High School Student Dies in Tragic Tennessee Car Crash

By Thomas Greer | October 27, 2013

On October 15, 2013, a tenth grade student got into a car with friends in the afternoon.  At approximately 5:30 PM, when it was still daylight, the Nissan in which the three teenage boys were riding crossed the center median and collided with a pick-up truck traveling in the opposite direction.  Fifteen year-old Kane Ragsdale, riding in the front passenger seat, died at the scene of the accident.  Initial reports by investigating officers report that Ragsdale was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

The severity of the collision likely was increased by other factors, including the Nissan speeding at the time of the crash.  The posted speed limit at the location of the accident was 45 miles per hour and initial accident analysis by investigating officers reveals that speed may have been a factor in the terrible crash.  This type of crash is particularly deadly because the vehicles are moving towards each other at the time of the accident, rather than side or rear impact types of collisions where this is not the case.  Therefore the force of impact is much larger.

Out of all traffic accidents that occur in the United States, two percent (2%) of crashes involve head-on or offset collisions.  However, these accidents result in ten percent (10%) of crash fatalities.  There are many different causes of these types of accidents, including crossing the center median through negligence rather than intentional movement, which is what seems to have happened in the collision that claimed the life of Kane Ragsdale.  In addition, a head-on crash can happen when a car unsafely passes another vehicle on a two lane road, travels the wrong way down a one-way street, drives through a red light or stop sign, or enters a divided highway traveling in the wrong direction.  Often, these types of accidents are caused by distracted driving, alcohol, drugs, or extreme fatigue.

The reason why these accidents are as severe as they are is because the two vehicles are traveling towards each other at a high rate of speed.  This results in a doubling of the impact force.  Moreover, the driver and front seat passenger are in a position to absorb a large percentage of the transferred impact force.  In addition, the head-on collision results in pushing the engine compartment of the vast majority of cars into the driver and passenger compartment, leading to serious injuries.  The severe harm that results from this type of collision include:

  • Head trauma and traumatic brain injury, leading to cognitive impairment and neurological damage;
  • Spinal cord damage, which may lead to partial or complete paralysis;
  • Fractured or broken bones;
  • Severe nerve damage;
  • Burn injuries from vehicle fires when combustible fluids ignite as a result of the crash;
  • Lacerations and abrasions leading to disfigurement; and
  • Whiplash and whiplash associated disorders.

The crash that claimed the life of a fifteen year old was a tragic and completely preventable accident.  When a head-on collision has resulted in serious injuries for you or caused the death of a loved one, you need to act to get the compensation that you need.

An auto accident is a traumatic event that will negatively impact many people’s lives at some point.  If you have suffered harm because of another driver’s negligence, you need the compassionate and hard-working Tennessee accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC to get you the compensation that you need to move forward with life after an accident.  To schedule a free and confidential case evaluation, call 901-680-9777.

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