By Gilreath & Associates

The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) issued a Class I recall for thousands of Medtronic HeartWare HVAD System Battery Chargers used with the HeartWare HVAD System. This system is designed to help patients with heart problems (specifically the left ventricle) pump blood throughout their bodies.

The defect was found in the battery charger and AC adapter, which can be accidentally inserted into the HeartWare HVAD system’s controller power port. This can cause damage to the communication circuits between the battery and controller. Failure could lead to exacerbation of heart failure and other severe symptoms or repercussions amongst users.

What is a Class I recall?

Medtronic issued the first recall in January 2020 after dozens of complaints from consumers and 1 death.

On March 9, 2020, the FDA issued its Class I recall, which means “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The FDA determined the device’s design was to blame for the high risk, and their recall “affects all serial numbers of the HeartWare Battery Charger packaged with AC Adapter model number 1610 and HeartWare Battery Charger AC Adapter model number 1640.”

According to the notice, the models recalled are:

• HVAD™ Pump Outflow Graft: 1125
• HVAD™ Pump Implant Kit: 1103
• HVAD™ Implant Accessories Kit: 1153

There are 5,489 devices on the market, according to the FDA’s recall announcement.

This isn’t Medtronic’s first major recall

In November 2019, the FDA issued another Class I recall for over 160,000 Medtronic catheters, which consumers reported would often break when used and caused severe pain. No fatalities were reported, but the design flaw could have led to serious injuries, prolonged procedures or even deaths.

In October 2012, Medtronic was accused of stealing a design idea for heart-valve patents from their rival company. Not only that, and more pressingly, Medtronic failed to accurately provide the risks to an off-label Infuse bone graft, which tallied over 100 lawsuits and complaints from half a million patients.

Reports highlighted that patients who underwent the surgery suffered from nerve damage, problems breathing or swallowing, paralysis and other chronic debilitating side effects.

Medtronic’s heart pump

Thirty-six complaints were reported at the time of the recall for the HeartWare HVAD system, none of which came from Americans. All the defective heart pumps and batteries were distributed outside of the U.S.

In its safety notice, Medtronic urged healthcare providers to instruct their patients to follow the guidelines within the heart pump’s manual when connecting their device to a power source and pay attention to which USB cable was being plugged in.

“Patients whose devices emit persistent, unexpected audible tones should notify their medical providers.”

Filing a defective product claim

If over 35 years of experience in 12 different states have taught us anything, it’s that filing a claim for a defective product can be confusing and scary. We encourage you to consult with a professional Tennessee attorney who can help you receive compensation and benefits for any pain and financial losses.

Located in Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis, Gilreath & Associates is powered by a committed team of attorneys. Schedule your free initial consultation to find out what we can do to get the compensation you deserve.

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By Gilreath & Associates

Katherine Williams-Dunning, age 27, was involved in a single-vehicle collision on June 13, 2020, while driving along West Antioch Road in Henry County, Tennessee. She and her husband were towing a boat and heading southbound on Highway 79 when the car rolled over.

Williams-Dunning died at the scene of the accident from her injuries. Her husband, Tyler Dunning, was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

Daughter of country singer Hank Williams Jr. and Mary Jane Thomas, Katherine was born on October 21, 1992. She married Tyler Dunning in October 2015 and leaves behind her 5-year-old, Beau, and 2-year-old, Audrey Jane, as well as her brother, Sam Williams.

Tennessee fatal accident statistics

According to a recent Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) report, Henry County saw 4 car accident fatalities in 2019. To date, there have been 5 reported fatalities this year. Even though Tennessee as a whole is currently seeing a decrease in accident-related deaths, a single fatality is one too many.

What do you do after a car crash?

Even though it’s too late for the Williams family, there are steps you should take if a similar tragedy happens to you or a loved one.

If you’ve just been in a Tennessee car accident, follow these steps.

1. Make sure you and any passengers aren’t injured. Slowly and gently move your arms, legs and head one at a time and look to see if there are any cuts or bruises. If someone needs immediate medical attention, call 911.

2. As soon as you’ve confirmed no one is suffering from a serious injury, call the Tennessee police or THP to report the accident. Even if the damage looks insignificant, drivers should always call to report an accident.

3. If you’re able, take pictures of the scene including every car involved, weather conditions, stoplights or street signs (if there are any), and road conditions. These will be important when filing a claim.

4. Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers if it’s a multi-vehicle accident. This is necessary when it’s time to talk to the insurance company.

5. When the police or THP arrive to investigate, you’ll be asked to fill a report stating your name, contact information and a description of the accident. This is normal for any car accident in Tennessee. Remember to be as clear and concise as possible.

6. Seek immediate medical attention once the investigation is over. Even if you didn’t notice any injuries prior to reporting the accident, you may experience whiplash or a mild concussion later. Either of these could lead to more serious pain down the road, which indicates a major injury.

7. Once the treating physician gives the all-clear, you may want to discuss your car accident with a licensed Tennessee attorney. They’ll determine if you have a case for filing a claim that will cover and medical expenses or damage incurred.

When you should hire a Tennessee car accident attorney

Having a professional car crash lawyer is important in the event of a major car accident, as they can help you recover any losses and receive benefits to help with medical care or funeral costs. There’s nothing that can take away the shock of a car crash or the loss of a loved one involved in that wreck, but there is something you can do about it.

Gilreath & Associates understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one in a deadly accident and we are here to help discuss your case with the time, care and compassion it deserves. Scheduling your free initial consultation is the first step on the road to recovery. Our legal experts are ready and committed to serving Tennessee drivers.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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By Gilreath & Associates

Unlike many of us, COVID-19 isn’t taking a summer break. Hospitals nationwide saw a spike in cases after Memorial Day weekend and vigorously prepared for another rise after the Fourth of July.

With new and ongoing cases continuing to fill hospitals and emergency rooms, the concern for the safety of those nurses and doctors has also grown. This has prompted 1 Tennessee lawmaker to act by extending civil liability protection to doctors, nurses, assisted living and other healthcare providers against COVID-19 lawsuits.

Governor Bill Lee signed the executive order on July 1, 2020, announcing at his afternoon briefing that “this order provides limited liability protection, with respect to the services they render that are not considered gross negligence or willful misconduct.”

He also intends to call upon a special session in the future to encourage the U.S. Senate to take the same measures but on a broader scale, offering protection not only to healthcare workers but schools and some businesses as well.

Gov. Lee has urged Tennesseans to take the matter seriously and do as much as they can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following the guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as washing hands, wearing masks and staying home if anyone in the household is running a high temperature.

“We have a significant public health crisis. There are people dying every day in our state,” said Gov. Lee.

Are you suffering from medical malpractice?

Even though healthcare providers and doctors may not be sued for malpractice related to COVID-19 thanks to this new executive order, they can still be held liable for negligence in many other areas of medical practice.

Common examples of medical malpractice include:

• Failure to properly diagnose a medical condition
• Failure to provide timely and proper treatment
• Prescription errors
• Failure to perform surgical techniques correctly
• Failure to monitor a patient after surgery
• Mistakes in the administration of anesthesia
• Failure of nursing staff to provide proper care

Any patient who suffers from one of these can sue for medical malpractice. But in order to have a firm case, they must provide proof of negligence. This is a crucial part of any case. Unfortunately, the burden of proof falls to the victim.

If you or a loved one believe that you are suffering from medical malpractice and want to discuss your options with an attorney, our legal professionals are standing by. At Gilreath & Associates, our experience, compassion and commitment to our clients are what sets us apart.

Call one of our representatives today for your free initial consultation. One of our attorneys will create a roadmap of what to expect if you decide to file a case. We’ll get you the best results possible to help compensate for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and more.

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By Gilreath & Associates

Your first car accident is often the hardest because you don’t know what to do. Not only has another vehicle collided with you, but there’s contact information to exchange, damage to assess, insurance to deal with, a possible trip to the emergency room and a police report to fill out.

First, take a deep breath.

Go ahead…

No matter whose fault it is, filling out a report is standard procedure for any type of car accident.

When the police or highway patrol arrives on the scene, they will ask you to fill a piece of paper with your name, date, contact information, the make and model of the car and describe what happened. Write as clearly and concisely as you can, but don’t leave any details out as they could affect your case later.

If you decide to file a claim, a copy of that report will be helpful to your Tennessee accident lawyer.

But how do you get a copy?

Who can get a car accident report?

Tennessee drivers, vehicle owners and legal representatives all have the right to obtain a copy of the report. This means a friend or family member can’t do it for you unless you were driving a vehicle owned by them.

Who do I get it from?

There are a couple of sources to check for a copy of your car accident report.

Police or sheriff

After you’ve filled in the necessary information to the best of your ability, the county sheriff or city police should hand you something like a business card with the report number, a phone number for the office you can call, and the location of the office where you can pick up a copy of that report.

If you wish to have the report sent to you in the mail, you should be able to start that process once you’ve called the office. Be aware that certain fees may be applied depending on which department you’re working with to get a copy.

Tennessee Highway Patrol

If your accident is investigated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), you should be able to request a copy of the report 1 week following the car accident. You can also request a copy through the THP website and have it mailed to your home. Make sure to select the correct district office that is handling your report.

What the car accident report includes

Whether the city police or THP respond to the accident, the information included in the report is generally the same.

Crash details

Any and all relevant details should be included in the report by yourself and the officer investigating the accident. This includes how fast the driver was going, the road conditions, the time and date of the crash, where the vehicle was hit and, sometimes, notes from the officer who investigated the crash.

Injuries and damages

Fatal and non-fatal injuries are also included in the report, as well as property damages. All of this will help insurance companies determine the economic damages and what the financial penalties may be, if there are any.

Witnesses

If there were any witnesses of the crash, the police may interview them and include their contact information. Their statements will be helpful to your case if you decide to file a claim with help from a Tennessee car accident attorney.

Filing the report

Any car accident with an injury or significant damage ($50 or more) should always be reported. In order to make an insurance claim, you will need to acquire a copy of the police report to include with the claim. An owner or driver report should also be filed within 20 days if the car accident resulted in fatalities, if the damages add up to $400 or more—or if there were any injuries that add up to $400 or more.

No matter how minor or significant the damage is to the property or persons involved, if you want to file a car accident claim, an experienced Tennessee legal representative can help obtain all the evidence you need to make your case. Discover your rights by contacting Gilreath & Associates today for your free consultation.

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By Gilreath & Associates

Politicians don’t always (or usually) agree on the big issues, especially if they’re from separate parties. However, in the case of Ford Motors and its defective vehicles that led to serious accidents, 39 states and the District of Columbia have come together in a bipartisan coalition to put the safety of their citizens first.

Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III of Tennessee joined that fight on April 9, 2020. According to the official announcement:

“Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III has joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from 39 states and the District of Columbia defending the rights of Tennesseans and all Americans to hold companies accountable for defective products in their home-state courts.”

The issue on the table

The Minnesota and Montana Supreme Courts ruled that Ford Motor Company be sued for defects in their vehicles leading to serious accidents in the aforementioned states. Ford appealed to those same courts, arguing that any product-liability lawsuits should only be filed in the state where the vehicle was designed, manufactured or first sold.

In the end, 38 other states agreed with Minnesota and Montana, stressing that they have “strong sovereign and constitutional interests in ensuring that their own courts remain open to citizens injured within their borders,” according to the amicus curiae brief to the U.S. Supreme Court.

So far in 2020, Ford has already issued 3 major recalls on 4 of its vehicles, from car doors not latching properly to transmission failure to an improperly secured passenger seat belt buckle. All of these are cause for concern, have caused major accidents and have spurred government authorities to action.

How it’s being addressed

The states involved in this bipartisan coalition are asking that companies that have sold defective products be held responsible within their home courts, including Tennessee.

“Tennessee needs to be able to act, unencumbered, when our citizens are harmed by out-of-state companies that break our laws,” said Attorney General Slatery. “Whether we are talking about manufacturers of defective automotive products or those who deceptively market or distribute opioids, states must continue to hold them accountable no matter where they are located.”

Reversing Minnesota’s and Montana’s decision would make filing product liability suits difficult for their citizens. It also hinders the attorneys general from doing their jobs—that is protecting their states’ residents in state courts against outside companies that break their laws.

In other words, if a Ford consumer has a car accident in Tennessee due to a defect in the product, but the vehicle was manufactured, sold or designed in another state, that individual can’t file a lawsuit in Tennessee. This costs them both time and money, but Attorney General Slatery is one of many working to change that.

“Like many manufacturers, Ford chooses to sell mass-produced products throughout the country. It knows that those products might have design defects that could cause injuries in the States in which the products are sold,” according to the brief.

Therefore, the company shouldn’t be surprised when a resident from any state files a product liability claim.

At Gilreath and Associates, our defective product attorneys care about the safety of our fellow Tennesseans. If you or someone you know has been injured because of a defective product, contact our offices today to schedule a free initial consultation. We will use our 40+ years of experience to get you and your family the best compensation possible.

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By Gilreath & Associates

Tennessee boasts beautiful mountain ranges and panoramic views across the state, making it an appealing location for cyclists to take their bikes out for a spin. It also prompts Tennesseans to make biking a part of their daily commute, but this means the potential for a car and bicycle accident dramatically increases.

Cyclists have the right-of-way

According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, “You can ride your bike on many paved paths and greenways across the state, or in the road.” In the state of Tennessee, bicycle riders have the same rights as that of a car driver. This also means they must adhere to the same laws as that of a motor vehicle when they’re on the road.

That said, bicycle riders have the right-of-way at all crosswalks, intersections and driveways—except when there are pedestrians. In this case, cars and bikes must yield to passersby and those crossing intersections on foot.

The most dangerous cities

Even with more and more cities in Tennessee—and cities across the United States—taking steps for car drivers to share the road with bike riders, the potential for a car and a bike to crash with one another has climbed. For that reason, bicycle riders should avoid certain cities in Tennessee.

Alcoa, TN

With only 10,000 residents, it’s hard to believe such a small town could make so many bike riders so wary. Due to its high traffic flow during business hours, this makes Alcoa a high-risk city for those riding their bikes. Statistics even show Alcoa has more car and bike crashes per year than much larger cities like Knoxville.

Memphis, TN

For every 1 million people, there are 4.6 fatal accidents involving a car driver and bicycle rider in Memphis. This not only makes it one of the most dangerous cities to bike in Tennessee but in the United States as well. With a population of over 650,000 residents and already 17 accidents in 2020, Memphis is an extremely unfriendly place for cyclists.

Knoxville, TN

As the third most populous city in Tennessee, it probably comes as no surprise that Knoxville has a high accident rate between motor vehicles and bicycles. As of April 2020, it has the second-highest number of accidents in Tennessee, putting it high on the list of cities for Tennesseans to avoid when they ride their bikes.

What do if you’re in an accident

If you’re a cyclist and have hit or been hit by a motor vehicle, the first thing you should do is make sure everyone is okay. If there’s a serious injury, call 911 immediately for medical attention. Even if there are no injuries, call 911 anyway to report the accident. Take as many pictures as possible of the scene and exchange contact information with the car driver.

Though your injuries may seem minor or you don’t appear to have been injured at all, seeking medical attention is the smartest thing to do after an accident because there may be injuries beneath the surface. If you decide to file a claim, finding a Tennessee bicycle accident lawyer near you is the next step.

The experts at Gilreath & Associates are ready to help bicycle accident victims fight for their rights and negotiate for a fair settlement on their behalf. If you’ve recently been injured while riding your bike, don’t hesitate to call for your free consultation today.

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By Gilreath & Associates

Ranitidine, better known by its brand name Zantac, is an over-the-counter and prescription drug used to treat heartburn. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) sent out a recall to manufacturers of this medication after running new tests and finding startling results.

The FDA’s ongoing investigation has revealed a contaminant in ranitidine known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA for short), which is considered a probable human carcinogen. This means it can cause cancer in human tissue.

When Zantac is stored for increased periods of time and at higher-than-normal temperatures (the average recommended temperature being between 68°F and 77°F), it can cause NDMA levels in the drug to increase as well. 

To date, other products used to treat the same problem as Zantac have not come back with the same results, according to the FDA.

Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, stated in a recent announcement that “the FDA will continue our efforts to ensure impurities in other drugs do not exceed acceptable limits so that patients can continue taking medicines without concern.”

The FDA also urges patients who currently take Zantac over-the-counter or as a prescription to stop and take a different approved drug to treat their heartburn.

“There are multiple drugs approved for the same or similar uses as ranitidine that do not carry the same risks from NDMA,” according to the FDA. Some of these drugs include famotidine (Pepcid), esomeprazole (Nexium) and omeprazole (Prilosec).

Sanofi, the manufacturer of Zantac, initially recalled the drug in October 2019 from pharmacies in the U.S. and Canada because of inconsistent results found in their preliminary tests. Prior to this, certain stores like Walmart, CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens announced they wouldn’t sell Zantac over-the-counter due to the NDMA concerns.

It is the duty of drug makers to properly manufacture and distribute their drugs in a safe and ethical manner with directions for the consumer on how to use the drugs. They are also required to warn consumers of any potential risks or side effects associated with the drugs.

Common and generally minor  side effects of Zantac, for example, include:

• Itchy skin
• Rashes
• Stomach pain

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

• Vomiting
• Pneumonia
• Liver damage

Exposure to high levels of a probable carcinogen can now be added to the list as well. NDMA can cause:

• Cancer in human tissue
• Cramps
• Nausea

• Vomiting
• Damage to vital organs such as the bladder, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and stomach

When drug makers fail to provide these risks to the consumer, manufacturers can be held legally liable for their product.

Don’t let a defective medical product or device affect your health

The Tennessee product liability lawyers at Gilreath & Associates have the experience, compassion, and commitment to listen to your case. If you or a loved one have taken Zantac and want to learn if you can receive compensation, we encourage you to call a Tennessee defective drug lawyer today for your free consultation.

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By Gilreath & Associates

Tennesseans have had it tough in recent weeks, battling not only the coronavirus pandemic but also tornadoes that swept through the southeast early in April. In light of all of the scary news, the team at Gilreath & Associates wanted to share some uplifting and positive news stories about how Tennesseeans and all Americans have come together in recent weeks to support one another.

Help from overseas

It’s no secret Italy has been one of the countries hit the hardest during the global pandemic, which makes their contribution to fighting the coronavirus all the more appreciated.

An Air Force C-17 flew 500,000 swabs as part of coronavirus test kits made overseas and in the U.S. to Memphis, Tennessee in March. More missions of this nature are expected to take place in the future as the U.S. military focuses its efforts on fighting COVID-19.

Senior citizens will not go hungry

Citizens aged 60 and older have been especially encouraged to stay home as much as possible during the pandemic as their immune systems are less able to combat the coronavirus. While grocery stores have adjusted their hours to accommodate this, one country star took it a step further.

Brad Paisley announced on March 17 that his free grocery store would be delivering free food to senior citizens in Nashville on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This provides a week’s worth of groceries to elderly neighbors in Edgehill and Berry Hill while it remains open to the public so they can also continue to get food.

Cookeville comes to Chattanooga’s aid

While still suffering from its own tornado earlier this year, the city of Cookeville came together to help the folks in Chattanooga by sending their first responders to clear the damage of their tornado disaster.

Together with the Chattanooga Fire Department, they cleared close to 80 percent of the damaged structures in the path of the EF-3 tornado in less than 48 hours.

Mayor Andy Berke of Chattanooga also directed safety equipment to protect first responders in the wake of the pandemic, including protective eyewear, gowns and masks.

“The toughest times bring out the best in our people and show the strength of our community,” commented Mayor Berke.

Shining light during dark times (literally!)

If there’s one way to spread cheer during the coronavirus in Tennessee, it’s by donning homes with Christmas lights (even in the middle of March). In the midst of a pandemic, many have put up Christmas lights as a way to bring hope and cheer during a tough period.

As one Twitter user said, “My youngest son was bored today and said, ‘Can we put Christmas lights on our tree outside to cheer us up?’ Great idea buddy.”

We couldn’t agree more!

Here at Gilreath & Associates, we want all Tennesseeans to know that we remain open to serve our community. Our team is taking every precaution possible to stay safe and healthy during this time. If you or a loved one have suffered from a personal injury or workplace illness, don’t hesitate to call our Tennessee attorneys for professional and compassionate expertise regarding your case.

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By Gilreath & Associates

Also known as COVID-19, the coronavirus is part of a larger family of viruses common among people and animals alike. Coronavirus attacks a person’s respiratory system, and currently there is no known cure.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of panic and confusion happening surrounding this virus. So here at Gilreath & Associates, we want to help get the facts straight and make sure you’re taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this difficult time.

Follow these tips to avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus.

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19

If you are coughing, sneezing, running a fever or having difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately. While these are common symptoms of coronavirus, it can also be a sign of the flu, a cold or other respiratory disease.

If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19, it’s best to stay home and treat the virus like a common cold or flu. Drink lots of warm fluids, stay hydrated and get lots of rest. If your symptoms worsen and you have difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

These are the best things you can do to recover, as there is currently no vaccine available to treat coronavirus.

How to avoid getting (and spreading) coronavirus

As with any virus, washing your hands is a key to prevention. It’s the easiest and one of the most effective ways of preventing germs from getting into your body via your eyes, nose and mouth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using soap and running water to wash hands for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, sneezing and eating.

Another preventative measure the CDC recommends is for everyone to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, as this can quickly spread germs.

Coronavirus sources and information

Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to search for and access information about any number of topics, including the coronavirus, as well as share it with the rest of the world.

But where is this information coming from?

Unfortunately, not all sources are trustworthy, so we’ve compiled a list of websites that Tennesseeans can go to for accurate and up-to-date information on how to take care of themselves and their families during this time.

1. CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the first websites Tennesseeans should visit to find out about how to protect themselves, learn about the symptoms of COVID-19, and discover what to do if you get sick.

2. TN.gov

The Tennessee state government also has a web page containing a list of resources for the public, small businesses, news media, FAQs, and remote assessment sites people can visit if they think they’ve contracted COVID-19.

3. WHO.int

The World Health Organization is “the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system,” with branches around the world to provide health and safety information to all people. WHO has a webpage dedicated to live updates, number of confirmed cases, health advice, and more concerning the coronavirus.

Gilreath & Associates encourages everyone to follow these tips and take preventative measures.

With 3 locations and over 30 years of experience, our team of lawyers is committed to ensuring you receive quality representation even amidst these difficult times. We continue to remain open and available for free consultations if you or a loved are suffering from a personal injury or medical malpractice.

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By Gilreath & Associates

According to a study published in 2019 by SmartAsset, Alaska and Tennessee were tied at number 8 in its list of worst states to drive in. The other top 10 states included Mississippi, Alabama, California, Nevada, Texas, Arizona and Missouri.

Sadly, Tennessee is often one of the states that consistently remains near the top of the list of worst states to drive due to the high number of car accidents in the Volunteer State. 

Just one reason for this bad reputation is the failure to yield.

In February 2020, Nashville resident Christopher Crowder, 34 years old, was killed when another driver, Tracy Humphreys, 57, pulled out of a parking lot and hit Crowder. Humphreys was charged with failure to yield right of way resulting in death.  

Make sure this doesn’t happen to you by refreshing your knowledge about Tennessee’s right of way laws.

Always yield to pedestrians

If a pedestrian is crossing the street on foot, bike or wheelchair, you must allow them to pass until they are safely far enough in the other lane before continuing. Even if the crosswalk isn’t marked, they still have the right of way. Blind people, children playing in the street and pedestrians in parking lots, alleyways and driveways also have the right of way.

In Humphreys’ case, she should have yielded to Crowder because she was entering the main road from a parking lot when there was already traffic. The same goes for vehicles entering from a driveway, another road, parking lot or making a left.

Who has the right of way at intersections?

It is common knowledge among drivers making a left turn at an intersection to yield to oncoming traffic. Even if the light at a 4-way intersection is green, you must wait for oncoming traffic to pass before making your turn.

Roundabouts are a little bit trickier for most drivers, but all you have to remember is to yield to traffic already in the circle. If there’s a 4-way stop instead of a roundabout, then the first driver who stops at their stop sign goes first. If all 4 vehicles arrive at the same time, the right of way must be given to the driver entering from the right.

Move over for emergency vehicles

If you see lights blinking and hear horns blaring, move over to the side of the road as quickly as possible. Use your turn signal to indicate to other drivers you’re getting into the right-hand lane before pulling over as close to the curb as you can.

Remember: it’s the law!

Public transportation vehicles

A bus or other public transportation vehicle with their blinker on must be given the right of way when pulling into traffic from a designated bus stop.

Making the decision to contact an experienced Tennessee accident attorney after a car accident is one of the smartest decisions a driver can make. Whether it’s a failure to yield or a rear-end collision, the lawyers at Gilreath & Associates have the experience, compassion and commitment to represent the victims of almost any accident.

Contact us today for your free consultation.

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