Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on February 3, 2016
Multi-Truck Accident Temporarily Closes I-24 West in Nashville
An accident in the westbound lanes of Interstate 24 Wednesday morning between two trucks caused injuries and a temporary road closure.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred in north Nashville near the Briley Parkway exit just before midnight. A spokesperson with the Nashville Metro Police told reporters that the accident occurred when one of the trucks hydroplaned on a wet stretch of road. The driver then lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll onto its side.
After the vehicle flipped over, another large truck that was hauling a trailer slammed into it. The impact of the collision caused the driver of the hydroplaning truck to suffer serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and he was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment.
The debris from the accident forced emergency responders and police to temporarily close down the interstate while they investigated the crash and hauled away the damaged vehicles. All lanes of I-24 West were reopened by around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
3 Facts to Know about Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is a term that refers to vehicle tires sliding or skidding across a wet or slick surface. It most commonly occurs when a tire rolls over more water than it can scatter, causing a buildup of water pressure that temporarily separates the tire’s tread from the roadway. When that happens, drivers can completely lose control of their steering and brakes.
If you ever drive in rainy or wet weather, here are three important facts to know about hydroplaning:
Although it’s possible for water to cause your vehicle to lose traction at any time, it’s most prevalent immediately after a rainstorm or rain shower begins. Oil accumulates on roadways, and when it mixes with the initial accumulation of rainwater, it can cause the roadway to become exceptionally slick—especially for vehicles that are traveling more than 35 miles per hour. That’s why it’s vital for drivers to proceed with caution at all times during inclement weather.
Cruise control is a convenient feature—especially when you’re driving a long distance on a highway or interstate—but it comes at a price during bad weather. Vehicles that are using cruise control when roads are wet or slick are more likely to hydroplane due to a constant acceleration and the lack of ability for drivers to temporarily reduce their speed by letting up on the gas. When the roads are slick, it’s important to never use cruise control.
By its definition, hydroplaning refers to a loss of control, but the impact of that lost control can be minimized if you follow the right steps when you feel your tires begin to lose traction. When you feel your vehicle begin to slide or skid, take your foot off the gas immediately and avoid slamming on your brakes. Instead, steer in the direction you want your car to go, but don’t jerk the wheel. Slow, controlled, and steady movements can help you regain control of your vehicle if hydroplaning occurs.
The Nashville truck accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that hydroplaning is one of the most common causes for accidents during wet and rainy weather, especially when vehicles are traveling at high speed or in dense traffic. Knowing the tips above can help you significantly reduce your risks of being involved in an accident when the roads are slick, and as always, a cautious approach to driving is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe.
If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident during rainy weather that was caused by a careless or negligent driver, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation. Your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and other damages shouldn’t be paid out of your own pocket. To find out how our legal team can fight for your rights during this time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
