Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury on July 13, 2016
Smyrna Police Looking for Driver Involved in Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident
A 29-year-old woman was killed after she was knocked off her scooter by a vehicle and then struck by another vehicle at around 11 p.m. Saturday in Smyrna.
According to a report by WSMV.com, the accident occurred near South Lowry Street at the Nissan Boulevard overpass when the woman’s scooter was struck from behind by a pickup truck. After the collision, the pickup truck dragged the scooter for around one quarter of a mile before it struck an embankment.
Witnesses say the driver got out of the truck and removed the scooter from underneath his or her vehicle before leaving the scene.
The victim was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Police are asking for information about the vehicle, which is described as a dark grey or pewter-colored Chevrolet or GMC pickup truck with a damaged front end and a broken taillight.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Smyrna Police Department as soon as possible.
4 Steps to Take After Being Involved in an Accident with Injuries
If you’re ever involved in an accident where someone is hurt, it’s vital that you follow the correct steps to protect yourself, the victims, and your loved ones. Accidents with injuries require quick thinking and immediate responses from both the people involved and emergency responders. That’s why knowing exactly what to do in this situations can often save lives.
After an accident where it’s clear someone was injured—or if you even suspect injuries—always follow these four steps:
The sooner car accident victims get help from emergency responders, the more likely they will be to survive. If you’re capable of doing so, use your phone and call 911 right away after the accident. Stay on the phone with the dispatcher long enough to provide important information about the accident, including where it happened, how many vehicles were involved, and the conditions of the victims.
Victims who suffer head, neck, and spinal injuries are at serious risk in the minutes after car accidents. Even slight movements that aren’t done under the care of trained medical professionals can cause them to suffer life-threatening internal injuries and further damage to affected parts of their bodies. Stay inside your vehicle and remain where you are unless you’re in danger of being struck by oncoming traffic or your vehicle is at risk of catching fire.
When paramedics arrive at the scene, make sure they know who is injured and where each victim is located. Follow their instructions and allow them to exam you and perform any treatments or even transport you to the hospital if necessary. If you don’t go to the hospital right away, make sure you visit a doctor soon after the accident to rule out internal injuries and to get a medical report of the injuries you suffered.
The aftermaths of car accidents can be devastating for everyone. Victims often suffer injuries that can range from life-threatening to disabling. People who suffer debilitating injuries may experience severe pain and loss of motion that interferes with their ability to work—and that means the loss of the paychecks their families depend on. Contacting an experienced Nashville auto accident attorney during this time can help you protect your rights to filing a claim against the driver who caused the crash.
In addition to these tips, you can also take additional steps to protect your rights. That includes things like exchanging information with witnesses and the other driver, taking pictures of the accident scene, writing down what happened, and requesting a copy of the police’s accident report.
Car accidents can be confusing and frightening, but taking the right steps afterwards can significantly improve your medical outlook and your ability to protect yourself if you need to file a claim.
The Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law have assisted injured victims for more than 20 years, and we know what it takes to build winning cases. If you or someone you love was injured in a car crash caused by a negligent driver, we want to fight for your rights. To speak with our attorneys, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form today.
