Dickson County Wreck Includes Six Vehicles and Four Injured Motorists
The driver of a Landstar tractor-trailer crossed onto Interstate 40’s right shoulder and hit a Lojack truck causing six vehicles to collide, hazardous material to spill, four injured to be injured, and the death of one motorists. The accident occurred around 4 p.m. on Friday, June 17 on a ten mile stretch of Interstate 40 West near exit 172 in Dickson County. Interstate 40 is a particularly dangerous stretch of road in Dickson county with accidents occurring on the same road in March 2016 and also in June 2016.
While the accident is still under investigation, the motorist who was killed was struck by the Lojack commercial motor vehicle. According to authorities, a Landstar came onto the right-hand shoulder of the roadway, impacting the LoJack truck which then collided with another vehicle creating an accordion-like effect. A second commercial motor vehicle was also involved in the accident. The Landstar and the deceased motorist’s vehicle both caught on fire.
Factors that Lead to Truck Accidents in Nashville
The Tennessee Department of Transportation notes that commercial motor vehicle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for commercial motor vehicle accidents cited by the Tennessee Department of Transportation include the following:
- Alcohol and Drugs. Tennessee sees a number of commercial motor vehicle accidents each year that are caused by drivers who use alcohol and drugs.
- Cell Phone Usage. Cell phone usage distracts commercial motor vehicle drivers and can lead to substantial injuries and fatalities.
- Mechanical Defects. Failure to properly maintain or inspect a commercial motor vehicle can result in accidents. Some of the leading causes of mechanical defects includes brakes, wheels and tires.
- Various Other Causes. Other factors that can lead to commercial motor vehicle accidents that cause injuries and even fatalities include aggressive driving, improperly loaded cargo, and speeding.
The Dangers Posed by Hazardous Waste Spills
The Landstar’s truck spilled sulfonic acid onto the road as well resulting in the closure of Interstate 40 West between exit 182 and exit 172. Because the Landstar’s cargo could not be offloaded, each barrel on the Landstar containing sulfonic acid had to be pumped dry before the vehicle could be moved. Lime was also used to neutralize the acid spill. Beside the toxic nature of sulfonic acid, spilled cargo is dangerous for several reasons including:
- Potential Fires. Some hazardous materials when spilled from commercial motor vehicles can result in fires that spread quickly and do much damage.
- Roadside Hazards. Spilled cargo can result in obstacles scattered throughout a road that other vehicles can end up in accidents through either hitting or swerving the item.
Nashville Truck Accident Lawyers
Commercial motor vehicle accidents are unfortunate events that can result in personal injuries and sometimes even fatalities. The seasoned and skilled Nashville truck lawyers at Calhoun Law, PLC have a successful track record of investigating accidents, determining causes, and helping injured parties receive adequate compensation. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation about your case.
