Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on May 27, 2016
Nashville Man Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries after Pedestrian Accident
A man suffered life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a pickup truck in the northern part of Davidson County Thursday night.
According to a report by WSMV.com, the accident occurred around 9 p.m. while the man was walking near the left lane on Gallatin Pike N. near Duling Avenue. While the man was walking, he was struck by a pickup truck.
An initial investigation by officers with Metro Nashville Police determined that the man wasn’t in a crosswalk at the time of the accident.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and found the man to be responsive, and they transported him to Skyline Medical Center to receive treatment for serious injuries.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the man stayed at the accident scene to cooperate with police. The accident is still under investigation by the MNPD’s traffic unit.
Important Pedestrian Safety Tips from the CDC
There’s an increased emphasis in Nashville on making more parts of the city safe and enjoyable for pedestrians. That includes building sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic signals specifically designed to make crossing the street and walking near busy roadways a safer experience. However, it’s also important for pedestrians to follow a few important guidelines to keep themselves safe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following tips:
Crosswalks are built in areas where drivers have clear views of the roadway and can see the movements of pedestrians. Attempting to cross the street outside of a crosswalk is extremely dangerous, as drivers may be unable to see you until it’s too late for them to slow down or stop. When crossing at a crosswalk, always wait for a walk signal before entering the roadway—then look both ways before crossing.
Walking at night can be especially hazardous, as drivers may be unable to see you. Wearing brightly colored and reflective clothing and shoes can make you more visible. It’s also important to carry a flashlight. Not only does this make you easier to see, but it will also illuminate your path, making it easier to avoid obstacles and avoid tripping and falling.
The safest place to be as a pedestrian is the sidewalk. However, not all roadways are equipped with sidewalks in Nashville. If you’re traveling on foot and don’t have access to a sidewalk, walk against traffic on the shoulder of the road as far away from traffic as possible. Walking against traffic will help you see oncoming vehicles and make you more visible to drivers.
Distracted driving is a major safety issue on highways throughout the United States, but it’s also dangerous for pedestrians. Walking while listening to music can impair your ability to hear nearby vehicles, while walking and using a smartphone or other electronic device can impact your situational awareness. Keep your head up and your eyes focused on scanning your surroundings at all times while walking.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys know that the city is in the process of improving its pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, but even the most pedestrian-accessible areas can still pose significant dangers for people traveling on foot. It’s especially important to teach the tips above to your children and to always keep them within close reach when walking together.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident in Nashville or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, our legal team wants to help you during this difficult time. We know that pedestrian accidents often leave victims unable to work for long periods of time due to pain and disabilities, and we’ll do everything we can to get you money for your accident-related expenses.
To find out how we can assist your family, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form today.
