Category: Car Accidents

According to a news release from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and AAA as well as statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, summer is the most dangerous time of the year for a teen driver in Tennessee or any other state to be in an automobile accident. The main reason is distracted driving: Teens are involved in more accidents involving injuries and death between Memorial Day and Labor Day than any other period.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 11 percent of drivers under the age of 20 were involved in a crash related to some distraction, such as texting. Like many other states, Tennessee bans all cell phone use for novice drivers and texting for all drivers in the state. Even just reaching for something inside the car while driving can significantly increase the odds of having an accident.

The Decide to Drive campaign, partially sponsored by AAA, is one of several efforts to curb distracted teen driving. The campaign includes a “wreck-less checklist” that includes reminders for teen drivers before getting behind the wheel. The checklist includes reminders to adjust mirrors, wear appropriate Bluetooth earpieces, pre-load mp3 playlists and put on a seat belt prior to starting up the car.

The campaign also reminds drivers to pull over if they are distracted for any reason. Victims receiving a personal injury as a result of a distracted driver may have a case against the negligent driver if it is proven that he or she was distracted at the time of the accident. A car accident victim in Tennessee may seek compensation for trauma, medical bills and other expenses related to reckless or distracted driving.

Source: Distraction.gov: U.S. Department of Transportation, “Distracted Driving Laws: Tennessee,” 2012

Source: kiiitv, “Summer deadliest time of year for teen drivers“, June 04, 2013

A car and a CARTA bus reportedly collided at the intersection of Carter and Main St. in Tennessee, leaving eight people potentially injured. An eyewitness reported that the car accident occurred as a result of the car not stopping appropriately at the intersection.

The eyewitness stated that he saw the car fail to stop at a stop sign. The bus was approaching the intersection at the same time and allegedly hit the car twice. The eyewitness further stated that he had medical training and assisted the passengers of both the car and the bus following the collision. The bus reportedly went out of control and through a fence to finally stop on a patch of grass.

Both the driver and the passenger in the car were taken away for medical treatment, and six of the passengers within the bus were also taken to the hospital. One of the passengers in the car is reported to be in serious condition, but the bus passengers were listed with non-life-threatening injuries.

It is not known whether charges are going to be filed against either driver, and it is possible that the investigation is still ongoing. However, if the driver did fail to stop at the stop sign, he may be found negligent and responsible for the injuries to the six bus passengers as well as the passenger in his car. If found negligent in the accident, the car driver may find himself responsible for the medical costs of those injured within the crash along with any property damage and any other applicable compensation necessary. A motor vehicle accident attorney may be able to reduce the damage claims by either constructing a reasonable defense or making sure that all the claims against the driver are valid.

Source: WDEF.COM, “Bus crash sends eight people to the hospital“, Erik Avanier, June 03, 2013

According to authorities, 13 people sustained injuries in a three-car accident in middle Tennessee. The car accident occurred on Highway 96 in Williamson County at approximately 5:45 p.m. on a Saturday. A mini-van with 11 passengers clipped one vehicle. The mini-van then struck another car head-on.

Officials stated that four adults, two from the mini-van and two from the car that was hit head-on, were listed in critical condition. They were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The other nine passengers from the minivan were taken to the hospital, as well. Their conditions were not known at the time this story was written. It appeared that none of the occupants of the mini-van had been wearing the proper restraints at the time of the accident. In addition, the driver of the vehicle that was struck head-on did not appear to have been wearing a seat belt.

The people involved in this crash and their families will be facing financial burdens as a result of the accident. They will have medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. Regardless of whether anyone is charged or convicted in this accident case, the injured parties could choose to file a civil suit for damages. A settlement can be sought in civil court even if there has been no criminal conviction.

The injured parties in this accident might benefit from consulting with a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney may be able to explain the legal process and evaluate the situation to determine whether there is a case. In addition, an attorney might be able to represent the injured person and their family members in a lawsuit if necessary. In the event that a settlement is awarded, an attorney might be able to negotiate with the court for the highest possible award amount.

Source: WATE, “13 injured in 3-car crash in Middle Tennessee“, May 27, 2013

A woman who allegedly caused a car crash in Meigs County in August of 2012 has been arrested. She is now facing vehicular homicide charges nine months after the fatal car accident.

The woman was heading northbound on Highway 58 in the southbound lane when she reportedly struck another vehicle head-on. Police report that she did not have her headlights on and that she might have been impaired due to drug consumption. The other vehicle’s driver died in the car collision. The woman who faces charges was taken to a nearby hospital, along with three of her passengers. The woman was arrested in Florida, where she is now a resident. She was taken to the Meigs County Jail where she awaits trial on one count of vehicular homicide and three charges of reckless endangerment.

In addition to any criminal penalties imposed on the woman, she may also face civil liability. When a negligent driver causes another person to be injured or killed due to negligent behavior, the victim or the victim’s family may be able to seek compensation. Negligence may be established by the victim’s attorney by showing that the defendant driver did not drive a reasonably prudent manner. For example, a drunk driver, distracted driver or inattentive driver may have acted negligently due to being impaired or not paying attention.

A victim or his or her family may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Due to the complexity of proving negligence, a victim or his or her family may consider retaining the services of a Knoxville personal injury attorney.

Source: WRCB TV, “Woman charged in fatal Meigs County crash“, May 02, 2013

A 21-year-old Tennessee man was killed in a collision on U.S. Highway 411 by an allegedly impaired driver driving in the wrong lane. The car accident also injured the decedent’s pregnant wife and toddler.

Around 10 p.m. on a Friday night, the man was driving his family home when the car was struck head-on by another car traveling the wrong way down the highway. Two minors, who were passengers in the car with the wrong-way driver, were not wearing seat belts and were injured. Police say the driver was impaired. The driver may face multiple criminal charges.

Though she was injured, the victim’s wife did not suffer the loss of her pregnancy. She plans to name her child after her husband.

In Tennessee, the spouse of the victim has the right to sue for a wrongful death. The spouse can claim damages as well as loss of consortium. The term consortium applies to the general companionship, help, and services that a spouse would have provided. In addition, this mother could sue on behalf of her minor child for compensation. Damages are awarded according to the percentage of fault that is assigned to the plaintiff and defendant. For example, if a plaintiff is found to be 10 percent at fault, he would be awarded 90 percent of the total damages assessed.

In the case of a fatal motor vehicle accident in Tennessee, it’s important for victims to determine if they have the legal standing to sue for wrongful death on behalf of the decedent. A lawyer is a good resource for making sure that you claim all the damages that you are entitled to collect under the law.

Source: Wate.com, “Family mourns loss of Tellico Plains man killed by impaired driver,” April 22, 2013

A sports-utility vehicle travelling south on U.S. Highway 31E in Tennessee caused a four-car collision after swerving across the center line on April 16. After the car accident, one woman, who was driving a pick-up truck, was flown to the hospital with serious injuries, according to law enforcement personnel.

Another man and woman, who were driving another vehicle involved in the crash, were also transported by an emergency vehicle to a medical facility. Neither the driver of the SUV nor the driver of the fourth vehicle were hurt. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation of the accident and is working to reconstruct what happened during the collision. Drugs and alcohol are not thought to have been a contributing factor to the accident. Part of the roadway was shut down because of the wreck but reopened later the same day.

After a serious car accident, victims who suffer injuries can face a long recovery process. They might need surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medication, equipment and counseling, which can all be costly. In addition, they might need to take time off work and could even lose their jobs in some cases. The parties who are responsible for the accident need to be held financially accountable so that the injured victims can receive fair and just financial compensation.

A personal injury attorney can help clients file a civil lawsuit. The clients can pursue payment for their injuries through the legal system, and an attorney might be able to negotiate a settlement. However, in some cases, the attorney might need to bring the case before a jury in order to fight for the rights of clients.

Source: The Tennessean, “Three injured in four-car Gallatin wreck,” Josh Cross, April 16, 2013

Parents of Knoxville teenagers likely know the discomfort that can be felt when one’s child is out on the road by themselves. Luckily, it seems as if new technology can go towards helping every teen avoid a car accident. These technologies are known as Drivecam and Geofencing, and they can give parents an inside look on how their teens are driving.

Drivecam is an actual dashboard camera that activates whenever the driver engages in an unsafe behavior. When an unsafe behavior occurs, such as speeding or reckless driving, the company’s data center can view the video and pass that information on to the driver’s parents. In addition, after viewing these videos, the company offers specific tips on how that teen can drive safer. 

Geofencing also lets parents monitor their child’s driving speed, but in addition, it alerts parents if their teen drives outside of a certain perimeter. The car is even traceable via the Internet. There are vehicles that are currently being sold with these technologies already installed, but concerned parents can also have the devices installed aftermarket. Reports show that auto accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America, so these technologies are giving some parents peace of mind when their child is out on their own.

Teenagers are at a high risk of experiencing dangerous crashes, and sadly, it’s hard for parents to watch out for their teen when they’re not in the same vehicle. Luckily, evolving technologies can go a long way in helping parents stay on the ball when it comes to their teen’s driving. Anyone, teenager or not, who is injured in a car accident may be able to benefit from a personal injury attorney. Even with these new devices, accidents are bound to happen, so having an attorney may help a person receive just compensation after a collision.

Source: CBS New York, “New technology could help teens stay safe behind the wheel,” April 4, 2013

Hit-and-run accidents in Tennessee are all too common, but why do some people leave the scene after they hit a pedestrian or cause a crash? Two of the most common reasons someone would leave a car accident are blaming the victim and fear of legal consequences. According to a forensic clinical specialist, some individuals feel the other person should have been paying better attention and not gotten in their way.

The specialist does not believe these are malicious or premeditated attacks, but it does show a lack of empathy and the good moral judgement that should have been imparted when during childhood. Another common reason for drivers to leave the scene of a collision is that they were driving on a suspended license, they were texting and driving or driving under the influence. They may initially think about the victim, but they will eventually choose themselves.

It is also common for hit-and-run drivers to downplay the harm they have caused. They will tell themselves that the person they hit was not that badly injured, so it is not a big deal if they leave. The forensic specialist thinks that many people who would leave the scene of a crash they caused have personality issues.

When someone is in a car accident, insurance companies will often try to marginalize the injuries someone suffered to lower payouts for medical bills. If someone has been in an accident, they may benefit from speaking with an attorney who might be able to help defend their rights and help them receive just compensation.

Source: NBC10, “Why Hit-and-Run Drivers Flee,” Vince Lattanzio, March 29, 2013

On March 7, two men were walking along the side of Highway 126 in Sullivan County after their vehicle ran out of gas when one man was allegedly hit by a car. The men, who were cousins, claim they had been watching the road for oncoming traffic and were moving farther to the side of the roadway when cars approached. On the way back from a nearby gas station, a vehicle struck one of the men in the back, they claim. The 23-year-old man said he landed at the bottom of a ditch, and the vehicle drove off.

The man stated that he felt like he had been left on the side of the road “like a dog” after the car accident. He required medical care for a fractured pelvis and a back injury. The driver of the vehicle is still at large, and police continue to search for a light-colored SUV that may be missing a side view mirror.

According to the victim, this car accident has resulted in numerous medical bills, and he continues to receive treatment for his injuries. He requested that the driver responsible for the accident come forward so that justice could be served. When the driver involved in this car accident is identified, the victim may seek punitive damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

A car accident such as this one may cause the victim to experience financial burden associated with medical expenses and lost wages. Victims of accidents such as these may seek financial compensation for these expenses in civil court. A Tennessee personal injury lawyer may be able to help by establishing that the victim’s condition was worsened due to lack of immediate medical attention as well as potentially demonstrate that the driver was negligent in the first place when he or she hit the victim.

Source: WCYB, “Victim from highway 126 hit and run speaks out,” Megan Brantley, March 12, 2013

Injuries to the spinal cord may result in temporary or permanent damage to the spine and may present with various symptoms. Depending on the location of the injury on the spine as well as its severity, symptoms may include difficulty moving, numbness or tingling, a burning sensation and paralysis. Symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury takes place. Some develop slowly as swelling or bleeding occurs around the spinal cord.

These injuries may be caused by trauma related to a car accident, sports injury, fall or other event. Tennessee residents with injuries of this nature are often burdened by significant expenses in addition to pain and suffering. Some injuries, however, might have been prevented, or the severity of the injury could have been minimized. For example, car accidents that are caused by negligence may have been prevented by safer driving habits. Wearing a seat belt and using defensive driving techniques could also aide in the avoidance of an accident. 

Spinal cord injuries may require treatment by a doctor, and severe injuries may dictate the need for emergency medical assistance, hospitalization and surgery. These injuries may also require medication, rehabilitation and ongoing or long-term health care services. Families of those who lost a loved one as a result of this type of injury or related complications might also be burdened with the financial responsibility of funeral costs.

When spinal cord injuries are caused by a car accident, they may be preventable in certain instances. Those who have been affected by this type of incident may file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party in a civil court to seek punitive damages. Financial compensation could be used to pay for related medical expenses, to cover lost wages and to pay for funeral costs in the event of a fatality. Victims and their families can contact a Knoxville personal injury lawyer to explore their legal options.

Source: Oakridge, “Dealing with spinal cord injuries,” March 8, 2013