One person is in critical condition today, the driver of the vehicle that was involved in an accident with a diesel truck tanker on Interstate 185 at 11am Wednesday morning.
How it happened
The female driver of the vehicle, whose name has not been released, was traveling southbound on I-185 when her car lost control. It crossed the median and the northbound lane, struck a guardrail, and then hit the diesel truck.
The driver of the car was able to exit the vehicle before it burned, a result of the diesel fuel leakage by the damaged truck trailer. She was listed in critical condition at Midtown Medical Center, where she was transported from the accident site. The driver of the truck was not injured.
Department of Transportation officials closed I-185 just north of the Highway 315 exit, diverting traffic northbound at the Smith Road exit. That section was expected to reopen Thursday. At 1 pm Wednesday, I-185 southbound into Muscogee County reopened.
Emergency Crews Dispatched
The DOT was dispatched to the scene, evaluating any structural damage that the roadway may have incurred as a result of the diesel fuel spillage. A hazardous material (hazmat) clean-up crew from the Columbus Emergency Medical Services Department had been sent to the scene, as well as members of the Harris County Sheriff's Office and volunteer fire departments from throughout Harris County.
What Happens Now
For the driver injured in this car accident, her problems may be just beginning. Anyone involved in a situation that involves personal injury and/or wrongful death will have several issues to face while they are in recovery. The stress of incurring the injury and subsequent recovery notwithstanding, the legal ramifications of the accident will quickly ensue.
Investigations will be made of the accident, and filed with agencies related to the case. Determinations will be made as to driver's responsibilities. From there, insurance issues become a major concern.
Many drivers that are involved in auto accidents may not necessarily know what their own specific auto insurance policy covers. And people that are injured in such accidents have even more insurance issues that must be dealt with. Legal questions can abound here. Questions relating to how and when the medical bills will be paid. Further questions arise about the auto insurance policy. About coverage for the driver's vehicle. Also, about any property damage that may have resulted from the accident, and who will pay for those repairs. And if someone else is involved in the accident, questions about legal responsibilities with the damage and/or injury the other party incurred.
When an accident occurs that results in injury, the very best thing the injured party can do is to enlist the services of a Personal Injury Attorney. An attorney that specializes in this field can help the injured client negotiate the legal minefield that often results with negotiations with insurance companies, as well as all other matters related to the case.
Unfortunately, accidents happen. People get hurt. When this happens, the wisest move the injured party should make is to hire a Personal Injury Attorney. They can help ease some of the "pain" that can be experienced after the injury happens, and can help the client get through this difficult time in their lives.