Posted in Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on March 4, 2016
Interstate 40 Shuts Down after Two Semi-Trucks Collide in Dickson County
A stretch of Interstate 40 between State Route 840 and Highway 46 briefly closed on Friday after two semi-trucks collided in the westbound lanes.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred around 11:30 a.m. The crash caused at least one person to suffer injuries, but it’s unknown at this time how serious the injuries are or if anyone else was hurt as a result of the collision. Both trucks flipped over and ended up on their sides due to the impact of the crash.
A spokesperson with the Tennessee Highway Patrol told reporters that drivers who are passing through the area were being detoured to State Route 840 and Highway 100, and then reconnecting with I-40 via Highway 48 and exit 163.
The THP also told reporters that the closure caused traffic to become extremely congested in the area, especially at Highway 46 at exit 172.
THP troopers and police are still investigating the crash scene to determine what happened. The interstate reopened to traffic around 1 p.m. Friday afternoon.
Tips for Driving Safely near Big Trucks
Truck accidents are always major incidents on highways and interstates. Whether it’s a single-vehicle accident, an accident involving passenger vehicles, or an accident involving other big trucks, the results of a truck accident can range from lane closures and minor injuries to entire interstates closing for several hours and life-threatening injuries.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville truck accident attorneys have handled many truck collision cases, and we know that the best way for drivers to avoid them is to know how to drive safely near big trucks.
Here are some of the most important tips to follow for staying safe when sharing lanes or driving next to semi-trucks and tractor-trailers:
Semi-trucks are massive vehicles. In addition to outweighing passenger vehicles by tens of thousands of pounds, they can also reach dozens of feet in length and may take up all available room in a single lane of traffic. When you’re driving near a big truck on a highway or interstate, never encroach on the space surrounding it, even if you’re attempting to change lanes or pass another vehicle. Trucks are much more difficult to slow down, stop, or maneuver around potential obstacles, and the more room and time you give truck drivers, the safer you’ll be.
All vehicles have blind spots, but because truck drivers sit high up off the road and their vehicles are so large, their blind spots are much larger and more numerous than those on passenger vehicles. When driving near semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, it’s imperative to avoid driving in the four “no-zones,” which include the areas directly in front of and behind the truck and the areas directly to the left and right of the cab and trailer.
In order for a truck driver to safely complete a turn, he or she may need to swing out into multiple lanes of traffic in order for the trailer to clear obstacles, such as buildings, guard rails, or sidewalks. After swinging out, the truck driver may correct the truck’s positioning and move back into its initial lane on the right side of the roadway. Many truck accidents occur when drivers turn at the same time as trucks in the far right lane. When truck drivers complete their turns, drivers in the right lanes may get pushed off the road or sideswiped by truck trailers.
The rules above apply to drivers all of vehicles, whether they’re behind the wheel of cars, SUVs, or even their own large commercial vehicles. Truck drivers have their own responsibilities and duties for driving safely, including ones that are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. But to keep roadways in Middle Tennessee as safe as possible, it’s also important for drivers of other vehicles to recognize the limitations and unique driving situations that truck drivers face.
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, our Nashville truck accident lawyers may be able to help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how we can assist you and your family during this time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
