Philadelphia, TN (December 18, 2023) 36-year-old Miguel Angel Lopez Zavala was killed in a crash with a train in Philadelphia, Tennessee, according to authorities. The accident occurred on Thursday, December 14th, on Highway 11, the Tennessee Highway Patrol reported.
Lopez Zavala was driving east on Highway 11 in a 2001 Ford Taurus when he failed to yield and was hit by a Norfold Southern Train. The train was headed north on the tracks at the time of the collision, authorities said. Reports indicate that the Taurus came to rest off the roadway and the train came to a controlled stop on the tracks, following the crash.
The collision happened near the entrance to Sweetwater Valley Farm on Highway 11, the Sheriff’s Office stated. Several roads in the area, including Christian Street at Church Street and Pond Creek Road at Elm Street following the crash.
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Officers and paramedics arrived at the scene and could the Taurus on its side, off of the road, heavily damaged. Paramedics rushed to give medical aid to any occupants inside the vehicle. There was only one occupant, the driver, identified as Lopez Zavala. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Crews began cleaning the debris from the scene and officers looked for evidence to help with the investigation.
Who Is At Fault In A Philadelphia, TN Collision
Although safety measures for vehicles have improved over the years, car accidents remain one of the leading causes of severe injuries and even death in the United States. More than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million injured in car accidents each year, according to the CDC. Several things contribute to car accidents, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, inclement weather, dangerous turns, speeding and even roads that are poorly designed.
Every driver is legally obligated to avoid causing accidents. This holds even more true for commercial drivers who work for the city. A large number of collisions are due to drivers who make dangerous left turns.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident, such as finding any surveillance evidence of the accident, taking photos of the scene and damaged vehicles, speaking with witnesses, preserving medical records and last, but not least, a thorough investigation should be conducted.
Any victim’s family could have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages sought in a legal claim can help cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. It is important that all evidence is preserved properly following a car accident. An attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what legal options you have.
The Investigation Of A Philadelphia, TN Accident
All of us at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Miguel Angel Lopez Zavala during this difficult time. If you have any information about this accident, you should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for those who have lost so much in this accident.
Do you or someone you know need more information about an accident in Philadelphia, Tennessee? Reach out to us any time at (866) 945-4286. Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you. We care that accident victims know their rights and that those rights are protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need help regarding a specific accident, we care and are ready to help. Call us or use our online contact form at Accident News Now.
