Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 2, 2015
Crash on Interstate 40 in Mount Juliet Kills 1, Injures Another
A serious accident on Interstate 40 in Wilson County, Tennessee, led to the death of one man and serious injuries to his passenger late Friday night.
According to a report by wsmv.com, the accident occurred when the man was driving his vehicle on I-40 and collided with another vehicle near mile marker 230 in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. The impact of the accident caused the man to lose control of his vehicle, causing it to then flip before landing right-side up.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports that the driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by the time emergency crews arrived, while the passenger was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment of severe injuries. There is no word on whether the driver of the other vehicle suffered any injuries in the accident.
THP is still investigating the cause of the accident at this time.
The Mount Juliet car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law express our condolences to the family of the man who lost his life in this tragic accident.
What Are Common Causes of Interstate Crashes?
Because of the high speeds and heavy congestion, interstates pose unique dangers to drivers and passengers. Some of the most common causes of accidents on interstates include:
Most interstates feature long stretches of flat roads with few bends or curves. However, drivers often end up inadvertently drifting out of their lanes and into the lanes of other drivers due to brief moments of distraction. Everything from changing the radio station and texting on a cell phone to eating or putting on makeup can distract drivers from focusing on the road—and that’s all it takes to cause a serious distracted driving accident on the interstate.
The monotony of interstate driving—especially late at night or early in the morning—also puts drivers at risk of suffering from highway hypnosis. This is a condition that causes drivers to lose focus on the road and become drowsy due to the repetitive nature of interstate driving. Drivers who are sleep-deprived or taking medications that cause drowsiness are also at serious risk of becoming sleepy behind the wheel—and that can result in lowered reaction times, impaired judgment, and ultimately, life-threatening car accidents.
Although the speed limit on most interstates in Tennessee is 70 miles per hour, many drivers exceed that by anywhere from five to 15 miles per hour on a regular basis. Exceeding the speed limit not only puts themselves and their passengers at risk, but it also puts other drivers at risk as well. In addition, poor driving habits like following too closely, changing lanes erratically, or erratic braking can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles in highly-congested areas.
Like drivers who are drowsy or distracted, intoxicated drivers simply aren’t fit to be behind the wheel of their vehicles. Whether they’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, intoxicated drivers experience a host of symptoms that make driving incredibly dangerous, including blurred vision, reduced inhibitions, sluggish reaction times, and poor coordination. The combination of these factors can prove deadly, especially at the high speeds required of interstate driving.
At Matt Hardin Law, we urge all drivers in Tennessee to exercise caution any time they drive on the interstate. Not only is it important to save your own life, but it could also save the lives of others as well.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident on an interstate, highway, or any other roadway in Tennessee, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. Contact our Mount Juliet car accident attorneys today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free online form. We’re here to help you move forward after your accident.
