On the morning of Thursday November third, many Memphis commuters were significantly late to work, class, appointments, and other engagements. The cause of (what can only be described as) major delays was a four-vehicle crash that occurred in the westbound lanes of the I-240W east of Getwell. At times, the traffic was backed up all the way to Bill Morris Parkway, so commuters were compelled to take American Way or Willow Road – if they could – in order to avoid the crash scene.
When navigating a crash-related delay, it can be all too easy to focus on the challenges caused by those delays and not the reason for the delay itself. This is understandable, as getting to work or school on time, arriving promptly for an important engagement, and even being able to get to a hospital in an emergency can all be truly pressing needs for those who are stuck in traffic as a result of a crash. Yet, it is often a good idea to learn from the reason for a crash-related delay: the crash itself.
What Happened
In the wake of the crash, commuters clamored for information about what was going on, how to get around the crash site, and why they were compelled to start their days amidst such chaos. Multiple news outlets reported that a truck had failed to slow down properly and that failure was almost certainly the cause (or one of the causes) of the crash. Three other vehicles were involved in the accident.
One of the reasons why the crash site was so difficult for other motorists to navigate is that one of the vehicles flipped over and blocked numerous lanes of traffic. It could not be moved until first responders and tow professionals arrived. As a result of the crash, at least two victims were transported to an area hospital: one in critical condition and one in non-critical condition.
Why This Crash Matters
Every crash matters in its own right because it affects those who are involved in it and often affects their loved ones. Also, as an experienced Memphis, TN personal injury lawyer – including those who practice at Darrell Castle & Associates – can confirm, communities can learn from every single crash that occurs. One of the best ways to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself involves studying what has occurred, why it has occurred, and what can be done to ensure that others don’t suffer in the same ways.
First, it’s important to remember that while witness accounts indicate that the truck driver’s failure to slow down caused the crash, no one can know for certain why the driver failed to slow down and what other factors may have contributed to the wreck until the accident is objectively investigated. All too often, accident victims make assumptions about their case before speaking with a lawyer and – in doing so – may unintentionally limit their opportunities for recourse.
Second, it’s important to keep in mind that one driver’s failure to slow down should ordinarily not result in a multi-car crash. Most of the time, if every driver on the road is giving each other enough space to maneuver in the event that something unexpected occurs, pileups can be avoided. This pileup may not have been avoidable but many are, so it’s important to remain vigilant and to be conscientious about the space that you afford to those around you.