Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury on March 6, 2017
Critical Injuries Reported after Accident in Percy Priest on Sunday
A pickup truck left the roadway and crashed into a tree early Sunday morning in Nashville, causing the driver to suffer serious injuries.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the crash occurred at around 4:30 a.m. on Bell Road near Harbor Lights Drive in the Percy Priest Lake neighborhood.
An investigation by officers with Metro Nashville Police revealed that the man’s pickup truck, which was carrying a trailer, suddenly left the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a tree, causing it to fall over into the roadway.
Emergency responders transported the man to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment for his injuries, which were considered critical and life-threatening. After receiving treatment at the hospital, his condition was upgraded and he is expected to survive.
No one else was injured because of the crash, and the man was alone in his truck at the time of the accident. Police closed the southbound lanes of Bell Road and detoured motorists onto Ned Shelton Road as they worked to clear the scene, which included moving the downed tree that the man’s pickup truck hit.
What Are Common Causes of Early Morning Accidents?
Although there are fewer vehicles on the road during the early morning hours, accidents are still common, and both drivers and passengers who are involved in these crashes often suffer serious injuries. If you drive between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. on a regular basis, it’s important to be extremely cautious, even when driving on rural roads, as accidents can still occur at any time.
Some of the most common causes of early morning crashes include:
Drivers who are on the road early in the morning, especially during the week, are often either heading to work or driving home from work. These drivers may be fatigued, exhausted, or sleepy, which can affect their ability to make good decisions while behind the wheel. In some cases, sleep-deprived drivers may even fall asleep while their vehicles are in motion. If you ever feel sleepy or exhausted while driving, pull over to a safe spot immediately and take a quick nap before getting back on the road.
You’re more likely to encounter an intoxicated or impaired driver in the early morning hours than at any other time of day, especially on weekends. Many accidents occur after midnight because people get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. Driving under the influence affects reactions times, judgment, and decision-making—all of which can significantly increase the risk of an accident.
Driving can be more dangerous when it’s harder to see other vehicles and the roadway. That means getting behind the wheel after sunset and before sunrise is often associated with an increased risk of being involved in an accident. If you often drive in the dark, make sure all your vehicle’s lights work properly to not only allow you to better see the roadway, but also to make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle.
Many single-vehicle accidents occur early in the morning due to drivers becoming distracted. Some drivers may feel it’s less risky to read, check and send text messages, or use other electronic devices behind the wheel when there are fewer vehicles around them. However, distracted driving can cause accidents at any time of day and regardless of traffic density. Keep your eyes, ears, and mind focused on the road whether it’s 4 a.m. or 4 p.m.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville car accident lawyers knows that crashes can and do occur on any day of the week and at any time of day. It’s important to remember that you are vulnerable regardless of when you get behind the wheel, and it’s equally important to recognize the most common causes of accidents that occur during off-peak hours. Knowing those causes can help you avoid making such mistakes and to be able to recognize them in other drivers.
If you or someone you know was injured in an accident regardless of the time of day, our legal team may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We have two decades of experience building strong claims that insurance companies can’t deny, and we know what it takes to win. Dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form to speak with us today.
