A three-car crash left two people dead and four others injured. The accident occurred on Saturday, Oct. 25, on Interstate 240 in Memphis. A 45-year-old man was pulling into the emergency lane because of a flat tire. His vehicle was struck from behind by a second car driven by a 34-year-old woman traveling at a high speed.
The collision caused the man’s car to slam into a metal guard rail. He was ejected from the car as it spun out of control. The man died at the scene of the accident, and two passengers in his car were injured. The woman continued down I-240, striking a second car and forcing it off the road and into a ditch. After this collision, the woman’s car flipped over several times, killing her and injuring two passengers in her car. All four injured parties were taken to Regional Medical Center. They were admitted in non-critical condition.
Liability may fairly clear in fatal accidents like this one. A driver who strikes another car from behind is usually found liable for any resulting injuries or damage. In this case, the woman struck two vehicles from behind.
In a case similar to this, more evidence might exist that indicates that a driver was negligent. For example, evidence may prove that a driver was traveling well above the speed limit. Perhaps a driver did not stop their car after an initial collision. Finally, if someone is driving in the emergency lane, they will likely be found responsible for striking a disabled car there. The injured parties of a similar accident may have a cause of action against the faulty driver for negligence under tort law.
Source: WREG, “Two dead after crash on I-240“, Ashley Forest, October 25, 2014