Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on May 8, 2015
Multiple Crashes and Incidents Snarl Traffic on Nashville Interstates on Friday
Commuters in Nashville experienced three major delays on two of the city’s main arteries on Friday, as crashes or vehicle fires either closed or slowed down traffic on Interstate 24 and Interstate 65 for several hours.
The first accident occurred when a semi-truck caught on fire on Interstate 65 Firday morning which caused emergency crews to close the northbound lanes while they worked to put out the flames. The incident occurred near Wedgewood Avenue around 10:30 a.m. and affected all lanes of traffic.
The second incident occurred when a passenger vehicle caught on fire on Interstate 24 West Friday afternoon near the Ellington Parkway exit. The incident caused emergency crews to divert westbound traffic and close the right lane. The incident was expected to be cleared by 12:30 p.m.
The third incident occurred when multiple vehicles were involved in a crash on Interstate 24 West near the Harding Place exit. The accident caused emergency responders to reduce traffic to a single lane as they worked the scene.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville personal injury lawyers hope no one was seriously injured in these accidents and that the city’s emergency responders are able to safely clear the accident scenes.
What Causes Road Closures?
Even brief, temporary road closures can significantly impact the lives of thousands of people—especially when they occur during rush hour traffic. While road closures can be major inconveniences, they’re necessary to maintain safety and the integrity of Tennessee’s roadways. Here are some of the most common causes of road closures in the state:
While most road work typically requires only a lane or two to be closed, it can occasionally require the complete closure of a stretch of road, highway, or interstate. This is often true for major projects like building bridges and overpasses or fixing severe structural problems with a roadway.
Serious accidents that involve multiple vehicles or multiple fatalities often result in road closures for several hours while emergency crews tend to victims and investigate the cause of the accident. When accidents occur away from metro areas, roads may remain closed until air ambulances can arrive on the scene and land safely on the highway in order to load and transport victims to hospitals that are equipped to treat their injuries.
Severe weather, including flooding, blizzards, snow and ice storms, and hurricanes can cause local and state governments to shut down long stretches of highways and interstates to protect drivers from the elements. Many mountain passes are regularly closed during the winter due to the accumulation of snow and ice, which can make it extremely dangerous for drivers to cross.
Commercial trucks transport volatile, dangerous, and flammable chemicals throughout Tennessee on a daily basis. If one of those trucks is involved in an accident, it’s at risk of spilling its contents onto the roadway, which can pose significant threats for drivers and emergency responders. Toxic chemicals and flammable materials can put thousands of lives in danger, making it a necessity that the affected roadway be closed until the area is contained.
The Nashville personal injury lawyers at Matt Hardin Law know that road closures are often a source of frustration and stress for drivers, but they’re also an essential part of the emergency response process and can save many lives.
If you or someone you love was injured on a Tennessee roadway and you need help paying for your medical bills and lost wages, get in touch with our legal team today. We have 20 years of experience helping injured victims like you, and we know what it takes to build claims that get results. Contact us by dialing (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form and let us go to work for your family.
