Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on August 4, 2016
11 Van Passengers Injured after Crash in Spring Hill
A 15-passenger van rolled over and ended up on its side in Maury County late Sunday morning, resulting in 11 people onboard suffering injuries.
According to a report by WSMV.com, the accident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. on Interstate 65 near Sylvester Chunn Highway in Spring Hill. An investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol indicated that the crash involved at least two vehicles, and the impact of the collision may have caused the van to roll onto its side.
Emergency responders with the Maury County, Spring Hill, and Columbia fire departments responded to the accident scene to assist the victims and rescue two people who were trapped inside the van.
Several of the victims were transported to local hospitals, with five requiring transportation and treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Pictures of the crash scene show that a white pickup truck was also involved in the accident, and it’s unclear if the driver or any passengers in the truck suffered injuries during the collision.
Tips for Driving with Multiple Passengers in Your Vehicle
Whether you’re driving your immediate family in your car or you’re driving a large group of people in a passenger van, it’s important to be aware of how their presence should change your driving habits.
When you carry passengers in your vehicle, you are responsible for their safety and well-being. Engaging in negligent driving behaviors can put them at risk and can lead to them suffering serious injuries.
To drive as safely as possible when you have multiple passengers in your vehicle, do your best to follow these tips:
Wearing a seat belt is the most important thing anyone can do when they get inside a vehicle, so it’s vital that you ensure your passengers buckle up right away when they enter your car, truck, SUV, or van. If you have small children riding with you, make sure they are properly restrained with the correct safety seats that are appropriate for their height, weight, and age.
Adding multiple passengers to your vehicle increases its weight and can change the way it handles and performs. If you’re driving a large vehicle capable of carrying several passengers, the vehicle may already weigh significantly more than standard passenger vehicles. No matter what type of vehicle you’re driving, you should always be extra cautious when carrying passengers by leaving more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, taking turns at slow speeds, and reducing your speed as early as possible when approaching red lights and stop signs.
One of the biggest risks that drivers and passengers face during car accidents is being struck by loose objects inside vehicles. Transporting several passengers—especially when traveling on road trips or vacations—often means transporting large personal items like bags, suitcases, and pieces of luggage. When driving with these items, make sure they are properly secured or placed in an area away from seating, like in your trunk or your vehicle’s cargo space.
Carrying extra passengers can reduce your vehicle’s ability to accelerate, and this effect is even more pronounced in large passenger vans. When merging onto high-speed roadways like highways and interstates, avoid changing lanes or attempting to overtake traffic until your vehicle has reached normal driving speed—even if it means staying in the on-ramp lane for longer than usual.
Driving multiple passengers in a standard car, truck, or SUV—and driving a large group in a large passenger van—can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re not used to the unique distractions and challenges this situation often creates. You can keep yourself and your passengers safe by knowing the limitations of your vehicle and focusing on driving as safely as possible.
If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, the Spring Hill car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law want to speak with you. Our Middle Tennessee-based legal team has more than two decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of victims like you, and we know what it takes to win.
To find out how we can build a strong claim for you, just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
