Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on December 12, 2014
Four Hospitalized after Multi-Car Pileup in Sevierville
A collision involving several vehicles sent four people to the hospital Sunday afternoon in Sevierville, Tennessee.
According to WVLT, the crash occurred at the intersection of Simmons Road near Chapman Highway. Emergency responders who were called to the scene of the accident told reporters that four people suffered injuries in the crash and were taken by ambulance to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. One person injured in the crash was in critical condition.
There is still no word on what caused the crash, but the Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the accident scene to determine who is to blame.
The Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law hope everyone involved in the accident has a quick and full recovery from their injuries.
Tips for Avoiding Accidents at Intersections
As this accident highlights, driving through intersections can be one of the most dangerous things most people do on a daily basis when they get behind the wheel. Traffic lights and stop signs are designed to make intersections safer, but they don’t always stop accidents from happening.
To help keep yourself and your family safe when driving through intersections, do your best to follow these safety tips:
If the intersection you’re approaching has a stop sign, always come to a complete stop. Not only is it required by the law, but it also forces you to stop and look both ways before crossing. Many people get into the habit of rolling through stop signs or treating them like yield signs, and they may neglect to make sure the road is free from approaching vehicles before pulling out.
At stop signs or blinking red lights, follow the right of way to avoid entering the intersection at the same time as another driver. At four-way stops, the right of way goes in order starting with the first person to pull up to the white line. After that person pulls out into intersection, the next driver gets the right of way until every driver has had a turn.
If you’re approaching an intersection and the light turns yellow, start slowing down and prepare to stop. Trying to beat the light often means you cross the intersection when the light is red, and not only is that against the law, but it can also put you and other drivers in danger.
It can be tempting to accelerate immediately when the light turns green—especially if you’re in a hurry—but it could put you directly in the path of any drivers who try to beat their own red lights at the cross street. Instead, wait for a few seconds after the light turns green and slowly accelerate into the intersection. Not only does this help prevent you and your family from being hit by any reckless drivers, but it also saves gas and reduces the overall wear and tear on your vehicle.
If you’re turning left into an intersection, always give oncoming traffic plenty of time and only pull out when the coast is clear of approaching vehicles. Things like sunlight, dips in the road, elevation changes, and other factors can make it difficult to accurately judge the speed of approaching vehicles, and that can lead to a collision if you pull out and the driver of an oncoming vehicle doesn’t time to slow down or stop.
Traffic intersections are dangerous places for drivers and their passengers, but exercising caution and paying close attention to the road and your surroundings can make a big difference in your chances of being involved in an accident.
If you or someone you love were hurt in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law have the experience and resources to help you get compensation for your injuries and expenses. Contact us today at (615) 200-1111 or fill out our free form.
