Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 11, 2016
Two Interstate Crashes Block Traffic Friday Morning in Nashville
Accidents involving multiple vehicles occurred on two separate interstates in Nashville Friday morning, causing serious traffic delays and blocked travel lanes.
According to a report by The Tennessean, the first accident occurred in the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 near exit 219 and Stewarts Ferry Pike. It was reported to Nashville Metro Police at around 7:30 a.m. The impact of the collision caused police and emergency responders to close several lanes of traffic on the westbound side of the interstate.
The crash also affected eastbound traffic, and the scene was cleared by around 8:15 a.m. Friday morning.
A second crash was reported Friday morning in the westbound lanes of Interstate 24 in Nashville. Like the accident on I-40, the accident on I-24 involved multiple vehicles and resulted in the center lanes of traffic on the interstate being blocked near Harding Place.
That crash scene has also been cleared by emergency responders and traffic is moving smoothly again through the area.
What Should You Do if You Encounter a Recent Car Accident?
As a driver in Middle Tennessee, it’s important to not only be prepared in the event that you’re involved in an auto accident, but also to be prepared to take action if you witness a car accident or arrive at the scene of a car accident soon after it occurs. The steps you take in the minutes after an auto accident can save lives and preserve the health of victims, and every second counts during these emergency situations.
If you witness or drive near a recent car accident, do your best to follow these steps to protect the health of the victims:
The first thing you should after seeing a car accident is to pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. When stopping, make sure you leave enough room between your vehicle, the accident scene, and oncoming traffic. You should also turn on your emergency flashing lights—especially if the accident occurred during low visibility conditions. Protect your safety first before you administer aid in order to avoid becoming a secondary victim of the accident.
Many drivers assume that someone else has already called 911 after an auto accident, but that’s not always the case. It’s better to be safe and dial 911 right away—especially if you’re among the first responders to arrive at the accident scene. Stay on the line with the dispatcher and provide as much information about the accident as possible, including the number of vehicles involved, the road you’re on, the nearest mile marker, and the proximity of major landmarks.
If you’re trained in first aid and have a clear path to the accident scene that won’t put you at risk of being struck by traffic, administering assistance to victims can be helpful as you wait for emergency responders to arrive. Things like applying tourniquets, turning off damaged vehicles, and talking to the victims can go a long way towards protecting their health. However, never move victims unless they’re in immediate danger, as doing so can put them at risk of suffering serious head, neck, and spinal injuries.
Whether you’re driving on a rural roadway, an urban street, or a high-speed highway or interstate in Tennessee, there’s a good chance you will witness a car accident or encounter the immediate aftermath of a car accident. Being familiar with the tips above can help protect both your safety and the health of the victims.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of all car accident victims who suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. If you or someone you love was hurt in a car wreck that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how we can assist your family during this time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
