Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on April 7, 2016
Driver Injured after Vehicle is Struck by Train in Murfreesboro
A man suffered serious injuries after the vehicle he was driving was hit by a train in Murfreesboro Friday morning.
According to a report by the Daily News Journal, the accident occurred just before 11 a.m. on the train tracks at Middle Tennessee Boulevard near South Church Street. A witness of the accident told reporters that the driver attempted to beat the train by driving over the tracks after the crossing arms had already come down.
The witness, along with another bystander, attempted to help the driver, who was still conscious, after his vehicle was struck by the train.
Police closed Middle Tennessee Boulevard at Church Street for several hours as they worked to investigate the cause of the accident.
The driver of the car was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment for his injuries. He’s currently listed in stable condition, and his identity hasn’t been released at this time.
Railroad Crossing Safety Tips and Facts
When train tracks intersect with roadways, there are often several safety features and checkpoints designed to prevent collisions from occurring. Flashing lights, warning bells, train whistles, and physical barriers that prevent cars from driving over the tracks are all commonplace at railroad intersections. Despite these safety features and precautions, vehicle accidents involving trains still occur throughout Tennessee every year.
To stay safe the next time you drive over or near a railroad crossing, do your best to remember these facts and follow these tips:
Many drivers assume that it’s safe to cross railroad tracks if they don’t see flashing lights or barricades, or if they don’t hear warning bells or a train whistle. Even if the train tracks appear to be clear as you approach the area, always stop and look both ways before crossing.
Regardless of the type of vehicle you’re driving, the intersection you’re at, or where the train is in relation to your vehicle, it’s important to remember that trains always have the right of way—100 percent of the time. That even applies to emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks.
When you stop for an oncoming train, always give it plenty of room by staying well behind the train tracks and any barricades. Some trains can be wide enough to take up around three feet of extra space beyond the railroad tracks, which means vehicles that are parked too close to the tracks can be at risk of being struck.
Some drivers attempt to beat trains because they may think they aren’t traveling fast. However, trains can move at high speeds and can take around one mile to come to a complete stop when they are traveling at around 55 miles per hour.
Whether it has engine problems or transmission issues, if your vehicle has a history of stalling at any point, never use it to drive over or across a railroad crossing. If your vehicle does stall on railroad tracks, get out immediately and move in the direction where the train is coming from to avoid possible debris in case there’s a collision. Then call 911 immediately to report the accident.
As a driver in the state of Tennessee, it’s vital that you do everything in your power to stay safe on the roadway—and that includes following the proper safety procedures at railroad crossings. Although accidents involving passenger vehicles and trains are rare, when they do happen, the victims often suffer life-threatening and even fatal injuries. By following the tips above, you can significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident involving a train.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers know that all types of auto crashes have the potential to cause victims to suffer debilitating and disabling injuries. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident that led to expensive medical bills and prolonged time away from work, we want to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form to find out how we can help.
