Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on December 1, 2014
Friendsville Pedestrian Dies after Getting Struck by Two Vehicles
An accident in Friendsville, Tennessee, early Monday highlighted why it’s so important for both pedestrians and drivers to be extra cautious at all times on the road.
WATE reports that a pedestrian in Blount County was struck by two vehicles while walking down a stretch of Blount County highway in Friendsville. One of the vehicles was a 2000 Chevy Suburban and the other was a 2013 Nissan Versa.
Both vehicles were traveling north close to the intersection of Big Springs Road when they struck the victim. He died as a result of trauma inflicted by his injuries, but the drivers of both the Chevy Suburban and the Nissan Versa were uninjured.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the victim was walking before sunrise.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers want to make sure that everyone who shares the roadway is safe at all times, whether it’s the drivers of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, or pedestrians and cyclists.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
To help reduce your chances of being involved in an accident as a pedestrian, there are a few important safety tips you can follow:
Walking after the sun sets puts you at high risk of being involved in an accident simply due to it being more difficult for drivers to see you. If possible, only walk during the day and always wear bright colors to help you stand out. Drivers are more likely to be watching for other vehicles and may not notice you, especially if you aren’t wearing bright colors or are walking at dusk or at night.
If there isn’t a sidewalk available and you need to travel down a road on foot, walk as far away from the edge of the road as possible. Walking along the shoulder can be dangerous, as vehicles that cross the divider for even a split second could strike you and cause serious injuries. If you’re walking on an interstate or highway, walk in the grass to put as much room between you and oncoming traffic as possible.
If your car breaks down on an interstate, highway, or other heavily congested road and you’re able to make it to the side of the road, stay in your vehicle and wait for help to arrive. Getting out of your vehicle at any time, whether it’s to walk to get help or even to fix a flat tire, can be dangerous. If your vehicle is disabled, wait for a tow truck or repair truck to arrive instead of attempting a repair yourself.
Sometimes you have no option other than to leave your vehicle and walk along the side of the road. If you’re ever in that situation, always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic. That allows you to both make eye contact with approaching drivers and react in time in case a driver loses control or is otherwise encroaching into your space on the side of the road.
The Nashville car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that pedestrians aren’t the only ones responsible for staying safe on the road—it’s also up to the motorists who drive near them. So whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot, always stay vigilant and keep an eye on your surroundings to protect yourself and others.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, we want to speak with you. Contact our Nashville auto accident lawyers by dialing (615) 200-1111 or by filling out a free online form. We’ll do everything in our power to build a strong case and help you get compensation for your injury-related expenses.
