Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 9, 2015
Major Crash Closed Interstate 440 for Two Hours on Wednesday Afternoon
A serious accident on Interstate 440 in Nashville, Tennessee, caused multiple injuries and left the roadway blocked for hours as emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage.
According a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred near the exit to Murphy Road and West End Avenue around 1:20 p.m. The wreckage caused a blockage of the westbound lanes of Interstate 440 for several hours, and an eastbound lane of the roadway was also closed.
Three fire trucks and an ambulance were called to the scene of the accident to assist in helping the victims and clearing the roadway of wreckage and debris. According to the report, the wreckage was cleared and all westbound lanes were reopened around 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Information about the severity of the injuries or how many victims were involved in the accident hasn’t been released at this time. The Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law hope everyone involved in the accident has a quick and full recover from their injuries.
Why is Interstate Driving More Dangerous than Driving on Other Roads?
Although all roadways pose dangers to drivers, interstates can be more dangerous for several reasons, such as:
The average speed limit on interstates in the U.S. is 70 miles per hour. Physics dictate that accidents that occur at high speeds are much more likely to result in serious injuries than accidents that occur at low speeds. Even interstates with lowered speed limits still often allow drivers to exceed 55 miles per hour, which is much faster than many urban roadways.
Rush hour traffic is a common sight on interstates during the morning and afternoon commutes, and driving at high speeds in close proximity to thousands of other vehicles can dramatically increase the chances of having an accident. The more cars there are on the road at any given time, the less space drivers have to maneuver and the less time they have to react to the cars around them.
Drivers who suffer car problems or who are involved in minor accidents can often easily pull their vehicles over to the side of the road on most roadways. However, many sections of interstates, especially through urban areas, don’t have sufficient shoulders for drivers to pull over to safety during emergency situations. That can put them and their passengers in danger of being struck by a passing vehicle.
Because of their high volumes of traffic, interstates often need frequent road work. The presence of construction sites on roadways is not only dangerous to drivers due to changes in road conditions or sudden reduced speed limits, but they can also be dangerous to the workers themselves. Although road work sites are indicated with signs and heavily patrolled by police and state troopers, they can be difficult to see at night and pose serious hazards to drivers.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident attorneys know that interstates pose a unique set of dangers for drivers and passengers. That’s why it’s vital for all drivers to always follow the posted speed limits and watch for road crews. However, we also know that accidents can still occur no matter how many precautions are taken.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident on an interstate, our legal professionals want to hear from you. We have years of experience recovering compensation for accident victims for things ranging from lost wages and medical bills to vehicle repairs and pain and suffering. Don’t wait to get the help you need—contact us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or by filling out a free online form.
