Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on October 28, 2015
Multi-Vehicle Accident in Rivergate Closes I-65 in Both Directions Overnight
An accident involving 11 vehicles on Interstate 65 last night caused several lanes of traffic to close down for several hours while police investigated the accident and emergency responders worked to clear the scene.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 10 p.m. near the Vietnam Veterans exit when a tractor-trailer overturned and collided with the median in the southbound lanes of I-65. The impact of that collision caused debris to scatter into the roadway, striking several vehicles and causing another accident to occur nearby.
As a result of the accident, all southbound lanes on I-65 were closed and northbound lanes were partially blocked. All lanes of traffic reopened to traffic around 5 a.m. this morning after the accident scene was cleared and the victims were transported to local hospitals. At least four people are confirmed to have been injured in the accident, but the extents and severity of their injuries is currently unknown.
How Can You Avoid Being the Victim of a Secondary Accident?
Accidents that occur on interstates and other areas of high-speed traffic aren’t just dangerous for the people initially involved—they’re also dangerous for drivers near the accident scene due to the risk of a secondary accident. Secondary accidents occur when drivers swerve to avoid a collision or debris, or they take their eyes off the road momentarily.
Driving near an accident scene can be chaotic and unpredictable, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of being involved in a secondary accident, such as:
One of the primary reasons people are involved in secondary accidents is due to the tendency to turn hard left or right in order to avoid a collision that just occurred. However, turning too hard at a high speed not only puts you at risk of losing control of your vehicle and even rolling over, it also puts you at risk of crashing into vehicles in nearby lanes of traffic.
Even if you aren’t in any immediate danger after an accident, you can still be involved in a collision if you take your eyes off the road momentarily and lose control of your vehicle. Always keep your eyes focused on the road ahead no matter what, as looking away even briefly is sometimes all it takes to be involved in a serious accident—especially if your vehicle begins to drift into the path of other vehicles.
If you’re among the first people to witness an accident, it’s important that you stop your vehicle and call 911 to alert police and emergency medical personnel as soon as possible. However, it’s also important that you protect your own safety first. Don’t pull over until you’re a safe distance away from the crash scene, and don’t stop until you’re at the edge of the shoulder of the road.
Secondary accidents are all too common on highways and interstates throughout Middle Tennessee—especially when the initial accident occurs at high speed and other drivers have very little time to react. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate your chances of being involved in a secondary accident, following the tips above can help reduce your risks.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, the Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law may be able to help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Find out how we can put our two decades of experience to work for your family by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free online consultation form.
