Posted in Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on August 5, 2015
Tractor-Trailer Driver Injured after Crashing into Disabled Vehicle on I-40
The driver of a tractor-trailer suffered injuries after he crashed his truck into a disabled vehicle on Interstate 40 near Briley Parkway Tuesday evening.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-40. The driver and passengers were forced to exit the disabled vehicle and search for assistance in moving it out of the roadway when the truck slammed into the vehicle, pushing it into the median.
The impact of the collision caused four other vehicles nearby to incur damage due to broken glass and debris. Emergency crews transported the driver of the semi-truck to a local hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. No other injuries were reported in the accident.
Because of the amount of debris that ended up on the interstate, two lanes in both the eastbound and westbound sides of I-40 were closed temporarily as emergency responders worked to clear the accident scene.
What Should You Do If You Experience Car Problems on the Highway?
Almost every driver will eventually face a situation where they need assistance on the road. Whether it’s due to a flat tire, running out of gas, or unexpected engine or transmission problems, even the most well-maintained vehicles experience trouble from time to time. What you do during these situations can make a big difference in your risk of being involved in an accident—especially if your vehicle breaks down in an area with high-speed traffic.
To stay safe if you experience car troubles, do your best to follow the tips below:
As soon as you determine that there’s something wrong with your car, use your turn signal and move over to the right side of the road quickly but safely. Once there, begin slowing down and move your vehicle to the far right side of the shoulder, as far away from traffic as possible. The more distance you put between your vehicle and traffic, the safer you’ll be.
If you experienced a flat tire or if you ran out of gas, it’s simply not worth the risk of leaving your vehicle to fix these problems on your own. Changing a tire on the side of a busy high-speed highway or interstate is extremely dangerous, and attempting to walk to a service station can also put you at risk. Instead, call a tow truck to get your flat tire replaced or call TDOT’s emergency help line to get fuel so that you can get back on the road.
The safest place to be when your vehicle breaks down is inside it. Standing near your vehicle on the shoulder of an interstate or highway puts you at risk of suffering serious injuries if another vehicle drifts even a few feet off the roadway. Remain inside your vehicle with your emergency flashers turned on to alert other drivers of your presence and wait for help to arrive.
Experiencing car problems is something no driver looks forward to dealing with, but statistically, it’s likely to happen to almost everyone at some point in their lives. The most important thing to remember when dealing with a disabled vehicle is to never attempt any roadside repairs and to never make yourself more vulnerable by getting out of your vehicle for an extended period of time. Call for help and stay in your car at all times instead.
The Nashville car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that safety precautions such as the ones listed above can dramatically reduce risks, but they can’t eliminate them completely. If you were injured in a car or pedestrian accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident-related expenses. To find out how we can help you, just dial (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form.
