Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on October 23, 2015
Pedestrian Accident Claims the Life of Hickman County Man
A 54-year-old man walking in the southbound lanes of Highway 7 in Hickman County, Tennessee, was struck by a vehicle and killed Thursday evening, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
WKRN.com reports that the accident occurred around 9 p.m. when a 29-year-old man was headed south on Highway 7. The pedestrian was struck by the man’s vehicle when he walked into the southbound lanes of traffic. The driver turned around and came back to the accident scene, but a second car also struck the pedestrian before fleeing.
Emergency medical personnel who responded to the accident pronounced the man dead at the scene. Preliminary tests show that the pedestrian had both alcohol and drugs in his system at the time of his death. Police are still investigating the accident and working to determine the identity of the second driver who struck the man and fled the accident scene.
What are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents often leave victims with serious and even life-threatening injuries. Even accidents that occur at low speeds, such as in parking lots or residential areas, have the capability of causing victims to suffer debilitating and disabling injuries that can cause paralysis and other life-changing conditions. In order to help reduce the prevalence of these types of accidents, it’s important for both drivers and pedestrians to understand their most common causes:
For pedestrians to stay safe while walking on or near a roadway, it’s vital for drivers to be able to see them from a long distance. That’s why walking during conditions that impair drivers’ visibility, including inclement weather, fog, or at night can significantly increase pedestrians’ risks of being struck by vehicles. It’s always best to avoid walking during those conditions if possible, but if it can’t be avoided, pedestrians should wear brightly colored and reflective clothing.
Crosswalks are the safest place to cross the street—especially when the intersection has a traffic light that’s designed to accommodate pedestrians. Using a crosswalk is especially important at night, as drivers are far less likely to see or anticipate the presence of pedestrians away from intersections when visibility is reduced.
Pedestrians should always put as much space between themselves and oncoming traffic as possible. That means walking on the sidewalk whenever possible and staying several feet away from the road when walking on its shoulder. By putting as much space between themselves and oncoming traffic, pedestrians are far less likely to be struck by any vehicles that drift off the roadway momentarily.
Everyone knows about the dangers of texting and driving, but texting and walking can be just as dangerous for pedestrians. Safely crossing the street or walking on the side of the road requires alertness and caution. That means texting, browsing the internet, or listening to music can all significantly impair pedestrians’ abilities to see or hear potential dangers.
For pedestrians to stay safe on roadways throughout Middle Tennessee, it’s important that everyone who shares the road is aware of their presence and aware of the potential dangers that they face. Pedestrians should do everything in their power to stay safe by walking in designated crosswalks, wearing brightly colored and reflective clothing, and putting as much space between themselves and vehicles as possible. In addition, drivers should always yield the right of way to pedestrians and stay alert when driving through areas where pedestrians are most common.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, the Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law want to help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how we can put our 20 years of experience to work for you, just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
