West v. East Tennessee Pioneer Oil Co. One evening, in Knox County Tennessee, Brian Taver (\"Taver\") drove to a gas station/convenience store. He wanted to buy beer and his gas tank was nearly empty. He was visibly intoxicated. Due to his intoxication he was unable to operate the gas pump. The convenience store clerk refused to sell Taver beer because he was already intoxicated. However, the clerk eventually activated the gas pump and, with the assistance of two additional store employees, who helped Taver operate the pump, Taver was able to purchase a small amount of gas. Taver then drove off, going the wrong way on the highway and without his headlights on. Shortly afterward, he crashed into an oncoming car, injuring Gary West (\"West\") and Michelle Richardson (\"Richardson\"). West suffered several fractures of his legs, a head injury, and a broken elbow. West works in the construction industry. West, who has basic health insurance provided by his employer, was left with over $200,000 in personal debt as a consequence of the accident. Richardson suffered a severe closed-head injury. Richardson is an administrative assistant for the state of Tennessee. Her employer provided better health insurance coverage, so she did not end up with personal debt as a consequence of the accident. Both West and Richardson endured much pain and suffering. Both were unable to work for the year following the accident. West and Richardson sued East Tennessee Pioneer Oil Co. [hereinafter East Thnnessee], the owner and operator of the gas station/convenience store, for negligently selling gas to the obviously intoxicated Taver. West and Richardson also sued Taver. Taver's insurance company settled the case out of court. Taver's