Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 14, 2015
Clarksville Crash Leaves Two in Critical Condition
A car accident on Ashland City Road in Clarksville, Tennessee, on Tuesday evening left two people in critical condition and needing immediate medical attention.
According to a report by The Leaf-Chronicle, the accident occurred around 2:48 p.m. when a 2003 Buick Century sedan collided with a utility pole in the parking lot of a local business called The Green Mile.
The Clarksville Police Department stated that the vehicle was driven by a woman of Waverly, Tennessee, while her passenger is from Clarksville. The severity of the accident caused emergency crews, including the Clarksville Fire Rescue, to use special equipment to extricate the victims from the wreckage.
After being removed from the wreckage, both victims were transported to a local hospital by the Montgomery County EMS. There are no updates at this time on their condition.
The Clarksville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law are hopeful that the victims experience quick and full recoveries from the injuries they suffered in this accident.
Tips for Safe Driving in Parking Lots
Because parking lots are generally areas that involve low-speed driving, many people assume they’re also low risk. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that up to 14 percent of all car accidents occur in parking lots. To stay safe when you’re in a parking lot, consider the follow tips:
Parking lots utilize things like stop signs, traffic signals painted on the ground, and even mounted mirrors for a reason—to protect drivers. It’s important to follow the flow of traffic in parking lots, and that means always stopping at stop signs to make sure no vehicles are in your way, never driving the wrong way down a parking lot aisle, and paying attention to oncoming traffic when rounding a corner.
If possible, try to park in spaces where you don’t have to back out of the spot next to vehicles that can block your view. If that’s not an option, be extra cautious when putting your car in reverse to exit your space. Not only do parking lots make it difficult to see cars that might turn into your aisle, but it can also be difficult to see pedestrians who may be walking directly behind your vehicle.
Parking lots generally have posted speed limit signs ranging from 5 to 10 miles per hour. Those signs aren’t just for the safety of pedestrians—they’re also to help keep drivers safe as well. Because of the sometimes erratic nature of driving in parking lots, it’s important to drive slowly and give yourself plenty of time to slow down or stop when reacting to other drivers’ movements. It’s also important to never speed up in an attempt to get a parking space, as doing so can make you more likely to hit a vehicle that’s reversing into the aisle.
Unless you have an unobstructed view of the adjacent parking aisle, driving across the parking space in front of your vehicle can be dangerous due to the difficulty of seeing cars that might be in your way or that might be about to enter the parking spot itself. Instead of driving through the open space, back up slowly and cautiously.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Clarksville car accident attorneys know that drivers sometimes forget that parking lots can be just as dangerous as other roadways. That’s why it’s so important to never let your guard down—even when you’re just making a quick trip to the store. All car accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries, even low-speed collisions that are common in parking lots.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident in a parking lot, our attorneys have what it takes to help you get compensation. We’re familiar with Tennessee accident law, and we’ll hold the negligent driver responsible for your medical bills and lost wages. Contact us at (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form.
