Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury on July 16, 2017
A man was struck by a car and killed in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 24 in Murfreesboro early Wednesday morning.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the accident happened at around 4 a.m. near Medical Center Parkway after the man’s vehicle ran out of gas. An investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol found that the man exited his vehicle after the vehicle ran low on fuel. He then began walking down the interstate to find help.
While he was walking, he was struck by a vehicle. The THP says that the driver of the vehicle that struck the victim didn’t see him before the accident.
Emergency responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
What Should You Do if You Experience a Roadside Emergency?
Dealing with vehicle problems can be stressful and even dangerous. If your vehicle begins to malfunction, it can increase your risk of being involved in an accident, as may it become difficult to control or stop. Although such incidents are rare, especially with modern vehicles, it’s important for drivers to be prepared for situations where they may need to stop and seek assistance.
If your vehicle breaks down or experiences a mechanical problem while you’re on the road, following these tips can help you stay safe:
Your top priority when your vehicle begins experiencing mechanical problems is to pull over to safe location. In most cases, that will be the shoulder or side of the street, highway, or interstate. Rest stops and parking lots are also acceptable if they’re available. Put as much distance between your vehicle and oncoming traffic as possible.
It’s important to make sure other drivers can see your vehicle while it’s stopped near the roadway—especially if your roadside emergency happened during a time of low visibility, such as at night or during rain, snow, or fog. In addition, you can also use items like reflective triangles and even flares to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s HELP Program is designed to provide assistance to distressed motorists on highways and interstates throughout the Volunteer State. HELP Trucks are available to provide assistance until 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and until 8:30 p.m. Saturday through Monday.
Because TDOT’s HELP program isn’t always available, it’s important to have a backup plan. In many cases, calling a tow truck can help solve roadside emergencies. Never get out of your vehicle to change a tire or attempt to fix any mechanical problems, as doing so can put you at extreme risk of being struck by a passing vehicle. Instead, wait for a tow truck to pick up your vehicle and transport it and you to a safe location.
After you’ve contacted TDOT or a tow truck, wait inside your vehicle with your emergency lights activated and your doors locked. The inside of your vehicle is the safest place to be if it becomes disabled, and in most cases, help will arrive within minutes.
In addition to these tips, it’s also important to make sure your vehicle is supplied with items that you might need during an emergency. These items include things like blankets, bottled waters, first aid kits, flashlights with batteries, reflective triangles and flares, and jumper cables.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Murfreesboro car accident attorneys know that experiencing a vehicle break down is never a pleasant experience—especially on an interstate or highway. Following the tips above—and having a fully charged smartphone, or keeping a charger in your vehicle—can help you get up and running in no time.
Were you or someone you know hurt in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent driver? If so, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. Our legal team has two decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims throughout Tennessee, and we know what it takes to win. Get in touch with us today by dialing (615) 600-4941 or completing a free online consultation form.
