Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on November 27, 2015
Montgomery County Woman Recalls Being Trapped in Vehicle over Creek
A 38-year-old woman from Woodlawn, Tennessee, was recently released from the hospital after being involved in an accident earlier this month that caused her to be trapped in her vehicle that was dangling over a creek.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred when she was involved in a head-on collision that caused her vehicle—a 1992 Honda Accord that she had owned for three days—to careen off the roadway and crash into a small tree. That tree was the only thing that prevented her vehicle from rolling over the edge of the embankment and into the rapids below.
Soon after the accident occurred, a Good Samaritan saw her vehicle and tied it to his truck using a rope. That action helped prevent her vehicle from moving closer to the edge of the embankment and gave emergency responders time to arrive at the scene and pull the woman to safety.
As a result of the accident, the woman suffered broken bones in her foot and leg, as well as fractures in her face. The driver of the other vehicle may face charges for their role in the accident, including driving on a revoked license, filing a false report, having an open container, and driving without insurance.
What Should You Do if You’re Trapped in Your Vehicle after an Accident?
Although modern vehicles are designed to absorb impact from collisions in a way that reduces the likelihood that drivers and passengers will suffer serious injuries. It’s not uncommon for occupants to become trapped—especially if the accident occurred head-on or while vehicles were traveling at high rates of speed.
If you’re involved in an accident that causes you or your loved ones to be unable to exit the vehicle, the following tips can help you minimize your risks:
In some cases, it’s impossible for victims to exit vehicles when they’re trapped inside without the help of professional rescue crews and the use of extrication tools. You should always call 911 after an auto accident, and you should also tell the dispatcher if you believe that someone may be trapped inside your vehicle or another vehicle that was involved.
If someone is trapped inside a vehicle that was involved in the accident, never try to move them or pull them from the wreckage yourself. Moving victims who have head or neck injuries is extremely dangerous, and attempting to forcefully pull someone out of a vehicle when they are pinned inside can put them at risk for suffering serious lacerations and broken bones.
If you or a loved one is trapped inside your vehicle, the biggest threat you may be facing is fire or injuries caused by smoke inhalation. If your vehicle is still running after the accident, turn it off right away if you’re able to do so. If you’re able to exit the vehicle and someone else is trapped inside, you should also turn off the fuel pump to further reduce the risk of a fire breaking out as a result of the accident.
Accidents that cause drivers and passengers to become trapped inside their vehicles are often traumatic and have the potential of causing serious injuries, but calling for help right away, never moving victims who may have suffered head or neck injuries, and turning off the vehicle or fuel pump can help reduce the risks that you and your loved ones face.
If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, our Clarksville auto accident attorneys may be able to help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and more. To find out how we can help, contact Matt Hardin Law today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free online consultation form.
