Recently, former Alabama running back Altee Tenpenny was killed in a single vehicle wreck in Mississippi. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that Tenpenny, who was 20 at the time of the accident, was traveling through Mississippi on Highway 1 when he crashed into a highway sign around 5 p.m.  The force of the collision caused his vehicle to become airborne and then rollover several times upon landing.  The car then collided with a utility pole, ejecting Tenpenny from the vehicle.  Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, but the former football player sadly perished from his injuries sustained in the accident.  As of now, Mississippi Highway Patrol and accident reconstructionists are still working to uncover the cause of the accident.

Causes of Single Vehicle Accidents

Each year, thousands of drivers and passengers across the country are killed in single vehicle accidents. There are a number of causes for single vehicle accidents, but some common circumstances seem to arise in the majority of these crashes.  Common causes of single vehicle accidents include:

1. Speed: Driving over the speed limit is the number one cause of single vehicle crashes. Speed can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and run off the road or hit obstacles near the road. Slow down and stay within the legal speed limit in order to prevent a single vehicle crash.
2. Road conditions: Road conditions can in part lead to single vehicle accidents. Roads that are poorly maintained or contain inadequate warning signs can cause single vehicle crashes. All states and municipalities should ensure roads are maintained in a safe manner for travelers in order to prevent serious accidents.
3. Distracted driving: Drivers who text, talk on the phone, browse the web, eat, drink, or engage in like distracted activities can cause accidents. Distraction draws a driver’s attention, vision, and possibly hands from the road for an amount of time sufficient to cause an accident. Pay attention to the road ahead and stow all electronic devices in a safe place.
4. Driving while intoxicated: Alcohol is a major contributor to single vehicle accidents. Drivers who use drugs or alcohol will not be able to react properly to sudden obstacles or emergency situations. These drivers are also prone to using excessive speed and running off the roadways. Never drink and drive to protect your life and the lives of those around you.
5. Tired driving: Drivers who are sleep deprived are unlikely to react appropriately to obstacles and may not swerve in time to prevent an accident. Drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel may run off the road, jump medians, or run into curbs.
6. Mechanical defects: Cars that are defective can cause serious single car accidents. Defective brakes, tires, and much more are common causes of car accidents. If you are injured in a single vehicle accident, be sure your car accident attorney investigates the possibility of a mechanical defect leading to your accident. If you have been injured in car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC.  Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured vehicle accident victims for over 75 years. We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more. Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury. Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Barrett Law, PLLC: Decades of Experience Representing Injured Car Accident Victims across Mississippi

If you have been injured in car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC. Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured vehicle accident victims for over 75 years.  We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free initial consultation.