Tennessee residents know that car accidents are a sad but true fact of life on area roads. The best defensive driving tactics are not enough to prevent every potential crash. Luckily, many such accidents are minor and may involve only a bit of damage to vehicles. However, when an accident injury occurs, the concerns can increase. When a person is killed in a car accident, friends and family members of the victim are left searching for answers and compensation.

Car accident injuries can range dramatically from a brain injury to broken bones and more. Emotional as well as physical trauma is also common in an automobile accident. For two families, the emotional pain is being experienced deeply after a fatal head-on accident that happened recently. For each family, the angst is slightly different as it appears that the actions of one driver were potentially responsible for the crash.

While driving along State Route 840, a 27-year-old woman veered of the road. In an attempt to get back in her lane, she may have over-corrected. This action put her on the other side of the median and in the path of oncoming traffic. A car driven by a 32-year-old Nashville resident was struck. That driver was taken by helicopter to the hospital and has survived. The first driver died after being ejected from her car. It is not known if any insurance claims or other actions have yet been initiated.

People in Tennessee who have been the victim of a serious car crash deserve help as they recover. Talking with an experienced lawyer may provide options for how best to receive the necessary help.

Source: wgnsradio.com, “Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on SR 840 – Names Released,” September 3, 2015

When it comes to dangerous driving in Knoxville, most are familiar with the problems associated with drunk or distracted driving. However, much debate exists over drowsy driving. While there may be little to argue about in terms of the wisdom of driving while one is obviously tired, most people still believe that their motor skills are immune to fatigue. Yet statistics seem to counter that line of thinking.

Information compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that roughly 2 percent of all injury crashes and 2.5 percent of fatal car accidents in the U.S. involve drowsy driving. Their information goes on to show that of a survey of more than 150,000 drivers, over 4 percent admitted to having fallen asleep while behind the wheel within the last 30 days. However, it’s believed that the problem presented by drowsy drivers is actually much worse. That’s because many cases likely go unreported, as those whose drowsiness causes accidents may be afraid to admit their fault.

How much of a danger can drowsy drivers pose? The CDC estimates that after being awake for 24 consecutive hours, one’s cognitive function is impaired to the point of being comparable to a blood-alcohol content level almost .10 percent over the legal limit in most states.

Tennessee policymakers have recently taken action to try and mitigate the dangers posed by these drivers. According to OpenStates.org, legislation was introduced in early 2014 that proposed adding fatigue to the last of factors attributing to vehicular homicide. If and when this proposed bill passes, those who violate it could face a Class E felony charge. Yet even in the absence of criminal charges, victims of drowsy driving accidents may still have the right to pursue compensation from those who caused their collisions. 

Dealing with accidents or roadway emergencies can be scary. It might shake a person so much that they are not certain what to do. However, being caught unaware can cause even more problems on the road. Because of this, it is best to be prepared.

There are many different tips for handling emergencies on the road. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security has stated that one of the first things drivers can do is dial *THP (*847) for emergency assistance. This directs drivers to the nearest trooper dispatch. While 911 can also be used in emergencies, *847 could get a driver faster help due to the fact that the dispatchers are closer to their location.

In order to alert other drivers to the fact that an emergency is occurring, it is suggested to turn on the emergency flashers first. This is the most universal sign of distress. Hanging something white from the window or antenna can also help, as can popping open the hood of the car.

Another good tip is for drivers to always be aware of their location on the road. If an emergency strikes, they will need to know how to get off of the road quickly and safely. Always aim for the right shoulder and keep tires facing to the right so as to keep the vehicle from drifting into traffic if the brakes fail. Never stop on a bridge if it can be avoided. This is a dangerous place to be and can cause more accidents. It is also advised for drivers to never slam on their brakes, but to simply take their foot off of the gas gradually and guide the car to a safe location.

These are just a few of the tips that can help all drivers universally. Following these tips may make any drive a safer experience.

Fatal accidents can cause heartache, as well as financial strife for those who are left behind. People who are seeking compensation for an accident understand how difficult it can be to deal with the emotional impact of a tragedy while also handling the monetary aspect.

Unfortunately, this might be the case for the Hogan family. The parents, Jay and Julie Hogan, were recently killed in a crash that is still under ongoing investigation. No charges have been made yet. This is because the events leading up to the accident are still a mystery. In order to determine what occurred, police have brought in traffic crash reconstruction specialists. They are working together to reconstruct the accident and scientifically prove what occurred. After the entire thing is documented, it will be determined whether or not charges should be filed.

So far, it seems that the Hogan’s vehicle was struck while the driver was attempting to turn left. A car heading west struck its side. The driver of that vehicle was sent to the hospital with injuries, but it has been reported that a full recovery is expected for her. On the other hand, both of the Hogans suffered from severe injury due to the accident. They both passed away due to their injuries.  Their autopsy information is being used in order to help crash reconstruction specialists get a better idea of what occurred in the accident.

However, they are leaving behind children. This is usually a fear of people when they consider the possibility of getting into accidents, as a sudden tragedy can leave a family without support. 

Source: The Jackson Sun, “’A terrible tragedy’: Jay and Julie Hogan killed in Vann Drive crash,” Nathan Handley, July 31, 2015