Posted in Car Accident,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on February 23, 2015
Metro Police Officer Struck by Car and Injured on I-65 South
A Nashville Metro Police officer was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 65 South after he got out of his car to direct traffic away from a pothole that damaged several cars.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred Saturday night around 10:15 p.m. near the Dickerson Pike exit. Police say that the driver who struck the officer was driving under the influence of alcohol.
The officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries and released, while the drunk driver was arrested and is being charged with driving under the influence.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation was able to clear with wreckage and reopen the lane within a few hours of the accident.
The Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law hope the police officer who was injured in this crash fully recovers and is able to get back to work soon.
Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents as a Driver
When you’re behind the wheel of your vehicle, it’s your responsibility to drive as defensively and safely as possible to keep yourself and others safe at all times. Keeping an eye out for pedestrians is an important aspect of defensive and cautious driving. To do your part in keeping pedestrians safe, do your best to follow these tips:
Whether it’s a police car, an ambulance, or a standard passenger vehicle, you should move over as you approach it to give extra room to anyone who may have gotten out of the vehicle. People who stop their vehicles due to car troubles or other emergencies are at serious risk of being struck by passing vehicles, and giving them extra space reduces your chance of accidentally striking the parked vehicle or any pedestrians.
Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks when you have a red light, and they also have the right of way at crosswalks at four-way stops. However, pedestrians often cross the street in areas without crosswalks. Although this may be considered jaywalking in many areas, it’s still important that you slow down and allow them to pass—even if they aren’t crossing in an area where doing so is permitted.
Despite the slow speed of most vehicles in parking lots, these areas are still dangerous for pedestrians due to the lack of visibility for most drivers. When you’re in a parking lot, always drive slowly and pull in and out of parking spaces with extreme caution to avoid striking anyone who may be in front of or behind your vehicle.
If you’re driving in an area with many pedestrians, such as in an urban area or city center, you may be driving just a few feet away from large crowds of people on the sidewalk. All it takes is a split second of lost focus or concentration on the road for your vehicle to leave its lane and end up on the sidewalk—and that can result in serious injuries or even death to pedestrians. That’s why it’s important to never drive while distracted and to always keep your eyes and attention focused on the road.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by another person’s negligence, the Nashville car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law can help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Get in touch with our experienced legal team today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free online form.
