Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury on September 16, 2016
Man Seriously Injured after East Nashville Pedestrian Accident
A man suffered serious injuries when he was struck by a vehicle while walking near an intersection in the Five Points neighborhood in East Nashville early Sunday.
WKRN.com reports that the accident occurred at the intersection of Gallatin Pike and Forest Avenue at around 1 a.m. when the man was crossing with two other people. No one else was struck by the vehicle.
The man was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Officers with the Metro Police Department told reporters that the man was wearing dark clothing at the time of the accident, and the driver also told police that he didn’t see the man in the roadway.
After an initial investigation, police say that it doesn’t appear that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, and he has not been charged at this time in relation to the accident. Police also said that the three pedestrians, including the man who was struck by the vehicle, may have consumed alcohol prior to the accident.
4 Tips for Reducing Your Risks as a Pedestrian
Many cities and neighborhoods throughout Middle Tennessee are taking steps to become more pedestrian friendly. The addition of things like sidewalks, crosswalks, crossing signals, and walking trails makes it safer and easier for people to get around town without the use of a vehicle. However, it’s important to remember that walking in even the most pedestrian-friendly community still opens you up to certain risks that aren’t present when you’re protected by a vehicle’s seat belt, airbags, and other safety features.
When walking, always remember these four tips to better protect yourself:
Staying safe as a pedestrian is all about being visible to drivers. If drivers can’t see you, your risk of being struck by a vehicle significantly increases. Always wear bright and reflective clothing to make yourself more visible, especially when walking at night, in fog, or during rainfall. In addition, carrying a flashlight not only makes you more visible, but it can also help you walk on rough and uneven terrain.
When you begin to walk somewhere on foot, make sure you start out on the side of the road that faces the flow of traffic and stay on that side for the rest of your commute. Walking against the flow of traffic makes it easier to spot vehicles that are traveling in your direction, giving you more warning in case a driver loses control or begins to veer off the roadway towards you. In addition, facing traffic also makes you more visible to other drivers.
Crossing the street is the most dangerous activity for pedestrians. Although it’s essential for getting around town or to work and school, crossing a busy street significantly increases your risk of being involved in an accident compared to staying on the sidewalk. To help reduce your risks, cross only at designated crosswalks—preferably those that are equipped with traffic lights and walk signals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 34 percent of pedestrians who are killed in accidents had blood alcohol concentrations greater than .08 percent. Alcohol impairs judgment and can cause people to engage in risky behaviors—both of which can have deadly consequences for pedestrians. Walking while distracted by a cell phone or MP3 player can also be risky, as it makes pedestrians less likely to hear or notice vehicles that are headed in their direction.
The Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that city officials and community leaders throughout the mid-state area are making great strides at improving pedestrian safety and making neighborhoods and urban areas safer for pedestrians. Those safety improvements, combined with making smart decisions, can help pedestrians significantly reduce their risks when they’re walking near traffic.
If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how our legal team can put its two decades of combined experience to work for your family, just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form. It’s our goal to help you get the money you deserve.
