Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on May 8, 2017
A 27-year-old man was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while he was walking near Briley Parkway in Davidson County.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred at around 5:30 p.m. Friday evening near Elm Hill Pike and the Nashville airport.
A spokesperson with Metro Nashville Police told reporters that the victim had hailed a cab to Briley Parkway and exited it on Elm Hill Pike. The man then walked to Briley Parkway and began traveling north and facing southbound traffic.
While the man was walking near the intersection of Briley and Elm Hill, he was struck by a tractor-trailer. The driver of the truck told investigators that the victim made eye contact with him before jumping in front of his vehicle.
Emergency responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene, and police closed several lanes of the road to investigate the crash, causing traffic to back up for several miles.
Police say that they received calls about the man’s behavior, including walking through traffic, as early as 3 p.m. on Friday.
The results of a toxicology test conducted on the victim are pending.
What’s the Best Way to Stay Safe while Walking near Traffic?
Whether you walk as part of your daily commute, as a means of getting exercise, or just want to be prepared in case you ever become stranded, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect yourself when you’re walking near moving vehicles.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that around 430 people are seriously injured in pedestrian accidents every 24 hours, but those numbers could be reduced if everyone followed these tips:
Drivers are accustomed to being on the lookout for other vehicles—not pedestrians. Any time you set out on foot, it’s important to make yourself as obvious and visible to motorists as possible. Wearing bright and reflective clothing will make you stand out from a distance, even during times of low visibility. Carrying a flashlight will also help make you more visible to drivers.
When you’re walking next to traffic, always walk against the flow of vehicles. Not only does that make you more visible, but it gives you more time to react to the movements of cars and trucks. In addition, you should always stick to areas that are safe for pedestrians, including sidewalks and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks available, walk on the shoulder and put as much distance as possible between yourself and the road.
Distracted driving is an epidemic in the United States that claims thousands of lives every year, but distracted walking can be just as dangerous for pedestrians. Walking safely near traffic requires using all your senses, and texting, talking on the phone, or listening to music can decrease your ability to see and hear what’s going on around you.
Although vehicles often travel at low speeds in parking lots, they can still be dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers may have limited visibility due to the presence of other vehicles or the arrangement of parking spaces. Stick to designated walking areas and sidewalks, and make sure your children stay close while walking to and from your vehicle.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys knows that people who are hit by vehicles often suffer serious, disabling, and even life-threatening injuries. And in many cases, these accidents are caused by drivers who were distracted, speeding, impaired, or otherwise negligent in their responsibility to drive safely.
If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by a careless driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Our legal will fight to help you get money for your accident-related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form to find out how we can help.
