Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on February 25, 2015
Multi-Vehicle Accident Snarls Traffic on I-65 in Brentwood
An accident involving multiple vehicles caused traffic to slow down significantly on Interstate 65 near Old Hickory Boulevard in Brentwood, Tennessee, Wednesday morning.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 9 a.m. Witnesses at the scene say that two vehicles had veered off the roadway near the exit ramp, while a third vehicle had stopped sideways in the middle of the road as a result of the accident.
First responders at the crash scene included two fire trucks and an ambulance to treat the victims and help clear the roadway. The accident caused traffic to back up for several miles, causing significant delays during the morning rush hour.
Road crews were able to tow the disabled vehicles and clear the wreckage within an hour of the accident occurring. At this time, there is no word on the extent of the victims’ injuries.
The Brentwood car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law hope any injuries suffered by the victims of this accident are minor and that they’ll experience full recoveries as soon as possible.
Staying Safe while Driving Near an Accident Scene
Traffic accidents can occur despite the most cautious and vigilant driving habits and behavior. Because of the sheer volume of cars on the interstates and highways in Middle Tennessee, it’s not uncommon to either pass a recent accident or get caught in traffic while one is being cleared. To do your part in keeping yourself and others around you safe when you’re near an accident scene, try to follow these tips:
One of the biggest threats to auto accident victims or people with broken down vehicles is oncoming traffic. If you see a disabled vehicle up ahead or the aftermath of a car accident on the side of the road, move your vehicle over as far as possible and switch lanes to give the victims room. If emergency crews are on the scene, moving over is also required by Tennessee state law.
It’s human nature to want to look at the aftermath of a car accident—especially one that has held up traffic for miles—but rubbernecking is dangerous. By taking your attention away from the road for even a brief moment, you lose focus on the road and could cause a fender bender or even drift into another lane and cause a serious accident.
Auto accidents on congested interstates and highways often lead to major traffic jams. If you find yourself caught in a traffic jam, be patient and stay in your lane. Attempting to weave in and out of openings in traffic puts you at risk of being involved in an accident yourself. You should also avoid using the shoulder of the interstate to bypass traffic, even if you’re planning on taking an upcoming exit. Doing so is illegal and can result in tickets and fines if you’re caught by a police officer or state trooper.
Even if you don’t know anything about medical treatment or first aid, you can still potentially save a life by stopping your car in a safe location and calling 911 if you see an accident has just occurred. Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher your location, including the street or interstate, as well as any landmarks or mile markers nearby to help the emergency responders arrive at the accident scene as quickly as possible.
Driving near an accident scene can be an unsettling experience, but it doesn’t have to be a dangerous one. By keeping your eyes and ears focused on the road, you can help keep your family and others safe while emergency crews help the victims and treat their injuries.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to get compensation for things like medical bills, lost income, and more. Get in touch with the Brentwood car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free online form.
