Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 13, 2015
Pedestrian Accident Kills 1, Injures 1 in Rutherford County
A vehicle struck two people Thursday night in Smyrna, Tennessee, leading to the death one of the victims and the other suffering serious injuries.
According to a report by wsmv.com, the accident occurred around 9:45 p.m. near Sam Ridley Parkway and G Street. Police say that a 29-year-old woman pulled over to the side of the road when she began experiencing car troubles, and a 23-year-old man soon stopped his vehicle and got out to help her.
While the two were outside their vehicles on the shoulder of the road, another vehicle driven by a 20-year-old woman struck the two victims from behind, causing the woman to suffer fatal injuries and the man to be taken to a hospital in Nashville for treatment.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the two victims was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. An investigation into what caused the accident is currently underway.
The Smyrna car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law extend our condolences to the family of the woman who died in this tragic accident.
Car Trouble Safety on Interstates and Busy Roadways
Experiencing car trouble on an interstate, highway, or other heavily trafficked roadway can put you and your loved ones into danger. However, by following a few important safety tips, you can help protect yourself and your family:
It can tempting to get out of your vehicle and attempt to repair any mechanical problems yourself. Even simple, routine fixes like flat tires are dangerous repairs on the side of the road, as being outside of your vehicle or even underneath it while preparing the jack are extremely dangerous with speeding cars passing merely inches away from you. If your vehicle is disabled in any way, call a tow truck to retrieve it and have the repairs completed somewhere safe.
The safest place for you and your family if you experience car trouble is the inside of your vehicle. Turn your emergency flashers on, especially if your vehicle is disabled at night, and wait for help to arrive. Getting outside of your vehicle for any reason significantly increases your risk of being injured by other cars.
If your vehicle is broken down on the side of the road, you may be approached by other drivers who offer to help out and fix your flat tire or repair any minor problems with your engine. However, it’s best to decline their help and wait for a tow truck to arrive. Allowing them to work on your vehicle can put their lives at risk—and many drivers aren’t aware of the dangers of working so closely to traffic.
The only time it’s acceptable to get out of your vehicle while waiting for help to arrive is if your vehicle broke down at night and there’s low visibility. In that case, it may be beneficial to briefly get out of your vehicle and place reflective markers several feet behind your vehicle to alert drivers to your presence. These markers are available in many emergency car kits and can help reduce your chances of being struck by approaching vehicles.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Smyrna car accident attorneys know that many drivers simply want to repair their vehicles and be on their way, but the risks are simply too great when vehicles break down on interstates and highways. Always call roadside assistance or a tow truck to get your vehicle and your family to safety instead of getting out and attempting to repair the problem yourself.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, our legal team may be able to help you get compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and other accident-related expenses. Contact us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free online form.
