Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on June 15, 2017
A 36-year-old man from Rock Island, Tennessee, was struck by a vehicle and killed late Saturday night in the southbound lanes of Highway 70.
Per a report by the Herald-Citizen, the accident happened while the man was standing outside of a vehicle with its lights turned off that was stopped in the middle of two lanes of the highway.
While he was standing next to the vehicle, a 2008 Toyota driven by a 23-year-old woman crashed into him and the vehicle simultaneously. Emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the accident scene.
The driver of the Toyota also suffered injuries during the accident, but their severity and her current condition are unknown. The Tennessee Highway Patrol says that no citations were issued and no charges are expected to be filed.
Tips for Stopping Your Vehicle near Traffic
Whether it’s due to an accident, an emergency, or mechanical problems with their vehicles, it’s common for drivers to need to stop their vehicles on the shoulders and sides of roadways.
But doing so can put you and your loved ones at risk—especially at night or during times of limited and reduced visibility. Other vehicles may pass your location traveling at high speeds, and drivers aren’t always paying attention. If they drift onto the shoulder or side of the road, a serious accident could occur.
Do your best to follow these tips to stay safe if you must stop near traffic:
If you must stop your vehicle for any reason on the side of the road, be sure to put as much space between it and traffic as possible. Use as much of the shoulder as you can when you come to a complete stop. If possible, keep moving until you find a space on the road with a large shoulder or even a rest area to further decrease your chances of being involved in a crash.
Changing a tire or working in the engine bay of your vehicle on the side of the road is extremely dangerous. Even if it’s a minor fix, it’s better to be safe and call a tow truck or a TDOT Help truck to get your vehicle up and running safely. If you don’t have a cell phone or cell phone service, raise your hood to signal that you need help—but only if it’s safe to exit your vehicle.
As soon as you realize that you need to pull over, turn on your emergency flashing lights and keep them on for the duration of the stop. In addition to making it easier for emergency responders and tow trucks to find you, these lights will also alert other drivers to your presence. Finally, as you wait for help to arrive, stay inside your vehicle. Standing near your vehicle can put you at a high risk of suffering serious injuries if an accident occurs.
In addition to following these tips, you should also avoid attempting to cross multiple lanes of traffic to flag down other motorists—especially if you experienced an emergency on a busy highway or interstate. Using items in an emergency kit, such as road flares and reflective triangles, can also make you more visible to other drivers, especially at night or during inclement weather. However, it’s important to be careful when using these items and avoid doing so if it requires you to get out of your vehicle and be close to passing vehicles.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Cookeville auto accident attorneys knows that drivers and their passengers are highly vulnerable when they stop their vehicles near traffic, whether it’s on a high-speed interstate or a city street. Following the tips above can make it easier to get the help you need while decreasing your risks of being involved in a serious accident.
If you or someone you know was involved in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. To find out how our team can assist you during this difficult time, just dial (931) 754-1188 or complete a free online consultation form.
