A recent nine-vehicle accident on I-24 in Tennessee tragically claimed the lives of two individuals who were en route to Bonnaroo - an annual music and arts festival held about 60 miles southeast of Nashville.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the fatal accident occurred shortly after midnight at exit 81 and involved seven motor vehicles and two tractor-trailer trucks. Specifically, the multi-car accident occurred when traffic along I-24 was at a standstill and an approaching truck driver was unable to stop his rig in time - crashing into a number of vehicles and another truck in the process.
When emergency personnel responded to the trucking accident, two vehicles were on fire and the truck was on its side. Although rescue workers were able to save two people in one of the burning vehicles, the two individuals in the other burning vehicle tragically lost their lives.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol believes that an earlier crash near exit 84 may have been the reason that traffic near exit 81 was unexpectedly stopped at the time of the fatal accident. In addition to the two deaths, five victims were taken to the hospital and seven more were treated on-scene with minor injuries. However, neither of the truck drivers sustained any injuries.
The truck driver allegedly at fault for the accident was cited for failure to exercise due care, although more charges are pending against the driver.
Trucking accidents in Tennessee
Sadly, trucking accidents along busy highways such as 1-24 are far more common - and far more deadly - than most motorists would like to believe. In fact, there are several reasons why trucking accidents occur. For example, in their efforts to make strict deadlines, truck drivers will often work long hours with little sleep.
Unfortunately, working conditions such as these merely contribute to the problem of truck driver fatigue - which in turn can lead to increased trucking accidents. Although it is still unclear if driver fatigue played a role in the recent I-24 accident, there is no denying that it is a major problem facing roadway safety today.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident due to no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Consequently, it is important to speak with an experienced trucking-accident injury attorney as soon as possible to learn what your rights and options may be given your particular circumstances.