Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on November 11, 2015
City Workers in Overton County Killed after Being Struck by Pickup Truck
A pickup truck collided with the back of a garbage truck in Overton County on Tuesday morning, killing two city employees who were both between the two vehicles.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 9 a.m. on East Main Street. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports that the garbage truck had come to a stop in front of a nearby home to allow the two employees to collect the trash set out near the curb. But as the two men walked to the back of the garbage truck, they were struck by a 2000 Chevy Silverado pickup.
The accident caused the two workers—a 51-year-old man and a 22-year-old man—to suffer fatal injuries. They were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
The driver of the pickup truck, a 66-year-old man, also suffered severe injuries in the accident and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center via helicopter to receive treatment. He is currently in stable condition.
How to Drive Safely near Garbage Trucks and Sanitation Vehicles
Garbage trucks and other sanitation vehicles are common sights on roadways throughout Middle Tennessee. These vehicles and the workers to drive and use them on a daily basis provide a valuable service for many residents in the communities they serve. However, many drivers may be unaware of the risks that sanitation workers face on a daily basis. Because they frequently ride on the back of the truck with no protection, and because they frequently get on and off the vehicle, they are exposed to many significant dangers during every shift.
To help reduce the risk that these workers face when you’re driving near a sanitation truck, follow these tips as recommended by the National Waste & Recycling Association:
If you see a garbage truck that’s stopped or beginning to slow down in front of a home or business, you should always begin to slow down. Maintaining a safe and steady speed in the presence of sanitation workers is one of the most important factors in helping to reduce their risk of injuries.
Whether the garbage truck is moving, slowing down, or stopped, always keep a safe distance between it and your vehicle. Following garbage trucks too closely can put the workers at serious risk in the event of an accident—especially if you are unable to slow down or stop before striking the back of the truck.
If a garbage truck slows down or stops in front of your vehicle, never pass the vehicle without first verifying the location of the workers. They may be in front of the vehicle and out of your line of sight until you attempt to pass the truck, putting them at risk of being struck by your vehicle.
Distracted driving is always dangerous, but it also puts the lives of sanitation workers at risk. Any and all encounters with garbage trucks means you should proceed with caution and alertness, and driving distracted can significantly increase your chances of striking a worker on or near the sanitation vehicle.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville truck accident attorneys know that sanitation workers play a huge role in keeping communities clean and safe throughout Middle Tennessee, but we also know their jobs put them at risk every single day. That’s why it’s important for all drivers to remain alert and cautious when driving near sanitation vehicles, as their actions can help save lives.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car or truck accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and more. To find out how our legal team can assist your family, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free initial consultation form today.
