Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on May 17, 2015
Wrong-Way Accident Kills Two People in Nashville
A wrong-way accident on Interstate 40 in Nashville, Tennessee, claimed the lives of two people Saturday morning.
According to an article by wkrn.com, the accident occurred east of the Old Hickory Boulevard exit in West Nashville around 2:30 a.m.
Metro Nashville Police said that a truck, a car, and van were all involved in the accident. Investigators are working to determine whether the wrong-way driver was initially traveling east in the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Old Hickory Boulevard.
The wrong-way driver died at the scene of the accident as a result of the injuries suffered in the accident, while the driver who was hit head-on was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical where they later died from their injuries.
Another victim suffered minor injuries in the accident and was taken to Saint Thomas West Hospital for treatment.
The accident caused westbound lanes to temporarily close, with one lane reopening to traffic at 3:30 a.m.
The Nashville personal injury lawyers at Matt Hardin Law express our condolences to the friends and family of the people who were killed in this tragic accident.
Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents
Wrong-way accidents are becoming more and more common in cities throughout the country, including Nashville. Because these accidents often involve head-on collisions, they can cause serious injuries. Some of the most common causes of wrong-way accidents include:
A common element in many wrong-way accidents is alcohol or drug intoxication. Drivers who are intoxicated have impaired judgment and vision and may mistakenly enter an interstate or highway using an exit ramp—which causes them to travel down the road in the wrong direction. And because their reflexes and vision are impaired, they may not realize their mistake until they collide with another vehicle.
Rural roads or interstates without sufficient lighting can be difficult for drivers to see clearly. Driving at night puts drivers at higher risk of entering a roadway going the wrong direction. When driving in an unfamiliar or dark area, drivers should always use their high beams to have a better view of their surroundings—but it’s important to remember to turn them off when approaching oncoming traffic.
Snow storms, dense fog, and heavy rain can severely limit visibility for drivers. As with driving under the influence and driving at night, bad weather can cause drivers to miss important signs, such as one-way street signs and exit only signs near interstates. By not being able to see these signs clearly, some drivers may accidentally enter the roadway going in the wrong direction—putting them at significant risk of being involved in a wrong-way collision.
The Nashville personal injury lawyers at Matt Hardin Law know that wrong-way collisions often have devastating results for drivers, passengers, and other victims. That’s why we urge all drivers to remain cautious, alert, and aware of their surroundings at all times and to immediately stop their vehicles if they notice they’re traveling in the wrong direction.
If you or someone you love was injured in a wrong-way collision caused by another driver’s negligence, get in touch with our legal team today. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form. It’s our goal to help you get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
