Posted in Car Accident,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 11, 2015
Franklin Man Dies after Getting Hit by Vehicle on I-65
A 29-year-old man was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to cross Interstate 65 between Concord Road and Moores Lane in Franklin, Tennessee, Friday night.
According to a report by the Williamson Herald, the accident occurred around 8 p.m. when the victim was walking across the roadway from the shoulder to the median of the interstate’s southbound lane.
The aftermath of the accident caused police and road crews to shut down the interstate for a short time while they cleared the scene and investigated the cause of the accident.
An initial search indicated that the victim didn’t have any drugs or alcohol with him at the time of the accident, and police are waiting on a full report from the medical examiner to determine if he was under the influence when the accident occurred.
A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper says the vehicle that struck the man was a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban carrying six passengers. Immediately after the man was struck, a second vehicle hit the man and dragged him.
None of the passengers of either vehicle that struck the man were injured.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Franklin car accident attorneys extend our condolences to the family of the man who lost his life in this tragic accident.
Staying Safe while Walking on or Near Interstates
Interstates aren’t designed for pedestrian use. Despite that, there may be an occasion when you’re forced to leave your vehicle during periods of severe weather, if you experience car troubles, or if you’re involved in an accident. If you ever have to leave your vehicle while on the interstate and travel on foot, keep the following tips in mind to protect your safety:
Before you set out on foot, check the color of the clothing you’re wearing. If it is mostly neutral colors, change into something brighter or more reflective if you have it in your vehicle. If not, tie something brightly colored around your waist to make yourself stand out on the side of the road. If you’re walking at night, use your cell phone as a flash light to alert drivers to your presence.
Even interstates with wide shoulders aren’t safe for pedestrians. If possible, walk in the grass in the area next to the shoulder to put as much space between yourself and any oncoming vehicles as possible. Even though walking in this area can be difficult and inconvenient, it is much safer than walking in an area where vehicles may pass you at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour.
If you’re forced to walk on the interstate, do so for only as long as necessary. Take advantage of the first rest stop or exit you see and use any services there to get help for your car accident or mechanical problems. The sooner you leave the side of the road, the more you can reduce your chances of being injured by a passing vehicle.
If you ever leave your vehicle due to mechanical problems, it’s important to never perform any repairs while your vehicle is stalled on the side of the interstate. Even something as simple as changing a tire can be fatal if another vehicle veers slightly off the road and strikes your car. Instead, call a tow truck and have your vehicle transported to the nearest auto repair shop.
Interstates can be dangerous places for pedestrians—and that’s why anyone who leaves their vehicle on these roadways should be extremely cautious and alert at all times. At Matt Hardin Law, our Franklin car accident lawyers know that accidents on interstates can happen suddenly and without warning, so the best way to reduce your chances of getting hurt is to limit any time outside of your car.
If you or someone you love was injured on an interstate as a pedestrian, driver, or passenger, contact our legal team. We know what it takes to build successful claims for victims like you. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form.
