Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on July 16, 2017
A couple from Hickman County were seriously injured in an accident on Highway 46 recently, and now they want to thank the witnesses who helped them after the crash.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred on the highway near the Dickson County line when the couple’s vehicle was struck by a Dodge Ram pickup truck head-on.
Immediately after the accident, the male driver escaped from the truck, but with severe injuries. However, his wife was trapped inside. Soon after, passersby sprang into action and began assisting by using their belts to act as tourniquets to stop her bleeding and helping her escape from the vehicle.
The wife suffered severe bruising, cuts, and scrapes on her arm, while the husband suffered broken ribs, a fractured sternum, broken hand, broken bone in his leg, and a dislocated right leg at his pelvis.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports that the truck driver was cited for crossing the center line just before the collision occurred. An initial investigation also indicated that neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to have played a role in the accident.
Dos and Don’ts If You Come Across an Accident
Witnessing an accident or being one of the first people to arrive at the scene of a crash can be a frightening experience. However, being among the first passersby or witnesses also puts you in a unique position to be able to render aid to victims and help them get the treatment they need. But at the same time, it’s important to be aware of certain things you should avoid doing to keep yourself and the victims out of danger.
After an accident, DO:
An initial accident creates a significant risk for secondary accidents, especially when vehicles are still partially in the road or other drivers become distracted due to rubbernecking. Parking your vehicle at least 100 feet from an accident scene will help you avoid being a secondary victim.
The first line of defense for injured car accident victims is when someone contacts 911 and informs dispatchers about the crash. The sooner dispatchers find out about the accident, the faster they can send first responders to the scene.
After an accident, DON’T:
Too often, Good Samaritans are severely injured or even killed while attempting to render aid to car accident victims. These injuries and deaths often occur when these helpful passersby attempt to provide assistance near traffic or while crossing multiple lanes of a high-speed street, highway, or interstate.
The only time you should consider moving victims is if they’re in immediate danger due to a vehicle fire, smoke inhalation, or other emergencies. Otherwise, wait for emergency responders to arrive to stabilize them, as sudden movements can cause severe neck and spine injuries. While you wait, you can apply pressure to stop bleeding or just give victims food and water.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville car accident attorneys knows that Good Samaritans and the actions they take immediately after crashes can be the difference between life and death for auto accident victims. But to provide the most effective assistance, it’s vital to know what to do and what not to do during such a hectic, stressful, and frightening time.
Were you or someone you know hurt in an auto accident that was caused by a careless driver? Our legal team can investigate the crash and determine if it was caused by the other driver’s negligence. If we find out that’s the case, we’ll work hard to gather evidence that the insurance company can’t ignore. It’s our goal to help you get the maximum compensation for your accident-related expenses.
Get in touch with our legal team today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form.
