Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Truck Wreck on September 21, 2016
Fatal Injuries Reported after Tractor-Trailer Pedestrian Accident in Nashville
A man was struck by a tractor-trailer and killed in the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 early Monday morning.
According to reports by WKRN.com and WSMV.com, the accident occurred near the Interstate 65 split near downtown Nashville.
The victim initially crashed his vehicle into a wall on the interstate near the 28th Street exit ramp. After the crash occurred, the man exited his vehicle and walked down the road. While he was traveling away from his vehicle on foot, the man was struck by a tractor-trailer and suffered critical injuries. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
Witnesses say that police officers on the interstate saw the man walking away from his vehicle and tried to get him to stop, but he ran away.
Police and emergency responders closed all westbound lanes of Interstate 40 for several hours as they investigated the accident. The victim’s identity hasn’t been confirmed at this time, and police say that it’s unclear if the driver of the tractor-trailer saw the victim before the accident occurred.
3 Scenarios When You Should Stay in Your Vehicle to Protect Your Safety
After accidents and during certain emergency situations, it’s common for people to want to move away from their vehicles and towards what they perceive to be safer locations. However, exiting vehicles can put people at even greater risk of suffering injuries than simply staying put and waiting for help to arrive.
Some common emergency scenarios where people are safer when they remain inside their vehicles include the following:
Any time you’re involved in an accident near other vehicles—especially on roads with heavy congestion or high speed limits—getting out of your vehicle can be more significantly more dangerous than staying inside of it. If your vehicle is still drivable, move it out of the path of traffic and call 911. Then wait inside for emergency responders to arrive to administer medical aid or block the roadway to make it safe for you to exit.
Changing a flat tire on the side of a road, highway, or interstate is extremely dangerous. If you ever experience a flat tire or a tire blowout and can’t pull off the road to a safe location far from traffic, stay inside your vehicle and call a tow truck to have your vehicle hauled to a mechanic’s shop or service center. If a vehicle veers off the roadway and crashes into your car while you’re underneath it or next to it replacing a tire, you could be severely injured or killed.
For most weather-related emergencies, you’re safer inside your vehicle than outside of it, especially if you’re stopped on an interstate or highway with no buildings nearby. Although lightning can strike vehicles, the metal chassis helps protects drivers and passengers. In addition, it’s better to stay inside your vehicle during sudden snowstorms or blizzards and occasionally turn on the heat than it is to exit the vehicle and walk long distances in freezing temperatures.
The best way to stay safe in your vehicle during emergency situations is to have it fully stocked and prepared for these types of scenarios. Make sure you keep a safety triangle and flares inside your vehicle to indicate distress and several blankets, bottles of water, and snacks in the event that you are forced to stay inside your vehicle for long periods of time. A cell phone charger and spare cell phone that can dial 911 can also help during these situations.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys know that victims are often safest when they stay in their vehicles—including after accidents that were caused by negligent drivers. If you or someone you know was injured in a crash caused by a careless driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. To find out how our legal team can assist you during this time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form today.
