Posted in Car Accident,Distracted Driving,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on May 4, 2015
Three-Car Accident Causes Multiple Injuries, 1 Fatality in Memphis
A car accident involving three vehicles in Memphis, Tennessee, Saturday resulted in one fatality and three serious injuries.
According to a report by wreg.com, the accident occurred when a 16-year-old driver who was traveling eastbound on Highway 385 crossed the grass median and jumped the cable barrier to end up in the westbound lanes of the highway.
After crossing the median, the driver struck two cars. The driver of one of the cars, a 47-year-old woman, died at the scene, while her passenger was airlifted to Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
The other vehicle involved was carrying a woman and two children, and those victims were transported to Regional Medical Center and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in stable condition.
The 16-year-old driver who initially caused the accident was taken to Regional Medical Center and is listed in serious condition.
Memphis police are still investigating the causes of the accident.
The Memphis car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law express our condolences to the family of the woman who died in this accident, and we hope the other victims are able to recover from their injuries.
What Causes Wrong-Way and Head-On Accidents?
Although uncommon compared to other types of accidents, wrong-way collisions can have devastating consequences for drivers and their passengers. These types of accidents can be caused by several different behaviors and circumstances, including:
Falling asleep behind the wheel is one of the biggest causes of wrong-way collisions. All it takes is a brief lapse of consciousness for a vehicle to drift several feet in the wrong direction—which is enough to cause it to cross the center line or even the median and end up facing oncoming traffic. Drivers should never get behind the wheel if they feel drowsy or sleep-deprived, and should instead wait until they are able to catch up on sleep.
Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs experience impaired judgment and decision making. These impairments can result in making poor and dangerous decisions while behind the wheel, such as entering a highway or interstate by using an exit ramp. Because alcohol and drugs can also blur vision, intoxicated drivers may not see warnings signs on the exit ramp until it’s too late. Because many intoxicated drivers get behind the wheel late at night, it can be difficult for other drivers to see them—making them much more likely to cause head-on collisions.
Speeding, passing where prohibited, and running red lights or stop signs are all dangerous driving behaviors that can increase drivers’ risks of seriously injuring themselves and others. Head-on and wrong-way collisions are often caused by sheer negligence and disregard for safety, as is the case when drivers intentionally and knowingly violate important traffic laws. While violating traffic laws can put drivers at risk of all types of auto accidents, wrong-way and head-on collisions are among the most dangerous, as the injuries victims suffer are often severe and even life-threatening.
If you were involved in a head-on or wrong-way collision that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the expenses out of your own pocket. At Matt Hardin Law, our Memphis car accident attorneys know Tennessee car accident laws, and we know what it takes to get compensation for innocent victims.
We’ll analyze the crash scene and collect evidence to prove that the accident wasn’t your fault, and then we’ll go to work to get money for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t wait another day to get the experienced and caring legal help you deserve. Dial (901) 201-4478 or fill out a free online form today. It’s our goal to help you move past the accident for good.
