Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on January 5, 2015
Accident on I-24 Near Chattanooga Causes Injuries and Long Traffic Delays
An accident on Interstate 24 in Marion County, Tennessee, Sunday evening caused multiple injuries and traffic to back up for several hours while emergency crews cleaned up the wreckage.
According to a report by newschannel9.com, the accident occurred when a van rear-ended a tractor-trailer truck. The accident caused both vehicles to catch on fire. Witnesses reported that the truck was carrying ice cream, which spilled all over the interstate as a result of the crash.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that the accident, which happened at mile marker 156 on I-24, caused traffic to be diverted off exit 155 as emergency responders worked to clear the roadway.
The THP also stated that occupants of either the van or the tractor-trailer suffered injuries, but there is no word yet on the severity or their current conditions.
After working for several hours to clear the mess, the THP and emergency responders reported that all lanes of I-24 in Marion County reopened around 9 p.m. Sunday.
What Should You Do If You’re Involved in an Accident on the Interstate?
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers know that every car accident is serious, but ones that occur on the interstate are especially dangerous due to high speeds and large amounts of traffic. If you’re ever involved in an accident on the interstate, immediately call 911 and follow these tips to better protect you and your family from suffering further injuries:
If you’ve just been involved in an accident, it’s important to move your vehicle out of the roadway as soon as possible. Not only does keeping your vehicle in the middle of the road impede traffic and emergency responders’ ability to reach you, but it also puts you and your family in danger of being struck by another oncoming vehicle.
If your accident occurred in an area without a shoulder or median on the sides of the road, try to move your vehicle to an area with plenty of clearance from oncoming traffic. Not all sections of the interstate have safe shoulders or areas to pull over, but if you’re near one, it’s best to move your vehicle away from the accident scene and to safety. Keep in mind that Tennessee law prevents drivers from being considered at-fault for moving their vehicles after accidents.
If the accident caused your vehicle to become disabled or unsafe to drive even a short distance, stay inside it with your seatbelt on, turn your hazard lights on, and wait for emergency crews to arrive. Although it’s never ideal to stay in the path of oncoming traffic, staying inside your car is still much safer than getting out and attempting to cross the highway, especially if vehicles are still approaching at high speeds.
All auto accidents have the potential to cause serious internal injuries, but ones that occur on the interstate at high speeds can be particularly dangerous. That’s why it’s important to get a full medical exam from a doctor to rule out any potential injuries that may take time to show up or become symptomatic.
All of the safe driving tips in the world can’t prevent 100 percent of auto accidents from occurring, but following the tips above and immediately calling 911 after an accident can help prevent bad situations from becoming worse.
If you or someone you love was hurt in an accident on the interstate involving a big truck or other vehicle, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Nashville truck accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law have years of experience helping victims just like you, and we know all the ins and outs of Tennessee law. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free form to get in touch with our legal professionals today.
