Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury on February 8, 2017
Head-On Crash in Springfield Injures 3
A head-on collision near Springfield, Tennessee, caused three people to suffer serious injuries late Sunday morning.
Per a report by Smokey Barn News, the accident occurred at around 10 a.m. on Highway 49 between Wilks Rd and Owens Chapel Rd.
An investigation by police revealed that the crash involved a pickup truck and a Corvette, which collided head-on. The Corvette was traveling north while the pickup truck was heading south when the two vehicles collided.
Both occupants of the Corvette were seriously injured, and the driver was transported via LifeFlight helicopter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment, while his passenger was transported via ground ambulance to Skyline Medical Center.
The driver of the pickup truck also suffered serious injuries and was transported to NorthCrest Medical Center in Springfield.
Emergency responders closed all but one lane of traffic on the highway as they worked to treat the victims, clear the scene, and investigate the accident, causing traffic delays for several hours.
Crews with the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office, Robertson County EMS, and Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to the accident.
What Are Common Causes of Head-On Collisions?
Because head-on collisions are so dangerous and so likely to cause victims to suffer serious injuries, it’s important for drivers to understand their primary causes. Knowing the factors that often lead to head-on collisions can not only help you avoid causing a head-on collision, but it can also help you avoid being struck by another vehicle.
Some of the most common factors that contribute to these types of accidents include:
Whether it’s entering a highway or interstate heading in the wrong direction, or making a wrong turn down a one-way street, wrong-way driving is one of the most common causes of head-on collisions. Drivers who enter roadways traveling the wrong way are extremely dangerous, as these accidents often occur at night and when the driver is impaired or intoxicated. To avoid these accidents, pay close attention to road signs and pull over immediately if you notice a vehicle heading the wrong way.
When a driver fails to pay attention to the roadway, his or her vehicle can drift several feet in the blink of an eye. That’s enough for vehicles to cross into other lanes and even across medians, putting them directly in the path of oncoming traffic. To avoid these accidents, never use your cell phone or smartphone while you’re driving, avoid texting, and use handsfree devices if you need to make a phone call.
Passing is allowed on many roadways in Tennessee, but only if it’s a multi-lane roadway or a section of a roadway that’s marked with broken yellow lines. Those lines indicate that there’s sufficient visibility to safely pass other vehicles. However, when roadways are painted with solid yellow lines, it means it’s not safe to pass due to blind curves and elevation changes. To avoid these accidents, pass only when it’s necessary and never in areas where it’s prohibited by law.
When visibility is poor due to fog, or roadways are slick due to ice, rain, and snow, drivers should significantly reduce their speed and proceed with caution. Poor visibility can make drivers more likely to drift into other lanes and across medians, or even enter roadways traveling in the wrong direction. Speeding while driving on slick asphalt can make vehicles prone to hydroplaning, increasing the risk of head-on accidents. To avoid these accidents, make sure you reduce your speed below the speed limit when weather or road conditions are dangerous.
Head-on collisions can cause victims to suffer all types of auto accident-related injuries, such as head injuries, neck and back injuries, and even internal injuries. Victims often become partially or completely disabled for months, weeks, years, or even a lifetime, making it impossible for them to go back to work and earn a living.
If you or someone you know was hurt in a head-on collision that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys know how to build claims and get victims like you full compensation for things like medical bills and lost wages. Get in touch with us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form.
