Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on June 26, 2017
Four vehicles were involved in a serious collision in Davidson County early Friday afternoon, causing one man to suffer fatal injuries.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the crash happened just before 1 p.m. at the intersection of Charlotte Pike and Old Charlotte Pike. An investigation by officers with Metro Nashville Police found that prior to the accident, the driver of a tanker truck had stopped his vehicle at a red light and was waiting to turn onto Interstate 40 East.
Soon after, another vehicle entered the turn lane, sideswiped a Ford Fusion and Honda Civic, and then crashed into the back of the tanker truck. The impact of the collision caused the 45-year-old driver of the vehicle that entered the turn lane to suffer critical injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
No other injuries were reported in the accident, and all occupants of the affected vehicles were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
How Can You Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones in the Event of an Accident?
Driving at or below the speed limit, never driving after drinking alcohol, and avoid distractions while you’re behind the wheel are all great ways to reduce your risk of being involved in an auto accident. However, you can’t control the behaviors of other drivers, the weather, or unforeseen events that can lead to accidents.
No matter how safe you drive and how many safety precautions you follow to avoid accidents, there’s still a chance you’ll be involved in a crash. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself from suffering serious injuries by:
Seat belts are by far the most important safety features in vehicles. In addition to holding you in place and preventing you from striking the steering wheel or dashboard with your body, they also prevent you from being ejected during a high-speed collision or a rollover accident. Make it a habit to buckle up as soon as you get in your vehicle, and make sure your loved ones wear their seat belts as well.
Wearing a seat belt is the first step to avoiding serious injuries, but seat belts aren’t as effective as they should be if they aren’t worn properly. Make sure your seat belt fits snugly across your hips and shoulders. You should also make sure your head rest is at the appropriate height and that your seat provides full clearance and room for your lower body.
Until children are around 13 years old, they require special attention and seating arrangements every time they ride in vehicles. Infants up to age 2 should ride in the back in rear-facing safety seats. Kids age 2 to 5 should ride in forward-facing car seats, while children 5 and up should ride in booster seats. Once children are big enough that seat belts fit properly, they can ride without booster seats, but should remain in the back seat until they’re at least 13 years old.
In addition to these tips, you can also reduce your injury risk by removing heavy and loose objects from your vehicle, never sitting too close to the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat in front of you, and if possible, upgrading to a vehicle with modern safety features.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers know that crashes and collisions are an everyday occurrence in Davidson County and throughout the mid-state area. Following safe driving habits and guidelines can help you significantly reduce your risks of being involved in a crash, but they can’t eliminate the possibility. Being prepared for a potential accident by making yourself and your passengers as safe and secure as possible can reduce the chances that you’ll suffer a serious or even life-threatening injury.
If you were hurt in a crash that was caused by a careless driver, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. Our legal team has more than two decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims, and we know what it takes to win. Get in touch with us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form.
