serve
- Personalized Approach: We personalize each case to meet our clients’ specific needs, ensuring you’re never just another file number
Community Commitment
Our dedication extends beyond the courtroom. We proudly support:
- Local high school football programs through Rivalry Thursday sponsorships
- The Knoxville Ice Bears and community fundraising initiatives
- Numerous youth, student, and community organizations throughout East Tennessee
“We don’t just take, we give back because the people you’re giving back to are the people who are supporting your firm.” – Tim Elrod
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Can You File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Tennessee If the Driver Fled the Scene?
Yes, Tennessee law allows a wrongful death lawsuit to proceed independently of the criminal case, even if the at-fault driver has not been apprehended. Under T.C.A. § 20-5-106, the victim’s surviving spouse, children, or parents have legal standing to file a civil wrongful death claim in Knox County court without waiting for an arrest or criminal conviction. When the driver is uninsured or has no identifiable assets, Tennessee’s Uninsured Motorist statute under T.C.A. § 56-7-1201 may provide a path to financial recovery through the victim’s own auto insurance. Contact OEB Law at (865) 546-1111 for a free, no-obligation consultation, because the one-year statute of limitations is already running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Under T.C.A. § 20-5-106, a civil wrongful death claim can be filed independently of the criminal case, even if the suspect remains a fugitive. An attorney may be able to file the lawsuit using an unknown defendant designation and later amend the case if permitted by applicable procedural rules.
Tennessee wrongful death claims are generally subject to a one-year limitations period under T.C.A. § 28-3-104, so families should seek legal help immediately. The limitations clock should be evaluated immediately based on the specific facts of the case, including the date of death and the underlying injury.
When the driver is uninsured or has no identifiable assets, Tennessee’s Uninsured Motorist statute under T.C.A. § 56-7-1201 may provide a path to financial recovery through the victim’s own auto insurance. The insurer may pay covered damages up to the policy limits, making UM coverage an important recovery source in many hit-and-run and unlicensed driver cases.
