Six Killed Amid Outbreak Of Severe Weather Days Before Christmas
In the neighboring state of Mississippi, severe storms tore through the South and Midwest the day before Christmas. At least six people are believed to be dead. In northern Mississippi alone, three people died after a large and extremely dangerous tornado, and there were reports of major damage to buildings. At least 40 people in six Mississippi counties are reported to be injured due to the storms.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado moved through the top of Tennessee. In Perry County south of Nashville, Tennessee, two people were killed by the moving tornado. Three homes were destroyed by the storm. A sixth person subsequently died in Arkansas, when a tree fell through a roof and hit a woman. During the week of Christmas, the Storm Prediction Center stated that tornadoes posed the greatest threat to middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky, and parts of northern Alabama and northeastern Mississippi.
Weather-Related Accidents – Who is Liable?
As weather becomes more unpredictable due to climate change and extreme weather, more property damage, injuries, and accidents are bound to happen. Travelers often wonder if poor road conditions due to severe weather can lower or affect their civil liability in a car accident. However the short answer is that there is never an excuse for bad driving, and the rules of negligence will apply in every situation.
Negligence is defined generally as the failure to exercise due care in a manner in which a reasonable or prudent person would do in similar circumstances. In the instance of inclement weather, it means that drivers need to exercise the due care that is appropriate for inclement weather. This means for example, that if it is snowing, a reasonable person would put on snow chains, drive more slowly, or follow other cars further than they normally would. You should also put emergency supplies such as antifreeze in your car because drivers are responsible for equipping their vehicles with the accessories that make their car more suitable for those specific driving conditions. In some instances, the reasonable action would also not be to drive and wait for the storm to pass. In other words, severe storms do not always erase one’s civil liability in an accident.
Nashville Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
Immediately after a car accident, it is important to contact a lawyer right away. The law office of Calhoun Law, PLC will initiate an independent accident investigation for all victims of negligent drivers. We are well versed in handling complex car accidents and insurance claims and will aggressively pursue all legal claims you may have. We are here to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. If you have been in a weather-related accident, contact our Nashville accident and personal injury lawyers today. Consultations are free and confidential.
