Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on October 12, 2015
Driver Flees Scene on I-24 after Causing Accident That Kills Nashville Woman
The driver of a vehicle that crashed in South Nashville on Interstate 24 early Sunday morning and claimed the life of a 32-year-old woman and injured two others fled the scene of the accident shortly after it occurred.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 4 a.m. near mile marker 53 in the eastbound lanes of I-24 near the split with Interstate 440 West.
Nashville Metro Police say that the man still hasn’t been located, but he is described as being Hispanic descent, in his 30s, and around 150 pounds with a mustache. A spokesperson with the MPD says that the vehicle changed lanes, then ran off the road and flipped multiple times before coming to rest after striking a rock wall near the interstate.
Police also say that speed was a factor in the collision, and it appears that the driver didn’t slow down enough to properly navigate the curve in the road. The other two victims in the crash are a 31-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man who were both transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment for serious injuries.
MPD ask any citizens who witnessed the crash or have information about the driver’s whereabouts to contact them immediately at (615) 862-8600.
What Should You Do If You Were Involved in an Accident That Causes Injuries?
Being involved in an auto accident that causes injuries—whether it’s you, your passengers, or someone in other vehicle—is a situation that can change your life forever. Even if you aren’t seriously hurt, it’s vital that you take the right steps in the hours, days, and weeks after the accident to protect your family and to make sure the injured victims are able to get the medical attention they need.
Do your best to follow these tips after the accident:
Seconds count after a serious car accident, and the sooner emergency medical crews can arrive on the scene, the better the prognosis will be for anyone who suffered serious injuries. Call 911 right away and provide your current location and the severity of the injuries that you or your passengers suffered.
If your vehicle is blocking traffic or in danger of being struck by other vehicles, try to move it out of the way. Tennessee law protects drivers from being considered “at-fault” for moving their vehicles after accidents. However, don’t move your vehicle and don’t move any victims if they appear to be seriously injured, as even small movements can make injuries worse.
Car accidents that involve injuries require extensive documentation. That’s why it’s vital that you never leave the scene of an accident until police arrive and fully investigate what happened and write their report. During this time, remember to never admit fault for the accident, as many drivers wrongly assume they caused their accidents.
Having an attorney on your side after an accident where injuries occurred can make a big difference in your ability to get compensation—especially if you or loved ones are facing expensive medical bills and an extended time period away from work. An attorney can build a strong claim on your behalf and stand up to the insurance company.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville auto accident attorneys knows that many car accident victims have been in this situation before, and it can be difficult to understand how important the immediate steps after an accident can be for your future. That’s why simply declining to talk about the accident until you’ve spoken with an attorney can make a big difference in your ability to receive compensation.
If you or someone you love was recently injured in a car accident in Middle Tennessee, our legal team wants to help you get the money you deserve. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form today.
