Posted in Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on January 15, 2016
Injuries Reported after Man was Hit by Tow Truck in Downtown Nashville
A man was seriously injured after he was struck by a tow truck in Nashville on Wednesday.
According to a report by wsmv.com, the accident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. near downtown Nashville at the corner of 4th Avenue South and Lafayette Street near Interstate 40.
Nashville Metro Police told reporters that the man may have been involved in an altercation shortly before the accident occurred, which caused him to end up in the street and in the path of the tow truck.
When the tow truck struck the man, it was towing a patrol car from the Metro Nashville PD. However, no one from the police department was involved or in the dump truck when the accident occurred.
The accident is still under investigation by police, and they say that the driver of the tow truck won’t face charges. The pedestrian who was injured is currently listed in stable condition.
3 Important Safety Tips for Walking Near Large Vehicles or Construction Zones
Whether you’re walking as a pedestrian or walking in or near a work site, chances are you will encounter large vehicles. Buses, semi-trucks, tow trucks, and dump trucks are all common vehicles in Middle Tennessee, and they share one thing in common—it’s very difficult for their drivers to see small objects near them, especially pedestrians. Because of their lack of visibility, it’s important for pedestrians to be cautious when walking near these vehicles.
To stay safe while walking near oversized vehicles, whether it’s on the sidewalk, shoulder of the road, or near a work site, do your best to follow these three important tips:
One of the biggest dangers pedestrians face when they’re near large vehicles is when the vehicles are driving in reverse. Because drivers can’t clearly see the areas behind their vehicles, pedestrians should always be aware of the warning sounds that indicate a large vehicle is backing up in the area. Most large vehicles, including buses, dump trucks, and tow trucks are equipped with these important safety features.
If you’re walking at a work site or at an intersection near a large vehicle, don’t assume that you are safe just because you have the right of way. Because the driver is sitting so high up off the ground, he may be unable to see you if you are close to his vehicle. If you’re unsure about whether the driver sees you, wait for the vehicle to leave the area before walking.
Walking while distracted can be just as much of a safety hazard as driving while distracted. Using a smartphone or other electronic device or even listening to loud music that hinders your ability to hear your surroundings can put you at serious risk of being struck by a vehicle—especially an oversized vehicle with a driver who may be unable to see you. Walking safely requires full focus on the roadway and the full attention of your eyes, ears, and mind.
Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in many parts of Middle Tennessee, and victims who are struck by oversized vehicles often suffer debilitating injuries. At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys know that following the tips listed above can reduce your chances of being struck by a vehicle while you’re walking on a sidewalk or near a work site.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, our law firm may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how we can put our two decades of experience to work for your family, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
