Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 9, 2016
Pedestrian Accident Reported in South Nashville Early Wednesday
A woman was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured in south Nashville Wednesday morning just after 2 a.m.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the incident occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex called Tanglewood Court off Harding Place. A security guard heard the victim screaming for help and called 911.
When police officers arrived, the female victim said that she had been struck by a vehicle, but she was unable to see what type of vehicle hit her. Witnesses at the scene of the incident say that a black Ford Fusion sped away from the area at around the same time the woman reported being hit.
The victim was transported by emergency responders to a local hospital to receive treatment for injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening.
The Metro Nashville Police Department urges anyone with information about the accident to contact its Crime Stoppers unit by dialing (615) 74-CRIME.
How Can You Protect Yourself when Walking in the Evening or at Night?
Whether you’re walking on a sidewalk, on the shoulder of the road, or even in a parking lot, traveling on foot during times of low visibility can put you at high risk of being struck by a vehicle. It’s important to realize that drivers aren’t often on the lookout for pedestrians during times of low visibility, especially when it’s after dark or there’s dense fog in the area. That means it’s up to you to protect yourself and make yourself as visible as possible to drivers.
To help reduce your chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident while walking at dark or during low visibility conditions, do your best to follow these tips:
Pedestrians who walk during conditions of low visibility while wearing dark or earth-colored clothing may be victims of an unintentional camouflage effect, making them difficult or even impossible for drivers to see until it’s too late. But pedestrians who wear bright clothing that also contains reflective surfaces are much more visible to drivers and can be clearly seen from a long distance.
It can be tempting to keep yourself entertained on your walk by using your smartphone or by listening to music with headphones, but doing so can be distracting and reduce your ability to observe and listen to oncoming traffic. Keep your eyes and ears focused on the roadway and stay alert for the presence of vehicles that are traveling near you, whether you’re on the sidewalk or shoulder of the road.
Having a flashlight in hand while you’re walking at night not only makes you more visible to drivers, but it also makes it easier to walk. A flashlight is essential in areas that don’t have streetlights, but it can also help in areas where streetlights are dim or don’t cover every section of a sidewalk or roadway. Before leaving your home during times of low visibility, make sure your flashlight has fresh batteries and is working properly.
The safest time to walk is during the day when visibility isn’t limited due to rain or fog, but it’s not always possible to simply wait until ideal conditions before traveling on foot. Following the tips above can help make walking in all conditions safer for you and your family. On the flip side, it’s also vital to be on the lookout for pedestrians during all times of day and weather conditions when you’re behind the wheel of your vehicle.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys know that people who get struck by vehicles often suffer debilitating, disabling, and even life-threatening injuries. If you or someone you love was involved in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. Let us put our two decades of experience to work for you and your family. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
