Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 22, 2016
200+ Accidents Reported in Nashville, Including 12 with Injuries
A second round of winter weather crippled roadways in Middle Tennessee on Friday, and more than 200 accidents were reported in Nashville alone—including 12 where injuries occurred.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accidents occurred between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. as snow and ice accumulated on roadways, highways, and interstates in the mid-state area. In addition to a huge number of accidents, hundreds of motorists were also trapped in their vehicles on interstates around Nashville due to gridlocked traffic.
WSMV reported that the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency issued a state of emergency due to the extreme conditions caused by the winter storm, and Governor Bill Haslam closed all state offices on Friday due to the dangerous road conditions.
A spokesperson with the Tennessee Highway Patrol urges drivers to stay off the roadways if possible due to the risks of driving, and many vehicles have been abandoned due to accidents and mechanical problems.
He added that if Middle Tennessee residents have no choice but to leave their homes, they should make sure they have a full tank of gas, extra blankets and coats, and snacks in their cars before they leave in the event they get stuck or have an emergency.
Tips for Winter Weather Driving from the THP
Although the THP is recommending that all would-be drivers stay home until the snow and ice melt, that’s not always possible for people in Middle Tennessee. Salt trucks have treated many of the roads in and around Nashville, but continuous snowfall and ice accumulation continues to make roadways treacherous and drivers at high risk of being involved in accidents.
If you have no choice but to leave your home to get to school or work, follow these tips from the THP and our Nashville auto accident attorneys:
If you lose control of your vehicle and are involved in a fender bender—or if you are hit by another vehicle from behind—don’t block traffic and wait for police to arrive if no one was injured in the accident. Instead, exchange insurance and contact information and continue on your way to avoid blocking the roadway and potentially causing additional accidents.
With snow piling up to half of a foot or more in certain places in Nashville, snow plows are essential for keeping major roadways clear for traffic. If you’re driving near a snowplow, stay back and give the vehicle and the driver plenty of room to operate safely. Snowplows may travel slower than normal traffic, and it’s important to avoid cutting them off or changing lanes in front of them.
THP has reported that many vehicles have been abandoned on roadways throughout Nashville and the surrounding areas, causing more traffic gridlock and putting drivers and passengers at risk when they exit their vehicles. If you get stuck in the snow or on a roadway due to the winter weather, call 911 and ask for help.
It’s important that you know exactly where you are at all times in the event of an emergency. By frequently checking mile marker signs on the interstate and landmarks on highways, you can provide more accurate information about your location to police if you’re involved in an accident or need immediate help due to an emergency.
Friday’s winter weather storm is expected to last through the weekend, as temperatures may not rise above freezing until Sunday afternoon. Nashville residents are advised to stay home and avoid the roads if possible due to the risks associated with driving. But if you have to leave, the tips provided by the THP above can help you stay safe.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident during the winter weather and it was caused by a negligent or careless driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. Get in touch with Matt Hardin Law today to find out how our legal team can fight for your rights. Dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
