Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on December 2, 2015
Pedestrian Accident Involving Pickup Truck and THP Patrol Car Kills 1
A pedestrian was struck by two vehicles—a pickup truck and a patrol car with the Tennessee Highway Patrol—on Tuesday evening in East Tennessee and suffered fatal injuries as a result of the accident.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Maynardville Pike near Copper Valley Road just before 6 p.m. Tuesday evening. A spokesperson with the Tennessee Highway Patrol says that the pedestrian was in the southbound lanes of Maynardville Pike when the accident occurred.
As traffic began to approach the victim, the driver of one vehicle swerved out of the way to avoid striking them, but the driver of a pickup truck was unable to move out of the way in time and hit the pedestrian. After the first impact, the pedestrian was struck again by a THP trooper who was traveling from Union County to respond to an accident scene on Interstate 40.
Police are still investigating the accident, and the identity of the victim hasn’t been released at this time.
Tips for Preventing Pedestrian Accidents as a Driver
Pedestrians put themselves at risk every time they walk near a roadway where there’s traffic and speeding vehicles, even if the roadway is designed for pedestrians via sidewalks, crosswalks, and wide shoulders. Because of that risk, it’s vital that pedestrians protect themselves, but it’s also vital for drivers to be aware of their presence and drive cautiously at all times.
To do your part in reducing the risk that pedestrians face on roadways in Tennessee, do your best to follow these tips:
Speeding increases your risk for all types of accidents, including pedestrian accidents. If you’re driving too fast, it may be more difficult for you to scan your environment and your surroundings and see pedestrians, and it also may be difficult for you to slow down or stop to avoid hitting a pedestrian on or near the roadway.
Yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and allowing them to cross the street is required by law in Tennessee, but you should also yield to pedestrians no matter where they cross the street—even if they aren’t near a crosswalk. Although they may not have the right of way, it’s vital that you slow down or come to a complete stop and allow them to cross the road to avoid causing a serious accident.
The areas listed above are the most common places where pedestrians are likely to be encountered by drivers. The safest approach for driving in those areas is to stay alert and cautious and be mindful of the fact that pedestrians can and will be around your vehicle and crossing the street, opening up vehicle doors, or walking on the side of the road.
If you’re driving near or approaching a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk or shoulder of the road, give him or her as much room as possible. Drifting over close to their position makes you more likely to cause an accident, as a momentary lapse in concentration or control over your vehicle could cause you drift in their direction and clip them with your vehicle, causing them to suffer serious injuries.
Pedestrians and drivers can share the road safely, but it requires both groups working together to prevent accidents by making smart decisions and remaining aware of the dangers that pedestrians face every time they travel somewhere on foot.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, the Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law 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 legal experience to work for your family, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
