Trees: The Silent Killers in Many Mississippi Car Crashes

Most roads in Mississippi are flanked on either side by trees. We often take these plants for granted — not noticing them unless they are particularly beautiful. But trees often play a very important role in car crashes. Why? Because when a car veers off the side of the road, there’s a very high chance that it will impact a tree. And as any first responder will tell you, the result isn’t pretty. Trees are some of the most dangerous features on our roads — and they lead to many fatalities. But why are trees so dangerous, and how can you sue if you have been injured after a collision with a tree?

Trees Are More Dangerous than You Realize

A recent report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln highlights the danger of trees on the roadside, showing that these plants are responsible for over 3,000 traffic fatalities each year in the United States. They are also more dangerous than any other “fixed object” on the side of the road. This report also shows that collisions with trees are actually far more dangerous than collisions with other vehicles. Unlike vehicles, trees do not have “crumple zones” or safety features. They are dense, rigid objects that lack energy absorption. The main argument of this report is to remove trees from the sides of roads — but this isn’t always easy due to public outcry and environmental activists.

People Die from Tree Collisions All the Time in Mississippi

On February 28th, a man lost his life after a crash in Mississippi that saw him collide with several trees. His vehicle then caught fire, and he later succumbed to his injuries. On March 8th of 2023, another Mississippi resident died after a vehicle flipped “several times in the air” before colliding with a tree. The deceased victim was the passenger in the vehicle, and the driver suffered critical injuries but survived.

One has to wonder whether these people would have survived if trees had been cleared away from the sides of roads. In the case with the vehicle fire, did the tree provide additional fuel for the blaze, claiming the life of the victim in the process? In the case with the vehicle flipping through the air, would the victim have died if not for the impact with a solid, immovable tree? One thing is certain: It would take a monumental infrastructure project to remove all trees from the sides of roads — and it’s unclear whether Mississippi residents would even be in favor of such an undertaking.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Car Accident Attorney?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced car accident attorney in Mississippi, look no further than Ballard Law, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs fight for their rights in an effective, confident manner. A collision with a tree can leave victims with serious health issues, and you deserve compensation if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Remember, you can sue if a car caused you to veer off the road — even if you never actually impacted another vehicle in the process. Book your consultation to get started now.

Sources

1. https://www.irf.global/wp-content/uploads/Bradley-Winkelbauer-The_Killer_Tree_Problem.pdf
2. https://www.wlbt.com/2023/03/08/passenger-dies-after-car-flips-over-several-times-collides-with-tree-copiah-co/
3. https://www.wlbt.com/2023/02/28/louisiana-man-dies-miss-crash-after-vehicle-crashes-into-trees-catches-fire/

Ballard Law, PLLC

108 S President St.
Jackson, MS 39201
(769) 572-5111

If you have further questions about this article or legal concerns, call 800-672-3103