Posted in Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on April 29, 2016
Fatal Injuries Reported after Semi-Truck Strikes Worker in Hickman County
A 65-year-old worker with the Tennessee Department of Transportation was killed during an accident involving a semi-truck on Interstate 40 on Thursday.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred just after 9:30 a.m. when a crew of TDOT workers traveling in three vehicles stopped to repair a flat tire. All three of the TDOT vehicles pulled over to the side of the road, and the workers turned on their emergency lights and got out to unload their equipment to repair the flat tire.
While the TDOT vehicles were stopped, a semi-truck veered off the roadway and onto the shoulder and then struck one of the TDOT vehicles.
The semi-truck continued along the same path, striking another TDOT vehicle and a TDOT worker before careening off the roadway and overturning.
The TDOT worker who was struck by the semi-truck died at the scene of the accident. In addition, a 59-year-old worker and a 22-year-old worker both suffered injuries. One of the victims was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment for his injuries.
The driver of the semi-truck also suffered injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
A TDOT spokesperson said that the accident highlights the dangers road crews face every day.
Tips for Driving Safely Around TDOT and Emergency Vehicles
In response to the dangers that TDOT workers and emergency responders face when they have to pull their vehicles over to the side of the road and assist motorists or do road work, the Tennessee legislature passed a “Move Over” law in 2006. This law helps protect highway workers and emergency responders by putting extra distance between them and oncoming traffic.
You can do your part to help keep these workers safe by following these tips:
The Move Over law is enforced by police officers and state troopers. In order to avoid getting a ticket—and to help keep road workers and emergency responders safe—always change lanes when you see a stopped emergency vehicle ahead in the roadway. The only exception to this rule occurs when traffic volume is heavy enough that you can’t safely change lanes.
Changing lanes and moving away from stopped emergency vehicles is the ideal course of action when you see TDOT workers and emergency responders, but it’s not always possible. If you can’t safely change lanes, reduce your speed when approaching the stopped vehicles. Be ready to slow down even further as you approach, as the presence of workers and emergency responders who are on foot near the roadway is a likely scenario.
TDOT workers and police, firefighters, rescue workers, and EMS crews aren’t the only people who are at risk when they stop on the side of a highway or interstate. People who are forced to stop due to flat tires or car trouble can also be in danger due to the presence of oncoming traffic. If you’re approaching a stopped motorist, change lanes if possible to give them a wider berth.
The Nashville truck accident attorneys know that people who are stopped on the side of the road—whether they’re emergency responders, TDOT workers, road repair crews, or just ordinary motorists—can be at serious risk of injury due to oncoming traffic. That’s why it’s vital for all drivers to heed the Move Over law and either change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped or disabled vehicles on the shoulder of the road or in emergency lanes.
If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver who failed to heed the Move Over law, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our legal team has two decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims, and we’ll do everything in our power to help you get the money you deserve.
Contact us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form.
