Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on October 16, 2015
Car Accident in Fayetteville, Tennessee, Kills 2, Seriously Injures 2 Others
A car accident in Fayetteville, Tennessee, early Saturday morning claimed two lives and put two other people in the hospital due to the injuries they suffered in the accident.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 3 a.m. at Washington Street and First Avenue when the driver of the vehicle failed to properly navigate a curve. The driver lost control and crashed the vehicle first into a nearby pole and then into a stone wall at Rose Hill Cemetery. One person who was killed in the crash was from Georgia, while the other person who was fatally injured was from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.
In addition, the two surviving victims were flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center via LifeFlight helicopter in order to receive immediate treatment for their injuries. According to police, the identities of the victims have yet to be released. Police are also still investigating the accident to determine what happened and what caused the driver to lose control and strike the stone wall.
How Can You Stay Safe when Driving Late at Night or Early in the Morning?
The safest time to drive is during daylight hours when visibility is at its highest and other drivers are at their most alert. However, many drivers in Tennessee are on the road at odd hours due to working third-shift and overnight shifts at their jobs. If you frequently drive after sunset or just before sunrise, it’s important to remember that driving during these hours can be more dangerous due to reduced visibility.
To reduce your chances of being involved in an accident while driving at night or early in the morning, do your best to follow the tips below:
Your headlights are the most important equipment on your vehicle when you drive at night. Not only do they illuminate the road in front of you, but they also make you visible to other drivers. Get in the habit of turning them on immediately as soon as you get in your vehicle—even if you’re driving before the sun sets or you’re driving shortly after the sun comes up. In addition, make sure to temporarily turn off your bright lights when passing other drivers.
Many animals are nocturnal and end up in or near roadways at night when they are most active. That makes driving near wooded areas particularly dangerous at night, as it can be difficult to see animals until your vehicle is close to striking them. Always drive cautiously when passing through areas with dense wooded areas nearby, and be prepared to stop for deer and other large animals that may jump in front of your vehicle.
Driving during off-peak hours is normal for many people, especially if it’s part of their daily routine, but for others it can be particularly dangerous due to the fatigue and sleepiness commonly experienced during this time of day. Always avoid driving late at night or early in the morning if you don’t feel rested. Doing so not only makes you more likely to make serious judgment errors, but it also makes you more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville auto accident attorneys knows that sleep-deprivation, failure to use headlights, and proceeding without caution on dangerous roadways are all major risk factors for drivers when it’s dark outside. Driving is inherently a risky activity, and driving at night only increases the risks that all drivers face. But by doing your best to focus on safety, you can significantly reduce your likelihood of being involved in an accident.
If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Get in touch with our legal team today to find out how we may be able to help you and your family. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.