Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 23, 2015
Multi-Car Accident on I-240 in Memphis Kills 1
A serious car accident on Interstate 240 in Memphis, Tennessee, claimed the line of a 25-year-old man Sunday morning.
According to a report by wmcactionnews5.com, the accident occurred around in the early morning hours of Sunday when a black Buick struck another vehicle in the eastbound lanes of I-240 near the Poplar Avenue and Walnut Grove Road exits.
After the initial accident occurred, a white Pontiac also struck the Buick. The impact of the collision caused the driver of the Buick, a 25-year-old male, to suffer fatal injuries.
Police say that the driver of the Pontiac and his passenger left the vehicle, got into another car, and left the scene of the accident. Memphis police eventually found the driver and his passenger and arrested both.
The driver is being charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, DUI, reckless driving, public intoxication, and driving with a suspended license, while his passenger is being charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
The collision caused the eastbound lanes of I-240 to experience significant backups, as cleanup crews were forced to close all but one lane of the interstate.
The Memphis car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law extend our condolences to the family of the victim who died in this tragic accident.
What are the Dangers of Drunk Driving?
Everyone knows driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law, but what makes it so dangerous? Our legal team has handled countless auto accident cases involving drunk drivers, and we know that drivers under the influence are much more likely to cause serious accidents because:
Being able to quickly react to the things happening around you is an important part of being a safe driver. But because alcohol significantly increases the amount of time it takes for drivers to react to the movements of other vehicles and process the huge amount of information they take in while driving, they’re far more likely to be a half-second too late when it comes applying their brakes or shifting lanes near other vehicles.
Most drivers are risk-averse and just want to get to their destinations safely. That means driving slowly, cautiously, and predictably. However, drivers who are intoxicated may feel less inhibited while behind the wheel—and that means safe driving habits turn into risky behavior, such as speeding, weaving in between cars in heavy traffic, running red lights, and take turns too fast. All of these behaviors can lead to serious accidents.
Being able to clearly the see the road ahead and any upcoming obstacles is vital for all drivers. However, alcohol intoxication causes visual impairment, which can range from watery eyes to sensitivity to light to an inability to focus the eyes on one place for an extended period of time. Drivers who can’t see clearly can’t drive safely.
Intoxicated drivers are far more likely to run stop signs, drive down one-way streets, follow other vehicles too closely, and exceed speed limits not just because it impairs their inhibitions, but also because it impairs their judgment. Wrong-way crashes are especially deadly for drunk drivers and other motorists on the road, as drivers who are intoxicated may fail to see warning signs before entering highway or interstate exits going the wrong way.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Memphis car accident attorneys know the devastation and heartbreak that drunk driving can bring to victims and their families, and we urge all drivers to never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs or medication that can interfere with their driving ability.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, our legal team wants to help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Get in touch with us today by dialing (901) 201-4478 or filling out a free online form.
