Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 10, 2015
Potholes Wreaking Havoc on Vehicles throughout the State
An annoying and potentially dangerous side effect of the winter storms that thrashed the Middle Tennessee area during the past month are huge potholes that have developed on major roads, highways, and interstates.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the potholes have popped up throughout the Nashville area and are causing drivers to experience flat tires, damage to their vehicles, and even serious accidents.
In response to the damage to the roads caused by the winter storm, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has begun filling in the potholes since the first winter storm subsided at the end of February.
Many of the potholes that formed throughout the area are located in areas that make it difficult for drivers to avoid them—especially if they are driving in the rain or at night.
A representative for Metro Public Works stated that road crews fill potholes within 24 to 48 hours after receiving a first report, but many have gone unaddressed in the Nashville metro area.
The Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law know how dangerous potholes can be to drivers, and we hope everyone in the Middle Tennessee area is able to avoid them while road crews work to repair any damaged roadways.
What Makes Potholes Dangerous to Drivers?
Potholes are one of the biggest obstacles drivers face on roadways in Tennessee, and the problem has only gotten worse in recent weeks. Potholes are hazardous because:
Many potholes have a depth of one foot or more, which can cause extreme damage to tires that fall into them. Vehicles traveling at high speeds are at especially high risk of suffering blowouts and damaged tires if their tires roll over untreated or deep potholes. In addition, even shallow potholes can cause damage due to the sharp and jagged edges formed when the asphalt breaks apart.
Drivers have a natural instinct to avoid hazards in the road, including potholes. By in the process of trying to avoid potholes, they may swing out into traffic or into adjacent lanes, causing a chain reaction of drivers swerving and increasing the changes of a serious accident occurring. In some cases, drivers may simply strike other vehicles while trying to steer away from potholes, making potholes one of the biggest secondary causes of traffic accidents.
Even if a pothole doesn’t cause tires to burst, it can still cause drivers to temporarily lose control of their vehicles due to the impact it can have on wheels and their orientation on the vehicle. Drivers who hit potholes at high speeds can suddenly find their vehicles drifting to the left or right—especially if the wheel is damaged—and any sudden movements to correct the vehicle’s direction can cause serious accidents.
Although many potholes can be avoided or simply driven over slowly due to cautious driving and keeping a close eye on the road, they can often be hidden due to things like rain accumulation and snow. Drivers who can’t see potholes in their path are more likely to suffer vehicle damage and even lose control of their cars due to being unprepared for the impact of hitting the pothole—especially if it occurs on an interstate or highway at high speeds.
At Matt Hardin Law, our team of Nashville car accident attorneys hopes that city road crews in the city and throughout the Middle Tennessee area will have the roads back in great shape as soon as possible to help reduce the risks of serious accidents.
If you or someone you love was injured in a vehicle accident caused by another person’s negligence, contact our legal professionals today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free online form. We know the ins-and-outs of Tennessee accident law, and we have what it takes to get our clients maximum compensation for their expenses.
