7 Injured in Gatlinburg Crash
As a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian, we often try to predict the actions of others. By doing so, we can act defensively and avoid accidents.
But sometimes the unexpected happens. A driver may suddenly accelerate or perform some other maneuver that can lead to a serious accident.
This recently happened in Gatlinburg. Seven people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash in the popular tourist town on the afternoon of June 1.
The accident occurred when a minivan traveling through the middle of the downtown area unexpectedly accelerated. The vehicle hit a person who was in a crosswalk before colliding with several other vehicles. One of the vehicles that was struck hit a road sign, which fell and injured a second pedestrian. Five people inside two vehicles were injured as well, bringing the total number of victims to seven.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. It is believed that the crash may have been caused by a medical emergency.
Medical Emergencies While Driving
Medical emergencies while driving can be extremely dangerous, both for the driver and others on the road. These incidents occur when a driver experiences a sudden health crisis, such as a heart attack, stroke, seizure, diabetic episode, or loss of consciousness, which impacts their ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Common causes include the following:
- Heart attacks
- Seizures
- Strokes
- Low or high blood sugar
- Sudden dizziness or vision problems
These medical episodes can cause the following issues:
- Loss of control of the vehicle
- High-speed collisions
- Pedestrian injuries or fatalities
- Chain-reaction crashes
Of course, there are liability issues involved. But can a person be held liable for something beyond their control?
Tennessee law recognizes the sudden emergency doctrine, which states that a driver may not be liable for an accident if it results from an unforeseen medical emergency. This means the driver is not necessarily held responsible if they experience a sudden loss of consciousness, seizure, or other medical event that causes them to lose control of their vehicle
However, a person could still be liable if their medical issue was foreseeable. For example, if the driver had a known medical condition, ignored medical advice, or didn’t take prescribed medication, they could be considered negligent and therefore liable for the crash.
Contact Us Today
An unexpected maneuver while driving can be caused by a medical emergency, loss of control, or some other issue. These maneuvers can cause multiple injuries; fortunately, nobody was killed in this case.
Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities due to a lack of protection. If you or a loved one has been involved, seek legal help from a Mt. Juliet pedestrian accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC. We have a 100% success rate for personal injury cases, which means you can rest comfortably knowing that your pedestrian accident case will be handled with care. Call (615) 622-6060 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
Source:
abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/crash-pedestrian-heavy-main-strip-tennessee-tourist-town-122421816
