Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 16, 2017
The driver of a vehicle that struck a pedestrian in Old Hickory early Friday was arrested by Metro Nashville Police near the scene.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the accident happened near the Old Hickory Boulevard bridge that spans the Cumberland River at around 12 a.m.
The Metro Nashville Police report that witnesses say the victim was walking in the road just before he was struck by the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the man left the scene and didn’t pull over until he reached Eagan Circle. MNPD officers apprehended him there and placed him under arrest.
Emergency responders transported the victim to a local hospital to receive treatment for non-critical injuries. After a preliminary investigation, the MNPD stated that it doesn’t believe the driver of the vehicle that struck the victim was intoxicated or impaired at the time of the accident.
Tips for Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents as a Driver and Pedestrian
Nashville is making strides to become a more pedestrian-friendly city by adding features like crosswalks, cross signals, and sidewalks to many of its busiest roads and streets. But despite those safety improvements, accidents can and still do happen. It’s important for both drivers and pedestrians to be aware of major risk factors and how to avoid them to decrease their risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents.
As a driver, you can decrease your risk by:
There are more distractions than ever for drivers in 2017. Everything from smartphones and GPS devices to stereo systems and in-dash entertainment options can keep drivers preoccupied with things other than safe driving. Keeping your eyes, ears, and mind on the road will help you avoid pedestrian accidents.
Crosswalks aren’t the only place where you might encounter pedestrians, but they’re a critical spot for drivers to be aware of people traveling on foot. Whether you’re stopped at a red light or passing through an intersection equipped with a crosswalk, stay on the lookout for pedestrians and be prepared to yield.
Using your headlights at night is a given, but you should also turn them on during other times of reduced visibility, such as at dusk, or during rain, snow, and fog. It can be difficult to see pedestrians without them, especially if they’re wearing dark clothing.
As a pedestrian, you can decrease your risk by:
Distractions aren’t just something that drivers should worry about. Distracted pedestrians are also at significant risk of being struck by vehicles, as they may be unaware of the presence of vehicles due to not looking at the road or being able to hear oncoming traffic.
Stick to crosswalks when you need to cross the street, and don’t cross until you get a walk signal. In addition, you should also be careful even at crosswalks and with walk signals, as drivers may attempt to beat traffic lights or run red lights.
As a pedestrian, your goal should be making yourself as easily visible to drivers as possible. An easy way to accomplish that is to wear bright and reflective clothing. Carrying a flashlight or using a flashlight app on your smartphone can also make you easier to see.
Unfortunately, these precautions can only reduce the chances of pedestrian accidents occurring. Even the most safety-conscious drivers and pedestrians can still be involved in pedestrian accidents, especially if the other party is careless or negligent.
At Matt Hardin Law, our team of Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys works hard to protect people who were injured by drivers who weren’t paying attention or who were violating traffic laws. With more than 20 years of experience, we know how to build strong claims that get results.
If you or someone you know was hurt in a pedestrian accident, we want to speak with you today. Contact us at (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
