The fatal, head-on car accident occurred on Greenback near Cope Road in Loudoun County at 7 pm on Saturday. A GMC van crossed the northbound lane and into the southbound lane and hit a Nissan Altima head on. The GMC driver was ejected.
Three people died in the Nissan, and the GMC driver also died at the scene. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating. It has stated that drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash.
Our View
Our Virginia personal injury attorneys send condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this Tennessee car accident. We see stories such as these every week where a car for some reason crosses the yellow line and hits another vehicle. These tragedies are due to people being distracted while driving.
We all know that you should not ever use your cell phone while driving; it is illegal in most states now to drive while talking or texting on a phone without hands-free technology. There are other distractions you may not be aware of:
- Driving when upset: If you are mad or distressed, you are much more likely to be in a car accident. People just do not see things that they should when they are upset or agitated.
- Your dog: Many people drive with their dogs or cats, but few restrain them. This can lead to a pet being near you or on your lap while driving. This can cause distractions.
- Children: Most people drive with children in the car. Research shows that children are four times more distracting than adult passengers.
- Hands-free phone: While it is often legal to drive with a hands-free phone, using this device while driving still can distract you.
- Reaching for things: Need that map in the back seat? You are better off to pull over and get what you need. You are nine times more likely to have an accident when reaching for something.
- Eating: Your odds of getting in an accident rise by 80% when you are eating and driving.
If more people followed this advice, there would be fewer accidents.
If you have been injured by a distracted or sleeping driver, you could be entitled to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Your compensation could be for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and more.
An experienced personal injury attorney with dual licensure in Virginia and North Carolina, Eric Washburn received a B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University—initially worked in the information technology field before obtaining his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Once an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Danville, Va., Eric has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” Super Lawyer in Virginia since 2014.
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