Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on July 21, 2016
Wrong-Way Accident Injures 6 near Downtown Nashville
A vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on Interstate 40 in Nashville resulted in a head-on crash and six people suffering injuries near the downtown area early Wednesday morning.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred just after midnight when a vehicle entered the interstate traveling in the wrong direction near Lafayette and Fourth Avenue.
Shortly after the vehicle entered the interstate traveling in the wrong direction, it collided with another vehicle that was carrying four passengers—a man, woman, and two children—near Second Avenue.
A report by Metro Nashville Police indicates that some of the victims suffered serious injuries during the accident. Police administered a toxicology test to the driver of the wrong-way vehicle to determine if he or she was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
No charges have been filed at this time, and the crash is still under investigation.
What Causes Wrong-Way Accidents?
Wrong-way accidents are incredibly dangerous due to the fact that they often result in head-on collisions. In addition, they also frequently occur on highways and interstates where vehicles travel at high speeds, making the risk of serious and life-threatening injuries even higher for victims. Drivers can reduce their risks of causing these types of crashes by being aware of their most common causes, which includes the following:
A large percentage of wrong-way crashes are due to drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications. When drivers are impaired in a manner that affects their judgment, vision, and decision-making processes, they may inadvertently enter highways and interstates while traveling in the wrong direction. Because of their altered mental states, they may not realize they are heading the wrong way until it’s too late.
Exit ramps for highways and interstates are clearly marked with “Exit Only – Do Not Enter” signs. However, when drivers are being careless or negligent, they may fail to observe these signs. This is more common at night or during other times of poor visibility. When entering a highway or interstate, drivers should always be highly observant of the location of exits and on-ramps in order to avoid a potentially deadly mistake.
Traffic heading in opposite directions is divided by just a small strip of grass on many highways and interstates. That means accidents can commonly cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and cross the median, creating a significant risk of a head-on collision. Drivers who are sleepy or fatigued are also at risk of nodding off and their vehicles drifting into the median and into the path of oncoming traffic.
Many urban and downtown areas are full of one-way streets. While the majority of these streets are clearly marked, especially for drivers who are approaching intersections or stopped at stop signs and traffic lights, some may have signage that’s more difficult to see, especially at night or during times of low visibility. Drivers who are unfamiliar with an urban area are more likely to drive down a one-way street heading in the wrong direction, putting themselves and others at serious risk of a head-on crash.
The consequences of wrong-way accidents are almost always severe for victims. Injuries caused by head-on crashes can range from concussions and traumatic brain injuries to whiplash and spinal cord damage. At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys know that victims of wrong-way accidents often suffer debilitating and even life-threatening injuries, and we also know that they’re often unable to pay for their medical expenses when they’re too hurt to go back to work.
If you or someone you love was injured in a wrong-way accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how our legal team can put its two decades of combined experience to work for your family, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form today.
