Some automobile accidents are obvious: the cause is visible, the post-accident position of the vehicles gives many clues about their movement prior to the accident, and eyewitnesses are available to describe the accident. In other accidents, the scenario of events that led to the collision can only be the subject of many guesses. A recent accident near Chattanooga provides a striking example of the latter.
On that evening, Chattanooga police officers responded to a report of a multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of Brainerd Road and Moore Road. According to police reports of the accident, a Freightliner semi-trailer truck was hauling a wooden utility pole on Brainerd Road. The pole was equipped with the necessary red flag indicating excessive length. A large SUV was stopped on Moore Road close to its intersection with Brainerd Road. As the Freightliner was making a right turn into a parking lot, a minivan struck the utility pole. The pole broke and the broken end remained lodged in the windshield of the van.
The van then veered across several lanes of travel on Brainerd Road and struck the SUV. The driver of the minivan was transported to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving. No other injuries were reported.
Open questions for investigation
The precipitating event was the right turn of the Freightliner – and in some situations, events that may not, at first glance, appear to be part of the accident sequence could play a major role in determining fault. There are many cases in which a vehicle that was not actually a direct part of a collision still played a significant role, and thus bears at least partial responsibility for the ensuing accident and damage caused. Such situations require investigation to obtain evidence, which could include things like accident reconstruction techniques, available video, and witness statements.
Taking important steps after an accident
Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one under similar circumstances may wish to pursue a claim for damages against the negligent party, but sorting out the possible causes and assessing negligence may require the help of an experienced car accident attorney. A knowledge lawyer can provide an analysis of the evidence, assist in identifying the negligent party or parties, and provide an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for lost income, medical and funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.
