Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 21, 2016
Multiple Accidents on Interstate 40 in Dickson County Result in Lane Closures
Winter weather and the accumulation snow and ice on the roadway caused multiple accidents in the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 Wednesday night, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol closed the interstate briefly to clear the accident scenes.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the primary accident that caused the closure occurred at mile marker 181 near Highway 96 just before 10 p.m. Troopers with the THP say that the driver of a PT Cruiser lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve, then struck a semi-truck. As a result of the impact, the PT Cruiser became lodged underneath the truck.
The semi-truck then dragged the PT Cruiser a short distance down the interstate before the vehicle became detached. It was then struck by a Nissan Altima and another semi-truck.
As a result of those accidents, traffic came to a standstill, resulting in three additional accidents as drivers attempted to slow down and stop as they approached the accident scene.
Several injuries were reported as a result of the accidents, but the status of the victims and the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
Traffic was reopened to drivers at around midnight Thursday.
What Are the Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents?
Accidents involving multiple vehicles can cause a large number of injuries and roadways to be closed for several hours as emergency responders work to treat victims and clear the accident scene. Although multi-vehicle accidents aren’t as common as single-vehicle accidents or two-vehicle accidents, they pose a significant risk to drivers due to the fact victims may be struck more than once during the chain reaction of collisions.
Some of the most common causes of multi-vehicle accidents include:
As the accident mentioned above illustrates, roadways that are slick or have reduced traction due to the accumulation of rain, snow, or ice put drivers of risk of multi-vehicle accidents. Reduced traction means that vehicles take longer to slow down or stop, and that means an initial accident involving two vehicles can quickly turn into an accident involving several vehicles.
Roadways don’t have to be slick to be dangerous. Reduced visibility can be just as dangerous as a lack of traction, as drivers may be unable to see to anticipate the movements and behaviors of other drivers. Driving in heavy rain or heavy fog can significantly reduce visibility and make it difficult for drivers to see more than just a few feet in front of their vehicles. That makes multi-vehicle accidents and pile-ups far more likely to occur than when the visibility is unaffected by weather.
Aggressive and negligent drivers come in many forms. Whether they’re speeding, following too closely, driving while intoxicated, driving while distracted, or driving while drowsy, anyone who isn’t fully focus on the road and arriving at their destination safely puts themselves and other drivers at risk and can cause multi-vehicle accidents—especially when driving at high speeds on highway and interstates.
The Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law have been helping the victims of auto accidents for more than 20 years, and we know that multi-vehicle accidents can often result in serious and debilitating injuries. Proving fault in multi-vehicle accidents can be difficult, but we know what it takes to find the negligent drivers and hold them accountable for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and other accident-related expenses.
If you or someone you love was injured in a multi-vehicle accident caused by one or more careless drivers, get in touch with our law firm today. We know the ins-and-outs of Tennessee auto accident laws, and we know what it takes to win. Contact us by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form. It’s our goal to help you and your family get the full compensation you deserve and need to move forward with your life after the accident.
